2015 September Communicator

The Communicator ~ September 2015

Church Life

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

SARDIS 225 Year HOMECOMING—October 18 Mark Your Calendars and Save the Date!

Come home to Sardis for a special lunch event on October 18, a Sardis Homecoming. To celebrate 225 years of Sardis, we want all past and present Sardis members and friends to join us for lunch in the Fellowship Hall following the 10 a.m. service.

Sardis is reaching out to past ministers and friends to attend. We want everyone past and present, and connected to Sardis to come home and celebrate our mission of “Building God’s Kingdom” and rejoice in our love for God and our neighbors. Invite your now grown children to come home for the weekend. Extend an invitation to a neighbor or coworker.

Stewardship will provide the main entrée (meat). Members are asked to bring a home‐cooked side dish or dessert.

No store bought items, please. All are encouraged to use a recipe from the Sardis Cookbook or a favorite dish of your family. Recipes used will be on display at the event. Send Cindy McLeod an email with the recipe name and page number from the Sardis Cookbook, or if a family favorite not in the cookbook, drop a copy off at the church office for Cindy, or email her at cindermakesthree@aol.com. You can also get a Sardis Cookbook for $5 by contacting Cindy. Remember, Sardis is a nut‐free zone!

Events during, and following, the luncheon include Historical Room artifacts and displays, a historical time capsule opening and then your additions for future generations to open, A Goodly Heritage: The Bicentennial History of Sardis Presbyterian Church books available, cake walk (Yes, we need donated cakes made from the Sardis cookbook or your favorite recipe!), children’s treasure hunt, music, and more.

Registration is open now. Register on the Sardis website, by calling the church at 704.926.1590, or by completing a Communicator form (please mail the form below in to the church ATTN: 225 Lunch RSVP, or drop in the offering plate), bulletin insert, or form at registration tables in the Gathering Place on October 4 and 11.

Start planning your side dish or dessert! We are indeed part of a goodly heritage and certainly what will be an exciting future in this place we call Sardis.

Come home to Sardis on October 18.

Sardis Homecoming Registration Form

Name(s) of those attending: ______________________________________________________________________

Email: _____________________________________

Number of adults attending: _________________ Number of children attending: _______________

2 The Communicator ~ September 2015

Church Life

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

Be A Part of Changing Lives at Sardis in 2016

The Clerk’s Ministry has begun its work of selecting new ministry members for 2016. Be a part of guiding Sardis on its journey next year by serving on one of our ministry teams. To indicate your interest or learn more:

1. Contact Jeanne Hammons, Clerk of Session at 704.847.3284 or JeanneHammons@carolina.rr.com.

2. Fill out the form below and return in the offering plate or submit to the church office. The ministries at Sardis are listed below: Capital Repair & Replacement

Finance

Recreation & Sports

Cemetery/Columbarium

Food Service

Sardis Gift Trust

2016 Ministry Selections

Christian Education

Fellowship

Sardis Weekday School

Clerk’s

Membership

Senior Link

Community Service

Mission Interpretation

Stewardship

Personnel

Worship

Communications Congregational Life & Care

Name:__________________________________

Ministries on which you’d like

to be considered to serve

(in order of preference):

1. _____________________________________

2. ______________________________________

3. ______________________________________ Property

Youth

New Member Classes will be held each Sunday in September beginning on September 6 and ending with the joining Sunday on September 27. All four classes will be held in the small dining room located in the Fellowship Hall. The first class on the 6th will meet at 9 a.m. the remaining three classes will meet at 10 a.m. If you have any questions please contact Rev. Alice Johnson at 704.366.1854 or alice.johnson@sardis.org.

Do You Know How to Read the Bible?

When you read the Bible, do you understand what you are reading? Do you know how to choose an English translation of the Bible? Do you understand the role of the Holy Spirit when you read scripture?

These and other questions will be addressed this fall in a six‐week study that will be offered at several different times during October and November. The study will use the PCUSA resource, Reading the Bible for Understanding, by James Davison ($8). Check the October Communicator for details on the different times and locations for this series.

Looking ahead to 2016, this 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 a deep reading the Bible.

Questions? Contact Dr. Jane Fobel at jane.fobel@sardis.org.

The Communicator ~ September 2015 3

Church Life

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

New Season of Music at Sardis!

Send us a...

Jericho Brass in Residence

Jared: jared.daugherty@sardis.org Kaitlyn: kaitlyn.davros@sardis.org Jacob: jacob.hare@sardis.org

We are fortunate and excited to have a new relationship with Jericho Brass, formerly known as Matthews Brass. This accomplished 15‐piece brass ensemble, directed by Bob Jackson, will play in our worship services at various times throughout the year. If you are interested in supporting this effort financially, please contact Jared Daugherty.

Tickets Please, for Children’s Choir!

ALL ABOARD!! On Thursday, September 10 at 5:30 p.m., the Children’s Choir will depart on this exciting program.

This year the 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 and will be able to

Youth Choir at Sardis is a place where we can

keep track of where we stop in their own passports.

grow musically and spiritually together. We will

Children’s Choir welcomes all children K‐5th grade. If you

share in musical leadership, in worship, and find

have any questions or if your child would like a ticket for

opportunities to reach out, through song, in the

this exciting program please contact Kaitlyn Davros.

community. Come and explore how we can use our musical gifts as an offering to God. Youth (grades 6‐12) from Sardis and community are always welcome to join us on Sunday evenings from 4:30—5:15 p.m. before Sunday night activities. For more information, contact Kaitlyn Davros.

Youth Praise will meet weekly on Sundays at 5:15 p.m. to thoughtfully experience contemporary worship music.

Come and be a part of this opportunity to grow your gifts and learn how they can be used to glorify God! Youth

Youth Bell Ringers have fun exploring new

Praise is open to all youth (grades 6‐12), as well as adults

ways of making music while preparing pieces for

who would like to join. Contact Jacob Hare for more info.

worship. The Youth Bell choir is open for 6th graders and up. We will meet in the Admin Building on Sunday evenings from 5:15—6 p.m.

Contact Kaitlyn Davros for more info.

Sanctuary Choir enjoys coming together on Thursday nights at 7:30 p.m. to prepare anthems for our 11 a.m. service. The singers appreciate the opportunity to learn more extended choral works, and participate in community

Alpha Ringers has a long history at Sardis.

events. If you enjoy singing and would like more

Currently, there are openings in this handbell

information, please contact Jared Daugherty.

choir, and only a simple understanding of music is necessary. The “nuts and bolts” of bell ringing and music reading can be taught for those who may be new to ringing. Rehearsals are held on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 a.m. Please contact Jared Daugherty if you are interested.

Coventry Ringers

is an accomplished handbell choir

that rings in our 11 a.m. service, and participates in the Mid‐Carolinas Handbell Festival. This group rehearses on Wednesday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and currently has two openings. If interested, please contact Jared Daugherty.

4 The Communicator ~ September 2015

Church Life

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

New Parish Aide

We are pleased to welcome Sue Chowning as our new Sardis Parish Aide.

Sue has been a member of Sardis for 35 years. Sue has been an ordained Deacon since 1997 and Elder since 2000, and has served in numerous ministries such as Youth, Christian Education, Clerk’s Committee, and Recreation.

Sue brings a deep understanding and love for this church and its members. She will be assisting the pastoral staff in home/nursing home visitation, assisting in the planning and organization of Friendship Connection events, coordinating the Silver Circle Connection program for the Diaconate, assisting the pastoral staff with gently paced worship services twice a year and other duties assigned. Please take the opportunity to welcome Sue to this very special and important ministry within the life of Sardis Presbyterian Church.

Consider Writing an Advent Devotional

The Fourth of July has passed, time to think about Christmas! It is time to start preparing as we will once again create an Advent Devotional Book for 2015 with devotions written by our Sardis Church family. This year the theme is: The Advent Wreath, a Symbol of Faith.

The Advent Wreath is made of specific components that symbolize primary points of our faith in Jesus Christ: •

The round wreath, a circle with no beginning or end, reminds us of the eternity of God’s love.

•

The evergreen leaves of the wreath remind us that, as the evergreen leaves in winter are a reminder that life continues even in a season when it appears death has occurred, so in God there is always hope beyond despair.

•

The lights of the candles are a reminder that fire is a symbol for the presence of God and that God’s light/ presence is greater than any darkness we face.

Share your Advent reflections with the Sardis church family by reflecting on how the themes of the Advent Wreath speak to you in Advent and throughout the year. You may respond to any of the prompts below:

The Circle The never ending love of God comforts me by ________________.

OR

Submissions

The never ending love of God challenges me to ________________.

reflections (200 words max), poetry,

may

be

written

The Evergreen leaves

drawings/illustrations, or photos of

I have experienced hope in a time of sadness when_____________.

art. The deadline for submitting a

OR

contribution is October 19. Send

I have experienced hope in a time of sadness through_____________.

submissions to the church office to

the attention of Dr. Jane Fobel, or by

The Candles God’s constant presence strengthens me to_______________.

email: jane.fobel@sardis.org.

OR

I am most certain of God’s presence when_________________.

The Communicator ~ September 2015 5

Church Life

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

August Session Highlights • Received a report from Ed Shoaf on behalf of the Sardis Gift Trust, and approved proposed changes in the Trust

Policies and Procedures.

• Received a report from John Schneider on behalf of the Membership Roll Review Committee, detailing its purpose

as mandated by the Book of Order, and approved both the review criteria for membership and a draft of the letter to be sent to Sardis members explaining the review process.

The Session approved: • A request for Mary Elizabeth Love Snyder to transfer membership to Christ Lutheran Church, Charlotte, NC; A

request that Tommy Martin (grandson of Jim and Carolyn Thomasson) and Rachel Thomas to be married at Sardis on April 23, 2016 by Rev. Harrington, and also the waiver of the $500 fee for use of the church for marriages of non‐members; An arrangement whereby a local brass ensemble, “Jericho Brass,” may use Sardis for rehearsal space, and will perform during the 11 a.m worship service 7 times between September, 2015 and May, 2016, including Easter Sunday, at a cost of $625 per performance; The cancellation of the September 5 Saturday service, which falls on Labor Day weekend, and the resumption of the once‐a‐month second Saturday service on September 12; One worship service at 10 a.m. on Sunday, December 27; Youth Ministry’s recommendation of David Abercrombie, Kyle and Sheri Bartel, Michael Champion, Sarah Herum, Marie Schulz, Madison Rhodes, Harry Tatum, Canon Moore and Ethan Carter, a non‐member, as Senior High Advisors; and Mary Boylan, Wells and Leslie Tiedeman, Robert Vanderford, Melinda Wilkinson, Ellen Zoutewelle and Wendy Solomon as Middle School Advisors; A request that the marriage of member Hannah Cranford and Matt Hughston on June 4, 2016, to be conducted by Matt’s uncle, Dave Hughston, an ordained minister, with one of the Sardis pastors serving as an assistant; A congregational meeting for officer elections at 11 a.m. on October 25; The formation of a committee of four officers, subject to their consent to serve, to form a committee of Sardis members who will oversee the visioning process through which Sardis must go before a Pastor Nominating Committee can begin its work.

The Session received as information: • Session approval by email vote regarding the repair of the Sanctuary sound system, with the cost to come from the

Sardis Gift Trust; Session approval by email vote for an open casket for viewing, before the funeral service of member Beverly Able on August 18, 2015, as requested by her family; Rev. Katie Harrington will serve as Moderator of the Presbytery in 2016; and Sardis is to host the May 2016 Presbytery meeting; The work of the Clerk’s Committee will begin on Tuesday, August 25, 2015.

The Session discussed: • The visioning process which will occur as we seek to get Sardis members’ input into what they would like to see

regarding possible changes at the church and what characteristics they would look for as we search for our new Senior Pastor.

• The process of choosing a Pastor Nominating Committee to search for our next Senior Pastor.

July Financial Highlights

July

Pledges, gifts, and other revenue

$124,271.68

$147,452.57

$1,120,078.49

$1,190,452.61

Expenses

$178,454.94

$189,223.08

$1,261,193.13

$1,302,093.89

Net Total

($54,183.26)

($41,770.51)

($141,114.64)

($111,641.28)

July expected This year so far This year so far expected

Annual Budget: $2,266,000 6 The Communicator ~ September 2015

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

Church Life

Our Church Family

Our Christian Sympathy: to Richard Tilley upon the death of his brother, Ted Tilley, to the family of Russ Garbrielson, to John Schneider upon the death of his sister‐in‐law, Nancy Slocum Snyder, to Barbie Williams upon the death of her sister, Nancy Martin, to Judy Schneider upon the death of her brother‐in‐law, Cecil Myers, to the family of Sam McElhaney, to the family of Ernie Mason, to Leon Dean upon the death of his uncle, Richard Dean Jr., to the family of Mickie Hess, to staff member, Robin Medlock upon the death of her sister‐in‐law, Amy Medlock Wright, to the family of Beverly Able, and to the family of Martha Blackley.

New Missionaries Supported by Sardis—Inge and Larry Sthreshley

The Garcias, missionaries supported by Sardis whose work was in Mexico, have retired. Sardis is now supporting Dr. Larry and Inge Sthreshley, who are in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Larry works with partner churches and organizations to help them develop their capacity and technical approach to do health ministry. Inge gives oversight to a mission guest house and small conference center. It provides a much needed service to Presbyterian and Methodist missionaries, national and international church groups, work teams, and individuals working in partnership in Congo. We are pleased to help in supporting the work of the Sthreshleys.

Financial Update

Today, many of our children are heading back to school. High school graduates are now college freshman, and last yearʹs fifth and eighth grade graduates are beginning their new adventures as middle schoolers and high schoolers.

The end of summer, and the beginning of some cooler weather are in sight.

It has been a hot summer with lots of broken records. The stock market has been up and down, but remains near record highs as the bull market continues. The summer has also been eventful at Sardis with middle and high school youth mission trips, Vacation Bible School, and hosting another summer of Camp Holiday for our special needs friends.

Lest we forget, the lights, air conditioning and water run all summer, as well as our payroll needs. Looking at our financial results to date indicates we are behind on income compared to budget and our income is also less than expenses through July. If the busyness and adventures of the summer have put your ʺannual pledgeʺ on the back burner, would you consider putting it on the front of your plate?

If you normally wait until the year end to complete your pledge and have the ability to pay a portion of it now, it would be most helpful to our financial situation. We do have cash in the operating account, but much less than normal for this time of the year.

Thank you for considering this and the many ways you all continue to bless Sardis, our community and world with your generosity.

The Communicator ~ September 2015 7

Church Life Writing the Next Chapter

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

Jason Solomon

225 Years of History, What Comes Next?

225 years of worship, growth, mission and change under the watchful eye of Him. Sardis has become new and old and new again. Spend an hour in the History Room and take in so many chapters of the tale of Sardis, so many amazing stories. Without a doubt, the last 225 years at Sardis are a testament to what God’s people can do when following His path and when blessed with the time, energy and resources to help light the way.

But like reading a good book, the Sardis Story is just starting to get good. Think of the last five years alone: add Katie, Adrian, Jared, Kaitlyn, Jacob, and John…Saturday night worship…trips to Bayonnais…the Sardis House… young families…new friends. So many new parts to the Sardis Story...All made possible by God, His Son, and the gifts and resources given by us in His name.

What now? Together with God, we have written a beautiful 225 chapter book. But the book isn’t finished. God’s work never is. God asks more of you and me and all of Sardis every day. Whether it’s in the next day, the next month, or the next year, new opportunities for Sardis to grow, adapt, and praise will arise. We have stepped up to meet those opportunities for the last 225 years, and I am sure we will continue to do so.

But have you ever wondered what the next chapter might look like if you gave a little more of your time, energy, or gifts? What if it was just five percent more? What would the story look like for our Mission Ministry with an extra $10,000? What could the Youth do with an extra 5%? How many more of God’s children could they touch?

Stewardship Season is almost here. I write this article because I want you to plan to pledge just a little more than last year. If we all gave 5% more than last year, we would have close to an extra $100,000 in the budget… Think of the new chapters we could write. Think of how many times in the past 225 years the people of Sardis have given just a little more. Churches don’t survive, grow, or glorify without everyone doing a little more than they did before. Let’s keep that tradition alive.

The Sardis Story, written by God and His people…WRITE THE NEXT CHAPTER.

Friendship Connection

Friendship Connection is a fellowship group for retirees that meets on the third Tuesday of each month.

The program will be on September 15 at 11 a.m. in the Sardis House. Our guest will be John Ahrens – WSOC Meteorologist. Come and learn and ask questions!

Women of Sardis Fall Dinner— Tuesday, October 13

Our guest speaker is Mrs. Helen Weaver. Our evening will start with punch at 5:45 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m. and our speaker will begin at 6:45 p.m.

Helen’s book, “One Percent Chance”, is about her

son’s battle with cancer at a young age. She speaks

We will have lunch ($8/person) at noon. Reservations

about her faith during this time in a very thought

are necessary for lunch and need to be made by Friday,

provoking and uplifting manner.

September 11. Register online at www.sardis.org or call

704.926.1590.

The dinner is $10 per person. Register online or call 704.926.1590 to pay at the door. Deadline is October 9.

8 The Communicator ~ September 2015

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

Lay Ministry

Mission Interpretation Gift in Honor of the 225th Anniversary of Sardis

The August gift from Mission Interpretation in honor of the 225th anniversary of Sardis Presbyterian Church will go to Samaritan House. This gift was recommended by Trey Dean who has talked to the staff and knows what items are needed at this time. Samaritan House offers homeless people a place to recover after a hospitalization. The money donated will go to board games, paper products, and towels and wash cloths. We were very pleased to have a recommendation from one of our younger members.

Charlotte CROP Hunger Walk—Sunday, October 18

In the United States, more than 43 million Americans don’t have enough to eat. In North Carolina, 26% of children under 18 years of age are food insecure on a regular basis.* This year local hunger agencies are even more in need of our support.

Will you participate in this year’s Crop Walk by joining a Sardis team and donating? We encourage Sunday School classes, Mustard Seed Groups, Youth Groups, Choirs, Circles, and families to walk together and help raise money to help end hunger. This year the Crop Walk follows our Stewardship Sunday lunch, so prepare for a fun day of fellowship and service!

Choose one of the options to join the Sardis team and make a donation:

1. www.charlottecropwalk.org 2. Find volunteers from the Sardis Team in the Gathering Place on Sundays in October.

3. Contact Christa Sumwalt at christacs@gmail.com or Melinda Wilkinson at wilkinson00@windstream.net for more information about walking and donating.

*2014 Hunger in America Study

Spaghetti Sauce Feeds Families

A whopping total 86 pounds of spaghetti sauce were collected and donated to Loaves & Fishes in August. Thank you for your donations! Please bring your extra sauce (& pasta too) to the narthex any Sunday in September. Your donations feed our neighbors in need.

Room In The Inn

Think COLD…In these hot summer days, it is difficult to think of those cold winter days ahead… but they are coming, and the homeless of Charlotte will be needing the warm hospitality of the Sardis Room In the Inn ministry. Lots of information about Room in the Inn is coming your way beginning next month, so please watch for all of the announcements and consider accepting this wonderful opportunity to be a part of RITI at Sardis!

The Communicator ~ September 2015 9

Lay Ministry

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

Rama Road Backpack Food Delivery Program

CMS schedules are in place, and Rama Road Elementary School will be looking again to Sardis members to continue the once a week Backpack Food Delivery Program. Our volunteer team has been consistently dependable for several years, but we would REALLY LIKE to have some new team members. (This service opportunity falls under the Senior Link Ministry.)

Beginning Thursday, September 17, and continuing through at least Thursday, June 2, 2016, one volunteer each week picks up empty backpacks from the schoolʹs counselors’ office, then drives to the Spratt Street Second Harvest Food Warehouse, where freshly‐filled backpacks are waiting to be returned to the school. When four volunteers cover one week each in a month, the program works smoothly—and families who desperately need food are covered for the weekend! Last year, we averaged 40 backpacks a week, and our volunteers were very loyal to the cause.

If you and your young child, or a good friend, would enjoy doing this outing once a month on Thursday mornings, 10 a.m.—noon, we would love to work you into the grid! If you have just retired and have just a bit more time on your hands, you are perfect for the job! Contact Lyn Sutterlin at lynjs@bellsouth.net and weʹll fill in the few Thursday blanks that we have remaining.

If you have questions, ask members Lyn Sutterlin, Dean Calhoun, Kathy Cathey, Telitha Hight, or Bun Baird.

Planting Seeds of Hope Partnership

Thank you, Sardis members, for your donations of school supplies for our Pool for School Tools drive. The drive was a resounding success again this year, and we provided each staff member with a bag of supplies at their Welcome Back Orientation held on Friday, August 14 at the Sardis House.

The Rama Road staff was treated to breakfast and lunch prepared by the Planting Seeds of Hope Committee. The Rama staff spent the day in team building activities before heading off to Bank of America Stadium for a visit. They thanked Sardis for their constant support.

From a Rama teacher… “Thank you to all the members at Sardis Presbyterian for all the incredible

teacher

supplies.

The

bags

were

awesome, and I heard lots of teachers saying how wonderful and useful they were. You all make us feel so loved and help us feel enthusiastic about the upcoming school year. Please share a heartfelt thank you with everyone.”

10 The Communicator ~ September 2015

“Let the little children come unto me.”

LOGOS LOGOS is a midweek faith and fellowship program for children in kindergarten through 5th grade.

We will have a Bible study and dinner each Wednesday from 5—7 p.m. The first semester begins September 16, and the cost is $115 a semester. This fall brings new themes and activities! Come join us! Register online at www.sardis.org.

Circle 8

Circle 8 is looking forward to starting up again this fall! Renda Brinson is leading our circle in the Presbyterian Women’s Study, “Come to the Waters.” We will explore the stories of water in the scriptures. We always welcome new members in our circle. We meet on the second Tuesday of each month in the library from 10—11:30 a.m. We invite you to join us for our first meeting on Tuesday, September 8.

KidCheck to Go Live on September 13

KidCheck will be initiated in the nursery during worship hours and for nursery and elementary Sunday School, on September 13. At Sardis Presbyterian Church, nothing is more important to us than the safety and security of your children. KidCheck allows us to partner with you to help keep your children safe.

Parents of preschool/elementary‐aged children, please visit www.go.kidcheck.com and create your account before

Sunday, September 13. Please see the introduction letter that was sent to your home for more information. Please contact Renda Brinson at renda.brinson@sardis.org with any questions.

Sardis Weekday School Announcements

Spots Available for the 2015‐2016 School Year!

Our school year started on August 24! We are so excited to have our students back, as we have an exciting new year planned for them with a terrific new curriculum!

Be sure to re‐link your Harris Teeter VIC card to #3452!

Please contact Louise Lippi for more information or to schedule a tour, at louise.lippi@sardis.org or 704.366.9681.

SWS Fall Consignment Sale—October 3

Meet Me on the Playground!

The SWS Fall Consignment Sale will be held on Saturday,

Parent Advisory Council (PAC) will host

October 3 from 8 a.m—12 p.m. Registration for consignors and

their annual Meet Me on the Playground

volunteers is now open!

event on Wednesday, September 2 after

Please visit www.myconsignmentmanager.com/sardis to sign up or www.sardisweekdayschool.org for more information.

pick‐up. Stay after and join in to meet your childʹs classmates and parents!

The Communicator ~ September 2015 11

Sunday School Classes for All Ages, This Fall at Sardis Looking for an Adult Sunday School Class?

There are eight great options for you. Please contact Dr. Jane Fobel at jane.fobel@sardis.org with any questions.

Crossroads: Room 213/214, Fellowship Hall Building 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 Building 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 Building 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, Education 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 Building This is a round‐table‐discussion class that combines fellowship, prayer, and study for all adults.

Reading for Reformed Reflection: Room 217, Fellowship Hall Building 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 from Jane Fobel.

Two Study Opportunities for Adults this Fall!

Wednesday evenings, 6:30—8 p.m. · Room 211/212 · Begins September 16 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.

Thursday mornings, 10—11:30 a.m. · Sardis House · Begins September 17 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.

Both classes will have passages to read at home and will follow a discussion/lecture format.

12 The Communicator ~ September 2015

Preschool Sunday School—A New Curriculum for our youngest students!

Growing in Grace & Gratitude is rooted in the foundation of Presbyterian identity where Godʹs 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 Godʹs grace. Ages 0‐2: room 2; Ages 3‐4: room 5.

Elementary Sunday School 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 specialized rooms for activities, but will have a classroom for the majority of their time.

Grade 3—Catechism Students will do

Superheroes of the Bible—Kindergarten God uses ordinary people

Grade 1—Wonderful Worshippers Our first grade students

Grade 2—Explore the grade

study of the Catechism

in the Bible to accomplish

will study a worship

students will look at the

designed by the PCUSA

extraordinary feats. Each

orientation program that

Bible as God’s treasure

for this age group.

of

had

will be expanded to the

for us. They will explore

Students

special traits that God

entire year. Students will

the parts of the Bible,

and

learn

about

could use. Kindergarten

study

different tools to help us

the

Catechism,

with

students will look at the

worship, the different

understand

Scripture

concentration on those

lives of both Old and New

ways we worship, the

and look at an important

dealing with the Lord’s

Testament

church year and the

part of the Bible – the

Prayer

Ten Commandments.

important to our belief.

these

people

people

and

how God used them to

the

parts

Apostles’ Creed.

of

accomplish his purposes.

Bible The

second

Room: 210

Room: 201

Room: 207

will

and

a

discuss

words

Room: 204

Zone 45—Our fourth and fifth grade students will be grouped together as they are for our Zone 45 program.

This class will enjoy being together for fellowship, at their monthly meetings, and on Sunday mornings. They will engage in a overview of the Old Testament stories and next year will look at the New Testament. This special class is designed with our ‘tweeners’ in mind. Room: 205/206

Middle and High School Sunday School Calling All Eighth Graders Our Confirmation program is for you! Letters have been mailed to all our families and it is time to register now! If you have not registered and plan to, or if you have friends that would like to receive information on the program, please contact Renda Brinson.

Middle School and High School Youth 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.

Rooms: 6th and 7th grades – Room 105; Grades 9th‐12th – Room 102‐103 The Communicator ~ September 2015 13

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14 The Communicator ~ September 2015

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