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

{View as Webpage}

Correction: While editing images for the article below on the Ashcraft legacy, a paragraph was unintentionally removed. The full and complete article appears below.

— Becka Eppley, Communications Director

What’s in a name? At least 75 years of history in this one:

Ashcraft.

Seventy-five years ago, when a small group of folks gathered to begin talking about forming a new church in the pasture of a dairy farm that was quickly becoming a residential neighborhood, the name Ashcraft was there. Hugh and Nell Ashcraft owned the Ashcraft Dairy, and soon donated a small parcel of that farm, at 3900 Park Road. On that little patch of ground, a church was born.

In our 75th anniversary celebration in December, we spent a great deal of time reviewing this history -- the people and the events that have made Park Road the church we are today. At every step along the way, the name Ashcraft has been instrumental.

After Hugh, Sr. came Hugh, Jr., and his wife, Claire, whose beautiful voice became the choir’s featured soprano soloist for many years. Hugh, Jr. was an active leader until his untimely death. Then, stepping up to the plate, Hugh, III and Sarah accepted their Ashcraft roles perfectly. They are here just about every time the doors are open. They raised two children, Hugh, IV and Jenna, in our children's and youth programs, and are continuing the Ashcraft tradition of participation and support in all things Park Road.

The old, original Ashcraft farmhouse is still standing, about a block behind the church, on Ashcraft Lane. It now belongs to Jim and Ann Hogshead — two more Ashcrafts who have been part of the Park Road story for many years. (Ann and Hugh are cousins.)

When the suggestion was made to name the quadrant of grass in the very middle of our campus the Ashcraft Courtyard, there was not a moment's hesitation, nor a single question raised. What better a tribute to this family? It's perfect! This naming appropriately designates land, a tribute that reminds us of Park Road's beginning, that is in the middle of the life of Park Road, as all the Ashcrafts have been, land so often feels the feet of our little ones, running, laughing, playing together, a hint of the future that the Ashcraft name will continue to give to this congregation.

Every time you pass the pillar designating the Ashcraft Courtyard, whisper a little word of thanks and a prayer of gratitude for the name, and all that "Ashcraft" has meant to Park Road Baptist Church. - Russ

We are watching the weather for what is shaping up to be a real storm. Our traditional practice has been never to cancel worship, but recent wisdom has us reconsidering this policy, for legitimate safety concerns.

Note the following:

• For this weekend, there will be No Connection Groups at the 9:45am hour.
• The ministers will make a decision regarding worship on Saturday at noon.
• If the storm is as bad as some are predicting, we will cancel worship.
• Either way, we will put a notice on Facebook and send a Phone Tree message. (If the power is out, so you do not get a message about worship, we will cancel.)
• If we cancel worship, and have power, Russ and Amy will go online at 11:00am to offer a brief devotional time. This will be available on the church's Facebook page (click here to watch)

Let's check out Dolce Osteria (the Internet says Dolce Osteria, but the name on the restaurant is Dolce Ristorante). Looks like a beautiful restaurant, with moderately priced Italian specialties. Since we're headed to Tuscany this summer, I'm trying to get my taster set! Meet in the church parking lot this Friday, January 23, at 11:15 a.m., or meet us at 1710 Kenilworth Avenue at 11:30 a.m.

Please let us know if you are planning to join us by calling the church office (704) 523-5717 or emailing Russ or Amy (Becka is out of the office for the rest of the week). – Russ

Annual contribution statements for 2025 were emailed out yesterday. In the email, you will find a link to download your statement. Occasionally, the link will default to the last statement you received, so if the statement does not appear to be for the full year, please refresh your browser, and it should update to the full-year statement. If you have any questions or did not receive the email, please reach out to Allison Wieland (allison@parkroadbaptist.org or 704-523-5717). Thank you, as always, for your faithful giving!

Please join us for our First Wednesday meal and time together around the tables. In our increasingly isolated world, it’s great to have time together, sharing a meal and fellowship face to face. That’s what families do! Please email to make your dinner reservation by Tuesday, February 3, at noon at info@parkroadbaptist.org, or sign up in Helt Hall on Sunday.

Our new friend, Dr Thomas Jay Oord, hosts an annual online conference to present books and ideas from ORT-related pastors, teachers, and friends. This year's conference will be held February 12-14, and one of the sessions will feature Russ Dean's latest book, The Story as We Have Received It. The conference is rather daunting — it runs 8-hours a day for three days! But, it's online, and you can choose which session(s) to enjoy. All sessions follow the same schedule: The author spends a few minutes summarizing her/his book; 3 panelists take a few minutes each, offering reflection and critique, and posing questions for the author's response; online participants are invited to share their comments/questions. Russ's session is Friday morning, February 13 at 11:00am.

You can see the full lineup, and register by using this link:  https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ortline-2026-tickets-1971280952394 .

New Strollers

The Park Road Child Development Center purchased two new strollers last week and donated our Bye-Bye Buggies to a local childcare facility in need. We are excited about the improved efficiency of our new strollers and look forward to using them for many years to come.

Play Ground Updates

The CDC made some end-of-the-year playground upgrades. New wood chips were added, sandboxes were filled, and new edging was installed to ensure the safety of all our children. Everyone is enjoying the fresh new look! 

*Youth - are students who will complete grades 6th– 12th during the 2025-2026 school year.

Winter Retreat

If you are going on the winter retreat, I need an RSVP by January 25th. I need to know whether you want to ski, snowboard or tube. Lift Tickets must be purchased, and gear must be rented by February! We will be going to Winter Place in Ghent West Virginia. Dates are February 20-22. We have 9 spots remaining so sign up ASAP! - Caleb

Regular Scheduled Programing is as follows:

• Sunday Mornings, 10a - Preview

(Canceled this Sunday, January 25th due to forcasted winter storm.)

• Sunday Evenings, 5:30-7p - SNT

(Canceled this Sunday, January 25th due to forcasted winter storm.)

*Children - are students who will complete grades K– 5th during the 2025-2026 school year.

Camp Prism: Exploring God’s Big World

Camp Prism is for all kids who have completed 3rd–5th grade. This year, we will be exploring creation and how we’re all bound together in God’s great big world. To sign up and to learn more, email caleb@parkroadbaptist.org

Regular Scheduled Programing is as follows:

• Sunday Mornings 9:45-10:45am Children's Sunday School (K-5th)

(Canceled this Sunday, January 25th due to forcasted winter storm.)

• Sunday Mornings 10am-12pm Nursery

(Canceled this Sunday, January 25th due to forcasted winter storm.)

• First Wednesdays 5:30pm Dinner/6pm Children's Midweek - The first Wednesday of each month.

Coming Up at Park Road

• Sunday Worship

Facebook Live and In-Person - 11am

(Sancutary)

• Sundays

Pickleball - 7:15pm

(Community Center - Gym)

• First Wednesdays

Dinner and Vespers

5:30pm Dinner / 6pm Vespers

(Community Center - Gym)

• First and Third Tuesdays

Bible Study and Fellowship - 10am

(Community Center - Room 503)

• Tuesday and Thursdays

Flexercise - 9am

(Community Center - Gym)