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Way back when (honestly, I don’t even know when it was), but whenever it was, way back then we initiated a new long-range Vision for Park Road. Do you remember? It’s been a while. I hardly remember, but I do remember that we quoted this text several times (there was a worship service when we commissioned our Vision Team members [if I remember correctly]):

For there is still a vision for the appointed time; it speaks of the end and does not lie. If it seems to tarry, wait for it; it will surely come; it will not delay. (Habakkuk 2.3).

Now do you remember? If it seems to tarry, wait for it… So, it seems that the vision has tarried. I do remember that we initiated this conversation two years ago. We’ve been working. You’ve been waiting. And we have been waiting, listening, praying with deliberation and intention, and through lots of conversation. So, we’ve all been waiting, but they say all good things are worth the wait – and this vision is worth the wait!

Despite the chaos that a diagnosis has brought to our lives, Amy and I are committed to the work of Park Road today, and to the future of this church for lots of tomorrows, determined that nothing will hinder the work of this Vision – because this is going to guide us for the next chapter. As we have known from the beginning, this Vision will extend beyond our retirement – and how great is that – to get to help initiate a new beginning that will extend beyond us?

And all this waiting… well, it’s about to come to an end. Let me leak a little of the Vision, and in the coming weeks, all you want to know (and maybe more!) is going to be made available in explicit detail. But, here’s an outline of what we’ve all been waiting on…



The Vision has five Directives (some of the details of which we’re still waiting on!):

Outreach/Growth – We want Park Road to thrive (not just survive) into this next, challenging chapter of church life in the US. We want to grow. People need to find us. We need to find them.

Spiritual Discovery – Park Road did not become the church we are by accident. We want to continue the intentional conversations that will help us continue to discover what spirituality means in a changing world.

Staff Development – How do we continue to recruit and maintain excellent staff? We want to make sure we are appropriately caring for our paid colleagues.

Campus Investment – We recently conducted a Reserve Study that outlined campus needs for the next 30 years at Park Road. How can we take care of the next set of priorities?

Mission Engagement – For almost two years we’ve been talking about affordable housing, but as we listened (and waited), the direction changed. Rather than try to build a few units of housing, what if we leaned into our oldest mission (our Child Development Center) and expanded that mission, providing affordable childcare for those who need affordable housing?

There’s SO much more to say about all of these – especially the Mission Engagement directive, but if you can wait a few more weeks, we’re going to answer your questions. Here’s a schedule:

• Sunday, April 19 – We’ll end worship early and outline the Five Directives with a little more detail. Then…

• Sundays, April 26 and May 3 – During the Connection Group hour (9:45-10:45am), we will meet in the Community Center to give more of the details and answer your questions.



• Wednesday, May 6 – Our “First Wednesday” program will offer another presentation and a time of Q&A.

And, along the way, we’ll keep leaking out a little of the exciting news, like this…

The Vision is going to lead us into the next 20 years of church life. It’s going to help mark Park Road as a place that cares about the “least of these” (as Jesus commanded) and strives to make a difference in the world. It is a wonderful vision – and nothing wonderful is free. We’re working on some terrific financial partners, but we’re all going to need to come to the table, and put some skin in the game. (In other words… there’s another Capital Campaign in our future!)

Let me promise you, even though I can’t really remember when this started, I can promise you it’s going to be worth the wait! - Russ

As someone who has been in church life for her whole life, it gives me pause when we question why life lived outside of community seems better. It's a tricky thing to share your authentic self with others; will they think I'm too much (maybe that's just me)? What if I say the wrong thing? What does community look like when you barely slept last night because of that chaotic growth spurt your baby just had? Or you don't quite know where to fit now that you are a young professional or a young married? Or your kids are magically maturing before your eyes and you don't want to blink too much or you'll miss it, but you're still kind of overstimulated and longing?

Enter: Common Ground. A first place to start. An opportunity to pause, catch your breath, remember that you are also still growing and evolving in your faith as you get older, and each familiar story unfolds in a new way with every year we journey. This gathering will meet until summer-ish for about 6 weeks to form a holding space to determine what's next. For these weeks, we will explore the topic of Resistance, led by Mary Beth Foust (a fitting theme right after Easter and in these long-ish days in our nation and world). There will be some discussion, some scripture, and maybe even a new spiritual practice or two to try together.

The first gathering will be April 12, 2026, at 10 a.m. in the Youth Building. The invitation is open, and the couch cushion has been newly purchased with you in mind; we can't wait to meet you there.

- Mary Beth

In observance of Maundy Thursday, our normal First Wednesday meal will be moved to Thursday night for the month of April.

After our 5:30 p.m. dinner in the Community Center, we will move to the sanctuary for Maundy Service communion and music, beginning at 6 p.m. Please email the church office, info@ParkRoadBaptist.org, by Tuesday, March 31 at noon or sign up in Helt Hall to reserve your meal.

Please dress appropriately (!), but plan to join us on Friday, April 3, as we enjoy "real ingredients, real farmers, really good food" at the Naked Farmer in South End. You can meet us in the parking lot at 11:15 a.m., or meet us at 2725 South Boulevard, Suite A. (Please let us know, either way, if you plan to join us by signing up in Helt Hall or emailing the church office info@parkroadbaptist.org.)

As part of our commitment to fostering a community of kindness, diversity, and inclusion, Gevonnie Harris II visited the Crabs class last Friday to read I Am a Masterpiece by Mia Armstrong to our children. Gevonnie is the son of the Crabs co-teacher, Ms. Carol. The children enjoyed having him hang out, eat breakfast, and lead the reading portion of group time. They even wore silly socks as a joyful demonstration that our differences make us special and that everyone in our community can contribute, connect, and thrive. Thank you for visiting us, Gevonnie

Please note that the Church Office will be closed on Friday, March 27, as our staff gathers for a Staff Development Day. This time allows our team to grow, connect, and be in community together.

If you need assistance during this time, please feel free to reach out via email at info@ParkRoadBaptist.org or leave a voicemail at (704) 523-5717. We will respond as soon as possible.



Thank you for your understanding and support!

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

Unidiversity: July 6-10

We're headed back to Maryville, TN for everyones favorite week. Sign up now to lock in the $50 early bird Discount. Early Bird Pricing is $325. Contact Caleb for more information.

Regular Scheduled Programing is as follows:

• Sunday Mornings, 10a - Preview
• Sunday Evenings, 5:30-7p - SNT

*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)
• Sunday Mornings 10am-12pm Nursery
• 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)