2026 FALL PROGRAM GUIDE
Sardis Presbyterian Church is an inclusive congregation called to equip disciples of Jesus Christ to impact the world by:
PRAISING GOD OUR CREATOR, REDEEMER, AND SUSTAINER
LEARNING ABOUT GOD’S WILL FOR OUR LIVES
LOVING ONE ANOTHER UNCONDITIONALLY
SERVING NEIGHBORS NEAR AND FAR
SHARING THE GIFTS WITH WHICH WE HAVE BEEN BLESSED
WITNESSING TO THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST TO PROVIDE HOPE FOR THE WORLD
WORSHIP & MUSIC WORSHIP SERVICES 9:00 A.M.
CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP IN THE FELLOWSHIP HALL
11:00 A.M. TRADITIONAL WORSHIP IN THE SANCTUARY
The nursery is available for ages 5 and under 8:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
MUSIC OPPORTUNITIES Contemporary Worship Band: Instrumentalists and vocalists leading the 9:00 a.m. Contemporary Service. Rehearsals Sundays at 8:00 a.m. — all ages welcome to join! NEW! Children’s Choir: Open to children in 2nd-5th grades. Rehearsals are on Sundays at 2:00–2:45 p.m. in Room 205 beginning September 13.
MORE WAYS TO GET INVOLVED There are lots of ways to help worship happen— scan the QR code to see how you can serve.
Youth Choir — Jubilate Singers: Open to youth in grades 6th–12th; singers develop strong vocal skills through inspiring anthems and lead worship several times each semester. Rehearsals are on Sundays at 3:00–3:45 p.m. Youth Bells — Jubilate Ringer: Open to youth in grades 6th–12th; ringers tackle challenging handbell repertoire and lead worship several times each semester. Rehearsals are on Sundays at 3:45–4:30 p.m. Adult Bells - Coventry Ringers: Bring music to life in a unique way! Open to adults and high schoolers who read basic music notation. Learn together in a supportive, collaborative group and help lead worship throughout the year. Rehearsals are on Sundays at 5:00–6:00 p.m. Sanctuary Choir: The cornerstone of our music ministry, the Chancel Choir enhances our worship services with sacred choral repertoire. We are a warm community of fellowship and song, open to high school students and adults with no audition required. Rehearsals are mid-week at 7:30 p.m.
sardis.org/in-the-church
Dr. Timothy Belflowers Director of Music & Organist 704.366.1854 ext 211 timothy.belflowers@sardis.org
Beth Williams Contemporary Worship Leader beth.williams@sardis.org
ADULT
FAITH FORMATION “Mind the Gap” Mid-Week Bible Study
Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Thursdays at 10 a.m. Sept.9/10 - Nov. 18/19 Room 210 & Zoom This fall, the Narrative Lectionary takes us through the Old Testament on a new path! Between Labor Day and Thanksgiving, our Midweek Study will explore the "gaps" between our Sunday readings — the stories and events that fill in the bigger picture and timeline. Some gaps cover more ground than others, so each week we'll zoom in on a few key passages to read together.
Exploring the Bible Tuesdays at 10:00 am Sept. 15 - Nov. 24 Room 210 This class will study four short New Testament books: Philemon, Jude, and 1 and 2 Peter. Guiding questions will be provided to help lead our class discussion. SIGN UP: Email rendab1234@gmail.com
COMMUNITY EVENT
BRAVER ANGELS skills workshop
How to Have Difficult Political Conversations
Wednesday, October 21 6:30 p.m. Sardis Presbyterian Fellowship Hall Learn practical skills for talking across political differences with respect, listening, and understanding. This bipartisan workship helps participants build trust, clarify disagreements, and find common ground.
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL SUNDAYS AT 10:00 AM Crossroads
Room 211
Crossroads is a lecture-style Bible study class that focuses on the Books of the Bible. This fall, we will be studying the book of Exodus, led by Chuck Bohlen, and Lissa & Dave Archer (mklissa50@gmail.com).
Discussing Bible Books & Topics
Room 108
This class explores faith and Scripture, utilizing curriculum that often includes short video lessons from the series author. This fall we will study The Gospel of John, by Amy Jill Levine; The Heart of the Psalms by James C. Howell; and The Redemption of Scrooge by Matt Rawle. All ages are welcome. The class is led by Renda & Earl Brinson, and Mary Abernathy.
JAVA
Adult Library
JAVA is a place for parents of tweens, teens, and young adults to connect with friends for fellowship and faith formation. This is a discussion-based class that focuses on a variety of topics from contemporary issues to biblical studies. A number of class members teach the class, and the studies may be centered around books, articles, and scripture.
Reading for Reformed Reflection
Room 214
This class continues its spring study of Parables from the Backside, taking a fresh look at Jesus' parables from an unexpected angle. All are welcome to join the conversation. Contact John Todd (jytodd3rd@aol.com) for more information.
Robert Pharr Men’s Class
Room 212
This fall, join us as we study God's angels. Mentioned nearly three hundred times in Scripture, angels appear as messengers, protectors, warriors, and comforters — forces of good or of wrath, carrying out God's will in the world. We'll explore who they are, what they are, and the limited powers God has given them. Led by Paul Green (pmgreen1952@gmail.com)
Salty Fish
Room 210 & Zoom
We are a community connected by fellowship, learning, and service. On Sunday morning, both in person and on Zoom, we use an open discussion of resources selected by the leaders. We also enjoy gathering socially and for service projects. Current leaders are Anne & Ed Shoaf, George Galleher, Tom Bowling, Clyde Preslar, and Dave Templeman. All are welcome to join us. Contact Ed Shoaf (ehshoaf49@gmail.com) for the Zoom information.
SPARK
Room 203
SPARK is a gathering for parents with younger children (birth - 5th grade). We participate in service projects together, talk about hard questions our kids ask, and learn about applying Presbyterian beliefs to our world today. We invite you to come as you are. Contact Allysen Schaaf with questions (allysen.schaaf@sardis.org).
GROW YOUR COMMUNITY CENTERING PRAYER GROUP Starting on September 20
1st & 3rd Sundays
5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
The Parlor
Centering Prayer is a practice of quiet stillness, the letting go of thoughts, and the opening of oneself to the presence and action of God within. Whether you're new to centering prayer or looking to deepen your practice, you're warmly welcomed into our growing community. Come discover the gift of resting in God's presence through silence and gentle prayer. No experience needed - just bring an open heart. Questions? Contact Alfred Newman (alfredjnewman3@gmail.com).
WOMEN’S CIRCLES
Presbyterian Women’s Circles are women’s groups that meet monthly for fellowship, Bible study, and mission projects. All ages are welcome. Tuesday Afternoon Circle at Sardis: Meets the 1st Tuesday of each month in the Dining Room at 1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Gatherings are designed to provide warm, caring fellowship and mission opportunities, enriching studies led by our members, and dedicated prayer time each month. All women welcome. Contact Laura Taylor (lwtaylor40@hotmail.com) Tuesday Morning Circle at Sardis: Meets 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in the Dining Room. This is a warm, welcoming group that gathers for Bible study, fellowship, and mission. Contact Judy Schneider (judys822@msn.com) and Patsy Todd (pmtodd68@aol.com).
MUSTARD SEED GROUPS
These small groups are long-term small groups that meet regularly. Some meet monthly, twice a month, or every week. Groups focus on building supportive, Christian relationships with one another and participate in discussions and studies that nurture their faith and everyday life. Many of the groups also participate in service and mission projects together. Questions? Contact Rev. Allysen Schaaf (allysen.schaaf@sardis.org) to learn more, connect with an existing group, or help form a new one.
MORE INFORMATION
sardis.org/small-group-ministry
RECREATION Children & Youth Basketball
Sardis partners with Metrolina Youth Ministries Youth Basketball League — a competitive but wholesome league where the character of Christ shines through. Open to ages 5–18, November–February. Contact basketball@sardis.org
Ladies 55+ Exercise Group
10 AM M,W,F
Room 202
All women ages 55+ are invited to come move with us! Contact: Cynthia Perry (clperrync@yahoo.com)
Sardis Walkers
7:00 AM M,W,F
Gathering Place
All are invited to come walk with us. Contact Jan Torrence (jantorrence1@gmail.com)
Yoga
9:00 AM TUES & THURS
Sardis House
All are welcome! Each session is $10. Contact Jodi Martin (joditnt@gmail.com)
Quiddlers
11:30 AM TUESDAYS
Room 107
Bring a lunch and come play this fun card word game. Don’t know how to play? Come learn and make new friends! Contact Susan Hudson (sue24shaw@gmail.com)
Book Club
1:30 PM 2ND WED.
Dining Room
Reading books throughout the year with the person who has nominated the book acting as the leader for its review. Contact Jeanne Hammons (jeannehammons2@gmail.com)
Prayer Shawl
1:30 PM 2ND & 4TH THURS.
Parlor
Crochets and knits shawls that are prayed over and offered to people in need. Contact Judy Schneider (judys822@msn.com)
YOUR CHURCH HOME IS HERE Welcome & Exploration Gathering + Campus Tour Welcome & Exploration Gathering Sunday, September 20 10:00 AM in the Dinning Room All are invited to join Pastor Allysen Schaaf and discover how to get connected at Sardis and how to make Sardis your church home.
Campus Tour & Joining
Sunday, September 27 10:00 AM in the Dinning Room Join Pastor Joe B. Martin for a tour and learn about our history, followed by an opportunity to make Sardis your church home if you are ready.
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Children’s Sunday School Each Sunday at 10:00 a.m. From Bible stories to songs and crafts, our Sunday School classes help your child build a joyful, lasting foundation of faith. Nursery (Birth - 2 years old): Located in the Education Hall, our nursery offers a safe, nurturing space with loving, trained caregivers for your little ones. Preschool (3 years old - TK): Our preschoolers meet in the Children's Library to hear Bible stories and explore them through play, music, and art. Kindergarten - 2nd Grade: Meet in Room 206 with their teachers, Diane & Mike Strawn, to learn Bible stories and begin building the foundations of faith through songs, crafts, and discussion. 3rd Grade - 5th Grade: Meet in Room 207 with their teachers, Deborah Barkley & Kathy Simpson, to dig deeper into Scripture and grow in their faith through discussion, service projects, and handson activities.
YOUNG DISCIPLES CHILDREN’S CHURCH During the 9:00 a.m. service, children ages 4 years - 2nd grade join worship for songs, prayers, and Time with Young Disciples before heading to Room 107 for a 20-25 minute program. There, they explore that week's Bible story through movement and drama, and learn the basics of worship — prayer, confession, communion — so that by the time they are in 3rd grade, they're ready to fully engage in the service. Kids rejoin their families in the worship service during the closing song. We need caring adults to help lead these lessons! Sign up to volunteer here.
NEW! CHILDREN’S CHOIR 2:00 - 2:45 p.m. in Room 205
Sept 13, 20, 27 · Oct 4, 11, 18
NEW this fall is the launch of Music for Children, designed for students in 2nd–5th grades. Over a focused six‑week period, young voices will learn basic music concepts, grow in faith formation, and prepare to participate in the Children’s Sabbath worship service at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, October 25.
NEW!
KIDS CLUB
3:00 - 4:30 p.m. in Room 205
Sept 20, 27 · Oct 4, 18 · Nov 8, 29 · Dec 13, 20
Kids Club is all about building friendships! Twice a month, kids come together for games, crafts, faith-based stories, Bible stories, and snacks — growing closer to each other and to God along the way.
NOV. 15
FAMILY ADVENT CRAFT FESTIVAL
Kick off the Advent season with creativity, community, and delicious donuts! Join us Sunday, November 15 at 10:00 a.m. in the Education Hall for hands-on crafts, meaningful connections, and a morning of family fun as we prepare our hearts and homes for Christmas. Slow down, create lasting memories, and anticipate the joy of Christ's birth alongside other families in our church community.
DEC. 4
PARENT’S NIGHT OUT: KID’S MOVIE NIGHT
Parents, enjoy a night out! Drop the kids off (birth–5th grade) for pizza, a movie on the big screen, and games. Nursery care available for our youngest friends. Drop-off begins at 4:45 p.m. in the Children's Library. Dinner starts promptly at 5:00 p.m. Pickup no later than 8:00 p.m. $10 per family. Registration required.
PRESBYTERIAN YOUTH COLLABORATIVE
Sardis Presbyterian Church is a partner church in the Presbyterian Youth Collaborative, along with Providence Presbyterian Church. Together, we walk alongside middle and high school students (grades 6–12) as they grow in faith, build strong friendships, and explore their unique call in the world.
Youth Sunday School 10:00 AM in Room 102 Grades 6-12 are invited to join us each Sunday as we explore the Bible one book at a time using videos from The Bible Project. Together we'll discover the big story of Scripture, ask honest questions, and connect God's Word to what's happening in our lives of our youth and the world today. Meet in the Youth Room (102).
NEW: Confirmation
3:00 - 4:30 PM | Alternating between Providence & Sardis Presbyterian Churches Oct. 4 &11 Nov. 1 & 8 Dec. 5-6 & 13 Our Confirmation class is for 8th graders (and older youth who haven't been confirmed). Together, we'll explore the Christian faith, Presbyterian beliefs and traditions, and what it means to be part of the PC(USA). Along the way, students will discern membership in the church. More Information: genie.richards@sardis.org
SUNDAY NIGHT YOUTH GROUP Youth Group is for grades 6–12. We will meet most Sundays this fall from 5:00–7:00 p.m., alternating weekly between Sardis and Providence Presbyterian Church (10140 Providence Church Rd.).
Sunday, September 13 Soft Launch at Providence Are you a middle or high schooler on the fence about Youth Ministry? All Youth in grades 6-12 & parents are invited to our optional Soft Launch at Providence Presbyterian. This is a casual bonfire, especially great for youth who prefer a smaller crowd or just want to dip a toe in first. Drop by, hang out, and grab a s'more!
Sunday, September 20 Fall Youth Family Night at Sardis Our BIG kickoff to the program year is Fall Family Night at Sardis! Youth and their families are invited for a potluck dinner, family meeting, youth & parent recreation, a preview of our 2026–27 program year, Summer 2027 trips, and more. This is the big kickoff event for all things Youth Ministry, so we really hope to see you there!
THERE’S MORE! This is just the beginning — more youth events are already in the works! Stay tuned to our Monthly Youth Ministry Newsletter for updates on upcoming gatherings, trips, and registration dates.
More Information
Visit www.presbyyouth.org or contact Director of Youth Ministry, Genie Richards (genie.richards@sardis.org), to be added to the Youth Newsltter.
SAVE THE DATES 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
SEPT 13 Youth Ministry Drop-In Bonfire at Providence Presbyterian
OCT 4
3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Confirmation Begins - First Meeting at Providence Pres
OCT 24
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Youth Leadership Opportunity: Presbytery Meeting
OCT 24-25
Haunted Camping Retreat (Grades 8-12)
OCT 25
Middle School Night @ Youth Group! At Providence Presby
NOV 22
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Sardis Youth Bake Sale
DEC 5-6
Christmas Party & Lock-In at Providence Presbyterian All Youth Grades 6-12
FEB 5-7
2027 PYC Youth Ski Trip All Youth - Space is Limited
JUNE 26 - JULY 2
2027 International Immersion Trip (Application-based for Rising 10-Graduated 12 Grades)
JULY 25-31
2027 Montreat Youth Conference for Rising 9-Graduated 12 Grades
(Required for all youth attending a trip or retreat)
JUNE or 2027 Middle School Earth Care Trip to Colorado AUG
MISSIONS MINISTRY
Through local, national, and global partnerships, Sardis shares Christ’s love and changes lives in meaningful ways. We invite you to serve, give, and pray alongside us as we answer God’s call to love our neighbors.
SERVING AT THE ROOF ABOVE SOUP KITCHEN Every fourth Saturday, Sardis serves our neighbors experiencing homelessness at Roof Above Soup Kitchen (945 North College Street). Volunteers arrive at 10:00 a.m. to prepare bag lunches and fill soup bowls, then serve from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. It's a simple morning that makes a real difference. Sign up to volunteer at: bit.ly/RASoupKitchen
SERVING WITH OUR RAMA ROAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP Sardis's "Planting Seeds of Hope" partnership with Rama Road Elementary is a year-round way to invest in our neighborhood's students — providing teacher snacks, helping at school events, supporting classrooms, and taking part in projects like Angel Tree and Book of My Own. Want to get involved? Contact Susan Aulebach at saa1980@aol.com to join our supporters email list.
MAKING AN IMPACT THROUGH
Special Offerings Monthly mission offerings will be collected on the first Sunday of each month during Communion.
SEPTEMBER: KENYA MISSION PARTNERSHIP
Supports our Kenya Mission partnership efforts – to be determined by Sardis and Macedonia churches together.
OCTOBER & NOVEMBER: TEN CENTS A MEAL Supports the Presbytery of Charlotte's efforts to fight hunger through direct food relief, community development, and education across the region.
DECEMBER: CHRISTMAS JOY Provides support for Presbyterian church workers and their families in their time of need.
WESTERN NC ADULT MISSION TRIP
NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 5 Join Sardis and Trinity Presbyterian Churches for a fall mission trip to Western North Carolina, partnering with Fuller Center Disaster Rebuilders to rebuild homes after Hurricane Helene. No skills required. All you need is a willing spirit and an able body. Work includes home repairs like insulation, drywall, flooring, doors, cabinets, vanities, trim, and painting.
REGISTRATION
$200 per person Space is limited! Register today! Can’t attend the full week? There is Partial-week availability
WORLD COMMUNION WORSHIP & MISSION PROJECT
Charlotte Family Housing Fall Festival Volunteers
Saturday, October 3
Wednesday, October 28
All are welcome! Join fellow Presbyterians from across the presbytery to break bread, worship, and serve together - with worship planned in part by the Presbyterian Youth Collaborative. Handson mission projects will support Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, from assembling disaster kits to prepping shower trailers for the next response.
Help bring an old-fashioned Fall Festival to life at Charlotte Family Housing on October 28, 5:30–8:30 p.m.! We need volunteers for face painting, trunk-or-treat (with lots of candy!), pumpkin painting, pizza, and more. Join the fun! Contact Sheri Pender at 803.230.4473 to sign up!
11:00 am at Locust Presbyterian
5:30 - 8:00 p.m. at CFH
COMMUNITY EVENTS
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www.sardis.org 6100 Sardis Road Charlotte NC, 28270
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sardispresbyterianchurch