^{Rev. Katherine B. Harrington}
As we wrap up our series in Romans 8, Paul reminds us that the Spirit not only helps us in our weakness and gives us words to pray, but also reassures us of the power of the love God has for us. See you Sunday!

by Jen Phelps

If you are going back to school as a teacher or volunteer or ANYTHING in our school system - we want to know about you and honor you and pray for you. Email Jen Phelps to let us know what you are up to!

by Joe & Amelia Dixon

by Kathy Benson

Welcome new members Ben & Jennifer Rigby and their daughters, Sarah Cameron and Elizabeth.  Ben & Jennifer joined on May 14, 2023, by letter of transfer from First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, NC. He is a practicing psychologist at Community Counseling Center and she works in New Hanover County Government.  

Ben and Jennifer both grew up in the Presbyterian Church and were quite active as adults in the life of their previous congregation.  They exercised their time and talents as small group leaders, Sunday School teachers, confirmation mentors, and committee members.

Some of you may recall that Ben was previously a member of SACPC from 1996 - 1998. Daughter Elizabeth (Eliza) is in middle school and has been actively attending our youth group. In fact, Ben and Jennifer say they began attending our worship services because both daughters were regularly attending our youth group. Over time they became aware that SACPC offered an active adult Sunday School and other programs that drew their interest.

 Please personally welcome the Rigby family when you see them next!

by Jan McGowan

by Sue McCaffray

Our church libraries (adult and children's) are brimming with both fiction and non-fiction books to help you while away these lazy days of summer. New in the adult library this week: two books by beloved author Rachel Held; and a challenging but very readable new history book: "What Kind of Christianity? A History of Slavery and Anti-Black Racism in the Presbyterian Church" by William Yoo. Take a look!

by Elizabeth Gray

by Susan Dykes

What is a Qualified Charitable Distribution, and Why Do I Care?

In 2017, Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act which doubled the standard deduction and limited many itemized deductions. This had the effect of causing many taxpayers to no longer have the ability to take a tax deduction for donations to churches and other non-profit organizations.

Most people continued to make donations just as they had in the past despite the lack of a specific tax benefit.
 
Despite this change in the standard deduction, there is a tax benefit available to older Americans which is not as well-known. This tax benefit is known as the QCD or Qualified Charitable Distribution. This feature of the IRS tax code allows people aged 70 ½ and over to make a distribution from their IRA accounts directly to a church or 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation and not be subject to tax on that distribution. This is a substantial benefit as normally any distribution from an IRA is subject to state and federal income tax and can also affect the amount of Social Security Benefits which may be subject to federal income taxes.

It is fairly easy to use this benefit; however, each IRA custodian typically has adopted their own procedures to utilize the QCD. In the case of Fidelity Investments the IRA owner simply requests a withdrawal from their account and requests a check made payable to the church or other non-profit organization which they would like to benefit. Then the check can either be mailed by Fidelity directly to the organization or the check can be sent to the owner of the IRA who will then transmit it to the organization they are gifting the funds to. Because the distribution is not subject to income tax there is no need to withhold taxes from the distribution.

What are the limitations of a QCD? The maximum amount that can be distributed is $100,000 per person aged 70 ½ and over per annum. Distributions must be made prior to December 31st to count in a given tax year. There are some other rules that may affect the taxpayer’s ability to benefit from the QCD. For example, gifts to private foundations are generally not considered qualified charitable distributions.

The key point here is that if you are withdrawing money annually from an IRA and then turning around and giving some of those funds to a church or other non-profit organization you are missing the opportunity to reduce your personal income taxes. On a $10,000 gift, you are possibly paying $2,000 or more in unnecessary taxes. The higher your tax bracket the greater the benefit is.
 
As always when considering any transactions affecting your taxes it is important to consult your personal tax advisor to ensure that you will obtain the benefits expected. Click the button below to download this information and share it.

It is the 5th Sunday of the month - so we will be gathering for fellowship and breakfast in Brown Hall at 10:00 am between worship services. Our youth group will be beginning their local mission work in our very own kitchen with our very own Jim Williams preparing and serving breakfast for our church family. Breakfast is free - but cash donations will be collected that morning to offset the cost of the food and go towards our mission work that week.

Come celebrate the end-of-summer break with your church family! We will bless all teachers and students during both worship services. Then, at 10:00 am join us in Brown Hall for a special ministry fair. Find your people, and maybe your purpose. This is a great opportunity to get plugged into our Fall 2023 program offerings--which officially begin on Rally Day (SEP 10).

Are you Interested in advertising/showcasing your SACPC ministry at our Ministry Fair?  Email Jen Phelps ASAP to reserve your space!

We've been busy this summer planning amazing programs for the fall. Join us on Sunday, September 10th, as we "officially" start our fall programming. To learn more about all we have to offer, join us on Sunday, August 27th for a special Fall Ministry Kick-Off!  

by Jane Smith

In July, we will have one of our favorite collections--providing backpacks and school supplies for children in need in our community. We can use backpacks for children from kindergarten through high school. Supplies we'll collect include: pens and markers, pencils and colored pencils, crayons, 3-ring binders and notebook paper, composition books, folders, construction paper, scissors, erasers, glue sticks, rulers, and index cards. This is a tangible--and fun--way to stay faithfully present in our community.

Children of all ages are welcome and encouraged in each of our worship services, either in the pew with parents/caregivers or in what will be our newly developed PRAYGROUND in the back of the chapel. The PRAYGROUND will be equipped with quiet activities and age-appropriate worship materials. Parents and caregivers will sit in a nearby pew. The PRAYGROUND will be appropriate for preschool age children. Nursery care will still be available for infants and toddlers if you so desire at both worship services, as well. More information will be coming soon!

Mark your calendars now for Sunday, September 10th. During both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services we will be presenting Bibles to our Third Grade students and any 4th and 5th graders who have not received their Bible. The presentation will be followed by a special interactive class to help students "get into" their Bibles and help them feel comfortable in making God's Word an integral part of their faith development. Look for more information in the coming weeks!

Beginning September 10th we will be expanding our Sunday School class offerings for children! The following classes will be offered this fall at 10:00 am for children ages Pre-K - 5th Grade:
 
Pre-K Class (Rm 112) for ages 3 - 5 years old not attending kindergarten.
K- - 2nd Grade Class (Rm 25) located in the basement.
3rd - 5th Grade Class (Rm 26) located in the basement.

We are in need of teachers and plan to develop a team teaching concept in all classes. More information and how to volunteer will be forthcoming.

As we look to expand our Sunday School offerings for children this fall we will also be in need of a broader group of volunteers. In order to not overwhelm a small number of people we are working to form Teaching Teams in each age/grade level.

A teaching team would consist of two people - perhaps you and a friend, who would commit to working together to teach in a given class. We are looking to recruit at least 4 Teaching Teams in each age/grade level. By having four teams in each age/grade level the teaching responsibility will be only 8-10 weeks between September - May.

Teacher training and support will be provided. For more information please contact Lynn Warner.

Please prayerfully consider this exciting opportunity to share your faith and build relationships with some amazing children and fellow teachers!

Rising 6th-grade students will be joining our youth group this fall - but our Youth Director, Jen Phelps, needs to know you are out there (and start connecting with parents) NOW! Please contact Jen with information about rising 6th graders and their families ASAP: jphelps@sacpc.org or 910-790-9103.

Starting July 9th, there will be two classes offered: Walking in the Word (Rm 236): Class members lead discussions based on Lectionary readings for the week. Connette-Covenant (Rm 226): Led by Dumay Gorham. All adults are welcome to attend as they are able. Regular classes resume for all ages on Rally Day, September 10th.

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love.  Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.  
Romans 12:  9-13 (NIV)

The son of Carolyn Brummit, Jonathan Skipper, died in Peru on July 10th. A service is planned for early August.  

The mother of Paige Williams, Joyce Christopher, died today,  July 25th.  

Lib Pusey has continued severe back pain, a new fracture found, and is a patient at Novant.

Steve Hovdesven (Joint Chiefs of Staff Intern, Arlington, VA), Billy Purdom (USS Stout DDG 55, Norfolk, VA), 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.

July 25: Roxie Peterson
July 26: Katie Herring, Chris Roehner
July 27: Linda McMurry
July 28: Keith Elmore, Zach Gray, Rebecca Jernigan
July 29: John Coble
July 30: Tom Craven, Miranda Dungan, Joseph Gray, Jerrod Lowry
July 31: Pen Galloway
August 1: Beth Davis, Bill Gwathmey