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The Wonders of Camp

These few weeks are always the most difficult and yet somehow always the best of my working year. One of the kids looked shocked today when I informed them that this is, in fact, not a vacation. It really is difficult, saying goodbye for now to my family, making sure I have all the forms and medical info, and contact data for everyone. It oftentimes hurts sleeping (intermittently) on dorm room or campground mattresses, and it’s nerve-wracking making sure everyone is eating enough, sleeping enough, drinking enough water, has the schedule, knows the schedule, and is following the schedule. Then there are so many unknowns, but like always, something magic happens at camp. Students of all ages file into vehicles across state lines and make their way to sites where adults who love and care for them enough to give up weeks show up to say, "You matter to me, to us, and to the world." Together, by stepping into new surroundings, they almost see each other for the first time and, in a safe environment, find permission to ask deep questions or at least acknowledge they have them. They open themselves up to believing that the story of faith they’re hearing about through the year might actually matter in the way they, and their fellow students, follow on the path of life. They return to their homes the same, yet somehow changed, and you cannot recreate what camp provides. Like lightning in a bottle, it’s a "you have to be there" experience.

It’s exhausting, and it’s incredible, and it’s worth it every year. The truth of it is, however, none of it happens without you, the church. Some send children and youth, some volunteer your time, some give money or support through prayer and snacks…so many snacks. I don’t know that we always capture the gravity of what happens at camp because, well…you have to be there. I cannot, however, march to the middle of the summer without saying a big thank you. Thanks to all of you who know how much this matters and make sure your kids show up. Thanks to all of you who chaperone. Thanks to all who support other people's children through scholarships because you know it made a difference in your own life, or your kids'. Thanks for trusting me to load everyone up in 15-passenger vans for 10 p.m. Target trips, because someone forgot a towel and showers are necessary. Thanks for midnight Waffle House runs because oftentimes our best theology comes scattered, smothered, or covered. These are the days that shape us as adults, and none of them happen without churches like ours, and I am so thankful that I get to do this work because our kids and youth are actually pretty incredible humans. — Caleb

Why I Love Unidiversity

One of my favorite things I get to do every year is go to Unidiversity. It has become something I look forward to because it gives me the chance to step away from everyday life and focus on my faith while spending time with amazing people.

One of the best parts about Unidiversity is that it creates an environment where it’s easy to be vulnerable. Whether it’s during worship, Bible study, or just late-night conversations, everyone is encouraged to be honest about what they’re going through. Knowing that you’re surrounded by people who care about you and support you makes it easier to open up and grow in your relationship with God.

I also love getting to meet new people from other churches. It’s encouraging to see so many other students who share the same faith, and I’ve made friendships that I never would have without going to camp.

At the same time, Unidiversity has helped me become so much closer with my own youth group. Spending a whole week together, worshiping, laughing, and making memories has brought us together in a way that doesn’t happen during our normal weekly meetings. We always come home feeling more connected and excited to continue growing in our faith together. — Clara Kinney, PRBC Youth

Please join us for our next First Wednesday meal and time together around the tables. In our increasingly isolated world, it’s great to have time together, sharing a meal and fellowship face to face. That’s what families do! Please email to make your dinner reservation by Tuesday, August 4, at noon at info@parkroadbaptist.org, or sign up in Helt Hall on Sunday.

Our next Fun Food Friday will be on July 24th at Bobby's Burgers by Bobby Flay, 2115 Rexford Rd Ste 530, Charlotte, NC 28211 — and it's a doubleheader kind of day, because it's also Family Night at the Charlotte Knights game that evening! We'll meet at the church at 11:15 a.m. to carpool together for lunch, or you can meet us at the restaurant at 11:30 a.m., for angus burgers, shakes, and all the classic ballpark-worthy eats. Then meet us at the ballpark that evening for the Knights game — first pitch is at 7:04 p.m.! Join us for lunch, the game, or both — either way, we'd love to have you.

Please RSVP for lunch and RSVP separately for game tickets (by July 19th) — both by emailing the church office at info@parkroadbaptist.org or by signing up in Helt Hall. There will be separate sign-ups for each, so don't forget to RSVP for both!

Due to an urgent need at Roof Above, the Mission Offering for the remaining Sundays in July is going to be dedicated to helping them recover from the major storm damage that their building sustained on Monday night, July 7. They have been serving lunch to neighbors for 30 years, and our mission offering will help them to continue that service. The offering for C3 (Christians Caring for Creation) will resume as our August Mission Offering.

I hope you’ll join us in walking alongside the Park Road contingent for the Charlotte Pride Parade. We’ll be joining a host of other churches and organizations in the ally march on Sunday, August 16. More details will come in July, but I am working to get ahead on participation, so if you would like to join us, please sign up in Helt Hall or RSVP to the church’s email (info@parkroadbaptist.org). Someone recently mentioned we are lacking in merchandise, so we’ve decided to order some shirts for all who would like one, whether you can attend or not. We will place a bulk order, so please order by July 26 by emailing info@parkroadbaptist.org. When placing your order, please include the size you would like and which front-of-shirt design you prefer. The back design will be the same on all shirts. The cost of the shirts will depend on the total number ordered; however, we expect to have a ballpark price available in the coming weeks. (Children and Youth sizes Small - XL are available.)

*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.

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)