The Communicator ~ June 2020
Church Life
Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do.
Dear Sardis Members,
On behalf of your church staff, we want to thank you for all of the encouragement we have received from the congregation as we try in some very new ways to do the jobs for which you hired us and to which we believe God called us. There have been frustrating times, to be sure, but they have been immeasurably outweighed by the invigorating feeling of accomplishment. I love the team with which I am blessed to serve and each member of it has impressed me with their ability to adapt and innovate. You hired almost all of them before I got here. What a blessing they are for me!
And what a blessing you are for us! Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your encouragement. Thank you for trying new things, yourself, to stay connected. Thank you for your participation in new projects and for the continuing work of the Ministries on which you serve. Thank you for your prayers. I thank God for your faith and for your faithfulness.
As the body of Christ at Sardis, you have been the proof of God’s amazing love! “Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?…No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” – Romans 8:35‐39
Add pandemic to the list.
Re‐Opening Update
We are still Exploring Faith and through that act, God is still Changing Lives.
If
you
containing
Peace, Health, Hope,
missed our
the
re‐opening
update, you may view the letter
at www.sardis.org under the
news tab on the COVID‐19
Response Updates page.
Joe B Martin, Senior Pastor Katie Harrington, Associate Pastor
Psalms Bible Study · June 4, 11, 18, 25
Dietrich Bonhoeffer has referred to the book of Psalms as the prayerbook of the Bible. During these strange times, what a better way to pray than to gather together to study the book of Psalms. This will be a four‐week study, meeting on Thursday morning at 11 a.m. and evening at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Join me as we journey and pray through the psalms of praise, lament, and psalms for living. Contact Katie for more details katie.harrington@sardis.org. Thursday morning: https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/87944131376
Thursday evening: https://us02web.zoom.us/ j/81497400541
Meeting ID: 879 4413 1376
Meeting ID: 814 9740 0541
Password: psalms
Password: psalms
2 The Communicator ~ June 2020
Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do.
Church Life
Sardis Staff Spotlight—Elizabeth Angerson & Mark Slimer
Elizabeth is the Director of the Sardis Weekday School, serving children ages 1‐ 5 years old. She has been at the Weekday School for a little more than two years and gets to work with a fabulous staff, sweet students, and wonderful families. Elizabeth has been working in education for close to 30 years and feels so grateful to be a part of the Sardis community. Engaging with students and families, leading staff, creating early childhood programs, activities, events, and curriculum are a bit of what her role entails.
Elizabeth was born in The Bronx, NY and was raised in Westchester County, NY. She married her childhood sweetheart (they met in 5th grade), lived in New Jersey for 15 years before moving to Matthews, NC 16 years ago. She and her husband (Charles) have two sons. Matthew (22) will be heading to Bowling Green University for his Master’s degree this summer; Zachary (20) will start his junior year at Appalachian State. Her family also includes her sweet cat Rascal, who is pretty much over having everyone home during this ‘safe at home’ time. This year, Elizabeth and her husband have been family liaisons with Families Forward Charlotte.
“When you get, give. When you learn, teach.” Dr. Maya Angelou Mark is our Facilities Director. Mark has been at Sardis for seven years. His role includes being responsible for the church’s physical assets (exterior), such as the approximately 30 acres of land, six buildings, one columbarium, two cemeteries and two 15‐passenger buses, (interior) HVAC, plumbing, electrical, security and FFE (furniture, fixture & equipment). Mark supervises the facilities team (Alfredo, Dennis, and Sam) who clean, maintain, set‐up, tear‐down all in‐house ministry and community events. He also manages all rentals of church space to outside groups. Mark also serves on the Property Ministry as a staff liaison, helping projects come to life, such as the Server Room in the Admin Building, the sound booth in the Fellowship Hall, Porte Cochere at the Sanctuary, and the playground equipment and shade cover at the Weekday School.
Mark considers himself a “Southern Soul”. He was born in Florida and raised in the Heart of Dixie (Alabama). He moved to North Carolina in 2011 for an opportunity at the new Davidson Day School, Lake Norman Campus. However, after he relocated, Davidson Day School announced they were suspending their plans to build a second campus. But…the Lord had a better plan for Mark here at Sardis!
Mark and his wife, Denise, have five children (three girls, two boys) and 13 grandchildren. Fun fact, Mark and his wife owned/managed a successful plumbing, heating, and air conditioning business for 15 years until Mark became a private pilot and had a desire to travel.
The Personnel Ministry greatly appreciates our wonderful staff and all they do to keep Sardis running behind the scenes.
The Communicator ~ June 2020 3
Church Life
Stewardship
Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do.
Wendy Galleher
In the introduction to Jack Canfieldʹs book, “Chicken Soup for the Soul,” he explains to his readers that whenever he finds a penny, he always picks it up. The words “In God We Trust” are inscribed on each coin, which is a reminder to him that he is on Godʹs path. He is where he needs to be at that moment. It is never a coincidence that he has happened upon that penny. After reading this, I always pause to pick up pennies to remind me that I am on Godʹs path, but I also believe that He is beside me. It is a comforting thought.
For the past two months, we have self quarantined and socially distanced ourselves from family and friends. Feelings of loneliness and isolation have become part of our everyday lives. God wants us to remember that we are not alone. I am constantly reminded of this as when I am walking in McAlpine or hiking in the mountains. In addition to finding pennies, I find so many more signs that God is present. Some plants that I come across, such as Trillium, Solomon Seal, Star of Bethlehem, Bishops Cap, and (my favorite) Jack in the Pulpit, remind me that Godʹs presence surrounds me. So, whether you are out for a short stroll or a longer walk, look for pennies and Godʹs beautiful creations and be reminded that you are on the path with God ‐ you are never alone.
Thank you for your continued commitment and support to Sardis through your giving so we may continue to share Godʹs love. Notice all the signs God puts before us as a constant reminder that God is walking with us on our paths ‐ we are never alone.
Session Highlights can be found at www.sardis.org under the News & Events tab.
April Financial Highlights Thank you for contributing to Christ’s work through Sardis Presbyterian Church.
April
April expected
This year so far
This year so far expected
Pledges, gi s, and other revenue
$201,448.18
$137,066.66
$856,216.70
$715,116.64
Expenses
$127,634.79
$145,702.20
$588,340.57
$644,055.98
Net Total
$73,813.39
($8,635.54)
$267,876.13
$71,060.66
Annual Budget: $2,026,250
Our Church Family Our Sympathy: to Blythe, Chloe and Emery Pressly upon the death of their grandfather, Charles Reeves; and to Karen Muldoon upon the death of her father, Roy Kita. Congratulations: to Susan and Wally Kooiman upon the birth of their granddaughter, and to Margaret Somerall upon the birth of her great‐granddaughter, Annabel Kooiman Stuckey. 4 The Communicator ~ June 2020
The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve. Ten Cents‐A‐Meal Collection
Missions Ministry
Families Forward Charlotte
We will be taking the Ten Cents‐A‐Meal
A BIG THANK YOU to the following who
collection on Sunday, June 7. Look for the
have served as Families Forward Charlotte
giving link in your Sunday email. You can
Liaisons this year: Elizabeth and Charles
also
visiting
Angerson, Kelly Cruse, Kelly and Luke
www.sardis.org, clicking on the Give tab,
Dyer, Anita Kirby, Niki and Brady Koesel,
give
anytime
by
and making sure you select Ten‐Cents‐A‐ Meal from the funds drop‐down box. Your gifts help fight hunger in our community.
Elizabeth Stead, and Bill Taylor.
Serving as Liaisons they had the opportunity to develop one‐on‐ one relationships with their families, assist them in setting personal goals and help them navigate the steps necessary to achieve those goals. Creating change for these families is a journey…there have been wonderful successes and COVID‐19 challenges.
Some of this year’s Liaisons will continue to work with their families for another year. Yet, there is great need in our community! If you are interested in finding out more about volunteer opportunities with FFC please contact Vicky Hovis
Urban Ministry Center
(vrhovis@gmail.com) or sign up to attend one of the Zoom informational meetings. Current Family Liaisons will be available
Bagged Lunch Collection:
for you to ask questions and chat with during the hour
June 10 & 11
presentation. Please sign up with the Signup Genius link found at
Thank you to all who helped us collect 673
www.sardis.org under the Families Forward Charlotte listing on the Service Opportunities page.
bagged lunches in April! We will be collecting bagged lunches for Urban
Loaves & Fishes PB & J Drive a Success!
Ministry Center again on Wednesday, June
In May high school junior and Sardis Youth par cipant, Kate Clarkson held a peanut bu er and jelly drive for Loaves & Fishes during which she collected 209 jars of peanut bu er and 173 jars of jelly. Thank you for your support of this youth’s incredible mission.
10 and Thursday, June 11. Drop off your donations under the Weekday School covered drive between 9 a.m. ‐ 12 p.m. Find instructions on how to make the bagged lunches at www.urbanministrycenter.org.
The Communicator ~ June 2020 5
Youth ministry
“…set an example for the believers…” 1 Timothy 4:12.
Summer Youth Ministry Opportunities
The Youth Ministry is as committed as ever to staying connected with youth and adult leaders. Through many weekly meetings, we connect and check in with each other. Here is our schedule of events:
Sundays at 10:00 a.m. High School Zoom Check‐In Sundays at 10:00 a.m. Middle School Zoom Check‐In Sundays at 5:00 p.m. Middle School Sunday Night Fellowship via Zoom Sundays at 8:00 p.m. High School Sunday Night Fellowship via Zoom Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. Movie Night! Thursdays at 4:00 p.m. Youth Choir Check‐In via Zoom
Join us in our many ways to stay connected! If you would like to join our Zoom meetings, please contact Adrian Martin at adrian.martin@sardis.org to receive the meeting IDs and passwords.
Summer Movie Nights
In‐Person Meetings
All youth are encouraged to join us for summer movie
The Youth Ministry will hold some in‐person
nights beginning Wednesday, June 3 at 6:30 p.m. We
meetings this summer off‐campus, but these will be
will watch a movie together through the miracles of
limited to a small number of people at a time, to
modern technology (either Zoom or Netflix Party app).
adhere to the Governor’s orders. Be on the lookout for
Come join us as we enjoy movies together from a safe
these opportunities to be together with your church
distance! The first movie on Wednesday, June 3 is
friends and adult leaders. Please contact Adrian
“Space Jam” starring Michael Jordan!
Martin at adrian.martin@sardis.org for information on where and when to meet up.
Graduate Recognition
The Youth Ministry is still exploring options on how to honor our high school graduates safely and in compliance with the Governor’s orders and re‐ opening update from the Session. This is the blanket ceremony during which parents and graduates share in moving words and parents wrap a Sardis blanket around a their senior.
If you have a high school graduate from 2020 in your household, please complete this quick Google form: https://forms.gle/LM3zEGF9Kybm5TBo6. Thank you!
If you have any questions, please contact Adrian Martin at 704.778.6432. 6 The Communicator ~ June 2020
Sardis Presbyterian Church Fall 2019 & Spring 2020 Graduates
College Graduates
Spencer Copland Childers Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Science in Education · Western Carolina University
Jane Catherine Harris Bachelor of Arts in Urban Design and Architectural Studies · New York University
Matthew Ward Medlock Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering · Clemson University
Maddison Moore Bachelor of Arts in Sociology · University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Sophia Grace Riddell Bachelor of Arts in Special Education · University of North Carolina at Charlotte
Clay Sellers Bachelor of Science in Operations and Supply Chain · University of South Carolina
Crockett Vass Masters in Physics Engineering · Appalachian State University
Cole Weber Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering · United States Naval Academy
High School Graduates Caroline Barnhill Jack Bohlen Hannah Brandon Lucy Cain Austin Cannella Katie Duncan
Maxwell Green Jonah Howell Alex Johnston Julianna Jones Holly Klug Jake Manges
William McCoy Cameron Meetze Jake Moore Meredith Newman Alex Read Talia Selembo
Anna Parker Shumate Trey Story Jackson Tiedeman Frankie Tucker Charlie Tucker Payton Walker
The Communicator ~ June 2020 7
“Let the little children come unto me.”
Summer at Sardis: Exploring Community, Compassion, and Calling Montreat Music & Worship Conference: June 21‐26
In June as we focus on Community, we invite children entering third grade and older to join us for a virtual Montreat Music and Worship Conference, June 21‐26! There will be opportunities throughout the week to dig into Bible stories, make awesome art, learn songs and make music, play games and move your body, and then to gather virtually with your church family to explore the stories of our faith together! Contact Kaitlyn Davros (kaitlyn.davros@sardis.org) for more information.
We’re looking forward to
Music & Arts Summer Hoopla August 3‐7, we’ll learn about calling and the
experiencing Bible stories
ways that God shows up in our lives! Through
in new ways, creating amazing
music, scripture, and more, we’ll see what
projects as a church community
amazing things can happen when we actively
(even from afar), playing games,
listen for God in our lives! Contact Kaitlyn
and continuing to gather via Zoom
Davros for more information.
Virtual VBS: July 6‐10
to enjoy fellowship time with our friends and neighbors! Sign‐up for free at www.sardis.org. For more information contact Sarah Dianne Jones (sarahdianne.jones@sardis.org). Throughout the summer, ministry with children is enhanced by these big events, but each week there are other opportunities for your child to engage with their church community! We will continue our elementary small groups, the time of Elementary Story Exploration, and more! Contact Sarah Dianne Jones for more information about any of these opportunities. It’s going to be an incredible summer at Sardis, even in this unprecedented time!
The Sardis Weekday School misses seeing their students at school each day. We are using virtual teaching during this stay‐at‐home time and wanted to share some photos of what the students are working on. Each week the teachers send out their themed curriculum and set up time to Zoom with their classes, send drop box videos of story and lesson time and email curriculum plans with activities. The photos listed are some of what the students sent as a result of those themes and teacher connections.
8 The Communicator ~ June 2020
THE COMMUNICATOR
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The Communicator ~ June 2020 9