^{John Henderson}
We are all called to live a Christian life, but we do not think of ourselves as ministers. Why not?  Join us this Sunday as John Henderson, our Davidson College intern, delivers this week's message. See you Sunday!

At the congregational meeting on July 23rd, SACPC elected an Associate Pastor Nominating Committee to begin the search for our next Associate Pastor! Please pray for them as they begin their work. 

We are looking forward to an exciting year in M&M (Music & More) on Wednesday afternoons! In the "MUSIC" portion of M&M we will be learning new music each week.  We will play chimes, bells, sing and play musical games as we prepare to lead worship with our music. We will also begin to prepare for our Advent program which will include both drama and music.

In the "MORE" portion of M&M we will be exploring Hidden Heroes of the Bible from both the Old and New Testaments. Who are these important figures who helped to build the faith whose names we may not know, but whose work contributed greatly to furthering God's kingdom on earth? Each week we will explore someone new! You will receive clues at the end of each week so you can try to figure out who we will be exploring next! And remember, all K-5th graders are welcome.  Invite a friend!  

by David Massey

Our Football Ministry will host the NHHS football team for their weekly “pre-game” team meal beginning in September. It’s hard to believe that this is our 5th year in a row, and this ministry has been a fantastic avenue for the men of our church to fellowship with boys who attend NHHS. While many of us have been lounging on the beach during these hot summer months, our football boys have been sweating it out on the practice field preparing for another football season. They are ready to defend their conference title, and they are hungry….

Literally, they are “Hungry” for Jackie’s food! I hope you can join us. and please feel free to call me should you have any questions. Go Wildcats!

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 Kathy Benson, Deacon, Connections Team

Sarah Cameron Rigby, the elder daughter of new members Ben and Jennifer Rigby, also joined by letter of transfer from First Presbyterian Church in Wilmington on May 14, 2023. It was our faithfully present and active youth ministry and a personal invitation by a friend to attend SACPC which attracted her and where she and her sister Eliza found meaningful friendship connections to our congregation. Sarah Cameron, a junior at New Hanover High School, enjoys outdoor activities and time at the beach. During the summer she works as a lifeguard. She looks forward to continuing to grow in faith through a strong youth program and will certainly find opportunities to serve in mission and outreach ministries.  It is our delight to welcome Sarah Cameron to our membership and our joy to continue to grow in faith alongside her in mutual service to Christ. Please take time to personally welcome Sarah Cameron and the Rigby family the next time you see them!

Donna Farren was among the first group of new members to join March 5, 2023 after Pastor Katie Harrington took the helm as head of staff. Originally from sunny Los Angeles, CA, Donna is enjoying retirement in the Mid-Atlantic...from Cali to Carolina! Donna has said she looks forward to meeting as many members as possible. I met her at POPS Bingo night at the end of the season. What a fun night we had cheering on the young bingo players and watching them win! We are so pleased Donna has finally made it from the West Coast to the East Coast and has brought her enthusiasm with her into our fellowship. Donna quipped that she is "Retired - Old", but she is certainly young-at-heart! I'm certain you will see it too when you meet her and get to know her. Please give Donna Farren a warm Wilmington welcome when you next see her in worship! 

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!

Our finance director, Susan Dykes, has some important information on ways people who are 70 years and older can potentially save money when giving to the church and other nonprofits. 

Come join in the fun! Kindermusik Playdates are a one-time class for parents, babies, & toddlers on the go! You get the same Kindermusik fun & learning in the classroom and the same high-quality music to enjoy at home but in a stand-alone class so you can try it out. Click the link below to register for a playdate.

August Playdates: Aug. 9 at 10am & Aug. 27 at 4pm

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!  

Join us for our first POPS program of the fall on September 13th as our mission team to Malawi reports on their visit in June and the state of our partnership - with pictures!

Rev. Harrington will offer a 5-week book study of this readable classic by the famous Christian martyr, on Wednesday evenings (6:30-7:30) beginning Sept. 20th and running through Oct. 18th. Look for more information soon about how you can get a copy of the book. All are welcome, so mark your calendars now for back to school!

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.

All adults are welcome to attend one of our three classes meeting in August: Connette-Covenant (Room 226), taught by Dumay Gotham; Venture (Room 240, resumes August 6th), taught by Teresa  Conoly; Walking in the Word (236), focusing on the Lectionary and taught by class members. All adult classes will resume 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 family of Joyce Christopher who died July 25th.  She was Paige Williams’ mother.  A funeral service was held on July 31, 2:00 pm, at First Presbyterian Church, Wilmington.

The son of Carolyn Brummit, Jonathan Skipper, died in Peru on July 10th. A service is planned for August 4th, 10:00 am at SACPC.  

Sally Morrison is a patient at New Hanover Hospital after a fall that resulted in fractures.

Judy Thompson Mattis, sister of Sweetie Francis, has bacterial pneumonia and is recovering at home.

Lib Pusey has been admitted to Lower Cape Fear Life Care Center.

Steve Hovdesven (Joint Chiefs of Staff Intern, Arlington, VA), 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.

August 1: Beth Davis, Bill Gwathmey
August 2: Kelly Hawkins, Caleb Jefferies, Eric Pilson, Paula Sneeden
August 3: Jason Swain, Lyda Williams
August 4: Linda Bron
August 5: Nancy Brown, Mac Lathan, Jonathan Messina
August 6: Betty Brown, Katie Harrington, Shanley Hunt
August 7: Karen Carson, Andy Lawson, Carey Sasser, Mary Singleton
August 8: Angela Brownfield, Carol Query