2014 August Communicator

The Communicator ~ August 2014

2 The Communicator ~ August 2014

Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do. Church Life Did you know that Sardis has a

Prayer Shawl Ministry?

The Praying Hands Prayer Shawl Ministry was started in 2005 by a group of Sardis members. The group meets once a week (once a month during the summer) to knit or crochet shawls. Afterwards, the group prays over the shawls for Godʹs love and healing grace, so they may bring comfort, healing and strength to those who receive them. The shawls are then available for our pastors to take to those who are recovering from surgery, those who are grieving, those who are homebound and to those who need comfort.

The groupʹs abilities range from novice to expert. If you are an experienced knitter or crocheter, the group welcomes you to join them and share your ideas, techniques and patterns. If you do not know how to knit or crochet, the group welcomes you to join them and receive instruction from an experienced individual.

The next meeting will be on August 14 at 2:00 p.m. in the parlor. If you would like to join us please contact Peggy Baird at 704.366.3383 or [email protected].

Baseball for Bayonnais!

Thanks to everyone that purchased tickets to the Knights game to help support the mission in Bayonnais, Haiti. Sardis Presbyterian was the highest selling church out of all of the other partners! Thank you, both for supporting such a worthy cause, and for taking an opportunity for fun and fellowship.

If you were unable to purchase tickets, but would still like to help, there will be a hot dog dinner and a free‐will offering to benefit the children in Bayonnais before the 5:30 p.m. worship service on August 9.

Please contact Christa Sumwalt at [email protected] if you would like to help with the dinner.

August Offerings and Updates From the Music Ministry

Our Summer Worship Schedule continues into August with 10 a.m. worship, resuming in the Sanctuary:

• Aug 3—What I Did This Summer– sermons by three of our youth that you supported in mission in youth events.

• Aug 10—Be Still and Know‐ Holy Communion service with contemplative music. Meditation by Dr. Fobel. • Aug 17—Make a Joyful Noise!‐ featuring our own Sardis members “Throne Together” and “Sardis Singers.”

Sermon by Rev. Johnson. • Aug 24—Ring to the Lord!‐ welcoming nationally known solo handbell ringer Christine Anderson*. Sermon

by Dr. Kort. • Aug 31—Prayers for a New Season‐ classical music and “The Blessing of the Children.” Sermon by Dr. Fobel.

Thursday, August 14, 5:30 p.m.: Parent meeting for Children’s Music Program. Thursday, August 21, 7:30 p.m.: Sanctuary Choir rehearsals resume weekly. Sunday, August 24, 6 p.m.: Youth Music discussion included in Youth parent meeting. Tuesday, August 26, 6:30 p.m.: Praise Band rehearsals resume weekly.

*Christine Anderson will hold a special solo handbell concert at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary on August 24. Christineʹs solo handbell artistry has thrilled audiences in concert halls across the country and around the world. Christine’s music is simply a tool for her tremendous witness for Christ and her deep love for the Lord.

The Communicator ~ August 2014 3

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

August Communion

Holy Communion will be held August 10.

New Members Class

A New Members Class begins on

September 7 ‐ for more information, contact Rev. Alice Johnson at

704.366.1854 or [email protected].

Mustard Seed Groups are our small group ministry. Membership in a small group is a wonderful way to connect with others in our church family in a

meaningful way, to grow in discipleship, and to serve Christ with others.

We are holding one session this month to learn more about Mustard Seed Groups, to hear from those participating in a MSG, and to sign up to join a group or be part of the “planting” of a new group in the coming fall. Mark your calendar to attend the MSG Planting Meeting after worship on Sunday, August 24 at 11:15 a.m.

Update on HVAC Project in Education Building Demolition started in the Education Building on Monday, July 14, the day after the Congregational vote. Currently, the asbestos, corridor ceilings, cast iron boiler and hot water piping have been cut up and hauled away. On Monday, July 28 the Mechanical Contractors brought various tradesman to begin installing the new piping and equipment. We have blocked off the parking spaces directly behind the Education Building for con‐struction use only (dumpsters, crane, deliveries, etc.). The Contractor has requested that no one attempt to enter the building as it could be unsafe without proper safety equip‐ment. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated. Check www.sardis.org for updates with a few pictures as the project progresses. If you have any questions in the interim you can contact Mark Slimer in the office at 704.366.1854 or e‐mail at [email protected]. Thank you for your flexibility during these next eight weeks!

Bereavement Meal and Funeral Receptions Did you know about these two caring ministries?

The Bereavement Meal Ministry is provided by members of Sardis and is offered at the time of the death of a church member. If a family requests a meal, it is delivered to the family’s home on the day of the funeral by members of the Bereavement Meal Ministry. This is a change from when meals used to be served at the church.

The Funeral Reception Ministry is also provided by members of Sardis at the request of the family. Funeral receptions consist of punch and cookies served in the Fellowship Hall or small dining room. If more than punch and cookies is desired, the family may arrange for catering.

Both of these ministries would welcome your involvement. The contact for the Bereavement Meal Ministry is Susan Hudson at 704.366.4825, and for the Funeral Reception Ministry it is Lorinna Lowrance at 704.366.6226.

The old boiler that was installed in 1968.


June Financial Report

Our Church Family

Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do. Church Life July Session and Diaconate Highlights

Pumpkinpalooza is scheduled for Sunday, October 19 from

4 p.m.—6 p.m.

Congratulations: to Mary Lou and Ernie Mason in the birth of their granddaughter, Abigail Wright Smith and to Mary Ellen and Ken Randall on the birth of their granddaughter, Caylin Adeline Randall. Our Christian Sympathy to: the family of Catherine Grayson, to the family of Mary Brown Benard, and to the family of Allen Beals.

Thank you for making the ministry of this church possible! You can make a quick gift at www.sardis.org in two ways: either under the “give” tab or by logging into your MySardis account. June June

expected This year so far

This year so far expected

Pledges, gifts, and other revenue

$161,029.90 $168,213.33 $912,363.61 $964,559.98

Expenses $185,162.69 $171,822.33 $981,727.85 $1,065,658.98

Net Total ($24,132.79) ($3,609.00) ($69,364.24) ($101,099.00)

Annual Budget: $2,129,993

Neither Session nor Diaconate met in July. Highlights of their August meetings will be included in the September issue.

Sunday Schedule Resumes in September

Our regular Sunday schedule will resume on September 7 with our

9 a.m. Contemporary Worship in the Fellowship Hall, 10 a.m. Sunday school, and 11 a.m. Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary.

Annual Christmas Dinner

Sardis Presbyterian Church’s annual Christmas dinner is happening on Wednesday,

December 10. Make sure to save the date for this special event. More information to follow.

Sardis Welcomes Jennifer Childers as Our New Business Administrator

Looking Ahead…..

Jennifer comes to us from First Presbyterian in Gastonia, where she has served since 2001 and as Business Administrator since 2006. Jennifer is a graduate of Appalachian State where she received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, with a concentration in accounting. She is a Certified Church Administrator through the National Association of Church Business Administration (NACBA) and has served as an officer in the Charlotte‐Metro Chapter. She was also General Chair for the NACBA national conference in Charlotte this past summer. Jennifer is a great addition to the Sardis staff and we are thrilled to welcome her.


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

Presbyterian Women at Sardis

“Forgiven and freed by God in Jesus Christ and empowered by the Holy Spirit, we commit ourselves to: nurturing our faith through prayer and Bible Study; supporting the mission of our Church worldwide; working for justice and peace; building an inclusive, caring community of women in order to strengthen the Presbyterian Church USA and witness to the promise of God’s kingdom.”

Making Connections Through Circles

The “Circles” of Presbyterian Women are small groups of Christian women sharing Bible study, friendship, fellowship, service, mission, and support to each other and our church family.

At Sardis there are four circles in total, with meetings at different times. Please join us in any of the circles. If you feel that you are too busy to join a circle at this time, please come when you can or just join us for our Retreats, Mission, or Fellowship Activities. We welcome your participation as you are able.

Circle #2: Circle # 2 meets every other Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. in the homes of members. Moderator is Rosemary Helms · 704.847.4161 · [email protected]

Circle #3 : Circle #3 meets the first Tuesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Small Dining Room. Moderator is Renda Brinson · 704.926.1585 · [email protected] Circle #4: Circle #4 meets the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Small Dining Room. Moderators are Barb Tanner · 704.910.9683 · [email protected]

Dianne Correll · 704.366.7205 · [email protected]

Circle #8 : Circle # 8 meets the second Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m. in the Small Dining Room. Moderators are Mary Ellen Thomas · 704.366.8278 · [email protected] Betty Pharr · 704.542.2046

Save the Date for the Fall Dinner!

Save the date for this year’s Women of Sardis Fall Dinner! It will be on September 30 in the Fellowship Hall. We will start at 5:45 p.m. with punch, a 6:00 dinner will be served, and at 6:45 we will enjoy our guest speaker. This year’s

speaker is best selling author Robert Whitlow. The dinner is $10 per person. Registration will be online at www.sardis.org or by calling 704.926.1590.


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

Sardis Tutoring Program

Tutors are needed for the after school program which is held at the church on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons. Please consider joining us for an hour either day to help 13 students from Rama Road Elementary School with their homework, reading, and math. Teaching experience is not required. Also, additional bus drivers are needed. The program will resume on October 7, 2014.

For more information, contact Jewell Leslie at 704.366.6270.

Save the Date for the CROP Walk!

The 36th Annual Charlotte CROP Hunger Walk takes place Sunday, October 19 as part of a nationwide endeavor to raise money to alleviate hunger and poverty in this country and around the world. Information on how to join and/or support the Sardis Team will be in the September Communicator.

Ten‐Cents‐a‐Meal

On the first Sunday each month, Sardis takes up a special Ten‐Cents‐a‐Meal offering to benefit local agencies that provide hunger relief and help at‐risk youth in our community.

In 2013, over $214,000 was contributed by churches across the Charlotte Presbytery to support this cause. Thank you for you generous gifts to help the ever‐increasing needs of this cause.

Rama Road Back Pack Food Delivery Program

CMS schedules are in place, and Rama Road Elementary School will be looking again to Sardis Members to continue the once‐a‐week Back Pack Food Delivery Program. Our volunteer team has been dependable for several years but we would REALLY LIKE to have some new team members.

Beginning September 11 and continuing through at least May 28, one volunteer each week picks up empty back packs from the schoolʹs counselor, drives to the Spratt Street Second Harvest Food Bank, where filled back packs are waiting to be returned to the school. When five volunteers cover one week each in a month, the program works smoothly and families who desperately need food are covered for the weekend! Last year, we averaged 18‐20 back packs a week, and our volunteers were so very loyal to the cause.

If you and your young child would enjoy doing this outing, or if you’re retired or have time once a month on Thursday mornings, 10 a.m. ‐ noon, we would love to work you into the grid! Contact Lyn Sutterlin, [email protected], after July 28th and weʹll try to give you your choice of Thursdays. If you have questions in the interim, please contact Dean Calhoun, Tom Carmichael, Sue Wilson, Bun Baird, or Anne and Phil Adams.


“Let the little children come unto me.”

7

Sardis Weekday School Consignment Sale!

The Sardis Weekday School Fall & Winter / Kids & Teens Consignment Sale is scheduled for Saturday, September 27. If you’ve never attended before, the consignment sale is chock full of infant’s and children’s clothing, gear, toys, books, bedding, and more! Make sure to mark your calendars for this event and stock your favorite kid’s closet with some great finds for fall and winter. See you there!

Harry Potter is Coming to Sardis!

This September to November our Elementary School children will engage in a special event series – Faith Journey with Harry Potter

The Harry Potter series of books are full of Christian truths that can be examined alongside of scripture. We will learn about trust, loyalty, friendship, and family. The children will enjoy the fantasy and reality of the world of Harry Potter.

Confirmation Class 2015

We invite all youth who will be in the eighth grade to be part of this nine month program. If you have not received registration information, please contact Renda Brinson at [email protected].

Our confirmation year begins with a parent meeting at 9 a.m. (during the Sunday School hour) on August 25. The students will meet for the first time on Sunday, August 31 at 9 a.m.

Vacation Bible School Thanks You!

Vacation Bible School 2014 was a grand success as children, youth and adults made our Wilderness Escape and shared the story of the Israelites wanderings. Thank you to all who shared their time and ENERGY with the children. We could not have a program like this without many, many helping hands.

Help us by completing a short survey…

The Christian Education Ministry team, in its efforts to continue to evaluate all programs, invites everyone to complete a short survey at www.sardis.org. It is for those who attend or do not attend VBS, for those who help and any others who want to help us with our planning for future programs.


The Communicator

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2014 August Communicator