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“From the People of the United States”



As we approach the Fourth of July, I’m reflecting on those words. For 64 years the US practiced generosity and vision through the Agency for International Development. Food, packaged in boxes emblazoned with those words, has been shipped to untold millions of malnourished children and to populations starving due to famine and war. Life-saving medicines have been distributed. Clinics have been funded. It’s the kind of work, the kind of vision, the kind of generosity that makes me want to put out my American flag and sing with Lee Greenwood, “Proud to be an American…”

“From the People of the United States.”

The last time I ordered a round of Starbucks coffee for a church staff meeting, I paid a little over five dollars for the caramel macchiato latte on the request list. According to the UCLA study, that’s what saving 90 million lives has cost me each month. For 18 cents per American, per day, we’ve provided life-saving care that has saved millions of lives.

That’s the kind of vision I could celebrate on any Fourth of July.

The effects of that generosity and compassion cast broad ripples across the globe. In a recent interview, the former Speaker of the House, Mitch McConnell, referred to the “soft power” such compassion offers. He reflected on conversations with American military officers who say that nothing makes more difference to peace around the world than this kind of good will. “It’s much cheaper to prevent wars that to execute them,” one General told McConnell.

As we approach this holiday season, with all the flag waving, all the patriotic music, all the fireworks, I’ll offer a prayer of thanksgiving for the vision and generosity of the Agency for International Aid. The lives saved. The goodwill generated. The biblical vision of compassion that we have enacted through the politics of good public policy, and taxpayer-funded generosity.

That thanksgiving, however, comes in the form of a eulogy, because July 1 marks the formal end of this life-saving agency. A new strategy has the State Department handling our aid – though more than 90% of Agency employees have lost their jobs and will not be reemployed at the State Department. It’s hard to imagine that the US can continue to enact the kind of compassion we have seen, but that will also have to be a matter of our prayer.



Atul Gawande, a medical doctor and former Director of USAID says, "I have faith that this work will come back. I don't know if it'll take six months, two years, ten years. But this is work that humanity has been pursuing for decades, if not centuries, so we will come back to it."

This Fourth of July, I’ll be praying for just that. As you enjoy the celebrations of our nation’s birthday, what has made us the best of who we are as a people, I hope you’ll join me. - Russ

This Sunday, July 6, is the first Sunday of the month, which is our designated collection day for non-perishable food items. High-need items include self-opening cans of fruit, meat, and sports drinks. A donation barrel is available in Helt Hall during Sunday morning services.

This well-used pantry was originally created by Hank Smyth as his Eagle Scout project in memory of his grandfather, Mack Duncan. Your continued support helps keep this vital ministry running.

Prefer to give financially? Just include a note that your gift is for the Duncan Community Pantry. Please—no expired or opened items. Thank you for your generosity!

Hi, I'm Kathleen! My husband, Ryan, and I have been going to Park Road since 2020. It has been the perfect community for us. We volunteer regularly with our youth group, and I am a part of the Vision Team. We bought our first house last January and have continued to impress ourselves with our growing knowledge of handy skills. Ryan is our go-to for anything dealing with tools, especially powered ones! I've learned I have an impressive knack for caulking gaps -- who knew?! We're excited to continue doing little projects to keep making our house a home - let me know if you have any HGTV-quality tips! 

Our March Mission Offering will go to Project 658. This organization is a Christ-centered, holistic ministry providing services for at-risk families in Charlotte, moving them toward sustainability; with a key focus on the international and refugee communities. Our own Cindy King is a Family Nurse Practitioner with Project 658.

Our last FFF was as good as usual, dining with The Mad Greek, and with July being so busy, our next outing is earlier in the month than we usually meet, so please note, it’s next week. We’re headed to La Lima Sangucheria for the taste of Peru. This is a great little sandwich shop in the south end. Join us in the parking lot, at 11:15am, to ride together – or meet us at 131 East Park Ave – but please sign up, either way. You can sign up by emailing the church office info@ParkRoadBaptist.org or in Helt Hall on Sunday Morning.

Every other month, on the second Saturday, Park Road volunteers come together to serve a hot, hearty lunch to more than 100 men at the Men’s Shelter (1210 N. Tryon St.). Our next opportunity to serve is coming up on Saturday, July 12.

This is a simple but meaningful way to make a difference—and it's a great chance to get to know other Park Road members while giving back to our community. No special skills are required, just willing hands and open hearts!

If you’re available to help prepare or serve lunch on the 12th, please sign up here:

👉 Sign Up to Help

Thank you for being part of this ongoing ministry of compassion and service.

We are fortunate to have such good music across our campus throughout the year, and last week was a highlight. Arts+ held their annual summer camp. Every day. Every room on campus. Full of music. On Friday all these musicians gathered in Milford Chapel to share their talent. Our campus is a great place,

all the time!

We love having you in our yard, but this year our schedule will only allow for two events, so don’t miss this one, please! It’s another BYOE (if you want something to eat or drink, please bring your own!). We’re providing the yard and the pool – but it’s only a fun time if you show up. We’ll be ready for you at 6:00pm. Hope to see you there. – Russ and Amy

Who says car shows are just for vintage vehicles? Not PRBC's Child Development Center Sea Turtles Class! In a delightful display of imagination and teamwork, the children—alongside their families—transformed ordinary cardboard boxes into cardboard cars.

This creative project brought families together to brainstorm, design, and build one-of-a-kind cardboard vehicles. From colorful convertibles to imaginative race cars, the results were as unique as the little engineers behind them. Staff members strolled through the “showroom,” admiring each creation and celebrating the incredible creativity on display.

More than just a fun event, the Cardboard Car Show highlighted the importance of family involvement and the joy of working collaboratively. What an amazing way to roll into learning!

Park Road Baptist Child Development Center is seeking a passionate, experienced leader to serve as our next Executive Director.

If you’re committed to whole-child development, inclusive values, and operational excellence, we’d love to hear from you.

This is a full-time role serving more than 150 children in a vibrant, mission-driven learning environment.

📌 Learn more and read the full job description at https://www.parkroadbaptist.org

📩 To apply, send your cover letter and resume to Tara Brittain at tarabrittain@carolina.rr.com

*Youth - are students who have completed grades 6th– 12th during the 2024-2025 school year.

Regular Scheduled Programing is as follows:

*The regularly scheduled youth programing, listed below, is currenlty on a break for the summer and will resume at the end of August.

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

*Children - are students who have completed grades K– 5th during the 2024-2025 school year.

Looking Ahead: Parent Dreaming Meeting

Be on the lookout for a parent email about a dreaming meeting. Where do we see the children’s ministry? What do you need the most as parents and as a family? What are your hopes for the future? I’ll be hosting two meetings over the summer, but I don’t want to overwhelm anyone’s summer schedule, so we’ll build those into the calendar slowly!

Mission Trip Week is July 27–31

This week is for kids and families to enjoy together. If you want any information about it, reach out to caleb@parkroadbaptist.org.

Regular Scheduled Summer Programing is as Follows:

• Children's Sunday School is on Hiatus for the Summer
• Sunday Mornings 10am - 12pm: Nursery
• First Wednesdays 5:30pm Dinner/6p Children's Midweek - The first Wednesday of each month.

Coming Up at Park Road

Sunday Worship

Facebook Live and In-Person

11a

Sundays

Pickleball

(Canceled for July 6 only)

(Gym)

7:15p

First Wednesdays

Dinner and Vespers

(Community Center)

5:30p Dinner / 6p Vespers

First and Third Tuesdays

Bible Study and Fellowship

(Community Center - Room C503)

10a

Tuesday and Thursdays

Flexercise

(Community Center)

9a

Park Road Baptist Church 

 3900 Park Road | Charlotte NC | 28209

Tel (704) 523-5717 

Fax (704) 523-8481

info@parkroadbaptist.org 

 www.parkroadbaptist.org