The Communicator | August 2020

THE COMMUNICATOR THE COMMUNICATOR

August 2020

Building God’s Kingdom Through Worship ● Service ● Fellowship ● Evangelism ● Disciple‐

A monthly publication of Sardis Presbyterian Church · Charlotte, North Carolina

Exploring Faith. Changing Lives. ● Praise ● Learn ● Love ● Serve ● Share ● Witness

The Communicator ~ August 2020

Church Life

Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do.

Adult Sunday School: On Zoom at 10:00 a.m.

A Thank You From

Community Link

August 2: Safety Task Force

August 9: Sara Martin: ʺDigging a Little Deeper, A Look at Gen. 37:1‐4ʺ

The

Community

Link

welcome

August 16: Chuck Bohlen “My Diversity and Inclusion Ministry”

basket collection held in June was such

August 23: Joe B: ʺThe Name of God: Bible Study on Exodus 3:1‐15ʺ

a blessing to the organization.

August 27: Katie Harrington: ʺSpiritual Practices for Trying Timesʺ

Robin

Zoom link and meeting ID found in your weekly emails.

Bridges,

Intake

Manager

at Community Link, says, ʺThanks so much! All I can say is ʹwow!ʹ The church members did an awesome job.

Community Link appreciates it so much. Most of our homeless customers come off the street with nothing. The donations are going to help out so many families.ʺ Thank you, Sardis for your support!

Four Months Later

Cindy McLeod

When I wrote the April Communicator article for Stewardship, we were at the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic. I titled the article “Times Have Changed, At Least For Right Now…” Little did I know when I wrote that article that four months later, we would still be dealing with the pandemic of COVID‐19. Just when we thought we had somewhat of a handle on our “new normal”, life throws us another curve with more diagnosed cases, decisions on what can or cannot open, and additional mandates. Currently, we can’t predict much of anything.

The one certainty we can count on is our community of faith at Sardis Presbyterian Church. In times like these, Sardis shows its real strength with our faith in God and our love of all neighbors. Certainly, we will have more challenges ahead, but we will be able to face them head‐on with our connectedness with Sardis. By giving monetarily, our congregation is able to help those in need and continue our ministries and mission. The two values that help us to have stewardship prominently in our lives as Christians are generosity and gratitude. We are givers and receivers at all times, even more so during the times we are experiencing now. As we give and receive, we continue to be thankful. With generosity and gratitude present in our hearts, we are brought together even more in challenging times. A realization that relationships are at the heart of it all, our relationship with God, our fellow church members, our brothers and sisters of Christ, and fellow neighbors are paramount.

For Sardis to continue to make it through this crisis and continue its mission, our continued support is very important. Our Stewardship Ministry asks you to be one of Sardis’ most faithful financial supporters and continue or increase your financial commitment. Feel the joy through generosity and gratitude by making a difference during these unprecedented times.

2 The Communicator ~ August 2020

Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do.

Church Life

Sardis Staff Spotlight—Alfredo Mendoza and Jenny Walker!

My name is Jose Alfredo Mendoza. I am a member of the Facilities team. I have been working at Sardis Presbyterian Church for 11 years. Most of my duties are to keep the facilities clean, and also some maintenance like changing bulbs (also in high places) and replacing ceiling tiles after some rain and brown spots appear in the ceilings. Since working at Sardis, I consider it my second home, and I always try to do my best for the members.

My hobbies are fishing and traveling (I like to drive long distances). I would like to say thank you to Mr. Tucker and Mr. Torrence for letting me fish in their pier at the lake; I am very grateful and blessed.

I was born in Lima, Peru, in a city call Chorrillos very close to the ocean. I was working in a church for 17 years before I immigrated to the USA (doing what I do here at Sardis). Since I got here, I was doing many jobs as my skills were plumbing, automotive repair, floor tech, and many other jobs. Sometimes I worked three jobs in a day, starting at 7 a.m. and finishing around 2 a.m. doing jobs at the airport. When I joined Sardis, my life changed. Sardis gave me my first health insurance, and like I wrote before, I feel blessed to work at Sardis.

My name is Jenny Walker, and at Sardis I am the Nursery Coordinator. I began my position at Sardis on Easter of 2018 and have loved everything about it. As Nursery Coordinator, I make sure each service has fun, loving, and joyful volunteers to hang out with our youngest Sardis members. I ensure children are safe, loved, and build a Christ‐centered foundation. Not to mention, provide snacks!

Iʹm always accompanied by my three children, Aliyah (13), Isaiah (2), and Josiah (10 months). During the week, I homeschool my oldest daughter and homeschool preschool my two youngest, as well as nanny two other preschoolers.

On top of those, I am a photographer and own a small childrenʹs clothing line. I donʹt have much free time, so I try to make everything I do something that is kid‐friendly so the four of us can be together as much as possible.

We love Sardis and are always happy to see our Sardis kidsʹ smiles and joyous volunteers. I also love meeting new people, so if youʹre ever my way, stop by and say hi!

The Communicator ~ August 2020 3

Church Life

Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do.

Music Update Dr. Jared Daugherty, Minister of Music

We miss singing with everyone! We miss the choir and its beautiful voices. I personally miss my time with them.

We miss looking out at the Sanctuary and seeing you sing with us. I even miss watching some of you just mouth the words and pretend to sing! However, as much we miss you, singing with you is just not a safe option at this time. We care about you and do not want sickness to spread. If you want to read more about the science and research behind spreading airborne illnesses, there was a great article in the New York Times recently, and the link is below. Iʹm also including another link that takes you to a statement from the Presbyterian Association of Musicians.  h ps://www.ny mes.com/2020/06/09/arts/music/choirs‐singing‐coronavirus‐safe.html



https://e996cc84‐ef59‐48d5‐b476‐38079374752e.filesusr.com/ugd/ c5003d_6535d98b40284e5497c5c1e7564ef5d4.pdf

Within this awful pandemic, we continue to look for opportunities to praise God through music. Hopefully, you have been uplifted by the online worship experience, as we have worked to make music a special part of both our contemporary and traditional services. Our music team has found ways to be creative with technology in what we are able to present each week, and I am grateful for the ongoing hard work of Kaitlyn Davros, Steven Pappas, and John Nipe. During the week, we have continued to stay connected with our people that sing in the choir, or ring bells when we are together. At the beginning of August, we will carry out our Sardis Music and Arts Summer Hoopla camp for grades K‐8, virtually, with plenty of activities for each day of the week. We would like to invite the congregation to join us on Thursday, August 6, at 7 p.m. for a community campfire event. When the weather cools down a bit, we will schedule a time when our ringers can meet and ring bells outside. You may also look forward to another virtual choir project, soon. It may be a while before we can sing together again, but that doesn’t mean we can’t sing the Lordʹs praises; we just have to do it differently. Kaitlyn, Steven, John, and I are working to bring you more musical experiences that meet you right where you are and bless your life in special ways. If you have any ideas, I would love to hear from you, and it would be great to get your thoughts on how we are doing.

Session Highlights can be found at www.sardis.org under the News & Events tab.

God bless you and keep you safe.

June Financial Highlights Thank you for contributing to Christ’s work through Sardis Presbyterian Church

June

June expected

This year so far

This year so far expected

Pledges, gi s, and other revenue

$192,432.27

$163,466.66

$1,168,520.11

$1,035,199.96

Expenses

$167,570.03

$184,726.08

$882,809.15

$976,696.76

Net Total

$24,862.24

($21,259.42)

$285,710.96

$58,503.20

Annual Budget: $2,026,250

Our Church Family Our Sympathy: to the family of Becky Meleney; to the family of John McCaskill; to Netta Turnbull on the death of her brother, Charles Hutton; and to Chris Williams on the death of her uncle, Bob Horn.

Congratulations: to Rhonda and Bill York on the birth of their granddaughter, Emerson Ann York.

4 The Communicator ~ August 2020

Missions Ministry

The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve.

Sardis Church Mouse: Ministering to Our College Students

The Church Mouse Project is designed to help college students continue to feel part of the Sardis family while they are away living on college campuses. Collegians interested in having a ʺmouseʺ apply, and members of the congregation volunteer to be ʺmice.ʺ The mice then anony‐mouse‐ly send cards and inexpensive items to their collegian several times during the year.

To become a church mouse, please contact Georgia Pressly at 704.364.9299 or presslyga@aol.com.

ʺWe Prayed For Books Todayʺ

A volunteer with CLI Prison Alliance, formerly Christian Library International in Raleigh, told Sardis staff member, Mark Slimer, that due to COVID, there has been a lack of book donations, and they were running low.

The volunteer had just spent the morning praying for books when Mark showed up that afternoon with 12 boxes full of book donations from Jane Fobelʹs office.

They were so overwhelmed by their answered prayers, and we are so glad these books can help continue to reach inmates with the gospel!

Roof Above Bagged Lunch Collection Beats Goals

Thank you to all who volunteered to put together bagged lunches for Roof Above (formerly Urban Ministry Center), helping our homeless neighbors exposed to COVID‐19. Our goal was to collect 130 bagged lunches and you made 152! Thank you for your support!

The Communicator ~ August 2020 5

Youth ministry

“…set an example for the believers…” 1 Timothy 4:12.

Summer Youth Ministry Opportunities

As the summer winds down, we will be taking an intentional Sabbath from Sunday evening programming for a couple of weeks so we may refocus our efforts. We will still meet for Sunday school at 10:00 a.m. each Sunday morning, led by various adult teachers. We will also continue our Book Club, 21 Day Racial Equity Challenge, and meeting in smaller groups around town.

Each youth is encouraged to participate as each person is able and comfortable to do so. If you have any questions, please contact Adrian Martin, Director of Youth Ministry at 704.366.1854, ext. 212.

At Home Mission Adventure

Fall Kick‐Off

On June 29‐30, 15 youth participated in the first‐ever

The Youth Ministry will hold its first ever virtual Fall

Charlotte At‐Home Mission Adventure. During the

Kick‐Off on Sunday, August 30. We will have videos

two days, participants wrote over 85 notes to members

detailing what the year ahead will look like and

of our congregation, collected 928 pounds of food,

messages from our adult leaders. This kick‐off will be

made over 50 door hangers for Ronald McDonald

different from years past in that we will not be able to

House, and learned to knit so they may share a scarf

be present physically with each other, but our Youth

with someone who needs it in the winter. Thank you

Ministry is as committed as ever to meeting the needs

to the amazing youth who showed that even while at

of the youth and parents of our congregation!

home, we are able to continue to do mission work and reach out to others!

Small Group Opportunities

As a society, we continue to struggle with the pandemic, which limits the number of in person gatherings the Youth Ministry may sponsor. However, we are looking to expand our small group gatherings that already include a Book Club, 21 Day Racial Equity Challenge, and Sabbath programs. If there is something that you are interested in doing with other members of the Youth Ministry, please let Adrian Martin know (adrian.martin@sardis.org).

You may also let Adrian know if you are interested in joining one of our groups.

6 The Communicator ~ August 2020

“Let the little children come unto me.”

Save the Date for our Back to School Blessing on August 16!

This drive‐through event will

be

a

wonderful

opportunity for families, teachers, and anyone who wants to have a Sardis student prayer buddy for the

year!

Weʹll

have

popsicles, chalk, blessings, and friendly faces!

Sardis Children’s Faith Formation Survey

This fall is going to be unlike any fall weʹve ever experienced, and that means that things at church are going to continue to look different. Iʹd love to get YOUR input about what your family needs, especially as you are gearing up for virtual school. Please fill out the survey found in your family emails so that the Childrenʹs Faith Formation ministry team and I can best do ministry with your family. ‐Sarah Dianne Jones

Sardis Weekday School

The Preschool with Heart is here and offering good thoughts and prayers to the community. We have some new information about the back to school start dates. For questions about this and the Weekday School program, contact elizabeth.angerson@sardis.org.

The Communicator ~ August 2020 7

THE COMMUNICATOR Published monthly by

Sardis Presbyterian Church 6100 Sardis Road Charlotte, NC 28270 www.sardis.org

ELECTRONIC SERVIE REQUESTED

8 The Communicator ~ August 2020