September 2013 Communicator

A Publication of Sardis Presbyterian Church September 2013 Building God’s Kingdom Through Worship ● Service ● Fellowship ● Evangelism ● Discipleship

Join us for an overnight camping adventure at Sardis! cook out

s’mores

music

breakfast

fellowship

Reserve your campsite now Unsure about camping? No problem! Just join us for the Saturday night activities!

www.sardis.org Sardis Presbyterian Church · 6100 Sardis Road · Charlotte, NC 28270 · 704.366.1854 · www.sardis.org

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

The stewardship theme this year is “I’m In!” Here’s why Bob and Sian Harris say “I’m In!” at Sardis: “We have enjoyed being a part of the Sardis Church family for over 10 years, and have seen both of our daughters (Abigail and Jane) benefit tremendously from the confirmation class experience. This past year, Jane was able to grow in her faith, make new friends, and look back on her confirmation year with appreciation for all that Sardis offers and all that she can offer others with the gifts God has given her. We are continually renewed, comforted, and challenged through worship and have loved being a part of MSG, volunteering with the girls at Sardis events, and simply feeling the caring of others for us as we all look to be better stewards of God’s grace.

Reflecting on all of the gifts we receive each day through our Sardis experience, we gladly give back through offerings, enabling the Church to deliver on its mission of Building God’s Kingdom.”

Join your Sardis Family for a Weekend of Grace, Gratitude, and Generosity November 2‐3

Join your Sardis Family as the Stewardship Ministry presents The Rev. Dr. Tom Long, Professor of Preaching at Candler School of Theology at Emory University, for a special weekend that will celebrate, inspire, and challenge all of us with our stewardship commitments.

Newsweek magazine named Dr. Long “one of the twelve most effective preachers in the English speaking world.”

Saturday, November 2: Congregational dinner, followed by a possible visit from everyone’s favorite puppet and a message from Dr. Long.

Sunday, November 3: combined service at 10:00 a.m. with Dr. Long preaching.

Want to share why you say “I’m In!”? Contact Stephanie Vanderford: stephanie.vanderford@providenceday.org to share your story.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.ʺ Jeremiah 29:11

What’s your Sardis legacy? What Sardis has meant to you during your life? Has the church fostered Christian education throughout your family’s generations? Has it gotten you through serious illness by extending compassion and the healing touch of Christ? How then will you show thanks to God from generation to generation for the things Sardis has meant to you?

Contact Pressly Gilbert, The Sardis Gift Trust provides an opportunity to leave your legacy through an estate chairperson of the Sardis or planned gift. The simplest avenue is to include Sardis in your will. Earnings from Gift Trust Commission, at pressly@presslygilbert.com your gifts to the Trust are used to expand ministry and address the church’s capital or 704-375-1378 or to find needs outside the normal operating budget. Here’s an easy way to accomplish this: out more about endowed put one simple sentence in your will that says “After all my bills are paid, I want 10 funds and ways you can percent of my estate (a tithe) to go to Sardis Presbyterian Church.” The earnings of leave your legacy. the gift you make will be used for the work of Sardis, while the principal of your gift will live on from generation to generation.

2 Sardis Presbyterian Church ~ The Communicator ~ September 2013

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

Join us Saturday September 28 for an overnight camping adventure on church property.

Bring your tent or camper, lantern, camp chairs, sleeping bags, flashlight and bug spray for a backyard camp‐out in Francis Forest. The $10 cost per family includes grilled hot dogs, s’mores and breakfast on Sunday morning, followed by an informal early morning worship service. A campfire sing‐along and other fun activities will make this an event you wonʹt want to miss. Unsure about tent camping? No problem! Come out just for Saturday night activities, live music, a cook‐out and fellowship. If you are staying overnight, the Sardis House and Fellowship Hall will be on standby in case of bad weather. Contact Brady Koesel if you need to borrow a tent for the evening: bkoesel@gmail.com.

Invite your friends and neighbors ‐ all ages are welcome—and reserve your campsite today at www.sardis.org.

Boys & Girls, Ages 5‐18: Sign up is available at www.sardis.org or in the Gathering Place from 10‐10:45 a.m. on 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, & 10/13. Practice starts in November and games begin the first weekend in December. Invite a friend and spread the word!

Interested in coaching or have other questions?

Contact Tim Little at timlittle3@gmail.com.

~Games for all ages

~Costume Contests ~Bounce House ~Balloon Artist

Mark your calendars for this outdoor, family friendly Halloween event on Saturday, October 26 from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. Be sure to wear your costume!

Do you have a car you would like to decorate so the children can enjoy “Trunk or Treat?” Contact Christa Sumwalt at christacs@gmail.com to volunteer for Trunk or Treat or if you would like to help in any other way!

Got A Pick‐up? The maintenance department at Sardis is looking for a donated, used pick‐up truck to move and deliver large materials. Donations are tax deductible. Please contact Mark Slimer at 704‐366‐ 1854 or mark.slimer@sardis.org if you have a truck to donate or know someone who does.

Sardis Presbyterian Church ~ The Communicator ~ September 2013 3

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

Twenty‐Five Years of Ministry at Sardis On August 15, 1988 a young pastor moved with his family to Charlotte, North Carolina. On October 9 of that same year, he was installed as Senior Pastor of Sardis Presbyterian Church. From that moment forward, Sardis has been blessed by the love and pastoral care of Rev. Dr. J. Thomas Kort.

For the past 25 years, Dr. Kort’s ministry at Sardis has been characterized by church growth and a focus on serving others. Under his leadership in 1999, Sardis members built the first of many houses for Habitat for Humanity. Dr. Kort’s focus on local and global missions helped create a committed partnership with the Urban Ministry Center and supported several mission trips to Kenya and Haiti. Our church and its facilities have also grown under Dr. Kort’s leadership. During his tenure, we purchased a Reuter organ, the Francis property and built the Sardis Mission House, and have seen an extensive expansion of the church property including addition of the Preschool, Fellowship Hall, adult education classrooms, and administrative offices.

But above all, these past 25 years of ministry have been marked by pastoral love and care. Many of you reading this have experienced Dr. Kort’s love and counsel at a time of grief or crisis. We have been blessed by his genuine pastoral concern.

You may recall that Sardis created a scholarship at Princeton Seminary in Dr. Kort’s name in recognition of his 20th anniversary here. This year, as a small token of our gratitude and appreciation for his 25 years of love and pastoral care, the Personnel Ministry is providing funding for him to attend his 40th reunion at Princeton. Dr. Kort truly exemplifies what it means to live a life that is “blessed to be a blessing.” Thank you Dr. Kort, for all you are and do!

Women’s Circles at Sardis Circle #2 Contact: Dean Bowen; meets twice per month in members’ homes, September through April, 9:30 a.m.

Study Leader ‐ Dean Bowen , Study Topic ‐ “What’s So Amazing About Grace?” by Phillip Yancey.

Previous projects included various annual missions and providing meals for RITI and Family Promise.

Circle #3 Contact: Lorinna Lowrance; meets the first Tuesday of each month in the Dining Room, October through May, 10:00 a.m. Study Leader ‐Renda Brinson , Study Topic ‐ An Abiding Hope: The Presence of God in Exodus and Deuteronomy by Janice Catron. Previous projects included Allegro, books for Rama Road Elementary, ʺShare The Warmth,ʺ and several others.

Circle #4 Contact: Cora Richards; meets the first Tuesday of the month in the Dining Room, September through June, 7:00 p.m. Study Leaders—Individual Members, Study Topic ‐ Horizons Bible study. Previous projects included Urban Ministries’ Soup Kitchen, Christmas gifts for senior citizens through Matthews Help Center, preparing meals for Room In The Inn, Family Promise and many others.

Circle #8 Contact: Mary Ellen Thomas and Betty Pharr; meets the second Tuesday of the month in the Dining Room, September through May, 10:00 a.m. Study Leader ‐ Renda Brinson; Study Topic ‐ An Abiding Hope: The Presence of God in Exodus and Deuteronomy by Janice Catron. Previous projects include writing to Sardis military families to extend thanks, and prayers for them, writing our ʺat homeʺ members, contributions to Family Promise, memorial gifts to the church library in honor of deceased members, contributions to Crossnore School, and serving a meal at Urban Ministry.

Friendship Connection Kick Off! The Friendship Connection is a fellowship group for retirees that meets the

third Tuesday of each month from September through May, at 11:00 a.m. On Tuesday September 17, Friendship Connection will visit the Billy Graham Library. We will leave the Scout Hut parking lot at 8:30 a.m., arriving for the free tour at 9:30 a.m. Lunch can be purchased at the BGEA Library Deli. Reservations are required by noon, September 13 through www.sardis.org, or by calling 704‐926‐1590.

On October 9, join us for a relaxing trip on the Smoky Mountain Railroad. Enjoy a box lunch on the train and visit historic Dillsboro. We will leave the Scout Hut parking lot at 7:00 a.m., returning at 9:00 p.m. Cost is $64 and includes lunch.

Reserve your space by noon, October 2 through www.sardis.org or by calling 704‐926‐1590.

4 Sardis Presbyterian Church ~ The Communicator ~ September 2013

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

Session Highlights, August, 2013   

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Transfers of membership approved: Marshall McCoy Blythe and Nancy Thomas Blythe to First Presbyterian Church, Myrtle Beach; Deborah Spurrier to Pinewood Presbyterian Church, Middleburg, FL .

Removal from the rolls approved: Robert Craig Thrift and Anita Marie Thrift per their written request.

Baptisms approved: ‐ Noah James Neal, son of Chris and Brooke Archer Neal at the 10:00 a.m. service August 25, 2013. ‐ Niles Emerson Hollowell, son of Adam and Rachel Hollowell at the 11:00 a.m. service, Sept. 15, 2013 ‐ Matthew Cole Chastain, son of Matt and Ashley Chastain at the 11:00 a.m. service, Sept. 15, 2013.

The following motions from Ministries were approved: ‐ Christian Education: 2014 dates for Vacation Bible School will be July 14‐18. ‐ Clerks Ministry: The following members have been added to Youth Ministry effective immediately: Stacey Champion, Donna Ondrof, Amy Read, Kelly Vass. ‐ Mission Interpretation: Two additional designated accounts (Youth Mission Project and Special Mission Projects) were added to provide flexibility to fund major projects over multiple budget years. ‐ Sardis Weekday School: The ministry voted by acclimation to offer 25% tuition discount as financial assistance to a family facing large medical expenses for one of their two children attending. ‐ Worship: At the recommendation of the “Selection Committee for Director of Music Ministries” the contemporary service will move to the Fellowship Hall beginning in January, 2014. Approved the schedule for Sunday, December 29; one service at 10:00 a.m. and Sunday School at 9:00. ‐ Youth: ‐ Lynn Cain was approved as a Middle School Advisor. ‐ In order to raise money for the Belize mission trip and the Montreat Youth conference scheduled for summer 2014, Youth Ministry will conduct a fall Flying Flamingo Fundraiser. Funds would be raised as both Sardis members and others in the community purchase flocks of yard flamingos to be placed in someone’s yard. The recipient would also have to pay to have the flock removed. ‐ Two speakers for future youth events were approved: For September 29, Matt Shaw, publisher of Speak Up Magazine which draws attention to the plight of the homeless and those “living on the fringes” in Charlotte: and for December 8, Chris Porter, speaking on youth taking their faith to college and into the world.

Heard reports from the five Elders attending the July Presbytery meeting.

Held small group and full Session discussion of Chapter One of Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations entitled The Practice of Radical Hospitality.

Complete minutes are available along with archived minutes in the Library.

Diaconate Highlights, August, 2013  Alice Johnson led a discussion asking “What is the Holy Spirit?” and “Are you spending some quiet time with God?”  RITI is gearing up again for a new season under new leadership. Thank you to Bill and Marilyn Taylor for agreeing to guide this program.  Congregational Life and Care encouraged everyone to sign up for the pictorial directory in September.  The Fellowship Committee has organized Sardis under the Stars for September 28 and Pumpkin Palooza for October 26.  Flag Football is being geared up for this fall and registration is now open.

Our Church Family Our Christian Sympathy: to Mary Hendrick on the death of her father J.D. Edwards; to the family of Beverly Moss, to Debbie Near on the death of her mother, Mary Jean Frye Bumgarner; to Phyllis Thompson on the death of her brother‐in‐ law Samuel Lee Ramsey; to John Donaldson and Edward Donaldson on the death of their brother/uncle, James Donaldson; to the family of Bennie Jo Reel; and to the family of Kathy Rukasuwan.

Congratulations: to Michele and Chris Mattox on the birth of son Graham Christopher Mattox (grandparents are Billy and Rhonda York); and to Thomas and Alexandra Brinson on the birth of son Christian Alexander Brinson (grandparents are Earl and Renda Brinson).

Sardis Presbyterian Church ~ The Communicator ~ September 2013 5

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

Congregational Meeting Highlights At the August 26, 2013 Congregational Meeting, Sam Thompson, Chair of Personnel Ministry, presented the following motions for congregational approval: 

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A Nominating Committee be established for the search and nomination of an Associate Pastor for Families, and that the committee be comprised of the following members: Kristi Gallimore‐Brownlee, Laurie Hoots, Moby Moore, Leigh Sellers, Jason Solomon, Stacey Vanderwel, Jeff Wilkinson. Motion was seconded and passed as presented.

A Nominating Committee be established for the search and nomination of an Associate Pastor for Youth, and that the committee be comprised of the following members: Doug Banks, Chuck Bohlen, Brett Harris, Andrea Kepley, Joe Peterson, Amy Read, Mary B. Saclarides. Motion was seconded and passed as presented.

2013 FINANCIAL RESULTS THROUGH JULY Begins September 8 For information about joining Sardis please contact Rev. Alice Johnson: 704‐366‐1854 or alice.johnson@Sardis.org.

MTD Actual

MTD Expected

YTD Actual

YTD Expected

Expenses

$136,763.15 $161,287.75

$138,037.50 $166,230.03

$1,046,882.19 $1,146,674.97

$1,088,895,83 $1,197,335.21

Net Total

($24,524.60)

($28,192.53)

($99,792.78)

($108,439.38)

Pledges, gifts, other revenue

Annual budget: $2,062,250

MUSIC UPDATE: We are thrilled to have two very high‐caliber musicians joining Sardis on an interim basis as a search is conducted for a new permanent music director. Robert Ivey will be our interim organist and director of the Sardis Handbell Choirs. Mr. Ivey is a graduate of Westminster Choir College , a past president of the American Guild of English Handbell Ringers, Inc., and served for many years as minister of music at First Presbyterian Church of Charlotte. Warren Howell will be our interim sanctuary choir director. Mr. Howell studied at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary and Baylor University, has worked in music ministry at churches in Virginia, Florida, and North Carolina, and was minister of music at St. John’s Baptist Church in Charlotte for twelve years. John Hovis and the Selection Committee are in the process of meeting with final candidates. Contact John with any questions at jhovisfpa@windstream.net.

Consider Writing an Advent Devotional This year the theme is: Making Room for Jesus: In Advent and Always. Respond to the verse: “She gave birth to her first born son…and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7) by considering one of these prompts: 1. When I read “there was no place for them in the inn” I feel_____ because__________. or, 2. The way I/my family make room for Jesus is__________________________. or, 3. It is good news to me/to humankind that Jesus was born in a stable because________.

Send submissions to the church office by October 21 or to Jane Fobel at jane.fobel@sardis.org.

Come Make Music at Sardis!

The Sardis Sanctuary Choir rehearses at 7:30 pm on Thursdays in the Sardis Administrative Building.

Our two Sardis Handbell Choirs rehearse on Wednesdays: one at 9:30 a.m. and the other at 7:30 p.m., both in the Sardis Administrative Building. Our Celebration Singers and Band rehearse at 6:30 p.m. above the Sanctuary.

The Church Mouse Program: Ministering to Our College Students

Sardis has an urgent need for Church Mice! The Church Mouse Project helps college students continue to feel part of the church family while living away on college campuses.

College students interested in having a “mouse” apply; members of the congregation volunteer to be “mice.” The mice then anony‐mouse‐ly send cards and inexpensive items to students during the year. For more information, please contact Georgia Pressly: 704‐364‐9299, or presslyga@aol.com.

6 Sardis Presbyterian Church ~ The Communicator ~ September 2013

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

Sardis Garden

Special thanks to everyone who contributed.

The response was exceptional!

A special thank you to all the volunteers who helped to plant, mulch, weed, water and harvest our garden this year. We had a great summer harvest! We began harvesting our first vegetables in June. We were able to provide the fresh produce to Loaves and Fishes, Matthews Help Center and Sardis homebound members. We truly appreciate all the time and effort from the many volunteers who helped to provide the fresh produce to our community.

Soup Kitchen Volunteers Needed!

Backyard Gardeners Needed!

Sardis provides support to the Urban Ministry Soup Kitchen the fourth Saturday each month. We are in need of volunteers for November 23 (the Saturday before Thanksgiving). If you or your group would like to support this very worthwhile ministry, please contact Sarah Tatum at st204fairwinds@aol.com or 434‐251‐9198.

Do you garden in your backyard? Would you enjoy sharing what comes from your garden and belonging to a network of other local gardeners? Join a network of gardeners who donate produce to Friendship Trays, our local Meals on Wheels program. Friendship Trays delivers more than 700 meals every week day to people unable to prepare or secure meals on their own. As a backyard friendship gardener, you can help feed hungry people in your community by donating a portion of your harvest to Friendship Trays.

Clothing Drive for Crisis Assistance Mark your calendars! With fall almost here and winter not far behind, Crisis Assistance Ministry is in need of fall and winter clothes. Sardis will have its annual Fall/Winter Clothing Drive from September 22 through September 29. Please bring your gently used clothing items and leave them in the designated bins in the Education Hall between those dates. You will be helping those less fortunate have warm clothes to wear as the weather gets colder.

The 2013 CROP Walk will be held on Sunday, October 13. A sign‐up/donation table will be in the Gathering Place on September 22, 29, October 6 and 13. Those interested can donate or join a team at www.charlottecropwalk.org. Look for further details in the coming weeks at www.sardis.org, and in the October issue of the Communicator.

Sign up through the Friendship Gardens website, www.friendship‐gardens.org. Be sure to read and follow their safe food handling guidelines before delivering your harvest donation to Friendship Trays.

Community Link Welcome Baskets Thanks to those who have so willingly donated welcome baskets for the Community Link organization.

They are still in need of more baskets, and if you or your group is interested in providing a basket, please contact Lynne Ellison at iworkout@bellsouth.net or 704‐451‐1216 for details.

Community Service Reminders

Spaghetti Sauce Sunday, September 1.

We collected 23.4 pounds in August!

Ten Cents A Meal September 8

Sardis Presbyterian Church ~ The Communicator ~ September 2013 7

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