CONNECTIONS
FROM THE TEMPLE TO THE SEA OF GALILEE, WE JOURNEYED TO DISCOVER JESUS AT VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL! THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED MAKE ‘SEEKERS IN SNEAKERS’ POSSIBLE AND WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL FOR VBS NEXT YEAR!
From the Senior Pastor
Have you started your summer reading yet?
I have. I’ve got a list of books that I hope to get through between now and Labor Day. Most of them are biographies and histories, which is normal fare for me.
Regardless of what your reading preferences are, the one book that I hope is on everybody’s list this summer is The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens by Richard Haass, a public servant who has held positions in both Republican and Democratic presidential administrations. I became aware of this book thanks to Meredith College, where I serve as a trustee. Meredith students are reading Bill of Obligations this summer, and so I thought: “Well, maybe I should, too.”
I’m glad I did. In fact, I was so impressed with the book that I suggested it to Blake as recommended summer reading for
adults (and, honestly, even students) at Providence. Maybe you saw the title mentioned in last month’s newsletter. Maybe you’ve already bought a copy. If so, then good for you! Maybe you saw the title and decided that a good mystery would make for better beach reading.
If so, then I get it. Civics isn’t a thrilling topic—but it is a necessary one for people who want to live in a functional democracy. As the book’s subtitle indicates, Haass describes the basic habits of good citizenship and offers guidance for putting them into practice. Little of what he writes will come as a surprise. All of it will come as a timely reminder, especially as we travel further into what’s already a contentious, toxic election season.
Now, you might ask: “Why are you recommending this book as summer reading? We’re a church, for goodness’ sake! How about something a bit more ‘spiritual’?”
Good question. And the answer is: While Paul tells us in Philippians 3:20 that our “true citizenship is in heaven,” we also know that we’re called, as Jeremiah 29:7 puts it, to seek the welfare of the places where we live on this side of heaven. In other words, we must each do our part to promote the common good in our own time and place.
Haass’s book provides a great practical starting point for reflecting on what this means. Please read The Bill of Obligations this summer— and then let’s talk about it together this fall at two Midweek Book Club events, one in September and one in October.
Happy reading this summer—and may the peace of Christ be with you!
Ministry @ Providence
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP
Blake Kendrick, bkendrick@providencebc.org
Adult Summer Reading
This summer, adults of all ages are encouraged to read The Bill of Obligations: The Ten Habits of Good Citizens by Richard Haass, which can be found on Amazon. Discussion sessions about this book will be held by Blake and Lee in the Fall during the Adult Midweek Rotation offerings.
ACTIVITY CENTER
Michelle Hitselberger, mhitselberger@providencebc.org
Children’s Summer Camps
There is still time to register for our Children’s Summer Camps! To register your child and learn more, please visit the Activity Center website or contact Michelle Hitselberger. See you this summer!
Activity Center Volunteers Wanted The Activity Center is seeking volunteers to welcome, support, and provide a positive experience for church members and the community. If you’re interested, please contact Michelle Hitselberger.
CHILDREN
Elizabeth Maye Hudson, emaye@providencebc.org
PASSPORTkids
Please pray for our children and adults as they travel to Montreat, NC from June 30 - July 3 for a week at PASSPORTkids camp together!
VBS Thank You
THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! We had a great week at Seekers in Sneakers and so much of that is because of you! Thank you for all the ways that you are the head, heart, hands, and feet of VBS. The work you do and the ways that you care and prepare for the children of VBS fill the halls of Providence with so much life. Keep letting your light shine!
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Ursula Taylor, utaylor@providencebc.org
Summer Session II Begins
We’ve had a great start to our summer in the CDC! As Summer Session I nears its end on July 12, we are looking forward to the start of Summer Session II on July 15, which will run until August 23. We can’t wait to welcome you soon!
MUSIC
Timothy Hil, thill@providencebc.org
American Guild of Organists
Summer Recital
On July 14, we will host Dr. Larry Stratemeyer for a special organ recital in our Sanctuary! The recital begins at 4pm and admission is free. Donations will be accepted for the Stigall Scholarship Fund which helps offset private organ tuition for grades 6-12. For more information and a full recital schedule, visit www.charlotteago.org “Come Sing” Summer Choir
It is our tradition during the summer at Providence to offer a “Come Sing” choir - all are welcome! We will be singing familiar songs that only require a 30-minute warm-up each week. Join us on Sundays at 10am in the Lowell Dotson Music Suite. For more information, contact Tim or Ed.
Sound Board Volunteers Wanted
The Worship Support team is looking for Sound Board Operation volunteers to assist with volume control for inperson and online worship. If you’re interested, please contact Tim Hill.
STUDENTS
Dane Jackson, djackson@providencebc.org
PASSPORTmissions
PASSPORTmissions blends the excitement of summer camp with the adventure of a mission trip. From July 8-12, students will travel to Eastern Mennonite University in Harrisonburg, VA to grow closer to
the Lord, put their faith in action through meaningful mission projects, and have the summer of their lives!
High School Mission Trip
Our high schoolers will partner with Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte July 21-26 to provide critical home repairs to neighbors in need. Pritchard Church in Charlotte’s South End neighborhood will be our “home base” for the week.
High School Mission Trip Parent & Participant Meeting
Participants, adult leaders, and parents/caregivers are invited to a meeting July 14 at 11:30am in the Youth Room to discuss final details, meet our adult leaders, and turn in any outstanding payments or forms.
SENIOR ADULTS
Wilna Eury, wilna.eury@att.net
PrimeTimer’s Bingo
It’s July and that means it’s time for our Annual PrimeTimer’s Bingo! We will meet on Thursday, July 18 from 1:30-3:30pm in the Fellowship Hall for an afternoon of bingo, fellowship, and snacks. RSVP on Realm by July 15.
December ADVENTure Trip
The Senior Adult Team is sponsoring a two-night getaway to Charleston, SC from December 5-7. Availability is now limited and the $50 deposit is due by July 16. For availability information and to RSVP, please contact Wilna Eury at (704) 553-2615.
CHURCHWIDE
Intergenerational Fellowship Breakfasts
On Sundays in July, we will be offering breakfast in the Fellowship Hall starting at 9am and lasting through the Faith Formation hour. These breakfasts will allow multiple generations of Providence people to enjoy one another’s company together. To help with the meal costs, we’re suggesting a $5 donation per person. Adult classes may choose to meet, but preschool, children, and
CHURCHWIDE (CONTINUED)
student classes will not meet during July. Worship will still begin at 10:30am, and Extended Care will be available for preschoolers.
Providence Campus Closed
On Thursday, July 4, Providence Campus and the CDC will be closed in celebration of Independence Day.
Q3 Quarterly Church Conference
Our Q3 Quarterly Church Conference will be held at 9:15am in the Fellowship Hall on Sunday, July 21.
Staff Transition
Mid-Summer Ice Cream
Come beat the heat with us at our annual Mid-Summer Ice Cream gathering! We will meet at 6pm in the Fellowship Hall on July 24 for ice cream, fun, and fellowship. Sign up on Realm to let is know what flavor you’re bringing. We can’t wait to see you there!
Prayer Vigil
You are invited to come sit and pray quietly from 8am-12pm in the Chapel on Saturday, July 27. Suggested Prayer guides are available.
Providence Knight at the Ballpark
You and your family are invited to join us on Thursday, August 15 for a Providence night at the Charlotte Knights baseball game! Tickets are $35 per person and includes an all-you-can-eat buffet dinner and unlimited soft drinks, tea, and water. Spaces are still available, so register on Realm today to claim your spot!
Two long-tenured members of our Providence team have announced their plans to retire later this year. Amy Shoemaker, who has served our church in a variety of Financial and Operational capacities since 2004, will retire on October 18, 2024. Martha Haigler, who has worked primarily in the area of Pastoral Care since 2000, will retire on December 31, 2024.
While the Personnel Committee works to update the job descriptions for these two soon-to-be-vacant positions to reflect current needs, please find time over the next few months to thank Amy and Martha for their years of good work and faithful service to Providence. We will miss them both!
July Calendar
WEEKLY CALENDAR
Mondays
5:30pm Adult Open Gym (ages 18+)
Tuesdays & Thursdays
10am-1pm Adult Indoor Pickleball & 6-8pm Sports Quest
2:30pm Youth Open Gym (ages 12-17)
Fridays
10am-1pm Adult Indoor Pickleball Sports Quest
Saturdays 8am-12pm Cotswold Farmers Market, Sanctuary Parking Lot (Randolph Rd. & Hunter Ln.)
Sundays 9am Intergenerational Fellowship Breakfast
10:30am Worship
JUNE 30 - JULY 3
PASSPORTkids
JULY 1-5
Children’s Camp Creation
THURSDAY, JULY 4
Independence Day (Providence Campus Closed)
JULY 8-12
PASSPORTmissions
Children’s Cooking Camp
SUNDAY, JULY 14
11:30am High School Mission Trip Parent & Participant Meeting, Youth Room 4pm American Guild of Organists Recital, Sanctuary
MONDAY, JULY 15
CDC Summer Session II Begins
SUNDAY, JULY 21
9:15am Q3 Quarterly Church Conference, Fellowship Hall
JULY 21-26
High School Mission Trip, Charlotte, NC
JULY 22-26
Children’s Basketball Camp
WEDNESDAY, JULY 24 6pm Mid-Summer Ice Cream, Fellowship Hall
SATURDAY, JULY 27
8am-12pm Prayer Vigil, Gordon Chapel
JULY 29 - AUGUST 2
Children’s Camp Everything
