Welcome to The Communicator, your weekly guide to the life at Sardis.
Wednesday, August 10, 2022
Change for the Sake of Change Collection This Sunday
This week, the participants of SMASH have been learning about God's call for us. They have been visited by our mission partners from Community Culinary School of Charlotte, Families Forward Charlotte, and OFCB School in Bayonnais, Haiti. The children have learned about how our mission partners are helping to change lives and they will decide who they feel called to support with their Change for the Sake of Change collection during both worship services this Sunday. On Sunday, we will announce which mission partner the children selected to support. The children invite the congregation to bring spare change and answer their invitation to help change lives through the special collection!
This Week at Sardis
This Sunday at 10:00 a.m.: Adult Sunday School
The adult summer Sunday School class this Sunday will be led by Sara Martin, "In This Together". we will explore why being a part of a community of faith matters.. Click here to join the Zoom (or use Meeting ID: 845 5102 0644 and Passcode: sardis). Coming Up:
  • August 21: Kenya Mission Team
  • August 28: Intergenerational Sunday School
This Sunday at 10:00 a.m.: Youth & College Sunday School
All rising sixth graders through college students are invited to join together for fellowship and Bible study at 10:00 a.m. in Room 102.
This Sunday at 10:00 a.m.: Children's Sunday School
All children (preschool through 5th grade) will gather on the playground at 10:00 a.m. for a time of fellowship and learning together! If weather keeps us from outdoors, we'll meet in Room 205. We will learn about The Lord's Prayer in August!
August 14: Elementary Children's Summer Book Club
Rising 3rd - rising 5th graders are invited to join Sarah Dianne for a fun summer book club as we read The Crossover! We'll meet on the playground Sundays, August 14 - 28 from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. for book discussion and activities, and then enjoy playground time and popsicles! Even if your child can’t come every week, we would still love to have them when they’re in town! RSVP to Sarah Dianne Jones ›› so she knows who to expect!
August 15: Children's Back to School Pool Party
All families with preschoolers/elementary schoolers are invited for a fun night of pizza and swimming on Monday, August 15 from 5:30 - 7:30 at Windyrush Pool! RSVP to Sarah Dianne Jones ››
Opportunities to Serve
Last Week for Our School Supplies Drive!
This Sunday is the last day to drop-off your donations for the Pool For School Tools drive benefiting Rama Road Elementary School teachers and classrooms. View the full list of items needed ››

In addition to having our pool set up in the Fellowship Hall for donations, we have created an Amazon Wishlist! You can shop online have the items shipped directly to the school (make sure you select Dee Perez’s Gift Registry Address as the shipping address during checkout). Thank you for your continued support of our partnership with Rama Road Elementary.
Join a Families Forward Charlotte Volunteer Interest Meeting
You can change the life of a family right here in Charlotte! There are several upcoming virtual (zoom) Interest Meetings where you can learn more about the Family Success Program and ways to get involved! Sign Up Here ››
Don't miss out...the next Family Liaison mentor training session will be held this month!
Your Heart, Their Math
Support a child at Rama Road Elementary during the 2022/23 school year with only one hour per week! Heart Math Tutoring trains and supports volunteers as tutors to work one-on-one with a student who needs foundational math skills and confidence! With the support of an on-site coordinator, volunteers use an easy-to-follow, proven curriculum featuring hands-on activities and games. Volunteers work with the same student(s) all year building a relationship and strengthening skills. Sign up to volunteer ›› and select your day and time for Rama. Current volunteers Nancy Finlayson, Vic Lisciani, Ed Shoaf, and Cile Woodliff would be happy to answer any questions. 
Volunteer in the Nursery
Our nursery is open during the 9:00 a.m. worship service! We would love some volunteers to come enjoy time playing and sharing God's love with our youngest disciples. Sign-up to volunteer ››. If you are new to volunteering with children and youth, please take a moment to complete our Child and Vulnerable Adult Protection training. Questions? Please contact Sarah Dianne Jones.
Church Life News & Announcements
Welcome New Weekday School Director, Kristen Suh
The Sardis Weekday School Director Search Committee is excited to announce that Kristen Suh has accepted the position as Director of the Weekday School.

Kristen grew up in Philadelphia, but she calls North Carolina home. She graduated from UNC-Greensboro with a BA in Psychology and received M.DIV w/ Christian Education from Southeastern Baptist Seminary. She currently has an administrative certification as a level 3 Director in Early Childhood Education.
When Kristen is not working at school, she enjoys spending time with her family. She loves hiking, playing the piano, painting, and photography. Partnership with families is very important to her! She is always thankful to families for entrusting their precious children to her care. Kristen is looking forward to getting to know our Weekday School children and their families in in the coming school year!
Earth Care Congregation
Genesis 2:15 The Lord God took the human and settled him in the garden of Eden to farm it and to take care of it. (CEB)
 
From the oldest Biblical traditions, we are called to care for creation. A new effort is arising within Sardis to answer that call to care for our world. The Earth Care team embraces the Sardis vision of “Exploring Faith, Changing Lives” and equipping disciples to impact the world by being good stewards of God’s creation. Through worship, education, outreach, and facilities, the Earth Care team will guide Sardis Presbyterian’s journey to earn the PC(USA) Earth Care Congregation designation. Stay tuned for ways you can be a part of this effort. God is doing a new thing….do you not perceive it?
Kenya Mission Trip
Our Kenya mission team made it back home safely and had an incredible experience building a relationship with our new mission partners at Macedonia church, part of the Baraka Parish of PCEA. On August 21, we will have an opportunity to hear about their trip during the worship services and adult Sunday School class. We hope you'll join us!
Keep In Touch With A Sardis College Student!
It is that time of year! We wish our college students all the best as they go back to or start school. While they are away, we hope we can help them stay connected to their church family through our church mouse ministry! If you'd like to help keep in touch with a Sardis college student, please contact Georgia Pressly (704.364.9299).
Our Church Family
Our Sympathy: to Betsy Ferguson upon the death of her brother, Ted Jones.

We Remember in Prayer: Steve Wade.
Coming Soon
August 20: Children's Playground Popsicle Party
Preschool and elementary school children and their families are invited to the playground for a popsicle party at 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.. This is will be a wonderful time of fellowship before school begins! RSVP to Sarah Dianne Jones ››
August 21: Youth Parent Meeting
All parents of rising 6th through rising 12th grade youth are invited to the home of Ruth and Brett Harris on Sunday, August 21 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. for a Youth Parent Gathering! We will talk about our Fall calendar and faith formation opportunities like Confirmation and Sunday School. We hope to see you all there. Please click here to RSVP ››
August 27: Choir Retreat
All ages are invited to come explore choir opportunities at Sardis! We'll enjoy community building activities, games, and learn about what we have planned for the fall and Advent seasons. Even if you are only interested in singing a few weeks in the fall, we hope you'll join us on August 27 from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.! Click here to register online ›› through August 28.
August 28: Back to School Blessing
All students and education staff are invited to bring their backpacks, briefcases, tote bags, or toolbelts to worship at 9:00 or 11:00 on Sunday, August 28 for a special blessing to surround the new school year in prayer.
August 28: Contemporary Worship Band Retreat
Calling all vocalists and musicians! 
Have you ever wanted to sing or play in a band, or maybe do both? Do you like to pick around on your instrument but have never had the opportunity to play with someone else? Well, THIS is your opportunity! You are invited, no matter your age or skill level, to come to the Contemporary Worship Band Retreat, Sunday afternoon, August 28, from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Attending this retreat DOES NOT commit you to Sunday mornings.
This is a laid-back opportunity to play, sing, and fellowship with other musicians to see if the Contemporary Worship Band might be a fit for you. We will eat lunch, fellowship, and run through some of the songs that we will be programmed for the Fall services. If you have any questions, please contact Beth Williams (704.517.9386). Also, if you plan to attend, please click here to RSVP ›› so Beth can send you videos and music charts that we will run that afternoon.
September 10: Treble Trot 5k Fun Run & Kid's Dash
Our 5K Fun Run and Kid's Dash will help support all the Children and Youth involved in the growing Music Program at Sardis Presbyterian Church. Be sure to bring the family. Runners and walkers of all fitness levels welcome!! There will be door prizes and games before and after the run. 
T-shirts are guaranteed to runners that register by August 31. Price will increase on August 31. More information and registration ››
Click here to explore our church calendar and see all the meetings and events coming up at Sardis. Don't forget to add anything of interest to your calendar!
Opportunities to Share & Updates
A Note From Stewardship

It’s August and you know what that means. Summertime is still here! Vacations. No homework. Late mornings. Relaxed work schedules. Summer camps. And Summer is in full swing at Sardis Presbyterian, with Vacation Bible School, SMASH, Camp Holiday, Allegro, SEE Charlotte, Summer Camps, Pickleball, Men’s basketball, Montreat Music and Worship Conference, Pool for School Tools Drive. Also, there are MSGs meeting, Circles, Women’s Bible Study, Sardis Book Club, Prayer Shaw Ministry, and other events happening at Sardis. As you can see, Sardis Presbyterian has not stopped our summer schedule. Make sure that your giving hasn’t stopped either. Continue to volunteer your time and support Sardis with your tithes and offerings. “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16. Submitted by Joyce Long
Three Ways to Give to the Support the Ministry of Sardis
We invite you to continue to uphold our ministry with your gifts as you are able. Sardis depends on your weekly donations to keep exploring faith and changing lives through the work of our ministries. Use the giving option:  
  • Give Online: From your computer or smartphone give online ››
  • Text: Sardis + Amount to 73256
  • Mail:6100 Sardis Road, Charlotte, NC 28270
Let's Get Social!