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Monty Bennett Director of Music and Organist
Brenda Casteen Administrative Assistant
Russ and Amy Jacks Dean Pastors
Beverly Doyle Diaconate Chair
Phone: 704.523.5717 Fax: 704.523.8481 www.parkroadbaptist.org email: [email protected]
Heather Gaskins Child Development Center Director
Joey Haynes Youth Coordinator
Bruce Holliday Director of Communications
Cason Maccubbin Financial Administrator
Dan McClintock Minister of Missions and Family Life
Paul Owens Facilities Manager
Carrie Torres Children’s Coordinator
from the pastors’ Heart & Soul
Last week was a bit of a blur. All I did was deal with goats. Yes, that’s what I said. Goats. For those who follow on social media, this is old news to you. For those who don’t, let me explain. Bennett has always wanted a goat. Always. I have always said NO. Always. Don’t get me wrong. I love my boy. I’ll do almost anything to make him happy. Shy of getting a goat. He and some friends went to a zoo a couple of weeks ago. He sent me a video of the goats. He ALWAYS sends videos of goats. And pictures of goats. He loves animals and thinks that goats are particularly cute. Me, not so much. We are not getting a goat. After the aforementioned zoo trip, one of his friends must have mentioned to her mother how much Bennett loved goats and wanted to get one. That mother posted a simple sentence on my Facebook page – “So, I hear you are getting a goat!” And that was all it took. My social media outlets blew up. My phone was pinging and ringing and buzzing. A campaign was started: #getBennettagoat. People from all walks of my life, and some that I didn’t even know, were weighing in. “Get Bennett a Goat” took on a life of its own. Pictures, videos, goat naming contests, pleading and begging, opinions, pros and cons were all gathered on my Facebook page. It was hilarious and a bit overwhelming. I don’t know when I have laughed so much. After about 4 days and over 300 comments, I pulled together an idea!
Let’s Get Bennett a Goat!!! But a goat that will live in another country with a family who could really use it. So we went online with Heifer International to buy a goat. Our family challenged all my so-called friends to join us in getting Bennett a goat by making a donation to Heifer International. A goat costs $120, so I decided that I could be an extra loving and giving mother and get Bennett TWO goats. So we started the collection with a $20 donation of our own toward our goal of $240. Our family decided that if our friends didn’t play along and we didn’t meet our goal, then we’d foot the whole bill and buy two goats if need be.
I am happy to report that our friends came through for poor little pitiful goatless Bennett. We are now the proud owners of 4.375 goats with a current total of $525 raised through Heifer International. Bennett will be so happy, but not as happy as the families in third world countries who can use them to provide food and money for themselves. And not nearly as happy as a mother who now just has 2 sons, 1 husband, 1 dog, and 0 goats!
But here’s what I have learned through that crazy week of my life that was all about goats: 1) I have great friends. And a lot of them! (A special shout out to Paula Knight who so innocently got this whole thing started and to Don Flowers, Pastor of Providence Baptist in Charleston, SC, who so NOT-innocently fanned the flames of this goat wildfire!); 2) Laughter truly is a wonderful thing. I don’t know when I have laughed so much as watching all of this unfold; 3) While nothing takes the place of face-to-face relationships, it is so powerful to have a way to connect with folks instantly through social media. It is a powerful tool when used in healthy ways; and 4) Something meaningful can come out of the simplest of things to foster generosity beyond measure – the Dean family owns 4.375 goats that now live in someone else’s backyard!
Never take friends, laughter, connectedness to one another and generosity for granted!
Good Tidings is intended for our members and friends.
Please notify us if you no longer wish to receive this
publication. Thank you!
Good Tidings, USPS permit #979, is published weekly by PRBC,
3900 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the above address.
Return Service Requested
Park Road Baptist Church
3900 Park Road
Charlotte, NC 28209 March 18, 2015
NON PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
CLT, NC
Permit #979
Progressive Theology
Traditional Worship
Welcoming Community
Progressive Theology
Traditional Worship
Welcoming Community
COMING UP:
Sunday, March 22 9:30a Deacon Prayer
9:45a Sunday School
11:00a Worship: Youth Sunday
Noon: “Meet and Greet”
in the Narthex after worship.
Meet our visitors and catch up
with old friends.
1:00p Deacon Lunch and
Pastoral Care Session
5:00p Youth Activities
Wednesday, March 25 5:30p Wednesday Night Supper
and Activities
Thursday, March 26 Noon: Lunch Bunch
Sunday, March 29 Palm Sunday
9:30a Deacon Prayer
9:45a Sunday School
11:00a Worship
4:00p Choral Concert
“The Seven Last Words of Christ”
Reception to Follow
Save the Date:
Inter-generational Retreat
September 4-6
(Labor Day Weekend) at
Lutheridge in Arden, NC
Remembering
Our Friends at Home Hilda Moulton
3301 Chilham Place
Charlotte, NC 28226
FOOD FOR BODY AND SOUL: The Library Team
Perhaps you, too, are becoming overwhelmed with all the choices on the grocery
shelves. There are more and more items from which to choose, and they are
packed so tightly that it is hard to find what you are looking for, much less reach
one without pulling down others. The same thing is happening with the PRBC
Library shelves. When we began to organize our books, we had many more than
the shelves would hold. So we gave away some and sold others. Now we find
ourselves cramped for space again. The shelves are so full it is hard to see what
we have, and even harder still to dislodge a book.
The Library Team is trying to make our books more accessible and user-friendly.
We will reduce the number of older books, damaged books and duplicate copies
and will keep those that are newer, in good condition and especially those written
for the layperson or general public. Soon you will see displays in various places
around our campus. We already have a library in the newly redecorated Children’s
Building. So when you are shopping for food for the body, don’t forget to check
out “soul” food from our wonderful collection. As St. Anonymous is presumably
quoted, “Eat and Read.”
No joking around . . . Bruce Holliday wins the prize for funniest post about the goats by Photoshopping a goat into Children’s Time turning it into “Kid’s Time.”
Have you read this one? Shirley
Murdock and Bette Honeycutt try
to decide which book to select.
From Headline to Heart:
Wednesday April 15
"A Conversation about
Pope Francis"
On April 15, Father Patrick
Earl of St. Peter’s Catholic
Church will lead us in a
conversation about
Pope Francis and how his
fresh perspective is changing
the Roman Catholic Church,
as well as the implications
for the worldwide religious
conversation (ecumenical
and interfaith).
Like Pope Francis,
Father Pat is a Jesuit
which leads him to feel a
special pride and spiritual
kinship with the new Pope.
During his talk, Father Pat
will help us understand
Pope Francis’s apostolic
exhortation, “The Joy of the
Gospel,” as an
insightful entré into the
mind, heart and spirit of the
world’s most recognized and
influential religious leader.
Join us as Father Pat
provides us with an
“insider’s” view of a Pope
who has fascinated and
energized both Catholics and
non-Catholics alike.
Progressive Theology
Traditional Worship
Welcoming Community
Deacon of Week: Brian Smyth
Brian has been a member at Park Road for 12 years.
He joined after marrying Park Road’s own Crystal
Duncan Smyth. Brian has served on the
Administration Committee and has found his gifts
used in so many ways in preparation of our Annual
Ministry Plan over the years. In addition, Brian has
been a deacon and currently teaches a men’s Sunday
School class. He is a financial analyst with Kingfisher
Capital. Brian and Crystal have two elementary-aged
children, Duncan and Hank.
Help Put Park Road in the Spotlight: Join a Communications Action Team!
Many good things go on at Park Road Baptist Church. We continue to create a community of
faith that encourages questions and welcomes everyone. We work hard to find ways to serve
others in our community in the name and spirit of Jesus. The Communications Ministry Area is
committed to letting members and our community know about these good things.
This ministry is comprised of five action teams. Perhaps one of them beckons you to be a part
of its efforts!
The Marketing team communicates who we are and what we do - not only to potential new
members in our community but also to the broader world that needs to hear Jesus’ gospel of
love.
The Electronic Media team uses various forms of social and electronic media to carry PRBC’s
message to all demographics, in and outside of Charlotte.
The Outreach team warmly welcomes our guests and lets them know we are glad to have them
visit us.
The Assimilation team helps incorporate new folks into the family that is Park Road through
one-on-one relationships and intentional invitations.
The Photography team seeks someone to capture pictures at church events of how we are
family/church. These images can then be used in various print and electronic means of
communication.
We need your help! Please contact George Miles ([email protected] or 423-292-8972)
to join the effort to spread the good news that Park Road embodies or to ask about the best
way for you to participate. Thank you!
Intergenerational Event — April 24, 2015
On Friday, April 24 from 6:30-8:30p, join us in the Community
Center for Church Family Game Night. All ages will focus around
breaking bread and playing games together. We will have pizza,
salad, popcorn and brownies. Mmm, mmm! After dinner, it’s game
time! Bring your favorite game. We will have fun sharing and laughing
together.
There is no better way to kick off Spring than with our Church Family!
Please call the church office by noon on Thursday, April 23 to let us
know to expect you so that we can sure to have enough food.
Youth News
The youth hope to see everyone at worship on March 22. This year’s theme is
perseverance. We’re looking forward to your support! Remember youth and parents
that we will practice on Saturday, March 21 at 6p.
The Youth’s annual Spring Retreat will be April 17-19 in Garden City, SC. The water
should be a little warmer since our trip is about 3 weeks later this year! A $50 non-
refundable deposit is due by Sunday, March 29!
Last week, the youth and children made over 200 sandwiches for Urban Ministry
Center!
The youth will join Family Tree in dinner and devotion on Wednesday, March 25.
A Night to Remember:
An Observation by Dan McClintock
Room in the Inn on March 7 at Park Road
coincided with the MeckMin’s Cardboard Box
Campout, a youth gathering to simulate poverty
and homelessness. The campout was set up in the quad in front of the youth building, clearly visible to the 12
homeless neighbors, 5 women and 7 men, who were spending the night with us. As the young people were setting
up their mostly refrigerator-sized boxes, a few of the homeless men and women gathered to watch. They were
obviously curious about what was taking place, so I explained that the purpose was to learn a little about what it
might be like to be homeless by spending the night outside on a night when the temperature dipped to 35
degrees. They stood watching in silence for a moment and then Trevor said, “Once they fall asleep, we should go
out and kick their boxes and tell them to move along. That’s what the police would do to us.” Marie laughed and
added, “Yeah, a box that big, they’d see it from a block away.” John joined in the banter and said, “Those aren’t
temporary shelters, those are luxury suites!” One of the men sitting on a sofa watching the Duke/Carolina game on
TV said, “Yeah, but I’d still rather be in here watching the game where it’s 70 degrees than outside tonight!”
Everyone quickly agreed. As our guests awake the next morning and went outside for an early morning smoke, a
few of them expressed admiration for the young people who had made it through the night and who just emerged
from their cardboard boxes. The last comment I heard was from a man who said, ”Yeah, that might be fun for one
night, but it’s no way to live.”
MeckMin’s Cardboard Campout by Jackson Knight
On Saturday March 7, MeckMin Youth Council and about 50 kids spent
the night in cardboard boxes on the campus of Park Road Baptist Church
to experience firsthand the way life can be on the streets for our homeless
neighbors.
It was 30º that night, so a few other people from the youth council and I
brought our boxes together to make a cardboard fort to keep out the cold
wind. Without the walls of our fort to help keep me warm, and the support
of my friends to keep me going, I’m not sure I would have lasted that one
night - let alone every night in such frigid conditions.
As we were sleeping in boxes outdoors, Park Road was hosting Room in
the Inn in the building next to our cardboard camp. In the morning, I
heard that the guests at Room in the Inn wanted to kick down our boxes
because that’s what the police do if a box (on the streets) is too big. That
would be terrible.
The biggest shock for me was to learn that people are not even allowed to
have proper boxes - they have to be small and folded. This experience
helped me really appreciate Room in the Inn because nobody should have
to spend cold nights on the streets.
Our Sunday School children "breaking bread"
with Miss Sally while
learning about the Last Supper.
Progressive Theology
Traditional Worship
Welcoming Community
From Headline to Heart:
Wednesday April 15
"A Conversation about
Pope Francis"
On April 15, Father Patrick
Earl of St. Peter’s Catholic
Church will lead us in a
conversation about
Pope Francis and how his
fresh perspective is changing
the Roman Catholic Church,
as well as the implications
for the worldwide religious
conversation (ecumenical
and interfaith).
Like Pope Francis,
Father Pat is a Jesuit
which leads him to feel a
special pride and spiritual
kinship with the new Pope.
During his talk, Father Pat
will help us understand
Pope Francis’s apostolic
exhortation, “The Joy of the
Gospel,” as an
insightful entré into the
mind, heart and spirit of the
world’s most recognized and
influential religious leader.
Join us as Father Pat
provides us with an
“insider’s” view of a Pope
who has fascinated and
energized both Catholics and
non-Catholics alike.
Progressive Theology
Traditional Worship
Welcoming Community
Deacon of Week: Brian Smyth
Brian has been a member at Park Road for 12 years.
He joined after marrying Park Road’s own Crystal
Duncan Smyth. Brian has served on the
Administration Committee and has found his gifts
used in so many ways in preparation of our Annual
Ministry Plan over the years. In addition, Brian has
been a deacon and currently teaches a men’s Sunday
School class. He is a financial analyst with Kingfisher
Capital. Brian and Crystal have two elementary-aged
children, Duncan and Hank.
Help Put Park Road in the Spotlight: Join a Communications Action Team!
Many good things go on at Park Road Baptist Church. We continue to create a community of
faith that encourages questions and welcomes everyone. We work hard to find ways to serve
others in our community in the name and spirit of Jesus. The Communications Ministry Area is
committed to letting members and our community know about these good things.
This ministry is comprised of five action teams. Perhaps one of them beckons you to be a part
of its efforts!
The Marketing team communicates who we are and what we do - not only to potential new
members in our community but also to the broader world that needs to hear Jesus’ gospel of
love.
The Electronic Media team uses various forms of social and electronic media to carry PRBC’s
message to all demographics, in and outside of Charlotte.
The Outreach team warmly welcomes our guests and lets them know we are glad to have them
visit us.
The Assimilation team helps incorporate new folks into the family that is Park Road through
one-on-one relationships and intentional invitations.
The Photography team seeks someone to capture pictures at church events of how we are
family/church. These images can then be used in various print and electronic means of
communication.
We need your help! Please contact George Miles ([email protected] or 423-292-8972)
to join the effort to spread the good news that Park Road embodies or to ask about the best
way for you to participate. Thank you!
Intergenerational Event — April 24, 2015
On Friday, April 24 from 6:30-8:30p, join us in the Community
Center for Church Family Game Night. All ages will focus around
breaking bread and playing games together. We will have pizza,
salad, popcorn and brownies. Mmm, mmm! After dinner, it’s game
time! Bring your favorite game. We will have fun sharing and laughing
together.
There is no better way to kick off Spring than with our Church Family!
Please call the church office by noon on Thursday, April 23 to let us
know to expect you so that we can sure to have enough food.
Youth News
The youth hope to see everyone at worship on March 22. This year’s theme is
perseverance. We’re looking forward to your support! Remember youth and parents
that we will practice on Saturday, March 21 at 6p.
The Youth’s annual Spring Retreat will be April 17-19 in Garden City, SC. The water
should be a little warmer since our trip is about 3 weeks later this year! A $50 non-
refundable deposit is due by Sunday, March 29!
Last week, the youth and children made over 200 sandwiches for Urban Ministry
Center!
The youth will join Family Tree in dinner and devotion on Wednesday, March 25.
A Night to Remember:
An Observation by Dan McClintock
Room in the Inn on March 7 at Park Road
coincided with the MeckMin’s Cardboard Box
Campout, a youth gathering to simulate poverty
and homelessness. The campout was set up in the quad in front of the youth building, clearly visible to the 12
homeless neighbors, 5 women and 7 men, who were spending the night with us. As the young people were setting
up their mostly refrigerator-sized boxes, a few of the homeless men and women gathered to watch. They were
obviously curious about what was taking place, so I explained that the purpose was to learn a little about what it
might be like to be homeless by spending the night outside on a night when the temperature dipped to 35
degrees. They stood watching in silence for a moment and then Trevor said, “Once they fall asleep, we should go
out and kick their boxes and tell them to move along. That’s what the police would do to us.” Marie laughed and
added, “Yeah, a box that big, they’d see it from a block away.” John joined in the banter and said, “Those aren’t
temporary shelters, those are luxury suites!” One of the men sitting on a sofa watching the Duke/Carolina game on
TV said, “Yeah, but I’d still rather be in here watching the game where it’s 70 degrees than outside tonight!”
Everyone quickly agreed. As our guests awake the next morning and went outside for an early morning smoke, a
few of them expressed admiration for the young people who had made it through the night and who just emerged
from their cardboard boxes. The last comment I heard was from a man who said, ”Yeah, that might be fun for one
night, but it’s no way to live.”
MeckMin’s Cardboard Campout by Jackson Knight
On Saturday March 7, MeckMin Youth Council and about 50 kids spent
the night in cardboard boxes on the campus of Park Road Baptist Church
to experience firsthand the way life can be on the streets for our homeless
neighbors.
It was 30º that night, so a few other people from the youth council and I
brought our boxes together to make a cardboard fort to keep out the cold
wind. Without the walls of our fort to help keep me warm, and the support
of my friends to keep me going, I’m not sure I would have lasted that one
night - let alone every night in such frigid conditions.
As we were sleeping in boxes outdoors, Park Road was hosting Room in
the Inn in the building next to our cardboard camp. In the morning, I
heard that the guests at Room in the Inn wanted to kick down our boxes
because that’s what the police do if a box (on the streets) is too big. That
would be terrible.
The biggest shock for me was to learn that people are not even allowed to
have proper boxes - they have to be small and folded. This experience
helped me really appreciate Room in the Inn because nobody should have
to spend cold nights on the streets.
Our Sunday School children "breaking bread"
with Miss Sally while
learning about the Last Supper.
Progressive Theology
Traditional Worship
Welcoming Community
Monty Bennett Director of Music and Organist
Brenda Casteen Administrative Assistant
Russ and Amy Jacks Dean Pastors
Beverly Doyle Diaconate Chair
Phone: 704.523.5717 Fax: 704.523.8481 www.parkroadbaptist.org email: [email protected]
Heather Gaskins Child Development Center Director
Joey Haynes Youth Coordinator
Bruce Holliday Director of Communications
Cason Maccubbin Financial Administrator
Dan McClintock Minister of Missions and Family Life
Paul Owens Facilities Manager
Carrie Torres Children’s Coordinator
from the pastors’ Heart & Soul
Last week was a bit of a blur. All I did was deal with goats. Yes, that’s what I said. Goats. For those who follow on social media, this is old news to you. For those who don’t, let me explain. Bennett has always wanted a goat. Always. I have always said NO. Always. Don’t get me wrong. I love my boy. I’ll do almost anything to make him happy. Shy of getting a goat. He and some friends went to a zoo a couple of weeks ago. He sent me a video of the goats. He ALWAYS sends videos of goats. And pictures of goats. He loves animals and thinks that goats are particularly cute. Me, not so much. We are not getting a goat. After the aforementioned zoo trip, one of his friends must have mentioned to her mother how much Bennett loved goats and wanted to get one. That mother posted a simple sentence on my Facebook page – “So, I hear you are getting a goat!” And that was all it took. My social media outlets blew up. My phone was pinging and ringing and buzzing. A campaign was started: #getBennettagoat. People from all walks of my life, and some that I didn’t even know, were weighing in. “Get Bennett a Goat” took on a life of its own. Pictures, videos, goat naming contests, pleading and begging, opinions, pros and cons were all gathered on my Facebook page. It was hilarious and a bit overwhelming. I don’t know when I have laughed so much. After about 4 days and over 300 comments, I pulled together an idea!
Let’s Get Bennett a Goat!!! But a goat that will live in another country with a family who could really use it. So we went online with Heifer International to buy a goat. Our family challenged all my so-called friends to join us in getting Bennett a goat by making a donation to Heifer International. A goat costs $120, so I decided that I could be an extra loving and giving mother and get Bennett TWO goats. So we started the collection with a $20 donation of our own toward our goal of $240. Our family decided that if our friends didn’t play along and we didn’t meet our goal, then we’d foot the whole bill and buy two goats if need be.
I am happy to report that our friends came through for poor little pitiful goatless Bennett. We are now the proud owners of 4.375 goats with a current total of $525 raised through Heifer International. Bennett will be so happy, but not as happy as the families in third world countries who can use them to provide food and money for themselves. And not nearly as happy as a mother who now just has 2 sons, 1 husband, 1 dog, and 0 goats!
But here’s what I have learned through that crazy week of my life that was all about goats: 1) I have great friends. And a lot of them! (A special shout out to Paula Knight who so innocently got this whole thing started and to Don Flowers, Pastor of Providence Baptist in Charleston, SC, who so NOT-innocently fanned the flames of this goat wildfire!); 2) Laughter truly is a wonderful thing. I don’t know when I have laughed so much as watching all of this unfold; 3) While nothing takes the place of face-to-face relationships, it is so powerful to have a way to connect with folks instantly through social media. It is a powerful tool when used in healthy ways; and 4) Something meaningful can come out of the simplest of things to foster generosity beyond measure – the Dean family owns 4.375 goats that now live in someone else’s backyard!
Never take friends, laughter, connectedness to one another and generosity for granted!
Good Tidings is intended for our members and friends.
Please notify us if you no longer wish to receive this
publication. Thank you!
Good Tidings, USPS permit #979, is published weekly by PRBC,
3900 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the above address.
Return Service Requested
Park Road Baptist Church
3900 Park Road
Charlotte, NC 28209 March 18, 2015
NON PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
CLT, NC
Permit #979
Progressive Theology
Traditional Worship
Welcoming Community
Progressive Theology
Traditional Worship
Welcoming Community
COMING UP:
Sunday, March 22 9:30a Deacon Prayer
9:45a Sunday School
11:00a Worship: Youth Sunday
Noon: “Meet and Greet”
in the Narthex after worship.
Meet our visitors and catch up
with old friends.
1:00p Deacon Lunch and
Pastoral Care Session
5:00p Youth Activities
Wednesday, March 25 5:30p Wednesday Night Supper
and Activities
Thursday, March 26 Noon: Lunch Bunch
Sunday, March 29 Palm Sunday
9:30a Deacon Prayer
9:45a Sunday School
11:00a Worship
4:00p Choral Concert
“The Seven Last Words of Christ”
Reception to Follow
Save the Date:
Inter-generational Retreat
September 4-6
(Labor Day Weekend) at
Lutheridge in Arden, NC
Remembering
Our Friends at Home Hilda Moulton
3301 Chilham Place
Charlotte, NC 28226
FOOD FOR BODY AND SOUL: The Library Team
Perhaps you, too, are becoming overwhelmed with all the choices on the grocery
shelves. There are more and more items from which to choose, and they are
packed so tightly that it is hard to find what you are looking for, much less reach
one without pulling down others. The same thing is happening with the PRBC
Library shelves. When we began to organize our books, we had many more than
the shelves would hold. So we gave away some and sold others. Now we find
ourselves cramped for space again. The shelves are so full it is hard to see what
we have, and even harder still to dislodge a book.
The Library Team is trying to make our books more accessible and user-friendly.
We will reduce the number of older books, damaged books and duplicate copies
and will keep those that are newer, in good condition and especially those written
for the layperson or general public. Soon you will see displays in various places
around our campus. We already have a library in the newly redecorated Children’s
Building. So when you are shopping for food for the body, don’t forget to check
out “soul” food from our wonderful collection. As St. Anonymous is presumably
quoted, “Eat and Read.”
No joking around . . . Bruce Holliday wins the prize for funniest post about the goats by Photoshopping a goat into Children’s Time turning it into “Kid’s Time.”
Have you read this one? Shirley
Murdock and Bette Honeycutt try
to decide which book to select.
Progressive Theology
Traditional Worship
Welcoming Community
Progressive Theology
Traditional Worship
Welcoming Community
Dick Howie, along with his sister Nancy, grew up at Park Road. Dick went on to become a minister.
Here is a thank you letter from Dick to his home-church family.
Growing “In The Grace Of God and Man”
To the congregation of Park Road Baptist Church from Dick Howie
At this point in my life I am not able to come and express my gratitude to you for your church – my church and all it has meant to my life through all of my years. That is why I am writing this letter to you today.
In 1951 my parents, Jim and Mary Ann Howie, were visited by Charlie Milford who had been called as pastor of a new Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. That church was Park Road Baptist Church. My parents had been members of St. Johns Baptist Church for many years. Following that visit, Jim and Mary Ann made the decision to move their membership to Park Road Baptist Church. They wanted me and my sister, Nancy to grow up in a neighborhood church where we would have the opportunity to attend church activities with neighborhood and school friends. That visit from Charlie Milford became the catalyst of my “growing in the grace of God and man” and would years later lead me into the Ministry.
Through the “growing years” of my childhood, I was blessed to have wonderful Sunday School Teachers who not only taught me on Sunday mornings, but who lived out their teachings in their everyday lives. They were true witnesses of the unconditional love of God given to all of us. I was blessed to grow up under the musical guidance of J.D. Morrison who recognized my love for music and who gave me so many opportunities to express that love at Park Road Baptist Church. I sang in choirs from a very early age – and what fun it was to sing in special musicals presented for church members – always coupled with great family picnics “on the grounds”. As families of Park Road Baptist we worshiped together, we played together, we prayed together, we built buildings on our church campus, we were in our Tableau together (which I later on in life took to Virginia and Kentucky with Charlie’s blessing), we were ministers in each others lives, and we lived the “Gospel Of A Second Chance” always! I was privileged to be asked to come back for the 40th Anniversary Celebration and be the guest minister. That Sunday was truly a gift in my life and I thank you for having been given that opportunity to share such a special day with you!! We were a family living out the gospel in all of our lives. Park Road Baptist Church became “God’s voice” in my life through all of my growing years. That voice came through so many marvelous people who simply “lived the gospel” in and through their lives to all of us who were fortunate to “live it” with them. That Gospel would lead me to become a Minister of Music and to be ordained as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life! To this day, I feel deep gratitude to all those who were instrumental in leading my life through so many years so that I could “grow in the grace of God and man”. There are too many names to try and write here. But they are written on my heart and have been a part of my life through all these years.
Thanks to Charlie Milford I was able to enroll in Furman University to fulfill my dream of becoming a Minister Of Music. Thanks to Charlie Milford and his guidance I attended Southern Seminary in Louisville Kentucky and after my graduation was ordained to the Ministry at Park Road Baptist Church. Kathy and I were married at Park Road Baptist Church. My parents Celebration Of Life services were held at Park Road Baptist Church and their names are placed on plaques in your columbarium for all generations to come to remember.
After serving as Minister of Youth, Minister of Music, Associate Pastor, and Interim Pastor positions in several churches in Charlotte and Mint Hill N.C. and serving as a Missionary in West Virginia through the Immanuel Baptist Association I retired in July 2014 due to illness and returned home to Mint Hill to be closer to my family and good doctors.
At this time in my life, I have so much “time on my hands” as physically I am not able to get out and be of service to people. This time has given me many hours for reflection on my life. God has blessed my life in so many magnificent ways through all these years. But, you see, it all began with you….with Park Road Baptist Church. You were truly the catalyst for all the blessings I would receive in my life through my service as a Minister of the Gospel. You, as a church molded my life….you shaped my life…you instilled in my life the Gospel of living my Christianity in the lives of others. My Dad had a favorite poem that began: “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day….I’d rather one would walk with me than merely show the way”. You, as church lived your
sermon in my life such that I was able to live your sermon in my life to others. My heart is full of gratitude for your sermons of faith, hope, and unconditional love that has filled my life with untold blessings – that has in turn filled the life of countless others with untold blessings. For long ago and far away Park Road Baptist Church was the “hand of God” and the “voice of God” in my life. I felt the hands of God there. I heard the voice of God there – through you – saying to me….
"Take up thy cross and follow Me, I heard my Master say; I gave my life to ransom thee, Surrender your all today.
He drew me closer to His side, I sought His will to know, And in that will I now abide, Wherever He leads I'll go.
My heart, my life, my all I bring to Christ who loves me so;
He is my Master, Lord, and King, Wherever He leads I’ll go.
Wherever He leads I'll go, Wherever He leads I'll go,
I'll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads I'll go.
And, because of you, Park Road Baptist Church, I did!!
My prayer for each of you is centered in the Prayer Of St. Francis:
May God make you an instrument of His peace; Where there is hatred, let you sow love; Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, harmony; Where there is error, truth;
Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, Grant that you may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console; To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love. For it is in giving that you receive;
It is in pardoning that you are pardoned;
And it is in dying that you are born to eternal life.
I PRAY THAT YOU ALWAYS GO IN PEACE AND IN THE REMEMBERANCE OF GOD’S LOVE…REMEMBERING THAT IN THE GOODNESS OF GOD YOU WERE BORN….IN THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD YOU ARE KEPT ALL YOUR LIFE THROUGH….AND IN THE LOVE OF GOD YOU ARE REDEEMED. MAY YOU WALK WITH ALL MANKIND AND BE THE SERMON THAT YOU BROUGHT TO MY LIFE MANY YEARS AGO – THAT SERMON THAT LIVES WITHIN ME AND THROUGH ME AND ALWAYS WILL!!
With love and gratitude,
Dick Howie
Progressive Theology
Traditional Worship
Welcoming Community
Progressive Theology
Traditional Worship
Welcoming Community
Dick Howie, along with his sister Nancy, grew up at Park Road. Dick went on to become a minister.
Here is a thank you letter from Dick to his home-church family.
Growing “In The Grace Of God and Man”
To the congregation of Park Road Baptist Church from Dick Howie
At this point in my life I am not able to come and express my gratitude to you for your church – my church and all it has meant to my life through all of my years. That is why I am writing this letter to you today.
In 1951 my parents, Jim and Mary Ann Howie, were visited by Charlie Milford who had been called as pastor of a new Baptist Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. That church was Park Road Baptist Church. My parents had been members of St. Johns Baptist Church for many years. Following that visit, Jim and Mary Ann made the decision to move their membership to Park Road Baptist Church. They wanted me and my sister, Nancy to grow up in a neighborhood church where we would have the opportunity to attend church activities with neighborhood and school friends. That visit from Charlie Milford became the catalyst of my “growing in the grace of God and man” and would years later lead me into the Ministry.
Through the “growing years” of my childhood, I was blessed to have wonderful Sunday School Teachers who not only taught me on Sunday mornings, but who lived out their teachings in their everyday lives. They were true witnesses of the unconditional love of God given to all of us. I was blessed to grow up under the musical guidance of J.D. Morrison who recognized my love for music and who gave me so many opportunities to express that love at Park Road Baptist Church. I sang in choirs from a very early age – and what fun it was to sing in special musicals presented for church members – always coupled with great family picnics “on the grounds”. As families of Park Road Baptist we worshiped together, we played together, we prayed together, we built buildings on our church campus, we were in our Tableau together (which I later on in life took to Virginia and Kentucky with Charlie’s blessing), we were ministers in each others lives, and we lived the “Gospel Of A Second Chance” always! I was privileged to be asked to come back for the 40th Anniversary Celebration and be the guest minister. That Sunday was truly a gift in my life and I thank you for having been given that opportunity to share such a special day with you!! We were a family living out the gospel in all of our lives. Park Road Baptist Church became “God’s voice” in my life through all of my growing years. That voice came through so many marvelous people who simply “lived the gospel” in and through their lives to all of us who were fortunate to “live it” with them. That Gospel would lead me to become a Minister of Music and to be ordained as a Minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in my life! To this day, I feel deep gratitude to all those who were instrumental in leading my life through so many years so that I could “grow in the grace of God and man”. There are too many names to try and write here. But they are written on my heart and have been a part of my life through all these years.
Thanks to Charlie Milford I was able to enroll in Furman University to fulfill my dream of becoming a Minister Of Music. Thanks to Charlie Milford and his guidance I attended Southern Seminary in Louisville Kentucky and after my graduation was ordained to the Ministry at Park Road Baptist Church. Kathy and I were married at Park Road Baptist Church. My parents Celebration Of Life services were held at Park Road Baptist Church and their names are placed on plaques in your columbarium for all generations to come to remember.
After serving as Minister of Youth, Minister of Music, Associate Pastor, and Interim Pastor positions in several churches in Charlotte and Mint Hill N.C. and serving as a Missionary in West Virginia through the Immanuel Baptist Association I retired in July 2014 due to illness and returned home to Mint Hill to be closer to my family and good doctors.
At this time in my life, I have so much “time on my hands” as physically I am not able to get out and be of service to people. This time has given me many hours for reflection on my life. God has blessed my life in so many magnificent ways through all these years. But, you see, it all began with you….with Park Road Baptist Church. You were truly the catalyst for all the blessings I would receive in my life through my service as a Minister of the Gospel. You, as a church molded my life….you shaped my life…you instilled in my life the Gospel of living my Christianity in the lives of others. My Dad had a favorite poem that began: “I’d rather see a sermon than hear one any day….I’d rather one would walk with me than merely show the way”. You, as church lived your
sermon in my life such that I was able to live your sermon in my life to others. My heart is full of gratitude for your sermons of faith, hope, and unconditional love that has filled my life with untold blessings – that has in turn filled the life of countless others with untold blessings. For long ago and far away Park Road Baptist Church was the “hand of God” and the “voice of God” in my life. I felt the hands of God there. I heard the voice of God there – through you – saying to me….
"Take up thy cross and follow Me, I heard my Master say; I gave my life to ransom thee, Surrender your all today.
He drew me closer to His side, I sought His will to know, And in that will I now abide, Wherever He leads I'll go.
My heart, my life, my all I bring to Christ who loves me so;
He is my Master, Lord, and King, Wherever He leads I’ll go.
Wherever He leads I'll go, Wherever He leads I'll go,
I'll follow my Christ who loves me so, Wherever He leads I'll go.
And, because of you, Park Road Baptist Church, I did!!
My prayer for each of you is centered in the Prayer Of St. Francis:
May God make you an instrument of His peace; Where there is hatred, let you sow love; Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, harmony; Where there is error, truth;
Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy.
O Divine Master, Grant that you may not so much seek
To be consoled as to console; To be understood as to understand;
To be loved as to love. For it is in giving that you receive;
It is in pardoning that you are pardoned;
And it is in dying that you are born to eternal life.
I PRAY THAT YOU ALWAYS GO IN PEACE AND IN THE REMEMBERANCE OF GOD’S LOVE…REMEMBERING THAT IN THE GOODNESS OF GOD YOU WERE BORN….IN THE PROVIDENCE OF GOD YOU ARE KEPT ALL YOUR LIFE THROUGH….AND IN THE LOVE OF GOD YOU ARE REDEEMED. MAY YOU WALK WITH ALL MANKIND AND BE THE SERMON THAT YOU BROUGHT TO MY LIFE MANY YEARS AGO – THAT SERMON THAT LIVES WITHIN ME AND THROUGH ME AND ALWAYS WILL!!
With love and gratitude,
Dick Howie
Easter Lilies 2015
Easter Lilies can be ordered in memory of or in honor of
someone special. The lilies will be used to decorate the cross on
Easter morning, April 5. Payment of $8 must accompany order.
Youth will be in the narthex the next few Sundays,
or you can call the church office to order before March 29.
April Birthdays
1 James Machen
4 Allen Laymon
11 Patti Green
14 Gwen Hamrick
14 Ken Kinnaird
16 Will Dekker
17 Greg Heaton
18 Wendy Watson
20 Allie Blum
23 Buck Blankenship
23 Chelsea Franklin
23 Joey Haynes
24 Matt Barner
24 Elisa Clark
25 Sherman Pasotto
26 Megan Kelly
26 Sally Silden
26 Rachel Stone
27 Sara Royster
29 Sharon Clode
30 Ann Marie Burke
30 Brian Knight Welcome Marion and Greg Brown, who have visited with us for
several weeks. Natives of the Mid-West, they have been in Charlotte for five years. Marion works in Public Health with
CMC Hospitals and Greg is self-employed with a career in finance; he currently serves as the CFO for a number of small companies.
They have four grown children. Welcome!
Meet new member Gail Gillies (left) Sure -
She has 3 kids, works for Charlotte Douglas
Airport in property management, and is one of
the most positive and upbeat people I know...and
is also a neighbor of the Ashcrafts. Welcome!
