2015 February Communicator

ENRICHMENT SERIES

A weekend for Christian Education.

A Weekend with Richard Boyce Saturday, February 21, 2015 – Sunday, February 22, 2015 A special time of reflection and engagement for adults and older youth is planned for the first weekend of the Lenten season, Saturday evening, February 21 and Sunday, February 22. The Rev. Dr. Richard Boyce, Dean and Professor of Practical Theology at Union Presbyterian Seminary, Charlo,e Campus will be with us at Sardis. Dr. Boyce is an energetic and engaging leader who regularly joins humor and biblical scholarship to inspire and illuminate. A program of stories, crafts and games for our elementary age children will be offered during the program times. Childcare will be provided for infants and preschoolers.

The weekend schedule will be: February 21, Saturday evening:

February 22, Sunday morning through early afternoon:

6 p.m. – Dinner

9 a.m. – Session 2 – all older youth and adults join in a joint Sunday School class

7 – 8 p.m. – Session 1

10 a.m. – One Worship service – Richard Boyce preaching 11:15 a.m. – Lunch 12:15 p.m. – Session 3

The theme for the weekend is “From Mourning to Marching,” From grief to hope… from Lent to Easter…

We will celebrate the hope that holds us and empowers us before any darkness.

Cost: $12 person –Saturday dinner; $8 – Sunday lunch; Children 5th grade and younger are FREE Register online, register in the Gathering Place February 1, 8, and 15, or return the form below to the church office, a,ention Heather Eddy. Reservation deadline is Tuesday, February 17.

Names of persons a(ending program:

2

Saturday Dinner Adults/older youth: $12 per person Number a,ending______

Sunday Lunch Adults/older youth: $8 per person Number a,ending______

Children 5th grade and younger, FREE Number a,ending______

Children 5th grade and younger, FREE Number a,ending______

Saturday Program Adults - Number a,ending______ Older youth - Number a,ending______

Sunday Program Adults - Number a,ending______ Older youth - Number a,ending______

Elementary children participating in the Saturday program, names and ages:

Elementary children participating in the Sunday program, names and ages:

Infants and preschools needing childcare, names and ages:

Infants and preschools needing childcare, names and ages:

Transportation needed at Plantation Estates_________

Transportation needed at Plantation Estates_________

The Communicator ~ February 2015

Church Life

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

Welcome New Members!

Dr. Fun to Entertain Friendship Connection The Friendship Connection is a fellowship group for retirees and meets on the third Tuesday of the month for a program and lunch. Our February program will be led by Pat Ba,aglia, aka Dr. Fun. He is a former rocket

Ann Bibby Ann is retired from Bank of America and joined Sardis by Le,er of Transfer from Trinity Presbyterian Church in Charlo,e.

scientist turned author of lighthearted brain games. The games are definitely not rocket science; they’re fun! His books are sold nationwide and have been endorsed by Be,y White, Jeff Foxworthy, and others. Pat comes dressed in his Dr. Fun costume and his presentation is one that will make you think, smile, and laugh out loud.

On, Tuesday, February 17, the program will begin at 11 a.m. in the Sardis House, followed by lunch ($8/person).

Reservations are necessary for lunch and need to be

Maurice Moore

made by noon on Friday, February 13. Register online

Maurice joined by Le,er of Transfer from First Presbyterian Church in Buford, SC. His son, Moby Moore, and family are also members here at Sardis.

at www.sardis.org or call 704.926.1590. Questions?

Contact Rev. Alice Johnson at 704.366.1854 or email alice.johnson@sardis.org.

Stewardship: A Year-Round Blessing

-George Galleher

Although the official stewardship season at Sardis is in the fall, the act of stewardship is really year round. The pledge that you made in the fall is your commitment to Sardis. It is your promise to support the many amazing and life-changing ministries at Sardis, both those ministries that touch the lives of our own Sardis members and visitors and those ministries that reach out to the Charlo,e community, our nation, and other parts of the world.

You will be supporting these ministries throughout the year as you faithfully fulfill your pledge. However, your pledge is really about more than just supporting the ministries of Sardis. Stewardship is a response in gratitude to God’s grace. As you fulfill your promise this year, we thank you for your commitment to God and for being a blessing to the ministries of Sardis.

If you haven’t pledged yet, it’s not too late! You can pledge online, by placing a pledge card in the offering plate, or by mailing a pledge card to the church office. We hope you will consider making a financial commitment to God’s work at Sardis in response to God’s faithfulness to you.

Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

2 Corinthians 9:7

The Communicator ~ February 2015

3

Church Life

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

A Gift Has Been Received from the Estate of Maida Frye A gift has been given to Sardis from the estate of Maida Frye, who died in December of 2013. For many years she was a teacher at Eastover Elementary School.

She was a member at Sardis for 52 years and served in numerable ways. She was elected a deacon and an elder, was active in the Christian Education ministries, served as a Room-in-the-Inn captain, tutored at Rama Road Elementary, participated in local and international mission trips, and served at the Salvation Army Women’s Shelter. Maida was extremely active in the music ministry at Sardis. She was a member of the Sanctuary Choir for over 40 years, rang in Alpha Ringers, from 1977 – 1987 was a chaperone for youth a,ending the Worship and Music Conference in Montreat, directed the middle school youth choir, assisted with the Children’s Choir, assisted with direction of the Sanctuary Choir, and directed a chime choir for the Friendship Club.

The gift from her estate was designated in a way that reflects Maida’s service at Sardis. The major portion of the estate, 75% has been given to the Music Ministry for the purchase of a piano for the Sanctuary. The remaining 25% has been directed to mission.

A piano has been purchased and is now in the Sanctuary. It is a Mason & Hamlin 7’ Grand Piano, Model BB. It was originally built in 1912 and has been beautifully restored, by Alexandar Brusilovsky of Richmond, Virginia in 2014, with a refinished mahogany case, new spruce soundboard, maple pinblock and bridges, composite action, and keys made of bone and ebony, to the level of a new piano.

According to Mason & Hamlin, this Model BB has redefined what a 7’ piano should be, with a substantial tone and perfectly balanced scale.

A dedicatory recital will be given at a future date.

Maida’s family directed that the portion of the gift for mission be used to support the OFCB Ministries School in Haiti. A designated fund will be established as the “Maida Frye Haiti Education Fund.” Mission Interpretation will disperse a monthly gift, through Friends of OFCB Ministries, to the school’s operation fund, until all funds are used.

We are grateful to Maida’s estate for this gift and rejoice in the ways that this gift will keep on giving. For years to come the music from the piano will inspire our worship of God and the gift of education for children in Haiti will transform countless lives. These gifts will be a joyful reminder of Maida’s gracious spirit for whom no job was too unimportant or unappealing, if it was the job needed to be done to serve Jesus Christ. To God be the Glory!

4

The Communicator ~ February 2015

Church Life

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

Festival of Church Music 2015

Hope College Chapel Choir March 14 & 15

Sunday, February 22 at 7 p.m.

Covenant Presbyterian Church · Charlo,e, NC

The Chapel Choir of Hope College will perform in concert at Sardis on Saturday, March 14, at 7 p.m. We are

Join us for a 90-minute ecumenical of the second

incredibly excited about hosting this 40-member auditioned

(biannual) Festival of Church Music. This choral

college chorus that has toured extensively throughout

event features Dr. Eric Nelson, highly regarded

many countries. The 11:00 worship service on Sunday

conductor

morning, March 15, will be enhanced with the participation

and

composer,

and

Dr.

Paul

Westermeyer, Professor Emeritus, cantor and

of the Hope College ensemble as our guest choir.

liturgist. Also featured is organ accompaniment, a brass ensemble, and a 200-voice choir from our

If you are interested in hosting

and other churches.

two or more college students for the one night they are in Charlo,e,

Tickets are available at h,p://tix.cpcc.edu. Don’t

please

wait, only 900 seats are available!

kaitlyn.davis@sardis.org.

email

Kaitlyn

at

Adults $10 · Students > 12 yrs $5 · Children are free

Wanting to Make a Joyful Noise?

Join one of the many programs offered by the Music Ministry at Sardis! From children’s choir to sanctuary choir to contemporary worship, Sardis has it all!

Here are just a few of the opportunities Sardis has available: SANCTUARY CHOIR Thursday, 7:30–9 p.m. · Jared Daugherty The Sanctuary Choir includes people of diverse musical backgrounds. The Choir has the principal responsibility for the choral music of the 11 a.m. Sunday worship service from September through June.

CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP ENSEMBLE Tuesday, 6:30–8 p.m. · Jacob Hare The Contemporary Worship Ensemble enjoys coming together weekly to prepare music for the contemporary worship service.

CHILDREN’S CHOIR Thursdays 5:30 – 6:15 p.m. YOUTH CHOIR Sundays, 5 – 6 p.m. · Kaitlyn Davis Singing in a children’s choir is one of the first opportunities a child has to serve God in the church. This choir is planned for children in Kindergarten – 5th grade, and they sing once a month at the 11 a.m. worship service from October through May. The Youth Choir welcomes all singers, who are in 6th – 12th grades. If you would like more information on when we will meet for our next rehearsal, contact Kaitlyn Davis.

Please contact any of the members of the Music Staff, Jared Daugherty, Kaitlyn Davis, Jacob Hare, or John Nipe, at 704.366.1854 for more information on these or other music opportunities at Sardis.

The Communicator ~ February 2015

5

Church Life

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

Lenten Devotional Booklet: Into the Wilderness h

This Lent, Sardis will be joining with disciples across the country in using a devotional booklet prepared by the Society of St. Andrews. The Society of St. Andrews (SoSA) is a non-profit organization commi,ed to ending hunger and organizing gleaning projects throughout the US. This booklet features daily scripture readings, devotional reflections, and prayers for the 40 days and seven Sundays leading up to Easter. The theme is based on Ma,hew 4:1-11, Jesusʹ temptations in the wilderness. The writers are 47 people of faith, laypersons and pastors, from across the United States who focus on times their faith has been tested and ways they have felt Godʹs presence in their wilderness experiences.

Set aside a few minutes each day from Ash Wednesday (February 18) to Easter (April 5) as a spiritual discipline, to focus throughout the season on your own needs for forgiveness and renewal.

Copies of the devotional will be available in the Sanctuary Narthex and the Gathering Place in the Fellowship Hall. Paper-saving alternatives include daily e-votions (emailed devotions) and e-books, available at endhunger.org/lent.htm.

Lenten Study “Transformed by the Holiest Week” On Wednesday evenings, February 25 – March 25, the church staff will lead a Bible Study on the theme, “Transformed by the Holiest Week.” Each week a key event from Holy Week will be considered with reflection on what that particular event teaches us about how we have been transformed by the Holiest Week.

The class will meet from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. and will gather in Room 211/212.

The schedule is as follows: February 25 – Leader: Jane Fobel Luke 19:29-40 (Palm Sunday); Cheering Crowd or Servants?

March 4 - Leader: Katie Harrington Mark 14:1-11 (Woman anoints Jesus, Judas’ betrayal foretold); Anointing or Betraying?

March 11 – Leader: Alice Johnson John 14 (Jesus at the Table with his disciples); Living as Orphans or Spirit Filled?

March 18 – Leader: Renda Brinson Mark 15:1-15, 25-39 (Trial before Pilate and crucifixion); Cursing or Professing?

March 25 – Leader: Tom Kort Luke 24:1-35 (Resurrection and Road to Emmaus); Embracing Good News!

6

The Communicator ~ February 2015

Church Life

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

MSG for Grieving Women

Sardis Prayer Chain

ʺHealing Heartsʺ is a Mustard Seed Group for women

Did you know that you have

who have experienced the death of a spouse or a child.

some

The women in the group would like to share their

waiting to share

support and friendship with others who have

prayer concerns? In Romans

experienced this loss. We meet on the first and third

15:30 Paul asked the church to

Monday of each month from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. in the

“join me in my struggle by

Sardis House lobby. The loss doesnʹt have to be a

praying to God for me.”

recent one, and we welcome all women who feel this would be helpful to them.

helpers

at

Sardis in your

And that’s the reason for our prayer group. We want to join in your struggle when life presents you with

If you would like to speak with someone before

overwhelming situations. You may either call the

making your decision to come to the group, you may

church office at 704.366.1854 to speak with one of our

contact Vicka Conder Dohmann at 704.236.3089 or

pastors, or you may call Cynthia Harrison at

vickaconder@icloud.com.

704.846.7388 and give her your prayer request. Then she will notify our prayer chain who will immediately begin to pray for whatever you are bringing before the Lord. These requests are only shared among our prayer group and are strictly confidential.

Psalm 86:7 promises us, “In the day of my trouble, I will call to You, for You will answer me.”

Save the Date for the Women’s

It’s Cold and Flu Season

Spring Dinner—April 28 Soon we will have Touch-free Hand Sanitizing Stations in the Narthex and

We welcome to the Women’s

Gathering Place during cold and flu

Spring Dinner guest speaker Neil

seasons. There are wall dispensers in the

Carmichael. A fellow writer of

educational

round.

Robert Whitlow, Mr. Carmichael

Please feel free to use these as you enter

has wri,en several books, the

the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall as we

most recent being “His Peace For

strive to share the Gospel and the love

Your Life.”

classrooms

year

of Christ with one another, but not our germs.

Neil Carmichael is an engaging and inspirational speaker that you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars now, and

look

to

future

Communicators

for

more

information. Hope to see you there!

The Communicator ~ February 2015

7

Church Life

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

January Session Highlights Approved by Session: •

Annual Congregational Meeting on February 15, immediately following the 11 a.m. service.

•

The following baptisms: • Asher Miller, son of Chris and Rikki Miller, at the 11 a.m. service on January 25.

• Hazel McLean, daughter of Brian and Mamie McLean, at the 11 a.m. service on March 8.

•

The addition of Brady Koesel and Lora Zalaque, to the 2015 Officer Nominating Commi,ee as Deacon representatives.

•

The following Worship Ministry recommendations: •

One combined 10 a.m. service on April 19, Community Service’s “Give One Day” program for church members to volunteer for community service opportunities.

• One combined 10 a.m. service from Sunday, June 14 through Sunday, September 6.

• A change in Communion Sunday from July 19 to July 12, as July 19 is VBS Sunday.

•

The election of Corporation Officers from Clerk of Session: President- Jeanne Hammons; Vice President- Jennifer Childers (Director of Administration); Treasurer- Jerry Reed; Assistant Treasurers- John Hovis and Karen Carpenter; Secretary- Tim Eichenbrenner; Assistant Secretary- Robin Medlock (Executive Assistant to Senior Pastor).

•

The Stewardship Ministry recommendation that Youth be allowed to conduct a car wash on March 1, with proceeds to go to the support of the Great Escape and Beach Retreats.

•

The Finance Ministry’s proposed 2015 budget of $2,266,000.00.

Congregational Meeting

2015 Communion Schedule

The session has called our Annual Congregational Meeting for Sunday, February 15, immediately

January 25 · February 18

following the 11 a.m. worship service. The purpose of

April 2 · May 24

the meeting is to receive the Annual Report and to

July 12 · August 30

vote on changes in terms of call for the ordained staff.

This will also serve as the annual meeting of the corporation.

Copies of the Annual Report will be

October 4 · November 29 December 24

available in the Narthex, Gathering Place and on www.sardis.org by February 8.

Our Church Family Our Christian Sympathy: to Phil Kazer upon the death of his mother, Velma Kazer, to Jean Wood upon the death of her mother, Mary Malarz, to John Tallent, upon the death of his father John Tallent Jr., to the family of Jane Hodges, to Alice Cauble upon the death of her brother, John Owen Harkey, to the family of Phyllis Baer, to Debbie Coffield upon the death of her nephew, Larry Brantley, to Cynthia Perry on the death of her mother, Cynthia Wallace, and to staff member Nikki Livingston on the death of her grandmother, Joyce Hudspeth.

8

The Communicator ~ February 2015

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

Church Life

December Financial Highlights December

December Expected

This year so far

This year so far expected

Pledges, gifts, and other revenue

$335,303.69

$302,283.37

$2,119,314.17

$2,129,993.00

Expenses

$255,930.71

$174,972.37

$2,064,878.94

$2,129,993.00

Net Total

$79,372.98

$127,311.00

$54,435.23

$0.00

Annual Budget: $2,129,993 The Session would like to thank you for your generosity and faithfulness this past year. Almost 95% of the dollars pledged were received and, in addition, there were unpledged gifts and gifts above and beyond pledges. That, together with responsible management of expenses, enabled us to end 2014 with a budget surplus of almost $55,000. In addition, we want to be certain you are aware of how blessed we feel that in addition to monetary gifts, more than 250 of you give of your time and talents by serving on ministries, in the choir, teaching Sunday School, as youth advisors and in many other ways helping Sardis to continue that commitment to serve God in and from this place as we have for the past 225 years.

The Stewardship Campaign resulted in anticipated pledged income of $1,862,000. While that is an increase in pledged giving, it is important to realize that we now have a full staff, a fact that is a source of much delight and anticipation. These ministry leaders are working hard to support, a,ract, and retain young families as well as provide powerful and inspirational worship. The salaries for these much needed leaders will be full-year for the first time this year which creates a large addition to our budgeted expense.

The budget approved by the Session for 2015 reflects your expressed desire for expanding ministry. It is important to note in the budget process that all ministries other than Personnel received at least the same allocation of funds that they actually spent last year. We are especially pleased that this is true of the Mission Ministry and that it also has additional funds available through previously given designated funds.

For those who are interested, a full copy of the 2015 budget will be available by contacting the church office and a summary will also be included as information in the 2014 Annual Report.

Again, please know how grateful we are for your continued giving of your money, your time, your talents, and most certainly for your prayers, as we seek together to express the true meaning of discipleship.

Sincerely, Jeanne Hammons

Frank Wilson

George Gallaher

Clerk of Session

Finance Ministry Chair

Stewardship Ministry Chair

Sardis Walkers - Join a group of dedicated walkers at 7 a.m. every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday in the Fellowship Hall for comfortable temperatures, fellowship, and good exercise. Walk at your own pace and watch the distance add up as you complete the ½ mile treks around the 1st floor. Email Susan Hudson at sue24shaw@gmail.com for more info on how you can start walking with the group!

The Communicator ~ February 2015

9

Lay Ministry

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

THANKS ONCE AGAIN, SARDIS! The

generous

contributions

of

Sardis

members

to

the

Alternative Gift Market have allowed us to meet the increasing demands for the backpack program at Rama Road Elementary School.

This program gives children at risk of hunger a supply of food to take home over the weekend. The numbers have grown, and we are now able to ensure that children identified by the school won’t be hungry on the weekends.

Many thanks, also, to the members of the church who make this run so well by picking up the backpacks from the Second Harvest Food Bank and delivering them

Sue Wilson delivers 40 backpacks to Rama Road Elementary School

to the school each week. Their dedication makes it possible for this program to continue.

Volunteer with Habitat A new Habitat for Humanity Ma,hews home is going up and we need all hands on deck! Sign up for a volunteer shift at www.sardis.org. This is a great opportunity to make an impact in your own community. The build site is 309 Linden Street, Ma,hews, NC 28105.

This will be the home of Kuete family. Brigi,e and Jonas Kuete have five children who live with them ages 12 years old to 21 years old.

Going Shopping?

This is a great opportunity to volunteer with your family, Room In The Inn needs the following for our neighbors:

need any special skills or tools, just a willingness to learn and

•

Womenʹs Underwear: small and medium

•

Menʹs Underwear: large and extra large

•

Menʹs and Womenʹs White Socks: medium and large

•

Mustard Seed Group, circle, choir, or by yourself. You don’t a smile!

IMPORTANT: Before your volunteer shift, please fill out the Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Waiver online. The form can be

Menʹs and Womenʹs Undershirts: small,

accessed via a link at www.sardis.org.

medium, large.

If you have any questions about volunteering, contact Dan These items can be dropped off in the bins in the Education Hall (the hall outside of Heather and Rendaʹs offices). Thank you!

10

Norman at dannorman@northstarvillages.com. You can also volunteer to help with lunches by contacting Susan Hudson at sue24shaw@gmail.com.

The Communicator ~ February 2015

“Let the li<le children come unto me.”

A New Class for Families – Children, Parents and God

Youth Variety Show!

During the season of Lent (March 1—March 29), the

Hall

March 22 in Fellowship

Reverend Katie Harrington, our new Associate Pastor for Families, will begin a new Sunday School

Come watch or participate in the

Class in room 219 at 10 a.m. titled, “Spirituality and

Youth Variety Show on Sunday,

Parenting.” Parents of infants through fifth-grade are invited to explore

March 22! A delicious lunch will be

with Katie and other parents what spiritual practices look like for

served by our youth at 12 p.m. and

parents and their families.

the show will begin at 12:30.

So, if you are a parent with an infant or child, fifth grade and below, please contact Katie at katie.harrington@sardis.org to register and learn more about the class.

Youth interested in showcasing their talent (drums, instruments, dancing, singing, hula-hooping, etc.) please contact Adrian, Kaitlyn, or Jared.

There

Sardis Weekday School Updates!

Registration for the 2015-2016 school year has begun! NEW for the 20152016 school year: ALL classes will have a 5 day option! SWS will begin school on August 25, and will end on June 9 for the 2015-2016 school year--just like CMS! This adds three weeks to our school year! We will also be introducing a new curriculum for the 4 year old class!

February

be 15

an

audition

and

16;

on

signup

information will be sent out soon.

There will be a mandatory dress rehearsal on March 21, time TBA. This event will be used to raise funds for

For more information, please contact Louise Lippi at 704.366.9681

will

Youth

Music

and

Youth

Ministries.

or louise.lippi@sardis.org.

Please join us for music, food, and fun at the PAC Sweetheart Dance!

Kids:

Friday, February 13

Looking

for

a

Sunday School Class?

5 p.m.—7 p.m.

Children’s Sunday School is offered at 10 a.m. each Sunday for all ages, even babies! To find more infor-

Save

the

date

for

the

SWS

Spring

Consignment Sale on Saturday, March 28! For more

information,

visit

our

Web

site

at www.sardisweekdayschool.org.

The Communicator ~ February 2015

mation

about

Childrenʹs

Sunday

School, visit Sardis’ Web site, and click “Ministries.” Under this tab, click “Children.” See you Sunday!

7

The Communicator

Non-Profit Org. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Charlo,e, NC Permit #1059

Published monthly by Sardis Presbyterian Church 6100 Sardis Road Charlo,e, NC 28270 www.sardis.org

The church would like to thank the following individuals and companies who worked on the Educa/on Building Project, allowing the church to stay on schedule and within budget.

Dr. Tom Kort Jessica O+o Frank Wilson Steve Camp Steve Woodrow Jennifer Childers Sylvia Zwick George S/erlin Mark Methner Randy Long Steve Benton Larry Tucker Dean Sellers Troy Meeks John Hovis Jim Naumann David Blackley Cathy Beal Margot Smith Jim Monroe Mike Oelz

Alfredo Mendoza Ricardo Mendoza Mark Slimer

Lake Electric: Bynum Caldwell Mechanical Contractors Inc.: Jeff Pierce

Robert Burche e A orney at Law DH Griffin: Jeff Feeley

Op ma Engineering Inc.: Keith Pehl

R E Mills Construc on: Daniel Almond

Hoffman & Hoffman: Joe Schrader & Tracy Smith

Carolina’s Contractors Services: Jamie Wilson

ProClean Services: Allen Garrison

Hunter Structural: H. Eugene Hunter

Sonitrol Security Services: William Price

United Automa on Corp.: Nathan Walker

Choate Construc on: Sco+ Harris

Air ght Mechanical: Greg Crumpton

Hughes Floor Covering: Ray Rushing