2015 October Communicator

The Communicator ~ October 2015

A Publication of Sardis Presbyterian Church October 2015

Building God’s Kingdom Through Worship ● Service ● Fellowship ● Evangelism ● Discipleship

Sardis Presbyterian Church · 6100 Sardis Road · Charlo-e, NC 28270 · 704-366-1854 · www.sardis.org

OCTOBER 17-18 | HOMECOMING WEEKEND AT SARDIS

HOMECOMING CHECKLIST • Register for the event.

• Invite your extended family, friends, and neighbors to register and join us.

• Pick a recipe from the Sardis Cookbook or a family favorite to bring to the lunch. Please no store bought items. Cookbooks can be purchased at Sardis.

• Email your recipe to Cindy McLeod at [email protected] or drop a copy off at the church office.

• Order your cookbook or copy of “A Goodly Heritage”, a book on the history of Sardis, by calling the church office or by checking off the option on your registration form.

• Plan on events for children– treasure hunt, cake and pie walk, and a craft activity.

• Plan to see historical relics and be ready to leave a message in the new time capsule.

• Prepare to hear from Steve Amerson and how his gifts and talents are used to Build God’s Kingdom.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17- Come join the dedication of a stone marker at the Sardis Slave and Indian cemetery. The first three Sardis sanctuaries were on the opposite side of Sardis Road, so there are two cemeteries on that side. The marker will be in the cemetery that was used from the church’s founding up until the 1860s. The short dedication will take place at 4:00 p.m. and light refreshments will be served in the Scout Hut. This will be a collaboration between The Colonial Dames Society and the Sardis Cemetery Committee.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18 - To celebrate 225 years of Sardis, we invite all past and present Sardis members and friends to join us for lunch and special events in the Fellowship Hall following our one worship service at 10:00 a.m. We are excited to announce that Steve Amerson, America’s Tenor, will be performing at Sardis. Steve can be heard on over 160 feature films and countless television shows and commercials. This will be an event you will not want to miss! View historical artifacts, be there for the opening of the time capsule, and write a message to future Sardis members in the new time capsule. The children will enjoy a treasure hunt and calk walk. Come enjoy a barbeque and pulled chicken lunch and don’t forget to bring your favorite home-cooked side dishes and desserts! Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to join you at Sardis to celebrate, rejoice, and be inspired at this special event in the life of Sardis!

Register for the October 18

Homecoming Lunch

with your smartphone

now!

Register for the October 18 Homecoming Lunch: Online at www.sardis.org | By phone at 704.926.1590 | In the Gathering Place on October 4 and 11 | In the Sunday bulletin

2 The Communicator ~ October 2015

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

Friendship Connection to Visit the Museum of the Alphabet · October 20

The fall season of 2015 is upon us which means that the Friendship Connection at Sardis Presbyterian Church has

some new and exciting programs and a trip planned that we hope that you will join us in experiencing. We meet

on the 3rd Tuesday of each month (except June, July and August). We either have a special program and speaker

at 11 a.m. followed by lunch at noon in the Sardis Mission House, or we experience an outing to unique places

leaving in the morning and returning in the afternoon.

On October 20, Friendship Connection will visit to the Museum of the Alphabet in Waxhaw. We will leave the

Sardis Scout Hut parking lot in the morning at 8:45 a.m. and upon arriving, we will be given a guided tour

beginning at 10 a.m. There is no cost but donations are accepted.

Where did writing begin? How did alphabets develop? How many languages today are still without a wri4en

form? These questions and more will be answered. You will be

introduced to alphabet makers such as Moses, Mesrop Mashtots, King

Sejong and Sequoyah. The class will end with lunch across the street

within the campus restaurant. Price will range from $5 to $8.

To make your reservation (limited to the first 30 people),

reservations need to be made by Wednesday, October 14. To reserve a

spot, register online at www.sardis.org or call 704.926.1590.

Hello, My Name Is Sardis · October 4

Hi, Sardis! Whether you’ve been a member for 60 years, a visitor for 60

minutes, or somewhere in between, it’s likely that you don’t know everything

there is to know about our church. A new class, “Hello, My Name Is

Sardis,” is being held at special times throughout the year, and it’s being held

just for you—someone that wants to know more about the place that we call

our church home.

This class is appropriate for long-time members, new members, visitors, or anyone that would like to learn

interesting facts about Sardis Presbyterian, and the many programs we offer for people of all ages. This session will

be held Sunday, October 4 at 10 a.m. in the small dining room. Come ready to learn more about Sardis, and engage

in some conversation during the class and afterwards as we share more about our church’s rich history.

Taizé Service · October 11

On Sunday, October 11 we join with Sardis Baptist and St. Stephen United Methodist to

offer Taizé Worship service at 6 p.m. in the Sardis Chapel. The service lasts about 40

minutes. Questions? Contact Dr. Jane Fobel or Rev. Alice Johnson at 704.366.1854.

The Communicator ~ October 2015 3


Remembering the Past while Looking to Future Expectations Max McLeod

Sardis has been celebrating our 225 year anniversary for all of 2015. We continue to build on our rich history of

worship, mission and commitment to God. We are truly blessed by the grace of God and for the endeavors of those

that came before us. The history of Sardis is detailed in the book “A Goodly Heritage” wri4en by former pastor

Jennings Reid.

Our next chapter will bring exciting and vibrant times. We welcome our new interim senior pastor Rev. Dr. David

McKechnie. Dr. McKechnie brings his love of the Lord and a wealth of experience from his years in the ministry in

multiple congregations. We look forward to his leadership and guidance as we build our future.

Sardis continues to grow and nurture our existing programs such as Room In The Inn, youth ministries, our music

programs and helping others through mission opportunities. Exciting plans are being made for youth participation

in music. Will the next chapter include new opportunities in the mission field? Our work with our Haitian friends

in Bayonnais and at Rama Road Elementary with “Planting Seeds of Hope” have assisted many of Godʹs children.

We look forward to our next mission endeavors.

A very important segment of the next chapter will be the search for a new senior pastor. Our Heavenly Father,

through the Holy Spirit, will lead us to our next vibrant, welcoming and energetic leader. What a great chapter this

new pastor will help write.

As we consider all of these possibilities, we know each will require our time, tithes and offerings. Your gifts back to

God through Sardis Church can touch so many lives internally and externally. We ask that you prayerfully

consider increasing your financial commitment to Sardis. With your gifts, the possibilities are endless just as Godʹs

love for us is endless. Please consider how you can build God’s kingdom for future generations with your

commitment to Sardis for 2016.

Historical Corner

A physical change under Rev. Robert Grier Miller was the addition of

a clock (September 27, 1889) – “Session by a unanimous vote decided

to regulate the time of public service by a time piece placed in the

church.” This probably was not so much a gesture to see that the

service ended on time as to see that it began

on time. It would encourage members to

enter the sanctuary punctually rather than

to straggle in at their convenience.

A number of years later (March 1907), the

Session voted that a bell be secured, to be

rung promptly at 11 o’clock.

World Communion Day is

October 4.

Join us as we take Communion with

Christians around the world.



Consider Writing an Advent Devotional

Labor Day has passed, and it is 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 wri4en 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

The never ending love of God challenges me to ________________.

The Evergreen leaves

I have experienced hope in a time of sadness when_____________.

OR

I have experienced hope in a time of sadness through_____________.

The Candles

God’s constant presence strengthens me to_______________.

OR

I am most certain of God’s presence when_________________.

Submissions may be wri4en reflections

(200 words max), poetry, drawings/

illustrations, or photos of art. The

deadline for submi4ing a contribution is

October 19. Send submissions to the

church office to the a4ention of

Dr. Jane Fobel, or submit by email:

[email protected].

The Church Mouse Program: Ministering to Our College Students

The Church Mouse Project is designed to help college students continue to feel part of the

Sardis family while they are away living on college campuses.

Collegians interested in having a “mouse” apply; members of the congregation volunteer to

be “mice.” The mice then anony-mouse-ly send cards and inexpensive items to their

collegian several times during the year.

New church mice are desperately needed! For more information, please contact Georgia

Pressly: 704.364.9299 or [email protected].


Let us Know!

Let the pastors know when you are facing health concerns, surgeries, the death of a

loved one, the birth of baby, the joy of a wedding and all life experiences that we want

to know about and share with you. Due to HIPAA laws, hospitals no longer notify

churches of a member’s hospitalization. Too often, we hear about things after the fact.

Please call us, e-mail us, text us—we want to be there for you!


Troop 133 BBQ Fundraiser | Harvest Celebration 2015

Smoked Chicken - BBQ - Brunswick Stew - Plates

Celebrate Harvest Season with Pork and Fixings

Friday, Oct 9 – 12 to 9 PM

Saturday, Oct 10 - 10 AM until Sold Out

Desserts for Sale Both Days Dine-In gets Free Ice Tea

Take Out - Both Days, All Day

Dine-In Friday, 12-9 PM, Saturday 10 AM – 4 PM

Buy your advance ticket from a Troop 133 Scout in September or

Send an email request for tickets to [email protected] or

Drop in Friday or Saturday - Sells out fast - Drop in early! TROOP 133 CAN NOW ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS TROOP 133 CAN NOW ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS TROOP 133 CAN NOW ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS TROOP 133 CAN NOW ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS

FOR YOUR PURCHASE WHEN YOU DROP INFOR YOUR PURCHASE WHEN YOU DROP INFOR YOUR PURCHASE WHEN YOU DROP INFOR YOUR PURCHASE WHEN YOU DROP IN

Smoked Whole Chicken

Smoked All White Meat Chicken

$10.00/ea.

$12/ea.

BBQ or Chicken Dinner Plates, Beans, Cole Slaw

and a Roll or Bun

$9.00/ea.

Brunswick Stew – 1 Qt.

(Secret Thompson Family Recipe)

$10.00/qt.

BBQ, Pork, Chopped to Perfection – 1 lb. $10.00/ ea.

Harvest Celebration Special - “Stew Plus Two” One Qt of Brunswick Stew plus Two BBQ or Two Whole Chicken or One of Each for $25.


August Financial Highlights

Our Church Family


The Pastors’ Schedules

August August Expected This year so far This year so far

expected

Pledges, gifts, and

other revenue $202,918.73 $199,844.88 $1,322,997.22 $1,390,297.49

Expenses $159,115.17 $171,046.62 $1,420,308.30 $1,473,140.51

Net Total $43,803.56 $28,798.26 ($97,311.08) ($82,843.02)

Annual Budget: $2,266,000

Our Christian Sympathy: to Alice Cauble upon the death of her nephew, David Harkey, to Mark Green upon the

death of his father, Noah Alfred Green, and to the family of Deanna ʺDeeʺ Culpepper.

Congratulations: to Lauren & Michael Phipps upon the birth of their daughter, Claire McClellan Phipps, and to

Elizabeth & Sean Murphy upon the birth of their son, grandson of Anne & Gary Sweeney, Finnegan Robert

Murphy.

*Regular = regular office hours of 8:30a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

For PASTORAL EMERGENCIES on weekends or holidays, please call the church office to be directed to the phone

number of the pastor on call.

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Dave McKechnie: Regular 1:00 – 4:30 (Works from home in the morning.)

Regular Day Off Regular

Jane Fobel Regular Regular Regular Regular Day Off

Alice Johnson Regular Regular Regular Day Off Regular

Katie Harrington Regular Regular Regular Regular Day Off

Sardis Recycles - You Can Too!

Good news! Sardis Presbyterian Church is hosting a Mecklenburg Country Commercial Recycling Drop-Off

Center. The Drop-Off Center is the blue recycling dumpster located in the parking lot behind the Fellowship Hall

building. The Drop-Off Center is available to use for free, 24 hours a day, for any Mecklenburg Country residents

and/or businesses. Items that can be put in the Drop-Off Center include :

• Plastic Bo4les and Jugs

• Glass Bo4les and Jars

• Rigid Plastic (toys, buckets, etc.)

• Empty Aerosol Cans

• Aluminum and Metal Cans

• Cardboard Boxes

You may find a complete list and more information at www.wipeoutwaste.com or by calling 704.432.3200.



October Roll Review

This year as we celebrate 225 years of service to The Lord at Sardis,

we also begin the process of calling a senior pastor.

As part of that process we, as a congregation, are required to prepare

information about Sardis that will clearly identify who we are to

prospective candidates. The Presbyterian Book of Order requires an

accurate accounting of active members (inactive is no longer a

membership category) before a search commi4ee can be formed. A

commi4ee has been formed by the Session with the task of

completing that required accounting and presenting the results to

Session. This commi4ee will be working hard to fulfill this first and

necessary step. Le4ers will be sent to inactive as well as out-of-town

members in the next few weeks.

The Roll Review Commi4ee earnestly seeks your prayers and help as

we strive to make Sardis stronger and to return members to Sardis

when possible with the hope of invigorating the congregation in the

work and worship of Sardis.

Senior Link

Outreach Program

The Senior Link Ministry at Sardis is

looking for participants in their outreach

program. Some of our older members are

homebound and would appreciate

ge4ing an occasional phone call from

someone at Sardis. We want these good

people to continue to feel a part of our

church family.

If you would like to participate in this

outreach program, please call Pat

Aldred at 704.366.6990, to receive the

name and phone number of one of our

homebound members.

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 two different times

during October. Jane Fobel will lead the study and will use the PCUSA resource, Reading the Bible for

Understanding, by James Davison ($5).

• One class will begin on Thursday, October 8, at 10 a.m. – meeting at Sardis in room 211/212 in the Fellowship

Hall Building.

• The second class will be on Tuesday evenings, at 7 p.m. and will

meet at Plantation Estates in the Ivy Room.

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.

Contact Dr. Jane Fobel at [email protected] or 704.366.1854 to

register and reserve a book.


Charlo-e 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 225 Homecoming lunch, so prepare for a fun day of fel-

lowship and service!

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

1. www.charlo4ecropwalk.org

2. Find volunteers from the Sardis Team in the Gathering Place on Sundays in October.

3. Contact Christa Sumwalt at [email protected] or Melinda Wilkinson at [email protected] for

more information about walking and donating. *2014 Hunger in America Study

Youth Ministry Clothing Drive

The Youth Ministry is doing a clothing drive to support two ministries that they served with during the summer:

Charlie’s Place in Washington, DC with the high school ministry and Crisis Assistance here in Charlo4e with the

middle school ministry. Most of the time, we take our clothes for granted, having more than we need. For our

clothing drive, we are hoping to obtain at least 225 pairs of new socks and 225 pairs of new underwear by Sunday,

October 18 (our 225 celebration). You may also donate your gently used clothes to the drive. Will you help us reach

our goal?

Most of the men’s clothing, along with some of the new socks and underwear, will be taken to Charlie’s Place

where our youth were able to have conversations with people (mostly men) who were homeless, learning their

stories and sharing their own. Charlie’s Place, in addition to serving breakfast six days a week, provides those in

need with clothes, if they have them available. While we served, the shelves were very bare and we couldn’t assist

those in need as much as we had hoped. The rest of the clothes will stay in

town and go to Crisis Assistance and be used in their Free Store to help

those who are less fortunate in our community.

Help the Youth Ministry help others by cleaning out your closet of clothes

you do not wear anymore! Donations may be left in the Education Building

in the clothing bins by the library and the Youth Room. If you have any

questions, please contact Adrian Martin in the church office (704.366.1854 or

[email protected]). Thank you in advance!

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

***The Red Cross will be at Sardis Sunday, October 11 from

8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for our next blood drive.***


Trey Dean Visits Samaritan House in Honor of the

225th Anniversary of Sardis

Trey Dean delivered paper products, board games,

towels and washcloths to Samaritan House as part of

Mission Interpretation’s 225 year Celebration of Sardis.

Trey and his mother Tracy volunteer at Samaritan

House, which provides housing for homeless guests

who are discharged from a hospital or authorized

medical facility and need transitional housing as they

recover. Trey helped plan and implement this project.

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

The September gift from Mission Interpretation in honor of the 225th anniversary of Sardis Presbyterian Church

will go to Christian Library International, an agency based in Raleigh, NC. They supply Bibles and religious

books to prisons in all 50 states. The prisoners can read these books as well as participate in a Bible study. Later

in the year, we will have a book drive to collect used religious books from the congregation.

Mission Interpretation Ministry to Aid European Refugee Crisis

The Mission Interpretation Ministry sent $3,500 to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) to help with the Euro-

pean Refugee Crisis. Since the beginning of the Syrian civil war in 2011, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has

been engaged in responding to the needs of displaced persons and refugees. PDA is supporting our European

partners as they minister to the needs of these refugees. The generosity of you, the members of Sardis, allows us

to offer this relief assistance.

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

Thatsa Lo-a Sauce!

We collected and donated 95 lbs of

spaghe4i sauce to our community

service partners at Loaves & Fishes

in September. We welcome your

donations of extra spaghe4i sauce

(and pasta too) this and every

Sunday in October. Please drop you

donations in the narthex and they

will feed our neighbors in need.

Room In The Inn Needs You!

Mark your calendars now for Wednesday, December 2! That is our first

night to host our neighbors for our Room in the Inn ministry. That night,

and the next 34 Wednesdays and Sundays until the end of March, we will

provide a hot meal and a warm bed for 13 of our homeless neighbors. We

need everyone’s help to continue providing this ministry two nights per

week, so come and join us! Bring a friend or neighbor, all are

welcome. Not sure yet? Call or email Marilyn Taylor 704.362.2039 or

[email protected] or, for more information, go to www.sardis.org

and click on Service Opportunities under Room in the Inn.


Two Study Opportunities for Adults this Fall

We’d still love to have you join us in our Bible study groups this fall! Contact Renda Brinson at 704.926.1585 for

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

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

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 le4ers – I, II, and III John as well as some of Paul’s

shorter le4ers.

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

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.

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

Sunday Night Live!

Join us for a new bible study/fellowship class! Sunday nights beginning

October 25 from 6:15—7:15 p.m. in the conference room in the

Administration Building. A video series called “Starting Point” by

Andy Stanley of North Point Community Church in Atlanta will be the

initial four-week study. The subsequent curriculum, involving bible

study, fellowship and service, will be led by a team of teachers. The

class is open to all ages. Come be a part of something new at Sardis!

Questions? Contact Dean Bowen at [email protected] or David

Blackley at [email protected].

Zone45 at Pumpkinpaoolza in October

A4ention all fourth and fifth graders of Zone45! We have an

exciting fall event coming your way. Join your fellow fourth and

fifth graders at Pumpkinpalooza on Saturday, October 24. Grab

your costume and meet us at Sardis at 3:30 p.m. We will

decorate a car and participate in trunk-or-treat. There will also

be face painting, snow cones, and a bounce house! If it rains, we

will be in the Education Hall. Please RSVP to Gina Nelson at

704.497.2364 or by emailing [email protected] to participate

in all of the fun. Friends are always welcome at Zone45 events.

Hope to see you there!


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

Acolyte Training · October 11

Third through fifth graders are eligible to be acolytes. Acolytes help lead the 11 a.m. worship

service by carrying the light of Christ. If you would like to be a part of this important

ministry, please contact Heather Eddy at [email protected]. Training will be in the

Sanctuary on October 11, directly after the 11 a.m. service and should last about 20 minutes.

Pre-game Party for Elementary Families!

Sunday, October 4 | 12 - 2 p.m.

Wear your Panthers gear to church and join all the elementary families on the

Francis Property after the 11 a.m. worship service for hot dogs, games, and

fellowship! This is a great opportunity for our K-5th grade students and their

families to get to know one another be4er. The only cost to you is money for

the ice cream truck. Join us!

LOGOS—There’s Still Room for You!

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 has begun, but there is still a spot for you! The cost is $115 a semester. This fall brings

new themes and activities! Come join us! Register online at www.sardis.org.

Sardis Weekday School Updates

The SWS Fall Consignment Sale will be held on Saturday, October 3 from

8 a.m.- 12 p.m. Registration for consignors and volunteers is still open!

Please visit www.myconsignmentmanager.com/sardis to sign up, or visit our

website at www.sardisweekdayschool.org for more information.

We will be hosting

breakfast for our

preschool fathers at

Donuts with Dad on

October 7 & 8.

Charlo4e Speech and

Hearing screenings are

scheduled for October

14.

Please join us October

21 at 9:30 a.m. in the

Fellowship Hall for

Grey Seal Puppets—

everyone is welcome!

Our annual Halloween

Parade will be held October

29 at 9:15 a.m. Please join us!


The CommunicatorThe CommunicatorThe CommunicatorThe Communicator

Published monthly by

Sardis Presbyterian Church

6100 Sardis Road

Charlo4e, NC 28270

www.sardis.org

Non-Profit Org.

U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

Charlo4e, NC

Fall Dinner

Tuesday, October 13 With guest speaker : Helen Weaver

$10/person | Register at www.sardis.org or 704.926.1590

October 24, 4:00-6:00pm

Saturday

October Events at Sardis

Family Event | Trunk-or-Treat | Face Painting | Games

www.sardis.org

2015 October Communicator

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