14 July Communicator

The Communicator ~ July 2014

2 The Communicator ~ July 2014

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

Presbyterians and Same Sex Marriage

On Sunday, June 24, 2014, I shared some brief comments regarding the recent actions of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA. Included in your Communicator is an insert providing detailed information, not only on the issue of same sex marriage, but other highlights of actions taken at General Assembly.

The recommendation regarding same sex marriage has been welcomed by some of our brothers and sisters with great rejoicing and others with deep sadness and grief.

It is very important to remember that during the next year, Presbyteries all across the nation will vote to either approve or not approve the recommendation changing the Book of Order and marriage. It is also helpful to remember that both ministers and sessions will have “freedom of conscience” regarding same sex marriages. Of course, same sex marriages can only occur in certain states. Same sex marriages are not legal in North Carolina.

Please take the time to read the enclosed information and if you have questions, please feel free to call me or any of your pastors.

God Bless, Tom

Communion Dates

Please mark your calendars for these upcoming Communion dates. • August 10

• October 5

• November 30

• December 24

Taize Worship Service July 13— 6 p.m.

TAIZE COMMUNITY WORSHIP Service will be held at Sardis Presbyterian Church on Sunday, July 13 at 6 p.m. in the Sardis Chapel. We gather as a community to spend time together in prayer, song, and reflection on God’s word.

2nd Saturdays at Sardis—Location Change

Beginning this month, 2nd Saturdays at Sardis worship services will be held in the Sardis House. Please join us for these less formal, contemporary services on July 12 and August 9 at 5:30 p.m. Childcare is provided.

Hope to see you there!

SECOND SATURDAYS AT SARDIS

The Communicator ~ July 2014 3


Mustard Seed Groups are our small group ministry. Membership in a small group is a wonderful way to connect with others in our church family in a meaningful way, to grow in discipleship, and to serve Christ with others.

Over the summer there will be several opportunities to learn more about Mustard Seed Groups, to hear from those participating in a MSG, and to sign up to join a group or be part of the “planting” of a new group in the coming fall. Mark your calendar to attend a MSG Planting Meeting after worship on one of the following dates: Sunday, July 27 at 11:15 a.m. or Sunday, August 24 at 11:15 a.m. For questions contact Jane Fobel at [email protected].

Batter Up! Baseball for Bayonnais!

Join us on August 9 for a time of fun and fellowship, as we join with other area churches for a Charlotte Knights game. You will also be supporting a great cause as proceeds from each ticket will support the OFCB ministries in Bayonnais, Haiti.

First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. Buses will be waiting at the church and as soon as our Saturday service is over, we will board and leave for the game. Tickets are $14 each, with $4 going to support the efforts of the OFCB. Tickets may be purchased online at www.sardis.org or at the church office through Friday, July 4. Purchase tickets through the church in order to sit with your friends and so that the Haiti mission may benefit.

How to Speak Presbyterian

How to Speak Presbyterian is an online Bible study that is being held each Tuesday at 7 p.m., now through July 29. Online, you will see our desktop presentation with commentary from class leaders. Participants will be able to make comments through typed notes (to leader only or entire group) or when microphones are available, through voice.

How do you do it? It is simple! Join us at https://join.me/sardispresby and you will be prompted to “knock on the door” ‐ we promise to let you enter the fun. Each week will cover a different topic, so join us when you can. We will discuss God, Christ and Spirit, forgiveness, scripture, confessions and more. Contact Renda Brinson at [email protected] or 704.926.1585 with questions. We look forward to offering another way to further your learning and walk with God.

Congregational Meeting—July 13

A Congregational Meeting has been called to meet on Sunday, July 13 immediately following worship. The purpose of the meeting is to receive a presentation of the details for the HVAC renovation project and vote to approve the plan for financing the project. A letter with more details about the HVAC project has been sent to your homes. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at 704.366.1854.

For any questions please e‐mail Christa Sumwalt at [email protected].


June Diaconate Highlights

Our Church Family

Ministry is about life in Christ which affects everything we do. Church Life June Session Highlights

• The need for directional signs was discussed and options are being looked into.

• Next blood drive will be July 27. • Different ministries are in charge of

Lemonade on the Lawn each Sunday.

• 7 people are in training to sponsor two new Hope Team families.

• HVAC bids are out and hopefully work will start in July.

• The following baptisms were approved: Lovrien Grace Wilkes, daughter of Diane and Justin Wilkes on June 15, 2014 Adult baptism of Valerie Milum and the baptism of her two daughters, Chloe Milum Tobin and Sierra Milum Tobin on June 29, 2014 Chase Benjamin Hovis, son of Ben and Megan Hovis on August 3, 2014. Ford Ryan Thompson, son of Ryan and Elaine Archer Thompson on September 21, 2014.

• The Session also approved receiving into membership Valerie Milum by Profession of Faith on June 29, 2014.

• The Session approved the transfer of Byron R. and Mollie T. Baker to Myers Park United Methodist Church.

• The Session approved allowing Mission Interpretation Ministry to conduct a sponsorship drive at Sardis for the students at the school in Bayonnais on September 6 and 7, 2014. Tentative plans will involve a gathering at the Sardis House to promote interest. In addition, there will be a dinner before the Saturday, August 9 worship service and Charlotte Knights’ baseball game with a free will offering. All proceeds will go to Friends of OFCB designated for the school.

• The Session approved calling a congregational meeting on July 13, 2014 following the 10 a.m. worship service to secure approval to do the HVAC renovation project in the Education Building.

• The Session voted to approve disbursement of funds from the Sardis Gift Trust for the purpose of updating the server for the Sardis network.

Our Christian Sympathy to Wendy Galleher upon the death of her step‐father, Captain William Banks, and to Dux and Betty Pharr upon the death of their grandson, Harris Pharr.

Congratulations to parents Mr. and Mrs. Gregory Hochstetter upon the birth of their daughter Ximena Lee Hochstetter, and to the grandparents, Barbara and Richard McLemore, and to parents Allison Cox McCutcheon and Cameron McCutcheon upon the birth of their daughter Madison Irwin McCutcheon, and to the grandparents, Buster and Deirdre Cox.

May

May

expected

This year

so far

This year so far

expected

Pledges, gifts, and other revenue $163,851.62 $165,143.33 $751,333.71 $796,346.65

Expenses $185,362.68 $184,572.33 $796,565.16 $893,836.65

Net Total ($21,511.06) ($19,429.00) ($45,231.45) ($97,490.00)

Annual Budget: $2,129,993

May Financial Report Thank you for making the ministry of this church possible! You can make a quick gift at www.sardis.org in two ways: either under the “give” tab or by logging into your MySardis account.



Sardis Softball Champions!

Sardis girls won the league championship, regular season, and Championship Flight of the

Sardis Sports League Girls Softball 2014!

Back row: Kim Surles, Lexi Lewis, Coach Tim Little, Coach Ray Boardman, Madison McClure, Claire Folk, Hannah Greene Front row: Lindsey Cope, Madison Moore, Alex Britt, Claire Scavone, Devin Jones, Madeline Bone and

Sarah Smith Not pictured: Katie Otto

“I’m In” for Stewardship by George Galleher

Do you remember that this yearʹs Stewardship theme is ʺI’m Inʺ? I’m “In” for what? Sardis isn’t like our schools that close for the summer. So what is going on? Kick‐off to Summer Beach Party, High School Mission Trip to Belize, Vacation Bible School, the Great Escape, Saturday evening services, and volunteering opportunities at Charlotte Family Housing to name a few. Remember that we need to continue meeting our pledge responsibilities to support these wonderful ministries. Generosity is possible when we recognize the blessings and abundance we have received. I know the abundance of blessings that we all share and how fortunate we really are.

Remember a few weeks ago when we heard from the Mission trip to Bayonnais? Sardis (you all) provided the funds ($17,000) to buy equipment and supplies for a lab at the clinic. In a broader sense, your generosity will allow much better service for the population, eliminating a tortuous, expensive 15 mile trip on a motorbike to the city just to get a simple blood or urine test. It will generate another income stream for the clinic from the local population. It will speed the diagnosis of many problems and improve treatment. It will provide another job to help the overall Bayonnais economy. It will facilitate the Ministry of Health certification for the clinic which will allow them access to medications at a lower cost.

The topics of generosity, blessings, and abundance – all part of “I’m In” – have been addressed in many different ways. Winston Churchill said “We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.” Or said another way…For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also…Matthew 6:21.

So there you have it. We are open for the summer, we’ve got lots going on, so please keep your pledges coming in ‐‐ “We’re In.”

Save the date for Stewardship Sunday, November 9! More details to follow.

Family Camping Fun!

“Sardis Under The Stars,” a fellowship camping event for families, is planned for the

fall. Watch future Communicators for more details!

Guitars Unite! Our Summer Worship Schedule includes ʺStrumming for Jesusʺ on July 27. Our Minister of Music, Jared Daugherty, would like to have as many acoustic guitars as we can gather for an ensemble to lead the worship music that day.

If you would like to be a part of this effort, contact Jared Daugherty at 704.366.1854, or come to the scheduled rehearsals on Thursday, July 17, and Thursday July 24, at 7:30 p.m. in the Choir room. Come join us for some fun!


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

WAY TO GO, SARDIS!

Because of your generous response to our “A Book of My Own” drive, we were able to provide Rama Road students with three books to take home for summer reading. The students and staff were very appreciative and smiles were everywhere as students chose their books. Thank you to everyone who contributed to make this drive a resounding success.

Sunday, July 27 8 a.m.—12:30 p.m.

Sign up online at www.sardis.org

or email Suzanne Fernandez at: [email protected].

Sardis is Getting Saucy!

We collected 19.6 pounds of spaghetti sauce the first Sunday in June! Remember to bring spaghetti sauce every Sunday, and drop it off in the Narthex or Fellowship Hall. Help us feed needy families in our area.

Ten‐Cents‐a‐Meal

On the first Sunday each month, Sardis takes up a special Ten‐Cents‐A‐Meal offering to benefit local agencies that provide hunger

relief and help at‐risk youth in our community.

In 2013, over $214,000 was contributed by churches across the Charlotte Presbytery to support this cause. Thank you for you generous gifts to help the ever‐increasing needs of this cause.

Save the Date for the CROP Walk!

The 36th Annual Charlotte CROP Hunger Walk takes place Sunday, October 19 as part of a nationwide endeavor to raise money to alleviate hunger and poverty in this country and around the world. Information on how to join and/or support the Sardis Team will be in the September Communicator.


“Let the little children come unto me.”

7

Are You Interested in Working with the Youth?

Do you feel God calling you to volunteer your time and energy working with the wonderful Youth Ministry of our church? Then call Adrian Martin, our new Director of Youth Ministries! Adrian can be reached in the church office 704.366.1854 or on his cell 704.778.6432 and would love to have a conversation with you about how to use your gifts and talents for the glory of God while working with youth.

Elementary Book Club Starting July 23!

We will begin our Elementary Book Club for all students in grades 2 ‐ 5 (including rising second grade students), Wednesday, July 23 at 3 p.m. in the Childrenʹs Library.

For the first meeting, a book is not required to be completed. Attendees will decide together what to read from a list of suggested books. This book will then be investigated through words and film. Following our discussion, we will enjoy ice cream sundaes together.

Volunteer with VBS—Wilderness Escape!

VBS is just around the corner, July 14‐18, and registration is now closed. BUT YOUTH AND ADULTS, WE NEED YOU! We still have needs for volunteers in all areas, especially youth helpers and teachers.

Please consider volunteering your time during this special week in the lives of Sardis children. Your help is needed and valued in any capacity! Come share your gifts, and call Renda Brinson at 704.926.1585 to volunteer TODAY!

Musikgarten is Coming to Sardis!

Musikgarten is an early childhood education program for children and their families. The program begins with preschoolers. The classes include music, movement, storytelling, poetry and lots of fun. It is designed to involve all family members in the activities.

Our Christian Education Ministry feels that this program covers many elements that are important for all children. In the past year, we have sent two members to be trained and certified as leaders in this program.

Introductory sessions will be held July 29, 30, and 31 for children three and four years old. The class will meet from 1—1:45 p.m. each day. The program is open to all children – BUT WILL BE LIMITED TO 15 STUDENTS! For this introduction course, there will be no charge.

To register or for questions, email Renda Brinson at [email protected]. Students from our Sardis Weekday School Camp are eligible for this program. When registering, please let us know if your child is in the camp.

Parents do not need to attend, but we encourage your participation! Hope to see you there!


The Communicator

Published monthly by Sardis Presbyterian Church 6100 Sardis Road Charlotte, NC 28270 www.sardis.org

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14 July Communicator

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