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My mother has always been interested in learning. Frequently over the years she has called: “Ruuuuss (She drawls in Southern-ese, her inflexion wobbling up and down.), this is your mother (Yes, mom, I can see the caller-ID!). Can you tell me what it means when they say…” And then, you can fill in the blank, usually with some current issue. I can almost fill in the blank before she gets to the end of the sentence. She reads. She listens. She’s still trying to keep up. I love that about her.

While predictably Southern Baptist in their theology, my parents were never very partisan. I usually knew how they voted, but they didn’t spit and spew at the other side. They weren’t ideologues – but of course, this was back in the good old days when everyone just watched the news. They listened to Cronkite and Brokaw like everyone else. Today, unfortunately, most are picking what “news” they want, even before they start listening. From the theme of my mother’s recent questions, it sounds like the retirement center TVs are not generally tuned to ABC, CBS, or NBC.

She called last night: “Russ, what is ‘June—…’?” She couldn’t finish the word. (Juneteenth? Mama.) “Yes. Well… I think so. What is that?”

My mother is plenty bright, but we just celebrated her 90th birthday, and it’s taking a little longer to process new ideas. I tried my best to explain, but as I talked, she was constantly interrupting me: “Wait, now, June…” (—teenth, Mama, Juneteenth.) “Wait, now, I’m writing this down… June—… it’s… what?”

I explained that Abraham Lincoln had issued the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, but that this news was not immediately communicated across the country. With no TVs or radios, information traveled slowly – and it was not really in the self-interest of slave-owners to share this information with their enslaved people. For two and a half years many African Americans were still kept as property. Juneteenth celebrates June 19th, 1865, an announcement in Galveston, TX, that is celebrated as the moment when the last slaves were finally informed of their freedom.

This was a hard conversation – and I’m pretty sure my mother is not the only one who has not understood.

As I was thinking of this conversation, of my mother’s lack of knowledge about our now-three-year-old national holiday, I was flipping the channels. One of the leading cable news networks announced they were foregoing all their usual evening programming in order to broadcast “Juneteenth: A Global Celebration of Freedom,” live from the LA Greek Theatre. I surfed around but kept coming back to listen to artists I didn’t know (which is no surprise, since I’m about as out of the contemporary music and entertainment scene as my mother is!). The lineup included Miguel, Kirk Franklin, SWV, Davido, Coi Leray and Jodeci, Nelly, and Questlove.

I did not know any of the music. I’ve never learned to be a fan of Hip Hop, but I did appreciate the attention the network was giving – the chance they were providing me to become better informed, to broaden my perspective, musically and socially. The music provided expressions of the Black experience in this country, and the commentary provided insights into the obvious joy of the celebration – the need to remember, the hope of moving forward by looking back.

As I continued surfing, I could not help but note that I heard no mention of Juneteenth on another, equally popular cable network. It could have been mentioned (I was channel surfing), but they did not dedicate the night to covering any Juneteenth celebration. Knowing what was happening on the other channel, I believe last night just seemed an odd night for business as usual.

Folks, I do understand that everything is divisive these days, that some readers may not even appreciate my mention of this topic – but isn’t it worth noting that one network, with significant viewership across the country, gave little (if any) attention to a celebration of our newest national holiday, a celebration which is of obvious importance especially to the African Americans who represent 14% of the population?

My mother has always been interested in learning, and despite the deeply southern culture in which I was raised (barely post-Civil Rights era), I heard in both of my parents a love and concern for all people, a message of equality and value for all people – so it is no surprise to me that she wanted to know about Juneteenth. I just can’t help but believe that a little more exposure would go a long way…

For us all. - Russ

"God is always planting seeds that will bring about the Kindom of God right here and right now. And God is always looking for places and people like Park Road Baptist to speak truth to power, to call out discrimination, and to do everything in our power to clear the way so that every single person can live fully into all that God created

them to be." - Amy Jacks Dean

This past Sunday Amy shared about the importance of speaking truth to power and the importance of clearing the way. Listen to Amy's sermon by clicking on video above.

We have had really good response to our Fellowship Suppers that are now held on the First Wednesday of each month. If you can make it to the church for the 5:30p meal, you’re in for a treat. (Try to find meal and drink and dessert and second helpings for $8 anywhere else in town. Last week we had baked salmon… yum!) If you can only make it for the 6-6:50p Vespers, it may be just what you need to renew your spirit for the second half of the week. We would love to have you join us. To RSVP for dinner please sign up in Helt Hall or call the church office by Tuesday, July 4th at noon.

For our next foodie outing we’re going to The Penguin Drive-In. This long-time Charlotte favorite relocated to East Boulevard a few years ago. They kept some of their favorites, and also upscaled the menu a bit. Some of the new items come with an upscaled price, but for $14.99 on the lunch menu you get: “any burger, toasted sub, Nashville hot chicken sandwich, or 2 hot dogs. The entrée comes with seasoned crispy fries and a coke product or iced tea.” Sounds like a deal these days! Please signup – whether you plan to meet in the parking lot at 11:30a and ride the bus, or meet at 1531 East Blvd. at 11:45a.

JD McDonald, on his very first days as our Associate Pastor for Children, Youth, and Families, has joined an all-women mission trip in Birmingham. Pray for our group. We’ll have details and stories next week. 

We had at least 46 people in our yard last Thursday evening, and from the looks of it, everyone had a grand time. Thanks for coming. It was a nice mix of veteran church members and newer members and guests. Our yard works pretty well for this gathering, and we love filling it up with you! Please join us and bring a friend next time: July 20, 6p – until the fun ends. (Note: we are not listing our address publicly, but are happy to share it. If you need to know how to get to the Deans’, please just ask.) Looking forward to the next time… Russ and Amy

Join us for an evening of Charlotte Knights baseball on Friday, July 7. Game time is 7:05p. and tickets are only $16 per person. Seats are in right field home run alley, so not in direct sunshine. Come and enjoy the game and stay for the fireworks display immediately afterward. Sign-up deadline is Friday, June 30. You can sign up by clicking on the link below, in Helt Hall on Sunday, or by calling the church office.

 

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0945aca92da2fd0-knights#/

Come and enjoy a weekend of fun, fellowship, and deepening connection. The theme “Practice Makes Possible” will explore different ancient and modern rituals that help us engage our faith and daily commitments in new ways. 

“If we want to live a life of meaning and contribution, we have to become intentional about cultivating sleep and play. We have to let go of exhaustion, busyness, and productivity as status symbols and measures of self-worth. We are impressing no one.” Brene Brown, Dare to Lead

You can expect the sessions to be fun, engaging, interactive, and times for reflection. The retreat will also be filled with good food, music, and plenty of games for all ages.

Thanks to a generous donor, you can come and enjoy the weekend at no cost to you! So, mark your calendars and plan to join us on Labor Day weekend! Please make sure to reserve your spot by signing up in Helt Hall after Sunday Worship or calling the church office.

CDC brought back another favorite event Donuts with Dads on June 16 at 9a. Donuts with Dads gives the parents another opportunity to meet each other and build a classroom community. We also use this event to celebrate the wonderful Dads in for children’s lives.

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.

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

Coffee and Kibitz Bible Study

(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