CONNECTIONS
OUR FALL KICKOFF IN SEPTEMBER WAS A HUGE SUCCESS! JOIN US AT 5PM ON WEDNESDAYS THIS FALL FOR MIDWEEK AT PROVIDENCE! OUR MIDWEEK PROGRAMMING OFFERS MUSIC, MISSIONS, AND FAITH FORMATION FOR ALL AGES. WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU THERE!
From the Adult Discipleship Minister
“For everything there is a season and a time for every matter under heaven.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1
Can you feel it? Fall is finally here. Leaves are changing colors. Summer heat has finally relented to brisker weather. Daylight hours are shortening. Fall is my favorite time of the year for a number of reasons: 1) football is back, 2) coffee tastes better this time of year, 3) I love fall colors, 4) I enjoy a bonfire. I could go on, but I’ll stop there for now.
It’s time to reach deep into our closets to find our favorite sweaters, scarfs, and boots. Seasons change. And with change comes the possibility for fresh perspectives, new routines, and opportunities to deepen our faith.
As your family settles into the rhythms of fall, I’m inviting you to be intentional. Specifically, I’m inviting you to prioritize your family’s faith formation. Providence Baptist Church offers opportunities for faith formation, music, and missions education for all ages on Sundays and Wednesdays (or as we call it, “Midweek.”) Does your family
schedule make room for these opportunities? My hope is that as often as possible, our church family will gather to build community, nurture relationships, and deepen our commitment to following Jesus. So, this fall, keep this maxim in mind: faith in Jesus is a lifelong pursuit. At every stage of life, we’re all simply novices – learning, stretching, striving as we grow together. We need each other for this journey we call “faith.”
Finally, for our adults, I wish to give you a preview of some of the faith formation opportunities coming your way this fall during our Midweek rotations. On the first Wednesday of every month (September through May), PBC hosts Sacred Grounds, a theological coffeehouse in the Activity Center Lounge beginning at 6pm. On October 2, representatives from the Alzheimer’s Association will be here to discuss “Faith, Memory, and Identity.” This session will be helpful for caregivers, family members, and anyone who faces the challenges of this health crisis.
On the second Wednesday of every month, PBC hosts Book Club in the
Upstairs Parlor beginning at 6pm. On October 9, we will discuss part 2 of Richard Haass’ book The Bill of Obligations. On November 13, we will discuss the poetry of Steve Garnaas-Holmes.
On the third Wednesday of every month, PBC hosts Do Justice. On October 23, we will discuss “Advocating for Religious Liberty.” And on November 20, we will participate in the annual Rise Against Hunger hands-on missions project in the Activity Center gym.
On the fourth Wednesday of every month, PBC hosts Midweek Vespers. On October 30, PBC will host an event entitled The Rhythms of Community: A Drum Circle Experience with DrumStrong.
I hope that you will make room in your fall schedule for these experiences. And don’t forget to invite a friend, neighbor, or coworker to join you. Here’s wishing you and your family a happy, healthy, and faith-filled fall.
Ministry at Providence
ADULT DISCIPLESHIP
Blake Kendrick, bkendrick@providencebc.org
Women’s Retreat
You are invited to attend our Women’s Retreat November 1-3 to William Black Lodge in Montreat, NC! Carrie Veal, Associate Minister at Myers Park Baptist Church and certified Enneagram Approach Practitioner, will be speaking about “Exploring the Enneagram.” The cost is $175/person and the deadline to register on Realm is October 13.
ACTIVITY CENTER
Michelle Hitselberger, mhitselberger@providencebc.org
Youth Basketball Registration
Youth ages 5-18 are invited to come play in a basketball league starting this fall! Space is limited, so register on Realm by October 28!
Beginners Pickleball Class
Join us on Wednesdays for a Beginners Only Pickleball class from 10-11:30am, followed by open play from 12-2:30pm! Register on Realm today! The cost is $3 per person.
CHILDREN
Elizabeth Maye Hudson, emaye@providencebc.org
Trunk or Treat
Your entire family is invited to join us for an evening of fun, food, and treats on October 27 from 5:30-7pm! Come dressed in your best themed costume and bring a friend or two! Volunteers are needed to set-up, host a Trunk (our goal is 20), donate candy, provide hospitality, and join a serving team. Sign up on Realm by October 20.
CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Ursula Taylor, utaylor@providencebc.org
Pumpkin Patch
Join us on October 9 and 10 for our Pumpkin Patch! Families are invited to help their child select a pumpkin to take home. We will gather on the CDC Front Lawn at 10am.
Character Parade
On October 30, the CDC will host a character parade! Children will dress up like their favorite book character (bring the book) and parade around to receive treats.
MUSIC
Timothy Hill, thill@providencebc.org
Christmas Choir Invitation
The Sanctuary Choir will present “Small, Dancing Light” by Taylor Scott Davis on December 22. If you’d like to sing with the choir on this wonderful work, please contact Tim or Ed.
STUDENTS
Kristen Hendrix, khendrix@providencebc.org
Sunday Night LIVE
Sunday Night LIVE is BACK this fall! Middle and High school students are invited to join us on October 13 and November 17 from 5:30-7pm in the Chapman Youth Room. We will eat dinner together, followed by group time of learning and laughing.
Youth Fall Retreat
This year’s theme is “Hold On!” We will explore what it means to HOLD ON to God, to oneself, and to others in order to become more fully the body of Christ in the world. Space is limited, so register on Realm by October 13. We need parent volunteers, so email Kristen if you’d like to be a chaperone.
SENIOR ADULTS
Wilna Eury, wilna.eury@att.net
PrimeTimers Luncheon
Mark your calendar for 12pm on October 17 for our PrimeTimers Luncheon! Matt Blackwell and his guitar will provide our entertainment. Invite a friend to share in fellowship and a delicious lunch! RSVP on Realm or call Wilna at (704) 553-2615.
Altar Guild
This Advent season, the Altar Guild will meet on November 26 at 9:30am to decorate Providence in preparation
for Christmas. We’ll meet again on January 7 at 9:30am to take down the decorations. If you’d like to volunteer for setup or takedown, contact Wilna at (704) 553-2615 or via email.
CHURCHWIDE
Charlotte CROP Hunger Walk
Join us on October 6 for the 46th annual Charlotte CROP Hunger Walk! Registration is from 1:30-2:30pm and the walk will conclude at 4pm. Sign up in the Rotunda!
Special Guest David McLennan
On Sunday, October 6 at 4pm, we will welcome David McLennan, professor of Political Science at Meredith College, to share insights on how civic responsibilities overlap with faithbased commitments to the common good. He will also reflect on Richard Haass’s book, The Bill of Obligations Women on Mission Women on Mission will meet on October 8 in the Missions Center. We will begin with the Prayer Group or hands on project at 10:30am. At 11:30am, we will have our general meeting with a speaker from The Bulb, one of our missions partners, followed by lunch. All are welcome!
Q4 Quarterly Church Conference
Join us at 6pm on October 16 for our Q4 Quarterly Church Conference. The meeting will be held following Midweek dinner, and there will be no Midweek programming except for Sanctuary Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm.
Blessing of Animals
Join us at 4pm on October 20 by the Gazebo & Fields for our Blessing of the Animals ceremony! Bring your leashed pet, a photo of your pet, or even a favorite stuffed animal, and our ministers will bless them. Invite a friend to join us as well!
Prayer Vigil
You are invited to come sit and pray quietly from 8am-12pm in the Chapel on October 26. Suggested Prayer guides are available.
CHURCHWIDE (CONTINUED)
Walk St. Cuthbert’s Way with Pastor Lee Canipe
Lee Canipe is organizing a 6-day, 5-night walk on St. Cuthbert’s Way in 2025! We’ll spend the night in
Melrose, Scotland, on September 28 and begin the walk on September 29. We’ll complete the walk together on October 3. Anyone able to walk up to 17 miles a day (limited to ten walkers) is invited to join Lee along a 62-mile
trail along the border between Scotland and England. Interested? Contact Lee for more information. Deposits are due by November 1. To learn more about St. Cuthbert’s Way, visit www.stcuthbertsway.info
Our Midweek schedule offers Music, Missions, and Faith Formation for all ages. See the opportunities to join us during the month of October below!
Due to the Q4 Quarterly Church Conference on Wednesday, October 16 at 6pm, there will be no Midweek programming except for the Fellowship Dinner at 5pm and Sanctuary Choir rehearsal at 7:30pm.
ADULT ROTATIONS | 6–7PM
October 2 – Sacred Grounds: Faith, Memory, Identity
October 9 – Book Club: Bill of Obligations Part 2
October 16 – Q4 Conference (No Adult Rotation)
October 23 – Do Justice: Religious Liberty
October 30 – DrumStrong’s Rhythms of Community
MUSIC | CHOIR REHEARSALS
5:30-6:30pm – Young Musicians
5:45-6:30pm – Cherub Choir and Trinity Singers
6:30-7:30pm – Student Choir
7:30-9pm – Sanctuary Choir
STUDENT FUSION | 5:45–6:30PM
We will gather at 5:45pm in the Youth Room.
October Calendar
WEEKLY CALENDAR
Mondays
7-9pm Men’s Basketball PickUp Games (ages 30+)
Mondays–Thursdays
2:30pm Open Gym (all ages)
Tuesdays & Thursdays
10am-1pm & Pickleball
6-8pm SportsQuest
Wednesdays
10-11:30am Beginners Only Pickleball Class ($3) 5pm Midweek at Providence
Thurdays
11am Adult Bible Study
12-3pm Cotswold Game ON!
Fridays 9am-2:30pm Pickleball Tournament
Saturdays 8am-12pm Cotswold Farmers Market (ends Oct 26)
12:30-3pm Open Gym (all ages)
Sundays 9:15am Faith Formation
10:30am Worship
1-5pm Open Gym (all ages)
CHILDREN’S ROTATIONS | 6:30–7:15PM
Weekly – Preschool Missions; Midweek for Children
October 16 – Children’s CROP Walk
FELLOWSHIP DINNER MENUS | 5PM
October 2 Pulled Pork & Baked Beans
October 9 Rotisserie-Style Leg Quarters
October 16 Chicken Piccata & Angel Hair Pasta
October 23 Hamburgers & Hotdogs
October 30 Build-Your-Own Taco/Burrito
The cost of a Midweek dinner is:
$25 per Family; $8 per Individual; $5 per Child ages 10 and under; Free for Children ages 5 and under.
Fellowship Dinner payments can be made via cash, check, or online through Realm!
CHURCH OFFICE HOURS
Monday through Thursday 9am–4pm; Friday 9am–1pm
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3
NO Adult Bible Study
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6
Charlotte CROP Hunger Walk, American Legion Memorial Stadium
4pm Special Guest David McLennan, Fellowship Hall
OCTOBER 9 & 10
10am CDC Pumpkin Patch, CDC Front Lawn
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 8
10:30am Women on Mission, Missions Center
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 9
6pm Wander and Wonder, Room 2231
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10
6:30pm Endurance Club & Bible Study, Activity Center Parlor
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13
5:30pm Sunday Night LIVE, Youth Room
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16
10am CDC CROP Walk 6pm Q4 Quarterly Church Conference, Fellowship Hall
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 17 12pm PrimeTimers Luncheon, Fellowship Hall
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 4pm Blessing of Animals, Gazebo & Fields
OCTOBER 25-27
Youth Fall Retreat to Fort Caswell, NC
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
8am-12pm Prayer Vigil, Gordon Chapel
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
5:30pm Trunk or Treat, Sanctuary Parking Lot
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30 10am CDC Character Parade, CDC Classrooms
