A Publication of Sardis Presbyterian Church
October 2015
Building God’s Kingdom Through Worship ● Service ● Fellowship ● Evangelism ● Discipleship
Register for the October 18 Homecoming Lunch with your smartphone now! OCTOBER 17-18 | HOMECOMING WEEKEND AT SARDIS SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17- Come join the dedication of a stone marker at the Sardis Slave and Indian cemetery. The first
HOMECOMING CHECKLIST •
Register for the event.
•
Invite your extended family, friends, and neighbors to register and join us.
•
Pick a recipe from the Sardis Cookbook or a family favorite to bring to the lunch. Please no store bought items. Cookbooks can be purchased at Sardis.
•
Email your recipe to Cindy McLeod at cindermakesthree@aol.com or drop a copy off at the church office.
to announce that Steve Amerson, America’s Tenor, will be performing at Sardis. Steve can be heard on over 160 feature films and countless television shows and commercials. This will be an event you will not want to miss! View historical artifacts, be there for the opening of the time capsule, and write a message to future Sardis members in the new time capsule. The children will enjoy a treasure hunt and calk walk. Come enjoy a barbeque and pulled chicken lunch and don’t forget to bring your favorite home-cooked side dishes and desserts! Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to join you at Sardis to celebrate, rejoice, and be inspired at this special event in the life of Sardis!
•
Order your cookbook or copy of “A Goodly Heritage”, a book on the history of Sardis, by calling the church office or by checking off the option on your registration form.
•
Plan on events for children– treasure hunt, cake and pie walk, and a craft activity.
•
Plan to see historical relics and be ready to leave a message in the new time capsule.
Register for the October 18 Homecoming Lunch:
•
Prepare to hear from Steve Amerson and how his gifts and talents are used to Build God’s Kingdom.
three Sardis sanctuaries were on the opposite side of Sardis Road, so there are two cemeteries on that side. The marker will be in the cemetery that was used from the church’s founding up until the 1860s. The short dedication will take place at 4:00 p.m. and light refreshments will be served in the Scout Hut. This will be a collaboration between The Colonial Dames Society and the Sardis Cemetery Committee.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 - To celebrate 225 years of Sardis, we invite all past and present Sardis members and friends to join us for lunch and special events in the Fellowship Hall following our one worship service at 10:00 a.m. We are excited
Online at www.sardis.org | By phone at 704.926.1590 | In the Gathering Place on October 4 and 11 | In the Sunday bulletin
The Communicator ~ October Sardis Presbyterian Church · 6100 Sardis Road · Charlo-e, NC2015 28270 · 704-366-1854 · www.sardis.org
Church Life
Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do.
Hello, My Name Is Sardis · October 4 Hi, Sardis! Whether you’ve been a member for 60 years, a visitor for 60 minutes, or somewhere in between, it’s likely that you don’t know everything there is to know about our church. A new class, “Hello, My Name Is Sardis,” is being held at special times throughout the year, and it’s being held just for you—someone that wants to know more about the place that we call our church home. This class is appropriate for long-time members, new members, visitors, or anyone that would like to learn interesting facts about Sardis Presbyterian, and the many programs we offer for people of all ages. This session will be held Sunday, October 4 at 10 a.m. in the small dining room. Come ready to learn more about Sardis, and engage in some conversation during the class and afterwards as we share more about our church’s rich history.
Taizé Service · October 11 On Sunday, October 11 we join with Sardis Baptist and St. Stephen United Methodist to offer Taizé Worship service at 6 p.m. in the Sardis Chapel. The service lasts about 40 minutes. Questions? Contact Dr. Jane Fobel or Rev. Alice Johnson at 704.366.1854.
Friendship Connection to Visit the Museum of the Alphabet · October 20 The fall season of 2015 is upon us which means that the Friendship Connection at Sardis Presbyterian Church has some new and exciting programs and a trip planned that we hope that you will join us in experiencing. We meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month (except June, July and August). We either have a special program and speaker at 11 a.m. followed by lunch at noon in the Sardis Mission House, or we experience an outing to unique places leaving in the morning and returning in the afternoon. On October 20, Friendship Connection will visit to the Museum of the Alphabet in Waxhaw. We will leave the Sardis Scout Hut parking lot in the morning at 8:45 a.m. and upon arriving, we will be given a guided tour beginning at 10 a.m. There is no cost but donations are accepted. Where did writing begin? How did alphabets develop? How many languages today are still without a wri4en form? These questions and more will be answered. You will be introduced to alphabet makers such as Moses, Mesrop Mashtots, King Sejong and Sequoyah. The class will end with lunch across the street within the campus restaurant. Price will range from $5 to $8. To make
your reservation (limited to the
first 30 people),
reservations need to be made by Wednesday, October 14. To reserve a spot, register online at www.sardis.org or call 704.926.1590.
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The Communicator ~ October 2015
Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do.
Historical Corner
Church Life World Communion Day is
A physical change under Rev. Robert Grier Miller was the addition of a clock (September 27, 1889) – “Session by a unanimous vote decided to regulate the time of public service by a time piece placed in the church.” This probably was not so much a gesture to see that the
October 4. Join us as we take Communion with Christians around the world.
service ended on time as to see that it began on time. It would encourage members to enter the sanctuary punctually rather than to straggle in at their convenience. A number of years later (March 1907), the Session voted that a bell be secured, to be rung promptly at 11 o’clock.
Remembering the Past while Looking to Future Expectations
Max McLeod
Sardis has been celebrating our 225 year anniversary for all of 2015. We continue to build on our rich history of worship, mission and commitment to God. We are truly blessed by the grace of God and for the endeavors of those that came before us. The history of Sardis is detailed in the book “A Goodly Heritage” wri4en by former pastor Jennings Reid. Our next chapter will bring exciting and vibrant times. We welcome our new interim senior pastor Rev. Dr. David McKechnie. Dr. McKechnie brings his love of the Lord and a wealth of experience from his years in the ministry in multiple congregations. We look forward to his leadership and guidance as we build our future. Sardis continues to grow and nurture our existing programs such as Room In The Inn, youth ministries, our music programs and helping others through mission opportunities. Exciting plans are being made for youth participation in music. Will the next chapter include new opportunities in the mission field? Our work with our Haitian friends in Bayonnais and at Rama Road Elementary with “Planting Seeds of Hope” have assisted many of Godʹs children. We look forward to our next mission endeavors. A very important segment of the next chapter will be the search for a new senior pastor. Our Heavenly Father, through the Holy Spirit, will lead us to our next vibrant, welcoming and energetic leader. What a great chapter this new pastor will help write. As we consider all of these possibilities, we know each will require our time, tithes and offerings. Your gifts back to God through Sardis Church can touch so many lives internally and externally. We ask that you prayerfully consider increasing your financial commitment to Sardis. With your gifts, the possibilities are endless just as Godʹs love for us is endless. Please consider how you can build God’s kingdom for future generations with your commitment to Sardis for 2016.
The Communicator ~ October 2015
3
Church Life
Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do.
The Church Mouse Program: Ministering to Our College Students The Church Mouse Project is designed to help college students continue to feel part of the Sardis family while they are away living on college campuses. Collegians 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 their collegian several times during the year. New church mice are desperately needed! For more information, please contact Georgia Pressly: 704.364.9299 or presslyga@aol.com.
Consider Writing an Advent Devotional Labor Day has passed, and it is time to think about Christmas! It is time to start preparing as we will once again create an Advent Devotional Book for 2015 with devotions wri4en by our Sardis Church family. This year the theme is: The Advent Wreath, a Symbol of Faith. The Advent Wreath is made of specific components that symbolize primary points of our faith in Jesus Christ: •The round wreath, a circle with no beginning or end, reminds us of the eternity of God’s love. •The evergreen leaves of the wreath remind us that, as the evergreen leaves in winter are a reminder that life
continues even in a season when it appears death has occurred, so in God there is always hope beyond despair. •The lights of the candles are a reminder that fire is a symbol for the presence of God and that God’s light/presence
is greater than any darkness we face. Share your Advent reflections with the Sardis church family by reflecting on how the themes of the Advent Wreath speak to you in Advent and throughout the year. You may respond to any of the prompts below: The Circle The never ending love of God comforts me by ________________. OR
The never ending love of God challenges me to ________________.
Submissions may be wri4en reflections (200 words max), poetry, drawings/
The Evergreen leaves
illustrations, or photos of art. The
I have experienced hope in a time of sadness when_____________. OR
I have experienced hope in a time of sadness through_____________.
deadline for submi4ing a contribution is October 19. Send submissions to the church
office
to
the
a4ention
of
The Candles
Dr. Jane Fobel, or submit by email:
God’s constant presence strengthens me to_______________.
jane.fobel@sardis.org.
OR
I am most certain of God’s presence when_________________.
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The Communicator ~ October 2015
Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do.
Church Life
Let us Know! Let the pastors know when you are facing health concerns, surgeries, the death of a loved one, the birth of baby, the joy of a wedding and all life experiences that we want to know about and share with you. Due to HIPAA laws, hospitals no longer notify churches of a member’s hospitalization. Too often, we hear about things after the fact. Please call us, e-mail us, text us—we want to be there for you!
Troop 133 BBQ Fundraiser | Harvest Celebration 2015 Smoked Chicken - BBQ - Brunswick Stew - Plates Celebrate Harvest Season with Pork and Fixings
Friday, Oct 9 – 12 to 9 PM Saturday, Oct 10 - 10 AM until Sold Out Desserts for Sale Both Days
Take Out - Both Days, All Day Dine-In Friday, 12-9 PM, Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM Dine-In gets Free Ice Tea
Buy your advance ticket from a Troop 133 Scout in September or Send an email request for tickets to T133@gmail.com or Drop in Friday or Saturday - Sells out fast - Drop in early! TROOP 133 CAN NOW ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS FOR YOUR PURCHASE WHEN YOU DROP IN Smoked Whole Chicken $10.00/ea. Smoked All White Meat Chicken $12/ea. BBQ or Chicken Dinner Plates, Beans, Cole Slaw $9.00/ea. and a Roll or Bun Brunswick Stew – 1 Qt. $10.00/qt. (Secret Thompson Family Recipe) BBQ, Pork, Chopped to Perfection – 1 lb. $10.00/ ea.
Harvest Celebration Special - “Stew Plus Two” One Qt of Brunswick Stew plus Two BBQ or Two Whole Chicken or One of Each for $25. The Communicator ~ October 2015
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Church Life
Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do.
The Pastors’ Schedules *Regular = regular office hours of 8:30a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Monday Dave McKechnie:
Regular
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
1:00 – 4:30
Regular
Day Off
Regular
(Works from home in the morning.)
Jane Fobel
Regular
Regular
Regular
Regular
Day Off
Alice Johnson
Regular
Regular
Regular
Day Off
Regular
Katie Harrington
Regular
Regular
Regular
Regular
Day Off
For PASTORAL EMERGENCIES on weekends or holidays, please call the church office to be directed to the phone number of the pastor on call.
Sardis Recycles - You Can Too! Good news! Sardis Presbyterian Church is hosting a Mecklenburg Country Commercial Recycling Drop-Off Center. The Drop-Off Center is the blue recycling dumpster located in the parking lot behind the Fellowship Hall building. The Drop-Off Center is available to use for free, 24 hours a day, for any Mecklenburg Country residents and/or businesses. Items that can be put in the Drop-Off Center include : •
Plastic Bo4les and Jugs
•
Rigid Plastic (toys, buckets, etc.)
•
Aluminum and Metal Cans
•
Glass Bo4les and Jars
•
Empty Aerosol Cans
•
Cardboard Boxes
You may find a complete list and more information at www.wipeoutwaste.com or by calling 704.432.3200.
August Financial Highlights August
August Expected
This year so far
This year so far expected
Pledges, gifts, and other revenue
$202,918.73
$199,844.88
$1,322,997.22
$1,390,297.49
Expenses
$159,115.17
$171,046.62
$1,420,308.30
$1,473,140.51
Net Total
$43,803.56
$28,798.26
($97,311.08)
($82,843.02)
Annual Budget: $2,266,000
Our Church Family Our Christian Sympathy: to Alice Cauble upon the death of her nephew, David Harkey, to Mark Green upon the death of his father, Noah Alfred Green, and to the family of Deanna ʺDeeʺ Culpepper. Congratulations: to Lauren & Michael Phipps upon the birth of their daughter, Claire McClellan Phipps, and to Elizabeth & Sean Murphy upon the birth of their son, grandson of Anne & Gary Sweeney, Finnegan Robert Murphy. 6
The Communicator ~ October 2015
Church Life
Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do.
October Roll Review
Senior Link
This year as we celebrate 225 years of service to The Lord at Sardis,
Outreach Program
we also begin the process of calling a senior pastor.
The Senior Link Ministry at Sardis is
As part of that process we, as a congregation, are required to prepare
looking for participants in their outreach
information about Sardis that will clearly identify who we are to
program. Some of our older members are
prospective candidates. The Presbyterian Book of Order requires an
homebound
accurate accounting of active members (inactive is no longer a
ge4ing an occasional phone call from
membership category) before a search commi4ee can be formed. A
someone at Sardis. We want these good
commi4ee has been formed by the Session with the task of
people to continue to feel a part of our
completing that required accounting and presenting the results to
church family.
Session. This commi4ee will be working hard to fulfill this first and necessary step. Le4ers will be sent to inactive as well as out-of-town members in the next few weeks.
and
would
appreciate
If you would like to participate in this outreach
program,
please
call
Pat
Aldred at 704.366.6990, to receive the
The Roll Review Commi4ee earnestly seeks your prayers and help as
name and phone number of one of our
we strive to make Sardis stronger and to return members to Sardis
homebound members.
when possible with the hope of invigorating the congregation in the work and worship of Sardis.
Do You Know How to Read the Bible? When you read the Bible, do you understand what you are reading? Do you know how to choose an English translation of the Bible? Do you understand the role of the Holy Spirit when you read scripture? These and other questions will be addressed this fall in a six-week study that will be offered at two different times during October. Jane Fobel will lead the study and will use the PCUSA resource, Reading the Bible for Understanding, by James Davison ($5). •
One class will begin on Thursday, October 8, at 10 a.m. – meeting at Sardis in room 211/212 in the Fellowship Hall Building.
•
The second class will be on Tuesday evenings, at 7 p.m. and will meet at Plantation Estates in the Ivy Room.
Looking ahead to 2016, this six-week study mentioned above will lay a good foundation for a congregation-wide Bible reading journey. Using the guide, The Year of the Bible: An Enhanced Guide to Reading Scripture Together, by James Davison, we will join together in a discipline of a deep reading the Bible. Contact Dr. Jane Fobel at jane.fobel@sardis.org or 704.366.1854 to register and reserve a book.
The Communicator ~ October 2015
7
Lay Ministry
The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve.
Youth Ministry Clothing Drive The Youth Ministry is doing a clothing drive to support two ministries that they served with during the summer: Charlie’s Place in Washington, DC with the high school ministry and Crisis Assistance here in Charlo4e with the middle school ministry. Most of the time, we take our clothes for granted, having more than we need. For our clothing drive, we are hoping to obtain at least 225 pairs of new socks and 225 pairs of new underwear by Sunday, October 18 (our 225 celebration). You may also donate your gently used clothes to the drive. Will you help us reach our goal? Most of the men’s clothing, along with some of the new socks and underwear, will be taken to Charlie’s Place where our youth were able to have conversations with people (mostly men) who were homeless, learning their stories and sharing their own. Charlie’s Place, in addition to serving breakfast six days a week, provides those in need with clothes, if they have them available. While we served, the shelves were very bare and we couldn’t assist those in need as much as we had hoped. The rest of the clothes will stay in town and go to Crisis Assistance and be used in their Free Store to help those who are less fortunate in our community. Help the Youth Ministry help others by cleaning out your closet of clothes you do not wear anymore! Donations may be left in the Education Building in the clothing bins by the library and the Youth Room. If you have any questions, please contact Adrian Martin in the church office (704.366.1854 or adrian.martin@sardis.org). Thank you in advance!
***The Red Cross will be at Sardis Sunday, October 11 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for our next blood drive.***
Charlo-e CROP Hunger Walk—Sunday, October 18 In the United States, more than 43 million Americans don’t have enough to eat. In North Carolina, 26% of children under 18 years of age are food insecure on a regular basis.* This year local hunger agencies are even more in need of our support. Will you participate in this year’s Crop Walk by joining a Sardis team and donating? We encourage Sunday School classes, Mustard Seed Groups, Youth Groups, Choirs, Circles, and families to walk together and help raise money to help end hunger. This year the Crop Walk follows our 225 Homecoming lunch, so prepare for a fun day of fellowship and service! Choose one of the options to join the Sardis team and make a donation: 1. www.charlo4ecropwalk.org 2. Find volunteers from the Sardis Team in the Gathering Place on Sundays in October. 3. Contact Christa Sumwalt at christacs@gmail.com or Melinda Wilkinson at wilkinson00@windstream.net for more information about walking and donating. 8
The Communicator ~ October 2015
*2014 Hunger in America Study
The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve.
Lay Ministry
Trey Dean Visits Samaritan House in Honor of the 225th Anniversary of Sardis Trey Dean delivered paper products, board games, towels and washcloths to Samaritan House as part of Mission Interpretation’s 225 year Celebration of Sardis. Trey and his mother Tracy volunteer at Samaritan House, which provides housing for homeless guests who are discharged from a hospital or authorized medical facility and need transitional housing as they recover. Trey helped plan and implement this project.
Mission Interpretation Gift in Honor of the 225th Anniversary of Sardis The September gift from Mission Interpretation in honor of the 225th anniversary of Sardis Presbyterian Church will go to Christian Library International, an agency based in Raleigh, NC. They supply Bibles and religious books to prisons in all 50 states. The prisoners can read these books as well as participate in a Bible study. Later in the year, we will have a book drive to collect used religious books from the congregation.
Mission Interpretation Ministry to Aid European Refugee Crisis The Mission Interpretation Ministry sent $3,500 to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) to help with the European Refugee Crisis. Since the beginning of the Syrian civil war in 2011, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has been engaged in responding to the needs of displaced persons and refugees. PDA is supporting our European partners as they minister to the needs of these refugees. The generosity of you, the members of Sardis, allows us to offer this relief assistance.
Thatsa Lo-a Sauce!
Room In The Inn Needs You!
We collected and donated 95 lbs of
Mark your calendars now for Wednesday, December 2! That is our first
spaghe4i sauce to our community
night to host our neighbors for our Room in the Inn ministry. That night,
service partners at Loaves & Fishes
and the next 34 Wednesdays and Sundays until the end of March, we will
in September. We welcome your
provide a hot meal and a warm bed for 13 of our homeless neighbors. We
donations of extra spaghe4i sauce
need everyone’s help to continue providing this ministry two nights per
(and pasta too) this and every
week, so come and join us! Bring a friend or neighbor, all are
Sunday in October. Please drop you
welcome. Not sure yet? Call or email Marilyn Taylor 704.362.2039 or
donations in the narthex and they
mtaylor6604@gmail.com or, for more information, go to www.sardis.org
will feed our neighbors in need.
and click on Service Opportunities under Room in the Inn.
The Communicator ~ October 2015
9
“Let the li(le children come unto me.”
Zone45 at Pumpkinpaoolza in October A4ention all fourth and fifth graders of Zone45! We have an exciting fall event coming your way. Join your fellow fourth and fifth graders at Pumpkinpalooza on Saturday, October 24. Grab your costume and meet us at Sardis at 3:30 p.m. We will decorate a car and participate in trunk-or-treat. There will also be face painting, snow cones, and a bounce house! If it rains, we will be in the Education Hall. Please RSVP to Gina Nelson at 704.497.2364 or by emailing ginahnel@yahoo.com to participate in all of the fun. Friends are always welcome at Zone45 events. Hope to see you there!
Sunday Night Live! Join us for a new bible study/fellowship class! Sunday nights beginning October 25 from 6:15—7:15 p.m. in the conference room in the Administration Building. A video series called “Starting Point” by Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church in Atlanta will be the initial four-week study. The subsequent curriculum, involving bible study, fellowship and service, will be led by a team of teachers. The class is open to all ages. Come be a part of something new at Sardis! Questions? Contact Dean Bowen at bowenm23@aol.com or David Blackley at davidblackley@bellsouth.net.
Two Study Opportunities for Adults this Fall We’d still love to have you join us in our Bible study groups this fall! Contact Renda Brinson at 704.926.1585 for more information. Both classes will have passages to read at home and will follow a discussion/lecture format.
Wednesday evenings, 6:30—8 p.m. · Room 211/212 Looking at readings from some of the Major and Minor Prophets. We will look at Micah and Jonah and passages from others. Beginning in January, the participants will look at some of the non-Pauline le4ers – I, II, and III John as well as some of Paul’s shorter le4ers.
Thursday mornings, 10—11:30 a.m. · Sardis House This class will do a study of the Gospel of John. This most spiritual of the gospels is a book to read again and again.
10
The Communicator ~ October 2015
“Let the li(le children come unto me.”
Acolyte Training · October 11 Third through fifth graders are eligible to be acolytes. Acolytes help lead the 11 a.m. worship service by carrying the light of Christ. If you would like to be a part of this important ministry, please contact Heather Eddy at heather.eddy@sardis.org. Training will be in the Sanctuary on October 11, directly after the 11 a.m. service and should last about 20 minutes.
Pre-game Party for Elementary Families! Sunday, October 4 | 12 - 2 p.m. Wear your Panthers gear to church and join all the elementary families on the Francis Property after the 11 a.m. worship service for hot dogs, games, and fellowship! This is a great opportunity for our K-5th grade students and their families to get to know one another be4er. The only cost to you is money for the ice cream truck. Join us!
LOGOS—There’s Still Room for You! LOGOS is a midweek faith and fellowship program for children in kindergarten through 5th grade. We will have a Bible study and dinner each Wednesday from 5—7 p.m. The first semester has begun, but there is still a spot for you! The cost is $115 a semester. This fall brings new themes and activities! Come join us! Register online at www.sardis.org.
Sardis Weekday School Updates The SWS Fall Consignment Sale will be held on Saturday, October 3 from 8 a.m.- 12 p.m. Registration for consignors and volunteers is still open! Please visit www.myconsignmentmanager.com/sardis to sign up, or visit our website at www.sardisweekdayschool.org for more information.
We will be hosting
Charlo4e Speech and
Please join us October
Our
breakfast
our
Hearing screenings are
21 at 9:30 a.m. in the
Parade will be held October
preschool fathers at
scheduled for October
Fellowship
29 at 9:15 a.m. Please join us!
Donuts with Dad on
14.
Grey Seal Puppets—
for
October 7 & 8.
Hall
for
annual
Halloween
everyone is welcome!
The Communicator ~ October 2015
11
The Communicator
Non-ProďŹ t Org. U.S. POSTAGE
Published monthly by
PAID
Sardis Presbyterian Church
Charlo4e, NC
6100 Sardis Road Charlo4e, NC 28270 www.sardis.org
October Events at Sardis www.sardis.org
Saturday
Fall Dinner Tuesday, October
October 24, 4:00-6:00pm
13
With guest speaker : Helen Weaver Family Event | Trunk-or-Treat | Face Painting | Games
$10/person | Register at www.sardis.orgThe or Communicator 704.926.1590 ~ October 2015 12