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For all my years as one of your ministers, a significant part of my ministry has been in the conversations I have had with you through email. I do not do much “pastoral counseling,” at least not face-to-face, but I have spent a good bit of my time in interesting and challenging and (hopefully) helpful conversation via email. I thought I would share a recent example, which actually came through text. (You know, email is so old-school!)

Here’s the initial message:

“Hey Russ, hope y’all are well. So, have you heard of this? ‘BCE.’ A friend of mine in Wisconsin sent a document from his daughter’s 6th grade class. They are teaching this in place of ‘BC’ to eliminate the Christian component… I asked my high school daughter about it, and she said they taught both last year.”

Here’s a quick primer in case you are unfamiliar: BCE = Before the Common Era, where BC = Before Christ, and CE = Common Era, instead of AD = Anno Domini (the year of our Lord).

I replied: “Yes, we were taught BCE/CE (maybe as far back as seminary;). It’s been fairly standard in most academic literature. As a proponent of interfaith dialogue I don’t see this as “eliminating Christianity” but recognizing the pluralism of our world. Of course, the dividing line between the “Common Era” and “Before the Common Era” is still Jesus, so this new designation (ironically) probably doesn’t accomplish any non-Christian emphasis (even if that was the reason for using it).

“I just see this as an acknowledgment that we live in a wonderfully diverse world – and in a country that daringly lets us try to live together. The secularizing of culture doesn’t scare me… Christians have enjoyed a cultural bias that probably has not served the Church well. (I mean, if you only go to church because everything else is closed on Sundays, well, that doesn’t really do a lot for strengthening people’s convictions in faith. Does it?)

“As the culture continues to secularize, we will have increasing opportunity to encourage – especially our young people – to understand and live into our distinctively Christian values. They should strengthen them, and the church. At least, that’s my hope!”

He said: “This makes sense – obviously, I was unaware of the context behind the change. Thanks for educating me!”

Then I continued (of course, I continued!): “This is the kind of thing some folks get worked up about. ‘Eliminating Christians’ is just part of the so-called cultural persecution of Christians and Christianity (which, in my opinion, does not exist in a nation where about 98% of all elected officials profess to be Christian).”

“There HAS BEEN a lot of change in the last couple decades. No doubt. I understand why some people are afraid – but that change will only continue. I, personally, believe this is evidence of the beauty of the American experiment with real human and religious freedom!

“Unfortunately, we’re not doing a great job with any national dialogue about those changes. But the fact is that we are no longer a majority white, Protestant Christian country. We crossed that data point a few years ago – and we will be “a majority minority” country by 2050. We’ve got to learn to accept each other.

“It’s the best experiment in democracy in the history of the world. It will be a tragedy if we screw this up!”

I happened to be reading a commentary on the book of Deuteronomy as this text exchange was transpiring, and I read: “These messages, emanating from as early as the eighth century BCE from such figures as Amos and Isaiah…” We ended with this exchange about the New Interpreter’s Bible Commentary:

This isn’t part of the culture war – unless we play into the hands of those who want it to be. Amy and I regularly use “BCE” and “CE” in preaching, teaching, and writing. We’re hardly trying to eliminate Christianity. We want to be faithful – but faithful in a world that values and respects all. There are not many cultures where that is even possible.

Referring to the “Common Era” will not eliminate Christianity – and I hope we will not let those who look for every chance to divide us eliminate our respecting one another. (That would eliminate Christianity!) -Russ

At our recent State of the Church meeting, we renewed our commitment to getting the work/ministry/mission of the Church done through the work of Action Teams. Anyone can be on an Action Team. The meeting concluded with people signing up. It’s never too late to add your name to an Action Team. We have developed this QR code that will link you to the list of Action Teams. You can also contact the church office or any of the ministers to better help you know how to find your place in the work/ministry/mission of Park Road.

In trying to honor this year’s recognition of the month, we want to mention opportunities and provide resources that might make us all more aware of Black history and the ongoing challenges that confront the Black community. In each February newsletter, look for this heading and be aware of these. Today’s opportunities include:



• Dr. Jemar Tisby at Covenant Presbyterian Church (see article below)

• There is a section in the church library (our library is located in Community Center) dedicated to issues of race. Consider adding one book to your reading for this month.

• Each Sunday in worship Roxanne Holt Watson will play organ compositions by Black composers.

• Lettie Gore is a historian, educator, and facilitator who is also a native North Carolinian. She is the host and owner of her podcast “History Shows Us”. Lettie’s passion for telling history’s truths and connecting the past to today’s racial and social justice issues is evident in the work she does. Learn more about Lettie, her podcast, and the resources she provides by clicking here.

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

Sixteen men gathered last weekend at High Pastures Retreat Center in Burnsville to spend the weekend together. Led by Dan Davis, the group laughed a lot, ate well, and did a little hiking amid good times of sharing and exploring personal spirituality. Thanks to Ron Pelt and Gray Clark for taking the initiative for this retreat, and to all who participated. The next Men’s Work opportunity is this Friday and Saturday, February 9 and 10, as we gather at QC Family Tree on Tuckaseegee Road to complete some minor repairs of one of their apartments. For more information, please contact Russ Dean.

How will you spend your Lent? Lent is traditionally a time of introspection and discipline, often characterized by “giving up chocolate” or some such practice. Give up chocolate if you would like, but we want to offer a few opportunities you might take on during the season. These come with varying levels of commitment, so choose what is right for you.

• Be intentional to participate in worship weekly (in person or online). Our Lenten theme is “A Conversation about Covenant.” Contact Russ if you would like an outline, including the scriptures for each Sunday’s worship, to incorporate into a weekly discipline of preparation.

• Kate Bowler offers a daily reading that goes with her new book, Have a Beautiful/Terrible Day. You do not have to buy the book. You can get free download of the daily guide by clicking here.

• Russ will teach his new book, The Power of the God Who Can’t on six Sunday nights: February 18 and 25, March 3, 10, 17 and 24. Buying and reading the book is not required for participation, though participants will benefit from a knowledge of the material. Discussions will be held Sunday nights, 5:30-7p (room to be announced). Sign up in Helt Hall or by contacting the church office info@ParkRoadBaptist.org. Russ has a few books for sale; they are also available at Park Road Books and online.

• Amy will teach The Poetry of Lent: A Lenten Companion to Mary Oliver’s ‘Devotions’ on the same Sunday night schedule as Russ’s discussions. Study guides are $5.00 and are available in the church office or by email. Sign up in Helt Hall or by contacting the church office info@ParkRoadBaptist.org

• Maybe you want to do your own thing… Get up 30 minutes earlier than usual and devote that time to reading or quiet meditation… Commit to spending time walking in our Prayer Garden, or a local labyrinth… Read a book from our library’s collection on race and find at least one lecture/event in town related to Black History Month… Read a Psalm each day… Write a note of gratitude each week, to someone who has been important to you… Take a walk each day with the intention of making it a spiritual practice… Make a commitment to eat well and take note of your body’s needs…

It’s Lent. Let’s be disciplined together.

Congrats to Ryan Carriere who blew away 15 other competitors in this year’s, first ever, “Men’s Work Fantasy Football League.” It wasn’t even close! Ryan is shown here boasting his championship trophy (thanks to Darin Gantt). Many of our Team Owners have vowed revenge next season (but we’re guessing Ryan is already more prepared than the rest, to defend his title!)

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

Join us for our next gathering, February 15 at 6p at the Rhino Market and Deli, South Park. We are going to continue to meet at Rhino Market each month through May. Won’t you join us next week? The address is 4300 Congress Street, Charlotte, NC 28209. There are other Rhino Markets, so please make sure you have the correct address. The Rhino Market in South Park is directly across from the Village Tavern.

Retreating

"I'm spending part of this week to retreat with youth and children's pastors from all over the nation to discuss ways we can minister more effectively, network, and build community within our field. We've barely begun but I've already had numerous helpful conversations and encouraging interactions. I'm also working with many from our Unidiversity team to plan for camp as I'm helping develop some structural organization, serving on the planning team, and writing our Bible study materials! It's a working week for sure but a very life-giving and inspiring time. Thanks for being a congregation that always supports your pastors in our growth. -JD" 

• July 8-12 Unidiversity Camp - Please let JD know 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 if your student plans on going to camp.

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