Jen Phelps will lead us in worship by holding a Confirmation Class for all this Sunday as we learn about church and worship, why we gather, and why we do what we do when we are together.

February 15, 2024

Dear SACPC,

Ecclesiastes 3:1 reads, there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under
heaven.

The past four and a half years have been incredibly rewarding, fun, and challenging in a great way!

During this season we have experienced wonderful activities at our beloved SACPC Preschool.
During this time, we not only survived covid but SACPC Preschool thrived during it.
During this season, an incredible staff and ministry team was formed.
During this season, money was raised and an awesome playground was constructed!
During this time, our preschool became financially sound.

What a great season it has been and I am eternally grateful that I have had this opportunity to be the director of this preschool family. And after much thought and prayer, I have made a very hard decision to retire as the director of SACPC Preschool May 31st, 2024.

In my next season, I believe that God is redirecting my talents, or shall I call them “pearls of
wisdom” and I look forward to my role as GiGi, Miracle Maggie’s grandmother, traveling with
Jack, spending more time with family, and devoting more time to my parent coaching business.

I will miss this preschool family so much because they are truly like family to me!
With much love!

Pause, Breathe, and Pray,

Gail Richardson

by Emily Donovan

Be sure to scroll through the entire newsletter, we've made some changes. Below the CareLine you will find the church's financial highlights. These numbers will be updated every month by our Finance Committee. We've also added a special section for Session's monthly reports. You can view the most current Session report in this location and easily access previous reports. 

by Earth Care Corner Education

In our hurried and consumer-driven society where newer and easier is coveted, have we forgotten God's mandate to care for the earth?  Are we sacrificing the health of God's creation with plastic abuse?

To fulfill our needs for convenience, many of us easily overlook the detrimental health impacts of plastic production on others, borne disproportionately by those living in lower-income communities.

Our over-sized demand for plastics creates harm; our demand for "stuff" and for the newest and the best fuels the plastic industry. "Lack of intent does not equate to lack of harm".  One notorious example of unintended consequences is Cancer Alley, a 130-mile stretch along the lower Mississippi, primarily concentrated in Louisiana. This area, which is home to about 400,000 people, or 1/10 of the Louisiana population, is the location of over 200 industrial petrochemical facilities. These toxic manufacturing locations make our plastic water bottles, as well as other single-use plastic items, affordable, and we have come to feel that they are necessary for our daily lives.

These traditionally undervalued communities have been forced to endure the poisoning of their homes and surrounding environments because they have no choice.  Economics keeps people from moving and they suffer debilitating and costly health effects like cancer, organ malfunction, impaired sensory organs (eyes, skin), birth defects, and many more illnesses. We sustain and contribute to the toxicity of their homeland by our choices. We also know what it's like to deal with toxic pollution in our tap water.  While we live far enough away from Cancer Alley, our consumer choices directly impact the lives of others. We can make small and big lifestyle changes to reduce or eliminate our consumption of single-use plastics which will positively impact others. This action is right and just.  

As Psalms 89:14 says, "Your kingdom is founded on righteousness and justice."   We, and the folks along Cancer Alley, are part of God's kingdom, and we must listen to His Word.

Information from www.presbyterianmission.org

by Shelley Hobson

It's the perfect time to join our small group of women on Zoom each Monday from 5:00 pm - 6:00 p.m.  Beginning February 26th we will discuss Love is the Way: Holding on to Hope in Troubling Times by Bishop Michael Curry.

"In this beautiful and moving book, Bishop Michael Curry reflects on the nature of God's love and the reflection of that love in human lives. Drawing on his own life and experiences, he shows us that, time and again, when love is threatened by circumstances--be it poverty, racism, violence, injustice, or the abuse of power--that same love has the power to shine through."--The Most Reverend and Right Honorable Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury.

Class participants purchase the book, and our weekly discussion generally focuses on a chapter at a time. You are invited to join us! Contact Shelley Hobson or Lynn Kozik for more details or to receive the Zoom link.

by Cindy Litzinger

We are thrilled to welcome Sharon Miller and her trio to the Music on Market Concert on March 2nd at 7:30 pm in the Sanctuary. Sharon was SACPC's Director of Music and her husband was the organist from 2008 until 2018, when they retired and moved back to Richmond, VA. We hope you will come out Saturday night and hear Sharon play what will undoubtedly be an incredible concert. As an added treat, Sharon has agreed to share her talents in worship with our congregation on Sunday, March 3rd!  At the 9:00 am service, you can enjoy Sharon playing our grand piano.  And at the 11:00 am service, you can enjoy hearing the entire trio play for worship.  We hope to see you there!

by Matthew McDonald

There's no better time to join the ever-expanding Contemporary Worship Team. Matthew McDonald is looking for acoustic guitar, piano, bass guitar, drums, and singers to join the team on Sunday mornings. Training and guidance will be provided throughout the process, and it's a great way to serve our church and connect with a vibrant fellowship. Contact Matthew via email to sign up today!

by Catheryn Thomas

Kelli Blowers is our new part-time Administrative Assistant. She's responsible for producing the worship bulletins, supporting our Communications Team with print media, assisting with the new member process, and learning other administrative responsibilities. Currently, she is in the office Tuesday through Thursday.

Next time you are in the office, please stop by and introduce yourself to Kelli; her office is on the first floor next to the conference room. If you have questions about Kelli’s role on staff, please contact Catheryn Thomas.

by Gary Smith

Coastal Carolina Presbytery's East Community churches have an wonderful opportunity to participate in an outreach project to eliminate medical debt in our community.

The East steering team has partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a medical relief organization, to relieve the medical debt (as assessed on January 1, 2024) from hospitals in our East Community counties.  We are already getting positive responses from many of our churches.  We want and need 100% of our churches to be part of this blessing for others.  

This video from the East Community Presbytery has more information about this project:

The goal is to raise $20,000 to eliminate $2,000,000 in medical debt.  RIP has already purchased the debt, at greatly reduced rates, from the hospitals in our East Community counties.  This is a very achievable goal if all 48 East Community Presbyterian churches share in their generosity and support.

The campaign runs January 1, 2024 – April 30, 2024. 

Please send contributions for this project to SACPC and list RIP Medical Debt Relief in the Memo line. Ways to give:

Give Online: Use the button below to make an online donation.
Give In Person: We take offerings at every worship service via cash or check.
Mail A Check: You can mail your donations to our front office Please mail them to:

St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church
1416 Market St.
Wilmington, NC 28401

by Jen Phelps

Registration for ALL THREE Youth summer trips will open on Sunday, February 25th at 8:00 pm via our SACPC app. Space is limited, so get online!

2024 Summer Youth Trips:
Montreat Youth Conference, June 9 - 15 (completed 9th - 12th grades)
Massanetta Springs MS Conference, July 11 - 14 (completed 6th - 8th grades)
Local Mission Trip, July 21 - 25 (6th - 12th grades)

by Cindy Litzinger

Unlock the magic of music!  Join us for Kindermusik classes, starting soon!  Discover the joy of rhythm, melody, and movement in a fun-filled musical adventure for you and your little ones. Don't miss out - reserve your spot today and let the laughter and learning begin!

This is a 4-week class from February 29, 2024 - March 21, 2024.
Cost: $60/child, or $108 for 2 siblings/same class.
Questions?  Contact Cindy Litzinger

by Lynn Warner

SACPC hosts a program through Community In Schools (CIS ) called "The Incredible Years" on Thursday evenings from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. These meetings need childcare volunteers. The program is for parents of children ages 6 - 12 and will begin on February 22nd and run through mid-May. If you are interested please contact Catheryn Thomas or Lynn Warner.

by Gary Smith

Join us for a solution-focused conversation about how people of faith can respond to the housing crisis. From homelessness to workforce housing shortages, many of our neighbors are hurting. Now is the time for the Church to step up and explore creative responses.

Join a collaboration of faith community members as we explore specific ways to leverage our personal property and our church properties to “seek the peace of our city” by increasing access to affordable housing.

• Hear from experts about resources for building housing in your backyard
• Hear stories from others in the faith community who are leveraging extra space in their home to rent affordably to others in their church community
• Hear about churches leveraging unused church property to create housing opportunities 

Click the button below to sign-up for this event. 

by Susan Dykes

Flowers represent a new season, a new birth! This Easter you have the opportunity to contribute to the cost of flowers in memory or in honor of a special person. Beautiful palms and geraniums will be used to help beautify our Sanctuary. Those interested in donating may use the white ‘Special Flowers’ envelopes located throughout the church, through our website, or contact Susan Dykes in the church office at 762-9693 ext. 207. The due date for donations is Sunday, March 17th

The prayer stations from Ash Wednesday have been relocated to the Temple Rm 29 on the ground floor to become part of a newly created Spirituality Center.  Additional activities will be added throughout the season to deepen your Lenten journey. These activities are designed for all ages 3 - 103. We invite everyone to enjoy them throughout the Lenten season!

SACPC's Earth Care Team encourages everyone to participate in The Presbyterian Hunger Program's Lenten calendar which focuses on ways to move  "towards sustainable choices that restore and protect all of God’s children and creation." Lent is the perfect time to slow down and reflect on how "our collective choices have led to a changing global climate, which translates to warmer temperatures, rising sea levels, and severe storms..."

To address these global concerns, everyone must "commit to treading lightly on God’s Earth." Our Earth Care Team hopes you will use this resource with your friends and family to take steps intended to create more mindful choices throughout this season and the rest of the year.  

We have purchased digital rights to the Presbyterian Outlook's Lenten series titled Local Pilgrim: A Wandering, Wondering Daily Devotional. Each passage invites you to explore new and familiar places within your community.  Lent is the perfect time for a pilgrimage and this devotional will have you exploring your community with fresh and new eyes like visiting a cemetery, a bar, a library, or an emergency waiting room.
 
Outlook Editor/Publisher Teri McDowell Ott and other writers helped craft this year's daily reflections. The devotional begins on Ash Wednesday and ends on Easter Sunday. It includes personal reflection, Scripture, and prayer.

All children K-5th grade are invited to attend our m&m program.  For more information, contact Cindy Litzinger.

This week's menu: Clam Chowder, Beer-battered Fish Sandwiches, Coleslaw, and Cookies. Cost is $25/family of 4 or more, $7/adult, and $5/under 12. 

This Wednesday, join Katie for a lively discussion of the sermon text for Lent. We will gather "around the table" to talk about where God is leading us through these Scripture passages and possibly help shape the weekly sermon messages--unless the Holy Spirit has other ideas!

Dinner is offered in Brown Hall at 5:30 pm.

Are you interested in learning more about SACPC and/or becoming a member? Join us for our membership exploration class on February 25th at 10:00 am in the Dining Room. Rev. Harrington will lead this class with a general overview of St. Andrews-Covenant and our ministries, as well as what it means to be part of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Music on Market welcomes the TAM(T³) Trio for a concert that will span the ages from classical through folk, jazz, and modern pop.  TAM(T³) includes Sharon Miller on piano, along with Kate Tibbetts on cello, and Christine Anderson on violin. Come enjoy an evening of great music and entertainment. 

by Angela Burns

Throughout Lent, the Adult choir during our 11:00 am Traditional worship service will present movements from Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living.  A Requiem, at its core, is a prayer for rest- traditionally, for the deceased. The five movements of Dan Forrest's Requiem for the Living, however, form a narrative just as much for the living, and their own struggle with pain and sorrow, as for the dead.

The choir will begin with the Kyrie and end weeks later with Lux Aeterna (connection with God that is everlasting). You will hear turmoil, sorrow, pleas for rest, mercy, and deliverance while experiencing a glimpse of “heaven and earth, full of Thy glory.” Finally, the last piece you will hear will portray light, peace, and rest for both the deceased and the living.  

Translations will be provided as all selections will be sung in Latin.  We hope you find a spiritual connection with this transcendent music. Peace & Grace, Angela Burns

A Safe Place Donation Drive: February 1 is National Freedom Day, which marks the culmination of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January. The State Department estimates that 27.6 million people are currently the victims of human trafficking worldwide. As many as half of them are minors; 80% are female. Twenty years ago, when the United States passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, most Americans did not know that, in our modern era, people were still being held in slavery. In the subsequent decades, fortunately, most have become aware of this tragedy.

In New Hanover County, we are blessed with several ministries that are providing services to local victims. One of those is A Safe Place, which Go and Serve supports annually through our budget. A Safe Place opened a shelter for victims in 2012 and has expanded its services to include counseling, case management, and an outreach center, primarily to young women and teen girls exiting, or trying to exit, the sex trade.

For February, we will be collecting items for this vital ministry including the following:
 

• Women’s underwear sizes M-XL
• Women’s solid color tees, sizes M-XL
• Socks
• Journals
• Laundry Detergent
• Cleaning supplies
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper

To learn more about A Safe Place, click the button below to visit their website.

We are thrilled to announce an incredible opportunity with a new SACPC summer camp. Get ready for CAMP FUSION - a one-of-a-kind experience that combines the elements of VBS, music, drama, and a musical production! At Camp Fusion, your children will embark on a journey of faith, creativity, and expression.

Camp Fusion Preschool will be a half-day version of the full Camp Fusion experience. Children will experience age-appropriate and fun-filled activities, Bible stories, crafts, and music. 

Camp Fusion will be a full-day experience combining VBS, music, drama, and musical production in a unique opportunity for campers to grow spiritually, explore their artistic abilities, and make lasting memories with new friends.

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

The baptism on February 18th of Eliza Grace March born on April 14, 2021, to Julian and Rachael March.  Eliza Grace joins big brother Jonah who is 5 years old.

Ann Montgomery’s 98th birthday is on February 26, 2024.

Tom Lubbers died on February 19th.  Arrangements are not yet available.  

Joy Keziah, Jane Shelton’s sister-in-law, died on February 18th.  Arrangements are pending.

Stephanie Williams’ stepfather, Thomas Diehl, died on February 15, 2024. Arrangements are pending.

Matthew McDonald’s grandfather, Ken O’Brien (Poppy Ken), died recently in Australia at 100 years old.

Charles Johnson’s funeral was held at SACPC on February 16th.  He was a long-time member and uncle of Bill Landen. 

Jean Jackson as she moves to Raleigh to be near her daughter Denise Jones and her family.

Jim McInnis, Palmer Sineath’s brother-in-law, is hospitalized at NH for tests.

Colleen Holliday’s daughter, Amy Lawson, has a loss of vision in the right eye. Treatment is underway.  Amy expects discharge soon.

Ron Faulk’s sister, Gale Pfaff, had successful treatment at Duke for leukemia but has developed a massive infection.

Sue Messina’s friend, Jackie Samgour, has kidney stones and infections.

Adrianna Maria Rullan, the 15-year-old granddaughter of Nannette Gabler, has a spinal tumor that has spread to the brain. The family expects radiation treatment.

Dawn Wallace is being treated for multiple fractured vertebrae and other conditions.

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.

February 20: Rickman Davis, Jennifer Waldrop
February 21: Bill Francis, Cameron Johnson
February 22: Nancy Trout
February 23: Grace Andrews, Cindy Bron
February 24: Tim Bottoms, Mary Butner, Tina Wallace
February 25: Bob Thurston
February 26: Ann Montgomery, Thom Potratz, Tommy Wallace
February 27: Barbara Avent, Charles Gainey, Allen Michael Kraus, Paul Richardson, Carolyn Wells

Thank you for contributing to the work and love of Jesus through St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church. Your gifts enable us to stay Faithfully Present in Our Community.

Financial updates will be provided each month.  If you have any questions, please contact Susan Dykes, Financial Administrator, 910-762-9693x207, sdykes@sacpc.org; or our Church Treasurer, Ed Hobson, treasurer@sacpc.org.

View our most recent Session Reports.