CONNECTIONS
From the Minister for Adult Discipleship
A Summer Rhythm of Rest and Fellowship — As we enter the month of July, I want to take a moment to express deep gratitude for the many faithful volunteers who make our Faith Formation ministry possible. Week after week, our teachers prepare lessons, welcome classmates, facilitate discussions, and create space where folks of all ages can grow in their relationship with God and one another. Their commitment is a tremendous gift to our church family. Their dedication also reminds me of a key Baptist principle rooted in 1 Peter 2:1-5, that “we are pastors to each other.” Church does not simply happen on its own; it thrives when ordinary people share their gifts, time, and care with one another. Through teaching, listening, encouraging, and serving, our Faith Formation leaders help nurture the spiritual life of our congregation. Please join me in expressing appreciation for the ways these teachers invest themselves in the life and ministry of our church.
As in years past, our Faith Formation classes will not meet during the month of July. This brief
pause provides our teachers and volunteers with a well-deserved opportunity to rest, travel, spend time with family, and enjoy a slower pace during the summer season. Just as Sabbath rest is an important part of the Christian life, taking time to step away from regular responsibilities allows us to return refreshed and renewed for the ministry ahead.
During July, everyone is invited to gather each Sunday morning at 9am in the Crouch Fellowship Hall for breakfast and fellowship. These summer breakfasts provide a wonderful opportunity to connect with one another in a relaxed and welcoming setting. Whether you are a longtime member, a new attendee, or simply visiting, you are warmly invited to enjoy fresh coffee, bacon, and other breakfast favorites. The cost is only $5 per person, and children eat free.
One of the great blessings of church life is the relationships we build with one another. During the busyness of the year, our schedules can often make it difficult to enjoy unhurried conversations. These July breakfast gatherings will offer us a chance to
slow down, share a meal, catch up with friends, meet new people, and strengthen the bonds that unite us as a church family.
Summer often brings a different rhythm to our lives. While some activities pause for a season, our calling to love God and love one another continues. This summer, you are encouraged to remain engaged in worship, prayer, service, and fellowship. Faith Formation classes will resume in August, and we look forward to another year of learning, spiritual growth, and discipleship together. Here’s wishing you and your family a wonderful, safe, and refreshing summer. I’ll see you at Sunday breakfast!
Rev. M. Blake Kendrick Minister for Adult Discipleship
SERMON TEXTS THIS MONTH
July 5 Zechariah 9:9-12
July 12 Genesis 25:19-34
July 19 Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
July 26 Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
We had the best week during Vacation Bible School: Snowball Mountain Challenge! Many thanks to everyone who helped make this week a success. We can't wait to see you all again for VBS next summer!
Ministry at Providence
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP
Blake Kendrick, bkendrick@providencebc.org
Fall Adult Bible Study
Thursdays beginning Sep 24 | 11am
Adults of all ages are invited to join us this fall as we resume our Adult Bible Study session! We'll dive into the book of Exodus with Part 1 in the fall. Part 2 will continue through spring 2027.
ACTIVITY CENTER
Michelle Hitselberger, mhitselberger@providencebc.org
Doodle: Open Session Drawing July 19 | 2pm | Activity Center Parlor
Join us for an hour of relaxed, openended doodling for children and adults of all ages! Sign up on Realm!
Active Adult 50+ Summer Camps
Wednesdays July 29 - August 26
Adults ages 50+ are invited to join a special 5-week summer camp series! Enjoy fun classes, sports sessions, guest speakers, lunch, and more! Register on Realm today!
Line Dance Beginners Class
July 11 and 25 | 6pm | Activity Center Gym Get your dancing boots on and join us! For ages 10 and up. Cost is $10/person.
CHILDREN
Elizabeth Maye Hudson, emaye@providencebc.org
PASSPORTkids
July 6-9 | Montreat, NC
PASSPORTkids is a 4-day, 3-night children’s camp filled with fun faithbuilding programming and hands-on missions education. Your child will discover God’s love through an active schedule of Bible studies, missions education, recreation, and worship.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Ursula Taylor, utaylor@providencebc.org
CDC Closed
July 3 | Independence Day (observed)
The CDC will close on July 3 in observance of Independence Day.
MUSIC
Pete Leo, pleo@providencebc.org
No Sanctuary Choir in July
The Sanctuary Choir will not rehearse in July. Rehearsals resume August 5.
Martha Iley Scholarship Recipients
Two recipients of the Martha Strawn Iley Music Scholarships have been chosen! From 10 auditions across seven colleges in NC and SC, Aden Peters, a rising sophomore vocalist at UNC Charlotte, and Joseph Franklin, a rising senior organist at Appalachian State University, were selected. Both will join us for Worship—Aden on July 12 and Joseph on September 13. Congratulations to these musicians!
Ed and Noel in Concert
July 26 | 4pm | Sanctuary
Ed and Noel will perform as a part of the inaugural Providence Artists Series and the Charlotte American Guild of Organists Summer Recital Series. A program of sacred, gospel, and jazz music features Ed on our 60 rank Schantz/Schlueter organ and Noel on our Steinway piano, with his ensemble Zack Page (bass), Alfred Sergel IV (drums), and Maria Howell (vocals).
STUDENTS
Amy Brown, abrown@providencebc.org
Summer Sundays
Sundays July 12 - August 16 | 6-8pm
It's summer time and we are ready to have some summer fun! Join us on Sunday nights for games, pool parties, Bible Study, and so much fun. Snacks will be provided, but eat dinner before you come. Sign up on Realm!
High School Mission Trip
July 25-31 | San Francisco, CA
Our high school students will partner with CBF field personnel to serve refugee children and families. This will be a meaningful opportunity to put our faith into action while learning about the diverse cultures and communities that call San Francisco
home. A parent/student meeting will take place before Worship on July 12. Visit Realm for more information and to view our trip wishlist.
College and Emerging Adults Group Wednesdays through August 5 | 6-8pm
Join us every Wednesday night this summer beginning June 3 for food, fellowship, and fun with other college students and emerging adults. More information will be shared through GroupMe, so let Amy or Kristen know if you’d like to be added to the group!
SENIOR ADULTS
Wilna Eury, wilna.eury@att.net
PrimeTimers' Bingo
July 16 | 1:30pm | Crouch Fellowship Hall
It’s July and that means it’s time for our Annual PrimeTimer’s Bingo! We will gather for an afternoon of bingo, fellowship, and snacks. RSVP on Realm or to Wilna at (704) 553-2615 by July 13.
Southern Charm Getaway
November 13-15 | Atlanta and Decatur, GA
July 15 is the last day to sign up for our Southern Charm Getaway to Decatur and Atlanta, GA! Visit Realm for the itinerary, cost info, and to register, or contact Wilna at (704) 553-2615
CHURCHWIDE
connections@providencebc.org
Sunday Breakfasts in July
Sundays in July | 9am | Crouch Fellowship Hall
Join us on Sunday mornings for breakfast before Worship! The cost is a $5/per person, and children under age 5 eat free. Faith Formation is not scheduled during July, though classes may still meet if they wish.
Church Office Closed
July 3 | Independence Day (observed)
The church office will close on July 3 in observance of Independence Day.
Meet the Authors: Ellen Wingate and Heidi Tringali
July 12 | 4pm | Nalley Missions Center
Ellen Wingate, Providence member, along with her friend Heidi Tringali
have recently published a new book on child readiness! The Readied Child: Parenting Tools for Learning and Life Readiness discusses equipping children with the necessary skills for living a fulfilling life. Join us for a special presentation as they share their wisdom and inspiration. Copies of the book will be available for purchase during the event.
Mid-Summer Ice Cream
July 22 | 6pm | Crouch Fellowship Hall
Come beat the heat with us at our annual Mid-Summer Ice Cream gathering! We will gather for ice cream, fun, and fellowship. Sign up on Realm to let us know what flavor you’re bringing. We can’t wait to see you and your family there!
Prayer Vigil
Last Saturday of the Month | 8am-12pm You are invited to come sit and pray quietly in the Chapel on July 25. Suggested prayer guides are available.
July Calendar
WEEKLY EVENTS
Sundays
9am Sunday Breakfast
10:30am Worship
1-5pm Fitness Center Open
6-8pm Student's Summer Sundays, begins July 12
Mondays
6:30pm Carolina Shag Lessons
7-9pm Men's Pick-Up Basketball (ages 55+)
Monday-Friday
9am-8pm Fitness Center Open
Mon, Tue, Thu, & Sat Times vary Jazzercise Class*
Tuesday-Sunday Times vary Indoor Pickleball*
Wednesdays
6-8pm College and Emerging Adults Summer Nights
Thursdays
12-3pm Game ON! Social
Saturdays
8am-12pm Cotswold Farmers Market
9am-3pm Fitness Center Open
*Visit our website for full details
Providence Knight at the Ballpark
August 7 | Truist Field
Join us for an evening at a Charlotte Knights baseball game! Tickets are $35 per person and include a $20 food voucher. Tickets are limited, so register on Realm today to secure your spot! Questions? Contact Michelle Hitselberger via text at (704) 989-3617
Rooted in Providence
August 16 | 5pm | Crouch Fellowship Hall
Join us for an evening church retreat designed to deepen our relationships with God and one another. Through a shared meal, guided conversation, and engaging teaching, we’ll explore practices like developing a "Rule of Life" to help anchor our families and shape a more connected, faithful community who commits to show up, grow, give, and serve together. Sign up on Realm today! The meal is free, but donations are greatly appreciated to cover food and childcare costs.
Coming Soon: Providence Baptist
Church Pictorial Directory
September 27-29
We are excited to announce that Providence will be creating a new pictorial directory this fall! We encourage every family to participate and help us create an updated directory that strengthens connections within our church family. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks!
All Ages Retreat
October 9-11 | Quaker Lake (Climax, NC)
Get ready for our All Ages Retreat! Join us at Quaker Lake Camp this fall for an intentional, intergenerational weekend where we’ll worship, play, and strengthen our bonds as a faith community. Early Bird registration is open on Realm now through July 31! Spaces are limited, so register yourself and your family today!
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Mon-Thu 9am-4pm; Fri 9am-1pm
FRIDAY, JULY 3
Church Office and CDC Closed, (Independence Day, observed)
SATURDAY, JULY 4
Activity Center Closed, (Independence Day)
JULY 6-9
PASSPORTkids, Montreat, NC
SATURDAY, JULY 11
6pm Line Dance Class, Activity Center Gym
SUNDAY, JULY 12
9:30am High School Mission Trip Parent/Student Meeting, Chapman Youth Room
10:30am Aden Peters Joins for Worship, Sanctuary
4pm Meet the Authors, Nalley Missions Center
6-8pm Student's Summer Sundays Begins
THURSDAY, JULY 16
1:30pm PrimeTimers' Bingo, Crouch Fellowship Hall
WEDNESDAY, JULY 22
6pm
Mid-Summer Ice Cream, Crouch Fellowship Hall
SATURDAY, JULY 25
8am-12pm Prayer Vigil, Gordon Weekley Chapel 6pm Line Dance Class, Activity Center Gym
JULY 25-31
High School Mission Trip, San Francisco, CA
SUNDAY, JULY 26
4pm Ed and Noel in Concert: "A Little Jazz, Gospel, and Spirituals Combined", Sanctuary
WEDNESDAY, JULY 29
10am- Active Adults 50+ 2:30pm Summer Camp Begins, Activity Center
PROVIDENCE BAPTIST CHURCH
4921 Randolph Road Charlotte, NC 28211
The Record We Wrote
New Members
JEAN WOODHAM June 7, 2026
In Christian Sympathy
We remember with appreciation and sympathy these Providence members who have recently passed away.
• Jim Wylie, June 18, 2026
Friday Night Supper Club — Dwayne Howard, Hospitality Manager, invites you and your family to enjoy thoughtfully prepared meals featuring themed cuisines and seasonal selections. For more information and to reserve your seat, contact catering@howardandhowardevents.com or call (980) 349-5750
Save The Date
AUGUST 7
Providence Knight at the Ballpark
AUGUST 16
Rooted in Providence
AUGUST 23
Rising 6th Grade Welcome
SEPTEMBER 9
Fall Kickoff
SEPTEMBER 17
PrimeTimers' Luncheons Resume
SEPTEMBER 27-29
Providence Pictorial Directory
OCTOBER 9-11
All Ages Retreat
Summer Gospel Reading Timeline
Matt. Ch. 15 on July 1
Finish on July 14
Luke Begin on July 15
Ch. 17 on July 31
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!