Become a part of this Christian community, learn what the call to be a Christian means in your life, explore your faith, and discover how to live as a disciple of Jesus the Christ. Our goal is to help you grow and mature as a follower of Jesus the Christ as we offer a variety of classes, groups, and opportunities for faith formation.
Mid-Week Bible Studies
- Exploring The Bible: Meets Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. Room 210 and on Zoom
This lecture/discussion class is led by Renda Brinson, Director of the Presbytery of Charlotte Resource Center. The class will be studying the Books of Samuel. Each week features guiding questions and reading designed to spark meaningful discussion and deeper understanding. All are welcome to join! To register (and get the Zoom link) or for any questions, contact Renda Brinson. - Spiritual Formation Through Parables: Meets Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. Room 210
April 9 – May 28: Journey through the Parables! Led by members Melissa Smithwick and Paul Green, this study of Jesus’ parables will center on three themes – identity in Christ, love over judgment, and the character of God. You might be surprised how these short stories continually reveal fresh insights into God’s kingdom and invite us into deeper transformation. As we reflect on the parables, we are drawn to remember our identity as God’s beloved, to extend grace to others, and to live with trust in God’s faithful, compassionate presence. All are welcome to join! Contact Paul Green with questions or to get the Zoom link. - Lenten Mid-Week Bible Study – “Who Did Jesus Say He Was?”: Meets Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. & Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. in Room 210 and on Zoom
February 25/26 – April 1/2: Journey deeper into Jesus’ bold claims about himself this Lenten season. While our Sunday mornings explore John’s Gospel through the Narrative Lectionary, we’ll be missing some of Jesus’ most powerful “I Am” statements. Join Dr. Joe B. Martin as he unpacks these intimate moments where Jesus reveals his true identity to his followers—and to us. Discover what it means when Jesus calls himself the Bread of Life, the Good Shepherd, the Way, and more. Contact Joe B. with questions or for the Zoom link.
Summer Sunday School Classes
Join us on Sunday mornings at 10:00 a.m. for Adult Sunday School classes! We have classes with different focuses and styles of learning and teaching. Contact Joe B. Martin if you’d like help determining which class is best for your interests.
- Salty Fish Fellowship meets in Room 210 & Zoom: We are a community connected by fellowship, learning, and service. On Sunday mornings, both in person and on Zoom, we use an open discussion format of resources selected by class leaders. Our diversity of life experiences and ages enriches those discussions. We will be studying “Being Presbyterian in a Dysvangelical America”. We invite you to join us on Sunday mornings and on our periodic service and recreational activities. Current leaders are Anne and Ed Shoaf, George Galleher, Tom Bowling, and Clyde Preslar. All are welcome to join! Contact Ed Shoaf for the Zoom information.
- Crossroads meets in Room 211: Crossroads is a lecture-style Bible study class that focuses on the Books of the Bible. Led by Jan Rosser, Chuck Bohlen, and Dave Archer this class will be studying the book of Genesis this spring. For more information, contact Chuck Bohlen.
- Discussing Bible Books & Topics meets in Room 108: This class utilizes a video-based curriculum with team teaching to explore faith and Scripture. This class is open to all ages. This spring, we will initially focus on “The Miracles of Jesus” followed by “The God We Can Know” exploring the I Am sayings of Jesus. For more information, contact Norm Schul.
- Java meets in Room 103: JAVA is a discussion class that focuses on a variety of topics from contemporary issues to biblical studies. A number of class members teach the class, and studies may be centered around books, articles, and scripture. It is a place for parents of tweens, teens, and young adults to connect with friends for fellowship and faith formation. Contact Lin Leslie for more information.
- SPARK meets in Room 203: SPARK & Friends is an expanded gathering on Sunday mornings for all young adults, young-ish adults who do not have kids, and parents with younger children (0yrs-5th grade). This Spring, we will continue our discussions about what it means to be a parent and a Christian in the world today. We invite you to come as you are with no advance preparation needed. Questions? Contact Greg and Katie Volk or Rev. Dr. Allysen Schaaf
- Robert Pharr Men’s Class meets in Room 212: “I see men like trees, walking” Mark 8:24
- This spring we will be visiting Jesus’ many miracles. What did they all have in common? Who received these miracles? What was revealed to those witnessing the miracles, and to us who did not see? Questions? Contact Paul Green.
- Reading for Reformed Reflection meets in Room 214: This spring we will continue our study of Senior Pastor of Brentwood UMC, Martin Thielen’s, What’s the Least I Can Believe and Still Be a Christian? All are welcome. Contact Dale LeCount.
Mustard Seed Groups – Small Group Ministry
Mustard Seed Groups are Sardis’ small group ministry. People meet for fellowship, Bible study, service projects, and prayer. The groups are led by a trained leader. Each group chooses the topic of its study and the nature of its service or outreach projects. If you’d like more information on joining a Mustard Seed Group, contact Rev. Dr. Allysen Schaaf or visit our Small Group Ministry page.
Women’s Circles
Circles are designed for women to join together in Bible study, fellowship, and service. They encourage one another in shared experiences as women of faith.
- Tuesday Afternoon Circle at Sardis: Meets 1st Tuesday of each month in the Dining Room at 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. September – June. Contact: Laura Taylor. We will be studying the book, “The Life of Prayer” by Allan Hugh Cole, Jr. Our circle gatherings are designed to provide warm, caring fellowship and mission opportunities, enriching studies led by our membership, and dedicated prayer time each month. All women are welcome any time!
- Tuesday Morning Circle at Sardis: Meets 2nd Tuesday of each month at 10:00 a.m. in the Small Dining Room. Leaders: Judy Schneider and Jeanne Hammons.