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Every year at our annual State of the Church meeting, I have provided a “State of the Church” address. It has been a fun exercise in looking back and hoping forward. Below is the draft of my spoken words which is often not the best sentence structure, but is more conversational in nature. I wanted to share this address with everyone as a way of closing out another year together and anticipating all that is to come...

State of the Church January 28, 2024

"I feel so lucky because each year that I write one of these State of the Church addresses I have been able to begin with “the State of our Church is good and strong.” And in a time when the church is declining, and as I read article after article and listen to podcast after podcast about the decline and de-churching of America, to be able to stand in front of any congregation and say that the State of our Church is good and strong, well, I consider myself lucky. But it’s not all luck, is it? It’s because we’re in this together, by trial and error, figuring it out. We have been working our way back toward some semblance of normal, whatever that is. Nothing remains the same, and perhaps that’s the best news of all, though, we do not always like it. Change is hard. Forced change is excruciating. The pandemic of 2020 lasted well into a two-year hiatus with most everything that we know to be normal changing. Not all of those changes have been bad, but it is most often true that we are not all that fond of change, even when sometimes it is good. Coming out of a time when that forced change shut us down and cut us off, we were left quarantined, isolated, and alone – everything counter to what I know to be Church.

Somewhere along the way, in 2020 in our remote office of our kitchen counter, I said to Russ, “It will take at least five years to know how this will have impacted the church.” Time kind of means nothing anymore because it feels like the pandemic was just yesterday, and yet here we are heading into the year 2024, and that five-year mark is out there in front of us in just one year. For the first time, maybe because we’re at our first potluck since the pandemic, things feel normal. Ish. But many things are not the same. We no longer gather every single Wednesday night, but once a month instead. VSP meets 4 times per year instead 9 times. We have fewer Connection Groups that look like the old-style Sunday School classes, but we have instituted a new program called Park Road University with shorter stints of varying topics led by different people ranging from wellness to art, Bible study to social justice topics – all in an effort to help people give attention to their spiritual formation. We still have not quite reached our normal worship average attendance, but if you count the people that are watching us online, we are larger than we were before the pandemic. We have people that have joined our church that have never darkened the doors or stepped foot on campus. Every time we think about doing a worship service in a different space, we realize we are excluding so many people that consider us their church because we cannot livestream well from Helt Hall, or Milford Chapel, or the Community Center. We do not visit in the hospitals like we used to because everyone is more aware and sensitive to issues of germ spreading. We live in a HIPAA culture that has privatized people’s lives in ways that I think they are not even aware, but has sensitized us to the way that we share concerns with one another. Much of the training we got in seminary is antiquated. That will stop you in your tracks! The way that we learned to pastor a church to be healthy and strong no longer works as well because systems change.

In looking back on last year, the number one highlight, I believe, is taking the bold step to return our children and youth and families of each into the hands of a full-time minister. I think we can all feel the difference that JD’s presence has made among us. Even in little things. For example: there is so much more laughter in our office even if JD is the only one laughing! Our Intergenerational Retreat returned, and with a push to make it an every year occasion even if some years we stay in town which is being planned for this fall. The Rise Against Hunger, formally known as Stop Hunger Now, initiative returned. We ended the year 2023 financially in a place that allowed us to move forward with our financial plans for 2024. And on top of the regular giving that keeps the lights on, the water running, and the staff paid, we were notified about legacy and memorial, and just out of the blue generosity gifts that were given to the church to do things that are outside what our budget will allow to the tune of $240,000.

The State of our Church is strong. Even on the days that I might feel iffy about it. And there are those days. Before we became your Pastors, during one troubling time for the Church, Park Road hired Dave Odom to come and facilitate conversation that might bring healing and vision and hope to a group of people that were tired and hurting and wounded. From time to time, this is needed in most churches. Dave became a trusted friend to us over the early years as he helped us continue to navigate becoming a church that could claim that the State of the Church was strong and good. How many phone calls did I make to Dave asking for guidance? I wouldn’t venture a guess. This past week I read an article he had written about one of his mentors who recently died. I reached out to Dave to say, “Thanks for the article. It prompted me to write to you to say THANKS for all the help you gave us in the early days.” Don’t get me wrong, there are still times I want to cry on his shoulder, but the last line of his message back to me was all I needed to hear: “I remember Park Road and hope that my contributions across those years before and during your early years proved over time to be helpful. Congregations are such complex social systems. One has to take a long view to know what really matters. You and Russ certainly have that view.”

How lucky are we that we get the long view with you. For 1000 good reasons, and some difficult reasons too, many pastors do not get the long view. How lucky are we? When I think back to what seminary did teach me, I think it was preparing me for the long view, and I didn’t even know it. Programs and trends come and go. What works and doesn’t work in systems changes faster and faster. But my calling as Pastor, and I believe the calling of the Church has not changed. I shared this quote in this week’s newsletter, but I want to say it again here as an exclamation point: “I’m not all that interested in future church trends or new growth techniques. For 2000 years, the most relevant church has always been the one gathering around a table, caring for the neighborhood, following the words and ways of Jesus.” (Dan White, Jr.)

When I stand here this time next year giving the State of the Church address, my opening line will be: “We have now been your Pastors for a quarter of century.” What we do here today with a rejuvenation of our Action Teams may play the biggest role in determining what the State of the Church will be like in another year. I have every confidence, because of the work and ministry that we will do together, that the State of Church will still be strong and solid and good. May it be so." - Amy

We enjoyed a wonderful Potluck lunch last Sunday – a first since before the pandemic. It was a much-needed occasion. In addition to enjoying everyone’s best dishes, we conducted some necessary business. After affirming the Mission Budget allocations and the slate of nominees for all leadership positions (Deacons, Officers, and Committee members), Russ explained the lay leadership model of Park Road. (Click this link to access the graphic that explains the leadership structure of the church).

We concluded the meeting with an opportunity for people to sign-up to volunteer for Action Teams. Action Teams are volunteer-based and anyone can volunteer – member and visitor alike. The sign-ups are never closed. It is an on-going process of volunteerism. Sunday’s process was designed to revitalize and rejuvenate our team approach to ministry and mission. It was a kick-off event for all that is to come, and if you were not here to sign up in person, never fear – there’s always time to add your name to any team(s).

Beginning this Sunday, you will find a QR code in the bulletin that will link you to the information about all of our teams and you can sign up at any point. Of course, if you already know where you want to volunteer, call the church office to sign up, and we will get your name to the team leader. The volunteering QR code will be on the website and in the newsletter and bulletin on-going so there is always an easy access to get involved.

The energy on Sunday was palpable. Our hope is that the energy will grow and more people will be involved in the wide variety of ways we seek to be Church together. What are your passions? Where can you give some of your time and energy? What will help you live your faith more fully? These are some of the questions to ask yourself as you consider becoming a more active participant in the life of the Church. Watch for ways to sign up. It will take all of us working together to be who God is calling us to be.

“You should have received your 2023 giving statement last week in an email. The email will contain a link, where you can download a copy of your contribution statement. The statement shows all tax deductible contributions for 2023 and can be used for tax filings. If you opt out of emails, a paper copy has been mailed to your home address. If you have any questions about your contribution statement or did not receive one, please contact Allison Wieland in the Finance Office at allison@parkroadbaptist.org.” - Allison

Thanks to Mike Hamrick, Chair and the rest of our AMP Task Force (Greg Blum, Ministry Council, Leslie Blum, Admin., Brian Smyth, Resources Ministry Area, Gina Helt, Personnel) for their hard work in finalizing our AMP for this year. With the books closed on 2023, we were able to settle on the AMP for this year. The AMP represents a $51,000 increase, over 2023 and includes necessary increases for maintenance and administrative costs along with a 4% personnel increase. With this sizable increase the decision was made to hold our Missions Budget flat, though we have $60,000 allocated for denominational, internal, and external missions for the year. While pledges for 2024 fell short of the recommended amount, we ended ’23 with a significant surplus. That surplus was moved forward to allow us to present a balanced budget. The challenge for this year will be to match our expenses with giving and other income sources. The AMP team felt confident to move forward in faith, trusting you in this process. Please direct any questions to a member of the AMP team or one of the ministers.

Come on Wednesday evening February 7, for supper and hear about our Cuba team’s recent trip to visit our partner church in Carlos Rojas.

Tam Gordon, our church cook always prepares a wonderful meal, but the reason to come is to sit together, enjoy the fellowship, and participate in a time of vespers (worship/dialogue) together. It’s a great mid-week retreat – and we finish in time for Sanctuary Choir rehearsal (We’d love to have you!) You can sign up for dinner in Helt Hall on Sunday Mornings or by emailing the church office at info@ParkRoadBaptist.org

Thanks to Janelle Travis, for thinking of her church and providing a truckload of mulch from her yard. Thanks, also to Kevin Kline and Matt Leach for putting a load of sweat equity into the project and covering all the paths between our garden boxes. We don’t know if these two are for hire, but they do good work! For more information on the garden, contact Laura Leach (which might explain Matt’s “interest” in garden work!)

Join us on Friday, February 16, as we continue our quest of all the best and most interesting places to eat in Charlotte. For our next outing, we will head to SouthEnd. Hawkers Asian Street Fare is on Camden Road. SouthEnd is trendy, the hang out for GEN Xers…, so we will meet at Hawkers and bring up the average age but show them that the Baptists like to have a good time, too! Meet in the parking lot at 11:15a or at Hawkers restaurant at 11:30a. Please let us know either way, if you plan to attend. You can sign up in Helt Hall on Sunday or email the church office info@ParkRoadBaptist.org

My name is Margie Keith, and I have been a Park Roadian for about 15 years. I was born and raised in Texas and have now been in Charlotte for 33 years. Currently, I work at Janney Montgomery Scott as a Sr. Registered Client Associate - which just means I do everything except give investment advice. I’m in my 27th year in the financial industry. My therapy is working out 4-5 times per week. What makes me happiest is hanging out with my son Ryan and our dogs Willie and Mila, dabbling in crafty things, spending time with good friends, watching sports - especially Texas Tech football and basketball, and of course, staying involved at PRBC. Fun facts about me — I’m a registered Chickasaw and my middle name is Love (which comes from my Chickasaw heritage).

• January 31 - Worship Wednesday
• July 8-12 Unidiversity Camp - Please let JD know by the end of January if your student plans on going to camp! 🙂 

• July 16-19, 2024 – Camp Prism – Any student who will complete third grade this year is invited to sign up for Camp Prism. This week is a wonderful time with our students, and JD would love all our current 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders to be there. Please make sure to let JD know by the end of January if your student plans on going to camp.

Covenant Presbyterian church is excited to welcome speaker, author, and historian Jemar Tisby. Dr. Tisby will talk extensivley about racial justice, U.S. history, and Christianity. Tisby is the author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Color of Compromise: The Truth about the Church's Complicity in Racism, and brings over a decade of experience teaching and presenting to universities, corporations, congregations, and community organizations. His writing has been featured in the Washington Post, The Atlantic, and the New York Times. He's a frequent commentator on outlets such as NPR and CNN. Tisby earned his PhD in history and studies race, religion, and social movements in the 20th century. For more information and details please click here: https://www.covenantpresby.org/tisby

Sympathy

We extend sympathy to the family of Buck Blankenship following Buck’s recent death. A memorial service will be held this Saturday, February 3 at 2p in the Sanctuary with a visitation reception following in Helt Hall. Buck had recently moved to Pennsylvania to live closer to family, but Buck remains such a vital part of this church’s history.

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