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GOOD TIDINGS
The Weekly Newsletter for Park Road Baptist Church
February 12, 2025
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Two weeks ago, I wrote about waking to news reports about ICE raids, and my concern for our immigrant community. The raids were purportedly to round up the vast numbers of murderers and rapists who have invaded the country, but my concerns continue to be born out. Legal immigrants, those seeking asylum or refugee status, are being arrested. (You may know some folks in this category.) Legal immigrants with full citizenship, and other non-white citizens, are being profiled, harassed, detained. Also, immigrants who are here “illegally” (that is, working without proper immigration documentation) but working for “legal” US companies (that is, companies willing to use immigrant labor, whether these workers have documentation or not), are being arrested, and their families (often with US-born children), are being torn apart.
Since it is a consistent concern of scripture, from Genesis to Jesus, and a frequent mention in Amy’s and my preaching for 25 years, this situation will continue to be one of our concerns. Please do not be offended but you will continue to hear us voice this concern. By virtue of our citizenship, we support changing a broken system. By virtue of our faith commitments, we oppose the scapegoating and stereotyping of immigrants and the harassment and violence that results. We are concerned for the nation that is being divided and are brokenhearted for the families that are being torn apart.
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Today I read/skimmed an 80-page lawsuit challenging a new policy, which allows ICE agents to raid sanctuaries. The suit begins: “recognizing the importance of communal religious practices ‘to the well-being of people and the communities of which they are a part,’ the Department of Homeland Security for over 30 years substantially restricted immigration enforcement action in or near places of worship.” The suit is brought by 12 national denominational bodies, 4 regional denominational bodies, and 11 denominational and interdenominational associations “all rooted in the Jewish and Christian faiths.” This new draconian policy, that is terrorizing immigrants in their places of worship, is a concern for people of faith, from Mennonites to Unitarians to Reform Jews.
I will always believe that with the right leadership making an effort to unite congress around an issue everyone agrees needs changing could result in changes to policy and practice that still respected the sanctity of religious practice and did not destroy families. I appreciate the leadership of the plaintiffs who are resisting this disruptive policy. Speaking of disruptive policy…
This morning’s awakening news included the words “constitutional crisis,” with legal experts across the country on high alert to the very many decisions they view as unconstitutional, or only questionably legal, decisions that many historians and scholars believe to be shifting us away from the constitutional democracy that has made the US the envy of freedom-loving people across the globe. So, the lawsuits will fly. And the divisions will increase.
It’s going to be a rough few years, folks. We’ve got to be kind to one another. We value the diversity of our congregation. We always have. However, there is more going on than the bi-partisan friction that has always existed. “Constitutional crisis” is not about Democrats being sore losers. The experts raising concerns are not partisan ideologues. Something much bigger is at stake.
The issues that have made Park Road the Baptist church we’ve been for at least 50 of our 75 years will undoubtedly highlight some tensions in the current environment – like immigration – but ours are the theological concerns, the biblical issues your church has been raising for half a century. We are always glad to discuss the crux of our concerns.
There’s a lot of chaos in the air, and that is not likely to change any time soon. Let’s commit to making our sanctuary just that, and to being church, first and foremost a community of faith for one another. The nation needs a few good examples.
Concerned. And grateful. – Russ
*Image Credit - Getty Images
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Reminder: Church Directory in the Works | |
For the next few Sundays some of our Deacons will be in Helt Hall taking pictures for our online directory. We are working on the details for rolling out online access. Stay tuned – we hope to make this available beginning in March. | | |
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Sunday Worship
February 9, 2025
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Park Road sent a team of 5 people to continue our disaster relief work in western North Carolina at the end of January. The work involved cleaning and preparing tongue-and-groove hardwood floor slats to be re-used in a 100-year-old building in Marshall. Our next trip is planned for Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 27-Mar. 1. Volunteers can plan to come for all 3 days or for whatever part of that time your schedule allows. Thank you once again to the Neeriemers for hosting our group and providing such wonderful hospitality!
One additional note regarding our relief efforts – the response in terms of clothing, coats, and blankets has been so fantastic from all over the country that there is no longer a need for you to donate these items to the church. Thank you for all of the items that you have already donated!
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Cuba - 22 Years and Counting | |
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Our relationship with Resurrection Baptist church in Carlos Rojas, Cuba began with a trip in November 2003. Ours is the longest continuing relationship of any church in the Alliance of Baptists. As a reminder to you, when we adopted the partnership, the church approved the following:
That our partnership be based in a spirit of Christian fellowship and goodwill, with the belief that learning about God’s children in Cuba and helping them to learn about us, will enhance our life and work, as advocates of the Gospel, in Charlotte, North Carolina.
That the partnership exists to further at least these goals:
1. To communicate regularly between members of the churches, whether through mail, electronic-mail, or other means of communication.
2. To promote an annual exchange of members, through travel to Cuba or from Cuba to the United States, by an appropriate delegation of members.
3. To educate members of the Park Road Baptist Church concerning issues that impact the people of Cuba, including but not limited to issues of justice, economics, poverty, and human rights.
4. To be alert and receptive to political changes in U.S. Domestic Policy affecting the basic rights of all people, and in particular changes in U.S. Foreign Policy, affecting the relationship between the governments of the United States of America and Cuba. To encourage our congregation to be advocates for change in our political process, which would bring about a better quality of life for all people.
5. To find ways to provide appropriate financial support for the Resurrection Baptist Church.
More than 50 church members have traveled to the island for what is always an inspiring and eye-opening experience. This year’s group is: Lissa Buchanan, Rosemarie Burton, Russ Dean, Linda Hefner, Cindy King, Laura Leach, Peggy McIntyre, Rita McIntyre, Beth Mintich, and Will Neeriemer. Please keep these folks and our Cuban family in your prayers. Our travelers depart tomorrow, Thursday February 13, and return next Tuesday.
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My name is Mike Hamrick. My parents, sisters, and I came to Park Road in the early 60’s, and I grew up with this church being an integral part of my life. I have wonderful memories of time well-spent here, including ‘the good old days’. You can almost always find me in the bass section of the choir. I’m a recent retiree from a management career in the entertainment industry, and now enjoy a little more golf, spending family time with three adult sons, a daughter-in-law, and first grandson. Recently I have picked up my guitar again after a multi-year sabbatical.
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Fun Food Friday - Cafe Monte | | |
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Mark your calendars for our next Fun Food Friday, on February 21, at the wonderful French bistro, Café Monte, locate at 6700 Fairview Road. Please sign up – whether you plan to meet in the PRBC parking lot at 11:15a, or meet us at the restaurant at 11:30a.
You can RSVP by signing up in Helt Hall on Sunday morning or by emailing the church office info@ParkRoadBaptist.org.
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Via Francigena this September? | |
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With our three trips along El Camino de Santiago in Spain, we have become enamored with pilgrim life - walking as spiritual discipline. In 1492, when Pope Alexander VI designated El Camino de Santiago as an official pilgrimage, he named “three great pilgrimages,” including Jerusalem and Rome. So, having walked in Spain, we now have our sights set on the Via Francigena (Fran CHI gena) to Rome. This 1,000-mile route begins at Canterbury, England and crosses four countries. We are looking at walking a fraction of this full path, a 6-day walk through Tuscany, Italy, September 16-24. We are getting started a little late, so we need to get our group together asap. We can send you a sample itinerary and estimated price, but we need to hear from you quickly. Let us know if you would like to walk with us. — Amy and Russ
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Is it finally spring or is it winter again? One day we think spring has finally sprung and the next one we are shivering, our teeth chattering, and bones are rattling. VSP is a place we can go to experience the warmth of spring no matter the weather. We see the glow of friendly faces, eat a yummy hot meal, enjoy cozy surrounding, and bask in the laughter and joy of being together. This month our entertainer is one Russ recommended, so you can be assured of grand time. His name is Mahlon Thomas. I know you welcome him warmly. VSP is Thursday, March 20 at noon. Don’t forget to sign up in all the various ways you can by Sunday, March 16.
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Students at Park Road are fortunate to have access to the John and Ola Patterson Scholarship, if they will be or are attending Campbell, Furman, Meredith, or Wake Forest University. Applications are now made completely online. Please contact the church office if you have a student who would like to apply.
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This past Sunday was our annual ordination and installation of a new class of deacons. Thanks to Rebecca Lewis and Megan Oakley for accepting the call to serve as new deacons These two enjoyed the blessing of your blessings, in our special service of the Laying on of Hands. Thanks for these, and all of our deacons, for serving their families this year.
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Youth, Children, and Families Updates | |
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Associate Pastor for Children, Youth, and Family Life
We have begun the official process of looking for a new minister. The Position Announcement and a Job Description are available on the church website click here. We need your help. If you know of any potential candidates – or have contact with any individual, church, or organization who might help share our opening, please reach out to them and share the website and the information. We would love to hire a new staff member as soon as possible.
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Unidiversity
Join us July 7-11 for Unidiversity 2025: VIBRANT—finding color in the gray! We’ll be at Maryville College again this year for this life-changing week with friends from churches all over the Southeast. (You might even recognize our proclaimer.) It won’t be the same without you, so reserve your spot with a $75 deposit today! For more information please reach out to Steve Cothran.
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- Regular Scheduled Programing is as follows:
- Sunday Mornings, 10a - Preview
- Sunday Evenings, 5:30-7p - SNT
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All children ages 4k-5th grade are invited to a fun event which will include playing games, eating pizza, making snow cones, and watching “Frosty the Snowman” movie. A highlight of this event will include fun with snowballs. Yes. You read that correctly. Snowballs! Mark your calendars for Sunday, February 23, from 5-6:30p in the gym. The youth and Steve will help with leading the games. The children’s Sunday School teachers will serve as hosts and leaders, so parents feel free to drop your children off and enjoy some time to run errands or grab coffee and have a 1½ hours to enjoy yourselves while the children have tons of winter fun!
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Camp Prism: July 15-18
Camp Prism is always one of my favorite weeks of the year. I have been leading the music there for about 20 years. I enjoy singing with the children, watching their enjoyment of all the activities, and fellowship with colleagues from the other participating churches. Hopefully, we will have a new Children’s Minister by then - but either way, we’re going to camp! Children’s parents, please mark your calendars now. There will be more details to come. - Russ
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- Regular Scheduled Programing is as Follows:
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Sunday Mornings 9:45a.: Children's Sunday School (K-5th)
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Sunday Mornings 9:45a. & 11a: Nursery
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First Wednesdays 5:30p Dinner/6p Children's Midweek - The first Wednesday of each month.
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Coming Up at Park Road
Sunday Worship
Facebook Live and In-Person
11a
Sundays
Pickleball
(Gym)
7:15p
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
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