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GOOD TIDINGS

The Weekly Newsletter for Park Road Baptist Church

February 22, 2023

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This past Sunday was a favorite Sunday of mine – Deacon Ordination and Installation. Because of COVID-19, we have been unable to have our normal “laying on of hands” blessing ceremony. It was good to be back to normal as we ordained six new deacons: Kathleen Carriere, Kevin Kline, Juli Kline, Laura Leach, Matt Leach, and Rebecca Terry. We also welcomed back three returning deacons to another term of service as we installed: Mike Hamrick, Paula Knight, and Crystal Smyth. At the end of the service, I offered a “Charge to our Deacons.” I have included those words here knowing that this is really the job of every church member – to be a minister to one another as we seek to be community together. We are all called upon to celebrate the joys and grieve the sorrows and carry the burdens for one another. Now, consider yourselves charged to offer blessing everywhere you go and with everyone you meet.

A Charge to Deacons 2023

Each year we try to find something new to say . . . something fresh, creative, innovative . . . words to bless you and charge you in moving forward in this new role of servant leadership. We search for words to inspire, motivate, challenge, and encourage you in taking on this task set before you. Why do we try so hard to find just the right words when the task is really pretty easy to understand?

We (and by “we” I mean not just we, but WE (the Church)) need for you to be present – showing up in worship and fellowship and service as often as you can.

We need for you to be aware – read the newsletter and keep up with all of the ministries and mission that happens in this place.

We need for you to be our ears and eyes – ever aware of the needs of the congregation.

We need your feedback – in healthy ways – to give us your honest opinion when decisions need to be made.

We need your prayers.

We need your active engagement in the lives of the families you will be assigned – this is perhaps the hardest one and the one that makes most deacons live in a perpetual state of guilt. Some of the families on your list you will not know. Some will never respond to you. Some you will likely never meet. Yet they still consider Park Road their church home. Contact them anyway. Trust me – I know what this feels like to reach out and get nothing in return. This is the perfect time to embrace the truth that everything is not about you . . . sometimes whatever is holding someone back from engaging or re-engaging has nothing to do with anything at 3900 Park Road. Sometimes “life” just happens to folks. We are still their church until they tell us otherwise. Do not be discouraged. I charge you to just keep at it in your own unique way. But also know there will be many of your families that are very active and very involved. Some of your families may even be or become your good friends. All of your families will have joys for you to celebrate and sorrows for you to grieve and burdens for you to carry.

We need for you to be all that God created you to be – even as you continue to grow in your own spiritual journey. So, we charge you to be You – with your unique gifts and passions, with your unique quirks and style – you have been called at the right time and in the right place as the right person to help Park Road Baptist Church be all that God has called US to be - together. May it be so. Amen. - Amy

"First Wednesday," March 1

We have been having wonderful response to our once-a-month Fellowship Supper. Each month, on the first Wednesday, we gather for dinner at 5:30p (Reservations are due by Tuesday at noon) and then for a “vespers” service, a casual service of worship involving music, scripture, some dialogue around the tables, and a brief pastoral word. It’s a wonderful way to fellowship together, and to catch your breath mid-week. We hope you will join us.

Ash Wednesday Service Tonight

Sunday Worship

February 19, 2023

Fun Food Friday - THIS Friday

It’s become a grand tradition, this once-a-month meal together. All are welcome as we explore some of Charlotte’s interesting eateries. Join us this Friday, February 24, as we sample a variety of eating options at Optimist Hall. This is a great way to get to know folks and enjoy a good meal. You can meet in the back parking lot at 11a to ride together on the bus or meet us at 1115 N. Brevard Street at 11:30a – either way, please call the office to let us know you are coming.

Thirsty Third Thursday February Gathering

Twenty-two people gathered at Vintner Wine Market last week. They gathered around tables, enjoyed good drink, and some got food, but mainly it was a time to enjoy each other’s company. The best part about these Thursday evenings is the combination of getting to know new people and visiting with old friends, depending on how long you’ve been a part of Park Road Church. Every month is a different group gathering. No agenda. No study. We just catch up with each other’s lives and meet new people who have come our way. Anyone and everyone is welcome to join us on the third Thursday of March at 6p at T.A.P (The Auto Pour), 5033 South Blvd., Suite O, Charlotte, NC 28217.

Needlers News

Our sewing group, the Needlers, are hard at work doing what they do best… using their creativity and their talents with a needle and thread or knitting needles to make pillowcase dresses, baby quilts, and prayer shawls. Currently they have a good supply of prayer shawls ready to be given away. If you know of someone who could use a wrap for their shoulders or across their lap to bring warmth and comfort, knowing that it had been knitted with much love and many prayers, contact the church office to pick one up to deliver to someone who needs that support, love, and care.

Maundy Thursday, April 6

Over the years, the Ash Wednesday and Maundy Thursday services have become important for our congregation. Both provide opportunities for an intimate gathering and a quiet, reflective worship. This year, for the month of April our “First Wednesday” program will be moved to Thursday, to accommodate the Maundy Thursday service. Please make your reservation for dinner at 5:30p, or plan to join us in the sanctuary for the 6p service. (Reservations are due by noon, the Tuesday prior) We will meet in the sanctuary in order to broadcast the service using our Facebook Livestream. Communion will be served.

Patterson Scholarship - Due May 1

Thanks to the late John and Ola Patterson, Park Road’s college students attending Campbell, Furman, Meredith, or Wake Forest Universities are eligible. The scholarship is generous. Over the last two decades, our students have received well over $500,000 in assistance. Two forms are required: FAFSA and a second simple form. Both are available through the church office.

Lenten Opportunities

Amy’s Lenten Studies - It's not too late to join!

For those looking for a short and easy journey of 40 days, Amy will post a short Scripture reading accompanied by a prayer or poem to guide your thoughts for the day. You can find these short readings at “Beyond Chocolate” Facebook group. (If you do not already follow this group on Facebook, simply request to be a member, by clicking here, and you will receive notifications of the daily new posts which will begin on Ash Wednesday.) These daily readings and prayers coincide with the daily entries of the more intensive study described below.

For those wanting a little more, Amy’s weekly discussion group is based on Kate Bowler’s new book The Lives We Actually Have: 100 Blessings for Imperfect Days. (The release date for this book is February 14.) There is a free online daily guide accessible by clicking here. The daily readings are designed to be completed in about 20 minutes. On the Sundays of Lent Amy will lead an in-person discussion from 4-5p at the church (February 26, March 5, 12, 19, 26, and April 2). You do not have to buy the book to participate in this study, though it does seem that the experience will be richer with the book. Of course, you can download Bowler’s free guide and do it on your own if you do not want to commit to a more intensive group experience. If you would like to be a part of this in-person Sunday Lenten discussion group, please sign up with Amy.

Holy Week Study: The Last Week

Russ will lead a discussion of The Last Week: What the Gospels Really Teach About Jesus's Final Days in, by John Dominic Crossan and Marcus J. Borg. The book chronicles the last week of Jesus’ life, and we will trace “the passion” this year by meeting during the lunch hour, each day of Holy Week (Monday, April 3 – Friday, April 7). Participants are invited to meet Russ in Helt Hall from 12-1p each day. If you care to have lunch, please bring your own. Russ asks that all participants make a commitment to read each chapter prior to the day’s discussion. Copies of the book are available in the church office, for $5.00 each. Call to reserve your copy. (704-523-5717).

Lunch with the Pastors of Park Road

Last year we enjoyed sharing lunch, each Wednesday of Lent with the Park Road clergy, group, and some members of these churches. Again, this year we will rotate churches, and one of the pastors will share a brief devotional thought. You are invited to bring your own lunch; drinks and dessert will be provided. We will meet at noon each Wednesday of Lent, beginning March 1. No sign up is necessary.

The schedule is as follows:

March 1 – Sedgefield United Methodist Church – Russ and Amy Jacks Dean
March 8 – Park Road Baptist Church - Jonathan Coppedge-Henley
March 15 – Holy Comforter Episcopal - Jim Ewing
March 22 – Avondale Presbyterian Church - TBD
March 29 - Woodlawn Community Fellowship - Tom Stinson-Wesley

Friends at Home

Please check in on each other via phone,

email, text, Zoom, or letters.

Thank you.

We list an individual each week that we call our “Friends at Home” with their contact information.

Drop a card or give a call to check-in. Even if you do not know someone personally, a contact from someone from their church is always an encouragement.