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Transcript of 2015 May Communicator
The Communicator ~ May 2015
A Publication of Sardis Presbyterian Church May 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
2 The Communicator ~ May 2015
Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do. Church LifeChurch LifeChurch LifeChurch Life
Rev. Dr. Jane B. Fobel on Sabbatical
In honoring the Presbytery of Charlo�e terms of call for ministers, The Rev. Dr. Jane
Fobel will be taking her sabbatical May 4 through August 2. A sabbatical is an
extended Sabbath, which provides for even greater productivity when it is over. It
is a time to take leave of oneʹs everyday work and for mind and soul to lay fallow; a time
for spiritual enrichment, rest, and ultimately, regeneration. We are grateful Dr. Fobel will
have this opportunity to restore and refresh herself physically and spiritually.
Sardis Gift Trust: Do You Love Our Church Campus?
Our wonderful campus is more than something for us to enjoy. The buildings and grounds are essential to the
mission of Sardis and the God-given purposes of worship, service, evangelism, discipleship, and fellowship. To be
good stewards of this property, we need to provide it with ongoing care and maintenance. Many of the repair and
maintenance needs are beyond our annual budget, but thanks to generous gifts in the past to the Sardis Gift Trust,
funds have been available for such needs. Funds are specifically established for Major Property Improvement and
for maintenance of the Sanctuary and Chapel. Both funds need to grow to meet future needs. Anyone may add to
either fund by lifetime gifts, memorials, or bequests.
For questions about how you may join in this permanent support of Sardis, please feel free to contact Ed Shoaf,
current chair of the Gift Trust Commission, or Jennifer Childers, Director of Administration.
A Time of Transition – What’s Next?
With my retirement, Sardis will enter a new period of transition. There will be many
questions, some can be answered now and some only later as the church moves
through the process.
On Monday, I will ask the session to call a congregational meeting for Sunday, May 17
in order to “dissolve the pastoral relationship” between myself and Sardis. The
language sounds so cold, but it is an important part of our Presbyterian Polity. My
last Sunday in worship and the pulpit will be June 14.
On Tuesday, May 26, the Presbytery of Charlo�e will send a representative from the Commi�ee on Ministry to
guide the session through the important steps and decisions they will need to make during this interim time. The
Presbytery of Charlo�e will work closely with the Sardis session and members of the congregation. They are
experts when it comes to navigating the waters between pastors.
Jeanne Hammons, our Clerk of Session, will keep all of you informed as the process of transition gets underway.
In the meantime, let’s follow the advice of scripture, “As we constantly keep each other in our prayers.”
God bless, Tom
The Communicator ~ May 2015 3
Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do. Church LifeChurch LifeChurch LifeChurch Life
Historical Corner
The early parishioners had a strict observance of the Sabbath.
Only the most essential work, such as milking cows and
feeding the stock, was permi�ed. Cooking was done on
Saturdays, and the food put away. Heating food, however,
was allowed on the Sabbath.
All sports on the Sabbath were forbidden. Almost all business
establishments were closed on Sabbath. The “Sunday
newspaper” became a problem. Officially it fell into the
category of “secular reading,” forbidden by church standards.
So it was tucked away in a bureau drawer until after church.
Then the rules changed. By a loose interpretation of the fourth
commandment it might be brought forth and read. The
children were even allowed to read the funny papers!
Apparently the Lord relaxed his requirements somewhat, as a
reward for one’s having a�ended church.
Calling All High School
and College Graduates
You have worked hard to reach this important
milestone in your lives, and your church family
would like to recognize your achievement in
the June issue of The Communicator.
All December 2014 and May 2015 graduates
should submit their information (including
name, school, and degree) by May 20 to
Please accept our congratulations on this
significant achievement!
Looking Ahead to Summer
The summer worship schedule starts on Saturday, June 13 and
continues through Sunday, September 6. This summer we will
be offering two worship opportunities: every Saturday
evening in the Sardis House at 5:30 p.m. and on Sundays in
the Sanctuary at 10 a.m. There is one exception – Sunday, July
19 worship service will be in the Fellowship Hall as the
children from VBS help lead us in worship.
Taizé Community Worship
Our next Taizé service will be held Sunday,
May 10 at St. Stephen United Methodist Church
at 6 p.m.
For more information visit www.sardis.org or
contact Rev. Alice Johnson at 704.366.1854 or
Piano Dedication Recital – Saturday, May 2, 7 p.m.
Our Piano Dedication Recital will feature Sardis Presbyterian’s Sanctuary Choir, vocal soloists, and oboists Hollis
Ulakey and Cheryl Stevenson, as well as our own Kaitlyn Davis. We dedicate our sanctuary piano to the glory of
God, and in memory of Maida Frye. Musical selections will be from Morten Lauridsen’s Lux Aeterna as well as
composers Faure, Schumann, Debussy, Hampton, and Sco� Joplin. Childcare for this dedication recital will be
provided by reservation only. Please call 704.926.1599.
A Mason & Hamlin 7’ grand piano was purchased through a gift from the estate of Maida Frye. Maida was very
active in music at Sardis: she was a 40-year member of the Sanctuary Choir, rang in Alpha Ringers, from ‘77-’87
was a chaperone for youth a�ending the Worship and Music Conference in Montreat, directed and assisted with
the middle school and children’s choir, and directed a chime choir for the Friendship Club.
4 The Communicator ~ May 2015
March Financial Highlights
Our Church Family
Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do. Church LifeChurch LifeChurch LifeChurch Life
March March
Expected
This year
so far
This year so
far expected
Pledges, gifts,
and other
revenue
$199,208.72 $187,744.88 $534,812.80 $526,250.02
Expenses $197,461.03 $186,012.14 $525,104.13 $544,672.80
Net Total $1,747.69 $1,732.74 $9,708.67 ($18,422.78)
Annual Budget: $2,266,000
Thank you for your generous financial
support—you make the ministry of this
church possible!
The approaching summer months are
usually the lowest months for giving
during the year, as families head out of town
for summer fun. Keeping your gifts current
during the summer will greatly help Sardis
continue our ministry and plan appropriately
for the rest of the year. You can make a quick
gift at www.sardis.org in two ways: either
under the “give” tab or by logging in to your
MySardis account.
Sowing the Seeds of Stewardship Donna Harwood
Youʹve all probably heard the old adage ʺyou reap what you sow.ʺ Iʹll bet most of us grew up thinking of reaping
what we have sown in the negative sense. We think of paying consequence for sinful actions or foolish choices, but
the laws of the harvest also have a positive side.
When we sow our time and talents at Sardis, we help build houses with Habitat for Humanity, we feed and
provide shelter for our neighbors through Room In The Inn, we staff the soup kitchen at Urban Ministries, and we
provide prayer shawls to those in our congregation that need to feel the warmth of our love.
Similarly, when we sow our financial resources at Sardis, we provide books for the students at Rama Road
Elementary, perform maintenance on the physical structure of our Church, offer support for Haiti, the Sardis
Weekday School, Camp Holiday, and Urban Ministries and have the ability to hire a Director of Youth Ministries,
Minister of Music, Contemporary Worship Leader and Associate Pastor for Families. These are just a few
examples of the many ways Sardis ʺsowsʺ your time, talents, and financial resources. So, wonʹt you join me in
sowing the seeds of stewardship at Sardis?
And, remember… unlike many of us, Sardis doesnʹt take a vacation break over the summer, so please send in your
pledge when you are away and cannot a�end church services.
Our Christian Sympathy: to Mitch Campbell upon the death of his grandfather, Kenneth Campbell, to Bobby Smith
upon the death of his father, Jack Smith, and to the family of Jill Hall.
Congratulations: to Andy and Cathy Lankford upon the birth of their daughter, Molly Lankford, and to Sean and
Jamie McDermo� upon the birth of their daughter, Kelly McDermo�.
The Communicator ~ May 2015 5
Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do. Church LifeChurch LifeChurch LifeChurch Life
Social Groups – Let’s Build On Sardis’ 225 Year History
Social groups have always been a part of Sardis Presbyterian’s rich history. A social group is defined as a
collection of people who interact with each other and share similar interests and a sense of unity. Quiddlers,
M&Ms, and Mixed Nuts are three social groups you may recognize. d
Our Sardis services and ministries are also a form of social groups. Over the next several weeks, the Fellowship
Ministry will be gathering your ideas and interests in new social groups for Sardis. The goal is to create new
groups of all ages you will connect to, based on shared interests, to promote a growing sense of unity at Sardis.
Here are a few ideas to get you thinking! Do you have any great ideas not mentioned here? Contact
Bill Taylor at [email protected].
Movie Reviewers Got Kids Potluck
Kids Night Out Card Gamers Teach Me Tech
Bikers and Hikers Current Events Mall Crashers
Parents and Teenagers Simply Single Around Town
Friendship Connection– May 19
The Friendship Connection is a fellowship group for retirees and meets on
the third Tuesday of the month for a program and lunch.
Our guest for May 19, Jan Blodge�, is the Davidson College Archivist. She
will be speaking on “Under the Lake.” Learn what was buried when
Catawba River was dammed to form Lake Norman in 1963. This is a
fascinating presentation on the history and process of forming a lake and
its effect on the surrounding areas.
Reservations are necessary for lunch ($8/
person) and need to be made by Friday, May
15. To make your reservation, register online at
www.sardis.org or call 704.926.1590.
New Member
Classes
Interested in joining Sardis? May
New Member Classes begin on
May 10 and run through the end of
May. Classes are at 10 a.m. in the
small dining room.
Questions? Contact Rev. Alice
Johnson at [email protected]
or 704.366.1854.
Baseball for Bayonnais is Back!
Join us on August 8 for a time of fun and fellowship, as we join with other area churches for a Charlo�e Knights
game supporting the OFCB ministry in Haiti. Join us for that Saturday night worship service at 5:30 p.m., then take
the bus or caravan to the Knights Stadium. Tickets are $15 each, with $3 of each ticket being
donated to support the efforts of OFCB in Bayonnais, Haiti.
Tickets may be purchased at www.sardis.org or in the church office. You must purchase your
tickets through the church in order to sit with your friends and to ensure your ticket will support
OFCB. Questions? Contact Rob Brownlee at [email protected].
6 The Communicator ~ May 2015
The Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve. Lay MinistryLay MinistryLay MinistryLay Ministry
Congratulations, Sardis!
Once again, your generosity has made it possible for
each child at Rama Road Elementary School to take
home books for summer reading.
The books, which were chosen by the Rama staff,
will help students maintain their reading levels during
the summer break and also encourage reading for
pleasure.
Thank you again, Sardis, for your continued support of
Rama Road Elementary!
Bus Driver Training
If you are interested in becoming certified to drive the Sardis buses, please
contact John Carriker at [email protected] or 704.650.4884. Training is
scheduled to begin in early May.
Mission Projects in
Celebration of Sardis’
225th Anniversary
Your Sardis Mission Interpretation
Ministry has set aside funds to be used this year for
special one-time mission projects in celebration of our
225th anniversary.
This month we provided money for cleaning supplies
at Safe Alliance, a domestic violence shelter in
Charlo�e. The shelter has expanded, and cleaning
supplies were needed for the women and children
staying there.
Thank you, Sardis, for your support of mission for
225 years.
Room In The Inn: A season of gratitude
At the end of this RITI season, we are filled with gratitude for our eight dedicated team captains and the 138 team
volunteers, the 34 various groups (and some individuals) who prepared delicious meals for our neighbors, our
nine faithful bus drivers, and the support of the entire Sardis staff, all of whom helped make the RITI experience
one of warmth and hospitality for our homeless neighbors. There were 440 beds occupied at Sardis House from
December through March. What a blessing for those neighbors, and for Sardis. Please check the Community
Service bulletin board to see who participated in this amazing ministry.
As a special year end treat for
our neighbors, a fish fry was
sponsored by Brad and Rosemary
Helms, and prepared by chef Max
McLeod and his crew!
The Communicator ~ May 2015 7
“Let the li�le children come unto me.”
7
Sardis Weekday School Announcements Register now for Preschool!
We have openings for the
2015-2016 school year! For more
information, please contact
Louise Lippi.
A sincere thank you to the
SWS Consignment Commi�ee
for yet another successful sale.
Your hard work is appreciated!
--June 2-4 Musikgarten --June 30-July 2 Art
--June 9-11 Storytelling --July 7-9 Spanish
--June 16-18 Soccer --July 21-23 Amazing Athletes
--June 23-25 Yoga --July 28-30 Atomz Lab
Registration for SWS Summer Camps is now open for everyone! We have a
new and improved program that we are very excited about! Camps run
Tues-Thurs, 9:30 a.m.—1 p.m. The scheduled themes are:
For more information on rates and how to register, please visit
www.sardisweekdayschool.org or contact Louise Lippi at 704.366.9681 or
The Graduation Ceremony
for our four year olds will be held
on Wednesday, May 27!
Celebrate Mom!
A Motherʹs Day Breakfast will be
held on Wednesday, May 6 for
our moms.
VBS: July 13-17!
9 a.m.—noon
Vacation Bible School has a new, improved
model. Shepherds will guide classes to all
student activities. There are also new opening
and closing assemblies. So come to Nazareth
this summer for a week of fun and learning!
We need volunteers in the following areas, in
both the preschool (P) and elementary (E) age
groups:
The VBS team is counting on you to make this
the year that every kid has a space at VBS! Call
Renda Brinson or Heather Eddy at the church at
704.366.1854 to sign-up for a position.
Faith and Film Series
On Wednesdays, June 17—August 12, you are invited to join
us for a light supper (if you wish) and a chance to discuss faith
through the eyes of films. We will view film clips and discuss
them from biblical, cultural and spiritual points of view. Effort
will be made to give advance notice of the film for the
upcoming week for those who wish to preview it before class.
Supper is 6—6:30 p.m. (cost TBD) You may reserve a meal,
bring your own supper, or join us at 6:30 for the program.
Come join us for lively discussion and sharing.
Coming this fall, an updated Sunday School for
our Elementary children – new topics, new approaches.
Planning is underway!
Sundays, June 7, 14, & 21 – there will be a special joint
Sunday School program that includes service projects around
our Sardis campus. Join us from 9—10 a.m. to help your own
Church family. There will be a devotion designed especially
for children and youth.
M-F, 8:45 a.m.-12:10 p.m. 2-5 days, 9 a.m.-noon
*Shepherds in K-5 *Art helpers in P & E
*Music leaders in P *Storytellers in P & E
*Art leaders in P & E *Rec helpers in P & E
*Snack director *Snack helpers
8 The Communicator ~ May 2015
The CommunicatorThe CommunicatorThe CommunicatorThe Communicator
Published monthly by
Sardis Presbyterian Church
6100 Sardis Road
Charlo�e, NC 28270
www.sardis.org
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Charlo�e, NC
Permit #1059
What can 200 volunteers accomplish in just a few hours
? Volunteers also spent time:
-Visiting Plantation Estates residents
-Organizing the Sardis House basement
-Cleaning the Sardis Weekday School
- Singing for Sardis Oaks residents
Cards for Levine Children’s
Hospital
Snack Packs for Salvation Army Boys & Girls
Club
Care Packages for Lily Pad
Haven Sandwiches for Urban Ministry
Center
Participants gave the equivalent of over $9,220* In
volunteer hours at the Give One Day event.
*Independentsector.org
Baskets for Community
Link
30303030
300300300300 6666
800800800800 69696969 Post cards
for Urban Ministry
150150150150