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Why is it that the things we care most about can also be the hardest to feel good about? This has long been true for me with theological education — not my own theological education (not that I feel all that great about that either) — I'm talking about your theological education! You see, I say the words, "theological education," and I just know some of you have already moved on to the next article!

I'm proud to be in a family full of educators. Surely there is no better profession. Nothing has made more difference in my life (and probably yours) than careful teachers, patient, good, wise teachers — for me, especially my Christian teachers. (That is, teachers who are Christian, and those who teach what it means to be Christian.)

In our increasingly secular age, a time that is seeing the decline of church participation, across the nation, I feel even more concern about this issue. You see, I really believe all this stuff we spend so much time studying, teaching, and preaching about! I really believe faith is good for individuals, that hope is good for communities, that love is good for nations.

But fewer people are investing in their own theological education through the Church. Book sales on religious topics may be doing well at Park Road Books, but "Sunday School" is almost a thing of the past. And if you don't like the words "theological education," think religious formation or spiritual growth or Christian understanding or biblical literacy…

"Park Road University" was born out of a need to keep offering opportunities for you to make an investment in your own growth in faith. It will pay dividends all around — and this fall we have a great lineup for you! Theological, spiritual, religious, ethical, historical Christian education… coming to a church near you.

I do hope you will take advantage. Below you will find the offerings our PRU Team has put together for the fall. Some of these are one-time events, some represent brief series for study — all are open to everyone. Please give some thought to your own thinking and let these PRU sessions invite you to conversation. We will provide more notice as these events draw near, but here's the whole "semester" of class offerings. You'll find the full list of classes and opportunities towards the bottom portion of this newsletter, or click here for a printable PDF of the schedule.

I hope you'll be as passionate about this as I am. - Russ

This weekend, everyone is invited to participate with multiple other organizations and communities of faith to show our support and advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community at the Charlotte Pride Parade on Sunday, August 16.

This is a large event that encompasses more than just one neighborhood in Charlotte and there has been a lot of collaboration for a weekend full of events. There is a lot of info around the weekend, so I've put all the details here. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to me!

Where do we meet? We are in the walking group, so we are all gathering at the parade start. The Knight family will check us in and we will gather with them at the meeting location (616 N. Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202). The address is just off the blue line on the light rail, and the 9th street station exit will drop you off right at the meeting point. If you drive it's advised to find street parking as close as you can to the parade and carpooling if possible!

What time? The parade starts at 1:00pm and we march in a pre-assigned order. They ask that everyone marching arrives by 12:30pm. We will have a slightly shorter service, but I won't take it personally if you leave a bit early or just meet us at the parade.

How long is the route? The parade goes down Tryon Street from 9th st to 4th st. It can get hot so I would recommend bringing water! Click here to see the parade route map.

What about our shirts? The shirts will be ready Friday. We will have them in Helt Hall before the service if you'd like to get yours then, or we will bring them to the parade as well. Shirts can be paid for at the church and they are $20 each.

What do we do at the parade? First, we smile and wave and walk as we recognize that presence is a powerful thing. Second, we will have some treats to give out that have our church information for anyone looking for a safe place to be themselves.

What do we wear? It will probably be pretty hot — it's August. So, wear comfortable clothes to walk in, your pride shirt, handheld fan (if you have one), and some good shoes!

What do we do after the parade? You can absolutely go whenever you need to. The parade is only part of the festival, though — if you have time, explore together, mingle, and make new friends! Festivities begin to wind down around 4pm.

Please mark your calendars and plan to be with us as we start a new school year! We'll have special music in worship, along with the blessing of the backpacks and a celebration of our teachers. Afterwards, join us for a potluck lunch — please bring your favorite dish and enjoy the best meal in town!



If you're not currently part of a Connection Group, we'd love for you to join one. These small groups provide excellent community and opportunities for growth: Abundant Grace, Babylons, Common Ground, and Prelude. All adult, children, and youth Connection Groups resume at 9:45 AM.



It's going to be a wonderful day of celebration — we hope you will plan to join us.

Since we just spent some time in Tuscany, I still have pasta on the brain, and someone just recommended "The Jimmy," at 2839 Selwyn Avenue. The menu looks great. The fellowship will be even better. Join us at church on Friday, August 28 at 11:15am to ride together, or meet us there, and let's eat! Please RSVP by signing up in Helt Hall on Sunday or emailing the church office at info@ParkRoadBaptist.org.

– Russ

On Saturday, October 3, we will meet at 9:00 a.m. to give attention to the landscaping on campus. We would love to have a large group of folks with hedge trimmers and pruners. We want to give special attention to shrubs and trees in the landscaped areas around campus. We will spend the morning working together. Hope you can join us.

On Sunday, July 19, we had a wonderful day celebrating with Jennifer Greene. Jennifer was with us for a special service of worship, and then about 25 people gathered at her new home in Marshall, on the bank of the French Broad River. We had a ceremony and ribbon cutting and then toured her beautiful new home. For all who participated in this wonderful project, thank you, and congratulations for a job well done. Special thanks to Mark Mintich who served as our project coordinator, and to Will and Allyson Neerimer, who contributed so much by opening their mountain home for many nights to those who worked on the project.

Our Park Road Baptist Child Development Center Summer Camp students recently delighted everyone with a spectacular production of Frozen! Their creativity and enthusiasm filled the room, and we were treated to an unforgettable performance.

The children did an outstanding job bringing this beloved story to life, complete with costumes, songs, and plenty of heart. We might just have some future stars of the stage and screen right here on our campus!

Thank you to all the campers and teachers for making this production so special — we couldn't be prouder of our young performers!

One More Summer Day Together

What better way to recover from the first few days back at school than by celebrating the close of summer with a day at the lake? Beth and Mark Mintich have graciously offered to host us for some time on the boats and relaxing together on Saturday, August 29. It really helps with planning and boating if we can get an RSVP for this event.

Lunch will be provided, along with opportunities for tubing, water activities, and swimming. RSVP to Caleb by emailing him at Caleb@parkroadbaptist.org.

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

Regular Scheduled Programing is as follows:

• Sunday Mornings, 10a - Preview
  (Currently paused for the Summer, will return on August 23rd.)

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

Regular Scheduled Programing is as follows:

• Sunday Mornings 9:45-10:45am Children's Sunday School (K-5th) (Currently paused for the Summer, will return on August 23rd.)
• Sunday Mornings 10am-12pm Nursery
• First Wednesdays 5:30pm Dinner/6pm Children's Midweek - The first Wednesday of each month.

PRU Fall 2026 Offerings

August 23 – Kickoff Sunday

Fall Preaching will follow the Children’s SS Literature Caleb Foust has chosen, so we will follow the biblical story in worship as we study with our children. (Yes, every Sunday morning is an opportunity for theological education!)

September 6 – “Villains in the Bible, and the God Who Loves Them,” Hannah Nevans

There are a surprising number of less-than-reputable characters who make their way into the Bible and not in the way you might expect. This 3-week series will explore these villains and the God who can even love villains. Milford Chapel. 9:45am.

September 13 – “Villains in the Bible, and the God Who Loves

Them,” Hannah Nevans

September 20 – “Villains in the Bible, and the God Who Loves Them,” Hannah Nevans

September 20 – David Wilcox in concert

Join us for a concert by one of North Carolina’s most creative artists. David has become a friend of the Deans, and his creative guitar licks and humorous and insightful lyrics will inspire your soul. We’re working on food trucks to make this a dinner/concert evening (stay tuned). Milford Chapel. Concert, 6:00pm.

October 4 – “How to Read the Bible in Today’s World” Sandy Rogers

Perhaps nothing is needed more today than helping people read the Bible well, because the abuse of scripture is so rampant on our national stage. If you’ve ever said, “I really want to know more about the Bible” – reading it well is where you start. Milford Chapel. 9:45am.

October 18 – Indigo: The Color of Grief, Jonathan Foster

After the tragic death of his teenage daughter, Jonathan expressed his grief in a collection of powerful poems. Some of you met Jonathan at last year’s Open and Relational Theology conference. He will join us for a Sunday morning session in Milford Chapel and will preach in worship. Milford Chapel. 9:45am. Worship in the sanctuary, 11:00am.

October 19 – “Monday School”

If Sunday School has quit working for you, maybe a Monday night discussion group at the home of Marinn and John Esch will be just right. More details TBA.

October 25 – “Teaching Dissent: the Witness of the Minority,” Bill Leonard

Our friend, Dr. Bill Leonard, former Dean of Wake Forest Divinity School and one of the country’s leading Baptist Historians, will lead a session on the historic Baptist voice of dissent and will preach in worship. Community Center. 9:45am. Worship in the sanctuary, 11:00am.

November 8 – “How to Read the Bible in Today’s World,” Dr. Sandy Rogers

November 9 – “Monday School” - “Stitching Strength,” ALS documentary film with Dr. Richard Bedlack

Dr. Bedlack, M.D., Ph.D., Duke University, is one of the world’s leading researchers and a practicing physician for patients suffering from Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Dr. Bedlack will be with us to entertain our questions after we view his documentary film. Sanctuary. 1:30-3:00pm.

December 6 – “How to Read the Bible in Today’s World,” Dr. Sandy Rogers

December 20 – Dealing with Grief in the Holidays

While the holidays are a joyful time, they can also be very difficult. If the loss of a loved one or some other grief weighs heavy during the holiday season, join us to share together. Place and time, TBD.

ONGOING OPPORTUNITIES

Connection Groups

In addition to these special programs, Connection Groups meet every Sunday morning at 9:45am. These small groups are the best way to truly get connected with your church.

Thirsty Third Thursday

If you’re looking for a great way to meet fellow “Park Roadians,” each 3rd Thursday at the Rhino Market (4300 Congress Street) is just what you’re looking for. Grab a glass of wine or a soda, dinner or not, and enjoy the evening together.

Bible Study and Fellowship

On the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, a small group meets for Bible Study in the Community Center, Room CC503, at 10:00am. The fellowship is good, and the Bible study generally revolves around the text from that past Sunday’s worship/sermon. It’s a small group – so there’s plenty of room to expand. All are welcome!



First Wednesday

On the 1st Wednesday of every month, we offer a Fellowship Supper program that includes a meal at 5:30pm followed by some guided conversation around the table. There’s also a program for children provided by Caleb Foust.

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)