Zac Phelps, guest speaker
We all have a light within us that represents our joy. Around Christmas time, we have things going on that both feed our joy and hinder it. However, even when happiness might be hard to come by, we can still find joy in the hope we have that bad times don’t last forever.  See you in worship!

by Emily Donovan

Giving Tuesday is a global movement that began in 2012 to inspire and encourage radical generosity. It was created in response to Black Friday and Cyber Monday--the two most popular shopping days of the year. Giving Tuesday is held annually on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving and provides an opportunity for everyone to become a consumer of kindness and generosity.

This year, Giving Tuesday is on November 28th. SACPC is offering two giving opportunities: our General Fund and/or the Malawi Education Fund. Please prayerfully consider giving a small donation to these two worthy funds. You can also participate in Giving Tuesday by donating your time and talents through volunteering within our ministries and/or with our community partners.

by Catheryn Thomas

We are looking for a part-time Administrative Assistant to work with the Senior Pastor and Executive Administrator. If you or someone you know might be interested, please see the attached job description and contact Catheryn Thomas for more information.

by Jen Phelps

High School students have an opportunity to travel together to Wintergreen Ski Resort.
Never been skiing - we will teach you! Don't want to ski? - we have an option to go and just hang out!

Cost:
Skiing - $595/person
Not Skiing - $350/person

We will be leaving BEFORE DISMISSAL on Thursday, February 1st, and will require an early checkout that day.

Registration opens Wednesday, December 13th at 8:00 PM via our mobile app!

by John Bohbrink

As of Commitment Sunday, we have reached 2/3 of our pledge goal!! Great News!  Thanks to everyone who has pledged already. If you haven’t yet, please get your pledge in via mail, in person or online. Thanks again to everyone.

 John Bohbrink, Chairman Stewardship Committee

by Earth Care Team, Education 

This quote was recently shared in an article from Women of the PC(USA):

 “The truth is, every day we have the opportunity to make a difference!  What we do, what we say, the ways we spend our money, how we open our hearts to our new and old neighbors.  All this can make a difference in the world. The truth is, we have the responsibility to make a difference!”

As we continue to explore ways in this space on how each of us at SACPC can make a difference for the good of our Earth, we'd like to highlight an excerpt from an email from Elder Lynn Atkinson showing that our Session is leading the way in responsible conservation actions. Lynn said, “…we held day one of new officer training today. The Training and Governance Committee of Session made the decision NOT to use disposable plates, utensils, or glasses.  It took only a short time to rinse them and run them (non-disposable items) through the washer in the kitchen at church and put them away.”

During this season of Thanksgiving, we can be thankful for this decisive action by the Session, showing us that doing “one small step at a time” can have an impact on positive change.

“We always thank God for all of you, and continually mention you in our prayers.”  
I Thessalonians 1:2

Happy Thanksgiving!

by Shelley Hobson

A little over a week ago, 1,500 villagers near Chuluchosema received bags of maize flour provided by gifts from SACPC ($3,500), The Malawi Partners Foundation ($7,500) and a gift from a church in Scotland. The harvest this year was minimized by Cyclone Freddy which also destroyed homes.  Our partners are grateful: "Thank you very much for the precious gift of food for our community."--Dickson Chickwakwa

by Kathy Benson

Join me in welcoming Ms. Lynn Browning to our congregation! Lynn joined on October 14, 2023 by letter of transfer from St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church of Charleston, SC. She is a retired nurse who originally hails from Wilmington, Delaware! How about that?

Lynn has already begun to integrate into the life of our congregation as a member of the adult choir and as a member of the Venture Sunday School Class. She enjoys reading and cross-stitching. She also loves singing, including as a Sweet Adeline.

Lynn shared that the music ministry of SACPC brought her into our church. Lynn is quite enthusiastic about joining our congregation. Please extend a warm welcome to Lynn when you see her in worship or around the church!

We are pleased to officially welcome Mr. Randy Warner who joined our roll on October 15, 2023 by letter of transfer from Dublin Presbyterian Church of Dublin, OH. Randy originally hails from Columbus, OH, and is retired from Upper Arlington City Schools in Ohio. He is also a talented organist and served recently as the Director of Music at Supply Presbyterian Church.

Randy sings tenor in our adult choir. He has stepped up to the organ console at SACPC, as well. He enjoys teaching both children and adults. He has worked with "M&M" (our Music & More ministry for SACPC children) and has also served as a Stephen Minister. Randy says he loves music, worship, and people! What a great combo! We certainly love that he shares his musical talents with us!

Please extend a warm welcome to Randy when you next see him.

Mary Kay, who also goes by MK, joined our SACPC family October 15, 2023 by letter of transfer from First United Methodist Church of Charlottesville, VA. Originally from Ohio, MK now resides in Wilmington. She is a motivational speaker (and much more) with "Queens of Moxie, Women's Empowerment", wherein she encourages women in life transitions. (For social-media-savvy-folks, look for her on Instagram and YouTube to hear much more about her work.)

MK shared that she sustained and survived a Traumatic Brain Injury several years ago which altered her life. This TBI is an important part of her and her life's work. On the home front, she is mom to her young adult son and daughter. Mary Kay was drawn to SACPC, in part, because of our Contemporary Service. She enjoys singing and was a member of a contemporary band in a previous church. We welcome MK's enthusiasm and look forward to getting to know her as we serve alongside her in mission and ministry.

Please look for MK and extend a warm welcome!

by Catheryn Thomas

Everyone needs time away from work - especially pastors! Katie will be on vacation from November 20th - 26th, spending the Thanksgiving holidays with her family. Let's all give her that much-needed downtime and refrain from sending emails, texts, and phone calls.

Ann Benson and Gary Smith will be available for pastoral care. And what about Sunday the 26th? Our own Zac Phelps will be back in the pulpit!

Advent is a time of anticipatory waiting for the incarnation--for God to burst into our lives. So while we are waiting, there is work and preparation God is calling us to do. Each Sunday in worship, through Scripture and song, we will explore themes of what we do while we are waiting for Jesus to come.

The Spiritual Life Team would like to invite everyone to take home a free, printed copy of this year's SACPC Advent Daily Devotional. Each day of Advent read a new devotion created by members and friends of our congregation. Copies are available in the Narthex, Gathering Area, and church's front office.

Our youth are hosting a Reverse Advent Calendar giving opportunity. Each day of Advent has a specific item one of our local community partners needs, like band-aids, socks, snacks, etc. Empty crates and calendars are located near the Narthex. Prayerfully consider taking home a crate and filling it with items needed for each day of advent. Return your filled crate to the Narthex on Christmas Eve.

Join us on Dec 10th at 10:00 am for a special morning of worship through music. This is our Advent unity worship experience where we come together and enjoy one combined worship service. This hour will be dedicated to the power of music in helping us reflect, connect, and prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus Christ. Our talented musicians and choirs have been diligently preparing a program that will help us celebrate the richness of our faith and the joyous anticipation of this sacred season.

During this Special Music Sunday, you can expect a blend of traditional hymns, contemporary pieces, children’s voices, and perhaps even some surprises along the way. The music has been thoughtfully chosen to capture the essence of Advent - a time of anticipation, hope, and joy.

PLEASE NOTE:  Sunday School will be at 9:00 am on Dec. 10th.

Poinsettias add to the beauty of the Chapel and Sanctuary during the Advent season. You have the opportunity to purchase these beautiful flowering plants in memory or honor of a special person. Use the white envelopes in the pew racks prepared for this use or click the button below to order online. Poinsettias are $12 each. Orders are due by Sunday, December 10th.

The Spiritual Life Team would like to invite everyone to take home a free, printed copy of this year's SACPC Advent Daily Devotional. Each day of Advent read a new devotion created by members and friends of our congregation. Copies are available in the Narthex, Gathering Area, and church's front office.

Additionally, our Adult Faith Formation Team purchased a digital copy of the Presbyterian Outlook 2023 Daily Advent Devotional called "Apocalyptic Advent: Embracing Hope in the Second Coming of Christ." Click the button below to download a copy.

The Christmas Joy Offering will be received twice this Advent season. Once on Sunday, December 17th during both worship services, and again at all Christmas Eve services. This is a special offering that has been received by Presbyterian Churches throughout our denomination since the 1930s.

The offering helps fund the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, which provides current and retired church workers with the help they need to get through life’s unexpected challenges. The offering also supports Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. These schools include Menaul School (Albuquerque, NM), Presbyterian Pan American School (Kingsville, TX), and Stillman College (Tuscaloosa, AL).

Ways you can give this Advent season:
In the church: Use the special envelopes provided and place them in the offering plates.
Online: pcusa.org/give/christmasjoy.
Via phone: text CHRISTMASJOY to 91999.

Thank you!

Our youth will present a Living Nativity again this year on the 15th St. lawn - join us on this special night following or between our Christmas Eve worship services. See Jen Phelps for more details.

Join us for an informal discussion with author, Jed Smith (in town to visit his sister, Shelley Hobson), as he shares excerpts from "Under the Oak with Agnes" his debut novel. Jed will answer questions posed by Katie and participants.  The book is available locally at Pomegranate Books and on Amazon (in paperback and Kindle formats). There are surprises in this book, so reading it ahead of time is recommended! Click here to read Kirkus Reviews about this book.

Our youth will be singing at the 11:00 am service on Sunday, December 3rd - please meet in the choir room at 10:00 am that day for donuts and rehearsal!

Any youth planning to sing that morning also have the opportunity to go to Enchanted Airlie with our group that evening from 8:30 - 9:30 pm.  Contact Jen ASAP to reserve your spot and get more details!

The Go and Serve Team is highlighting the Salvation Army during November. SACPC has the opportunity to provide a wonderful Christmas to children in need by participating in the Angel Tree project. Our Angel Tree is up and decorated in the donation area at the 15th Street entrance. The tree contains "Angel ornaments" with a child's name, age, sizes, and Christmas gift wishes.

A sheet with instructions is in an envelope on the bulletin board next to the tree. Please take one or more ornaments, shop to fulfill the child's wishes, and return the unwrapped gifts along with the Angel ornament to the donation bin near the Angel Tree by December 3rd. (If you wish, more than one person can go together to fulfill a child's wishes.)

We will deliver all of the gifts to the Salvation Army the week of December 3rd. If you prefer, you may deliver your gifts to the Salvation Army Toy Center at 715 Greenfield Street. SACPC is so grateful to be able to participate in this project and bring a joyful Christmas to children who otherwise may not have one. 

The Lord gives his people strength.  The Lord blesses them with peace. 
Psalm 29:11

Mary Eberts, 96 years old, the mother of Katherine Brandi, died November 18th.  The funeral is scheduled for Friday, November 24th at 1:00 pm at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE. Click here to access the live stream.

Billy Purdom (USS Stout DDG ), Smith Beacham (Fort Richardson, Anchorage, AK), Jack Looney (USS Carl Vinson, San Diego, CA) , Samuel Makepeace (Fort Polk, Louisiana), Brennan Litzinger (Fort Bliss, Texas), Mikayla Reifert (Kadena, Japan), Bradley Garrett (Coast Guard, Elizabeth City)

Prayer requests: Click here to tell us about your need.

Hospitalizations: Please click here to email Ann Benson or call 910.762.9693 x202 to leave a message.

November 21: Matt Hinson, Rachel Thomas, David Wortman
November 22: Sarah Bell, Jere Freeman, Bill Landen, Katie Swain
November 23: Alice Diab, Ken Fisher, Isaac Lanier, Kerryn Lowry, Kathe Williams
November 24: Suzanne Craft, Shannon Parks, Sandra Youngblood
November 25: David Lanier, Laurie Link
November 26: Margaret Johnson, Linda McFadyen, Cleve Nordeen
November 27: Sam Pate
November 28: Sheila Moore