CONNECTIONS
From the Senior Pastor
One of the best innovations that came with our revised governance and lay leadership structure is the practice of identifying Vision of Ministry goals for each year. The idea is for all of us to be pulling in the same direction and with a shared sense of purpose. This is both good strategy and good stewardship: When we work together, we make the most of the resources that we have to work with.
The Church Council and ministry team are busy developing our Vision of Ministry for 2026. Before moving on to what’s next, though, let’s take a moment to ask: How did we do with our Vision of Ministry for 2025?
Honestly, I could fill up this entire newsletter with example after example of how we successfully pursued our Vision of Ministry this year. Below are just a few initiatives that furthered our 2025 goals.
Completing our Ministry Staff: Success! In September, we joyfully welcomed Amy Brown aboard as Minister with Students and their Families. In November, we celebrated as Pete Leo dropped the “interim” tag and became our Director of Worship Arts. These additions bring energy, creativity, and positive spirits to our ministry team. I’m glad they’re at Providence!
Promoting a Culture of Invitation: Success! So far this year, we’ve welcomed 22 new members to
Providence and have been blessed with a steady stream of guests on Sundays and Wednesdays. Our Activity Center and PrimeTimers ministries have been intentional about reaching out to our Cotswold neighbors. Finally, our restored and renewed Sanctuary clearly communicates to each of our guests that we care about them and are ready for them.
Cultivating Financial Vitality: Success! Pledges to our Annual Giving campaign were up 29% from last year—the biggest year-toyear jump since at least 2009. Our endowed funds were streamlined to make them easier to manage and better positioned to support the missions and ministries of our church. We gained a new community partner, Next Step Clubhouse, in rentable space on the second floor of Randolph Hall. Finally, we continue to give more this year than we did last year— perhaps the most reliable sign of financial vitality in any church.
Building Strong Relationships: Success! Our inaugural All Ages Church Retreat over Labor Day weekend, fellowship breakfasts in January and July, intergenerational events throughout the year, an increased number of Acts 2:42 groups, a growing ministry with mothers of preschoolers and children, and the introduction of Sunday nametags were specific
Join us for our three Christmas Eve services at 10am, 5pm, and 11:30pm!
investments we made in building a strong community of faith in 2025.
Fostering Spiritual Formation: Success! In addition to our regular weekly faith formation ministries, I was especially pleased with our summer sessions on basic Baptist faith convictions, which reminded us of—or, perhaps, introduced us to—what and why Baptists believe as we do. I hope we will do more of these kinds of events in the future.
Again: These are just a few of our 2025 initiatives. There were plenty more that I could have listed— primarily because, as intended, these Vision of Ministry goals shaped, in one way or another, just about everything we’ve done together at Providence in 2025. Better focus brings better results.
And now, let’s turn our hearts and minds to Bethlehem and the good news that awaits us there. May the peace of Christ be with you this Advent season!
Lee Canipe Senior Pastor
Ministry at Providence
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP
Blake Kendrick, bkendrick@providencebc.org
Samaritan's Feet Volunteers Needed
Dec. 6 | 9am | Samaritan's Feet HQ
We need 30 volunteers (ages 12+) to sort shoes for shipment to national and international partners. If you'd like to volunteer, please contact Blake. Arrive at the Samaritan's Feet HQ at 4808 Chesapeake Drive at 8:45am. Please visit www.samaritansfeet.org for more information.
Blue Christmas Service
Dec. 14 | 5:30pm | Sanctuary
During a season filled with much celebration, many carry quiet grief, stress, or heartache. Our Blue Christmas Service offers a gentle, reflective time of Worship for anyone finding the holidays difficult. Through scripture, prayer, music, and candlelight, we will come together to seek comfort and hope in God’s presence—trusting that Christ’s light shines even in our darkest seasons. Come as you are. You are not alone.
ACTIVITY CENTER
Michelle Hitselberger, mhitselberger@providencebc.org
Widowed Wisdom Holiday Lunch
Dec. 3 | 12pm | Activity Center Parlor
All widows and widowers are invited to a time of fellowship as we prepare for the holiday season and discuss how to process grief during this time. All are welcome. Sign up on Realm!
Dr. Sasser's History Class Part 2 Tuesdays from Jan. 20 - Feb. 24, 2026
Adults ages 55+ are invited to join Dr. Jim Sasser for a six-week history class in 2026! These classes, which are a continuation of our previous summer classes, focus on "The Presidents & First Ladies," as well as other fascinating historical topics. Cost is $12/person. Register on Realm today!
Winter Walking Program
Get your steps in this winter! Check in at the Activity Center Welcome Desk.
Pickleball at Providence
Adults of all ages are welcome for open play, clinics, tournaments, and fellowship! For more details, download the free TeamReach App and enter code “4921Randolph” to join the group.
CHILDREN
Elizabeth Maye Hudson, emaye@providencebc.org
Baby's First Christmas
Dec. 14 | 9:30am | Activity Center Lounge
All babies born in 2025 are invited to their first Christmas party! Breakfast will be provided! RSVP to Elizabeth.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Ursula Taylor, utaylor@providencebc.org
Winter Wonderland
Dec. 18 | 10am | CDC Front Lawn
On December 18, the CDC will host a Winter Wonderland event where children and their families can make festive holiday ornaments together!
CDC's Winter Break
Dec. 23 at 3pm - Jan. 4
In observance of the holidays, the CDC will close on December 23 at 3pm and will reopen January 5.
MUSIC
Pete Leo, pleo@providencebc.org
Christmas Choir Invitation
Wednesday Rehearsals in December
During the month of December, we are offering a special Christmas Choir open to all ages! We'll rehearse on Wednesdays from 8-9pm. This is a great way to try out choir for a few weeks and help our sound as we transition back into the Sanctuary!
�� Christmas Music in Worship
Sunday Worship in December
Join us for Worship on Sundays in December for special musical selections from our choirs! From Lessons and Carols to contemporary music and excerpts from Handel's Messiah, there's something special that everyone can enjoy!
STUDENTS
Amy Brown, abrown@providencebc.org
Middle School and High School
Christmas Parties
Dec. 14 and Dec. 17 | 6pm
Wear an ugly Christmas sweater, your favorite onesie, or classic red and green and join the fun! Guys bring a savory snack to share, and girls bring a sweet or salty snack to share! Everyone bring a wrapped gift (under $10) for our gift exchange. Middle Schoolers gather Dec. 14 at the Genetts' Home, and High Schoolers gather Dec. 17 at the Perrones' Home.
College Christmas Party
Dec. 21 | 6pm | The Aghjayans' Home
All college students are invited to join us as we celebrate the Christmas season! Food will be provided. Please bring a wrapped gift (under $10) for our gift exchange.
Student's Movie Day
Dec. 22 | Cinemark Bistro Charlotte Lights, camera, action! Join us for a matinee showing of Zootopia 2 at the Cinemark Bistro Charlotte. Tickets are limited, so register on Realm today!
CBFNC Winter Ski Retreat
Jan. 23-25 | Winterplace Ski Resort
Join us for the CBFNC Youth Ski Retreat at Winterplace Resort, WV! We’ll spend lots of time on the slopes and in group worship. Registration is $200/person. Register by January 4!
SENIOR ADULTS
Wilna Eury, wilna.eury@att.net
PrimeTimers' Luncheon
Dec. 11 | 12pm | Crouch Fellowship Hall
Mark your calendar as we welcome back Jeff Perks to entertain us with his musical talents. Invite a friend to get in the Christmas Spirit! RSVP by December 5 on Realm or to Wilna. Cost is $7/person and is open to all!
PrimeTimers' at Flat Rock Playhouse
Dec. 17 | Flat Rock Playhouse
Our PrimeTimers are visiting Flat Rock Playhouse for their Christmas show!
CHURCHWIDE
connections@providencebc.org
Sunday Breakfasts
Sundays | 8:30am | Crouch Fellowship Hall
For the first three Sundays in December, join us in the Fellowship Hall for breakfast! We're asking for a $5 donation to help cover food costs. Women on Mission
Dec. 9 | 10:30am | Nalley Missions Center
All are invited to join us as we hear from Ellen Wingate about the Logan Jett Research Foundation and enjoy a covered dish luncheon. Come as you
Christmas Eve at Providence
Dec. 24 | 10am, 5pm, & 11:30pm | Sanctuary
are and invite a friend! Contact Susan Jones at sbjones7@gmail.com or Lynn Osment at losment02@gmail.com with any questions you have.
Providence Together:
Christmas Party
Dec. 10 | 5:30pm | Crouch Fellowship Hall 'Tis the season! You're invited to join our intergenerational Christmas party! We'll begin in the Fellowship Hall with pizza from Domino's and will continue in the Youth Room for more fun together. Festive sweaters, PJs, and other merry clothing encouraged!
Join us on December 24 for our three Christmas Eve services! Our Family Nativity Service is at 10am, our Carols and Communion Service is at 5pm, and our Candlelight Service is at 11:30pm. All services are in the Sanctuary.
December Calendar
WEEKLY CALENDAR
Sundays
8:30am Breakfast
9:15am Faith Formation
10:30am Worship
1-5pm Fitness Center Open
Monday-Friday
9am-8pm Fitness Center Open
Mon, Tue, Thu, & Sat
Times vary Jazzercise Class*
Mondays
6:30pm Carolina Shag Lessons
7-9pm Men's Pick-Up Basketball (ages 55+)
Tuesday-Sunday
Times vary Indoor Pickleball*
Thursdays
11am Adult Bible Study*
1-3pm Game ON! Social
Saturdays
9am-3pm Fitness Center Open
*Visit our website for full details
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 3
12pm Widowed Wisdom Holiday Lunch, Activity Center Parlor
6pm Double Choir Rehearsal
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
9am Samaritan's Feet
Volunteer Opportunity, 4408 Chesapeake Drive
Prayer Vigil
Last Saturdays in the Gordon Weekley Chapel
You are invited to pray in the Chapel from 8am-12pm on December 27.
No Faith Formation or Extended Session
December 28
There will be no Faith Formation or Extended Session on December 28. Join us for Worship at 10:30am!
Providence Closings
Dec. 25-26 and Dec. 31 - Jan. 1
The Providence campus will close from Dec. 25-26 and Dec. 31 - Jan. 1.
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Mon-Thu 9am-4pm; Fri 9am-1pm
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 7
�� A Service of Lessons and Carols, During Worship
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9
10:30am Women on Mission, Nalley Missions Center
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10
5:30pm Providence Together: Christmas Party, Crouch Fellowship Hall
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11
12pm PrimeTimers' Luncheon, Crouch Fellowship Hall
7pm Financial Plan Forum, Via Zoom
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14
9:30am Baby's First Christmas, Activity Center Lounge
�� Contemporary Songs of the Season, During Worship
Special Called Church Conference, Following Worship
5:30pm Blue Christmas Service, Sanctuary
6pm Middle School Christmas Party, The Genetts' Home
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17
6pm High School Christmas Party, The Perrones' Home
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18
10am CDC's Winter Wonderland, CDC Front Lawn
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21
�� Excerpts from Handel's Messiah, During Worship 6pm College Christmas Party, The Aghjayans' Home
MONDAY, DECEMBER 22
Student's Movie Day, Cinemark Bistro Charlotte
DECEMBER 23 - JANUARY 4
3pm CDC's Winter Break
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 24
Christmas Eve at Providence 10am Family Nativity Service 5pm Carols and Communion 11:30pm Candlelight Service
DECEMBER 25-26
Providence Closed (Christmas)
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27
8am-12pm Prayer Vigil, Gordon Weekley Chapel
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28
No Faith Formation/Extended Session
DECEMBER 31 - JANUARY 1
Providence Closed (New Year's)
The Record We Wrote
From the Financial Resources Committee — Wednesday, December 31 is the last day for gifts to be counted in 2025. In addition to cash, check, and online gifts, there are several other ways to make meaningful end-of-year contributions to Providence:
• Gifts of Stock or Appreciated Assets: If you own stocks, bonds or mutual funds that have appreciated in value, you can donate them to Providence.
• Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs): If you are 70½ years old or older, you can donate up to $100,000 from your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) directly to us without it being counted as taxable income. This can lower your income and taxes, while fulfilling your required minimum distribution (RMD).
• Grants from Donor Advised Funds: If you have a donor-advised fund (DAF), you can recommend a grant to Providence.
Contact Russell Harris at (704) 366-4030 ext. 141 or rharris@providencebc.org for
information. As always, please consult your financial advisor before making
decisions about your
Thank you!
Save The Date
JANUARY 1
Providence Closed (New Year's)
JANUARY 7 No Midweek Programming
JANUARY 11
Student Ministry Town Hall and Sunday Night LIVE
JANUARY 14
Providence Together
JANUARY 19
Providence Closed (MLK, Jr. Day)
JANUARY 23-25
CBFNC Student Ski Reatreat
ONLINE GIVING
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!