SardisPresbyterianChurchisan inclusivecongregationcalledto equipdisciplesofJesusChristto impacttheworldby:
God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer
about God’s will for our lives
Loving one another unconditionally
neighbors near and far
Sharing the gifts with which we have been blessed Witnessing to the Good News of Jesus Christ to provide hope for the world.
Dear Sardis Church Family and Friends,
As we close another year of ministry, I am filled with deep gratitude for the many ways God continues to move through our church. This report captures who we are and where God has led us in 2025 a testimony to how our mission, exploring faith and changing lives, is being lived out through the dedication, generosity, and faith of our congregation.
Throughout this year, we have seen God's presence in every corner of our ministry Our worship gatherings, children and youth programs, and outreach have continued to thrive, meeting needs within our community and beyond. We welcomed two new staff members whose gifts have strengthened our leadership, and new community rental partners who have deepened our connections while supporting our financial sustainability.
In this report, you'll find ministry updates, shared stories, meaningful milestones, and fun statistics that reflect the life of our church, along with a financial recap demonstrating our commitment to faithful stewardship and transparency.
As you read, I invite you to pause and celebrate all that God has done in and through the Sardis family Behind every success stands a team of faithful staff, volunteers, and members whose ongoing support through prayer, service, and financial giving sustains every ministry and allows us to move forward with confidence and hope.
Thank you for being part of the Sardis story. Together, we will continue exploring faith, changing lives, and shining Christ's light in our community and beyond
With gratitude and hope,
Leigh Anne Duncan Director of Operations
109 CHILDREN FROM 56 RAMA FAMILIES RECEIVED ANGEL TREE GIFTS
500 NEIGHBORSSERVED INTHESARDIS HOUSETHROUGH ROOMINTHEINN
4,621 POUNDS OF FOOD WAS DONATED TO NOURISH UP
12 NEW MEMBERS (NOT INCLUDING THE 8 CONFIRMANDS)
3,113
BOOKSWERE PURCHASEDFOR RAMAROAD STUDENTS
110 VACATION BIBLESCHOOL PARTICIPANTS
8
6 BAPTISMS CONFIRMANDS JOINED THE CHURCH
The life of Sardis Presbyterian extends far beyond what these pages can hold. Here, you'll find snapshots of our ministries and their impact as we explore faith and change lives in our community.
At Sardis Presbyterian Church, we gather to praise God our Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer through diverse expressions of worship that unite our community in faith In 2025, we welcomed Dr Timothy Belflowers as our new Director of Music, bringing fresh energy and leadership to ourworshipexperience.
Throughout the year, we offered two distinct worship experiences: a contemporary service with our praise band at 9:00 am in the Fellowship Hall and a traditional service with our Sanctuary Choir at 11:00 am in the Sanctuary During the summer months, we came together for a single 10:00 am service, alternating between spaces to worshipasoneunifiedbody
Our musical offerings enriched worship across all ages WAM (Worship, Art, & Music) invited elementary children toexploreworshipandmusic.JubilateRingersandSingers created a vibrant community where students in grades 612 built friendships through handbell repertoire and leadingsinginginworship.Adultscontributedthroughthe Sanctuary Choir, Coventry Ringers a premier handbell ensemble andourcontemporarypraiseband.
A highlight of the year was sending children, youth, and adults to the Worship & Music Conference at Montreat, where participants lived out the conference theme of being"ClothedinLove"throughsharedmeals,meaningful worship, and inspiring music courses. Worship at Sardis is made possible by many faithful hands who serve with joy, creating sacred space where all can encounter the living God.
InNovember2025,we launchedChildren's Churchduringthe9:00 amworshipservicefor childrenages4through 2ndgrade.Duringthe sermon,childrenreceive age-appropriateBible teachingwhilelearning abouttheelementsof worship Thisprogram allowsparentstofully engageinworshipwhile investingintheir children'slong-termfaith formation,equipping youngdiscipleswith practicaltoolsto participatemeaningfully inworshipastheygrow.
AtSardisPresbyterianChurch,webelievethatlearningaboutGod'swillfor ourlivesisacommunaljourney.OurAdultFaithFormationministry embodiesthetruththatwelearnfromourcommunity,withour community,andtransformtogether
FaithformationextendsfarbeyondSundaymornings,thoughourseven Sundayschoolclassofferingsprovideastrongfoundationforweeklystudy anddiscussion.Throughouttheweek,adultsgatherforBiblestudy, connectinMustardSeedGroups,anddeepenrelationshipsthroughspecial weekendretreats,includingourannualWomen'sRetreatandseasonal Men'sGatherings.Thesevariedopportunities createmultiplepathwaysfordisciplesto growinunderstanding,strengthentheir faith,andbuildlastingconnections.
Throughthesemeaningful relationships,weequipdisciplesto loveoneanotherunconditionally andwitnesstothehopefoundin JesusChrist.
One
60+membersofourSardiscommunity gatheredforaspecialmorningwithActionnel Fleurisma,ourmissionpartnerfromBayonnais, Haiti.Attendeesexperiencedauthenticstories ofHaitianresilienceandcultureandleftwith heartsandeyesopenedtothetransformative powerofpartnershipandfaithinaction.
thing I've discovered is the strongest friendships are found in fellowship. As an older adult we need each other now more than ever. This is the most important mission of Adult Faith Formation.
~
Paul Green ~
Sardis Youth Ministry welcomes students in grades 6-12 to explore faith, serve the community, and care for one another Together, youth build friendships, discover their gifts for leadership, and grow as compassionate,courageousfollowersofChrist
In2025,wewelcomedGenieRichardsas ourDirectorofYouthMinistry.Her leadershiphasenergizedourprogram anddeepenedourcommitmentto nurturingyoungdisciples
Our youth gather each Sunday for Sunday School using the Follow Me Curriculum, followed by Youth Music choir and bell choir led by Timothy Belflowers where they build friendships and grow through music and worship. Youth Group rounds out the day as students break bread together, play games, engage in faith discussions, and participate inserviceprojects.
Beyond Sunday gatherings, our youth experienced transformative moments at the Montreat Youth Conference and during Mission Week, serving neighbors near and far. Through these experiences, our young people are equipped to praise God and witnesstothehopefoundinJesusChrist
In 2025, Sardis Youth Ministry partnered with Providence Presbyterian Church to form the Presbyterian Youth Collaborative Our youth groups combined, creating a larger, more vibrant community where students connect and grow in faith across congregations.
At Sardis Presbyterian Church, we give children a church home where they can explore and grow in faith through meaningful, age-appropriate ministry opportunities.
Throughout 2025, children gathered for Sunday School and WAM (Worship, Art, and Music), where they fellowship, explore faith, and lead songs during worship. Fellowship flourished with monthly summer picnics and movie "late over" nights, while children served their neighbors through the MLK Day of ServiceandcollectedfoodforNourishUpduringVacationBibleSchool.
Vacation Bible School brought enthusiastic children and volunteers together for a road trip-themed adventure exploring God's constant love, while our youngest l i d P h l C i C filled with music,sto
Throughw service,an children's disciplest byGodan lovewith
In 2025, we hired two nursery care workers, bringing wonderful consistency and loving care to our littlest worshipers and their families.
SharingtheSundaySchoolhourwith3rd, 4th,&5thgradersisthejoywelookforward toeverySunday!Ouryoungdisciplesare eagertolearnmoreaboutJesus'lifeand howHislifeaffectstheirs It'supliftingto pray,readScripture,andexploreBible parableswiththem,encouragingthe beginningoftheirfaithjourney,as friendshipsandbondsemerge.
Watchingourpreciousoneslearningto serve,love,andshareshowstheirshining lightsatSardisandoutintotheirworld Sardisfamilies,itiswithagratefulheartthat Ithankyouforthistimewithyourchildren
~ Deborah Barkley ~
OnOctober19th,ourFellowshipHallcamealivewith laughter, friendly competition, and genuine connectionduringourfirst-everBingoBonanza.This multigenerational event brought together over 150 participants–fromyoungchildrentoolderadults–including both longtime members and brand-new visitorstoSardis
The afternoon featured creative variations of bingo that kept everyone engaged, but the real win was watching our community connect. During "People Bingo,"participantsmovedaroundtheroom,meeting neighbors and discovering shared experiences. The soundsofjoyandcelebrationechoedthroughoutthe building as people of all ages played side by side, creatingconnectionsthatbridgedgenerations.
AsvolunteerKathySimpsonreflected:
Whatagreatafternoonevent!Itwaswonderfultosee amultigenerationalgroupoffolks,bothfamiliarfaces andnewneighborfaces,participatingandenjoying anactivitythatwaschallenging,yetdoableforall it wasfuntohearthesoundsofjoy,laughter,Woo'sand Aahh'scomingfromtheFellowshipHall
The event's success demonstrates what happens when we create welcoming, accessible spaces for fellowship – barriers fall, friendships form, and community flourishes. Free to attend and rich with prizes, snacks, and warm hospitality, the Bingo BonanzaexemplifiedSardis'commitmenttobeinga vibrantgatheringplaceforourentirecommunity
There are many times in my life when I have felt the support of prayers given in my name to help me through challenging times. It is a privilege to be able to offer the same support to others as they experience their own individual timesofneedforprayer
~CynthiaPerry~ PrayerChainMinistryMember
108+ITEMSHANDMADE BYTHEPRAYER
Our dedicated Prayer Shawl Ministry created 42 prayer shawls, 5 lap blankets, 2 baby blankets, and 10 pocket prayer squares in 2025 to comfort those in need The ministry also contributed 28 scarves and 21 hats to Room In The Inn, sharing warmth and God's love through handcraftedgiftsofprayer 90+QUARTSOFSOUP
For us the Visitation Team has meant an opportunity to make meaningful connections with our members that may be home bound or facing a health issue. It takes so little effort on our part to lift their spirits or just be a listening ear. Thank you to Sardis for this opportunity
~JimandGeorgiaPressly~ VisitationTeamMembers
Sardis Soup for the Soul Ministry brought together circles, Mustard Seed Groups, and Sunday School classes to prepare homemade soup 2-3 times a year, making 25-30 quarts each time for Sardis members recovering from illness, homebound members, and anyone in need of comfort Through each delivery, we share God's love one warm hug at a time
When crisis struck our community in 2025, Sardis answered the call with overwhelming generosity. When the potential suspension of SNAP benefits threatened 140,000 Mecklenburg County residents and local food pantries faced a 20% spike in demand, our congregation donated 1,831 pounds of food to NourishUptokeeptheirshelvesstocked
WealsoralliedaroundfamiliesatRamaRoadElementary Schoolwhenchallengingcircumstancescreatedrealfinancial hardship.Withinaday,ourcommunityfilledtheMission Cornerwithessentialfoodsupplies,personalcareitems,and householdnecessitiesforfamiliesfacingurgentneed
Thesemomentsremindusthatservingourneighborsnear andfarisn'tjustamissionstatement it'swhoweare. Whencrisiscomes,theSardiscommunityshowsupwith openheartsandgeneroushands,witnessingtothehopeand loveofJesusChrist.
In August 2025, Lee Knox, Leigh Sellers, Carol Apel, and Vicky and John Hovis traveled to Kenya to deepen our partnership with Macedonia Presbyterian Church Vicky Hovis reflects, “Our focus was to continue the development of a relationship with the people of Macedonia Church and to stay open to how we can partner in the mission work they deem most important." The team supported the mission work of Macedonia, like providing beds and science laboratory supplies for Mother Esther Rescue School.
In 2025, 18 people from Trinity Presbyterian and Sardis Presbyterian traveled to Western North Carolina for their annual mission trip, working at four different homes installing cabinets, insulation, tile, and more in communities devastated by Hurricane Helene Anne Shoaf reflected: "I saw God at work in the hopefulness and willingness of volunteers to benefit the living conditions of neighbors so injured by Hurricane Helene, and in the hearts of the volunteer team as they shared from their hearts during devotional time."
At Sardis Presbyterian Church, we witness to the Good News of Jesus Christ by opening our doors, extending our hands, and sharing hope with the world. In 2025, we celebrated 18 professions of faith and reaffirmations of faith, a testament to our welcoming spirit and the transformativepowerofauthenticcommunity
We hosted Welcome and Exploration Gatherings throughout the year, inviting those new to Sardis to discover how they can get engaged and become members Summer refreshments after worship services and community-wide events like our Women's Retreat and Sardis Serves Together gatherings created spaces for connection and the building of meaningful relationships
We take our light into the world through mission partnerships near and far, sharing God's love with teachersandstudentsatRamaRoadElementary,
welcoming neighbors during Room In The Inn, and responding with compassion when emergent needs arise in our community
Through every welcome extended, every hand held, and every act of service, we proclaim that the love of Christ is alive and active in our world
AsaPC(USA)EarthCare Congregation,SardisPresbyterian Churchiscalledtobegood stewardsofGod'screationthrough worship,education,outreach,and themanagementofourfacilities, equippingdisciplestoimpactthe worldbycaringfortheearthGod hasentrustedtous.
In2025,ourcommitmentto creationcarewaswoven throughoutourLentenseason A five-weekLentenbookstudyon SavingUs:AClimateScientist's CaseforHopeandHealingina DividedWorldbyKatherineHayhoe deepenedourunderstandingofour roleasstewardsofcreation.Easter worshipfeaturedstunningfloral displaysofnativeperennialplants andflowers,whichwerelater plantedacrossourcampusto continuebeautifyingourchurch Thededicationofour"EarthCare Hall"inNovember aspacefor recyclingandlearningabout stewardship reflectsourongoing commitmenttoansweringGod's calltocareforcreation
Since1954,SardisWeekdaySchoolhasbeenacherishedministryofSardis PresbyterianChurch,providingalovingmorningprogramforchildren ages1-5 Ourmissionissimpleyetprofound:tostimulatetheintellect, challengethebody,fillthespirit,andaboveall,lovethechild.Wearethe PreschoolwithHeart
Ourdedicatedstaffintroduceschildren tothejoyoflearning,thewarmthof sharing,andthethrillof accomplishmentthrougha developmentally-basedcurriculum thatfosterssocial,intellectual, emotional,physical,andspiritual growth In2025,weservedfamilies throughclassesfortoddlers,youngtwos, twos,youngthrees,threes,fours,and transitionalkindergarten
Inaclimateoflove,trust,andunderstanding,SardisWeekdaySchool continuestonurtureeachchild'suniquevalueandgrowth,equippingour youngestdisciplestoimpacttheworld.
This year brought exciting updates to our learning environment. We upgraded our 4-year-old/TK class playground equipment to meet the latest city safety codes, with new equipment. These improvements provide our students with safe, engaging opportunities for active play and development.
Our school community came together for Operation Christmas Child, collecting 32 shoeboxes filled with love and care for children around the world. This success reflects the generous hearts of our families and their commitment to sharing God's love near and far.
CLERK
Liz Alba
Karen Carpenter
Brooke Neal
Bill Taylor
Dave Templeman
Doyle Williams
Deborah Barkley
Aric Beals
Linda Cropper
Donna Harwood
Randy Long
Julius Torrence
Mark Weber
Paula Banks
Paul Green
George Galleher
Catherine Newman
Eli Martin
Susan Aulebach
Amy Dockery
Penny Frazier
Jim Hollern
Mike Strawn
Emily Oelz
Mark Sessler
Mark Barrett
Jung Lee
Lin Leslie
Krista Norwood
Emily Simpson
Patsy Todd
Dave Jebram
Elaine Thompson
Vicky Hovis
Ourchurchstaffplaysavitalroleinhelpingourcongregationliveoutitsmissioneveryday. They guide us spiritually, organize ministries, care for our members, and ensure that our churchremainsaplaceofworship,growth,andlove. Whenwesupportourchurch throughprayer, encouragement,andfaithful giving we’renotjustmeetingneeds;we’re partneringinministry.Theworkofourstaff helpseveryclasstaught,everysongsung, everymealshared,andeverylifetouchedby God’sgrace
Scriptureremindsusthat“theworker deserveshiswages”(1Timothy5:18).
Supportingthosewhoserveallowsthem toleadwithjoy,energy,andfocus It alsostrengthensourchurch’switnessinthe community.Let’scontinuetoliftupourstaff, thankthemfortheirservice,andstandbeside themasweserveChristtogether
Total campaign pledges collected through December 31, 2025:
$1,366,136
2025 PROJECTS
New Boiler Installed
The income from our endowment allows us to plan boldly for the future by supporting core ministries worship, missions, property, and more ensuring that they remain strong and effective. It also enables innovation and growth, helping us respond to new opportunities for ministry
$2,724,766
Total Endowment Dollars at Year End $37,125
Total Gifts Received for the Endowment $140,548
Total Disbursements for Ministry Projects 15
Sardis House Roof Replaced After Leak Found
Our next project is to replace the Ed Hall roof The Property Commission is currently in the process of reviewing bids and selecting a General Contractor.
Total Number of Projects Funded 1 New Endowments Established
A new endowment was established in 2025 that will support the operating budget with additional revenue, beginning in 2027.
$1,762,391
Total Budget Revenue
$38,725
Designated
Other Designated Gifts $63,565
Mission Offerings/ Gifts $53,883
FacilityRentals
Facility Rentals $128,632 Interest $34,465
$509,874
$1,543,918
Total Budgeted Expenses $103,832
Greatthingsarehappeninginourfaithcommunitythrough the generous spirit of our congregation. Every gift sustains ministries that impact lives within our church, across Charlotte,andaroundtheworld Yourfaithfulnessenablesus to continue praising God, learning about God's will for our lives, loving one another unconditionally, serving neighbors near and far, and witnessing to the hope found in Jesus Christ
Here is how you can participate:
Annual Stewardship - When you make a pledge to invest in God's work, you are supporting the church's mission and ministries through your annual commitment.
Direct Gifts - Contributions can be made at any time through the church office or our online giving portal
Memorial or Honor Gifts - Celebrate the life or faith of a loved one by making a contribution in their name
Legacy or Planned Gifts - Include the church in your will, estate plan, or as a beneficiary of a life insurance policy, retirement plan, or charitable trust These gifts ensure that your faith continues to bless others, generations to come.
Appreciated Assets - Gifts of stock, securities, or property can also be contributed, often providing additional tax advantages
However you choose to give, thank you for being a part of the work God is doing through Sardis Presbyterian Church
Learn more at sardis.org/giving
