2015 November Communicator

A Publication of Sardis Presbyterian Church November 2015 Building God’s Kingdom Through Worship ● Service ● Fellowship ● Evangelism ● Discipleship

Sardis Presbyterian Church · 6100 Sardis Road · Charlotte, NC 28270 · 704‐366‐1854 · www.sardis.org The Communicator ~ November 2015

Church Life

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

Friends,

My best motivation is not guilt, but gratitude. By supporting the ministry of Sardis Presbyterian Church, we are really in a partnership with God. I am grateful for that privilege. God blesses our steps of faith. Together we make an impact upon Char‐ lotte and beyond through our gifts of gratitude.

Proverbs 3:9 says, “Honor the Lord with your wealth.” It really means we are to make an offering to God from the best we produce. The question for us is not how much we earn, but how much we manage what we earn.

Thank you for giving me the privilege of serving as your Interim Pastor. I am concerned that you see your financial welfare tied directly to your spiritual welfare. Two‐thirds of the Parables Jesus taught focused on money.

A proposed Operating Budget will soon be set by our Session. This budget creates a path for our mission and ministry through Sardis Presbyterian Church. I believe God wants us to experience financial authenticity. God would have us CONTROL OUR MONEY rather than let our money control us.

There are three important steps to financial success:

• Give 10% of your money to redemptive programs. The tithe is the biblical standard.

• Save 10% of your money. In other words, pay yourself 10%, without apology. Invest it in some form.

• Live on the remaining 80%. That demands discipline in our culture.

On Sunday, November 15, I will invite you to make a pledge to this church, indicating a thankful response to God’s blessing in your life. This commitment will be for 2016. I urge you to pray about your part. What would honor Christ? What would help the mission and ministry of your congregation? Ask the Holy Spirit to be your guide. Factor God into your economics.

Linda and I take it seriously. We hope you will do the same. My prayers include you! God bless you.

David G. McKechnie

Make the Year of the Bible a Family Affair

This coming year we will be encouraging everyone at Sardis to read the Bible together. We would encourage you to include your entire family in this activity. Since reading the passages would be more than most children can understand, we are encouraging you to use a 365 Bible Storybook. These books usually take less than 10 minutes to read a day and make a great family devotion or part of a bedtime ritual.

Beginning November 1, there will be three Bible Storybooks on display for you to view in the Adult Library. Each will have the appropriate ages on them and cost. We will be placing an order on December 1. They will arrive in time for Christmas giving. Planned delivery date is Sunday, December 13, following the children’s Christmas program. Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, consider this lasting gift for the children in your life.

2 The Communicator ~ November 2015

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

Sanctuary Flowers

The two arrangements of flowers that grace our sanctuary for worship services are provided by Roseland Floral Company at a cost of $150 to the donor. The flowers you donate may be designated in honor or memory of loved ones or to mark a special occasion.

Church Life

Our Church Family Our Christian Sympathy: to Kris Duffy upon the death of her uncle, Carson Cox, to the family of Harrison McCray, to Beth Coleman upon the death of her sister, Anne Bracken OʹBrien Riley, to Kim Bell upon the death of her mother, Jaunita Gilstrap, to the family of Jane Barton, to Paula Banks upon the death of her uncle, Ray Hill, to Shelby Moyer upon the death of her grandmother, Mary Snellings, and to Debbie Wade upon the death of her mother, Marnie Jones.

Congratulations: to Lareine and Tom Archer upon the birth of their

son, Elliott Thomas Archer, to Cathey and Bill Beal upon the birth of

If you would like to place flowers in

their grandson, Alexander Michael Beal, to Allison and Cameron

our sanctuary on a date in 2016,please

McCutcheon upon the birth of their son, Carson Athens McCutcheon;

contact Cindy McLeod at 704.542.3325

grandson of Deirdre and Buster Cox, and to Erin and Chris Tilley upon

or cindermakesthree@aol.com.

the birth of their son, Christopher Niles Tilley; grandson of Jane and Richard Tilley.

November Friendship Connection

On November 17, our guest is Amy Jo Wood Pasquini, marketing development director of Our State magazine. She is the Executive Producer of Content for Our State and is also the producer of many Our State travel weekends including the Best of Our State and Learn & Live Weekends. She delights audiences with wonderful travel ideas and fascinating stories about her favorite personalities she’s encountered across the state and always concludes her talks by singing the “Butter Bean Song.”

Reservations are necessary for lunch ($8/person) and need to be made by Friday, November 13. To make your reservation, register online at www.sardis.org or call 704.926.1590.

Fifteen Minutes

In a recent sermon, Dr. McKechnie encouraged us to consider devoting 15 minutes each day to reading the Bible: 5 minutes reading, 5 minutes in contemplation on how that Scripture speaks to us, and 5 minutes in prayer. It is a discipline that can change our lives!

In January we will have a way to join together in reading the Bible as a congregation. We will be guided by the resource, The Year of the Bible: An Enhanced Guide to Reading Scripture Together, by James E. Davison. Each day’s reading includes a chapter from the Old and New Testament. For each month of the year there is a four‐page chapter that provides background and commentary on the books of the Bible that will be read within that month.

The reading guide, The Year of the Bible, costs $6. Books will be ordered in December and will be available for pick‐up on December 20 (copies are available for preview in the church library). To reserve a copy, contact Jane Fobel by December 4 at jane.fobel@sardis.org or 704.366.1854. Plan to start the New Year with 15 minutes dedicated each day to growing in faith.

The Communicator ~ November 2015 3

Church Life

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

2016 Sardis Presbyterian Church

Confirmation Class

Confirmation is designed fro eighth grade or older students who want to explore what it means to be a mem‐ ber of our church. Through retreats, classes, and working with adults, each participant will explore his or her faith and if willing, join the church. Pictured below is the 2016 Sardis Confirmation Class. The class consists of both new and life‐long Sardis members, whose interests and activities include singing, dancing, drum‐ ming, sports, guitars, Scouts, music, cheerleading, and much more. All are here to learn more about God and faith. We are thankful for them and to Sardis for providing this opportunity. Please keep these youth in our prayers during this year of discovery and growth.

Caroline Barnhill

Jack Bohlen

Lucy Cain

Austin Cannella

Max Green

Jake Moore

Meredith Newman

Alex Read

Talia Selembo

Anna‐Parker

Trey Story

Jack Tiedeman

Charlie Tucker

Lizzie Tucker

4 The Communicator ~ November 2015

Payton Walker

Christmas at Sardis Presbyterian Church!

Christmas Gift Shopping—An Alternative to Shopping Malls!

How many of us ʺenjoyʺ the Christmas rush and the shopping mall crowds? This year, why not avoid the stress and give gifts that not only honor a person on your list, but make an impact on many lives, both locally and around the world?

The Sardis Alternative Gift Market is a quick and easy way to get all of your shopping done in just one place. Your gift can help build a better tomorrow for our friends in Bayonnais, Haiti by supporting their education, agriculture, and health efforts. You can also help fight hunger and poverty around the world through a gift from Heifer International, or provide clean water in African villages through Marion Medical Mission and Congo Water Purification. Or, keep it local and help support Loaves & Fishes or Rama Road Elementary School by purchasing a “backpack of food.”

Find more information online at www.sardis.org. We hope to see you at the Gift Market in the Gathering Place on one of the following dates: Sunday, December 6 from 9:45‐11:15 a.m.; Wednesday, December 9 (during Christmas dinner) 5:30‐7:45 p.m.; Sunday, December 13 from 9:45‐11:15 a.m.; and Sunday, December 20 from 9:45‐11:15 a.m.

Save the Date for the Church‐Wide Caroling Event!

Sardis Annual Christmas Dinner

Sunday, December 20 · 4‐6 p.m.

Please join us for an afternoon of Christmas

Wednesday, December 9, 2015, 6‐7:30 p.m.

caroling. We will travel to different homes and

$12 Adults, $4 Children—Registration Required

share the joy of Christmas with our song. All

You may register and pay online at www.sardis.org

ages and skill‐level of singers are welcome to

or call the reservation line at 704.926.1590

join us. Let us share the love and warmth of

Join us for a traditional Christmas dinner featuring a childrenʹs

Christmas with those that cannot be with us for

nativity. Please bring donations to fill the manger for the

Christmas services. More info to come.

adults at the Urban Ministry. We need items such as warm

hats, gloves, socks, coats, other clothing items, and gift cards in

small amounts ($5‐10). May we warm the hearts and bodies of the adult “children of God.” We will feature special Christmas music provided by Linda McKechnie. We hope to see you there!

Carolers from Christmas 2014 The Communicator ~ November 2015 5

Church Life

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

September Session Highlights

The Session approved: Changes in the investment policies of the Sardis Gift Trust, as presented by Dr. Ed Shoaf, Chair of the Trust; The baptism of Adelyn Faith Rice, daughter of Leslie and Paul Rice, on November 8 at the 11:00 service, with Reverend Katie Harrington officiating; The baptism of Aiden Scott Herum, son of Sarah Polk Herum and Tom Herum, on December 27 at the 10:00 service, with Reverend Katie Harrington officiating; Christian Education Ministry’s plans to begin CE programs on August 28, 2016; Sardis Weekday School’s plans for three fundraisers targeted to preschool families only; Renovations and improvements in the Weekday School building necessary to meet code requirements for a future full day program; Plans to expand the Sardis Weekday School to a full day child care, beginning 2017‐ 2018, with the first step being to investigate the options for financing the expansion. Those plans will be brought back to the Session once they are formulated; Plans for improvements in the roofs of the walkways between the Administration Building and the Sanctuary and between the Administration Building and the old Education Building, with an estimated start date in January; Worship Ministry’s request to cancel the Second Saturday services scheduled for November and December, due to low attendance; Worship Ministry’s request for the following schedule for 2015 Christmas Eve services: 4 p.m. (Fellowship Hall), 7 p.m., 9 p.m. and 11 p.m. (all three in the Sanctuary), and the request to not serve Communion at the Christmas Eve services; Worship Ministry’s request to solicit funds from the Sardis Gift Trust and from members of the church to purchase new Presbyterian hymnals; Worship Ministry’s request to limit the number of inserts placed in the Worship bulletins to those inserts pertinent to Worship; An additional $4575.80 from the Sardis Gift Trust to cover the remaining expenses for the Sanctuary sound system upgrade and repair.

The Session received as information: October 4 Extended Communion was served to Ruth Hood, June and Jerry Meetze, Phyllis Hood, Betty Arnold, Natalie Earp, Mae Hutchison, Jane Jackson, Mary Jones, John Jones, Ruth and John McCaskill, Betty Mullen, Mary Parton, Normalee Hinds and Margaret Turner. The officers participating were Catherine Newman, Linda Tucker, Michael Champion, Jeff Wilkinson, Ashley Meeks, Mark Weber and Norm Schul (Norm and Reverend Alice Johnson served at Plantation Estates); Youth Ministry received Session approval by email vote for the sale of Michelle Icard’s book Middle School Makeover when she speaks to the parents of youth on November 8; At the August Session meeting a committee consisting of Jewell Leslie, Chair, Jenny Kaeppler, Lucinda Myers and John Waller was chosen to select the team that would lead the “visioning” process required prior to a search for a new pastor. The team members selected were Chuck Bohlen, Brad Helms, Niki Koesel, Brooke Neal, Jason Solomon, Harry Tatum, and Rhonda York.

The team will begin its work with a meeting with Dr. McKechnie on November 1; At Diane Hunter’s request, the withdrawal of Sardis’ support in her candidacy process, as she is no longer pursuing a call to be an ordained minister; An update on the progress of the Membership Roll Review Committee, specifically related to those members who now live out of town. A more detailed report is to be presented at the November Session meeting.

September Financial Highlights

Pledges, gifts, and other revenue Expenses Net Total

September September Expected This year so far This year so far expected $151,783.78 $168,952.57 $1,474,781.00 $1,559,250.06 $182,079.46 $196,016.63 $1,602,387.76 $1,669,157.14 ($30,295.68) ($27,064.06) ($127,606.76) ($109,907.08)

Annual Budget: $2,266,000 6 The Communicator ~ November 2015

Church Life

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

Youth Parent Workshop

Christmas Gathering for Sardis

College Students—Save the Date!

On Sunday, November 8, the Youth Ministry is hosting a youth parent workshop featuring Michelle Icard, author of Middle School Makeover. Also known as Michelle in the Middle, she travels the country helping parents navigate the murky waters of middle school life. She also created the social leadership curriculum Athena’s Path & Hero’s Pursuit, which is used in schools across the country.

Please mark your calendars for a Christmas Holiday Gathering at the home of Kim and Mark Weber, Sunday, December 20 at 6 p.m. This immediately follows the church‐wide caroling event from 4‐6 p.m. the same day.

All parents of youth, both high school and middle school, as well as parents of older elementary children are invited to come to this free workshop from 6—7:30 p.m. in the Sardis House. Bring your friends! If you have any questions, please email adrian.martin@sardis.org.

Stewardship—Defining Our Purpose

All current Sardis college students are invited! Reconnect with all of your Sardis friends at this fun event.

More details to come!

Warren B. Langston

God gives us many opportunities to support our church as well as the needs of the community. Growing up in southeastern North Carolina, I witnessed my parentsʹ stewardship not only to the church, but also to neighbors within our community.

Biblical doctrine teaches that stewardship is manʹs relationship to God, Who gives us His richest gifts, and then we share these gifts with others (1 Corinthians 3:9). Believing this, then we accurately view and value not only our possessions, but, more importantly, human life itself. In essence, stewardship defines our purpose in this world as assigned to us by God Himself.

Throughout the years, my commitment to missions has been a joy. While a member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Beaumont, Texas, I served on the local Habitat for Humanity board, and helped build three homes, and also visited the national Habitat headquarters, meeting the joyful, dedicated national staff in Plains, Georgia.

Sardis also provides opportunities to support mission programs. While visiting this church for the first time 30 years ago, my family was thrilled to learn that mission funds would be provided for Habitat homes. We knew we had found the right church! Presently I dedicate weekend time to photograph, for archives, the progress of new Habitat homes being constructed for new homeowners. What wonderful celebrations we have when new homes are dedicated for families to live in decent housing.

In addition to Habitat, I have served on hurricane recovery teams in Kinston, NC, Bayou La Batre/Pascagoula, Mississippi as well as traveling with a Sardis team to Kenya. I always give thanks for new friends, and experience great joy reflecting on the riches that God has given me.

During this Stewardship season, let us dedicate ourselves to share our gifts with local and world neighbors as God provides ʺHis unfathomable mercyʺ for us, each and every day.

The Communicator ~ November 2015 7

Lay Ministry

Room In The Inn

The team captains have chosen their host nights, and we are now looking for volunteers to complete our rosters for each night. We need YOU to volunteer to be a Greeter, Social, Owl, or Rooster for at least one Sunday or Wednesday night during our December— March RITI season.

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

Volunteer Opportunity: Moving Assistance from Homeless to Home

Community Link needs several groups who can be on call during the week to help move an individual or family who is emerging from homelessness into their new home. Crews are needed Monday‐Friday, with scheduling flexibility, so a high school youth group could participate in the late afternoon, after school is

dismissed. A moving truck and social worker will be

Training sessions will be offered at your convenience,

provided and you will receive as much notice as

and you will be serving with experienced volunteers.

possible (usually at least 2 weeks). If you think you

You can sign up at the RITI table following the services

can help, please contact Jessica Otto at 704.943.9512 or

on November 8, go online to ‘service opportunities’ at

jotto@communitylink‐nc.org.

Sardis.org, or email mtaylor6604@gmail.com for more information about this opportunity to serve.

Hospice Meal

We are looking for volunteers to provide a “prepared” or “unprepared” meal to Hospice in‐home patients and their families at Thanksgiving and/or Christmas. Meals typically include a meat, starch, vegetable, rolls, dessert and drink. Prepared meals should be delivered the day before the holiday and unprepared can be delivered up to two weeks prior. All meals should feed between one and eight people. If you or your group is interested in participating, please contact Cathie DeCramer at DeCramerC@HPCCR.org to get more details.

Sardis Spaghetti record set!

Last month you donated 107 pounds of spaghetti sauce to our local Loaves and Fishes ministry. That is the highest monthly total we’ve ever received! Thank you for your continued support by remembering to pick up an extra jar (or two or three) of sauce and bringing to the narthex or gathering place any Sunday for collection.

Food Drive

The third Sardis Food Drive for Loaves and Fishes of 2015 will occur November 1‐15. Filled bags of non‐perishable food can be returned to the collection bins near the Library in the Education Building. Giving to those facing hardships is one of the many ways the congregation can reach out to our neighbors in need. Please do your part by giving “the gift of hope” to those who are struggling to provide food for their families.

8 The Communicator ~ November 2015

“Let the little children come unto me.”

Calling all Singers, Readers, Acolytes Needed

Actors and Performers!

There is still a need for Acolytes for the 11 a.m. worship service.

The children’s Christmas program will be Sunday, December 13 during the Sunday School hour. Rehearsals and role assignments begin at 5 p.m. on Thursday, November 12 in the Admin Building Choir Room. We invite all children and youth, kindergarten aged and up to participate in this gift to the congregation.

Children in 2nd through 5th grade are welcome to join in this role in worship leadership. Training can be done at a time that is convenient in your schedule.

Contact Renda Brinson for further information.

Preschool children will only attend the Decem‐ ber rehearsals. Costuming will be on Decem‐ ber 10. We hope all our children will partici‐ pate in this annual celebration of the season.

Questions?

Contact

Renda

Brinson

at

renda.brinson@sardis.org or 704.926.1585.

4th Grade Catechism Class

All students in the fourth grade will participate in an eight‐ week Catechism course. Due to the change in the age of this class, this group has missed being able to learn about our Catechism. The class will meet during the regular Sunday School hour January 10—February 28 in room 219.

Fifth grade students will continue in the Zone 45 class during this time.

New LOGOS Semester Begins January 13, 2016!

LOGOS is a midweek faith and fellowship program for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. We have a Bible study and dinner each Wednesday from 5—7 p.m. The second semester begins January 13, 2016, and we hope you will join us! The cost is $115 a semester.

Register online at www.sardis.org.

Sardis Weekday School Updates Please join us to shop the SWS Scholastic Book

We are learning all about

Please mark your calendars‐‐

Fair November 18—20 in the Library. This is a

Thanksgiving and why

enrollment for the 2016‐2017

great time to get a jumpstart on Christmas

we celebrate this special

school year will begin in

shopping for the children in your life and help

holiday. Each classroom

January.

our school! Parents will be invited to

will hold their very own

classrooms for Thanksgiving programs on

Thanksgiving Feast!

these days as well.

The Communicator ~ November 2015 97

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Charlotte, NC 28270

Angel Tree to Benefit Rama Road Elementary School Families

Rama Road Elementary has children and families who need our help for Christmas! We will be setting up the Angel Tree in the Gathering Place on Sunday, November 15 so we can once again help the neediest angels and their families at the school. Last year Sardis served over 200 angels and we expect to serve even more this year. The Rama Road staff has identified those families in greatest need. You can help by either:

• Taking an angel from the tree and providing gifts for a child

that include at least one article of clothing and a toy.

• Adopting an entire family and providing a gift card and presents for the children.

• Purchasing a gift card to help provide gifts for a child or a family.

Please choose an angel from the Angel Tree and return it with gifts to the church by Sunday, December 6. Sardis members and Rama Road staff will organize and deliver the gifts the following Saturday.

For more information on adopting angels or on assisting with gift delivery, please contact Molly Kennedy at 704.845.1752 or mak1019@juno.com or Susan Aulebach at 704.365.1640 or saa1980@aol.com. Thank you! We are truly blessed to be a blessing to others this holiday season.

10 The Communicator ~ November 2015