THE COMMUNICATOR THE COMMUNICATOR April 2020
Building God’s Kingdom Through Worship ● Service ● Fellowship ● Evangelism ● Disciple‐
A monthly publication of Sardis Presbyterian Church · Charlotte, North Carolina
When my arms can’t reach people close to my heart, I always hug em wh prayers. ~The Faithful Woman~
Exploring Faith. Changing Lives . ● Praise ● Learn ● Love ● Serve ● Share ● Witness The Communicator ~ April 2020
Church Life
Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do. every single Sardis household to check in. Pastors will make follow up calls as recommended by the initial caller. Katie also has developed a plan for volunteers to help meet the needs of other members as they arise.
A Letter From Joe B.
Dear Sardis Presbyterian Members and Friends,
Things are different everywhere for everyone. It has been a stressful, yet often invigorating challenge to work with the church staff and other congregational leaders to adapt to new ways of living into the purpose God has for Sardis Presbyterian. I am so grateful to be at this church and to be a part of this team.
Hosting two worship services Live on Facebook has
been a lot of work, but feedback suggests that it is worth it! John Nipe has been invaluable in this effort. At a minimum, it takes one tech person, one musician, and one pastor to be present for one fully live service.
Finding ourselves operating with the closest precedent for decision‐making being a snow day, Session has met via Zoom to approve some decision‐making measures should time or the ability to properly call a meeting and have a quorum for it be impossible.
We never know on Monday what things are going to
be like on Sunday. Sometimes, like the first week, we won’t know until Friday. Our musicians have recorded as much music as they could to try to get us through Easter if we cannot get necessary personnel onto campus and have to edit pre‐recorded music and liturgy into a service. Initial digital “attendance” has been impressive!
We now have some meeting and voting policies for times of emergency that are consistent with the PC(USA) constitution. They allow for virtual meetings, remote voting on matters that need little discussion, and expedited decision‐making when circumstances do not allow for a properly called meeting of the entire Session.
The church staff and I have been overwhelmed by the encouragement and appreciation expressed by the members of the church. This has carried us through a time when we seem to be busier than usual. Soon, we should be able to share more work with congregation members who wish they were busier!
Meanwhile, Sardis Presbyterian officers, members, and staff have been busy redesigning our strategy for living into the purpose we believe God has for this congregation.
Things may change and they may change fast. What I have just written may already be out of date! The Wednesday and Sunday emails and our Facebook page are the best way to stay informed. Our Facebook Group is the best way to stay in community.
Some things you might be interested to know:
All spending has been limited to things that are
essential now.
Thermostats have been adjusted to save money. We
Whatever changes, this will not. God loves you. God loves your neighbor. God calls Sardis Presbyterian Church to Explore Faith and Change Lives in the name of Jesus Christ.
even unplugged about 100 lamps, fans, monitors, computers, and unnecessary appliances.
The Facility Team has been disinfecting everything.
Program staff has been able to do most of their work
from home. They have been working hard and creatively. Administrative staff is now working from home due to the county’s stay at home orders.
Peace, Health, Hope,
Regular gatherings are being moved to Zoom as we
can. MSGs, Ministry Team meetings, Bible studies, staff meeting, youth and children’s activities, and Sunday School classes.
Katie Harrington has recruited Deacons, Stephen
Ministers and some of the staff to make phone calls to 2 The Communicator ~ April 2020
Church Life
Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do.
STAY CONNECTED!
facebook.com/sardispres
Sundays at 9:00 & 11:00 a.m. No Facebook account needed to watch live worship!
Join our Facebook Group and chat with members of your Sardis family. A place where you can share prayer requests and stories of how God is working in your life:
facebook.com/groups/ sardisprescommunity
When you are prompted to sign‐in or create an account, click on “Not Now” and continue to view our content.
Experience Holy Week
Palm Sunday
Maundy Thursday
Worship with the
Worship with the Sardis
A link to a combined
Worship with the
Sardis community
community
worship service with
Sardis community
live on Facebook at
Facebook at 7:00 p.m.
St. Stephen UMC
live on Facebook at
will be emailed to
9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
9:00 & 11:00 a.m.
live
on
Easter
Good Friday
the congregation.
Family Daily Devotions Subscribe to receive a daily email from Sarah Dianne Jones with video devotions and Holy Week activity ideas for families! To opt‐in, email Sarah Dianne at sarahdianne.jones@sardis.org to let her know you’d like to receive her Holy Week Daily Devotion emails!
The Communicator ~ April 2020
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Church Life
Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do.
Are You Receiving Our Weekly Emails?
Staff Spotlight!
The Sardis Weekly is sent Wednesday
Nikki Bolton
mornings and is packed with important
Director of Communications
information and updates on how we
8 years at Sardis Presbyterian
continue to praise, learn, love, serve,
share, and witness! The Sunday Bulletin is sent Sunday mornings with links to our live worship services and to download the bulletin. It also contains important church announcements. If you are not receiving The Sardis Weekly or The Sunday Bulletin, please email nikki.bolton@sardis.org to get signed up!
Nikki started as part‐time receptionist at Sardis in 2012 and filled many roles helping with the Youth, general administrative tasks, and communication needs. Taking on the full‐time communications role later was a natural fit.
Nikki just returned to us from maternity leave,
Sermon
only to go back home to work! She helps guide the
ministries
at
Sardis
through
their
communication needs. She loves to creatively
Talkback
find ways to tell Sardis’ story through our web‐ site, social media channels, weekly and monthly newsletters, and other mediums.
Nikki was born in upstate NY, but grew up in
Sundays at 10:00 a.m. & 12:00 p.m. on Zoom After each worship service, one of the pastors will host
Boca Raton, FL where she played club and high school soccer. She graduated from Arizona State University
with
a
Bachelor’s
in
Mass
Communications and Media Studies.
a sermon talkback session on Zoom. Bring your
She married her husband, Mike in 2015. They
questions, your prayer concerns, and your lunch!
have two children, Myles (2) and Lily (3
months). They also have a crazy Shepherd mix,
Look for the link to join in
Macy. Nikki enjoys taking care of her family,
The Sardis Weekly and The Sunday Bulletin!
reading, playing soccer and softball, curling, hiking, and catching up on the latest true crime
Adult Online Bible Study
Join Joe B. and Katie Harrington on Zoom each Thursday at 11:00 a.m. Check the weekly emails for the link to join in.
story on Netflix.
Fun fact about Nikki: she refuses to read books from a tablet. She loves the feel and smell of books!
The Personnel Ministry greatly appreciates our wonderful staff and all they do to keep Sardis running behind the scenes.
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Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do. “Go Tell It on the Mountain”
Church Life Canon Moore
“Go Tell It on the Mountain” was heard ringing in the rafters of William Black Lodge as more than fifty Sardis sisters celebrated the 14th annual Sardis Women’s Retreat in Montreat, NC.
Under the joyous, inspirational, thought‐provoking leadership of the Rev. Dr. Jan Edmiston, General Presbyter of The Presbytery of Charlotte, Sardis sisters were charged to praise, learn, love, serve, share, and witness.
“Unpacking Hospitality and Building Relationships” was the topic of Dr. Edmiston’s discussions. We walked with Martha and Mary, realized the cultural importance of turning water into wine, and were reminded that everyone is carrying a burden in their life that could be made lighter with the help of a caring community. Dr. Edmiston peppered her lessons with anecdotes from her pastoral life that had her rapt students laughing one minute and wiping tears the next.
The weekend concluded with sunshine streaming through the stain glass windows as Dr. Edmiston and Rev. Katie Harrington led Sunday morning worship with Communion served.
Between lectures, music, and small group meetings, Sardis Women enjoyed chef‐inspired meals, hiking mountain paths, visiting charming Black Mountain shops, marveling over Ben Long’s fresco painting in The Chapel of the Prodigal at Montreat College, participating in a service project for the children’s musical, playing games in the lobby, having a square dance (complete with caller,) and the crowning of Miss Black Mountain 2020. There were also some very lovely rocking chairs on the front porch being used throughout the weekend.
New friendships were forged, old friendships were strengthen, lessons were learned, and hopes for Sardis Presbyterian Church have been written down. The only thing missing was you. Please plan to join us next year February 19 – 21, 2021.
A Thank You Note From Jane! Dear Sardis, Thank you for the gift of a wonderful “send‐off‐into‐retirement” in February! Thank you for the celebration on February 16, for all the contributions for the Scholarship Fund for Haiti, and for the notes, cards and many kind words you shared. I am very grateful for and touched by it all!
Please know that I have now signed Charlotte Presbytery’s “Covenant of Closure” through which I have agreed not to engage in the business or ministry of Sardis and will not engage with you on social media. Presbytery’s policy is a good one for the longtime good of Sardis.
Something that will continue is my gratitude to God for the joy of being one of your pastors for 23 years and I will, also, continue to hold you in my prayers.
Blessings always,
Jane The Communicator ~ April 2020
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Church Life
Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do.
Times have changed at least for right now…. Cindy McLeod
As I am sitting at my laptop writing the Stewardship article for the Communicator, I am reflecting on how things have changed, at least for the present, with the COVID‐19 virus. I am also thinking about how our ancestors at Sar‐ dis endured many difficult times as well. We just celebrated Sardis’ 230th anniversary back in February. In all those years, Sardis has definitely endured many uncertain times such as The Great Depression, wars and other diseases (like Joe B. mentioned in his first live streaming sermon at Sardis on Sunday).
Max and I listened to both worship services as they were being livestreamed. While we were not physically worshiping with our Sardis family, we still felt connected as a community knowing that other Sardis members were watching and sharing their comments. What a wonderful feeling to still feel connected during this time of social distancing and the temporary closing of places and events. How fortunate we are to live in a time when we can live stream a worship service and hear such an inspirational and uplifting sermon from our minister. Joe B’s message gave us all a sense of peace, calm and perseverance with all the uncertainty that is all around us. We wonder what messages our former pastors said to our congregation during their trials and tribulations. The message was probably similar to Joe B.’s message of Sunday, March 15.
During this time of distancing ourselves and all activities being suspended, we still need to remember our gifts and giving. Our financial contributions do not need to stop. We need Sardis to keep the congregation connected and spiritually together to help in whatever capacity is needed. Our in‐person mission activities and fellowship may be temporarily suspended, but the needs of our members and worldwide community will continue. Your continued financial support will assure these needs are met. Thank You!
Session Highlights can be found at www.sardis.org under the News & Events tab.
February Financial Highlights Thank you for contributing to Christ’s work through Sardis Presbyterian Church. February
February Expected
This year so far
This year so far expected
Pledges, gifts, and other revenue
$201,799.93
$140,766.66
$509,481.45
$433,433.32
Expenses
$148,897.03
$152,809.63
$285,067.03
$307,906.76
Net Total
$52,902.90
($12,042.97)
$224,414.42
$125,526.56
Annual Budget: $1,983,000
Our Church Family Our Christian sympathy: to the family of Jerry Meetze; to the family of Everett Cameron; to Penny Kronenwetter upon the death of her mother, Frances Rinaldi; to Anne Hollowell upon the death of her father, and Vernon Sumwalt upon the death of his grandfather, Vernon E. Sumwalt; to the family of Lyn Sutterlin; to the family of Warren Langston; and to Phyllis Falcone upon the death of her brother, Richard Cunningham. 6 The Communicator ~ April 2020
Missions Ministry
The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve.
Giving to Loaves & Fishes In light of the cancelation of our March Loaves & Fishes Food Drive, we ask you please consider a direct donation to Loaves & Fishes to help them fulfill their mission during a spike of emergency needs. You can donate online at loavesandfishes.org or give through Sardis, online or by check, with your gift noted.
Give One Day a Success!
Sardis Provides 27 Essential Baskets
Thank you Sardis! With your help, Sardis packaged 30,240 dry meals for Rise Against Hunger during Give One Day on March 8th. To‐date, Sardis volunteers have packaged 140,400 meals over five years to help fight hunger worldwide. This has been a great multi‐ generational mission opportunity that allows us to serve the world needs without having to leave the home that we love. Thanks again for all that you do at Sardis
for Families Forward Charlotte
Through your generous contributions we were able to pack 27 “Essential Baskets” for all families being mentored by Families Forward Charlotte! Packed with everything from Swiffer kits to Clorox wipes, these “baskets” overflowed with cleaning products. These families will now be able to focus on other needs.
remembering those in need!
Habitat House Being Built in Memory of Sardis Member Sardis Presbyterian Church is providing financial support to Great Matthews Habitat for Humanity. The Habitat House currently under construction is being built in honor of Walt Dunham. Walt was a long‐time Habitat volunteer and a long‐time Sardis member. Volunteer opportunities for this new home are forthcoming.
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YOUTH Ministry
“…set an example for the believers…” 1 Timothy 4:12.
SUNDAY EVENINGS ON ZOOM
Sunday Night Fellowship meeting times and Zoom links will be sent out in the Youth Weekly email and Remind texts.
Middle and High
School Sabbath Wednesday Evenings on Zoom
Social distance visits by youth advisor, David A.!
STAY
CONNECTED Email adrian.martin@sardis.org to make sure you are signed up to receive youth emails and text alerts!
8 The Communicator ~ April 2020
Children’s ministry
“Let the little children come unto me.”
Being unable to gather in person is not stopping our children from connecting with each other! We are working hard to continue to praise, love, learn, serve, share, and witness to our community and to one another in new ways!
Preschool Chapel
Our preschoolers are teaming with up our Sardis Weekday School families and gathering each week for Virtual Chapel! We have had so much fun singing, reading scripture and picture books, and praying together! Please join us via Zoom any Wednesday morning at 9:30am. The meeting code is: 185‐492‐101.
Elementary Faith Exploration and Fellowship Starting in April, our elementary schoolers will have two opportunities each week to connect with one another virtually for a time of fellowship and learning!
On Wednesday afternoons, we connect at 2:00 p.m. for Elementary Story Exploration where we read scripture and connect it with a picture book as we dig into the ways the God shows up in all places! All elementary schoolers are welcome to join in the fun. The meeting code for Zoom is: 527‐104‐584.
On Monday afternoons, our different elementary Sunday School age groups (K‐1st grade, 2nd‐3rd grade, and 4th‐5th grade) will have the chance to gather via Zoom to connect with their Sunday School shepherds! Parents, be on the lookout for more information from Sarah Dianne!
The Communicator ~ April 2020
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THE COMMUNICATOR
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PAID Charlotte, NC
6100 Sardis Road
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Charlotte, NC 28270 www.sardis.org ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED
Spread Some Joy In early March, Sardis Weekday School celebrated Wacky Wednesday! We hope these photos add a smile to your day. We are the ‘wackiest,’ bunch around. Love ‐ The Preschool with Heart
10 The Communicator ~ April 2020