With Christ at the Center
CONNECTIONS
From the Minister with Children and Their Families
A familiar kind of energy begins to stir in late spring. The Rotunda starts to look a bit like Christmas as pieces of Vacation Bible School arrive and stack up in anticipation. Then June comes, and that energy—first sparked in planning meetings and training sessions— bursts into life. Hallways fill with laughter, crafts cover the tables, songs get stuck in our heads (in the best way), and children come bounding through our doors. Vacation Bible School is one of those bright, memorable weeks in the life of our church.
This summer, we’re heading to Snowball Mountain Challenge, and pulling out our winter gear for a week of frosty fun. Children will become “Challengers,” diving into games, surprises, and handson experiences that point them toward resilience and faith. Along the way, they’ll discover that with the strength God provides, they can share their gifts, be brave, give their all, pray, and hope. And better yet, we don’t have to do these things by ourselves.
None of this happens without the dedication and care of our VBS
Leadership Team, whose creativity and commitment help us offer our very best year after year. When you see them, I hope you’ll take a moment to offer your gratitude. Our 2026 VBS Leadership Team includes: Abby Hendrix (Registration), Taylor Shoemaker (Art), Carly Fenimore (Friday Family Event), Lia Hinson (Recreation & Snack), Natalie Lodato (Decor), Kristen Genett (Elementary), Nathan Hudson (Worship Arts), Becky Stout (Preschool), and Ursula Taylor and Deborah Simpson (CDC Representatives). It is a gift to serve alongside such a thoughtful and faithful group.
Vacation Bible School is one of the largest ministries Providence hosts, and it reflects so many of the commitments we hold dear. We invest significant time, energy, and resources into these five days—and if you spend even a few moments with participants or volunteers, you’ll quickly hear why it’s worth it.
So, here’s your “snowball mountain challenge”: let’s not just celebrate this one week, but rather, let's carry that same spirit with us into the everyday rhythms of our shared life. Pastor Eugene Peterson describes
discipleship as “a long obedience in the same direction.” VBS gives us a glimpse of that kind of joyful, wholehearted faith—but the invitation doesn’t end when the decorations come down.
My hope and prayer is that the energy we feel in June becomes more than a moment, but that it becomes momentum. That the joy, generosity, and commitment we see so clearly during VBS would continue to shape us—week by week, season by season—as we show up, serve, and grow together. This is the slow, steady, beautiful work of becoming the church.
Elizabeth Maye Hudson Minister with Children and Their Families
SERMON TEXTS THIS MONTH
June 7 Hosea 5:15-6:6
June 14 Matthew 9:35-10:8
June 21 Chris Ayers preaching June 28 Matthew 10:40-42
Women on Mission recently sponsored a collection of over 700 stuffed animals to share with CMPD for Child Abuse Prevention Month!
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 Drawing Session
June 7 | 2pm | Activity Center Lounge
Join us for an hour of relaxed, openended doodling! This is a free drop-in time for all to sit together and create. Sign up on Realm!
Dance For Joy!
Line Dance, Ballroom, and Carolina Shag! Check our website and Realm for summer classes and dance socials.
Active Adult 50+ Summer Camps
Wednesdays July 29 - August 26
Enjoy fun classes, guest speakers, lunch, and more! Space is limited, so sign up today! Details on our website.
Men's Softball
Men’s Softball has begun! Come out to the ball field to cheer on our Providence teams! The weekly game schedule is located at the Activity Center Welcome Desk.
CHILDREN
Elizabeth Maye Hudson, emaye@providencebc.org
Vacation Bible School is Here!
June 15-19
Find your strength in God this summer with Snowball Mountain Challenge! At VBS, we'll transform our summer days
into a snowy mountaintop experience filled with laughter, life lessons, and lasting faith. Our centering verse for the week is Philippians 4:13, which says “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Ursula Taylor, utaylor@providencebc.org
Summer Session 1 Begins
June 1
We're excited to kick off our first summer session for Part-Day Preschool! This session will be filled with fun, engaging activities designed to keep our students learning, exploring, and enjoying summer.
Kona Ice Visit
June 12 | 10am
Kona Ice will be visiting our campus, giving children the opportunity to enjoy a fun and refreshing treat. This is always a highlight for our students!
Father's Day Ice Cream Social
June 18 | 3pm Dads (or special caregivers) are invited to join us for a sweet afternoon treat! This special time allows children and their loved ones to connect, celebrate, and enjoy ice cream together.
CDC Closed (Juneteenth)
June 19
The CDC will be closed in observance of Juneteenth as we honor this important day in our nation’s history.
MUSIC
Pete Leo, pleo@providencebc.org
Women's Chorus for Father's Day
June 21 | During Worship
Ladies high-school-age and up are invited to sing in a special Women’s Chorus for Father’s Day! Rehearsals are
Missions Collection — Many children in foster care may not receive any gifts this holiday season. Led by Women on Mission, Providence is partnering with Congregations for Kids, one of our missions partners, to host a Christmas in July collection drive now through July 15. Gifts are collected early so CFK social workers can later “shop” at their Merry Market in December. For more info and to view this year's wishlists, visit www.cfknc.org/christmasinjuly
June 10 and 17 from 7-8pm, and we'll lead in Worship on June 21.
Summer Organ Sidekick
Sundays June - August
All students 3rd grade completed through high school are invited to come sit with Mr. Ed West at the organ on Sundays June through August! If your child is interested, contact Ed at ewest@providencebc.org
STUDENTS
Amy Brown, abrown@providencebc.org
College and Emerging Adults Group Wednesdays June 3 - 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!
Carowinds Excursion
June 23
Join us for a fun day at Carowinds! Middle and high school students are invited to spend the day riding roller coasters, making memories, and hanging out together. Tickets are $38 and include admission only. Register on Realm today! Bring a bagged lunch for a picnic outside of the park.
PASSPORTmissions
June 29 - July 3 | Harrisonburg, VA
PASSPORTmissions is a week-long experience empowering students to encounter Christ, embrace community, and extend grace to the world. Highlights include hands-on missions, themed Bible study, worship, and fun camp activities!
SENIOR ADULTS
Wilna Eury, wilna.eury@att.net
PrimeTimers at Flat Rock Playhouse
June 25 | Flat Rock Playhouse
Our PrimeTimers will travel to the Flat Rock Playhouse! We’ll enjoy lunch at Cafe on the Verandah before enjoying a matinee of Footloose: The Musical!
Southern Charm Getaway
November 13-15 | Atlanta and Decatur, GA
Your Senior Adult Team has arranged a 3-day, 2-night trip to Decatur/Atlanta this fall! Highlights include a selfguided tour of the Margaret Mitchell House, World of Coca-Cola, dinner at Mary Mac’s Tea Room, and Sunday worship at First Baptist Decatur with our friend Dr. David Jordan. Brochures are located next to the monitor across from the Fellowship Hall elevator and on the table at the library door. Register on Realm or call Wilna at (704) 553-2615 . Deposit due date has been extended to June 15. Enjoy your summer and mark your calendar for our September 17 Luncheon!
CHURCHWIDE
connections@providencebc.org
Prayer Vigil
Last Saturday of the Month | 8am-12pm You are invited to come sit and pray quietly in the Chapel on June 27. Suggested prayer guides are available.
June Calendar
WEEKLY EVENTS
Sundays
9:15am Faith Formation
10:30am Worship
1-5pm Fitness Center Open
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 Group
Thursdays
12-3pm Game ON! Social
Saturdays 8am-12pm Cotswold Farmers Market
9am-3pm Fitness Center Open
*Visit our website for full details
Sunday Breakfasts in July
Sundays in July | 9am | Crouch Fellowship Hall
Join us on Sunday mornings for breakfast before Worship! Breakfast will be served by our hospitality team. The cost is a $5 donation per person, and children under 5 eat free. During the month of July, Children's, Student's, and most Adult Faith Formation classes will not meet, though some classes may still choose to meet if they wish.
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 book! 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 of their book as they share their wisdom and inspiration. Copies will be available for purchase during the event.
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
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!
Summer Gospel Reading Timeline
Mark Begin on June 1
Finish on June 16
Matt. Begin on June 17
Ch. 14 by June 30
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS: Mon-Thu 9am-4pm; Fri 9am-1pm
MONDAY, JUNE 1
CDC's Summer Session 1 Begins
SUNDAY, JUNE 7
2pm Doodle: Open Drawing, Activity Center Lounge
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10
7-8pm Women's Chorus Rehearsal, Choir Room
FRIDAY, JUNE 12
10am CDC's Kona Ice Visit
JUNE 15-19
Vacation Bible School
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 17
7-8pm Women's Chorus Rehearsal, Choir Room
THURSDAY, JUNE 18
3pm CDC's Father's Day Ice Cream Social
FRIDAY, JUNE 19
CDC Closed (Juneteenth)
SUNDAY, JUNE 21
Women's Chorus for Father's Day, During Worship
TUESDAY, JUNE 23
Student's Carowinds Excursion
THURSDAY, JUNE 25
PrimeTimers Visit Flat Rock Playhouse, Flat Rock, NC
SATURDAY, JUNE 27
8am-12pm Prayer Vigil, Gordon Weekley Chapel
JUNE 29 - JULY 3
PASSPORTmissions, Harrisonburg, VA
PROVIDENCE BAPTIST CHURCH
4921 Randolph Road
Charlotte, NC 28211
The Record We Wrote
New Members
OREN BIGGERS April 26, 2026
RON AND CAROLE
LAUGHLIN
April 26, 2026
In Christian Sympathy
We remember with appreciation and sympathy these Providence members who have recently passed away.
• James (Jim) King, April 20, 2026
• LaBruce Neely, May 6, 2026
Shelia Wood, May 13, 2026
Save The Date
JULY 3
Providence Closed (Independence Day, observed)
JULY 6-9
PASSPORTkids
JULY 12
Meet the Authors: Ellen Wingate and Heidi Tringali
JULY 16
PrimeTimers' Bingo
JULY 26
Ed and Noel in Concert: "A Little Jazz, Gospel, and Spirituals Combined"
AUGUST 7
Providence Knight at the Ballpark
AUGUST 16
Rooted in Providence
OCTOBER 9-11
All Ages Retreat
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!