The Link

*Some email carriers clip long messages. If you are not able to see the Constant Contact logo at the bottom of this email, look for the button that will allow you to view the entire message.*

THE LINK

Vol. 67 No. 26 ✥ July 1, 2026

July 5, 2026 ❖ The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost

Lessons: Judges 4:1-9; Judges 5

Sermon: "Woman of Fire: Deborah"

Deborah, who is described as a “woman of fire,” arguably holds the most important political and religious role of any woman in scripture. She is a prophet and judge, a military commander, and in the line of prophets like Moses and Samuel. In the harsh society of ancient Israel during the time of the judges, her work led to lasting peace within her lifetime. Her story being included in our texts reminds us that God has been at work through women as well as men throughout our shared faith history.

Our First Summer Series is “Women of Valor.” In these four weeks, we are exploring stories of brave women of the Hebrew Bible, our Old Testament, who served God, risked much, and showed that having the character of God is not limited by gender or status. Despite these ancient stories occurring in a male-dominated society, these women are hailed as heroes of the faith. So we name in Hebrew, “Eshet Chayil” – “Woman of Valor” – the women in our own lives to mirror these inspiring, strong women from our scriptures.

Anthems:

"Gracious Spirit, Dwell with Me" - Scott

Worship is live on our homepage and YouTube channel at 11:00 a.m.,

but we love having you with us in the sanctuary!

GIVE HOPE AND RELIEF IN VENEZUELA:

CBF DISASTER RELIEF FUND

The images coming out of Venezuela are heartbreaking. Time is critical as search-and-rescue efforts continue, and survivors need our prayers and support.

The Venezuela National Baptist Convention is already providing hot meals, hydration and essential medicines to those affected, and CBF Disaster Response is supporting these relief efforts.

Please give today to help provide hope and healing for those impacted. Learn more HERE.

Give through Lakeside to CBF Disaster Relief by clicking the button below.

Give to CBF Disaster Relief

Please remember the following persons who need our prayers and support:

The Lodge at Rocky Mount, 3322 Village Road (04)

Lela Chesson

UNC-Nash, 2460 Curtis Ellis Drive (04)

Ziggy Zalzneck, Room 421

At Home:

Ann Bishop, 2600 Croasdaile Farm Parkway, Apt. S210, Durham, NC 27705

Janice Bobbitt (Chuck Taylor's sister), 4204 Whitehurst Drive, Wilmington, NC 28409

Robyn Edwards Chapman (Jeannette Pittman's cousin), 1481 Richardson Road, Apt. C406, Apex, NC 27523

Jennifer Cobb, 1506 West Haven Blvd. (03)

Shane Eakes (Robert Woods' brother), 115 Sunshine Lane (01)

Doug Edwards, 4699 Moreland Drive, Battleboro, NC 27809

Mike Evans, 1151 Falls Road, Apt. 218 (04)

Michele Costa Foster, 105 Gloucester Court (03)

Charlotte Gilliam, 3794 Loblolly Drive (04)

Leland Goslen (Linda and Cameron Graham's great-nephew), 1021 Oakgate Court, Apex, NC 27502

Bill Jones (Dorrie Wright’s brother)

C. B. Morris, 1930 Northern Boulevard (04)

Grady Pittman, 313 Englewood Drive (04)

Jeannette Pittman, 313 Englewood Drive (04)

Billie Stallings, 404 Wildwood Avenue (03)

Patricia Taylor (Napoleon Taylor's wife), 514 Hammond Street (04)

Our Members at Home:

Stan Ford, 700 Duck Pond Road, Nashville, NC 27856

Robert Kincheloe, 3704 Hawthorne Road (04)

Sheila Whitley, Barclay House, 200 Trade Street, Room 107A, Tarboro, NC 27886

Give Now

YOUTH NEWS

Please check your texts and respond as soon as possible about a date for an outing to Kings Dominion during the last week of July. More information will be sent out soon. We will need parents or other adults to drive and chaperone for this trip.

Gatekeepers participants, be sure to make plans to attend the opening cookout on Sunday, July 12, at 5:00 p.m., in Robbins Hall. This will be your opportunity to receive all the information you will need for a great week at Workcamp. Also, I hope all of this year's Gatekeepers youth and adult volunteers can attend our 35th Anniversary celebration on Sunday, July 19, during morning worship and the reception to follow worship in Lehman Courtyard.

Elizabeth

MUSIC NOTES

Thanks to the Chancel Choir and Choral Scholars for their flexibility in our Sunday morning schedule last week. We are looking forward to the fresh new pictures that will appear on our website! We are back to regularly scheduled 10:00 a.m. rehearsal this week for those who are not traveling for the holiday.

Jake

AN IMPORTANT OPPORTUNITY FOR THE ROCKY MOUNT COMMUNITY:

SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION WITH DAVE CLAWSON

FOR COACHES AND YOUTH LEADERS

One of the exciting opportunities of this year's Turnage Speaker Series is a small group discussion for coaches, athletic directors, and others who work with area youth organizations. On Sunday, August 23, at 2:30 p.m., Dave Clawson will lead a time of dialogue about the challenges of our current environment of high school and college athletics, including reflections on his own journey as college sports evolved into an industry.

The session will include a chance for participants to ask questions and engage in conversation. We hope you will encourage your friends who are involved in school, community, or nonprofit youth and athletic organizations to join us. Participation for this session is by registration only through the Event Registration page of our website by clicking the button below.

In addition to this session, Coach Clawson will share part of his faith journey with us in morning worship on August 23 and offer a public lecture at 5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary, where he will share further thoughts about leadership and character and provide a time of conversation. Make plans now to join us!