2015 Christian Education and Music Guide

Your guide to

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION AND MUSIC

There is a place for you at Sardis.

Mission Statement "Building God's Kingdom" is more than a slogan for Sardis members. It is a call to action that members of the congregation accept and accomplish by participating in local and global service opportunities.

The Sardis history is a story of people – God's people, who, through the years, have gathered together to worship God and have worked to further God's Kingdom. We are guided in that effort by the Mission Statement adopted by our Session: The mission of Sardis Presbyterian Church is to glorify God as we seek to live, express and faithfully demonstrate the Great Commandment and Great Commission of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

The Great Commandment

"Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your minds… Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and Prophets hang on these two commandments."

(Matthew 22:37-40)

The Great Commission

"Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you."

(Matthew 28:19-20)

The Purposes of the Church

We seek to advance this mission through the God-directed purposes of:

• • • • •

Worship Service Evangelism Discipleship Fellowship

Welcome to Sardis Presbyterian Church There is a place for you at Sardis! There is a place where you will be nurtured to grow in faith and discipleship!

Multiple opportunities exist for all ages, for Bible study and faith exploration. Use this booklet to find a study opportunity on Sunday mornings, or during the week, that will equip you for your walk of faith.

If you are seeking the word that will make all the difference in your life, then follow the conviction of the disciple Peter, who said to Jesus, “Lord… You alone have the words of eternal life…”

John 6:68

Worship With Us Sunday Mornings

9:00 a.m. Contemporary worship service in the Fellowship Hall.

11:00 a.m. Traditional worship service in the Sanctuary.

Sunday Sermons

The Sardis website offers free online audio of Sunday morning’s sermons. You may listen online at: sardis.org/worship/sermon-archive CDs and DVDs of the Sunday morning service in the Sanctuary are available. CDs are $3 and DVDs are $5. Contact the front office to request a copy: 704.366.1854.

New to Sardis?

If you are new to Sardis, please introduce yourself, and chat with our special deacons, Sardis pastors, and other visitors.

Please feel free to take any information available from the visitor’s table and fill out a visitor’s card so we can keep in touch.

Come and grow in your knowledge of God’s word, come and deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ and the people of God.

Visit us online at www.sardis.org

Sardis Weekday School Experience a program that embraces the child as one of God’s most complex creations. We offer a program that stimulates the intellect, challenges the body, fills the spirit, and above all, loves the child.

Toddlers

2– Day Class: Tues./Thurs.

3– Day Class: Mon./Wed./Fri. 5– Day Class: Monday-Friday

Twos

2– Day Class: Tues./Thurs.

3– Day Class: Mon./Wed./Fri. 5– Day Class: Monday-Friday

Three-Year-Olds

Four-Year-Olds

3-Day Class: Tues./Wed./Thurs 4-Day Class: Mon.-Thurs.

5– Day Class: Monday-Friday 4-Day Class: Mon.-Thurs.

5-Day Class: Mon.-Fri.

Contact Questions about Sardis Weekday School: Louise Lippi 704.366.9681 | louise.lippi@sardis.org www.sardisweekdayschool.org

KidCheck Nothing is more important to us than the safety of your children.

KidCheck is now being used in the nursery/preschool during worship hours and during Sunday School grades fifth and under.

Parents of preschool and elementary school children, please visit www.go.kidcheck.com and create your KidCheck account.

Nursery Loving arms and calming voices await our youngest attendees.

Through care, stories, and music, they will begin to learn that church is a place where they can learn of God’s love for them.

Sunday Morning Worship | 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Saturday Evening Worship | 5:30-6:15 p.m.

Preschool Sunday School Growing in Grace and Gratitude is rooted in the foundation of Presbyterian identity where God’s grace and our gratitude are the heartbeat of our faith, life, and worship. Children will learn and practice hospitality, generosity, and love – encouraging them to live their lives as an expression of God’s grace.

Sunday Mornings at 10:00 a.m.

Ages 0-2 | Preschool Room 2 Ages 3-4 | Preschool Room 5

Contact Questions about Sardis Sunday School: Renda Brinson 704.366.1854 | renda.brinson@sardis.org www.sardis.org

Elementary Sunday and Mid-Week Programs This year, kindergarten through fifth grade will have a new format and topics. Each class will be led by a team of teachers that will be with the students the entire year, and will study a topic for the nine month school year. Classes will still rotate to our specialized rooms for activities, but will have a dedicated classroom for the majority of their time.

Superheroes of the Bible - Kindergarten God uses ordinary people in the Bible to accomplish extraordinary feats. Each of these people had special traits that God could use. kindergarten students will look at the lives of both Old and New Testament people and how God used them to accomplish his purposes. Room: 201

Grade 1 - Wonderful Worshippers Our first grade students will study a worship orientation program that will be expanded to the entire year. Students will study the parts of worship, the different ways we worship, the church year and the Apostles’ Creed. Room: 210

Grade 2 - Explore the Bible The second grade students will look at the Bible as God’s treasure for us. They will explore parts of the Bible, different tools to help us understand Scripture and look at an important part of the Bible – the Ten Commandments. Room: 207

Grade 3 - Catechism These students will do a year long study of the Catechism designed by the PCUSA for students in third and fourth grades. Students discuss and learn about the answers to all the questions of the catechism, with concentration on those dealing with the Lord’s Prayer and words important to our belief. Room: 204

Zone45 is for our fourth and fifth grade students. They will be grouped together on Sunday mornings to engage in an overview of the Old Testament stories in the Fall and in the Spring they will dive into the New Testament. Zone45 will also meet once a month for a time of fellowship. This special class is designed with our ‘tweeners’ in mind. Room 205/206 LOGOS is a mid-week faith and fellowship program for children kindergarten through fifth grade. This program serves as a midweek retreat with fellowship, Bible Study and dinner each week. LOGOS students will meet on Wednesdays at 5:00-7:00 p.m. The fall semester begins on Wednesday, September 16. The cost per semester is $115. You may register and pay online by using MySardis, or download the registration form from www.sardis.org and mail it in with your payment. We hope your child will join us for this wonderful mid-week program! If you have any questions, you may contact Renda Brinson at renda.brinson@sardis.org.

Children’s Choir will be departing on an exciting adventure with this year’s program. The children’s choir will be going “around the world” and will explore music from various countries through the use of relevant games, rhythmic instruments, bells, and chimes. The young singers will learn international prayers and how other countries use music in worship. The children will be able to keep track of where we’ve stopped with their own passports! We welcome all children kindergarten through fifth grade. For a ticket to the fun, contact Kaitlyn Davros at kaitlyn.davros@sardis.org.

Confirmation Class Confirmation Class is designed for 8th grade or older students who want to explore what it means to be a member of our church.

Through retreats, classes, and working with adults, each participant will explore his or her faith and, if willing, join the church. The class runs September through May and meets Sunday mornings from 10:00-10:45 a.m.

Contact: Renda Brinson renda.brinson@sardis.org | 704.366.1854

Youth Sunday School Our youth will continue to study different books and passages in scripture, theological beliefs, and topics important to the youth of today. We are entering our second year using Spice Rack which is published by Ministry Architects.

Sunday mornings from 10:00-10:45 a.m.

Grades 6 and 7: Room 105 Grades 9 through 12: Room 102-103 Contact: Renda Brinson 704.366.1854 | renda.brinson@sardis.org

Sunday Night Fellowship Sunday Night Fellowship offers a wonderful opportunity to come and get to know others and be known. Middle school and high school have separate programs, which vary between fun activities, studies and devotions, and service work. Dinner is provided from 6:00-6:30 p.m. and a $5 donation for dinner is requested to help offset the cost of the food.

Sunday evenings from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

Contact: Adrian Martin 704.778.6432 | adrian.martin@sardis.org

Middle School Sabbath Sabbath is a mid-week opportunity for middle school youth reflection and fun. We share food then have a biblically based devotion that usually includes music and video. We end with free time for fellowship and play. Please bring $3 for dinner and join us on Wednesdays, 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the Youth Room.

High School Take A Break Tuesdays This high school time is set aside to deal with the pressures and issues facing youth today. Meeting weekly from 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. on Tuesday evenings at a local restaurant, this group will lift each other up and affirm each other. Take A Break Tuesday will include an in-depth Bible study followed by time to share what is happening in each person’s life.

Youth Choir Youth choir at Sardis is a place where we can grow musically and spiritually together. We will share in musical leadership during worship, and open up opportunities to reach out, through song, in the community. Come and explore how we can use our musical gifts as an offering to God. Youth (grades 6-12) from the congregation and community are always welcome to join us on Sunday evenings from 4:30 p.m.- 5:15 p.m. before Sunday Night Fellowship activities begin. Contact Kaitlyn Davros at kaitlyn.davros@sardis.org.

Youth Bells Have fun exploring new ways of making music while preparing pieces for worship. The Youth Bell choir is open for all middle and high school students. We will meet in the Administrative Building on Sunday evenings from 5:15 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Contact Kaitlyn Davros at kaitlyn.davros@sardis.org for more information.

Youth Praise Band We will meet weekly on Sundays at 5:15 p.m. to thoughtfully experience contemporary worship music. This group will explore inspirational scripture and song lyrics and what making this music is all about. Youth Praise is open to all youth (grades 6-12). Contact Jacob Hare at jacob.hare@sardis.org for more information.

Adult Bible Studies Wednesday evenings, 6:30- 8:00 p.m.

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 letters - I, II, and III John as well as some of Paul’s shorter letters. Room 211/212 Thursday mornings, 10:00- 11:30 a.m.

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. In the Sardis House.

Reading the Bible for Understanding A six week study that will be offered through October and November. The book for the class may be purchased for $8 from Dr. Jane Fobel by emailing jane.fobel@sardis.org.

Detailed information about the dates will be available on www.sardis.org after October 5.

The Year of the Bible The 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 deep reading the Bible. Questions?

Contact Dr. Jane Fobel at 704.366.1854 or by emailing jane.fobel@sardis.org.

Adult Sunday School Classes Crossroads | Room 213/214 Fellowship Hall A lecture discussion class, the study this fall will be the book of Acts.

Contemporary Christian Issues (CCI) | Sardis House Welcomes area speakers on a range of contemporary topics that are then explored through the lens of faith.

Robert Pharr Men’s Class | Room 215 Fellowship Hall A class for men of all ages, the study this fall will examine Daniel and I & II Samuel.

Bible Study for Women | Parlor, Sanctuary Building A class for women of all ages, the study this fall will examine the book of James.

Spirituality and Parenting | Room 211/212 Fellowship Hall A class for parents of infants through fifth graders, this class explores spiritual practices for parents and families.

Discussing Bible Books and Topics | Room 111/112 Ed. Hall This class will use the PCUSA curriculum, The Present Word, that will focus on the book of Acts this fall.

Java | Room 216 Fellowship Hall This is a round-table-discussion class that combines fellowship, prayer, and study for all adults.

Reading for Reformed Reflection | Room 217 Fellowship Hall This is a Sunday morning book group. The fall selection is Presbyterian Questions, Presbyterian Answers, by Donald McKim. Copies of the book are available for $10 through Rev. Dr. Jane Fobel.

Contact Questions about Adult Bible Study Classes: The Rev. Dr. Jane B. Fobel 704.366.1854 | jane.fobel@sardis.org www.sardis.org

Women’s Circles Circles are designed for women to join together in Bible study, fellowship, and service. They encourage one another in shared experience as woman of faith.

Women’s Circle 2 Meets twice per month, every-other Tuesday, at 9:30 a.m. in circle member’s homes. Contact Dean Bowen at bowenm23@aol.com.

Women’s Circle 3 Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 9:30 a.m. in the small dining room. Contact Lorinna Lowrance at lawlowrance@gmail.com.

Women’s Circle 4 Meets the first Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. in the small dining room. Contact Barb Tanner at btanner7039@gmail.com.

Women’s Circle 8 Meets the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in the library.

Contact Mary Ellen Thomas 704.366.8278.

Mustard Seed Groups Mustard Seed Groups are Sardis’ small group ministry. People meet for fellowship, Bible study, service projects, and prayer. The groups are led by a trained leader. Each group chooses the topic of its study and the nature of its service or outreach projects.

For more information about the Mustard Seed Groups, please pick-up a brochure in the Narthex or Gathering Place, or visit our website at www.sardis.org.

New Members Class Put down some roots at Sardis! New Member Classes are held beginning the first Sundays in September, November, January, March and May. If you are interested in becoming a member at Sardis Presbyterian Church, please contact The Rev. Alice A. Johnson at 704.366.1854 or at alice.johnson@sardis.org.

Adult Musical Opportunities

Alpha Ringers Alpha Ringers is Sardis’ first handbell choir. Currently, there are openings in this ensemble. Only a simple understanding of music is necessary to join the Alpha Ringers. The “nuts and bolts” of bell ringing and music reading can be taught to those who may be new to ringing. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. If you are interested in joining Alpha Ringers, please contact Jared Daugherty at 704.366.1854 or jared.daugherty@sardis.org.

Coventry Ringers Coventry Ringers is an accomplished handbell choir that rings in our 11:00 a.m. worship service. The Coventry Ringers participate in the annual Mid-Carolinas Handbell Festival. If you are interested in joining the Coventry Ringers, please contact Jared Daugherty at 704.366.1854 or jared.daugherty@sardis.org.

Sanctuary Choir The Sanctuary Choir enjoys coming together weekly to prepare anthems for our 11:00 a.m. worship service. The singers appreciate the opportunity to learn more extended choral works and participate in community events. If you enjoy singing and would like more information on joining the Sanctuary Choir, please contact Jared Daugherty at 704.844.1854 or jared.daugherty@sardis.org or Kaitlyn Davros at kaitlyn.davros@sardis.org.

Classroom Map Dining Room

215

213 214

211 212

Lobby 216

217

Fellowship Hall FELLOWSHIP

HALL

Second Floor

Children’s Library

Adult’s Library

111- 109 107 112 110 108

209

208 207

210

206

106 Education Hall

105

104 101

102-103

Education Hall Second Floor

205

204 219 201

202 203

1= Chapel

Fellowship Hall

2= Parlor

Cemetery

Parking

Administration Building

3= Narthex

3

Sanctuary

1 2

Education Hall

Sardis Road

Parking

Play Area

PreSchool

Sardis House

g Parkin

Campus Map

6100 Sardis Road Charlotte, North Carolina 28270 704.366.1854 www.sardis.org