August 2026 Highlights

Aug. 1—Comfort Creations

Aug. 2—Men’s & Women’s Ministries 

Aug. 3-6—5th/6th Gr. Basketball Camp

Aug. 6 & 20—Play & Pray

Aug. 8—Serve NC Workday at Joyner

Aug. 10, 11, 13—Adult Summer Basketball Tournament

Aug. 16—Baptism

Aug. 23—Promotion Sunday (Children/Students)

Aug. 29—Worship Choir Retreat

Those God Sends Out From Us



To help us think through our responsibilities as believers, I have offered five ways to name people in which we should feel “gospel” and “discipleship” obligation:

• Those God has given us (Spiritual and Biological Family)
• Those God sends us (Hospitality/Divine Appointments)
• Those God put around us (Neighborhood of Church Family)
• Those God put us around (Neighborhood of Your Family)
• Those God sends out from us (Locally and Globally)

We all share in the mission Jesus gave to His followers, “Make disciples!” (Matt 28:18-20).

The fifth category, “Those God sends out from us,” includes all of us. Each week we gather to be equipped to walk with God, enjoy Him, and glorify Him. Then, we “scatter” or “go” to do it (walk with Him, enjoy Him, and glorify Him). Part of glorifying God is bearing fruit (John 15:8); we make disciples. We have gospel influence on the people around us.

From time to time, we also send out those of our own to go to different locations and ministry assignments to do the same. It’s a time of celebrating, praying, and giving thanks for what God has done in calling, preparing, and sending. However, sending comes with costs. When we send, we send brothers and sisters in Christ who mean a lot to us and who leave holes that need to be filled again.

We are sending Zach McCraw, along with Abby and Avery, to go serve as Lead Pastor of Conrad Baptist Church in High Point, NC. We’ve been blessed to have him serve with our students and in the area of discipleship. Zach and Abby have been with us 5 years (7/11/21), and we are thankful for their ministry among us. He not only has grown in ministry but has done good ministry. He could not have done it alone; Abby has been quite the helpmate to serve alongside him.

Would you pray for them? Ask the Lord to give them a great love for their new church family and community. And pray the new church family will welcome them, love them, and support them as they minister together. Pray for Zach and Abby’s marriage to be strong and for them to make disciples at home with Avery. And then pray for unity in the church and for doors to be opened to make disciples in the community and throughout their city.

I had previously announced I would be on sabbatical during this time, but I’m delaying that until most likely February. I’ve been blessed by many of you who have encouraged me and promised prayer for time away. It is my heart to fulfill that and to enjoy some extended time focusing on my relationship with God. However, I want to be very much part of the sending of the McCraws and guiding our church family through this transition.

We are working on an interim plan as Pastors and Personnel Committee for our students, and we are excited to share soon what’s ahead. Just as we have prayed for laborers for the harvest field, God has answered (Lk 10:2). He will direct us as we seek Him in moving forward. Pray along with us, and thank God for Zach, Abby, and Avery, “Those He sends us out from us.”

July 27-August 2 . . . Luke Earwood

August 3-9 . . . Nathan Morrison

August 10-16 . . . Dr. Rodney Navey

August 17-23 . . . Dr. Curt Dean

August 24-30 . . . Dr. Rodney Navey

Aug. 31-Sept. 6 . . . Cliff Stewart

   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)

Martha Stone, Weekday School Director (msstone@lawndalebaptist.org)

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

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

“Making disciples who make disciples all for the glory of God.”

The Disciple’s Path: Reach the Lost. Connect with the Church. Learn the Bible. Grow in Discipleship. Serve in Ministry.

Weekday School

Summer is quickly passing by as preparations are being made for the 2026-2027 school year. We are currently at full enrollment with 135 students, and we are eager and ready to begin school in September. There will be a “Meet and Greet” Open House on Wednesday morning, August 26. The first full day of school is Wednesday, September 2.

Your donations to the Doris and Marion Ellis Scholarship Fund are greatly appreciated. Last year, with your help, we were able to come alongside seven families to make Christian preschool a reality for them.

Re-link your Harris Teeter VIC card! The Together in Education program re-launches on August 1 for the new school year. Give the cashier your VIC card and our school's Together in Education number (5101) during checkout. You may link your card with up to five schools. Thank you so much for supporting Lawndale Preschool through this program.

We are very grateful to be a part of a praying church. We covet your prayers as we look forward to all that God has planned in the 2026-2027 school year.

Kids (Babies – Grade 5)

• Scripture Singers—All kids in grades K-5 are welcome to participate in this kids’ choir where we learn scripture through song and perform quarterly during worship services. We will be in room 137 on August 2 at 4 pm. 
• Olympians and Gopher Buddies—start on September 9 (Wednesday evenings) for the new school year. Sunday morning children’s classes will promote to the child’s new grade level on August 23.
• Join us in expressing our gratitude and lifting up Abby McCraw in prayer as she returns to teaching this fall. Abby's last day with us was in July, and we already miss her. She has blessed Kids ministry with her great enthusiasm, creativity, efficiency, and attention to details. Please also pray for us as we seek a new Kids team member.
• We have exciting news! As part of our ongoing commitment to providing a welcoming, clean, and engaging environment for the children and families we serve each week, our classrooms are being professionally painted! The estimated project completion date is August 5. These classrooms have served us faithfully for years, and this refresh will help create brighter, more inviting spaces that better support our ministry. We are grateful for the opportunity to make these improvements, and we are excited about creating excellent environments where children can progress in their faith and be sent to proclaim Jesus in the world.
• Serve in Ministry—Adult volunteer opportunities for both Sunday morning hours:

- Life Groups (babies through grade 5). Commitment: weekly. 1st grade: 2 regular teachers and 3rd grade: 1 teacher

- Extended Teaching (ET, babies through Kindergarten). Commitment: monthly. Teachers for all ages, Music and Bible

- Special Needs: Life Group and ET hours

- If you don’t see your preferred age group or time commitment option, there may still be an opportunity—feel free to reach out for more info.

Students (Middle School and High School)

• Ben Harrison has served in LSM for a little over two years as an apprentice, intern, and director. He has grown much in his walk with Jesus and his call to the ministry and has been a blessing to many of you. Ben will soon be heading off to Liberty University to continue his preparation for the ministry. Over the next few weeks, please encourage him and let him know what he has meant to you. Thank you, Ben, for the huge part you have played in making disciples who make disciples at LSM. You are loved, and you will be missed!
• Fusion Worship—Wednesdays at 6:15 pm in the Chapel
• Middle school and high school students—Promotion Sunday for Sunday morning Equip, August 23 

College

• Life Together class—Sundays at 9:15 am in House B

Sports

• Basketball Camp for 5th and 6th grades, August 3-6. (Registration has closed.)
• Adult Summer Basketball League—stop by the CLC to watch the games on Monday evenings (6-10 pm). Playoff tournament dates will be August 10, 11, and 13. 
• Play & Pray pickup basketball continues on Thursday evenings through August 20 from 6-8 pm for ages 14 through adults. It is co-ed, and there are no fees or registration. There will be no Play & Pray on August 13.

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

Game Night, August 22—We will enjoy pizza and games in House A from 6:30-9 pm. Sign up with Genny in the church office by August 18. Questions? Call Joanna Gerrald at 336-392-7731.

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

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

A word of encouragement:

“The peace of God that passes all understanding” Philippians 4:7

I woke up the other morning thinking about "the peace of God that passes all understanding" from Philippians 4:7. I thought I would encourage you with that thought to help you with whatever you might be going through in your life right now. Let me begin with a question. How can we get a view of what this "peace of God" is like? I think we find the answer in Matthew 8:23-27.

23 And when he got into the boat, his disciples followed him. 24 And behold, there arose a great storm on the sea, so that the boat was being swamped by the waves; but he was asleep. 25 And they went and woke him, saying, “Save us, Lord; we are perishing.” 26 And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm. 27 And the men marveled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”

The boat was being "swamped by the waves; but he was asleep." I spent some time trying to visualize this picture. The raging waves all around, threatening to swamp the boat and during it all was Emmanuel, God with us; Jesus, the Son of God and Savior of the world; and what was He doing? Sleeping a perfect rest. Seeing Jesus asleep during the storm provides us with a visual of the peace He possesses. 

In John 20:26 Jesus simply said to His disciples when He came and stood among them after the resurrection behind doors locked to the outside world, “Peace be with you.”

In the upper room, as He was preparing His disciples for His departure, He said, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you, not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Your heart might be troubled, but you belong to Jesus. In His presence your heart is glad, you dwell secure, and there are pleasures forevermore. Look at Him, see Him, and let His peace be your peace. As He calmed the sea, He will calm your storm, and you will find the same peace that He promised to those disciples long ago.

Events to look forward to:

No Prime Time in August—next Prime Time Luncheon will be September 17.

Life Groups—Fellowship, Friendship, Bible Study – this is the heart of Life Groups. We have six senior classes to choose from. Let me help you find the one for you. Contact me at crstewart@lawndalebaptist.org or 336.288.3824 x966.

Senior Life Groups:

• Mixed Blessings: Rm. 217, Packie and Beverly Watkins

• Walking in Faith (Ladies): Rm. 261, Carol Howard

• Logos: Rm. 215, Kim & Lillie Cooper

• Looking to Christ: Rm. 162, Jeff & Brenna Payne, Fran Brown

• Hearts Holding Hands: Rm. 234, Bonnie Barger, Susan Pearman, Brenda Alexander

• Kindred Spirits: Rm. 163, Cliff & Sherry Stewart

Jimmy Jackson, Missions Pastor, jjackson@lawndalebaptist.org

Serve NC Workday, August 8—We will meet at our partner school, Joyner Elementary, at 8 am for a half day of outside work. This is an opportunity for families, Men’s Ministry, Bible study groups, and Life Groups to help beautify the school’s grounds by mulching, trimming, and more. Sign up on Church Center.

Lilies of the Field (clothing outreach)—Our current donation needs are: diapers of all sizes, girls’ clothing (size 4T to 12), women’s plus sizes, and bedding (sheets, comforters, blankets). Donation bins are located on the back deck of House B at 3508 Fox Place. Be sure your donation bags are 20 lb or less.

Shepherd’s Shelf (food pantry)—The August meal of the month is a meal in a bag—cheesy tuna noodle casserole. Here are the items needed:

• 1 can tuna, in water (any brand, 12 oz can)

• 1 package egg noodles, wide (any brand, 12 oz package)

• 1 can each - cheddar cheese soup, cream of celery soup (any brand, 10.5 oz can)

• 1 can evaporated milk (any brand, 12 oz can)

• 1 can peas and carrots (any brand, 15 oz can)

Each family will receive everything needed to make the casserole, including the recipe, packed in a gallon food storage bag. Since we include a recipe, please provide exact ingredients and sizes as listed. Thank you!

Items can be purchased at any local grocery store, such as Food Lion, for right around $11. Donate a whole meal in a bag, or just some of the items listed. Drop off your donations at the table by the church office. Whatever you are able to donate will be appreciated by families in the local community who receive a meal in a bag. Flyers will be available at the donation table and on the children's lobby bulletin board. Flyers will also be included in your Life Group folders. The flyers include a picture of all the items included in the meal in a bag.

Shepherd's Shelf wants to say thank you to Shirley Garlow and Kristy Baggett for sharing their garden produce with our families during July. Our families are especially excited to see fresh produce. If you have more garden produce than you can handle, Shepherd's Shelf is happy to share your abundance with families. Contact the church office or Linda Register at rlindar@bellsouth.net.

And thank you, church, for continuing to support the Shepherd's Shelf ministry and for providing for your local community.

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

Women’s Ministry—The next monthly meeting will be August 2 at 4 pm in the Chapel. Join us for a time of worship, Bible study, instruction, and discussion. Childcare will be provided. 

Healing Hearts Widows Ministry—The next monthly meeting will be August 8 at 11:30 am at the Achilles Grill (formerly Mythos) located at 2301 Battleground Ave. in Greensboro. All widows are warmly invited to attend. Join us for sweet fellowship and the lunch of your choosing. Please RSVP by calling the church office at 336.288.3824 so that we reserve sufficient room. We look forward to seeing you!

Looking ahead to September:

Ladies’ Wednesday Morning Bible Study—The fall semester will begin on Wednesday, September 9 and run through Wednesday, November 4. All ladies are welcome to attend each Wednesday at 9 am in the Chapel. Dr. Donna Navey will be teaching on the topic “Patience is Contentment.”

MOMS (Making Our Mothering Significant) Discipleship—The fall semester will begin on Wednesday, September 9 and run through Wednesday, November 4. The MOMS group will join the 9 am ladies’ Bible study, followed by an hour of discussion and discipleship with our mentor moms in the Fellowship Hall. Be sure to register online in advance. Childcare will be provided.

Ladies’ Wednesday Evening Bible Study – This fall Bible study will begin on Wednesday, September 23 and run for seven weeks through Wednesday, November 4. The study is focused on prayer and is titled “When You Pray,” a study of six prayers in the Bible. Angela Jackson will facilitate this study, and online registration is open.  

Women on Mission—We’re working on a great kickoff event for those who want to be involved in missions this fall . . . stay tuned for details. For information about Women’s Mission Union (WMU) or Women on Mission groups at Lawndale, call Fran Brown at 336.292.8508.  

NC Baptists Women’s Conference—Lawndale will host this statewide women’s conference on September 19 from 9 am (doors open at 8 am) until 3:30 pm. The theme is “Seated and Sent” and includes a special track for high school girls. Visit Church Center to register for your $30 ticket that includes sessions, snacks, lunch, and a copy of the book Sent by featured speaker Heather Holleman.

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

Men’s Ministry—We were encouraged by everyone who participated in the Serve NC Workday at Joyner Elementary School on Saturday, July 18. 

Our monthly Men's Ministry meeting will be August 2 at 4 pm in the Fellowship Hall. Join us for a time of worship, Bible study, and fellowship. 

Please continue in prayer for the Men’s Ministry leadership team as we plan out future events for our men at Lawndale.

Email Terrell Perkins at tjperkins@lawndalebaptist.org for any questions, comments, suggestions, and prayer requests.

Worship Choir Fall Retreat & Christmas Kickoff

Join us for our annual Choir Retreat and Christmas Music Kickoff!

• Saturday, August 29

• 9 am-noon in the Chapel

• Light breakfast provided. 

Register online or through Church Center by August 26.

Contact Noah at nvdarnell@lawndalebaptist.org if you have any questions.

Voices of Experience Cookies & Christmas Music

The VOE choir is beginning their Christmas music preparation! We rehearse every Wednesday morning from 10-11 am. Please join us for fellowship and festivity!

• Wednesday, September 2 will be the 1st practice

• 10–11 am

• Room 232 (CLC Drink Room)

Calling Instrumentalists!

If you play an instrument, it is time to check out the Worship Orchestra! We will have an informational meeting on Wednesday, September 2 at 6:15 pm in the Music Suite (located above the church offices). Bring your instrument and join us as we read through some music. You must be 14 years or older and have a minimum of two years experience on your instrument. Contact Jasmine Kerr at jjkerr@lawndalebaptist.org if you have any questions about orchestra.

1956-2026

70th Anniversary Celebration, September 13—We will have a special worship service followed by a celebratory lunch in the CLC catered by Stamey’s Barbeque. (Life Groups will not meet.)

If you have memorabilia and/or photos that you would like to share for the occasion, please email Kelsey Hargett at klhargett@lawndalebaptist.org.

Registration for the luncheon will be open by August 1 on Church Center, and registration is required to attend. 

Menu—BBQ (hot dog for children’s menu), hush puppies, baked beans, cobbler, tea, water, and lemonade. The cost will be $7 per person with no maximum family limit.

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. 

 If then your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, it will be wholly bright, as when a lamp with its rays gives you light. Luke 11:36 (ESV)