2016 November Communicator

A Publication of Sardis Presbyterian Church November 2016 Building God’s Kingdom Through Worship ● Service ● Fellowship ● Evangelism ● Discipleship

PLEDGE SUNDAY : NOVEMBER 13

The Communicator ~ November 2016 Sardis Presbyterian Church · 6100 Sardis Road · Charlotte, NC 28270 · 704‐366‐1854 · www.sardis.org

Church Life

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

The Student Body

As the World Health Organization declares obesity a global epidemic, countries like the United States are taking drastic measures to solve the crisis, especially with youth. Desperation and ignorance have led to what some experts call ʺa culture of shaming and blaming.ʺ Government mandated BMI tests of school children and “Fat Letter” initiatives are a perfect example of this, sparking a heated national debate among parents, schools, students, lawmakers, and physicians.

Tackling this controversial issue like no other story, The Student Body strikes a chord with a nation filled with concern, confusion, division, and questions.

Sardis Presbyterian is pleased to offer this complimentary documentary screening on Wednesday, November 16. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the movie begins at 6:30 in the Fellowship Hall.

Questions? Contact Stacey Vanderwel at staceyvanderwel@yahoo.com or 704.340.1604. RSVP through this event website: http://tinyurl.com/TheStudentBodyCharlotte.

Sardis Child Development Center Set to Open August 2017

In August 2017 the new full day Sardis Child Development Center (SCDC) will open. Sardis Presbyterian Church has a strong commitment to children and families, and we are excited about being able to keep this commitment going well into the future. The Sardis Weekday School enrollment has decreased, and the needs of our community have changed. This initiative is further supported through feedback from you, and through the recent work Sardis did with TAG Consulting. It also supports the future vision of Sardis Presbyterian Church.

We need your help. We need to you to spread the word! We are looking for a director, teachers, and children.

Interested people should contact Sardis Child Development Center at SCDC@sardis.org.

Stay tuned to The Communicator for more about our progress and how you can participate in this ministry.

Let’s Talk: A Special Wednesday Evening Program—November 9

From political campaigns to tense racial relations, our newspapers have covered topics that have been difficult in our community. On November 9, at 7:00 p.m., Rick Thames, Executive Editor of the Charlotte Observer, will lead us in a discussion: “The Story Behind the News: Covering Challenging Issues.” Debbie and Rick Thames are Sardis members, and Rick is an active member of our Sanctuary Choir. Come and join in an informative conversation about how difficult topics are reported.

The program, sponsored by the Christian Education Ministry, will be held in the Sardis House. Light refreshments will be served. Reservations are not required, but if you anticipate attending, email Alma Jo Langston at ajhlangston@carolina.rr.com. Questions? Contact Jane Fobel at jane.fobel@sardis.org.

2 The Communicator ~ November 2016

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

Church Life

M&Ms: Mature & Marvelous Adults ages 55+ Invited to Flavors of Fall

M&Ms is a fellowship group for men and women ages 55 and over. Join your M&M friends on Friday, November 11 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sardis House! This will be a great fall night enjoying live music by the Rea Road Band, burgers, brats, beans, and cider.

The cost to attend is $8 per person. Your payment is your reservation. Cash or checks (made out to Anne Sweeney) may be turned into the church office or given to Anne Sweeney. The registration deadline is Tuesday, November 8. Questions? Contact Anne Sweeney at 704.443.7063.

Dinner & Concert Featuring Steve Amerson ‐ America’s Tenor

Join us on Saturday, November 19 for a dinner and concert featuring Steve Amerson.

Admission is $25. Please purchase your tickets in advance. Tickets may be purchased

at the Sardis Presbyterian Church administrative office. You may also purchase online using MySardis at www.sardis.org. Tickets are available through November 11. The dress is business‐casual. Make sure to plan ahead, as there will be no ticket sales at the door.

Adult Cooking Class There is going to be an Adult Cooking Class on November 29 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the main kitchen. Chef Ron Ahlert of the Charlotte Culinary Institute will be leading the class in making holiday appetizers. The class is limited to 12 people, and it will cost $20 per person. Registration will begin November 1 at www.sardis.org or by calling the reservation line: 704.926.1590. The deadline to register is November 21. Chef Ron says, “Great fun and fellowship shall be on the menu!”

Drive the Sardis Bus! Just One Training Session Needed There will be a bus training session on Sunday, November 20 at 3:00 p.m. All adults with a valid driver’s license are welcome to attend to learn how to drive the Sardis bus. Why would this come in handy? Driving the Sardis buses are a great way to give back to the community.

The buses are used for many ministries including Room in the Inn. RITI will begin soon and bus drivers are always needed to help transport our neighbors. Contact John Carriker III to participate in the training session: 704.650.4884.

The office will be closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 in observance of Thanksgiving.

The Communicator ~ November 2016 3

Church Life

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

Friendship Connection –November 15

Join this fellowship group for retirees on Tuesday, November 15. We will have special guest Rev. Carol Hassell, Chaplain at Sharon Towers, speaking to us about “Spirituality and Aging – Making Space and Deepening Connections.” Rev. Hassell is a trained Spiritual Director Come prepared for an uplifting and sacred time together.

Reservations are necessary for lunch ($8/person) and need to be made by noon on Friday, November 11. To make your reservations, register online at www.sardis.org or call 704.926.1590. Questions? Contact Rev. Alice Johnson at alice.johnson@sardis.org or 704.366.1854.

2017 Women’s Retreat Registration is Now Open

Join us on February 3‐5 at Dogwood Retreat Center in Lake Norman. The Bible Leader will be Lisa Giller. She will speak on “Humility: The Surprising Path to Joy.” Register at sardis.org or pick‐up a form in the church office.

He Chose to Be Homeless

Stewardship—Max McLeod

This story may not be what you expect from the title. It tells the story of a young man that came to Sardis for one night in our Room In The Inn program. He had a personal reason to need a meal and a place to sleep.

I met this young man last year in RITI. He seemed excited that his night at Sardis would be one of his last days on the street. He explained that he would be leaving for the Greenville, SC area to attend culinary school in a few days. I was excited for the opportunity that was ahead for him. Why was he homeless?

He was homeless because he chose to be. He was tired and weary of the lifestyle he was living. He was employed, but his income was not enough to make ends meet. He knew that the only way out of this lifestyle was to change his life, gain a better education and increase his value for employment. So he gave up his apartment and the comforts of life to save as much money as possible to fund his education and pay a portion of his living expenses.

He chose to be homeless and live on the streets in order to improve himself. He had a great attitude about his future and was thankful for the opportunities before him.

Our years of sponsoring Room In The Inn have helped hundreds of our neighbors with a warm place to sleep along with meals for their nourishment. Our collective time, talents and resources support RITI and many other programs that assist those in need. We were able to assist the young man with a meal, a safe place to sleep and meals for the next day. That day got him closer to his goal of culinary school and a better life. Praise be to God.

Stewardship is more than making a pledge and giving money to the church. Stewardship is about being responsible for the gifts and blessings given to us by The Almighty God. It is a requirement to give back to God a portion of our blessings, time, and talents. In doing so, we support internal and external programs that build His Kingdom and promote His Name. In doing so, we can help a young man who chose to be homeless. I ask that you prayerfully consider the impact you may have through your gifts back to God in 2017.

4 The Communicator ~ November 2016

Church Life

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

2017 Sardis Presbyterian Church Confirmation Class

THANK YOU TO THE CONFIRMATION PARTNERS The confirmation class wishes to thank the following adults who are serving as a partner for the youth this year.

They have met once, and the energy and dedication to the youth were visible.

Thank you to: Lissa Archer, Dave Archer, Doug Banks, Scott Banks, Deborah Barkley, Ray Boardman, Chuck Bohlen, Cary Campbell, Bryan Carroll, Michael Champion, Stacey Champion, Jeanne Hammons, Valerie Hetherington, Susan Hudson, Joel Kepley, Lucinda Myers, Darrell Myers, Jim Pressly, Margot Smith, Sheryl Smith, Linda Tucker, Ann Wenzl, and Suzanne Weston.

Sydney Brownlee

Ethan Campbell

Anna Carpenter

Kate Clarkson

Lauren Cope

Laura Davis

Charlie Dillon

Jon Harrell

Jarrett Kaeppler

Elena Lueck

Miles Mainwaring‐Foster

David Meeks

Avery Nelson

Colter Nichols

Adam Peterson

Olivia Powell

Garrett Rice

John Rickel

Julia Smith

Sara Steven

Henry Stiff

Claudia Vasbinder

Josey Waller

The Communicator ~ November 2016 5

Make Your Plans for the Holiday Season

Rama Road Elementary Angel Tree 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 13 so we can once again help the neediest students and their families at the school. Last year Sardis served over 250 children!

The Rama Road staff has identified those families in greatest need of help. 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 located in Gathering Place. New this year, we are asking that you return the gifts UNWRAPPED to the church. Along with the gifts, please include a roll of wrapping paper and tape so parents can wrap the gifts themselves.

The deadline for returning the gifts is Sunday, December 11.

For more information on adopting Angels, please contact

Molly

Kennedy

at

704.845.1752

or

mak1019@juno.com or Susan Aulebach by calling 704.560.5620 or email saa1980@aol.com.

Thank you! We are truly blessed to be a blessing to others this holiday season.

Lessons & Carols A gently‐paced service.

Sunday, December 4 3:00 ‐ 3:30 p.m.

In the Chapel Thank you for your willingness to help children in our

A Service of Hope & Remembrance

community by providing items to fill a stocking.

Starting on November 6, please take any stocking, select

Wednesday, December 14

your age and gender of your choice. Fill the stockings

7:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary

with unwrapped gifts. Please return the stockings to the collection bins by Sunday, December 4.

Questions? Contact Susan Hudson at 704.366.4825 6 The Communicator ~ November 2016

Make Your Plans for the Holiday Season

“The Grinches of Joyland”

A Christmas Musical for All Ages

Sardis Christmas Dinner

The Sound of Christmas A Free Community Christmas Concert Featuring choirs from: St. Stephen UMC and Sardis Presbyterian Church

6:00 - 7:30 PM

DEC. 7

Adults $15 Children $7

Register by Dec. 2 at www.sardis.org or 704.926.1590

Saturday, December 17 at 7:00 p.m.

Sardis Presbyterian Church Sanctuary

Order Your Christmas Tree Sardis members have the opportunity to purchase trees from the provider of our Chrismon Tree at a great price.

Foster Farms of Newland, North Carolina has provided the Sardis Chrismon tree for many years, and additional orders for fresh‐cut trees help to defray the cost of having our Chrismon tree delivered.

Orders must be placed by Sunday, November 27 by returning the order form below with your check attached.

Trees must be picked up Wednesday, November 30, 10:30 a.m. ‐ 12:00 p.m. in the parking lot in front of the Preschool Building.

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: FOSTER FARMS & ATTACH THEM TO THIS ORDER FORM Questions? Contact Lorinna Lowrance, 704‐366‐6226 or Linda Tucker, 704.364.9840.

Christmas Tree Order Form Order Deadline: Sunday, November 27 Payment: Check payable to Foster Farms Name:__________________________________ Phone:________________________ Email:______________________ Address:____________________________________________________________________________________________ Order (indicate how many you want next to the size tree(s) you’d like.)

6 ft ($35) x_____

7 ft ($40) x_____

8 ft ($50) x_____

9 ft ($60) x_____

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE: $___________ Drop form by the church office or mail to: Sardis Presbyterian Church | 6100 Sardis Road | Charlotte, NC | 28270

The Communicator ~ November 2016 7

Church Life

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

Sardis Gift Trust: Reed Memorial Fund/

Sanctuary Flowers

Local Service Support

The two arrangements of flowers that grace

In 1996, the Reed family established the William H. and Ann M. J. Reed Memorial Fund for the purpose of supporting charitable work within Mecklenburg County. This fund serves as a resource for service and mission activities in our local community that might be outside provisions in the annual

our sanctuary for worship service 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.

budget. Everyone is welcome to add to the principal balance of

this fund at any time. Memorials, bequests, and planned giving

If you would like to place flowers in our

instruments can be designated to grow this fund. In addition,

sanctuary on a date in 2017, please contact

gifts of any amounts during our lifetimes are welcome.

Cindy

McLeod

at

704.542.3325

or

If you feel pulled to give to this endowment, feel free to

cindermakesthree@aol.com.

contact Ed Shoaf, Chair of the Gift Trust, Jennifer Childers, Director of Administration, or email gifttrust@sardis.org. We thank you for considering this fund as a way to leave a legacy to Sardis.

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

September Financial Highlights September

September Expected

This year so far

This year so far expected

Pledges, gifts, and other revenue

$141,560.79

$149,433.99

$1,516,315.94

$1,536,762.65

Expenses

$160,291.61

$174,176.00

$1,617,116.65

$1,639,072.54

Net Total

($18,730.82)

($24,742.01)

($100,800.71)

($102,309.89)

Annual Budget: $2,241,000

Our Church Family Our Christian Sympathy: to Patti Kramer upon the death of her mother‐in‐law, Inez Kramer; to Cathy Oliva upon the death of her father, Antonio Cangianni; to Jane Pressley upon the death of her brother, John Charles Dowdy; to Mary Lambeth upon the death of her mother, Ollie Tyler; to Katie Daugherty upon the death of her grandmother, Aldine Pierce; and to Patsy May upon the death of her sister, Polly Haigler.

Congratulations: to Diane and Justin Wilkes upon the birth of their son, Dylan Hardy Wilkes.

8 The Communicator ~ November 2016

Lay Ministry

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

Spaghetti Sauce

Thirty‐nine pounds

Clothing Drive

Rama Tutors Needed

Fifty‐four large bags and two

Rama Road Tutors program began 10/11,

of spaghetti sauce

suitcases of clothes collected

every Tuesday and Thursday from 3‐4

were donated to

during our Fall & Winter

p.m. Tutoring volunteers are needed.

Loaves & Fishes in

Clothing Drive were delivered

Please contact Mary Ellen Randall at

October. Thanks

to Crisis Assistance Ministry.

merandall1@gmail.com if you can help

for your donations!

with this worthwhile opportunity.

Room In The Inn

Do you have available 3‐6 hours, just one time, during the months of December, January, February, or March? If so, we NEED YOU to serve a shift in our RITI ministry. During those four months, Sardis provides a meal and overnight shelter for 13 homeless neighbors every Sunday and Wednesday night at Sardis House. After 21 years of this service, we need new volunteers to share in this wonderful mission. We would welcome hosts in all shifts, Greeters 5:00 – 7:30 p.m., Social 7:30 – 10:30 p.m., Owls 10:45 p.m. – 4:45 a.m., and Roosters 4:45 – 6:30 a.m., but we have a particular need for overnight and early morning hosts. Want to learn more? Contact Marilyn Taylor at mtaylor6604@gmail.com or 704.362.2039.

We also have a special need for a male or female to ride in the van taking the neighbors back to Urban Ministries on the mornings of January 9, February 9, and/or March 13. All you have to do is come to Sardis House by 5:30 a.m., and you will return there by 6:30. How easy is that? One hour of your time would be so appreciated! Contact Gary at garyleslie@mindspring.com.

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 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 may provide clean water in African villages through Marion Medical Mission. 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 Sundays beginning November 27 from 9:45‐11:15 a.m. and Wednesday, December 7 (during Christmas dinner) from 5:30‐7:45 p.m.

New for 2016: Decorative tins from The Community Culinary School of Charlotte will be available for $12. These contain nine ounces of their cheddar pecan wafers and support their work in job training.

The Communicator ~ November 2016 9

Church Life

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

Sardis Youth Bake Sale ‐ Sunday, November 20!

Looking for something special to take to Thanksgiving Dinner, perhaps an extra dessert for the kids’ table, snacks for your guests, or something in between? Look no further! The High School and Middle School Youth of Sardis are having a Holiday Bake Sale on Sunday, November 20. The monies raised from the sale will go toward supporting our summer youth trips‐ The Great Escape, Montreat Youth Conference, and the Peru Mission Trip.

We will be accepting homemade‐ and store‐bought baked goods on Saturday, November 19 from 3 p.m.‐5 p.m. and again on Sunday morning after 8 a.m. at Sardis. If you are interested in donating baked goods, please help us out by packaging items like cookies or brownies in individual serving sizes, of 2‐3 items per sealed bag, and larger items like cakes, pies, or bread on sturdy bottoms or containers for transport home.

Please look for future sign‐up information and details at Sardis.org or contact Amy Read (amyread@carolina.rr.com) to let us know what treat you can bring! Please remember, in preparing or purchasing your baked goods, that Sardis is a nut‐free campus. Thank you!

Let’s Try Something New This Advent!

Time and again people express a desire to find a way to celebrate the Christmas holidays that gets back to the heart of celebrating the gift of a Savior born for us. This year our Community Service Ministry has prepared a way for us to recover the joy of Christmas’ gift to us. We are invited the mark the days of Advent with ”The Reverse Advent Calendar.” Many of the typical Advent Calendars for sale are ones that provide a piece of chocolate or a surprise for each day. A Reverse Advent Calendar will help us give back.

On November 13, 20, and 27, boxes will be available for pick‐up in the Education Hall. Each box (we will be recycling wine boxes) will contain dividers to create 12 slots. Pick up two boxes for 24 slots. Take the boxes home, decorate them and label each slot with numbers 1 through 24.

When you pick up your two boxes, pick up the Reverse Advent Calendar Guide. Each day, December 1 – 24, will list an object to be placed in the correspondingly labeled numbered slot. It might be toothbrushes for Room In The Inn or spaghetti noodles for Loaves & Fishes. With each day there will also be listed scripture to be read and a prayer request.

After Christmas, return your boxes to Room 219 by January 8, 2017. Community Service Ministry will sort and deliver the contents to the appropriate agencies, as designated within the Reverse Advent Calendar Guide.

As we engage in giving back this Advent we look forward to making the New Year brighter for those in need within our community.

10 The Communicator ~ November 2016

“Let the little children come unto me.” to Sardis in 2017 — A New The Incredible Adam Angel – Coming

Elementary Kids Fellowship Program!

Christmas Musical for Children K‐5

Our kindergarten through 5th‐grade kids will connect

All children are invited to be a part of the Christmas

with their peers and build lasting friendships in the

Musical on December 18 during the 11:00 worship

church in exciting new ways! We will meet monthly

service this year as we rediscover the true meaning of

from 4‐5:30. Here are our exciting plans. Stay tuned for

Christmas with carols, new songs, and acting. There

more details!

are roles available for everyone: major‐speaking to

non‐speaking roles, solos, and even non‐acting and

January 8: Winter Olympics

non‐singing parts. (There are also parts for

February 12: Dance Party March 12: March Madness Service Project

pre‐kindergarten‐aged children that involve only two rehearsals.)

April 2: Family Easter Egg Hunt

May 7: Outside Adventure

There will be weekly rehearsals on Thursday

June 4: Pool Party

evenings from 5:15 – 6:30 p.m. in the Administration

Choir Room starting November 3. There will be one

For more information about this new program, contact Katie Harrington at katie.harrington@sardis.org.

Saturday rehearsal on December 10. Please fill out a registration form found at www.sardis.or or at the church office and return it to Kaitlyn Davros or the church office by Thursday, November 3.

Sardis Weekday School Updates Learning About Thanksgiving

Save the Date!

We are celebrating November with our study of Thanksgiving

We

and its history. Our students will be celebrating with their own

ourselves for our Christmas

classroom feasts commemorating this wonderful holiday. There is

Pageant and Bake Sale on

special emphasis on the things for which we are thankful!

Thursday, December 15.

will

be

readying

The Communicator ~ November 2016 11

The Communicator Published monthly by

Non‐Profit Org.

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PAID

Sardis Presbyterian Church 6100 Sardis Road

Charlotte, NC

Charlotte, NC 28270

Permit #1059

www.sardis.org

Grateful For Your Giving

We are thankful for your generosity, whether through your time or monetary gifts. Life changing ministry happens because of your generosity. For some, it’s a warm place to stay, or fresh water to drink; for others, a safe and nurturing place to learn about God and grow in a deepening faith; and for us all, a place to worship God, whose generosity gives us the ability to share those gifts with each other, our community and the world.

Stewardship is everything we do after we say we believe in Jesus Christ. We are not owners but stewards of our environment, faith, health, possessions, relationships, resources, talent, and time. Please pray about your pledge and come prepared to make your commitment on Pledge Sunday, November 13.

12 The Communicator ~ November 2016