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The Communicator Published monthly by Sardis Presbyterian Church 6100 Sardis Road Charloe, NC 28270 Address Service Requested Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Charloe, NC Permit #1059 Sardis Presbyterian Church · 6100 Sardis Road · Charloe, NC 28270 · 704.366.1854 · www.sardis.org Building God’s Kingdom Through Worship Service Fellowship Evangelism Discipleship A Publication of Sardis Presbyterian Church October 2013

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Page 1: October Communicator

The Communicator

Published monthly by

Sardis Presbyterian Church

6100 Sardis Road

Charlotte, NC 28270

Address Service Requested

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Charlotte, NC

Permit #1059

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 October 2013

Page 2: October Communicator

2 Sardis Presbyterian Church ~ The Communicator ~ October 2013

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

The theme for Stewardship 2014 is “I’m In!”

We face the coming year grateful for the

grace that has brought us this far, and excited

for the journey ahead. The images on the front

of this issue of the Communicator show many of

the ways Sardis changed lives in 2013. In 2014,

with your generous support, we will:

Call an Associate Pastor for Families

Make investments in people and equipment to create transformational worship

experiences

Strengthen our commitment to mission and service.

Continue to serve, worship, and reach out in Christian love wherever God leads us.

Come hear from the Rev. Dr. Tom Long, named by Newsweek as “one of the most

effective preachers in the English-speaking world,” for a weekend of grace, grati-

tude, and generosity, presented by the Stewardship Ministry. Dr. Long is Professor

of Preaching at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology.

Saturday, November 2: Congregational dinner, followed by a possible visit from

Sardis’ favorite puppet, and a message from Dr. Long.

Sunday, November 3: One worship service at 10:00 a.m., with Dr. Long preaching.

Rev. Dr. Tom Long

NOVEMBER 2: Come be inspired!

Sardis Presbyterian Church ~ The Communicator ~ October 2013 11

October 2 Psalms 137 and 139

Tom Kort, Senior Pastor, Sardis Presbyterian Church

October 9 The Intertestamental Period

Renda Brinson, Christian Education Director, Sardis Presbyterian Church

October 16 Romans 11:33-12:2

Larry James, Pastor, Grier Heights Presbyterian Church

October 23 Ezekiel 37

Allison Barnhill, Bible leader, BSF

October 30 Jeremiah 29

Jane Fobel, Associate Pastor, Sardis Presbyterian Church

Wednesdays

Sardis House, 6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m. ~ Programs for All Ages

Participants may bring a bag dinner, beverages will be provided. There will be

no catered meal.

Advent

Devotional

“Let the little children come unto me.”

Consider Writing an Advent Devotional

This year the theme is: Making Room for Jesus: In Advent and Always. Respond to the

verse: “She gave birth to her first born son…and laid him in a manger, because there

was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7) by considering one of these prompts:

1. When I read “there was no place for them in the inn” I feel_____

because__________. or,

2. The way I/my family make room for Jesus is__________________________. or,

3. It is good news to me/to humankind that Jesus was born in a stable

because________.

Send submissions to the church office by October 21 or to Jane Fobel at

[email protected].

LOGOS has started the year with

visits from various first

responders: Fire, K-9 Police and

EMTs, and a puppet show by

Drew Allison and the Grey Seal

Puppets... And that is just the first

two weeks! There is still room if

you want to join us.

All children in Kindergarten

through 5th grade are invited. Bring

your friends!

The first semester ends December 11

with the children singing at the

annual Christmas Dinner. Contact

Renda Brinson to sign up at

[email protected].

Page 3: October Communicator

10 Sardis Presbyterian Church ~ The Communicator ~ October 2013

Thank you, Sardis, for

supporting Charlotte Family

Housing financially, as well as preparing

meals, providing childcare and serving

as overnight hosts. Charlotte Family

Housing, the merged entity of Family

Promise, WISH and Charlotte

Emergency Housing, was formed in the

summer of 2011 and since then has

continually improved to effectively move

families from homelessness to housing

and overall self-sufficiency. So far this

year, they have served over 248 families:

837 individuals, 561 of which were

children. This is a 20% increase over the

previous year. The average shelter stay

per family decreased by 25% , from 141

days to 106 days (the goal is 90 days).

The best part is that 91% of the

families who completed Charlotte

Family Housing’s housing phase

graduated within two years and

successfully maintained permanent

housing on their own without a

rental subsidy.

Sardis will host for our

last week of the year on

October 27. If you are interested

in being an overnight host,

please contact Kristen Taylor at

704-577-2147. As an overnight

host , you get to support your

fellow neighbors and get a good

night’s sleep at the same time!

There is a bedroom with a

double bed, full bathroom, TV,

and free wifi access on the first

floor for the overnight host. It’s

very comfortable!

If you would like to provide a

meal or part of a meal, please

contact Jill Smith, 704-362-3292

or [email protected].

Charlotte Family Housing

Gearing Up

For a New Season This December, we begin our new

Room in the Inn season. Room in

the Inn is a Charlotte Urban

Ministry program that provides shelter and meals for

our homeless neighbors from December through

March. Sardis has been participating in this

ministry for many years. Beginning around 6:00 p.m.

each Sunday and Wednesday night, we host up to

thirteen of our homeless neighbors at the church,

serving them dinner, enjoying social time, and

providing them with a safe, warm, comfortable place

in Sardis House to spend the night. In the morning,

we provide breakfast and a bagged lunch and then

transport them to the uptown bus depot. Each Sunday

and Wednesday, we need the participation of 15 to 20

people to support this ministry. We are currently

recruiting volunteers for a multitude of opportunities

to serve, including driving the church bus, providing

and serving meals, serving as greeters when our

neighbors arrive, participating in the social time after

dinner, spending the night (owls), and serving

breakfast (roosters). We are also recruiting to fill a

couple of vacancies for Team Leaders who coordinate

the activities for the night. Each Team Leader is

responsible for up to three nights during the season.

Many of our volunteers from past years have once

again agreed to help, but we certainly need more, and

there is ample opportunity for everyone who wants to

participate to do so. If you are interested, please email

Les Ingles at [email protected] or call 704-654-1888.

The 2013 CROP Walk will be held on Sunday, October

13. A sign-up/donation table will

be in the Gathering Place on

October 6 and 13. Those interested can donate or

join a team at www.charlottecropwalk.org. Look for

further details at www.sardis.org.

SOUP KITCHEN VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! Sardis provides support to the Soup Kitchen at the Urban

Ministry Center every fourth Saturday. We are in need of

volunteers for November 23 (the Saturday before

Thanksgiving). If you or your group would like to support

this very worthwhile ministry, please contact Sarah Tatum

at [email protected] or 434-251-9198.

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

Sardis Presbyterian Church ~ The Communicator ~ October 2013 3

On Sunday, October 27, Sardis Church will observe All Saints’ Day. In the

Reformed tradition, a “saint” is not a select individual, but rather anyone who has

tried to live a Christ-like life. During both morning worship services, the Sardis

members who died between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013 will be

remembered by name.

Richard Cromie

Julia Freeland

James Hetherington

Christopher Hood

Anne Howell

Chris Koch

Frances McLaughlin

Betty McLeod

Beverly Moss

Jane Nease

Monty Reed

Bennie Jo Reel

Katherine Rukasuwan

Robert Sherrill

Robert Simon

Gladys Wooden

Billy Woosely

Michael Youmans

“We believe that Jesus died and

rose again; and so it will be for

those who have died in Christ.

God will raise them to be with

the Lord forever. Comfort one

another with these words.”

1 Thessalonians 4

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

Taizé services follow the worship

style of the Taizé Community in

France. 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 Dr. Jane

Fobel or Rev. Alice Johnson at

704-366-1854.

Join Power Up, a prayer group that

meets monthly to pray over our Sardis

Youth program and the children and

adults involved. Beginning October 4,

we will meet the first Friday of each

month at 10:00 am in the parlor. If you

are interested in uplifting our youth

program with prayer, we welcome you

to join us. Questions? Contact Lyn

Sutterlin at [email protected].

October 13, 6:00 p.m.

Sardis Chapel

Our Church Family

Our Christian Sympathy: to

Beverly Berling in the death of

her mother Marilyn Giles;

Suzanne Weston in death of her

uncle Everette Ellington;

Loretta Grimes in the death of

her sister Una Sutton; Paige

Carroll in the death of her

grandfather Edwin Cheek; John

Waller in the death of his

step-father Jim Meyer; Patricia

Rush in the death of her

husband Robert Rush; and to

Irene Hubbard in the death of

her father, James W. Alexander.

Congratulations: to Ben and

Laura Martin on the birth of

their son, Silas Andrew Martin.

World

Communion Sunday:

October 6

Page 4: October Communicator

4 Sardis Presbyterian Church ~ The Communicator ~ October 2013

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST SARDIS MEMBERS!

These new Sardis members were recognized in the 11 am worship service on

September 29, 2013.

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

The next New Member Class begins November 3. Contact Rev. Alice Johnson if you would like information about joining Sardis at 704-366-1854 or [email protected].

Chris and Julia Lueck Chris and Julia join today by

reaffirmation of faith. They have

three children, Caroline, Elena and

Owen.

Libby Jackson Libby joins by letter of transfer. She is

retired from BB&T Insurance Agency,

and has two grown daughters.

Lo and Bill Simon William and Lois join as affiliate

members. Bill is retired from

National Belting Service, Inc. and Lo

works as an artist/designer

represented by Red Sky Gallery.

Karla Roberts

Karla joins by letter of transfer. She

is the mother of Sarah and Taylor,

both Sardis members through

Confirmation.

Garrett and Kristen Botirius Garrett and Kristen join by

reaffirmation of faith. They have a

son, Michael.

Martina and Jeff Koehler Jeff and Martina join by letter of

transfer. They have two children,

Lindsey and Michael.

John and Mary Hasty-Millen John and Mary join today by letter

of transfer. They have two children,

William and Elliott.

Sign up at www.sardis.org or in the Gathering

Place 10/6 & 10/13

Practice starts November 1

and games begin the first

weekend in December.

We played in the “Playbook

for Life” basketball league

with over 30 churches and 300 teams last year. Invite a

friend and spread the word! Interested in coaching or

have other questions? Contact Tim Little at

[email protected].

Sardis Presbyterian Church ~ The Communicator ~ October 2013 9

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

The Mission Interpretation Ministry

has plans for an adult mission trip to

Bayonnais, Haiti March 19 to 25,

2014. We have scheduled an

informational meeting on Sunday

October 27 at 5:00pm in the Sardis

House.

As with our last trip, the main

activity will be English as a second

language instruction for the middle

and high school students (training

provided), but the impact of your

presence in this community will go

far beyond teaching English. You

will befriend and encourage the

future leaders of Haiti and witness

the fruits of two decades of their

dedication and work in education,

community development, healthcare

and agronomy. You will worship

God with the participants one of the

liveliest services you have ever

attended.

On October 27 we will have a

presentation about the history of

OFCB (Organization of the Christian

Force of Bayonnais), cost projections,

health requirements, and answer all

The third quarter Sardis Blood Drive

is October 20 from 8:00 to 12:30.

HAITI MISSION TRIP MARCH 2014

If you have one hour per week, you can make a difference in the lives of the

children at Rama. The Rama staff appreciates everything Sardis has done for

them. Every year, students look forward to seeing their tutor, lunch buddy or

classroom helper return to support them. Tutoring will begin in mid-October.

Please consider giving one hour per week in one of the following ways:

Lunch buddy After-school tutor

Classroom tutor Library assistant

Office assistant Classroom assistant

Room representative Sardis tutoring

If you can help, please contact Susan Hudson at 704-366-4825 or

[email protected] .

your questions. If you can’t be

there on the 27th and are

interested in going, please

contact either Pressly Gilbert or

Sam Coleman.

All of the following went on our

2012 trip; please stop and ask

the participants if it was

meaningful and worth the

investment:

Jane Fobel

Pressley Gilbert

Steve Harmon

Claire Lucas

John Lucas

Cindy McLeod

Brenda McKay

Kay Taylor

Did you know that every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood

and that one donation can save up to three lives? Your donation can truly

make a difference! Sardis has been a strong supporter of the American

Red Cross for many years. Let’s continue that track record—Our goal this

quarter is 35 donations. Signups will be available at www.sardis.org or by

email at [email protected].

Page 5: October Communicator

8 Sardis Presbyterian Church ~ The Communicator ~ October 2013

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

The Diaconate did not meet in September.

Complete minutes are available along with archived minutes in the Library.

Session Highlights, September, 2013 Approved the following membership status changes:

Martha Anne McKnight from Affiliate Member to Member.

Kevin & Leslie Brackman to be placed on inactive roll as they have moved out of town.

Approved the baptism of Janie Parker, daughter of Scott and Carrie Warwick Parker on December 1, 2013 at the

9:00 am service.

Approved these motions from Ministries:

Christian Education: To have age-appropriate Sunday School classes for children, youth, and adults for the

summer of 2014.

Worship Ministry: To move the Contemporary Service from the Fellowship Hall to the Sanctuary on Sunday,

March 2 to allow for the Youth Auction to be held in the Fellowship Hall on Saturday, March 1 and Sunday,

March 2. Not to have the Thanksgiving Day service and breakfast this year due to diminished attendance in the

most recent years.

Approved allowing the Charlotte Secondary School to use our fellowship hall/gymnasium for their practices.

A congregational meeting will be held October 13 following the 11:00 am service for the election of Elders and

Deacons for the Class of 2016.

Continued its study of the book Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, Chapter One, Radical Hospitality.

Four suggestions from the August meeting were assigned to Session members to develop plans for

implementation. The study continued with a case study and a tour of the campus from the perspective of a first

time visitor, a child, a teenager, a mother with a baby and a person with a disability.

Sardis Ministries

Capital Repair and Replacement Mission Interpretation

Cemetery/Columbarium Personnel

Christian Education Property

Clerk’s Recreation and Sports

Community Service Sardis Gift Trust

Communications Sardis Weekday School

Congregational Life and Care Senior Link

Finance Stewardship

Food Service Worship

Fellowship Youth

Membership

Your Name:

1. Ministries you would like to be considered to serve on

(in order of preference): 2.

3.

The Clerk’s Ministry has begun its work of

selecting new ministry members for 2014.

Be a part of guiding Sardis on its journey

next year by serving on one of our ministry

teams (they are all listed at right). It’s the

number one way to meet other Sardis

members and to truly be a part of the church

and its mission.

To indicate your interest or learn more:

1. Contact Curtis Williams, Clerk of

Session at [email protected] or

704-847-3892 OR

2. Fill out the form below and return in

the offering plate or submit to the

church office.

Be a Part of Changing Lives at Sardis in 2014

Sardis Presbyterian Church ~ The Communicator ~ October 2013 5

Saturday, October 26

5:00-6:30 PM Our annual Halloween event is

Saturday; a different day this year—

but the same FUN! Bring the family

and enjoy an evening of ghoulish

games, Trunk or Treating, bounce

house, Mr. Twister-balloon artist,

cupcake walk and much more.

Ballerinas, pirates, superheroes too,

the costume contest could be all

about you! Don’t miss this

spectacular event.

Trunk Or Treat: Come show

your creative side—open your

hatchback, trunk, or tailgate,

decorate it, and hand out your candy

to adorable trick or treaters. Don’t

forget to decorate yourselves too-

costumes are optional but

encouraged. The most festive

vehicle wins a prize! For more

information and to register a vehicle,

email [email protected].

Save the Date

Sardis Annual

Christmas Dinner

“Rejoice Emmanuel”

December 11,

6:00 -7:30 pm

Join us for a

processional musical

pageantry presented by our very own

Sardis members. Registration for the

dinner will begin in November.

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

You are invited to attend! Sardis Weekday School will host a production by

the Tarradiddle Players, a touring company of the

Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, on Wednesday,

October 30 at 9:30 in Fellowship Hall. (Sponsored

by the Consignment Sale )Ministry.)

Financial Results Through August 2013

MTD Actual MTD Expected YTD Actual YTD Expected

Pledges, gifts, and other

revenue $177,703.65 $152,624.17 $1,224,585.84 $1,241,520.00

Expenses $197,605.20 $179,730.03 $1,359,280.17 $1,377,065.24

Net Total ($19,901.55) ($27,105.86) ($134,694.33) ($135,545,24)

Annual Budget: $2,062,250

August was a strong month financially, in part due to several families who paid their pledge for the year in full, but also

due to broad overall generous support of our ministries. Expenses have continued to be responsibly managed by ministry

leaders and staff, and are under budget. You can make a gift to Sardis at www.sardis.org under the “give” tab or in the

MySardis area, a link to which is at the bottom right of the web page.

Friendship Connection, a fellowship group for retirees,

meets October 15 for a trip to Korner’s Folly in

Kernersville to see the ‘Strangest House in the World.’

“No two doorways or windows are exactly alike; there are 15

different fireplaces, and ceiling heights range from 5 ½ feet to

25 feet...cubbyholes and trap doors exemplify Victorian

ingenuity.” The group will travel by church bus and

gather in the Boy Scout parking lot at 8:00 a.m.,

returning at 3:00 p.m. Admission is $10; reservations

are required by October 11 by calling 704-926-1590 or www.sardis.org.

Strangest Strangest Strangest House in the House in the House in the

WorldWorldWorld

Breakfast with Mary & Joseph

Saturday, December 7

Join us for a light breakfast,

Advent crafts, and a special

visit with some characters from

the Christmas story - including

Mary and Joseph! Registration

begins in November.

Page 6: October Communicator

6 Sardis Presbyterian Church ~ The Communicator ~ October 2013

Officer Nominees Presented to Congregation The Church Officer Nominating Committee is pleased to present biographical sketches of this year’s nominees for the

Session and Diaconate of Sardis Presbyterian Church. There will be a Congregational Meeting Sunday, October 13

immediately following the 11:00 a.m. Worship Service to vote on the nominees.

Nominees for Elder

Rob Brownlee Rob enjoys the outdoors during all seasons, especially Clemson football season! Rob currently serves at Sardis on Fellowship, FRIENDS, RITI, as Sunday school teacher, and nursery assistant. Robert has previously served at Sardis as Deacon, VC and Chair of Sports and Rec., RITI leader, Sunday school teacher and basketball coach.

Steve Benton Steve treasures family time, golfing and fishing. He currently serves at Sardis as Usher, on Fellowship and RITI, and participates in MSG. He has previously served as Deacon, on the Officer Nominating Committee and as Sunday school teacher.

Sue Chowning Sue has served at Sardis as Deacon, Elder, Usher, Moderator of the Diaconate, LOGOs Chair, Sunday school teacher, nursery assistant, member of Christian Ed., Clerk and Officer Nominating Committees, Fellowship, Food Service, Community Service, VBS and Women’s Shelter volunteer. Sue currently serves as Usher, Nursery Worker

and Women’s Shelter volunteer.

George Gallaher For generations, George and his family have enjoyed visiting the Great Lakes of Canada, where they hike, fish, and go kayaking. George has previously served at Sardis as both Deacon and Elder, with Community Service and Mission, Middle School Youth, Room in the Inn, and currently serves on the

Stewardship and Gift Trust Commission.

Pressly Gilbert Pressly enjoys spending time with his wife, at their Charlotte home. Besides fishing and enjoying Shakespeare, Pressly currently devotes his time to Sardis Mission Interpretation, Gift Trust Committee, Mustard Seed Group and Java Sunday School Class. He has traveled to Kenya, Costa Rica, and Haiti for Sardis Mission

Trips, and served as Usher and Elder.

Jenny Kaeppler Jenny enjoys riding her horse Louie and treasures memories of a family trip last year to a farmhouse in Virginia. Jenny currently serves at Sardis on the Worship Committee and on the Music Ministry Director Selection. Previously, she served as Deacon, VBS Director, on Servant Ministry, Membership , 2nd Saturday Coordinator and as MSG leader.

Pam McLean Pam grew up in the Outer Banks and enjoys sewing, reading and spending time with her grandchildren. Pam served as Deacon, Elder, Chair of Community Service and Chair of Mission Interpretation, and on Peru mission trips. She currently serves at Sardis on Personnel Ministry, and with the Rama Road Elementary School program “Planting Seeds of Hope.”

Bruce Simpson Bruce enjoys Lexington barbecue, tennis, gardening and Sudoku. He has served at Sardis as Deacon, on the Associate Pastor Search Committee, Fellowship, Sports and Rec., Membership, Stewardship, Outreach, Education and Capital Campaigns, as Sunday school teacher, basketball and softball coach, and with RITI, Habitat, and Friendships Trays. He currently serves on Personnel, as Usher,

Sunday school teacher, and as RITI and Habitat volunteer.

Lucinda Myers Lucinda enjoys shopping, reading, gardening, and old movies. She has served at Sardis as Confirmation teacher, Youth Ministry Chair, member of Christian Ed., Sardis Weekday School, Sardis House Committee, Worship, Personnel, Clerk’s Committee, Officer Nominating Committee, LOGOS and VBS teacher. She currently serves on SWDS

Ministry, VBS, RITI and as Consignment Sale volunteer.

Amanda Willis Amanda prizes home cooked meals and a quick hike to Crowder’s Mountain or a walk around the neighborhood. Amanda has served the youth of Sardis in many capacities, including Middle and High School Youth Advisor, LOGOs Table Parent, Deacon and Usher, as well as member of Sports and Rec., advisor for youth mission trips and basketball and softball coach. She currently serves as

Sunday school teacher and returning VBS teacher.

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

Sardis Presbyterian Church ~ The Communicator ~ October 2013 7

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

The nominees are respectfully submitted by the 2013 Officer Nominating Committee:

Ann Wenzl, Beth Kazer, Steve Hoots, Sallie Crossley, Wendy Solomon, Chad Tilley, Anna Tucker, Larry Tucker,

Stephanie Vanderford.

Simone Acqué Simone loves to explore new places. She has previously served at Sardis with the Women of Sardis Committee, Senior Link and Mission Interpretation, as Stephen Minister with RAIN, as Usher, Greeter, RITI and Family Promise volunteer. Simone currently serves the Rama Road program “Planting Seeds of Hope.”

Michael Champion Michael enjoys listening to music, playing the drums, and watching his kids play sports. He has served Sardis as a high school youth advisor and girls basketball and softball coach. Michael currently serves as part-time drummer for Sardis’ Celebration Singers band, assistant coach for the girls basketball team, and on

the Recreation and Sports Ministry.

Michael Oelz Mike and his wife Emily are fans of snowboarding, especially with extended family in Colorado. He also enjoys working with youth and serving the homeless. He currently serves at Sardis as a Sunday school teacher and as a volunteer for Charlotte Family Housing and Room in the Inn.

Netta Turnbull Netta enjoyed a trip to Scotland in the 80’s and has a fondness for Wing Haven in Charlotte. She has served at Sardis as Sunday school teacher, member of MSG, Lenten Breakfast Assistant, and volunteer for Crisis Assistance, Florence Crittenden and Alexanders. She currently serves on Christian Ed. and participates in Bible study and the Contemporary Issues Sunday School Class.

John Waller With his wife and two sons, John enjoys getting together with friends, visiting Carowinds and family holidays. John has served at Sardis on Mission Interpretation, Personnel and Officer Nominating Committees, as Youth Advisor for Sabbath, Sunday school teacher, and LOGOS Shepherd. He currently serves on the MSG Subcommittee

and teaches Children’s Sunday school.

Nominees for Deacon

Marilyn Dougherty Marilyn enjoys reading, needlepoint, spending time with her grandchildren, and the veggies at 131 Main. Marilyn has served at Sardis as a member of the Worship Committee, Service Committee, Task Force, and as nursery assistant. She currently serves as Usher, Greeter, “Planting Seeds of Hope,“ Angel Tree, and Women’s Shelter volunteer.

Tom Kirby Tom’s enjoys contributing his musical gifts to the Sardis Celebration Singers. He has previously served at Sardis as Usher and Sunday school teacher, on Youth Council, Property Ministry, and Worship Ministry. He currently serves as RITI Team Captain and participates in the TOM Mustard Seed Group.

Brady Koesel An avid runner in marathons and triathlons, Barry also looks forward to Oktoberfest each year. He has served at Sardis as a member of Evangelism, Fellowship, and Mustard Seed Groups, as Sunday school teacher and nursery assistant, and RITI volunteer. He currently teaches Sunday school, and serves

on Fellowship, Nursery, LOGOS.

Catherine Newman Catherine will always remember and appreciate a semester in college spent in Kenya, where she first became aware of the needs of third-world countries. Catherine has worked with VBS, Congregational Life and Care Ministry, Sunday school, Nursery and Mustard Seed Groups. She currently serves in the Preschool Sunday School and participates in MSG.

Lora Zalaquett Lora enjoys painting, crafts, gardening, and outdoor events. She has served at Sardis as a greeter, Vacation Bible School volunteer, nursery worker, and Sunday School teacher. She is currently a coordinator for the Salvation Army’s Center of Hope Women’s Shelter.