Park Road Horizontal w Tag White Border-01.png

GOOD TIDINGS

The Weekly Newsletter for Park Road Baptist Church

April 2, 2025

Church Calendar | Sermons | Sign-up to Help | Blog | Contact

For six years I wrote a monthly opinion piece for “Baptist News Global,” but a couple years ago I ran out of steam. It was not for a lack of opinions – there was, and is, so much to keep a pastor up at night and writing during the day – but it was a concern for our divided world and the feeling that no matter how carefully I wrote, my words were just feeding the angry social media machine. I have always wanted to offer a reasoned voice, even when it challenges conventional wisdom. I want to be part of the solution, not the problem.

This morning, I opened an email from a woman named Stephanie – that was like so many I received when I was writing. Her email made me question my silence, my fear. In part, she said:

“Thank you for sharing your thoughts and heart with the world. I know that writing these blogs must not always be easy, but it’s always appreciated by people like me. I am a same-gender loving female who deeply loves the Lord… It took me decades to come to terms with who I am… My deepest fear wasn't that I would lose God's love—I always knew that God made me… and would love me for who I was… My real fear stemmed from knowing I would face rejection and be ostracized… within the church.

However, after building up enough courage to embrace my truth and not neglect my faith, I was able to reconcile both aspects of my life… I gained authentic connections with people who love me and my family for who we are, without questioning our worth…

So again, thank you for speaking to issues that matter to people like me, our wives, and our children.”

Her email made me go back and read that blog post (click here to read) which began:

“I’m writing to pastors inspired by Gospel truth and the burning call of prophetic challenge, but whose courage has been trumped by the need to keep the peace – and, yes, maybe a paycheck. I am speaking to those whose vision for ministry has been marred by denominational leaders and chairs of the diaconate, those trusted voices within and without the local church whose primary loyalties are to ecclesiastical tradition and structured belief rather than the wild wind of Spirit…

I’m writing to friends and colleagues in moderate churches… I could be right where you are. I am one of the fortunate ones.”

The article was mostly about the need for “moderate” pastors to speak out, to speak up for the gay and trans kids and adults in their congregations – but in these opening words I felt a tinge of hypocrisy. I am one of the fortunate ones, one of the rare few who inherited a church where dialogue is encouraged. For most of our 75 years as a church, Park Road has celebrated the “Open Pulpit” – as we were told when we became your pastors: “No one tells our pastor(s) what they can and cannot preach. We want to be challenged theologically, socially, intellectually from the pulpit.”

But recently – as Stephanie’s email reminded me – we have been reticent to speak. I felt that sting as I read my words to those “moderate pastors,” and thought about the words of the apocalyptic Jesus, spoken in Revelation: “I wish that you were either cold or hot. So, because you are lukewarm… I am about to spit you out of my mouth.”

Lukewarm. Ouch.

If we are going to continue to be the Park Road we have been for so long, offering a mature, healthy version of church as a community always in dialogue – willing to disagree, not just get angry and walk away – we’re going to have to speak, and you’re going to have to commit to being part of a healthy dialogue.

I’m grateful to Stephanie for reminding me how rare it is to have the voice you have given to us, to be the kind of community we have enjoyed for so long. - Russ

Sunday Worship

March 30, 2025

A Benediction

By James Story

(James, the son of Mark Story, wrote this benediction for Youth Sunday)

As you go into the world, I will leave you with these words. But now, these are not mine,

but the Lord’s—

God made your light to shine,

Bright for all to see.

Shine in your own special way.

Remember, you are the light of the world, not its scum.

We are not forsaken, but forgiven.

You are the way you are meant to shine.

You are loved and amazing in many ways.

You are good.

Go, shine your light on the world!

Update for Children and Youth:

Goodbye, Steve. Hello, Caleb!

Thanks to Steve Cothran, who has served our youth so well in the last few months. Steve will be with us in April but will be able to return to his family on Sundays after April 27 – his last day with us. Please take an opportunity to thank Steve for his work with our youth and his leadership in worship. And then: Hello, Caleb! Caleb Foust, along with his wife, Mary Beth and their daughters Ava (10) and Eleanor (7) will join us on Sunday morning, May 4. This will be Caleb’s first official day with us – though he will not immediately have a full-time presence in the office. His girls finish school in Mount Airy on May 23, and he and Mary Beth are in the process of selling and buying houses. Caleb will be as active and present during the week as possible – but with us on Sundays beginning in May. Parents, please note the following schedule:

April 6 – Sunday School and Youth Group (5:30-7:00pm)
April 13 and 20 – Sunday School, but no Youth Group due to Spring Break
April 27 – Steve’s Last Sunday
May 4 – Hello, Caleb! (Stay tuned for details on a welcome event following worship.)
May – regular Youth activities resume, based on Caleb’s notifications
May 16-18 – NO Spring Retreat
June 8 – Baccalaureate Sunday
June – Stay tuned for some Kickoff Activity in lieu of the Spring Retreat, and a Mission Trip to the Mars Hill area.
July 7 -12 – Unidiversity for youth (taking sign-ups now)
July 15-18 – Camp Prism for children (taking sign-ups now)

Do We Really Hate Each Other?

In an effort to address the divisions facing the country today, our Park Road University planning team has invited Dr. Joseph Ellis, Professor of Political Science and Associate Dean at Wingate University, to present a program. Subtitled “Bridging the Political Divide in America in the 21st Century,” Dr. Ellis will be here to help us talk together about why the divisions are so strong and how we can overcome them. All are invited: May 4, 5:30–7:00 p.m., Milford Chapel.

Western NC House Build - We're Underway!

On Tuesday, Mark Mintich and Russ Dean visited Jennifer Greene to scope out the lot and begin making plans for our house build. Preparations are being made to secure a permit and to dig and pour the foundation for Jennifer’s home in the community of Rollins, adjacent to Marshall, NC.

We hope to have a kickoff weekend before the end of May, possibly a Thursday–Monday project. We need to begin getting an idea of who is available and their skill levels. You may sign up in Helt Hall or by emailing info@parkroadbaptist.org. Please indicate:

Skilled in Construction (could lead a small group of workers)
Construction Literate (comfortable using a variety of tools)
Great Helper (can carry, load, hold, help as needed)

Deacon of the Week

I’m Greg Heaton. My wife, Beth, and I joined Park Road over 20 years ago. Our two sons, Ben (24) and Reid (18), have grown up here, and I know the church has shaped a lot of who they are. I work in banking and try to spend as much of my free time as I can on the golf course. Beth and I have both served in many committee roles, and I am excited to be back for another term in the diaconate.

Lenten Study - Russ's Group Canceled This Weekend

Russ’s group will not meet Sunday night, April 6, but will reconvene April 13, 5:30–7:00 p.m., to conclude the discussion of his book, The Power of the God Who Can’t. Amy’s group will meet this Sunday night.

Thank You for Supporting Roof Above

Support from Park Road Baptist Church makes it possible for our neighbors, like Sarah Jane, to rebuild their lives.

Sarah Jane was a certified nursing assistant at a nursing home. When she lost her job, she struggled to maintain her housing and her mental health. Eventually, she was evicted.

Earlier this year, Sarah Jane started her first job since she entered homelessness. She’s working at Burger King, and she is incredibly proud to be receiving a paycheck.

Your support enables us to connect with our neighbors through shelter, services, and, most importantly, housing. Your gift is transforming lives.

Help Restock the Duncan Community Pantry This Sunday

The Duncan Community Pantry is in need of supplies. The first Sunday of each month, is our designated time to bring non-perishable food items to help restock the shelves. Suggested donations include self-opening cans or containers of fruit, meat, sports drinks, and vegetables. Our stock is running low, making this the perfect time to lend a hand.

This pantry is a well-used and valued ministry, originally established by Hank Smyth as his Eagle Scout project in memory of his grandfather, Mack Duncan. While donations are always welcome in the office, the first Sunday of each month is set aside for a focused restocking effort. A collection bin will be available in Helt Hall for Sunday morning donations.

For those who prefer to give monetarily instead of donating food, please include a note specifying that your gift is for the Duncan Community Pantry.

We are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our community! Please note that we cannot accept items past their expiration date or those that have been opened or partially used. Thank you for your continued support!

Introduction to Open and Relational Theology - Relational

How might the idea that you influence and affect God change the way you live?

This week, we explore the relational part of Open and Relational Theology. This study is based on the book Open and Relational Theology: An Introduction to Life-Changing Ideas by Thomas Oord, who defines ORT and explains how it differs from traditional theologies. We will explore how God relates to all of creation. 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, April 6, at 9:45 a.m. in Milford Chapel.

Mark Your Calendars: Upcoming Blood Drive on April 27

The next blood drive for OneBlood is scheduled for Sunday, April 27, from noon to 4 p.m. Donors can register and make an appointment at Oneblood.org or may also just show up on the day of the drive.

This blood drive is for whole blood and not platelets. The drive is open to all donors (male and female) age 18 and over who are eligible to donate. The OneBlood website provides details about donor eligibility.

Donors also get a free health screening that includes blood pressure, hemoglobin level, and cholesterol. Usually, there are additional perks for donating, like a t-shirt or gift card.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the church office or Kevin Kline.

Meck Pre-K Ends Insect Study with Fun Parent Events

The Child Development Center's Meck Pre-K classrooms (CMS sponsored classes in our CDC) wrapped up their engaging insect study with two exciting parent events that brought families together for hands-on learning and fun.

Meck Pre-K 1 hosted a "Paint and Slip" event, where children and their families explored creativity while celebrating the fascinating world of insects. With paintbrushes in hand, students expressed their favorite insect discoveries through vibrant artwork, making for a colorful and memorable experience.

Meanwhile, Meck Pre-K 2 organized an "Insect Fair," transforming their classroom into an interactive exhibit showcasing everything the young learners had discovered about insects. Families explored different stations featuring bug-themed activities, games, and crafts, allowing children to proudly share their newfound knowledge.

Both events provided meaningful opportunities for families to participate with their children’s learning experiences, strengthening the connection between home and school. The CDC is thrilled by the enthusiasm shown by students, teachers, and families alike and looks forward to more engaging studies in the future!

Easter Remembrances

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, Children, and Families

Upcoming Events:
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
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.