The Communicator | November 2020

THE COMMUNICATOR THE COMMUNICATOR

November 2020

A monthly publication of Sardis Presbyterian Church · Charlotte, North Carolina

Exploring Faith. Changing Lives. ● Praise ● Learn ● Love ● Serve ● Share ● Witness The Communicator ~ November 2020

Church Life

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

Indoor Worship Begins November 1

Welcome back! Sardis is returning to indoor worship beginning Sunday, November 1 , at 9 a.m. in the Fellowship Hall and 11 a.m. in the Sanctuary.  Visit www.sardis.org to make your reservations each week. Should you be unable to make a reservation before

the cutoff, you are still welcome to come, and deacons on duty will be happy to see if spaces remain under the limits.  Attendance is limited to 100 persons for 9 a.m. and 75 persons for 11 a.m. including worship leaders, ushers,

and special duty deacons.  Seating will be socially distanced, although you may sit with others living

in your home.  Please enter through the Gathering Place for 9 a.m. and the Porte Cochere

entrance for 11 a.m. Other entries will not be available.  Park in the Sanctuary lot for easy access to worship entry.  We will not be offering a nursery at this time.  On days we celebrate communion, individually packaged communion

elements will be available at the entrance.  Face coverings will be required. Temperatures will be taken upon entry.

Should you not feel well or are unable to wear a face covering, we invite you to worship with us online.  Offering baskets will be available at the exits.

What I’m Thankful For

Josh Cook

As we round the corner into November, a lot of the focus gets put on what we are most thankful for. But this year, things are a little different. In a year where politics have left the country divided, a pandemic has swept the nation and the world, and many people in our city, our state and our country are hurting, it’s been a little more difficult to overflow with things we are thankful for.

For many, this has been a trying year. One that has left people without a job, without a way to see friends and family, and for some, without a loved one. This year has been tough, and sometimes it’s hard to find things we can be thankful for in the midst of everything that is happening around us.

But even in the hardest of times, the ministry of Sardis Presbyterian Church keeps on going. Sardis is still using its resources, volunteers (maybe even you!) and connections to impact people’s lives. And many of those people are getting the help they need, in a year they need it most.

So this year, I’m thankful for you – the person that gives of your time and resources to Sardis Presbyterian Church in order to see other’s lives changed. I’m thankful for your sacrifice through these hard times. And I’m thankful for your commitment to your faith, which will always be with us through the good times and the bad.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart.

2 The Communicator ~ November 2020

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

Church Life

Sardis Staff Spotlight—Kaitlyn Davros and Rev. Katie Harrington!

I am Kaitlyn Davros and I am the Interim Director of Traditional Music after having

been the Associate Director of Music here for over six years. Working with John, I’ve enjoyed bringing you ʺinto the choir loftʺ these past few months as I help lead the musical aspects of 11 a.m. worship. It is such a joy to direct the Childrenʹs Choir, Agape Singers (youth choir) and Jubilate Ringers (youth bells) and I am excited to lead the Sanctuary Choir and adult bell choirs as well as continue to create excitement and growth in our music department. Recently, I have been learning all about audio mixing and other programs so that we can continue to bring our choirs together, virtually.

Originally from Michigan, my husband Nick and I moved here in 2014 from Rifle, Colorado. We were blessed with Kinsley, our daughter, who is 16 months old and we also have an energetic black lab, Harbaugh. In case that doesnʹt give anything away, we are huge football fans (Go Blue!). In all reality, I love almost every sport and activity: running, basketball, swimming, hiking, and sailing is one of my favorites! Fun fact: Nick moved us in all by himself in Charlotte, to our third floor apartment, so I could crew on a sailboat in the Port Huron ‐ Mackinac Race which took about 40 hours. I enjoy traveling so we try to take two weeks to go somewhere different (Peru, Hawaii, who knows where next) and have different adventures ‐ cliff diving, feeding bears, etc. that our family and friends have recommended. We have an adventure board in our house ‐ let me know if I should add one! In my spare time, I am a fitness instructor at Pure Barre. It is such a blessing in every part of my life to walk beside children, youth, and adults as they navigate their faith and wellness journeys.

Hello! I am Katie Harrington, the Associate Pastor for Families here at Sardis. It has been such a joy and privilege to serve with you in ministry at Sardis for nearly six years now! During that time, Sardis has experienced a lot of pastoral staff transitions, so I have enjoyed a variety of responsibilities. Currently, I serve as the staff person for the Faith Formation, Life and Care, and Membership Ministries. I also do a lot of pastoral care, funerals, and preaching and praying for worship, as well as serving on the Session, and working with our wonderful staff! One thing I love about my job is that every day is different, and I really enjoy learning people’s stories and connecting people to God, to one another, to our ministries in the church, and to the community.

Outside of Sardis, I am also very active in the Presbytery of Charlotte. I currently serve on the Committee on Representation, which is the nominating committee for the presbytery, and the Anti‐Racism Ministry Team. I enjoy getting to know pastors and elders in other churches in the presbytery, and learning how we can learn from one another, and work together in ministry.

I have been married to Todd for thirteen years, and we have two crazy and wonderful kids, Max who is in sixth grade, and Josie who is in third grade. We also have a dog, Tasha, who you may have met if you have been on a Zoom with me! As a family, we love to hike, particularly at Ann Springs Close Greenway, and I enjoy running and practicing yoga. I’m also an avid reader and would love recommendations for new books to read!

The Communicator ~ November 2020 3

Church Life

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

Christmas Tree Order Form

Christmas Tree Sale 6’ $35 · 7’ $45 · 8’ $55 · 9’ $70

Order Deadline: Sunday, November 22 Payment: No Cash. Checks made out to Foster Farms only Name: __________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________

Download the order form at www.sardis.org

Order Deadline: Sunday, November 22

Pick‐up on December 2

________________________________________ Phone: _________________________________________ Please indicate the quantity next to the size tree(s) you would like: 6’ = $35 quantity: ________ 7' = $45 quantity: ________ 8’ = $55 quantity: ________ 9’ = $70 quantity: ________

10:30 a.m. ‐ 11:30 a.m.

In the Main Parking Lot

TOTAL AMOUNT DUE: $

________

Make checks payable to FOSTER FARMS and attached to this form.

Your order of these fresh‐cut trees help to defray the

cost of having our beautiful Chrismon tree delivered.

Mail order form and check to: Sardis Presbyterian Church Attn: Christmas Tree Orders, 6100 Sardis Road Charlotte, NC 28270

Session Highlights can be found at www.sardis.org under the News & Events tab.

September Financial Highlights Thank you for contributing to Christ’s work through Sardis Presbyterian Church

Pledges, gi s, and other revenue Expenses Net Total

September

September expected

This year so far

This year so far expected

$109,386.62

$130,766.66

$1,507,537.14

$1,419,549.94

$148,578.32 ($39,191.70)

$193,476.94 ($62,710.28)

$1,308,376.79 $199,160.35

$1,471,826.97 ($52,277.03)

Annual Budget: $2,026,250

Our Church Family Our Sympathy: to the family of Eleanor Baugher; to Vicky Hovis on the death of her father, JC Rowe; to Rick Thames on the death of his father, James (Marvin) Thames; to the family of Jane Jackson; to the family of Bess Peterson.

Congratulations: to Brenda & Chuck McKay on the birth of their grandson, Alexander Pierce Miraglia; and to Jason Long upon his marriage to Michele Carmona on October 10, 2020 in Charleston, SC. Parents are Joyce & Randy Long.

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Missions Ministry

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

Winter clothing is needed for women at Doveʹs Nest.

Angel Tree Is Virtual for 2020

If you have womenʹs

No doubt about it, everything about 2020 is

winter clothing youʹd like

different, including Angel Tree. We are going

to donate, please contact

virtual! We are using Sign Up Genius (SUG) to

Jeff Glenn at 704.334.4635

facilitate picking Angels, instead of our customary

ext. 237 for details.

in‐person Christmas tree.

Starting on Sunday, November 8, you will find a link

Christmas Alternative Gift Market

in the Sunday bulletin, taking you directly to our

Opens Online on November 29!

you sign into to SUG, you will find all the

The 2020 Christmas Alternative Gift Market will appear on the Sardis website beginning Sunday morning, November 29! This year, due to COVID‐19 restrictions, the AGM will be displayed in a virtual format only. The 2020 AGM will feature seven ministries, including one

virtual tree where you can select your angel. When information you need about the angels, including age, sex and gift suggestions. Access to these links will continue in the Wednesday emails or you can also find the link by going directly to the church website. The last day to deliver your gifts back to the church will be December 6.

local agency, which will be new to Sardis this year. Plan

to do your Christmas shopping at the AGM online this

If you are unable to shop, but would still like to help

year, by making a donation to one of the mission

with Angel Tree, we will also be accepting

agencies. Again this year, you may make a donation in

donations. Go to the church website to find out how

honor or memory of a friend or loved one.

you can give. Your gifts will bring much needed

Acknowledgement cards will be available. Watch for

Christmas joy to some our special friends at Rama

more information on the

Road Elementary School. Thank you for once again

website and in the December

supporting this wonderful

Communicator.

tradition of giving at Sardis.

Thank You · Merci Beaucoup · Messi Anpil

Hallelujah for Haiti is a big success! We raised $22,000 for food, health care, and education for the people of Bayonnais.

If you missed the event, you can still view the photos and videos by going to www.facebook.com/hallelujahforhaiti. You can also still contribute by sending a check to Friends Empowering Haiti PO Box 34563 Charlotte, NC 28234‐4563. If you have questions, please contact Brenda McKay (brendamckay58@yahoo.com).

The Communicator ~ November 2020 5

Youth ministry

“…set an example for the believers…” 1 Timothy 4:12.

Corn Maze!

The Youth Ministry will travel to Aw Shucks Farm to enjoy the corn maze! The middle school students will meet there on Saturday, November 7 from 7:00‐ 9:00 p.m. and the high school students will meet on Saturday, November 14, also from 7:00‐9:00p.m.

Students need to get themselves there and bring the $11 entrance fee. The rest of the family may also come and join us on our adventure!

If you have questions or want to sign up, please contact Adrian Martin.

21‐Day Racial Equity Challenge

Sunday Night Fellowship

All youth are encouraged to join Adrian as we examine

Join our Sunday Night Fellowship program from 5:00‐

what racial equity would look like. We will meet in

6:00 p.m. Middle school meets the second and fourth

person four times as we explore racial equity and

Sundays of the month (November 8 and 22) and high

justice.

school meets the first and third Sundays of the month

Please

contact

Adrian

Martin

at

adrian.martin@sardis.org if you would like to be a part.

(November 1 and 15).

Each night, we will play some games and participate in a devotion on the Scripture that was used for the

Desk Building

On Saturday, October 17, the Youth Ministry came

sermon.

Come be a part of your church family!

together to build 11 desks for students in Charlotte‐ Mecklenburg School System that did not have one at their house. In this time of remote learning, it is important to have a space set up where you may focus on your school work. These desks will give students the opportunity to do that! Thank you to the 18 people who came and helped make 11 students studying at home easier!

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“Let the little children come unto me.”

Children’s Fall Schedule

Join us for fellowship and faith formation  Elementary Sunday School on Zoom at 10 a.m.  Childrenʹs Choir (in person) on Sunday afternoons at 3:15 p.m.  *New* Preschool Story Time on Tuesday afternoons at 3:30pm

(check preschool email for Zoom links) starting November 10th  Elementary Story Exploration Zoom on Wednesday evenings at 6 p.m.

First Fall Outdoor Movie Night—A Blast!

We had so much fun at our first ever fall outdoor family movie night! Thanks to all who came out and especially to the Fellowship team for helping make the magic happen!

Keep a lookout in Sarah Dianneʹs family emails for information about ways to celebrate Advent as a family!

Sardis Weekday School Updates

The Sardis Weekday School is open and thrilled to be back with in person learning. Our staff, students, and families are acclimating to being back for the 2020‐2021 school year. We are thankful to all the ministries who made our reopening possible.

We are truly the Preschool with Heart.

Please spread the word: we have space available in our classes for enrollment. You can contact elizabeth.angerson@sardis.org for more information.

The Communicator ~ November 2020 7

The Communicator

Non‐Profit Org.

Published monthly by

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Sardis Presbyterian Church

Charlotte, NC

6100 Sardis Road Charlotte, NC 28270 www.sardis.org

2020‐2021 Confirmation Class

Matthew

Mary Claire

Carpenter

Davidson

Maran Gieser

Mia Hall

Trevor Smith

Trey Dean

Evan

James Denny

Luke Gieser

Elliott Millen

Jordan Moore

Deerkoski

Lillian Jebram

Kate Topham

Owen Lueck

Lucas

Ramsey

Van Dyke

Williams

Martha Tucker

8 The Communicator ~ November 2020