The Communicator - September 2018

THE COMMUNICATOR THE COMMUNICATOR

September 2018

A Publication of Sardis Presbyterian Church April 2018 Building God’s Kingdom Through Worship ● Service ● Fellowship ● Evangelism ● Disciple‐

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

sardis

Community Picnic

Saturday, September 8 4:30 - 7:30 p.m.

You are Invited...

Food Music Games Fun RSVP at

www.sardis.org

Building God’s Kingdom Through Worship ● Service ● Fellowship ● Evangelism ● Discipleship The Communicator ~ September 2018

Church Life

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

Adult Sunday School 10 a.m.

Beginning September 9

Bible Study for Women | Parlor, Sanctuary Building Crossroads | Room 211, Fellowship Hall Discussing Bible Books & Topics | Room 108, Education Hall

Mustard Seed Groups Small Group Opportunities at Sardis Mustard Seed Groups are Sardis’ small group ministry. People meet for fellowship, Bible study, service projects, and prayer.

The groups are led by a trained leader. Each group chooses the topic of its study and the nature of its service or outreach projects.

Java | Room 213 Fellowship Hall Reading for Reformed Reflection | Room 214, Fellowship Hall

For more information about Mustard Seed Groups, please pick‐up a brochure in the Narthex or Gathering Place, or visit our

Robert Pharr Men’s Class | Room 212, Fellowship Hall

website at www.sardis.org.

Salty Fish | Room 210, Fellowship Hall What Presbyterians Believe About… | Dining Room Meets once a month : 9/16, 10/21, 11/18, 12/16 More information is available at www.sardis.org, or by

Plant yourself in a Mustard Seed Group and let’s move mountains!

picking up the Adult Faith Formations Opportunities brochure in the Narthex or Gathering Place.

Music Opportunities at Sardis

Mid‐Week Fall Bible Studies

The Music Ministry at Sardis welcomes all skill levels and strives

Disciple Bible Study (Fast Track)

to enrich spiritual growth through music. Opportunities to learn

September 13 ‐ December 6

and share your musical gifts are available in vocal, hand bell, and services. Contact Jared, Kaitlyn, or Steven at 704.366.1854 to learn

Disciple Bible Study is a program that provides a walk through the Bible – Genesis through Revelation.

how to be involved. Scheduled rehearsals begin soon! Please see



contemporary ensembles for all ages to support our two worship

the meeting times below.

Thursday

Evenings:

6:30

p.m.

Room 210: Led by Jane Fobel

Sanctuary Choir: Thursdays, 7:30 ‐ 9:00 p.m.

Alpha Ringers: Wednesdays, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m.

Coventry Ringers: Wednesdays, 7:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Jubilate Ringers (youth): Sundays, 4:30 ‐ 5:15 p.m.

Agape Singers (youth): Sundays, 5:15 ‐ 6:00 p.m.

Children’s Choir: Wednesdays, 6:00 ‐ 7:00 p.m.

Praise Band: (Praise Band meets at various times, contact Steven Pappas, steven.pappas@sardis.org.)

Presbyterian Questions & Presbyterian Answers beginning September 13 We will explore questions like “What is predestinations and what is not?”

“What is the meaning of infant baptism?” And more.



Thursday Mornings: 10:00 a.m.

Sardis House: Led by Jane Fobel 2 The Communicator ~ September 2018

Church Life

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

Friendship Connection ‐ September 18

The Friendship Connection is a fellowship group for retirees. Regular events are scheduled on the third Tuesday of the month, September through May.

On September 18, join us on a trip to The Schiele Museum of Natural

Saturday, October 27 4:00‐ 6:00 p.m.

History in Gastonia. The group will travel by church bus, departing from the church parking lot at 9:00 a.m. and will return by 1:30 p.m.

Games · Bounce House · Trunk or Treat WEAR YOUR COSTUME!

Cost will be $2 admission plus $6.50 for lunch from Chick‐fil‐A.

You must register by noon on September 13. Register and pay online

Can you volunteer to help with games or decorate your car for trunk or treat?

Contact Hasty Millen at mhmillen@gmail.com.

at www.sardis.org or call the reservation line, 704.926.1590, to register and send in your payment. Questions? Contact Jane Fobel, jane.fobel@sardis.org or call 704.366.1854.

M&Ms: Save the Date for Our Fall Fiesta!

Mature & Marvelous is a fellowship group for ages 55 and older. Join us on Friday, November 2 at 6:00 p.m. in the Sardis House. Wear colorful attire, and we’ll enjoy appetizers, a taco bar, and dessert. Payments of $10 may be made to Anne Sweeney.

Contact Anne at 704.942.6521.

Equipping Sardis for God’s Mission

Sallie Crossley

What is a missionary? What is a mission field? Are YOU a missionary? Are you equipped?

These are all rhetorical questions, but ones that I hope you will stop to think about. When I think of missionaries, I think of people that have committed their lives to serving God through their work in faraway places such as those we support through our contributions such as the school in Bayonnais, Haiti. The mission field is often referred to as the villages or people that are being served by missionaries. Others sometimes think that you are not a missionary if you have never participated in a domestic or international mission trip. But, I believe we are all missionaries serving in God’s mission field every single day.

Whether it be a visit to the hospital, taking a meal to a friend, a teacher in the classroom, helping someone get that special coffee off the top grocery shelf; these are all small missions that show that we care for others. Sardis has a rich, long history of missions, both abroad and in our local community. We strive to bridge gaps for the homeless, support our neighboring schools, and provide meeting space for numerous organizations such as AA and Scouts.

We build classrooms, cafeterias, showers, habitat houses, and even churches. This is only a few of the many ways Sardis equips us to serve others. It takes time and money for Sardis to maintain the operating budget and provide these activities to enrich our lives to share God’s love. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to further our missions in emergency situations and seek new mission opportunities? Please begin to prayerfully consider your commitment of money and time to the church so that we can continue to be equipped for God’s mission, be it near or far.

The Communicator ~ September 2018 3

Church Life

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

Sardis Ladies Softball Ends First Season

Become a Part of the

Our ladies softball team finished out their season in August.

Sardis Family!

The team included players ages 16‐50s and all enjoyed the

time of fellowship, prayer, and sportsmanship. Thank you to

If you are interested in joining Sardis or have

Kathy Templeman for her time and dedication to managing

questions, we invite you to attend our next

the team!

Membership Exploration class on Sunday, September 23 at 10:00 a.m. in the Dining Room.

Sardis Presbyterian Church will be closed Monday, September 3 for the Labor Day holiday.

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

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

July

July expected

This year so far

This year so far expected

Pledges, gifts, and other revenue

$224,878.23

$137,344.88

$1,223,538.34

$1,110,627.61

Expenses

$155,055.75

$148,761.67

$1,107,580.42

$1,113,076.69

Net Total

$69,822.48

($11,416.79)

$115,957.92

($2,449.08)

Annual Budget: $1,983,000

Our Church Family Our Christian Sympathy: to Tom Bowling upon the death of his mother, Ann Bowling.

Congratulations: to Mary Beth and David Blackley upon the birth of their granddaughter, Rosalyn Grace Williams.

4 The Communicator ~ September 2018

Lay Ministry

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

Give One Day

Remember the meals that we packed together back in April? Rise Against Hunger recently let us know that those meals are on their way to Madagascar! Their partner agency Adventist Development and Relief Agency will distribute the meals once they arrive. Thank you again for your support and involvement in addressing hunger worldwide.

Community Link Needs

Fall Clothing Drive: Sept. 23 ‐ Oct. 7

Community Link needs donations of diapers and donations of non‐perishable snacks

Take a few minutes to clean out your closet as you switch to cooler weather clothing! Sardis

Bring your contributions to the collection bins

will host a clothing drive from September 23

outside the church libraries by the end of

until October 7 to collect your donations of

September. Thank you!

gently‐used,

clean

clothing

for

Crisis

Assistance.

Help Us Purchase Medications for the OFCB Clinic

Sardis Hosts Rama Road Elementary School’s

The bus to Haiti is already filled with rice and beans, so we will be collecting contributions through September 30 to purchase medications to send to the clinic in Bayonnais, Haiti.

Ways to Give:

By Check Payable to Sardis Presbyterian Church with “OFCB Clinic Meds” in the memo line ‐ Or ‐ Give Online Visit www.sardis.org and click on the Give tab.

Please select “Missions Donations”. Items given to that fund online through September 30 will go towards medications for the OFCB Clinic.

Staff Orientation

The Rama staff was treated to a delicious breakfast and lunch prepared by Sardis volunteers at the Sardis House on Friday, August 17. The staff participated in activities around their theme of being a Wild Card – Changing the game for every child, every day. Teachers left with large bags filled with school supplies

from

your

donations.

Thanks to everyone who donated

supplies

or

worked to host the Rama staff. We hope they have a great year and feel Sardis’ love for their

dedication

and

hard work.

The Communicator ~ September 2018 5

Church Life

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

The Church Officer Nominating Committee is pleased to present the names of this year’s nominees for the Session and Diaconate of Sardis Presbyterian Church. A Congregational Meeting will be held on Sunday, September 24, at 10:50 a.m. in the Sanctuary to vote on the nominees.

Nominees for Deacon Deborah Barkley

Steve Coleman

Spouse: (Connor Barkley deceased) Grew up: Kannapolis, NC Hobbies: Reading, gardening Previous and Current involvement at Sardis: Confirmation Teacher, Confirmation Partner, LOGOS, Sunday School teacher, Youth Mission Trips, Officer’s Nominating Committee, Elementary Sunday School, VBS, Seeds of Hope, Food Service, Elementary Faith Formation Children: Jason Barkley (42,) Lora B. Padula (41), John Barkley (33)

Vicky Hovis

Spouse: John Hovis

Grew up: Matthews, NC Hobbies: Singing, traveling, playing basketball Previous and Current involvement at Sardis: Fellowship Committee, mission trip to Costa Rica when I was in high school, sang in the choir from elementary school through high school, member of the Sanctuary Choir and a Middle School Youth Advisor.

Gary Leslie Spouse: Lin

Grew up: Brevard, NC

Grew up: Charlotte, NC

Previous and Current involvement at Sardis: Sardis member for over 40 years, a Deacon, on various ministries,

Hobbies: Cooking, camping

work with children and youth, mission trips, SWS Director Search Committee, Planting Seeds of Hope, VBS, Thursday morning Bible Study

Previous and Current involvement at Sardis: Fellowship Committee, Room in the Inn Captain, Pastor Nominating Committee, Communication Committee, Technology Committee

Children: Ben (40) and Penny (37)

Children: Wilson (9) and Robert (7)

Brenda McKay Spouse: Chuck Grew up: St. Louis, MO Hobbies: Cooking, sewing, hiking, traveling

The nominees are respectfully submitted by the 2018 Officer Nominating Committee: Wendy Beauchemin, Karen Carpenter,

Previous and Current involvement at Joyce Long, Max McLeod, Georgia Pressly, Sardis: 4/5 Sunday School teacher, Dave Templeman, Robert Vanderford, Christian Education, Co‐facilitator of Salty Fish Sunday Ann Wenzl, Stephen Yount school class, Mission outreach, Co‐lead trips to Bayonnais, Haiti, Gilbert MSG, 2018 VBS Shepherd 6 The Communicator ~ September 2018 Children: Ali Miraglia (29)

Church Life

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

Nominees for Elder

Robert Aulebach

Sallie Crossley

Spouse: Susan Aulebach

Spouse: Glenn

Grew up: Westchester outside NYC

Grew up: Laurinburg, NC

Hobbies: Hiking, travel and boating,

Hobbies: Spending grandchildren

Previous and Current involvement at Sardis: Treasurer Sardis Weekly School, Property Committee and Angel Tree

Marilyn Dougherty

Children: Adaire C. Almeida (31) and Alison (29)

Elena Lueck

Spouse: Mike

Grew up: Charlotte, NC

Grew up: Georgia

Hobbies: Volleyball

Hobbies: Grandchildren! reading, needlepoint

Fishing,

Previous and Current involvement at Sardis: Member of the Sardis high school basketball team, part of the high school youth program, was involved in the middle school youth program, along with items such as cooking camps, and mission trips

Previous and Current involvement at Sardis: Moderator of Diaconate, Clerk’s Committee, Worship Committee, Community Service, Peru and Haiti Mission trips, PSOH Leadership Team, Senior Link, Dougherty MSG, help in Nursery Children: Carroll (37)

Alfred Newman

Vick Phillips

Spouse: Catherine

Spouse: Sue

Grew up: Alabama

Grew up: Greensboro, NC

Hobbies: Music

Travel,

Hiking/Rucking,

Hobbies: Music, grandchildren Previous and Current involvement at Sardis: First church we joined as newlywed college grads, Sunday School teacher, youth fellowship leader, new member orientation class leader, associate pastor search committee member, and Deacon.

Children: Page P. Mack (45), Kristin P. Bailey (43)

Previous and Current involvement at Sardis: Centering Prayer Group, MSG, Youth Committee Children: Meredith (16) and Lauren (8)

Amy Read

with

Previous and Current involvement at Sardis: Christian Education, Stewardship, Servant Ministry, Youth Advisor, several Mission trips, Deacon

Children: Craig (30) and Mark (28)

time

Spouse: Lance Read Grew up: Greensboro, NC Hobbies: Reading, sewing, knitting, paper crafts Previous and Current involvement at Sardis: Coventry handbell choir (20 year member), Community Service, Crossroads Sunday school class, RITI team member, lots of other stuff along the way

ion s s i M s od ’ G r o f Sardis

Children: Colin (19) and Alex (16) The Communicator ~ September 2018 7

Youth ministry

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

Youth Cooking Camp

Chef Ron from the Charlotte Community Culinary School came to Sardis and taught 20 youth how to cook August 20‐22!

The students learned how to properly use a knife, learned about safety and sanitation in the kitchen, and made meals such as wraps, pinwheels, French toast, salad and dressing (made from scratch!), muffins, and more!

Middle School Fall Retreat

High School Beach Retreat

The Middle School Fall Retreat will be at Camp Greer

The High School Beach Retreat is September 28‐30 at

on October 19‐21. The cost is $100 and includes

Myrtle Beach. You may sign up on our website or by

transportation, lodging, and food while at Camp

grabbing a form from the youth room. The cost is

Grier. Participants will need to purchase food on the

$125 and includes food while in Myrtle Beach,

way to and from the

transportation, and housing. Each person needs to pay

retreat.

for two road meals as we travel to and from the retreat.

We will participate in

For questions about the retreat, please see Adrian

a

Martin.

climbing

games,

wall,

devotions,

and plenty of time for fellowship. To sign up, visit our website (sardis.org/ministries/ youth) or grab a form from

the

middle

school room. You will not want to miss this great weekend away!

Sabbath Returns

Sabbath, our mid‐week program, returns on Wednes‐ day, September 12 from 6:00‐7:00 p.m. Both middle school and high school will have dinner (please bring $3), devotions, and fellowship time. Wells Tiedeman and Sara Martin will lead the high school Sabbath, and Steve Carpenter and Adrian Martin will lead the middle school Sabbath. Come and join us!

8 The Communicator ~ September 2018

“Let the little children come unto me.”

Youth Basketball

Elementary Sunday School—

Registration

Come Check Out the Updated Space!

Now Open!

Spark Rotation Sunday School is for our elementary (K‐5) disciples! Beginning on September 9, we will meet

Boys and girls ages 5 ‐ 18 years old

in our newly updated room 205 for a gathering time together. We will then divide into class groups to

rotate through different workshops. Our workshops

Practice begins November 1 with games scheduled the first

will include music, service projects, art, cooking,

Saturday of December through early March.

drama, and games. Our first rotation will focus on

The fee is $120, second child $110 through September 28. A $10 late fee will apply after September 28.

Bible Skills. Join us as we explore God’s word and put it into action together!

If you have any questions, you may contact Katie Harrington by emailing katie.harrington@sardis.org.

Register and pay at www.sardis.org or pick up a registration form from the church office or the Gathering Place.

Preschool Sunday School

We offer Sunday school for our youngest disciples, If you have any questions contact Tim Little

beginning with our toddlers as we introduce them to

at timlittle3@gmail.com.

God’s Word for the first time and encourage them through loving care. Our three year olds through TK kids have a rotation of their own and encounter the

Sardis Weekday School Begins!

same stories as our elementary kids as they explore

God’s Word through drama, games, and art. Join us in

The Sardis Weekday School staff welcomes their

the weekday school wing at 10:00 beginning Sunday,

families to the 2018‐2019 school year. It is going to

September 9. Contact Katie Harrington for more

be a great year!

information.

Fall into Fellowship!

Our Elementary Fellowship for K‐5th grade kids will begin on September 30 from 4:30‐6:00! We will gather on the Francis Property (the large field across from the Weekday School playground) for a campfire, s’mores, and games! Reconnect with all of your friends and meet some

new

friends!

Contact

Lin

Leslie

with

questions: linwleslie@yahoo.com

The Communicator ~ September 2018 9

THE COMMUNICATOR

Non‐Profit Org.

Published monthly by

U.S. POSTAGE

Sardis Presbyterian Church

PAID

6100 Sardis Road

Charlotte, NC

Charlotte, NC 28270

Permit #1059

www.sardis.org

ELECTRONIC SERVICE REQUESTED

Come check out the new Elementary Sunday School Rooms!

Mary Beth Blackley painted murals in rooms 205, 206, 207 & 208.

10 The Communicator ~ September 2018