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I’ve told you the story, but here’s the recap… My junior year at Furman, seven guys made a bet: the first to get married owed the others $50, each. I lost the bet (or, maybe I won!), because Amy and I got engaged at Christmas – and the ragging started: “Can’t wait to get my fifty bucks!”

Schaeffer Kendrick was a Greenville legend, a respected, veteran attorney who was an active member at First Baptist Church and a beloved writer for the Greenville News (think Tommy Tomlinson, 15 years older). We had gotten to know Schaeffer through First Baptist and the “Personal Finance” class he taught at Furman – and the $300 I owed my friends was not in my personal finance (!), so I paid a visit to the law office in downtown Greenville. Schaeffer welcomed my visit and loved my idea.

He called his secretary and dictated the longest, most legalese contract he could conjure up, ending with the terms of the bet (which had not been settled when we shook hands): Russ will pay his obligation, a dollar a year, paid on the date of the anniversary of the wedding. On August 16th of this year, my friends will receive their 41st dollar – and I’m giving that bet a lot of credit for keeping seven friends close all these years. (I mean, who could afford to forfeit a friendship with such a financial windfall at stake?)

This Sunday, you’re going to meet the beneficiaries of this friendship I have bought, one dollar a year for the last four decades. They’re coming for a “Furman Buds” reunion and will stay through Sunday to lead us in worship. We’ve given them the whole service, so come prepared for something a little different.

Kyle Matthews (wife, Susan) – spent a career as a singer/songwriter, traveling the country and winning at least one Dove Award (the top award for Gospel/Contemporary Christian music), before settling down at First Baptist, Greenville, SC. Kyle will lead in music, teaching us several new, original hymns, and offering his unique voice to the service.

Stan Wilson (Jennifer) – a veteran pastor is now the co-pastor at Circle of Mercy church in Asheville. Stan has been with us before and brings a passion for ethics and justice to the pulpit.

Steve Cothran (Nancy)– who spent a year as our Interim Youth Minister is just completing another Interim gig and is settling down in Greenville, where he and Nancy are raising their grandson, Andrew.

Craig Cosby (Debbie) – is coming with a mandolin in hand, maybe a guitar also, to provide beautiful music. He and Kyle will play, together, and it is music to soothe the soul.

Bill Stewart (Rhonda) – Park Road’s own, will be our hosts for the weekend at their new home on Lake Wylie. Bill, along with most or all of the spouses, will take part in worship leadership.

Jon Brooks (Laurie) – we had assigned Jon to do a magic trick for our Children’s Time, but have just learned Jon has a prior commitment as a grandfather-to-be, so I’m sorry you will only get 5/6ths of the old gang!

Their friendship is worth a lot more than I have paid for it. I can’t wait for you to see for yourself. - Russ

In observance of Maundy Thursday, our normal First Wednesday meal will be moved to Thursday night for the month of April.

After our 5:30 p.m. dinner in the Community Center, we will move to the sanctuary for Maundy Service communion and music, beginning at 6 p.m. Please email the church office by Tuesday, March 31 at noon or sign up in Helt Hall to reserve your meal.

One of the ways Park Road has made a significant difference in the community is through our partnership with Starmount Academy of Excellence. Starmount is a CMS Title I school with a population that is over 70% Hispanic. If you have not yet experienced the joy of being part of this ministry, the School Work Team currently has several opportunities to plug in.

Book-A-Palooza

George Miles leads this project, which allows Starmount students (PreK–5) to select three books to keep for free. Volunteers are needed Tuesday, March 31, to unpack books, and Wednesday, April 1, to help students select books and pack up the remaining books. Sign up by clicking here:

Book Drive Volunteers: Book-A-Palooza – April 2026

Snack Bag Packing

Karen Mayer will coordinate packing parties in the Youth Building from 9:00–11:00 a.m. on the following dates: March 24, April 29, and June 4. Five volunteers are needed at each event to pack 100 snack bags. Contact Karen here.

Stay tuned for more opportunities as the school year winds down.

Please dress appropriately (!), but plan to join us on Friday, April 3, as we enjoy "real ingredients, real farmers, really good food" at the Naked Farmer in South End. You can meet us in the parking lot at 11:15 a.m., or meet us at 2725 South Boulevard, Suite A. (Please let us know, either way, if you plan to join us by signing up in Helt Hall or emailing the church office info@parkroadbaptist.org.)

Join us for Thirsty Third Thursday, THIS Thursday. March 19, at 6 p.m. at Rhino Market and Deli in South Park. (4300 Congress Street, Charlotte, NC 28209)


Please note, there are multiple Rhino Market locations — 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!

Thanks to all who were able to spend some time on the bank of the French Broad river last weekend. We got a lot accomplished, and are lining up for the homestretch. Special thanks to Mark Mintich who continues to lead our effort, and to Allyson and Will Neeriemer, who have been perfect hosts, housing our workers in their mountain house and providing most of our meals. There will be a few more opportunities for you to jump in, so stay tuned. We are looking forward to scheduling a grand celebration in Rollins, and another day of worship for you to meet Jennifer Greene here.

Fresh air, fresh food, new friends! Garden plots are available in the PRBC Community Garden—no experience needed. Plots are $75.00 a year. Email parkroadgarden@gmail.com if you are interested. Claim your plot today and start gardening. See you in the garden!

Last week at the CDC, the Sea Turtles Class learned about dental health, which included the importance of taking care of their teeth. They used homemade playdough and white beans to make models of their own teeth. Looks like we have quite a few sculptors in our midst!

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

Unidiversity: July 6-10

We're headed back to Maryville, TN for everyones favorite week. Sign up now to lock in the $50 early bird Discount. Early Bird Pricing is $325. Contact Caleb for more information.

Regular Scheduled Programing is as follows:

• Sunday Mornings, 10a - Preview
• Sunday Evenings, 5:30-7p - SNT

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

Camp Prism: Exploring God’s Big World

Camp Prism is for all kids who have completed 3rd–5th grade. This year, we will be exploring creation and how we’re all bound together in God’s great big world. To sign up and to learn more, email caleb@parkroadbaptist.org

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)