Providence Connections: October 2023

CONNECTIONS

From the Senior Pastor

Our Restore & Renew capital campaign begins on October 22.

At our April church conference, the congregation voted unanimously to approve this ambitious $3 million project to prepare our church buildings and facilities for the next generation of Providence people. It’s been fun watching leaders step up and plans come together for what I hope and pray will be a transformational moment in the life of our church. I invite you to join me in praying now for God’s blessing on what lies ahead. It’s going to take all of us, working together and with God’s help, to pull this off.

As important as Restore & Renew is, however, it’s not the most important financial commitment that we will make this fall to support the ongoing ministry of Providence. Whether you do it weekly, monthly, or once a year—whether you put a check in the offering plate, set up a bank draft, or transfer appreciated stock—

however you choose to share what God has blessed you with, it’s our regular, faithful giving that funds the regular, faithful work of our church in the name of Jesus. Our regular, faithful giving allows the day-today ministries and operations of Providence to flourish, supporting our staff, programs for all ages, missions, worship, and more. With this in mind, then, let me be clear: Regular, faithful giving in support of our annual Financial Plan for Missions and Ministry has to be our generosity priority. Even in the midst of an ambitious capital campaign, our regular, faithful giving to Providence must come first. What this means is that each household will receive two commitment cards later this month. One of these cards will be a Generosity Plan for 2024 and it’s going to invite you—as the name suggests—to make a plan for how you will support the missions and ministries of Providence next year. How much of your treasure will you give? How often will you give? Please make your Generosity Plan for 2024 first.

Once you’ve done that, then consider how God is leading you to support Restore & Renew over the next three years. Whatever level of support you decide is right for you, it should be in addition to—not instead of—your regular, faithful giving. If you feel like the only way that you can support Restore & Renew right now is by redirecting a portion of your regular, faithful giving, then please hold off on supporting Restore & Renew right now. Give your full amount to support the ongoing missions and ministries of Providence. That has to come first.

With our priorities in order, let us together go into this season of prayerful discernment and grateful generosity—a season which begins on October 22 and ends with Commitment Sunday on November 19—with a spirit of boldness, trust, and joy “so that a people yet to be born may praise the Lord.” (Psalm 102:18)

May the peace of Christ be with you!

OUR STUDENT MINISTRY KICKED OFF THE FALL SEASON WITH YUCK NIGHT!

Ministry @ Providence

ADULT DISCIPLESHIP

Blake Kendrick, bkendrick@providencebc.org

Adult Bible Study

Adults of all ages are invited to join us on October 5, 12, and 26 in the Missions Center at 11 a.m. This fall, we’re studying the books of Jonah and Micah over the course of 11 sessions together. To access the sessions online, visit www. providencebc.org/adult-bible-study/.

ACTIVITY CENTER

Joshua Jones, jjones@providencebc.org

Little Learners Soccer

Little Learners is an introductory sport specific program for children 3-5 years old. The 4 week program prepares families for organized sports in a fun environment. Please note there are not any games tied to this program. For more information or to register, please visit providencebc.org/connect/ activity-center/.

Adult Pickleball

Please join us for our newest recreational program! Adult Pickleball is an open play pickleball program for adults ages 18 and up, on Monday evenings from 5 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. We hope to see you there! It’s kind of a big dill! (Fees: Free for Members, $5 for Non-Members Ages 18-54, $2 for NonMembers Ages 55+)

Youth Basketball

Youth basketball registration opens October 1 and runs through October 31. For more information or to register, please visit providencebc.org/connect/ activity-center/!

Call of New Deacons

On Sunday, October 15, the Providence family will be calling Garo Aghjayan, Jessica Aycock, Sharon Clode, Brent Gambill, Tim Good, Debbie Green, Pete Hunt, Genie Marcotte, Molly Naylor, Carrie Query, and Ron Weathers to serve as the Deacon Class of 2026.

CHILDREN

Elizabeth Maye, emaye@providencebc.org

Trunk or Treat

Your entire family is invited to join us for an evening of fun, food, and treats (and maybe a few fun tricks!) on October 29 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. Come dressed in your best themed costumes and bring a friend or two. Volunteers are needed to host a Trunk, donate candy, provide hospitality, and serve food. If you’re willing to help us reach our goal of 25 Trunks, sign-up on Realm by October 23.

STUDENTS

Dane Jackson, djackson@ providencebc.org

Middle School Fall Retreat

Spend an exciting and relaxing weekend away from your normal routines on October 20-22. Connect, have fun, grow, and make memories that will last all year long. We invite you to join us for zip-lining, horseback riding, and hummer rides – and an opportunity for learning more about God, yourself, and others. Register at providencebc.org/ministries/students/ events/ by October 8.

SENIOR ADULTS

Wilna Eury, wilna.eury@att.net

PrimeTimer’s Luncheon

Join us on October 19 at 12 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall for our fellowship and a delicious lunch. We will welcome our own Noel Freidline at the piano. Noel will have us rocking and swaying to his music as he entertains us. Our luncheons are open to all so invite a friend and RSVP via Realm or call Wilna at 704 553-2615 by October 13. The cost is $7 and doors open at 11:45 a.m.

CHURCHWIDE

Women on Mission

What a great start to our new year with our sandwich project for Roof Above in September! We will gather on October 10 in the Mission Center for the prayer group and a handson project at 10:30 a.m. Our general meeting with a speaker from the Salvation Army Center of Hope will be at 11:30 a.m. followed by lunch. All are welcome!

Mission Collection

Our churchwide missions collection for October is white wash cloths for Crisis Assistance. Donations can be placed in the hallway leading to the Fellowship Hall.

Quarterly Church Conference

Our Q4 Church Conference will be held on October 15 at 11:30 a.m. following worship in the Sanctuary.

Prayer Vigil

You are invited to come sit and pray quietly from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the Chapel on October 28. Suggested Prayer guides are available.

Cotswold Farmers Market

It’s the last month of the season for the Cotswold Farmers Market. Be sure to visit the Market every Saturday from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.!

Blessing of Animals

Invite your friends and neighbors to our Blessing of the Animals at the Gazebo October 1 at 4 p.m.! Bring your leashed pet or a photo of your pet and our ministers will bless the animal. Children are encouraged to bring their favorite stuffed animal.

Crop Walk for Hunger

The Charlotte CROP Walk helps neighbors dealing with hunger and poverty both here in Charlotte and around the world. Please consider walking and supporting the event on October 22 at Memorial Stadium! Sign up in the Rotunda or for more information, contact Dave Miller.

Our schedule offers Music, Missions, and Faith Formation for all ages. See the opportunities to join us during the month of October below:

ADULT ROTATIONS, 6 – 7 P.M.

October 4 – Pub Theology at Pizza Peel, Creation Care

October 11 – Book Club: Tattoos on the Heart by Gregory Boyle

October 18 – Do Justice: The Bulb, Food Insecurity

October 25 – Vespers: Hymns & Candlelight

MUSIC

Rehearsal Times: Young Musicians, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.;

Cherub Choir and Trinity Singers, 5:45 – 6:30 p.m.;

Student Music 6:30 – 7:30pm;

Sanctuary Choir, 7:30 – 9 p.m.

STUDENT FUSION, 5:45 – 6:30 P.M.

Our midweek gathering will meet at 5:45 p.m. in the Youth Room.

October Calendar

WEEKLY CALENDAR

Mondays, 5 – 7:30 p.m.

Adult Pickleball (ages 18+)

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. Youth Open Gym (ages 12-17)

Wednesdays

5 p.m. Midweek at Providence

Thursdays 11 a.m. Adult Bible Study, Missions Center 12 p.m. Senior Pickball (ages 55+)

Saturdays 8 a.m. Cotswold Farmers Market

Sundays 9:15 a.m. Faith Formation classes (all ages)

10:30 a.m. Worship

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1

CHILDREN’S ROTATIONS, 6:30 – 7:15 P.M.

Babies-2’s: Childcare will be offered weekly. Preschoolers at Providence will learn, experience, and play in the love of God as they “travel the world” and meet CBF Field Personnel who are sharing God’s love.

K-5th Grade

• Missions Rotations on October 4

Children’s Crop Walk on October 11

Bible Rotations on October 18 and 25

MIDWEEK MENU

October 4 Roasted Baked Chicken and Stuffing

October 11 BBQ Chicken Sandwich on a Brioche Bun

October 18 Salisbury Steak with Sautéed Onions & Bell Peppers

October 25 Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo

Fellowship Meals will cost: $25 per Family, $8 per Individual, $5 per Child 10 and under, Free for Children 5 and under

Save The Date

World Communion Sunday

4 p.m. Blessing of Animals, Gazebo

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15

11:30 a.m.. Q4 Church Conference, Sanctuary

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 19

12 p.m. Primetimer’s Luncheon, Fellowship Hall

OCTOBER 20-22

Middle School Fall Reteat

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22

Crop Walk for Hunger

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28

8 a.m. Prayer Vigil, Chapel

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29

Trunk or Treat

NOVEMBER 15

Rise Against Hunger

NOVEMBER 17-19

High School Fall Retreat

NOVEMBER 29

Hanging of the Green Rehearsal

Staff Transition

We welcome Ed West, our new Music Associate/Organist

The Record We Wrote

SNAPSHOT: JAN 1 – AUG 31, 2023

ELEVATOR UPDATE

Thank you to everyone for your kindness and generosity for helping us meet our financial goal to replace our elevator in such a short time. Preliminary work has already started, and we anticipate a fully modernized elevator before Christmas. Parts and materials are on order, and when they arrive, the elevator will be non-operation for 3-4 weeks. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we move forward in completing the project.

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!

4921 RANDOLPH ROAD CHARLOTTE, NC 28211