Advent at Sardis, 2017
Advent is here! This year at Sardis, we’re offering lots of ways to prepare for the Christchild’s arrival. We hope you can be part of the preparation.
Here’s a link to December Signposts with additional information about all things Sardis in December. Below is a synopsis of Advent activities.
Worship Theme:
This year’s Advent will have a little bit of everything: history, music, unique perspectives, bells, new sounds and sights, even a little Rock n’ Roll! We’ll think about a few of the places of Christmas in the Bible, and we’ll explore what hope, peace, joy, and love looked liked back then, and what they look like now. It’s our sincere hope that these services will offer you a chance to reflect on how God’s spirit is being birthed anew in each of our lives, and collectively at Sardis, in Charlotte, and among all the communities we’re a part of.
Hanging of the Greens, Sunday 12/3, 9:30 a.m. — Join us for breakfast treats and coffee. After we’re full, we’ll decorate the Chrismon Tree and make ready the Meetinghouse for Advent.
Hansel and Gretel, Monday 12/4, 6:30 p.m. — The Little Opera Company of Charlotte will present its annual family-friendly performance of Hansel and Gretel. The show lasts approximately 45 minutes, and is the perfect way to get into the holiday spirit. Tickets available at the door: $10 Adults; Children free.
Sing S’More Songs, Saturday 12/9, 5:00 p.m. — Join us for Sardis’ annual Christmas Party. We’ll enjoy a pot-luck soup supper together in the Meetinghouse. Bring a crockpot full of your favorite recipe, as well as your appetite, and sample a smorasbord of soups. After supper, we’ll enjoy a Christmas concert from Queen City Groove. After the concert, we’ll adjourn to the picnic shelter where we’ll enjoy a fire pit, s’mores, hot holiday beverages, and a chance to sing our favorite carols.
How Did That Wise Guy Get in My Nativity? Second Sunday with Bob Stillerman, Sunday 12/10, 9:45 a.m. — Join Bob for a discussion of the birth-stories in the four Gospels.
Christmas Cantata, Sunday 12/17, 11:00 a.m. — The Sardis Chancel Choir has been working hard on this year’s Cantata. Join us for a spirit-filled performance that will help welcome in the Christmas season with lovely music. After worship, all are invited to go caroling as we spread a little cheer beyond the walls of Sardis.
Christmas Eve Communion Brunch, Sunday 12/24, 10:00 a.m. — In lieu of 11:00 worship, Sardis will gather for a special Communion brunch at 10:00 a.m. (note the time). Bring your favorite breakfast teat to share. As we eat, we’ll sing carols, offer prayers, hear inspiring words, and share the Lord’s Supper.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service, Sunday 12/24, 6:00 p.m. — Sardis will gather for a family-friendly service of readings and carols. We expect the service to last for approximately 45 minutes. Come early to enjoy coffee, hot chocolate and cookies, and take a family picture in front of our tree. We have lots of amateur photographers!
Christmas Tidbits:
Christmas Poinsettias — Poinsettias in memory or honor of special people are available for purchase for $15 through Wednesday 12/6. Order forms are available in vestibule. Poinsettias will be displayed beginning Sunday 12/10, and may be taken home following the Christmas Eve Service.
Christmas Food Drive — Sardis will be collecting canned and dry food (no glass!) for Loaves and Fishes through Sunday 12/17. Containers are available for collection in the church vestibule.
A Little Help For Our Friends — This Fall, our friends at Monarch provided a presentation on mindfulness meditation for one of our Sardis Academy sessions. Monarch also provides services to persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health and substance use disorders. One facet of these services are group homes for persons living with mental illness. One of their homes, Carmel Forest, is located here in Charlotte. The home has six adults, who work during the day, but also receive assistance with basic needs like cooking, managing a household, and socialization. Monarch has asked if Sardis would help them in providing the Carmel Forest Family with some Christmas cheer. We’re looking to provide each adult with three gifts a piece (each one in the range of $10-$15). If you would like to participate, we have information available about each adult (hobbies and clothing sizes). We will collect donations through Sunday 12/17. Contact the church office for additional details. Once we’ve collected the gifts, we’ll arrange a time to deliver items and carol to our new friends.
Christmas Sweatshirts — Sardis still has a number of hoodies available for purchase ($20). These hoodies make great Christmas gifts. If hoodies aren’t your style, consider buying one to give to our Room in the Inn guests when they join us in February.
Warmth Gifts — Sardis continues its partnership with Hope Chapel, a collaborative of the United Baptist Association. Each Sunday, guests of the Charlotte Men’s Shelter are invited to an 8:00 a.m. worship service. Bob Stillerman is the proclaimer twice annually. Hope Chapel is always in need of gloves, hats, scarves, winter coats, undergarments, and toiletries. If you’d like to make any donations, please contact the church office, and we’ll ensure they are delivered.
Christmas Eve Offering — All non-designated offerings for this year’s Christmas Eve service will be given to Crisis Assistance Ministry and Loaves and Fishes.