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When we were just children, Ken Garfield wrote for our hometown newspaper. Eventually he moved to Charlotte and became the Religion Editor at The Charlotte Observer. Over our many years together in Charlotte, we’ve connected with Ken many times along the way. When we moved here, Ken wrote a really nice piece about the church and about us being Co-pastors. Any time we run into Ken, we reminisce about the good old days in our hometown when he would write about Russ’s dad as the Pastor of First Baptist and my dad on the County Commission. Then there were all kinds of other connections with family members who were into sports and the arts, and various civic engagements.

Ken came to me about a month ago asking about an article that he might write for one of his latest gigs with SouthPark Magazine. He wanted me, along with Russ, to talk a bit about our journey with ALS. Many people around town have reached out after seeing the October issue. We continue to have all kinds of support, prayers, well wishes, and love extended to us in unbelievable ways. We remain grateful.



But we could not do it without all of you. You are being church—for us and with us. I’m so glad that Ken gave you all a shout out at the end of the article: “The Deans’ church family is reaching out with prayers, meals, hugs and more—tangible reminders that whatever Amy might face as the disease progresses, she will not face it alone.” Thank you, Park Road, that we are not alone. - Amy

*Click here to download the article.

You approved our new, bold Vision, click here to read, on May 31, and we are up and running. Three committees are hard at work. You'll be hearing more about Bylaws, Building, and Capital Campaign in the near future. Please keep this process in your prayers. Let the ministerial staff know if you have any questions. Stay alert for ways to participate. Consider what you will be able to give financially. Building. Community. — will take our whole community!

Beginning with this week’s edition on Thursday, October 15, our weekly newsletter will arrive in your inbox on Thursdays instead of Wednesdays. For years, the newsletter has gone out midweek on Wednesday, so we know this is a change to our routine.

The reason is simple. Our staff meets every Wednesday morning, and these meetings are the heartbeat of the staff work week. We are all busy, and that time together lets us check in with one another, share updates, and catch details that may have changed. Sometimes a new article or announcement comes out of the conversation. Sending the newsletter on Thursday gives us time after we gather to make sure everything you need to know is included and accurate.

Look for the newsletter in your email on Thursdays. It is also available on our church website at https://www.parkroadbaptist.org/newsletters. If you ever have trouble finding it, check your spam folder or email the church office at info@parkroadbaptist.org. Thank you for being such a faithful community of readers!

Let's meet this time for some good, southern home cooking at Pressley Park Restaurant. Dan and I just checked it out, and we can recommend it wholeheartedly. Meet in the parking lot, this Friday, October 16 at 11:15 or at 740 Pressley Road at 11:30 - but please sign up, either way, to let us know if we can count on you. You can sign up by emailing info@parkroadbaptist.org or in Helt Hall this Sunday — Russ

Join us for Thirsty Third Thursday, tonight, October 15, at 6 p.m. at Rhino Market and Deli in South Park, located at 4300 Congress Street, Charlotte, NC 28209. Please note, there are multiple Rhino Market locations, so be sure to head to the South Park spot, conveniently located directly across from the Village Tavern. We can’t wait to see you there!

Don't let the topic scare you away. Grief isn't just about tears and pain. Much of what Jonathan has written and spoken about since the death of his daughter revolves around love. The title he gave us for Sunday afternoon's session is "Elegiac Manifesto" (an elegy is a long poem expressing grief) — but his manifesto says, "the only guarantee is love." He'll be talking about the good and the bad, the bitter and the sweet, the celebrations that come to us, even as we grieve. Even if you haven't made a reservation for Sunday's lunch, you can still join us for the conversation. You'll enjoy Jonathan. - Russ

Mark your calendar for Sunday, November 15, from 1:30 to 3:00pm in the Sanctuary. Dr. Richard Bedlack of Duke University, one of the world’s leading ALS researchers, will join us to share his documentary film, Stitching Strength.

The film looks at life with ALS through creativity, courage, and connection. It follows Dr. Bedlack, a neurologist known for his bold fashion and even bolder optimism, along with patients who refuse to be defined by a diagnosis and families who turn their grief into art, music, and action. It is a story of hope and of believing in what is still possible.

Dr. Bedlack will stay after the film to answer your questions. Bring a friend, a neighbor, or anyone who could use a dose of positivity.

We know you get a lot of messages these days — but we do want to communicate with you! Our best communication of all that is happening is our newsletter. If you do not receive an email newsletter every Thursday, please let us know. In addition, the best way to get more urgent information to you is through our automated phone messaging app. We promise not to be a nuisance, but we can reach the entire congregation quickly through "One Call Now." If you have never received a call from the church, we would love to make sure your (most recent) phone number is in our system — and you may want to add (877) 698-3261 to your address book, so you can identify these calls when they come. Please contact the church office if you need to update any of your contact information: (704) 523-5717 or info@parkroadbaptist.org. Thank you!

During the month of September, children focused on an engaging unit about community helpers. As a special highlight of this study, the children had the opportunity to explore various essential vehicles right in our parking lot, including an exciting hands-on look at a construction digger. To conclude this memorable experience, we were treated to some yummy ice cream from the Morris-Jenkins ice cream truck.

*Youth - are students who are currently in grades 6th – 12th during the 2026-2027 school year.

Regular Scheduled Programing is as follows:

• Sunday Mornings, 10a - Preview

*Children - are students who are currently in grades K– 5th during the

2026-2027 school year.

Family Fall Fellowship and Carving Night

Families are invited to join us at the Foust House for an evening of food, fun and fellowship. In this season of crisper nights, fading light and rushed days, gather around the table with other children and youth families for an intentional Sunday evening, October 25, from 5:30-7:30. We will have an outdoor movie on the blow-up screen and carve pumpkins together as we move into the deep fall. We will have all supplies needed and dinner will be provided but we need to know how many to expect, so if you'd like to join please let Caleb know by 10/22.

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)

PRU Fall 2026 Offerings

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

See article above for more information.

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”

November 15 - “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.