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I wrote last week about some of the best BBQ I’ve ever had. (There was a typo in that paragraph that may have been confusing. I was trying to say that I try not to say, “It’s the best I’ve ever had,” because who can really remember? But, that BBQ was definitely “the best I’ve ever had” – since at least the last time I forgot the best I’ve ever had!)

Last night Amy and I had an iftar dinner – which was definitely the best I’ve ever had. (It was the only iftar dinner I’d ever had!) Iftar is the Muslim meal that ends a day of fasting during the month of Ramadan. We signed up through MeckMIN, our Campus Partner, whose mission promotes interfaith dialogue. They put us in touch with a young Turkish family in Highland Creek.

We were to “arrive at 7:20,” an oddly specific time, and after we got tied up and finally hit the road, texting our hosts that we would be late, we also realized the meal is probably tied to sundown – when Muslims can break their fast. So, not only were we late, but they’d been waiting since sunrise to eat. That’s got to be an iftar dinner “party foul” if there ever was one!

Nevertheless, when we arrived, we were warmly greeted by a friendly handshake (for Russ) and a smile for both of us – and by the cutest 4-year-old girl you’ve ever seen. We were then introduced to the wife and mother of the home, her head wrapped in a beautiful hijab. We removed our shoes and were escorted to the table. (They were ready to eat.) Then came the food. We broke their fast by eating one date, and then they served the dinner – an amazing main dish of chicken in mushroom sauce with rice, and all the fixins: eggplant in yogurt, rice wrapped in grape leaves, red cabbage and a beautiful plate of salad, with tomatoes and carrots. Yum.

We spent most of the meal asking questions about Turkey and Iraq (The couple had met, married, and immigrated from Iraq ten years ago.) – and talking about Islam. They shared with excitement their devotion to Allah, their reverence of the Koran, and their commitment to Hadith – the words of “The Prophet” (always spoken in a tone of hushed reverence). The house was clean and beautiful, the food carefully prepared, our conversation was delightful – but what marked that home and our time together was the religious devotion of this young couple.

When the meal had concluded, the couple excused themselves to the adjoining den. Throughout the meal, the husband had been attentive to his phone, because it was providing his reminder of the specific time for the next of their five prayers for the day. At the appropriate time, they politely excused themselves and we watched as they faced the corner (the direction of Mecca), and swayed gently, eyes closed, then knelt, then bowed, and then repeated these motions through several successive prayers.

When their prayers had concluded, they returned to the table, bringing plates of rice pudding with coconut and nuts, and a plate of “salty cookies” and “sweet cookies” – and, of course, a cup of Turkish tea. The homemade desserts were as wonderful as the meal had been, and our conversation continued. Throughout the night, they conveyed to us their love of their faith – in a context of the discrimination they had felt, here as well as back home. Through their sect of Islam, the Hizmet or Gülen movement, they are branded as terrorists by the Erdoğan government in Turkey, which seems only to heighten their devotion. Our review of Google tells us that Hizmet is known outside the Erdoğan government for seeking peace and promoting interfaith goodwill.

Made clear to us through an evening of hospitality and devotion, these were no terrorists sharing their home with us, only a young mother and father with the same hopes and dreams for their daughter we had shared not so long ago for our young sons. They sent us on our way with a small gift bag (as if the dinner had not been gift enough) and the women exchanged warm hugs. It’s almost as if we’d all become friends with just one meal.

That obvious hope and a deep commitment to faith was inspiring, even for a couple of Baptist ministers. I’d like to think our own homes are marked by the same convictions. - Russ

Easter is a wonderful time to honor and remember our loved ones. This year, we are asking people to donate to the cost of flowering the cross. With a $10 donation, you can name those you would like to remember “in honor of” and/or “in memory of.” A list of all names will be printed in the Easter Sunday bulletin. Email the church office info@ParkRoadBaptist.org or sign up in Helt Hall on Sundays.

Youth will lead worship this weekend for Youth Sunday. This is always a highlight for Park Road, and this year will be no different. Seniors Reid Heaton and Claire Neeriemer will preach, and other youth will offer prayers, litanies, and other elements as we remember that we are a community of faith, nurturing our children and youth in the truth that brings life and light to our living. Join us for Youth Sunday Worship at 11:00 a.m. this Sunday!

All youth and families are invited to join us for lunch after worship at Qdoba, located at 1600 E. Woodlawn Rd., Ste. 210, Charlotte, NC 28209.

Our final night for Room in the Inn is coming up this Saturday, the 22nd. There are still plenty of opportunities to get involved, so if you're able to help, please sign up by clicking here. 

Our unhoused neighbors will appreciate having a comfortable place to stay for a night and a good meal. If you have any questions, please contact Jim Niell or Dan.

Thank you for making a difference!

Does God transcend time? Does God exist in a future or know about a future that does not yet exist for us?

This study introduces the concept of Open and Relational Theology. Our exploration is based on the book Open and Relational Theology: An Introduction to Life-Changing Ideas by Thomas Oord. Oord defines ORT and explains how it differs from traditional theologies. He outlines the essential ideas of ORT, aiming to inform and stimulate creative thinking about who God is and how God acts in our day-to-day lives. You do not have to read the book to participate. A summary of the chapter will be handed out in class. Please join us this Sunday at 9:45 a.m. in Milford Chapel.

Park Road has been partnering with Starmount Academy of Excellence (PreK–5) for over a year. Starmount is a CMS Title I school with a student population that is over 70% Hispanic. One of the premier events PRBC sponsors is the Book-A-Palooza event, where students at Starmount can select three new or like-new books from our inventory to keep for free.

Volunteers are needed on Wednesday, April 9, to transport the books from Park Road to Starmount and unpack them. On Thursday, April 10, volunteers are needed to assist students in selecting books, pack up the remaining books, and transport them back to the church.

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4CAAAE2DAAFE3-55490948-bookapalooza#/

Our next gathering is happening tomorrow night, Thursday, March 20, at 6 p.m. at Rhino Market and Deli in South Park.

Location: 4300 Congress Street, Charlotte, NC 28209

During his lengthy tenure as University President at both Gardner Webb and Chowan Universities, Chris White, along with his wife, Linda, enjoyed the opportunity to travel. The Whites were particularly fond of Egypt, making numerous trips. During one of those trips they purchased a beautiful painting, a replica of an ancient scroll that was originally printed on papyrus. The painting tells the story of the death of the Pharaoh and his journey into the afterlife. The Whites have donated this beautiful art to the church, and you will enjoy studying it, as it graces the foyer of our Community Center. Thanks to Linda and Chris for their thoughtful generosity.

Park Road students attending Campbell, Furman, Meredith, or Wake Forest Universities are fortunate to have access to the John and Ola Patterson Scholarship. Applications are now made completely online. Please contact the church office or Russ Dean, if you have a student who would like to apply.

Please note: students must reapply every year.

Join us in anticipation of an exciting week celebrating the joy, creativity, and learning of our youngest students! From April 5th to 11th, each day will feature a special theme for children, families, and staff to enjoy.

Upcoming Weekly Activities:

Monday – Sports Day - Students will show their team spirit by dressing in their favorite sports attire and representing their favorite teams.

Tuesday – Twin Day - Students and staff will pair up to match outfits, creating delightful "twin" moments throughout the day.

Wednesday – Crazy Hair or Socks Day

Thursday – Disney Day / Spring Fling - Children and staff are encouraged to dress as their favorite Disney characters. Additionally, we'll celebrate with our Spring Fling from 3:30 to 5:30 PM in the courtyard, featuring games and activities.

Friday – Class Color Day - Each class will showcase vibrant colors representing their group:

• Infants: Pink
• Seahorses: Green
• Toddlers: Yellow
• Crabs: Orange
• Sea Otters: Purple
• Sharks: Light Blue
• Stingrays (Meck Pre-K): Red
• Swordfish: Teal

We're looking forward to an exciting week celebrating the creativity and growth of our wonderful students!

• Upcoming Events:
• Youth Spring Retreat, May 16-18, 2025 - Save the Date! More details to come soon.
• Unidversity, July 7-11, 2025 - We’ll be at Maryville College again this year for this life-changing week with friends from churches all over the Southeast. Reserve your spot with a $75 deposit. For more information please reach out to Steve Cothran.
• Regular Scheduled Programing is as follows:
• Sunday Mornings, 10a - Preview
• Sunday Evenings, 5:30-7p - SNT

• Upcoming Events
• Sing-Along with Russ in Sunday School, March 30
• Palm Sunday, April 13 - gather in Helt Hall just before 11a to process in the palms.
• Eater Egg Hunt, Sunday, April 20 -Following Worship
• Camp Prism, July 15-18 (3rd - 5th graders)

• 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.

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

Park Road Baptist Church 

 3900 Park Road | Charlotte NC | 28209

Tel (704) 523-5717 

Fax (704) 523-8481

info@parkroadbaptist.org 

 www.parkroadbaptist.org