April 2026 Highlights

April 3—Good Friday Worship Service 

April 5—Breakfast Fellowship, Easter Worship

April 11—Widows & Widowers Banquet

April 12—Churchwide Picnic at Bur-Mil Park

April 19—Mary & Martha Meal

April 24-25—Men’s Retreat 

April 25—Fashion With a Purpose

April 26—Family Quarterly Business Meeting

Shepherd the Flock of God

The title Pastor is used synonymously with Elder and Overseer in the Bible (Acts 20:17,28; 1 Peter 5:1-2; 1 Timothy 3:1; 4:14; 5:17; Titus 1:5). It’s one office but described in a number of ways. Even though the office is one, it is occupied by a group. God’s good design provides for leadership, oversight, and responsibility for His people, the church, by a group of godly qualified men. At Lawndale, we have a group of Pastors who lead, but ultimate decisions are made by the congregation. We call it Pastor-led and congregationally-ruled.

The word Pastor means “Shepherd.” Translators translate “poimen” either way. It’s safe to say a Pastor is a Shepherd. The word picture provides even more richness when we think about what that means. Agriculturally, shepherds take care of sheep. They know them by name, protect them, make sure they are fed, and correct them as needed. John 10 identifies Jesus as the Good Shepherd. In some ways, Pastors are His undershepherds. They try to serve the flock on His behalf and lead them as Jesus leads.

Pastors are not meant to be ranchers, CEOs (chief executive officers or chief entertainment officers), nor hirelings. They are called to serve God and lead His people as He directs. When someone is part of the Lawndale flock, the goal for the Pastors is to lead as shepherds. As Pastors, we try to think of it as 5 commitments to God and His people . . . or those He has given us:

• We pray for members (prayer).
• We help members make progress in the faith (discipleship and ministry of the Word).
• We prepare members to do ministry at home, in the church and in the world (equip).
• We practice ministry and care for members alongside the Deacons (serve).
• We patiently encourage members to persevere, even when straying (correct).

Would you take a moment while you are reading this article and pray for your Pastors?

• Curt Dean
• Jimmy Jackson
• Nathan Morrison
• Cliff Stewart
• Rodney Navey
• Luke Earwood
• Zach McCraw

We asked the church family at Nathan’s recent ordination to remember Hebrews 13:17, “Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.”

I’m thankful we get to celebrate Easter together by eating together (breakfast at 9:15 am) and worshipping together (“Christ Was Raised On The 3rd Day” at 10:30 am) on April 5. Then, we finish up Colossians, “Christ Gives Us Everything We Need”:

• April 12 Colossians 3:15-17; 4:2-6
• April 19 Colossians 3:18-4:1
• April 26 Colossians 4:7-18

No relationship, no thing, no accomplishment or position will be able to meet your deepest need. Only Jesus! He is sufficient!

March 30-Apr. 5 . . . Noah Darnell

April 6-12 . . . Jimmy Jackson

April 13-19 . . . Nathan Morrison

April 20-26 . . . Dr. Rodney Navey

April 27-May 3 . . . Dr. Curt Dean

   If no one answers immediately, please leave a message with a contact number

and your call will be returned as soon as possible.

Dr. Zach McCraw, Discipleship & Next Gen Pastor (zemccraw@lawndalebaptist.org)

Nathan Morrison, Children’s & Family Pastor (nhmorrison@lawndalebaptist.org)

Abby Miller, Children’s & Family Director (acmiller@lawndalebaptist.org)

Terrell Perkins, Student Families Director (tjperkins@lawndalebaptist.org)

Hannah Blackmore, Sports Director (hrblackmore@lawndalebaptist.org)

Ben Harrison, Students & Sports Assistant (bharrison@lawndalebaptist.org)

Abby McCraw, Children’s & Family Admin (acmmccraw@lawndalebaptist.org)

Lori Eanes, Students, College, and Young Adults Admin (ljeanes@lawndalebaptist.org)

Save the dates for “Illumination Station” VBS from June 29 – July 2.

Are you starting to make plans for Vacation Bible School? We want you to be involved! Check with Abby Miller if you’re willing to serve or see the Volunteer sign up link on Church Center. It’s sure to be a fun summer event!

Upcoming Events for Next Gen, Family Equipping, Students and Children:

4/1 Fort Caswell Summer Camp registration opens for students, grades 6-12

4/1 Graduate Commissioning registration opens for high school seniors and upcoming college grads. Find out more on Church Center. Registration closes with all materials due by April 30.

4/1 No Wednesday night Children’s Olympians and Gopher Buddies and no Student Fusion this week.

4/5 Happy Easter! Life Groups will not meet today. Enjoy a light breakfast in the CLC before worship service.

4/5 Registration opens on Church Center for Vacation Bible School!

4/10-12 High School Students Serve Weekend at Exodus Church in Belmont NC

4/12 Church-wide picnic at Bur-Mil Park, Shelter #1, organized by the Preschool and Children’s committee. Bring your own lunch and join us right after the worship service until 4 pm.

4/12 VBS Leader Meeting at the church in the CLC at 5 pm

4/15 Milestones class for Parents of 12th grade students (room 364 at 6:15 pm)

4/19 Students 314 Discipleship class in the Chapel at 3:30 (new time this month)

4/24-25 Men’s Retreat at Caraway (includes High School students). Register online through April 5.

Sunday morning classes for children (preschool to grade 5, 1st floor) and students (grades 6-12, Chapel) take place before worship service and start at 9:15. On Wednesdays, join us at 6:15 pm for Gopher Buddies and Olympians activities (for children in preschool through grade 5) on the first floor, Children's wing. Fusion for middle school and high school students takes place in the Chapel at 6:15 pm on Wednesdays. 

To get the most up-to-date information in your inbox, email Lori Eanes (weekly Student Ministry newsletter) or Abby McCraw (monthly Children's Ministry newsletter). The Sports Ministry newsletter section includes all of the upcoming athletic activities.

Hannah Blackmore, Sports Director, hrblackmore@lawndalebaptist.org

Ben Harrison, Students & Sports Assistant (bharrison@lawndalebaptist.org)

Play and Pray Basketball—This time of organized, pick-up basketball, testimony, and prayer will be in the CLC April 16, 23, and 30 at 6 pm. There is no registration, and participation is open to ages 14 and up.

Dr. Curt Dean, Executive Pastor, cdean@lawndalebaptist.org

We need singles to serve at the Widows/Widowers Banquet on April 11. If you can volunteer, please contact Beverly Black in the office at 336-288-3824 no later than April 5.

Dr. Curt Dean, Executive Pastor, cdean@lawndalebaptist.org

Dr. Zach McCraw, Discipleship & Next Gen Pastor, zemccraw@lawndalebaptist.org

Connect with the Church

• Join us for Worship Service each Sunday at 10:30 am.
• Next Baptism: Easter Sunday, April 5. Talk to a pastor if you are interested in the following baptism which will be June 14.
• Next Lord’s Supper: May 24.

Learn the Bible

• Check out our church Bible Reading Plan in the bulletin, weekly announcements email, or in the lobby.
• Join a Life Group each Sunday at 9:15 am. Lists are in the lobby.

Grow in Discipleship

• Are you interested in being personally discipled? Reach out to a pastor for more information.
• Men’s and Women’s ministries normally meet the first Sunday of each month but will not meet in April due to Easter. Both ministries will meet May 3 at 4 pm.

Serve in Ministry

• Are you interested in serving in ministry somewhere? Reach out to a pastor for more information.

Reach the Lost

• Who’s Your One? Have one unsaved or unchurched person or family you are praying for, ministering to, inviting to church, and sharing the gospel with.
• Next Evangelism Encounter: Who’s your One for VBS?

Cliff Stewart, Senior Adults Pastor, crstewart@lawndalebaptist.org

A word of encouragement:

In all your getting, get wisdom. Proverbs 2-4

The first ten verses of Proverbs 2 comprise an extended “if-then” statement. The writer is putting forth the conditions (“if”) and the benefits (“then”) of gaining wisdom. These benefits are promises with conditions. The condition is this: if you receive and treasure his words, if you call out and raise your voice for insight and understanding, if you seek after it like silver and hidden treasure, then the benefits will come. God promises the following: your ear will be attentive to wisdom, and your heart will be inclined to understanding; you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God; you will understand every good path and wisdom will come into your heart.

Meet the conditions and reap the benefits. In Chapter 4 as the writer begins to conclude the discussion, he tells us why there is great value in getting wisdom. 

“Get wisdom, and whatever you get, get insight. Prize her highly, and she will exalt you; she will honor you if you embrace her. She will place on your head a graceful garland; she will bestow on you a beautiful crown.” Proverbs 4:7-9

In all your getting, get wisdom. The benefits are well worth the effort in this life and in the next.

Prime Time in April—Join us in the CLC at noon on April 16 for our monthly Prime Time Fellowship. The menu this month will be ham, mashed potatoes, green beans, bread, and beverages. Mark Nickens will teach us biblical truths using a pottery demonstration. Bring a friend. It is a good way to introduce them to Lawndale. We need a head count for the food and seating, so please RSVP by calling the church office by April 9. A $5 donation at the door is appreciated. We look forward to seeing you.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study—The 8-week series is underway titled "8 Ways to be Ready to Share the Gospel". Sharing the Gospel is a vital part of the Christian life. In this series we are being equipped to obey the Lord’s command to share the Gospel. Hope to see you there.

Life Groups—Sometimes a church our size can be a bit overwhelming. That is where Life Groups come in. Friendships, personal care, prayer, good conversation, fellowship, and small group Bible Study can go a long way to finding a place where you can feel more comfortable. We have four senior classes to choose from. Let me help you get connected.

• Hearts Holding Hands (Rm. 234): Bonnie Barger, Susan Pearman, Brenda Alexander
• Logos (Rm. 215): Kim & Lillie Cooper
• Looking to Christ (Rm. 162): Jeff & Brenna Payne, Fran Brown
• Kindred Spirits (Rm. 163): Cliff & Sherry Stewart

Jimmy Jackson, Missions Pastor, jjackson@lawndalebaptist.org

Fashion With a Purpose: April 25, 2-4 pm, CLC—Girls and ladies of all ages, enjoy shopping for accessories, desserts, a fashion show, and door prizes while making new friends at this free event. Proceeds support Piedmont International Fellowship, a ministry that reaches out to international college students with the love of Christ.

• Donations needed: new/gently worn ladies accessories (jewelry, handbags, shoes, boots, gloves, hats, scarves)
• Donation collection: you can drop off donated items beginning April 5 at the Link stations in the lobby or bring them to the church office during office hours through April 19.
• Sign up to attend: email Audrey Womack no later than April 19 (awomack2@triad.rr.com).

Baptist Children’s Home Food Roundup—April is BCH Food Roundup month! Find a list of needed items at the Link Stations beginning in April and return donations to the designated bins. We will receive donations through April 26.

Hurricane Relief Mission Trip, May 18-21—Volunteers are needed to help clean, paint, and do minor building repairs in Boone. There is no cost for this trip, but you must supply your own transportation. Contact Jimmy Jackson by May 1 for specific details and to volunteer.

May the Course: Race for Restoration Place Counseling—You are invited to join us for the seventh annual May the Course Be with You, a “Star Wars” themed 5K/10K and Mental Health Mile, on Saturday, May 2. You can expect a great race with a variety of runners in costumes and other galactic goodness! All proceeds will support the Restoration Place Counseling Center. Participate by registering for an event, becoming a charity runner, volunteering, or sharing the gospel. The registration page at maythecourserace.com.

Walk for Life: Saturday, May 9—We will walk in Greensboro and Winston-Salem to empower 176 women to face their unplanned pregnancies without fear. Many women contact The Pregnancy Network scared and under pressure to make a quick decision. They don’t just need information; they need time, support, and someone who will listen and empower them to make life-affirming choices. Funds raised provide pregnancy tests, ultrasounds, peer advocacy, and ongoing support so a woman can slow down, understand her options, and move forward without fear. When a team leader steps up, more women are seen, heard, and cared for. You can register at thepregnancynetwork.org. Click on Walk for Life under the Partner tab.

New York City Mission Trip, August 1-8—We will be teaching VBS (Illumination Station) Monday through Friday and also have the opportunity to partiacipate in children's ministry at two local churches. The cost is $1099 (including round trip air, lodging, food, and a Metro Pass) with a deposit of $200 due April 12. Space is limited so register quickly! See Jimmy Jackson for details.

Tutors/Volunteers Needed—Joyner Elementary School needs tutors to help children prepare for End of Grade (EOG) testing. You can do this on your time frame and as often as you would like. See Jimmy Jackson for details.

Lilies of the Field (clothing outreach)—We are now accepting spring clothing, and we are specifically requesting adult plus sizes and adult and children’s shoes. If you are interested in volunteering with this clothing ministry, contact Brenna at brennap023@gmail.com to see how you can get involved.

Shepherd’s Shelf Food Pantry—The church is providing a small canned ham for the April item of the month. We're asking you to provide the sides and a dessert! You can find the items at local grocery stores for about $8:

• One 27 oz can seasoned collard greens (Glory brand, Margaret Holmes brand are examples)
• One 29 oz can yams (Bruce's brand is an example)
• One box brownie mix (approximately 18 oz).

If you'd like to see a visual of the requested items, look for the flyer on the donation table beside the church office or the bulletin board in the children's lobby. Thank you, Church, for the success of Shepherd's Shelf. We couldn't do it without you. 

Lee Anne Wade, Women’s Director, lewade@lawndalebaptist.org

Women’s Ministry—We will not meet in April due to the Easter Holiday. Please join us April 19 at the Mary and Martha meal. Our monthly meeting will resume on May 3.  

Women on Mission—Our groups are celebrating Spring and hoping you will join them! Please call Fran Brown at 336-292-8508 for more information.

• Joyful Missions: meets the 1st Tuesday of the month; next meeting April 7 at 10 am in room 234; Planning for the PIF annual fundraiser so that the gospel can be spread among international students.
• Motivated by Grace: meets the 2nd Tuesday of the month; next meeting April 14 at 1 pm in room 217; Emphasizing our NAMB missionaries and the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering.
• Faith in Action: meets the 3rd Tuesday of the month; next meeting April 21 at 6 pm in room 217; Hearing about the GAP mission from Rev. Jimmy Jackson.

Healing Hearts Widows Ministry—We will not meet this month. Instead, all widows invited to participate in the Widows and Widowers Banquet on April 11 at 4:45 pm. Contact Beverly in the church office to RSVP by April 2. 

Ladies’ Wednesday Morning Study—All ladies are welcome to attend each Wednesday at 9 am in the Chapel. Dr. Donna Navey is currently teaching “To Live with Purpose and Peace/A Women's Study of Ecclesiastes.” There is no registration, and study materials are provided. The study will not meet on April 1.

Ladies’ Wednesday Evening Study— Begins April 15 at 6:15 pm in room 362. The study is based on the book Heaven: When Faith Becomes Sight. In this 7-session video-based study, Jennifer Rothschild explores the subject of Heaven from a biblical perspective. Register on Church Center where a link is included to purchase your book in advance. Books are available on most online stores, including Amazon and LifeWay.

MOMS (Making Our Mothering Significant)—The current session of MOMS continues through April 29 as we join the 9 am Wednesday ladies’ Bible study followed by an hour of discussion and discipleship with our mentor moms in the Fellowship Hall. MOMS will not meet on April 1.

Mary and Martha Meal—will be held April 19 at 5 pm. Please join us for a time of sweet fellowship! You will see a variety of ways to decorate for your special events, enjoy dinner and worship music and experience some humor as well as an inspirational gospel testimony! Registration closes April 8.

Dr. Rodney Navey, Lead Pastor

Men’s Ministry—We will not meet in April due to the Easter Holiday. We will resume the monthly meeting on May 3. Please join us at the 1st annual Men's Ministry Retreat, April 24-25 at Camp Caraway for ages high school and up. This year’s theme is “Run the Race” based on Hebrews 12:1-3. We will have some competitive fun and games, enjoy good food, and open up God’s Word together. Meals will be provided. Register on Church Center through April 5.

As we celebrate Christ’s finished work at Calvary, and His resurrection, we will be learning a song together called “Christus Victor.” The chorus of the song comes from Revelation 5.

As we look back to Christ’s finished work, may we also look ahead to the end of the age when the Bride of Christ will be united to her groom. We will all sing of the power, wealth, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing of the Lamb who was slain before the foundation of the world. To God be the glory, great things He has done!

Martha Stone, Weekday School Director, msstone@lawndalebaptist.org, 336.282.4177

Registration for the 2026/2027 school year is going very well. Many of our classes are already full, so if you know of anyone looking for a Christian preschool, please have them contact Lawndale Baptist Weekday. Registration forms are available online as well as outside my office in the children’s wing. If you have any questions or need more information, please call our office.

The Weekday School will be closed for Easter and Spring break from Monday, March 30 through Monday, April 6. Classes will resume on Tuesday, April 7. 

Class photos will be taken on April 20 and 21. 

Matthew 19:14

Annie Armstrong Easter Offering—Your giving to this offering makes an eternal impact across North America. You enable thousands of missionaries to be sent, to plant churches, and to serve the needs of people with a gospel witness. Please unite with us to continue this mission that is transforming lives. Offering envelopes are available in the lobby.

Good Friday and Easter Services—Our Good Friday service will be April 3 at 6:30 pm in the Worship Center. Childcare will be available. Our Easter service will be at 10:30 am April 5 following the Easter Outreach Breakfast at 9:15 am.

Easter Outreach Breakfast—Who is one unchurched, non-believing person you are praying for and ministering to? It is reported that over 80% of unchurched people would attend a service if invited. This Easter, April 5 at 9:15 am, we will be serving breakfast finger foods, coffee, and orange juice in the CLC. We encourage you to bring a guest and enjoy some intentional fellowship before the worship service.

Sunday Flower Arrangements—Provide flowers for the church lobby on a Sunday of your choice in honor or memory of someone. Arrangements are $125 and can be taken home the Sunday after the service. Look for the signup sheet on the 2nd floor elevator lobby. Be sure to provide your contact information so a staff member can contact you prior to your Sunday to get the wording for your flower card. 

Churchwide Picnic—Church family, come out to Bur-Mil Park’s Shelter #1 at noon on April 12 for a time of food and fellowship. Bring lunch for your family along with chairs or blankets for seating.

Family Quarterly Business Meeting—Join us April 26 at 5 pm in the Worship Center.

Shepherd's Shelf—This food pantry ministry is still looking for prayer partners. If interested in serving, please contact Linda Register at rlindar@bellsouth.net. We meet in the Fellowship Hall every Tuesday of the month except the first Tuesday and any Tuesdays that fall on holidays. You are welcome to visit any Tuesday we are open!

National Day of Prayer—Save the date for May 7. More information will be provided in the May newsletter.

In response to many of you asking for ways to give tithes and offerings, we want to offer these giving options to you:

• Drop box - Drop off tithes in the drop box at the church reception desk (weekdays) or in the lobby (Sundays)
• By mail - 3505 Lawndale Dr., Greensboro, NC 27408; ATTN: Financial Office
• Online - www.lawndalebaptist.org. Go to the Give tab under Lawndale Link.

Lawndale has a brokerage account to receive gifts of stock. For more information, contact Dana Martin in the church office. 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. 1 Peter 1:3 (ESV)