2015 february communicator

2 The Communicator ~ February 2015

A weekend for Christian Education. ENRICHMENT SERIESENRICHMENT SERIESENRICHMENT SERIESENRICHMENT SERIES

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:

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:

Saturday Dinner

Adults/older youth: $12 per person

Number a,ending______

Children 5th grade and younger, FREE


Saturday Program

Adults - Number a,ending______

Older youth - Number a,ending______

Elementary children participating in the Saturday

program, names and ages:

Infants and preschools needing childcare, names and ages:

Transportation needed at Plantation Estates_________

Sunday Lunch

Adults/older youth: $8 per person


Children 5th grade and younger, FREE


Sunday Program

Adults - Number a,ending______

Older youth - Number a,ending______

Elementary children participating in the Sunday

program, names and ages:

Infants and preschools needing childcare, names and ages:

Transportation needed at Plantation Estates_________

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 Communicator ~ February 2015 3

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

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

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

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

made by noon on Friday, February 13. Register online

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

Contact Rev. Alice Johnson at 704.366.1854 or email

[email protected].

Welcome New Members!

Ann Bibby

Ann is retired from Bank of America and joined

Sardis by Le,er of Transfer from Trinity

Presbyterian Church in Charlo,e.

Maurice Moore

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.



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!



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.

Hope College Chapel Choir

March 14 & 15

The Chapel Choir of Hope College will perform in

concert at Sardis on Saturday, March 14, at 7 p.m. We are

incredibly excited about hosting this 40-member auditioned

college chorus that has toured extensively throughout

many countries. The 11:00 worship service on Sunday

morning, March 15, will be enhanced with the participation

of the Hope College ensemble as our guest choir.

If you are interested in hosting

two or more college students for

the one night they are in Charlo,e,

please email Kaitlyn at

[email protected].

Festival of Church Music 2015

Sunday, February 22 at 7 p.m.

Covenant Presbyterian Church · Charlo,e, NC

Join us for a 90-minute ecumenical of the second

(biannual) Festival of Church Music. This choral

event features Dr. Eric Nelson, highly regarded

conductor and composer, and Dr. Paul

Westermeyer, Professor Emeritus, cantor and

liturgist. Also featured is organ accompaniment,

a brass ensemble, and a 200-voice choir from our

and other churches.

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

wait, only 900 seats are available!

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



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!



MSG for Grieving Women

ʺHealing Heartsʺ is a Mustard Seed Group for women

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

The women in the group would like to share their

support and friendship with others who have

experienced this loss. We meet on the first and third

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

Sardis House lobby. The loss doesnʹt have to be a

recent one, and we welcome all women who feel this

would be helpful to them.

If you would like to speak with someone before

making your decision to come to the group, you may

contact Vicka Conder Dohmann at 704.236.3089 or

[email protected].

Sardis Prayer Chain

Did you know that you have

some helpers at Sardis

waiting to share in your

prayer concerns? In Romans

15:30 Paul asked the church to

“join me in my struggle by

praying to God for me.”

And that’s the reason for our prayer group. We want to

join in your struggle when life presents you with

overwhelming situations. You may either call the

church office at 704.366.1854 to speak with one of our

pastors, or you may call Cynthia Harrison at

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

Spring Dinner—April 28

We welcome to the Women’s

Spring Dinner guest speaker Neil

Carmichael. A fellow writer of

Robert Whitlow, Mr. Carmichael

has wri,en several books, the

most recent being “His Peace For

Your Life.”

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!

It’s Cold and Flu Season

Soon we will have Touch-free Hand

Sanitizing Stations in the Narthex and

Gathering Place during cold and flu

seasons. There are wall dispensers in the

educational classrooms year round.

Please feel free to use these as you enter

the Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall as we

strive to share the Gospel and the love

of Christ with one another, but not our

germs.


Our Church Family


January Session Highlights

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.

Congregational Meeting 2015 Communion Schedule

January 25 · February 18

April 2 · May 24

July 12 · August 30

October 4 · November 29

December 24

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.

The session has called our Annual Congregational

Meeting for Sunday, February 15, immediately

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

the meeting is to receive the Annual Report and to

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

available in the Narthex, Gathering Place and on

www.sardis.org by February 8.


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 [email protected] for more info on how you can start walking with the group!


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

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

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

to continue.

Sue Wilson delivers 40 backpacks

to Rama Road Elementary School

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.

This is a great opportunity to volunteer with your family,

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

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

a smile!

IMPORTANT:

Before your volunteer shift, please fill out the Habitat for

Humanity Volunteer Waiver online. The form can be

accessed via a link at www.sardis.org.

If you have any questions about volunteering, contact Dan

Norman at [email protected]. You can also

volunteer to help with lunches by contacting Susan Hudson

at [email protected].

Going Shopping?

Room In The Inn needs the following for our

neighbors:

• Womenʹs Underwear: small and medium

• Menʹs Underwear: large and extra large

• Menʹs and Womenʹs White Socks: medium

and large

• Menʹs and Womenʹs Undershirts: small,

medium, large.

These items can be dropped off in the bins in

the Education Hall (the hall outside of Heather

and Rendaʹs offices). Thank you!

The Communicator ~ February 2015

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

7

Sardis Weekday School Updates!

Registration for the 2015-2016 school year has begun! NEW for the 2015-

2016 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!

For more information, please contact Louise Lippi at 704.366.9681

or [email protected].

Save the date for the SWS Spring

Consignment Sale on Saturday, March 28! For

more information, visit our Web site

at www.sardisweekdayschool.org.

A New Class for Families –

Children, Parents and God

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

Reverend Katie Harrington, our new Associate

Pastor for Families, will begin a new Sunday School

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

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

with Katie and other parents what spiritual practices look like for

parents and their families.

So, if you are a parent with an infant or child, fifth grade and below,

please contact Katie at [email protected] to register and learn

more about the class.

Please join us for music, food, and fun

at the PAC Sweetheart Dance!

Friday, February 13

5 p.m.—7 p.m.

Youth Variety Show!

March 22 in Fellowship

Hall

Come watch or participate in the

Youth Variety Show on Sunday,

March 22! A delicious lunch will be

served by our youth at 12 p.m. and

the show will begin at 12:30.

Youth interested in showcasing their

talent (drums, instruments, dancing,

singing, hula-hooping, etc.) please

contact Adrian, Kaitlyn, or Jared.

There will be an audition on

February 15 and 16; 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 Youth Music and Youth

Ministries.

Kids: Looking for a

Sunday School Class?

Children’s Sunday School is offered

at 10 a.m. each Sunday for all ages,

even babies! To find more infor-

mation about Childrenʹs Sunday

School, visit Sardis’ Web site, and

click “Ministries.” Under this tab,

click “Children.” See you Sunday!

The CommunicatorThe CommunicatorThe CommunicatorThe Communicator

Published monthly by

Sardis Presbyterian Church

6100 Sardis Road

Charlo,e, NC 28270

www.sardis.org

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The church would like to thank the following individuals and companies who worked on the Educa-

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2015 february communicator

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program adults number

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elementary children

program of stories

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