SEPTEM B ER 2025
With Christ at the Center
VO LU M E R R N O. 9
CONNECTIONS In 2018, Providence set a goal that, by 2025, every member would be a giver and that Providence will cultivate generosity. Well, it's 2025, and it's time to turn vision into action. Together, let’s follow Jesus by following through. Help us reach our Providence Will goal of every member being a giver by submitting your 2026 pledge today!
INVITATION TO GENEROSITY:
SEPTEMBER 7 - OCTOBER 26 Scan the QR code to the right and commit to helping Providence follow through! You can also complete and turn in a Pledge Card (available in the Rotunda) to the Worship offering on Sundays or visit https://onrealm.org/providencebc/give.
From the Senior Pastor CONTINUING OUR NEW GOVERNANCE STRUCTURE We’ve spent the first eight months of 2025 getting used to the lay leadership and governance structure that we adopted last year—which, in practical terms, means learning how to do good work together in a new way. You may remember that, when we began the process of building this new structure, we identified four goals together. We wanted a lay leadership and governance structure that was representative, clear, responsive, and accountable. With these goals in mind, I’ve been pleased with the results thus far. Now, it’s time for us to take the next step in implementing our new structure: Calling the second generation of leaders to serve Providence in this new way. The Human Resources Committee has nominated four candidates
to appear on the Church Council ballot on September 28. They are listed below. We will elect two of them to serve three-year terms on our governing council beginning January 1, 2026. I have confidence in all four of these candidates and am both very glad and very grateful for their willingness to serve if called to serve by the congregation. We are fortunate to have good leaders from which to choose. Between now and September 28, I invite you to pray about this decision and seek God’s guidance as we discern together who can best help move us forward. Historians tell us that perhaps the most significant step in the implementation of the relativelyyoung United States Constitution was not the election of George Washington, the first president. The crucial moment, rather, was the election of John Adams, the second president. Why? It demonstrated
that the new system worked and could be sustainable. In other words, it’s great to start something good—but it’s just as important to keep it going. So, let’s pray for each of these four candidates—and for Providence— and for God’s help—as we take this next step together toward a sustainable structure that supports good ministry and missions. May the peace of Christ be with you!
Lee Canipe Senior Pastor SERMON TEXTS THIS MONTH September 7 Philemon 1-21 September 14 Exodus 32:7-14 September 21 1 Timothy 2:1-7 September 28 Sarah Blackwell preaching
CHURCH COUNCIL NOMINEES — Two candidates will be elected to serve three-year terms on September 28. VIVIAN CARROLL, MEMBER SINCE 1978
LEIGH FRAME, MEMBER SINCE 1999
STEVEN JARRETT, MEMBER SINCE 1992
STOWE QUERY, MEMBER SINCE 2005
Previous Service: Restore & Renew Co-Chair, Sanctuary Choir President, Deacon, VBS Volunteer Occupation: Retired Financial Consultant Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:6-7 Previous Service: Church Moderator, Deacon, Committees (Missions, Stewardship, Grounds) Occupation: Pharmacist Leader, Advocate Health Favorite Scripture: Philippians 4:7
Previous Service: Committees (Children's Missions, Nominating, Youth), RITI, Bereavement Occupation: Eddins and Riescher Taxes Favorite Scripture: Micah 6:8 Previous Service: Committees (Personnel, Finance, Endowment), Deacon, Worship Musician Occupation: Managing Director, Regions Bank Favorite Scripture: James 1:17