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I think most people think Jesus said, “and a little child shall lead them,” but it was way before his time that the prophet Isaiah first uttered those words. While Jesus prioritized children in a way that was ahead of his time, he must have gotten his instruction from the prophet. The phrase has been uttered many times over these thousands of years because there’s so much truth in it. Perhaps it’s a child’s wide-eyed wonder, perhaps it is a child’s innocence, perhaps it is a child’s curiosity (even when we get so tired of the “why” questions), maybe it’s a child’s enthusiasm… Whatever it is, so often we should follow the lead of our children in wonder and innocence and curiosity and enthusiasm.

So when Caleb presented a new curriculum from Progressive Christianity for our children’s Sunday school, he did so with great enthusiasm. The children’s teachers are excited about it. The curriculum seeks to teach our children the important things they need to know about God and Jesus and the Bible and what it means to be in relationship with God and one another. As Caleb was talking about how well the curriculum was put together, I had the idea that adults needed to know and be reminded of all those things as well. So…

Beginning this Sunday, and throughout this school year, our worship and preaching schedule will follow the children’s curriculum. This should be especially exciting for our families with young children, to know that when they bring their children to Sunday school, the topic and text they will be using in their lesson will be continued in worship. This should make for great conversation about what our youngest ones learned and experienced at church each Sunday. What a wonderful way to encourage our children’s spiritual formation by enhancing our own spiritual awakenings. Who is God? Who was Jesus? And who is Jesus? What about caring for creation and what about forgiveness and what about grace and mercy and what does the Bible say about this and that and what is there for us to learn that will draw us closer to God and who God would have us to be? These are important ideas to consider – for children of all ages in our congregation.

If you do not have children involved in Sunday school, please do not let that deter you from worship. We just want to make the children’s lessons (the biblical texts and topics) dovetail with worship in a way that’s meaningful for all of us. We anticipate this being a particular asset for young families, but it will enrich all of us, no matter what stage of life we are in.

This Sunday we kick things off as school begins again. Connection Groups for all ages resume, worship will include the baptism of one of our youth, and we will end with everyone’s favorite – a potluck lunch! We hope you will join us Sunday – and as many Sundays as you can – as we try to take the lead from our children and prioritize tending to our faith journeys together. - Amy

It's always the best meal you can find, anywhere, and it's coming to a church near you for next week's Kickoff Sunday. Please prepare some of your favorites (enough to feed whoever is coming from your house) and bring it to share. Please use disposable dishes when possible. A few of our deacons will be in the Community Center before Connection Groups begin, and before worship, to receive your dishes and get them ready for the big banquet. Let's eat!

As we kick off a new school year this Sunday, August 23, we invite all students to bring their backpacks — and all teachers to bring their work bags — to worship for our annual Blessing of the Backpacks. Some of you may have already started back to school, but it's okay to join in! During the service, we'll pause to pray over these bags and the year ahead: for safety, strength, wisdom, and guidance for our church family, extended as a blessing for all students and educators. Whether you're heading into kindergarten or a classroom of your own, we want to send you off with a blessing. Don't forget to bring your bag this Sunday, August 23!

After youth camp this past summer, Isaac Neeriemer shared that he was ready to be baptized. Two Sundays ago he came forward at the end of the service making his profession of faith. This Sunday we will celebrate that decision as we wade through the waters of baptism.

Sunday’s Pride parade through the streets of Charlotte gave us a rare glimpse of what’s right with the world. Caleb Foust handed out 75 t-shirts imprinted with multi-colored messages and our PRBC logo, and about 40 of those shirts walked in the parade. We were #418 of more than 500 floats and groups who braved the heat to support our LGBTQ+ friends. We walked behind an Episcopal group and a van from the Humane Society and just in front of representatives from Queens University. A group of drummers from the Charlotte Panthers were within earshot, keeping our steps in time. Along the way we handed out multi-colored sunglasses and little bags of skittles, with messages from Park Road Baptist Church. Even in 90-degree heat the mood was joyful as hundreds of people gathered in our designated parking lot (one of many) – and there were shouts and cheers, waves and high fives all along the parade route from an appreciative crowd. It was a wonderful day of celebration and unity. To all who were able to join us to walk as a way of saying “All Are Welcome,” thank you. As individuals and as a church, let us continue to look for ways to spread that much-needed message.

All the experts are telling us that we are more and more isolated, even though our high-tech world connects us all, 24/7 through phones and computers. We’re all connected — but we're alone! The best fix for isolation is community, and the best way to find community is through a Connection Group. If you are not part of one, this Sunday is the perfect time for you to find your people. These connection groups meet at 9:45am every Sunday:



• Abundant Grace — Ann and George Miles (CC505)
• Babylons — Missy Solomon (CC503)
• Common Ground — Mary Beth Foust (Youth Building)  
• Prelude — Marinn Esch and Joanne O'Brien Beam (does not meet every Sunday, but look for some "Monday School" opportunities with this group)

Dan McClintock and I are part of a small group of Park Road Clergy folk who alternate leadership for a Bible study at Merrywood retirement community, just down the street. The last two Wednesdays I have led, and we talked about Jesus. Someone asked, "We call Jesus the 'Son of God,' but what does that mean? Is he the 'only way?' Do Christians have an exclusive hold on truth?" So, we talked (and talked and talked!). It was a good, in-depth conversation. They asked good questions. And they let me answer them, honestly. When we were through, someone thanked me for taking them seriously, for not "treating us like old people — we still want to learn." I'm so grateful for people who take their faith, their spiritual life and growth seriously. Do you? How much are you reading, studying, asking, delving in, trying to learn and grow? It should be a lifelong discipline. Please take a look at the wonderful list of offerings in this semester's "Park Road University" classes and plan to take advantage of these opportunities. (It's like the best of school — with no tests, no pressure, no stress!)  

Click Here to download the 2026 Fall Class Offerings.

For the last 24 years, we have spent one week of the summer with these other pastors, meeting together, discussing preaching themes, sharing the joys and challenges of pastoral life. We are grateful for our time with these wonderful friends.

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.

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”

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.

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)