CONNECTIONS
OUR CHILDREN'S SUMMER CAMPS HAVE BEEN A BLAST! FROM JUNE THROUGH THE END OF JULY, KIDS GATHERED TO DEVELOP ATHLETIC SKILLS, DO HANDS-ON CRAFTS, ENJOY THE OUTDOORS, AND HAVE FUN. WE HOPE YOU'LL JOIN OUR CAMPS NEXT SUMMER!
From the Senior Pastor
Restore & Renew Update: Transforming our Worship Spaces
The next phase of our campus-wide Restore & Renew project begins on Monday, August 25, with work getting underway to, well, in some cases restore, and in some cases renew the paint, flooring, pews, organ, and lighting in our Sanctuary and Narthex areas.
Because we are committed to paying for Restore & Renew projects as we go—as opposed to borrowing money to fund the work—progress has been slow and steady over the last eighteen months.
The most visible R&R work to this point has been the extensive exterior painting we had done last fall. For most of us, though, a lot of the necessary work thus far has been invisible: Replacing leaky flat roofs, replacing end-oflife HVAC units, and swapping our 1977-vintage temperature controls for new, more responsive, digital thermostats. That’s about to change.
Our Property Resources Committee (PRC) has assembled a team made up of committee members and church members at-large to plan this upcoming phase of R&R. Their goal is to restore and renew our Sanctuary and Narthex in a way that enhances our worship experience, highlights the rooms’ unique
architectural beauty, and welcomes both guests and members into worship space that feels welcoming and cared-for. I have a great deal of confidence in the work that this group has done so far and am really looking forward to seeing the fruit of their labor take shape.
A local contracting company, Edifice, will coordinate this project in partnership with our PRC and Adam Lawlor, our Director of Church Operations. The plan is for all the work to be completed in time for us to worship again in the Sanctuary by the first Sunday of Advent, which this year is November 30.
So, what does all this mean for the thirteen Sundays in between August 24 and November 30?
It means that we will worship together on Sunday mornings in the Fellowship Hall, fitting as many chairs in the room as we safely can. Pete Leo, Ed West, and Noel Friedline are already working together on how they’ll lead great music in an unfamiliar worship space. Our ministers are developing plans for an “overflow” space that allows us to worship together on campus via our livestream if the Fellowship Hall fills up.
It also means that, with Midweek dinners beginning on September 17, the Fellowship Hall will need to be
transformed each week from a “dining hall” to a “worship hall”—and it won’t happen by itself. Adam is working on a plan for how to setup and take-down as efficiently as possible. Once we have a “turnaround plan” in place, we will all be invited to lend a helping hand in order to accomplish this weekly transformation.
The good news here is three-fold. First: We can do this. Second: It’s only temporary. Third: When it’s over, we’re going to have a beautifully restored and renewed worship space. And here I’ll add a fourth element of good news: We get to do this together—and that will make us stronger
May the peace of Christ be with you!
Lee Canipe Senior Pastor
Christ at the Center SERMON TEXTS THIS MONTH
August 3 High School Mission Trip Report
August 10 Hebrews 11:1-3, 8-16
August 17 Isaiah 5:1-7
August 24 Psalm 71:1-6
August 31 Luke 14:1, 7-14
Ministry at Providence
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP
Blake Kendrick, bkendrick@providencebc.org
Fall Adult Bible Study: Daniel
Thursdays at 11am beginning September 4
Join us this fall as we continue our Adult Bible Study with the Book of Daniel! Sessions begin September 4 and continue through December. Invite a friend to enjoy coffee, friendly fellowship, and engaging discussions!
ACTIVITY CENTER
Michelle Hitselberger, mhitselberger@providencebc.org
Intermediate Pickleball Clinic
August 20 at 6pm in the Activity Center Gym
You're invited to join us for an Intermediate Level Pickleball Clinic lead by instructor Randy Watkins! Come learn skills from serves and returns to dinks and shot drops. Email sportsquest@providencebc.org for more info. Cost is $10. Register in the Activity Center by August 8!
Widowed Wisdom Fellowship Lunch
August 27 at 11am in the Activity Center Parlor
Pastor Blake and Michelle invite all widows and widowers to a special luncheon to unite with others, laugh, share, and grow together. A donation of $7 is requested to cover meal costs. Register on Realm today and invite others who are on the same journey!
Youth Fall Basketball
It may be the middle of summer, but basketball sign ups are coming up at the end of August! Coaches: reach out to your team from last year and get your roster ready! Last year's teams will be eligible for early bird sign ups.
CHILDREN
Elizabeth Maye Hudson, emaye@providencebc.org
Rising 6th Grade Breakfast
August 17 at 9:15am
Rising 6th Grade students and their parents are invited to a celebration breakfast! Please RSVP to Claire by
August 10. Further details will be shared with parents. Claire will also collect letters of encouragement for rising 6th graders through August 16.
Rising Kindergarten Pop-Up
August 24 at 9:30am in the CDC's Green Hall
Rising Kindergarteners and their parents are invited to visit their new Faith Formation classroom and the Sanctuary for a “welcome to Worship” to prepare for Kindergarten this fall!
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Ursula Taylor, utaylor@providencebc.org
CDC Celebration Sunday
August 10 during Worship
Join us for Worship on August 10 for our CDC Celebration Sunday!
Parent Orientation
August 28 at 6:30pm in the Fellowship Hall All current and new families are invited to come learn about the CDC before the upcoming school year!
CDC Closed (Teacher Workdays) August 28-29
The CDC will close August 28-29 for Teacher Workdays.
Honoring Shelia Mitchell-Sasser Mrs. Shelia Mitchell-Sasser, CDC Financial Associate, retired in July after 23 years of service. We appreciate the professionalism, smiles, and hugs she brought and we wish her well.
MUSIC
Pete Leo, pleo@providencebc.org
"Come Sing" Choir
Wednesdays from 7-8:30pm in the Music Suite
Come sing with the Sanctuary Choir during August and join in leading our congregation in song! All ages 9th grade through adults can join, and no formal musical training is required. We'll also offer SSA and TTBB chorale groups. Rehearsals are Wednesdays in the Music Suite. Interested? Contact Molly at mnaylor@providencebc.org or Ed at ewest@providencebc.org
STUDENTS
Kristen Hendrix, khendrix@providencebc.org
Middle and High School Pool Parties
August 3 from 2-5pm; August 10 from 1-3pm
A pool party is the perfect way to celebrate summer with your friends! On August 3 from 2-5pm, the Genett’s host our middle schoolers, and on August 10 from 1-3pm, the Ingram’s host our high schoolers. Bring your swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a change of clothes. Sign up on Realm!
Rising 6th Grade Welcome
August 27 at 6pm in the Youth Room
Rising 6th grade students and parents are invited to enjoy ice cream, hear about the Student Ministry, meet current youth, play games, and see the student space. Join us in the Youth Room to ask questions and have fun during this time of transition.
Student's Fantasy Football Draft
August 24 at 12pm in the Youth Room
A new Fantasy Football season is upon us and it’s time to draft our teams’ players! Sign up on Realm today as an owner or grab a friend to be coowners. The draft will be in-person (with a Domino’s lunch) and on Zoom.
SENIOR ADULTS
Wilna Eury, wilna.eury@att.net
PrimeTimers' Luncheons Resume September 18 at 12pm in the Fellowship Hall
Hope everyone is enjoying the lazy days of summer! Mark your calendar for our September 18 PrimeTimers’ Luncheon. More details coming soon!
CHURCHWIDE
connections@providencebc.org
Blessing of Students and Teachers
August 24 during Worship
Join us for Worship on August 24 as we offer blessings and lift up our teachers and students ahead of the upcoming school year.
Prayer Vigil
Last Saturday in the Chapel
You're invited to come pray in the Chapel from 8am-12pm on August 30. Suggested prayer guides are available.
Women on Mission
Second Tuesday in the Missions Center
WOM resumes September 9! Join us for fellowship, hands-on mission projects, prayer, and lunch. On
September 9, we’ll make sandwiches and pack lunches for our friends at Roof Above. Questions? Email Susan Jones at sbjones7@gmail.com or Lynn Osment at losment02@gmail.com
We're excited for Midweek at Providence to begin again next month! Join us for our Fall Kickoff event on Wednesday, September 10 at 5pm! After that, we’re excited to host our annual Rise Against Hunger food-packing event on September 17! Normal Midweek activities will resume the following Wednesday on September 24. Our schedule offers Music, Missions, and Faith Formation for all ages. See the opportunities to join us during the month of September below:
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP ROTATIONS | 6-7pm
Adults of all ages are invited to join us every week!
MUSIC
Choirs rehearse weekly and are open to all ages!
STUDENT FUSION | 5:45-6:30pm
We will gather at 5:45pm in the Youth Room!
CHILDREN’S ROTATIONS | 6:30-7:15pm Weekly – Preschool Missions; Midweek for Children
August Calendar
WEEKLY CALENDAR
Monday-Friday
9am-8pm Fitness Center Open
Mon, Tue, Thu, & Sat
6-7pm Jazzercise Class
Mondays
6:30pm Carolina Shag Lessons
7-9pm Men's Pick-Up Basketball (ages 55+)
Tuesday-Sunday
Various Times Pickleball *visit our website for details
Wednesdays
7-8:30pm "Come Sing" Choir Rehearsals
7pm Ballroom Dancing
Thursdays
1-3pm Game ON! Social
Saturdays
8am-12pm Cotswold Farmers Market
9am-3pm Fitness Center Open
Sundays
9:15am Faith Formation
10:30am Worship
1-5pm Fitness Center Open
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3
2-5pm Middle School Pool Party, Genett's Home
MIDWEEK FELLOWSHIP DINNER
5pm in the Fellowship Hall
You are invited to join us at 5pm in the Fellowship Hall for a special dinner offering! Come each week during this time of fellowship to engage with one another and share a meal together.
The cost of a Midweek dinner is:
$25 per Family; $8 per Individual; $5 per Child ages 10 and under; Free for Children ages 5 and under.
Midweek Dinner payments can be made via cash, check, or online through Realm!
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3 (CONT'D)
3-5pm Popsicles in the Park, Park Rd. Park Playground
SUNDAY, AUGUST 10
10:30am CDC Celebration Sunday, Sanctuary
1-3pm High School Pool Party, Ingram's Home
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 13
9-11am Popsicles in the Park, Providence Playground
SUNDAY, AUGUST 17
9:15am Rising 6th Grade Breakfast
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 20
6-9pm Intermediate Picklebll Clinic, Activity Center Gym
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24
9:30am Rising Kindergarten Pop-Up, CDC's Green Hall
10:30am Blessing Teachers and Students in Worship, Sanctuary
SUNDAY, AUGUST 24 (CONT'D) 12pm Student's Fantasy Football Draft Party, Youth Room
MONDAY, AUGUST 25
CMS 2025-2026 School Year Begins
WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 27
11am Widowed Wisdom Fellowship Lunch, Activity Center Parlor 6pm Rising 6th Grade Welcome, Youth Room
THURSDAY, AUGUST 28
6:30pm CDC Parent Orientation, Fellowship Hall
AUGUST 28-29
CDC Closed (Teacher Workdays)
AUGUST 29 - SEPTEMBER 1
All Ages Retreat, Chestnut Ridge Camp, Efland, NC
The Record We Wrote
Our financial year-to-date report is good in income for mid-summer, while expenses are running a little high due to monthly cycles. Please remember to give consistently in the months ahead. Thank you for financially supporting the missions and ministries at Providence.
Save The Date
SEPTEMBER 1
Providence Closed (Labor Day)
SEPTEMBER 4
Adult Bible Study Resumes
SEPTEMBER 7
Celebration Sunday
Student Ministry Orientation
SEPTEMBER 9
Women on Mission
SEPTEMBER 10
Fall Kickoff
Student's Yuck Night
SEPTEMBER 14
1st Grade Bible Presentation
SEPTEMBER 17
Rise Against Hunger
SEPTEMBER 18
PrimeTimers' Luncheon
SEPTEMBER 21
Blessing of New Drivers in Worship
SEPTEMBER 24
Midweek at Providence Resumes
Do you give online to Providence? On Sundays, pick up an online giving card as you enter the Narthex and place it in the offering plate during worship!