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Over the last few months, you’ve heard me, more than once, use the words “Process Theology” and “Open and Relational Theology.” Let me explain…

Last summer, when I completed, The Power of the God Who Can’t: God Always Does Everything God Can Do, I started doing some research. For 30+ years, I’ve known I had some interest in Process Theology, but the truth is that I had never really done my homework on this. I never had a seminary class on Process, had never read a full book devoted to the specific ideas. The late Emil Mialik (former pastor at Wedgewood Baptist Church and former member of Park Road) loved Process, and during his years at Park Road, he and I often talked. He would quote Whitehead, Hartshorne, Teilhard – and all that I read and heard resonated deeply – but, I had never really done my homework.

After finishing the book and having several people comment about its Process theme, I decided it was time. Long story short, over the last 9 months, I’ve been deeply immersed, reading, attending seminars, and meeting new friends. As it turns out, I’m a Process guy, through and through!

One of the gifts of this last year has been an introduction to Dr. Thomas Jay Oord. I learned about Tom after my book was completed and reached out to him, completely out of the blue. I introduced myself and asked him if he’d read my book and give me a blurb for the cover. He graciously, quickly responded – and has been a supporter and friend ever since.

Tom directs the Center for Open and Relational Theology and the doctoral program at Northwind Theological Seminary. His PhD is from Claremont Graduate University – which has been a center for Process thought for many years. (John Cobb, David Ray Griffin, Marjorie Suchocki, all Process proponents have been affiliated with Claremont.) Tom’s background (not unlike my story) makes him an interesting Process theologian. His “Open and Relational Theology” is less academic, and kind of Process Theology re-shaped by and for the church.

Tom was raised in the Nazarene Church, a conservative denomination in the Holiness tradition. He’s an ordained Nazarene minister and taught for 16 years at a Nazarene Seminary – before his theological ideas (Process thought and LGBTQ inclusion) brought him into conflict with denominational leadership. An upcoming Trial (his third) before Denominational leaders, likely will result in the loss of his credentials in the Nazarene Church.

Tom’s support and friendship have been demonstated in many ways. After endorsing my book, he invited me to participate in an online, international symposium he calls ORTLine (Open and Relational Theology Online). In February, I was one of 30 authors who presented our books during a 3-day seminar. (All of those hour-long presentations are available online.) Tom has also invited me to present my book at “ORTCon ’24,” an annual conference at Grand Targhee Resort in Idaho. Amy and I will travel there in July, as the last week of our 2024 Sabbatical.

This past week, I participated in a conference in Denver entitled: “Persuade: Open, Relational and Process Preaching.” Forty pastors/teachers from around the country gathered to talk about Open, Relational, and Process themes in preaching and pastoring. I am energized by all I have learned, the people I have met. As I have said to you, I’m more excited about God than I have been in a long time.

I want to tell you more about Open and Relational Theology, so stay tuned. I came home from Denver with several books that you can checkout from our church library.

• Tom’s book, Open and Relational Theology, An Introduction to Life-changing Ideas is a good place for you to start learning.

• Uncontrolling Love: Essays Exploring the Love of God with introductions by Thomas Jay Oord, provides a host of essays that will give you insight into this way of thinking.

• God After Deconstruction, by Tom and theologian Tripp Fuller, survey the 9 top reasons people have given for leaving the church in recent years (deconstructing their faith) – and responses to these, from an open and relational perspective.

• Finally, a book called Preaching the Uncontrolling Love of God: Sermons, Essays, and Worship Elements from the Perspective of Open, Relational, and Process Theology is a large collection.

In the fall, I attended an academic conference at Villanova University about the intersection of the thought of Alfred North Whitehead and Teilhard de Chardin. I dragged my friend, Ron Pelt, along, and after that conference he and I were both invited to provide chapters for this last book. Ron’s chapter is entitled “Living with a God Who Can’t,” and mine is called “I Invented Process Theology” – in which I quote from my sermons over the last 20 years, which evidence Process themes (even though I didn’t know to call them Process sermons!).

Next week I will briefly summarize the ideas at the center of Open and Relational and Process thought – and you’ll see that this is nothing new. Amy and I have both been preaching Process for all our years in the Park Road pulpit. I hope in the future that we’ll have Tom Oord, and maybe some other Process folks to join us.

And… if you haven’t read my book The Power of the God Who Can’t… well, it’s a pretty good intro to Process thought, too! - Russ

Join us this Friday, April 19. We’re headed to LoSo. (If you’re not in the hip Charlotte crowd these days, that’s “Lower Southend”!) In this land of breweries, we’ll descend on Protagonist Brewery for their lunch special. The church staff ate there recently, and you won’t believe the size of the pizza. Huge! We’ll order together, or you can order a single slice (and still have leftovers). Let’s meet in the church parking lot at 11:15a, or just meet us 227 Southside Drive for lunch at 11:30a. If the weather is good, we may want to enjoy the beautiful outdoor seating. Let’s pizza!

Please RSVP by emailing the church office or signing up in Helt Hall on Sundays.

Please join us on May 1 for First Wednesday - a wonderful dinner, fellowship, and a few minutes of mid-week Vespers. Please email the office info@ParkRoadBaptist.org or sign up in Helt Hall by noon on Tuesday, April 30.

My name is Matt Leach. I have been married to my college sweetheart, Laura, for over 45 wonderful years. We met as students at UNC Chapel Hill. Laura and I have one daughter, Sarah, who is married to Jake Stucky. Sarah is a graduate of UNC Chapel Hill, and Jake is a graduate of West Point. They currently live in Chicago. We have been blessed with our grandson, Julien, who is such a delight, and, of course, we spoil him every chance we get! Laura and I have recently retired and love to travel. We are now working on our walk training for our upcoming Camino trip with church members in Santiago, Spain. Laura and I have been members of Park Road Baptist Church for about 4 years.

Each 3rd Sunday of the month we give you a chance to sing in the choir without having to come to a Wednesday night rehearsal (though, Wednesday night rehearsals are a lot of fun!) Anyone who is interested may join Bob Pritchard in the Choir Room this Sunday morning at 9:30a. The anthem will be easy enough to learn in an hour, and present during the 11:00a worship service. We’ve had good response – and would love to include you This Sunday!

What could be better than enjoying America’s favorite pastime on a beautiful spring evening at Truist Field with your friends from Park Road? Plan to join us for an evening of family fun on May 3rd. Tickets are $15 and include $2 of concession value. Immediately following the game, stay for the dazzling fireworks display! Reserve your ticket by signing up in Helt Hall or by emailing the church office info@parkroadbaptist.org

This Sunday, we will discuss the sixth commandment, “Thou shalt not murder.” “You might think oh, this is an easy one to follow, I would not murder anyone” However what if your translation says, “Do not kill”? The commandment that seems straightforward at first also raises a host of ethical questions. Is it calling us to pacifism, or are there circumstances where killing is justifiable?

How did the ancient Israelites interpret this commandment? What were Jesus’ thoughts on the commandment? How should we, in our 21st century society, view the commandment?

All are invited to join, Sundays at 9:45a in Milford Chapel. (Each Sunday is a stand alone lesson, so please join us as you are able. This study is based on the Adam Hamilton book Jesus and the Promise of the Ten Commandments Today, but reading the book is not required.) 

Ron Pelt led the first of a three-week class last Sunday evening for 14 of our “budding artists.” The first instructions were to just start scribbling. We can’t wait to see what all of the scribbles look like in a couple of weeks.

Last year Peter Swanson played one Sunday in worship and then performed an afternoon concert, free of charge. We were overwhelmed by the beauty of Peter’s music and his amazing musicality. On April 21, Peter will join us again, and his 2p concert will again be free to all church members. I’m grateful to be part of a church that does so much to support the arts. Hosting quality, professional musicians in worship and having performances on our campus is a real blessing. Few churches provide this kind of music today, so I hope you will take advantage of this wonderful opportunity. – Russ

Thanks to all of you who took a tree this past Sunday. We had some 30 seedlings taken by Park Roadians. TreesCharlotte is doing crucial work to have 50% of Charlotte be canopied, We’re at 42%, but in order to achieve that goal will take much effort and love for creation. Trees help mitigate the effects of climate change, foster a healthy rain cycle, and have positive mental health impacts for those who are near to enjoy them.

Thanks, again!

MeckMin Youth Panel

Our youth were able to attend MeckMin’s youth panel this past Sunday. We are proud to exercise our Baptist heritage advocating for and protecting religious liberty. Part of that must entail listening to our neighbors and learning about their belief systems. Our students were brought into that tradition. We’re so proud of our own LeDayne Polaski for her leadership. Forgive the students photos, they were happy to eat, not happy to be photographed 😂

• April 19-20 - Spring Retreat
• May 19 - Baccalaureate Sunday
• July 8-12 - Unidiversity Camp

• April 27 Raptor Center - JD will send out more details soon, please save the date. 

• June 24-26 Compassion Camp - JD is really excited for our compassion Camp June 24-26 from 9:30a-12:30p. This will be a free and open to the public camp.



• July 16-19 Camp Prism – The camp is from July 16-19 and is at Bonclarken camp in Western NC. The total price for EVERYTHING, including meals, lodging, and activities, is only $250; It really is about as good of a summer camp price as you'll find anywhere. Those who've completed grades 3rd through 5th are able to go. Please let JD know if you want to bring a friend by May 1, and Payment is due to the church by June 1. (Pay online and put "Child Name- Prism" in the memo, or do the same for a check.) If anyone has trouble paying for camp, please contact JD.

Last week the CDC celebrated the Week of the Young Child with a variety of fun activities. We began on Monday with the Eclipse and Sports day. Tuesday we participated in Twin Day and Wednesday did Crazy Hair Day. Thursday was Disney Day and Friday was Class Color Day. We had an exciting week! To kick off spring, we will have our first annual Spring Fling, Wednesday, April 17 from 4-6. On that day, we will have music and games with a food and Kona ice truck to provide refreshments. 

Sympathy is extended to Texie Steadman and the Steadman family in the recent death of John Steadman.

Coming Up at Park Road

Sunday Worship

Facebook Live and In-Person

11a

First Wednesdays

Dinner and Vespers

(Community Center)

5:30p Dinner / 6p Vespers

First and Third Tuesdays

Bible Study and Fellowship

(Community Center - Room C503)

10a

Tuesday and Thursdays

Flexercise

(Community Center)

9a

Park Road Baptist Church 

 3900 Park Road | Charlotte NC | 28209

Tel (704) 523-5717 

Fax (704) 523-8481

info@parkroadbaptist.org 

 www.parkroadbaptist.org