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Someone asked if I would reprint the comments I used to introduce our time of confession in Sunday’s worship service. I have added a bit to my remarks, providing further explanation, but here’s basically what I said:

None of my grandparents benefited from much formal education, but they built a future for their families and their nation, as hard-working, decent Americans, whose sweat and tears forms so much of our history. I come from tobacco sharecropping farmers and textile laborers. I have such great appreciation for that kind of hard work, for the mentality that made my grandparents inspiring role models. Maybe it’s in my blood; there’s nothing I enjoy better than being covered in grime and sweat from a hard day in the yard or the shop or from my aspirations as a wannabe carpenter, electrician, plumber.

It was that kind of “blue collar” work that made this country what it is today – but those hard-working laborers will not take us through the 21^st century. Let us never take their work for granted, but in a world of artificial intelligence and nuclear medicine, a culture on the cusp of galactic space travel... my grandparents are not our future. If we are to survive into the 22^nd century, it will be because of a class of true elites, those who can grasp the knowledge that is at our disposal.

I use the word “elites” on purpose, but understanding that word is a kind of bogeyman these days. It’s become a useful political smear, and I understand the sentiment behind the criticism. Even the mention of the word can make folks like my grandparents feel underappreciated, undervalued, looked down upon by those who have had more education and more opportunity (often by no fault of the hard-working, but lesser educated class). I understand that there’s a kind of “elitism” that is haughty and, as such, is divisive – but the reality of today’s world demands that we understand that without a solid core of folks educated and trained with truly elite knowledge and skills, our future in a technological world is very limited.

Increasingly, the work that built this country (and the jobs to which my grandparents dedicated their careers) are being completed by the machines and computers that are now built and programmed by… the elites. Of the six textile mills that provided most of the jobs for my small SC hometown when I was in high school, only one is left – and the looms that weave its fabric are all automated. A handful of actual workers can run an entire plant of computer driven, laser-guided textile looms.

So, I understand the critique. Focusing on the elites can sound elitist. I also understand that as the world moves from an industrial economy to a computer or digital economy, my “grandparents” (as it were), many of my high school classmates who stayed home to make their living in the cotton mill, are being left behind, are struggling to find jobs and to make ends meet. So, there is elitism that is never justified, but there is also envy and resentment that is equally unwarranted. The world has changed. We all benefit from the advance of the technology all around.

There are “growing pains” as the culture, the technology, and the economy, that comes with it, change. None of those pains, however, changes the honest reality that we will depend on the knowledge class – and not my grandparents’ working class – to survive.

But (and this was the point of my observation on Sunday) …

Even more importantly, because all the potential of that knowledge also introduces great danger, we need a class of leaders, not skilled in knowledge alone, but in wisdom.

The late biochemist and science fiction writer, Isaac Asimov, said: “The saddest aspect of life right now is that science gathers knowledge faster than society gathers wisdom.” Wisdom is different than knowledge. Just because something can be done does not mean it should be done. Knowledge is increasing at warp speed. Wisdom must catch up.

In worship, we are studying the book of James, which asks: Who is wise… among you? Show by your good life that your works are done with gentleness born of wisdom… James paints a picture that is very different from the world’s picture of leadership. [God’s wisdom, he says] is pure, peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy… without partiality or hypocrisy.

In a world so dependent on the knowledge class, even more do we need the “wisdom class.” In a world of nuclear weapons, artificial intelligence, medical informatics (that is, brains interfacing with computers!), our future depends very much on wisdom – wisdom that yields gentleness, compassion, integrity, humility, peace.

Let me end as I did on Sunday by asking you:

Who is wise among us? How are we contributing to, promoting, supporting the wisdom of gentleness that is our only real future?

Praying for wisdom… - Russ

We have a wonderful intergenerational retreat planned for October 4-6, titled "Intergenerational Retreat: Staycation Edition," which will be held on our campus.



The goal is to provide space for connection, rest, and renewal through engaging sessions focused on connection and wholeness. It's no secret that things will be stressful in the next few months and that the powers that be will try to sow division that affects the family thanksgiving table. In many ways, this retreat is designed to give us a break from that noise and to strengthen our church family through team-building, so we are well-resourced and rested for the challenging months ahead. This time of play, laughter, rest, and connection will help bind us together, ensuring that the communion table remains a space of unity, even as we engage in the hard work of justice and faithfulness in these trying times.

We will have a full program of activities and offerings, with options that are kid- and youth-friendly. This will include detailed session descriptions and a full map of all activities in Helt Hall, to be released by September 29th (click here for a sneak peak), with follow-up information leading up to the retreat itself. If you know someone you'd like to connect with our church, this is the perfect opportunity!

Please note that all meal reservations must be made by Tuesday, October 1 no later than 5p. Scan or click on the QR code to make your reservations or sign up in Helt Hall this Sunday.

Set-Up Help: We need a few volunteers (2–4 people) to help set up for the event on Thursday evening, September 26, between 3p and 4p. Volunteers are required to check in at the office with a photo ID.

Candy Donations: We are seeking candy donations for game prizes. Please ensure that candies are individually wrapped. There will be a drop box in Helt Hall on Sunday, the 22nd, and in the church office until the afternoon of the 26th.



Game Players and Helpers: Join us from 4:30p to 6p for a chance to see the school, meet the faculty ('cause they'll all be there!) and connect with the families.

Starmount Academy is located at 1600 Brookdale Ave, Charlotte, NC 28210. If you are interestd in volunteering please contact Dan.

When Russ’s grandmother said, “The ‘vittles’ are ready!” – he had no idea she was using an actual dictionary word: “victuals,” which is derived from the Latin: victus, which means “food.” On the first Wednesday of every month, we offer “food” – victuals to feed the body and vespers to feed the spirit. We hope you will join us. Next Wednesday, October 2, after the 5:30p meal, vespers will begin at 6p with announcements and prayer and a continuation of the conversation on Christian Nationalism. (Daniel Terry will begin a three-part PR University series this Sunday morning at 9:45a in Milford Chapel.)

To RSVP for dinner please email the church info@ParkRoadBaptist.org or sign up in Helt Hall on Sunday.



All (adults and children) dinner reservations must be made no later than, Tuesday, October 1 at noon.

If you are not in one of our small groups, you need to be. It’s the best way to experience the real community of a church home. Let us know if we can help you find your group.

You can email or call the church office (704) 523-5717 for more information or talk to one of the ministers on Sunday mornings, if you have questions.

My name is Missy Solomon. I’ve been a member of Park Road Baptist Church for about five years. I found my way to PRBC when my brother started bringing our mother here after she moved into Merrywood on Park. I first visited at my sister’s request. She wanted our Mom to have all her kids lined up in the pew beside her. Being raised Southern Baptist, PRBC was not what I expected to find in a Baptist church.

I am honored to serve as a deacon and to be asked to chair the Diaconate this upcoming year. I also serve as leader/ facilitator for the Babylon Connection Group and am part of the planning group for Park Road University.

I am an ordained minister in the Inter-faith tradition and a trained spiritual counselor and companion. I attended seminary and spiritual counseling training at One Spirit Inter-faith Seminary in NYC. It is my deeply held belief that “All Paths Lead to God" and that if we will but look, we will see that we are more alike than we are different—regardless of religious affiliations or lack there of. The main focus of my ministry is workshops & retreats and ceremonies & rituals. I particularly love leading SoulCollage® workshops, as well as crafting and performing wedding ceremonies and memorial services.

I have a small (one person) pet/house sitting business and am often found keeping company with any one of dozens of furry four-legged beings that call me Aunt Missy. It’s a great job! Dogs (and cats) are some of my favorite people!

Men’s Work Connection Group will host a Blood Drive at PRBC on October 13. This event is for everyone. The Big Red Bus will be in the back parking lot from noon-3p, Sunday October 13 after worship. To register sign up in Helt Hall on Sunday morning or on-line at Oneblood.org. 

• If you register online, you will need to click on "Find A Drive", next enter 28209 for the zip code and 10/13/24 for the date. 
• Then choose Park Road Baptist Church and choose your appointment time.

For this blood donation event, you will only be able to donate whole blood; unfortunately there will not be equipment for platelet donation on the bus.

If you have any questions, please feel free to call, text, or talk with Kevin Kline at church: 704-366-7455 (call), 704-771-6319 (text), and kk5thirty1@yahoo.com (email)

“I’m so excited! I just can’t hide it!” The words of that song resonate with me! Finally, after months of waiting and missing our time together, the October VSP returns on the 17th at noon is Helt Hall! We will get to hug and catch up with friends so dear. The meal Tam will prepare will be yummy, the jokes Max Carroll and Judy Bratton may make us groan or cause our sides to hurt from laughter, and the door prizes will be coveted. Jessi Little , the entertainer, is a multi-faceted vocalist who will bring old standards and Broadway to PRBC. Jessi is fantastic, as is her talented piano accompanist. Ask your friends to come too, but our space is limited to just slightly more than 50! Make your reservations soon for this unmatched opportunity!

You can RSVP by signing up in Helt Hall or emailing info@ParkRoadBaptist.org.



Also, the December VSP will on the 12th since later in the month becomes so crowded. Note the change on your calendar.

This past Thursday was a wonderful time of fellowship and community. Make sure to join us in October for Thirsty Third Thursday on the 17th. We will meet at Rhino Market and Deli in South Park. The address is 4300 Congress Street, Charlotte, NC 28209. Rhino Market in South Park is directly across from Village Tavern.

About a dozen folks joined us on Saturday morning for a first outing on our new pickle ball courts. Fun was had by all! We will continue to play and learn together on Thursdays at 6p and Saturdays at 9a. 

• Fall Retreat November 15-17, 2024
• We are going with a later date this year because it's past the time that most conflicts (like ball games and dances) will be happeneing. We had a great turnout last year but setting this date helps us get a bit closer to a 100% participation rate. More details coming soon!
• Progressive Dinner - December 8, 2024 - Details TBD
• Regular Scheduled Programing is as follows:
• Sunday Mornings, 10a - Preview
• Sunday Evenings, 5:30-7p - SNT
• Worship Wednesdays - One Wednesday evening each month (TBD)

• Regular Scheduled Programing is as Follows:
• Sunday Mornings 9:45a.: Children's Sunday School (K-5th)
• Sunday Mornings 9:45a. & 11a: Nursery
• First Wednesdays 5:30p Dinner/6p Children's Midweek - The first Wednesday of each month.

Calling all Church Members and Regulars! It's time for us to update our Church Directory. 

Please complete the form, by Clicking Here or scaning the QR code below, with your most

up-to-date contact information. If you have any trouble with the form you can call the church office (704-523-5717) or contact your deacon. 

Please note that the form requires a submission for EACH member of your family/household. We also hope for one clear photo per family/household to help put names to faces on our campus! 

We ask that all updates be submitted no later than October 15th. We will provide digital pictorial directories by the Advent season, with physical copies available by request. 

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

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