CONNECTIONS
From the Senior Pastor
Last month, five Providence people and I walked St. Cuthbert’s Way along the border between Scotland and England. The 100 kilometer walk—which ended up being more like 112 kilometers because I got us lost twice—was both beautiful and strenuous, taking us over mountains, through forests, and across fields under often-blue skies. Our watchword for the week was Psalm 119:105, which tells us that God’s “word is a lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path.” This verse reminded us of the Celtic Christian tradition’s emphasis on how the wonders of creation reveal God’s majesty and power to us every day. It seemed an appropriate verse, given St. Cuthbert’s central role in establishing the Christian faith in the British Isles.
I could go on about this experience, and will be happy to do so with anyone interested in listening to me, but in this month when we stop to give thanks together, I want to share one recurring thought from this journey: We had a way to walk because the vision, resources, and labor of people who we don’t know—and will never meet—made that way for us.
This path didn’t just happen. In 1996, somebody came up with the idea of creating a long-distance trail to trace the 7th-century journey of
Cuthbert from Melrose Abbey to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne. A lot of people worked together to plan and mark the route. All along the way, people continue to maintain it: clearing fallen trees, cutting back brush, repainting signposts, and repairing bridges.
Some of this work is done by the park service of the Scottish Borders Council, which would be the equivalent here of a county government. Some of the work is done by private landowners, who allow the path to cross their property. Some of the work is done by volunteers who love longdistance walking and want to make it possible for all to enjoy as well.
You know who didn't do any of this work? Me.
I did nothing but walk on a path that all these people prepared for me over the course of thirty years through their gifts of inspiration, perspiration, dedication, and love of recreation. These strangers (to me) did—and still are doing—a lot of work so that people like me (who are strangers to them) can experience the pleasure of a long walk through beautiful country. That’s humbling.
Now, you may say that I’m overthinking this, and maybe I am. I don’t know why this thought stuck with me for 112 kilometers
and beyond. But, the reality is that practicing gratitude—not just in November, but throughout the year—begins with acknowledging that everything we are, and have, and do, has, at some level, been made possible by someone else’s labor, generosity, vision, or love.
We don’t like to admit this because it undermines the cherished American ideal of the “self-made man”—but it’s true. We walk on paths that others cleared and maintained for us, and, if we’re fortunate, then we get to do the same for those who will come after us, paying it back by paying it forward. The best givers tend to be those who are well aware of all that they’ve been given.
And so, with that said, let’s have a blessed Thanksgiving season. May the peace of Christ be with you!
Lee Canipe Senior Pastor
SERMON TEXTS THIS MONTH
November 2 Blake preaching November 9 Haggai 1:15b-2:9
November 16 2 Thessalonians 3:6-13
November 23 Jeremiah 23:1-6
November 30 Romans 13:11-14
Ministry at Providence
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP
Blake Kendrick, bkendrick@providencebc.org
Blue Christmas Service
Dec. 14 at 5:30pm in the Sanctuary
During a season filled with celebration, many carry quiet grief, loneliness, or heartache. Our Blue Christmas Service offers a gentle, reflective time of Worship for anyone finding the holidays difficult. This service creates sacred space for those experiencing grief, illness, mental health struggles, financial or personal hardship, and any other form of sorrow or heaviness. 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
Detroit Ballroom & Line Dance Class
Nov. 18 at 7:30pm in the Aerobics Room
Want to learn Detroit Ballroom and Line Dancing? Join us for a special class from It's the Dance for Me! Cost is $10 at the door and $6 for early bird.
Youth Basketball Coaches Needed
We are looking for fun, loving coaches to build our kids up to be the best God has for them while enjoying the team sport of basketball! Resources and support provided. Can you help? Contact Michelle for details!
Pickleball at Providence
Adults of all ages are invited to come play pickleball with us! Visit the Activity Center for more information.
Coming Soon in the Activity Center
We have exciting programming coming soon to the Activity Center! Stay tuned for more info about Dr. Sasser's History Class, Atrium Health's sponsored S.A.I.L. Classes, Kids In Motion Fitness Classes, and more!
CHILDREN
Elizabeth Maye Hudson, emaye@providencebc.org
Family Advent Dinner
Nov. 30 at 5pm in the Crouch Fellowship Hall Families of all kinds are invited to join us for our annual Family Advent Dinner! We look forward to fellowshiping and creating this season’s Advent wreaths together! Register on Realm!
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Ursula Taylor, utaylor@providencebc.org
Fall School Photos
Nov. 10-11
Our little ones will have their fall school photos taken by St. John’s Photography.
Thanksgiving Luncheon
Nov. 18
We will have our annual Thanksgiving Luncheon (for children and teachers) during each class's regularly scheduled lunch time.
Thanksgiving Closings
Nov. 26-28
On Wednesday, November 26, the CDC will close at 1pm and will remain closed on November 27 and 28.
MUSIC
Pete Leo, pleo@providencebc.org
Hanging of the Green Nov. 30 during Worship
Through the centuries, Christians have observed a time of waiting and expectation before celebrating the birth of the Savior at Christmas. Join us as we celebrate the beauty of the season with our annual Hanging of the Green service during Worship!
STUDENTS
Amy Brown, abrown@providencebc.org
Panthers Watch Party
Nov. 2 at 1pm at the Aghjayans' Home
The Carolina Panthers take on the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field!
Join us for a fun afternoon of football, snacks, and hanging out! Snacks will be provided, but plan to eat lunch before arriving.
Sunday Night LIVE
Nov. 16 at 5:30pm in the Chapman Youth Room
All middle and high schoolers are invited to join us for Sunday Night LIVE! We will start with dinner all together, followed by live music, games, and more, then small groups.
CBFNC Winter Ski Retreat
Jan. 23-25 at Winterplace Ski Resort
Join us for the CBFNC Youth Ski Retreat at Winterplace Resort, West Virginia from January 23-25! We’ll be on the slopes all day Saturday and will participate in large group worship on Saturday night and Sunday morning. Basic registration is $200/person. Register on Realm by January 4!
SENIOR ADULTS
Wilna Eury, wilna.eury@att.net
PrimeTimers' Luncheon
Nov. 20 at 12pm in the Crouch Fellowship Hall Mark your calendar for our next PrimeTimers’ Luncheon! We welcome Rev. Nell Green and her Threads by Nomad Christmas Pop-Up Shop. Invite a friend and get a head start on your Christmas shopping for a one-ofa-kind gift. RSVP by November 14 via Realm or with Wilna at (704) 553-2615
Cost is $7/person. All are welcome!
CHURCHWIDE
connections@providencebc.org
RESCHEDULED: Q4 Quarterly Church Conference
Nov. 2 following Worship
Our Q4 Quarterly Church Conference has been rescheduled to November 2 following Worship.
RESCHEDULED: Blessing of Animals
Nov. 2 at 4pm at the Gazebo
The Blessing of Animals has been rescheduled to November 2. Bring with your leashed pet, a photo of your pet, or even a favorite stuffed animal, and our ministers will bless them.
Women on Mission Nov. 11 at 10:30am in the Missions Center
All are invited to come help us pack
Thanksgiving boxes for our friends at the Men’s Shelter, and we’ll write notes to our shut-in/homebound members. Come as you are and invite a friend!
Questions? Contact Susan Jones at sbjones7@gmail.com or Lynn Osment at losment02@gmail.com
Providence Closed (Thanksgiving) Nov. 27-28
The Providence campus will close November 27-28 for Thanksgiving.
Prayer Vigil
Last Saturday in the Gordon Weekley Chapel
You are invited to pray in the Chapel from 8am-12pm on November 29. Suggested prayer guides are available. Join us the last Saturday each month!
Join us on Wednesday nights for Midweek at Providence! Our schedule offers Music, Missions, and Faith Formation for all ages. See the opportunities to join us during the month of November below:
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP | 6-7pm
November 5 How to Read the Bible Session 1
November 12 How to Read the Bible Session 2
MOMs Group, Room 2206
November 19 How to Read the Bible Session 3
MUSIC MINISTRY CHOIR REHEARSALS
5:45-6:30pm Cherub Choir, 3s, Room 1420
Julia Wright, Director
Music Makers, 4s-TK, Room 1457
Molly Naylor, Director
Trinity Singers, K-1st, Room 2232
Nathan Hudson, Director
Young Musicians, 2nd-5th, Room 2306
Debra Wallace, Director
6:30-7:30pm Student Choir, 6th-12th, Room 2306
7:30pm Adult Choir, Choir Suite
Pete Leo, Director
November Calendar
WEEKLY CALENDAR
Sundays
9:15am Faith Formation
10:30am Worship
1-5pm Fitness Center Open
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 Indoor Pickleball*
Wednesdays 5pm Midweek at Providence*
Thursdays
11am Adult Bible Study* 1-3pm Game ON! Social
Saturdays
9am-3pm Fitness Center Open
*Visit our website for more details and a full schedule of events
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
FELLOWSHIP DINNER MENUS 5pm in the Crouch Fellowship Hall
November 5 Hamburger/Hot Dog and Fries
November 12 Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes
November 19 Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner
The cost of a Midweek dinner is $25 per Family, $8 per Individual, $5 per Child ages 10 and under, and Free for Children ages 5 and under. Payments can be made via cash, check, or through Realm!
NO MIDWEEK PROGRAMMING ON NOVEMBER 26
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2
All Saints Day
11:30am Q4 Quarterly Church Conference, Following Worship 1pm Student's Panthers Watch Party, Aghjayans' Home 4pm Blessing of Animals, Gazebo
NOVEMBER 10-11
CDC's Fall School Photos
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11
10:30am Women on Mission, Nalley Missions Center
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16
5:30pm Student Ministry's Sunday Night LIVE, Chapman Youth Room
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18
CDC's Thanksgiving Luncheon
7:30pm Detroit Ballroom and Line Dance Class, Aerobics Room
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20
12pm PrimeTimers' Luncheon, Crouch Fellowship Hall
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 26
No Midweek Programming 10am NC MedAssist Volunteer Opportunity, 4428 Taggart Creek Rd. 1pm CDC Closing
NOVEMBER 27-28
Providence Closed (Thanksgiving)
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 29
8am-12pm Prayer Vigil, Gordon Weekley Chapel
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 30
10:30am Hanging of the Green 5pm Family Advent Dinner, Crouch Fellowship Hall
4921 RANDOLPH ROAD
The Record We Wrote
If you haven’t yet made your pledge to support the Missions and Ministries of Providence in 2026, there is still time! Complete and turn in a pledge card (located in the Rotunda) or make your pledge online at https://onrealm.org/providencebc/-/form/pledge/financialcovenant26.
Save The Date
DECEMBER 3
Double Choir Rehearsal
DECEMBER 7
Baby's First Christmas Lessons and Carols (combined choirs)
DECEMBER 9
Women on Mission
DECEMBER 10
Providence Together Christmas Party
DECEMBER 11
PrimeTimers' Luncheon
DECEMBER 14
Blue Christmas Service
DECEMBER 16
CDC's Winter Wonderland
DECEMBER 24
Christmas Eve at Providence
DECEMBER 25-26
Providence Closed (Christmas)
DEC 31 - JAN 1
Providence Closed (New Year's)
Welcoming Next Step Clubhouse Join us in welcoming Next Step Clubhouse to Providence! They provide programming for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to promote healthy living, explore the arts, improve functional skills, and foster community involvement. Please visit www.nextstepclubhouse.org to learn more about Next Step Clubhouse!
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!