January 2014 communicator

The Communicator

Published monthly by

Sardis Presbyterian Church

6100 Sardis Road

Charlotte, NC 28270

www.sardis.org

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE

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Charlotte, NC

Permit #1059

The Church Office will be closed Wednesday,

January 1 for the New Years holiday, and Monday,

January 20 for the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday.

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

Building God’s Kingdom Through Worship ● Service ● Fellowship ● Evangelism ● Discipleship

A Publication of Sardis Presbyterian Church January 2014

2 The Communicator ~ January 2014

The mission of Charlotte Family

Housing is to empower homeless

families to achieve long-term

self-sufficiency through shelter,

housing, support services

and advocacy.

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

A TREMENDOUS THANK YOU to everyone

involved in making this year’s Angel Tree For

Rama Road a huge success. On December 9, gifts donated by

Sardis to the 71 families on the Angel tree were sorted and organized by

nine volunteers. On December 14, a rainy Saturday, volunteers of all ages

were at the church bright and early and ready to deliver the gifts to the

homes of the Rama Elementary School families.

They were greeted with hugs, tears and many

thanks by the parents of over 200 Rama students.

One mother said “Oh, thank you so much! I can’t

believe this is all for my kids.” Thank you, Sardis.

You have planted

seeds of HOPE in

their lives this

Christmas.

Community Service Reminder January 5: 10-Cents A Meal Offering Spaghetti Sauce Sunday

Thanks to your help, Sardis was able to donate 623 pounds of food

through the Loaves & Fishes Food Drive!

Salvation Army Christmas Stockings Thank you to all the Sardis congregation for filling

Salvation Army Christmas Stockings this

year! Susan Hudson and Liz Alba delivered 250

stockings to the Salvation Army Warehouse where

they were received with great gratitude!

Thank you, Sardis, for supporting the

shoe drive organized by Sardis youth,

Meredith Banks and Caroline Bowen.

The shoes were shipped to the orphans

of Salvation Army Hanbury Home in

Jamaica. Some of the children did not

own any shoes. Because of your

generosity, each child has now received

four pairs of shoes.

Room in the Inn and Simple Pleasures Room in the Inn is about hospitality and turning things we often take for granted into something special. The 2013-14

Room in the Inn season is in full swing. We’ve had a full house each night and our volunteers (many of them first

timers) have been great! We still have some ‘Rooster’ slots to fill: you will arrive a few minutes before 5:00 a.m., feed

the neighbors breakfast, give them their bag lunch, and take them back into the city, then strip the bed linens and

clean up the kitchen, finishing around 7:00 a.m. Please call Beth Kazer, 704-654-5194, if you would like to help. More

information is also available at www.sardis.org. Thank you for supporting this extremely important ministry!

The Communicator ~ January 2014 7

“Let the little children come unto me.”

7

Connect@Sardis, a midweek educational opportunity for adults,

will return in the New Year with a new time. When the program

resumes on Wednesday, January 15, the time will be 7:00 p.m. – 8:00

p.m. The winter study will begin with a 4 week study focused on “The

Intersection of Culture and Religion,” led by Assistant Director of Christian Education,

Heather Eddy, followed by a 2 week study on J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, led by Director

of Christian Education, Renda Brinson. The beginning study, “The Intersection of

Culture and Religion,” will lead us in an examination of what it means to be a Christian

in the world today. Heather writes, “Everyone has an iPod in – we are rarely without noise

and if it’s not talking, it’s music. On the weekends, sports coverage takes up many channels. We

have news channels that are devoted to politics 24 hours a day. And we all want to know what the

latest invention is… what will help me feel better or do something better. Unfortunately, with

change and technology, pop culture has also changed how we as Christians have to relate to this

ambiance that we’re surrounded with. How do we do that? Can the two be separate? Should they

be? How do we reconcile the unfortunate fact that on the surface, religion CAN be hard to

reconcile with pop-culture, science and politics and secondly, those things and the players in them

are rarely friendly towards religion. When we’re told that we are not to love the world or the things

of the world… yet we can’t escape it, nor can we isolate ourselves or our families from it, and in

doing so does that not impair us from engaging in the Great Commission? How then do we live?”

The schedule includes Jan. 15: Religious Culture and Sports; Jan. 22: Religious Culture

and Music; Jan. 29: Religious Culture and Science; Feb. 5: Religious Culture and Politics

Thursday Morning Bible Study with Renda Brinson 10:00 a.m.—11:30 a.m. in Sardis House. “Life principles from the Old Testament “- A

look at the lives of key characters found in the Bible. The theme "Following God" is one

that emphasizes the importance of building a relationship with God, living a life totally

surrounded to His leading. Examples are given of those who did not follow His

direction. We will study well known men in the Old Testament, as well as a historical

perspective about the time when they lived.

Mid-Week Adult Study Opportunities

The Alpha and Omega Study will resume the week of Jan. 5. The winter/spring study

will explore the book of Revelation and will be offered three times each week:

Sundays 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Ed. Building Room 216; led by Jane Fobel

Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., Ed. Building Room 211/212; led by Renda Brinson

Thursdays 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., Ed. Building Room 211/212, led by Jane Fobel

The study will use the Kerygma Bible Study for Revelation, The Book of Revelation: Visions

for the Church in Crisis, New Testament Studies by James A. Walther, Sr. This author

brings deep insight to a very challenging book. Participants will find that studying

Revelation in context clarifies its message to an early church facing severe crisis. We will

discover that the relevance of Revelation for today is not in prophetic visions, but in its

affirmation of victory and hope. All participants will need a copy of the study book, $15.

To register for the class and order a book, contact Jane Fobel, [email protected]/

704-366-1854 or Renda Brinson, [email protected]/704-366-1854. Please specify

which class time you will ordinarily attend. (Participants may attend one of the other

weekly classes to make up missed classed as needed.

Adult Church

School News

Looking to join a church

school class in the New

Year? There is a place for

you in the Crossroads

class, room 213/214

(Fellowship Hall) which

will begin a study of the

Gospel of Matthew, or

the Open Door Class,

room 211/212 (Fellowship

Hall) which will begin a

study of the Gospel of

Luke and the Book of

James. The Open Door

class will use the Present

Word Curriculum as its

guide through Luke and

James.

Bible Reading

Schedule Enclosed:

The 2014 schedule offers

a thematic pattern that

will lead us between the

Old and New

Testaments: the Epistles

on Sundays, the Law on

Mondays, History on

Tuesdays, Psalms on

Wednesdays, Poetry on

Thursdays, Prophecy on

Fridays, and the Gospels

on Saturdays.

LOGOS 2014 A mid-week faith and

fellowship program

for kids K-5th grade.

Begins January 15

Ends April 2

Sign up:

www.sardis.org

http://www.sardis.org

mailto:[email protected]/704-366-1854





5

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

Weekday School Registration 2014-2015

Registration for the 2014-2015 school year begins in January! We enroll children from 6 months–6 years.

Monday, January 6 Currently enrolled children and their siblings

Monday, January 27 Church members not currently enrolled

Tuesday, January 28 Community

New registrations will be accepted in the Director’s office beginning at 9:30 a.m. on the dates above.

Crib (6 – 12 months)

1 day (Monday)

2 day (Monday/Tuesday)

Toddlers - must be one by August 31

2 day (Monday/Wednesday)

2 day (Tuesday/Thursday)

Two-year-olds - must be two by August 31

2 day (Tuesday/Thursday)

3 day (Monday/Wednesday/Friday)

Three-Year-olds - must be three by August 31

3 day (Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday)

4 day (Monday-Thursday)

Four-Year-olds – must be four by August 31

4 day (Monday-Thursday)

5 day (Monday-Friday)

Questions? Contact Louise Lippi, Director: [email protected] or 704-366-9681.

The Friendship Connection is a fellowship

group for retirees that meets the third

Tuesday of the month for a program and

lunch. On Tuesday, January 21, the

program will be “Starting Out the New

Year Healthy, Part II,” in the Sardis Mission

House. The program begins at 11:00 a.m. with

guest speaker Toni Branner. Lunch will follow at

noon for $8 per person. Reservations are required

for lunch by Friday, January 17 and can be made

at www.sardis.org, or by calling 704-926-1590.

Questions? Contact Rev. Alice A. Johnson at

[email protected] or 704.366.1854.

FRIENDSHIP CONNECTION

The Taizé Community was

founded as an ecumenical

monastery where worshippers

gather in silence, followed by a

time of singing uncomplicated

songs, “allowing the mystery of

God to become tangible through

the beauty of simplicity.” Sardis

Presbyterian Church joins with

Sardis Baptist Church and St.

Stephen United Methodist

Church to offer Taizé Worship

services on the second Sunday of

each month. The services last

approximately 40 minutes.

Questions? Contact Rev. Alice

Johnson at 704-366-1854.

The Session has approved a recommendation from the

Music Selection Committee and Worship Committee

that our 9:00 a.m. worship service be moved from the

Sanctuary to the Fellowship Hall beginning January 5,

2014. We believe this change will enable us to better

incorporate technology and the use of screens, allow

for greater flexibility in worship space, and help us

engage current and new worshipers in God’s kingdom

here at Sardis.

Of course, we continue to be invested in offering

excellent traditional worship in our beautiful

Sanctuary with our impressive pipe organ, which is

one of the best in the nation. At Sardis, we value all

types of worship that inspire us to glorify God.

9:00 a.m. Worship Has Moved to

the Fellowship Hall

Upcoming Taizé

Worship Schedule

January 12: Sardis

Presbyterian Chapel

February 9: St. Stephen

United Methodist

March 9: Sardis Baptist

Church


Laity Sunday: January 19 Members of the congregation will lead our

worship at both 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. on

January 19. Both services will

follow the same order of worship. This

year’s theme is “My Cup Runneth Over – the

Blessings of the Christian Life.” Members

speaking during the service are Brad Helms

and Mary Carolyn Titus.

Thank You for Your Leadership We extend our deep appreciation to the following Elders and

Deacons who have faithfully served Sardis for the past three

years. Our congregation is blessed with outstanding

leadership. Thank you, and God bless you.

Elders

Janice Abluton

Carol Apel

Dean Calhoun

William Sloan

Michael Smith

James Thomasson

Matthew Tucker

Suzanne Weston

Curtis Williams

Rhonda York

Deacons

Missy Banks

Vicka Conder

Sallie Crossley

Penny Frazier

Bradford Hood

Mark Howell

Susan Hudson

William Norris

Kristen Taylor

Jeffrey Wilkinson

New Officer Installation The following members will be ordained/installed January 5

as Elders and Deacons of the class of 2016. We are grateful

for their willingness to serve at Sardis!

Elders

Steve Benton

Rob Brownlee

Sue Chowning

George Galleher

Pressly Gilbert

Jenny Kaeppler

Pam McLean

Lucinda Myers

Bruce Simpson

Amanda Willis

Deacons

Simone Acqué

Michael Champion

Marilyn Dougherty

Tom Kirby

Brady Koesel

Catherine Newman

Michael A.D. Oelz

Netta Turnbull

John Waller

Lora Zalaquett

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

2014 Communion Schedule January 26

March 5 (Ash Wednesday)

March 30

April 17 (Maundy Thursday)

June 8

August 10

October 5

December 7

December 24

The Sardis Music

Ministry Wants You Our new Minister of Music,

Jared Daugherty, wants to grow

the music ministry. No

experience singing? Can’t read music? That is

ok; if you enjoy music, Jared has a place for

your gifts! Come enjoy a time of learning,

fellowship, and praise. If you would like to

know more about the music opportunities at

Sardis, contact Jared at 704.366.1854 or

[email protected].

Beginning January 5

Contact Rev. Alice Johnson / [email protected]

704.366.1854

http://www.sardis.org

mailto:[email protected]



Session Highlights, November 2013

The following motions were approved:

Transfer of Jamie Elizabeth Craig to Edenton Street UMC, Raleigh, NC.

Membership of Marie Jewell Cutlip by letter of transfer and Steven Gregory Marguis by

reaffirmation of faith.

Acceptance from an anonymous donor of the cost to replace the three windows in the church parlor;

designation of Mary Lou Mason, Dr. Kort and the donors to work with Willet Houser Architectural

Glass on the window design; Jessica Otto, Director of Administration, to execute the contract with

the firm.

Per the Book of Order, G-2.0402, the Session examined and approved the officers elected to the

Session and Diaconate Class of 2016.

From Worship Ministry:

Tom Winstead as guest preacher on December 29

A combined Youth and Scout Sunday worship service to be held in the Sanctuary at 10:00 a.m. on

Sunday, February 2.

Brad Helms and Mary Carolyn Titus to serve as speakers for Laity Sunday, 2014.

From Youth Ministry:

Sunday School be moved to 9:00 a.m. on February 2 to accommodate the combined worship service

and that the service be followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall.

Complete minutes for recent meetings are at www.sardis.org, and also available along with archived minutes in the library.

Session Highlights, December 2013

Information regarding the preliminary proposed 2014 budget was reviewed.

Appreciation was expressed to the outgoing Elders, Class of 2013: Janice Abluton, Carol Apel, Dean

Calhoun, William Sloan, Mike Smith, Jim Thomasson, Matt Tucker, Suzanne Weston, Curtis

Williams and Rhonda York.

The following motions were approved:

Baptism of Robert Jeb (RJ) Frazer, son of Bob and April Frazer, December 15, 2013.

Randy Long as chair and Lissa Archer as vice chair of the 2014 Officer Nominating Committee, and

the following as committee members: Dean Sellers, Paul Rosser, Beth Parrish, Ann Wenzl, and one

more to be named.

From Clerks Ministry:

Approved new members of Sardis Commissions (Property, Capital Repair and Replacement,

Cemetery/Columbarium, Gift Trust and Communications) for 2014.

Approved additions to 2014 Ministry Teams.

From Worship Ministry:

Approved Communion dates for 2014.

Approved several ideas in areas of hospitality implementation to increase the welcoming aspects of

the church, to be put into place as the new year begins, including elders being “ambassadors” so

visitors and others will know whom to ask when they have questions, better mapping and signage

for Christian Education classes, and creating more visible visitor parking areas.


Inclement Weather is Just Around the Corner! If bad weather threatens (or has arrived), please check the home page at www.sardis.org for

specific updates.

For general schedule changes or cancellations at Sardis Church, please tune into WSOC-TV.

Diaconate Highlights, December 2013

The Food Service Ministry, assisted by Mark Slimer, is researching a company to professionally clean

the kitchen.

The Property Commission is moving forward with the engineering survey for the HVAC to see how

best to move forward.

The backpack program, provided by Senior Link, was expanded this year to help out 20 families.

RITI has resumed and the Diaconate will be covering some volunteer dates in March.

Church directories should be ready early in the New Year after the latest edits have been completed.


Our Christian Sympathy: To family and friends upon the death of Janet Menkel;

to Bobby Smith upon the death of his mother, Clara

Smith; to David Scholz upon the death of his mother,

Georgia Fay Scholz; to family and friends upon the

death of Maida Frye; to Janet Hughes upon the death

of her father, Arthur Dadirrian; to Cindy K. Smith

upon the death of her sister, Carol Meyer; to Annette

Old upon the death of her mother, Leah Harrell; to

family and friends upon the death of Leanna Parker;

and to Sue Docherty upon the death of her mother,

Phyllis Morese.

Congratulations: To parents Abbey and Allen Cooke and grandparents

Cindy and Kurt Rawald on the birth of Sally Virginia

Cooke; to parents Megan and Ben Hovis and

grandparents John and Vicky Hovis on the birth of

Chase Benjamin Hovis; and to parents Mark and

Kristin Brinson and grandparents Renda and Earl

Brinson on the birth of Gabriel Aaron Brinson.

Our Church Family Sanctuary Flowers If you’d like to place flowers

in our sanctuary, we have a

number of openings on our

2014 calendar. Roseland

Floral Company provides

two arrangements each

Sunday at a cost to the

donor of $130. Donated

flowers may be designated in

honor or in memory of loved

ones or to mark a special

occasion. If interested, please contact Karen

Carpenter at 704-366-2218 or

[email protected].

Do You Enjoy Arranging Flowers? The Flower Ministry brightens lives every week

by breaking the sanctuary flowers down into

smaller arrangements and delivering them to

homebound members. If you enjoy working with

flowers, please consider volunteering with the

Flower Ministry. For more information, please

contact Karen Carpenter at 704-366-2218 or

[email protected].

Documents

January 2014 communicator