It's Easter Sunday!!! Communion will be served. Rev. Harrington will lead us in worship with the sermon text coming from John 20:1-18 and the Old Testament lesson from Isaiah 25:6-9.

Join our Contemporary Worship Team as we honor and remember the importance of the Last Supper during Holy Week. Communion will be served. The Prayground is available in the Chapel for those with small children who would like to worship together with extra wiggle space and age-appropriate worship aids.

This will be a Tenebrae worship service with music led by our Adult Choir and soloists.

Join us on Easter Sunday as we celebrate Christ REVEALED! Communion will be served at both services. Our Contemporary Worship Team will lead us during the 9:00 am service and at 11:00 am this Traditional service will feature our adult choir, handbells, trumpets, and special soloists.

In between worship, beginning at 10:00 am, gather with us on the 15th St. Lawn for our annual Fellowship on the Lawn* event--complete with snacks and an Easter Flower Cross for you to add fresh-cut flowers from your gardens. Invite your friends, neighbors, and loved ones to celebrate Christ REVEALED at SACPC this Easter Sunday.

There will be no Sunday School. Nursery provided.

*Rain or shine event. The rain location is the Dining Rm.

The church office will be closed on Monday, April 1st in observance of Easter. We will reopen on Tuesday. Have a joyous and meaningful Easter weekend.

The flowers decorating the Sanctuary this Easter Sunday were given in loving memory or honor through generous donations made by members of our church family. Flowers represent a new season, a new birth! Thank you to all who donated. To view the dedications, click the “download” button below.

by Sue McCaffray

"God is in the Mess: Having Honest Conversations with God." Led by Rev. Rachel Doll of Winter Park Presbyterian Church. Rachel is a noted Biblical storyteller, and her focus will be Mark 4 & 5. Join us Sept. 20-22, 2024 at beautiful Trinity Center, Pine Knoll Shores. Open to both men and women. Price per person, $250, includes 2 nights, double occupancy, and 6 meals. Space is limited. Registration details to follow in early April from our Spiritual Life Team. Contact Linda Smith for more information.

by Pate Southerland

This is a free, guided 6-mile paddle along the scenic and beautiful Black River. It is a very easy paddle by canoe or kayak and great for families with children who like to explore the outdoors. We'll enjoy many beautiful cypress trees on this stretch of the river and the water is very clean because there is no industry located nearby.

Plan to gather at the parking lot by New Hanover High School's tennis courts next to Brown Hall at 7:00 am sharp. We will leave at 7:30 am and travel approximately 30 miles to our put-in on the Black River. We should arrive back in Wilmington by 3:30 pm.

If you do not have your own kayak or canoe we can borrow some from Camp Kirkwood, or you can rent some from Hook, Line & Paddle. Registration is required and must be completed no later than 2:00 pm on Thursday, April 25th. You can register online or call the church office at 910.762.9693.

Any questions, or if you need a boat, call Pate Southerland at 910 262 4122.

POPS Meals are on pause for the next two weeks while renovation work is being done in Brown Hall. Dinners will resume on Wednesday, April 10th at 5:30 pm with an Italian Night theme menu. After dinner, stay for our POPS Program beginning at 6:30 pm in the Kardia Rm 224 with an event hosted by our Let's Talk About It team. 

by Kathy Benson

We are pleased to introduce Sue Ellen Holleman as a recent addition to our SACPC family. Sue Ellen joined on February 25, 2024 by letter of transfer from Chapel in the Pines Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in Chapel Hill, NC. She is both an ordained elder (1982) and a Stephen Minister.

Originally from Los Angeles, California, she traveled eastward and settled in Martinsville, New Jersey. After leaving Martinsville, she relocated to Pittsboro, NC before winding her way to Wilmington.

Sue Ellen is already active with Presbyterian Women's Circle 8. She is a retired teacher and school counselor who has also enjoyed the adventure of travel and making new friends over the years. Please say hello to Sue Ellen when you see her in worship. We are very glad she has made SACPC her new church home!

by Sara Bryant

Some of the SACPC organ pipes recently returned from a trip to Virginia. The wooden Triangular Flute pipes had accumulated lead oxide deposits which were leaking into the pipe valves, which would have caused trouble. Our long-time organ curator, Mark Thompson, took them to his workshop for repair. Mark removed the deposits, cleaned the pipes, and applied several coats of shellac to prevent the lead oxide problem from happening again. Mark reinstalled and voiced the pipes in March. I was happy to have this work done, but I did not realize that the pipes would sound so much better! They sound clearer and more beautiful than they did before. Mark also installed an upgraded surge protector for the control system.

Our wonderful Casavant pipe organ was installed in 1958 and has been an important part of church and community music ever since. I first heard it in 1973 when organist Frank Honey, one of my professors at UNC-Wilmington, asked me to turn pages for him at his recital. Countless recitals and services have been played since then.

Pipe organs are custom-built instruments/machines, and they require maintenance just as other machines do. Through the years, the SACPC congregation has taken good care of their beautiful organ—regular tuning and repairs, adding a new control system in 1990, and a major renovation in 2006 which broadened the tonal character and provided a richer sound.

I am so honored to be your organist, and to have the opportunity to be a small part of your musical history. I will do everything I can to take care of your wonderful Casavant instrument. I am grateful that the congregation is so supportive of their organ!

by Kathy Benson

Sign up to host or attend a Dinner for 8 beginning March 24, 2024 in the vestibule outside the sanctuary. So far, there are five Host dinner locations open. Seating is limited. We encourage members wanting to host to reserve any date in April or May. Learn how at the sign-up table.

Fri., April 19 @  6:00 pm Atkinson Home: 8 Guest Spots
Sat., April 27 @  6:00 pm Wilson Home: 6 Guest Spots
Sat., May 04  @  6:30 pm Benson Home: 6 Guest Spots
Fri., May 10  @  6:00 pm Woods Home:  6 Guest Spots
Sat., May 18  @  6:30 pm Co-Hosts: Hobson/Frye Homes: 6 Guests

by Sue McCaffray

OK, grown-ups, let's finish this school year strong: Drop in on any of these Sunday morning classes as you are able between now and the end of May:
 
Connette-Covenant, Room 226
A Study of the Westminster Confession
 
Evans-Feezor, for men, Room 215
Examining our Faith
 
Living Faith, Room 214
Lectionary topics on meeting the risen Christ in the early church

Venture, Room 240
Various scripture-based lessons (with home-baked goodies)

Walking in the Word, Room 236
Continues the study of Luke

by Louise Gorham

Dear Church Family,

My back surgery six weeks ago was successful! I am improving and using a walker after graduating from a wheelchair and hope I will be able to use only a cane before too long.

You have prayed for us, fed us, called, sent cards, visited, and left messages. There is no doubt in my mind and heart that your thoughtfulness has helped me get well!

I am thankful for your love and concern more than I can say.

Louse Gorham

by Lynn Warner

Amy Allen, our Nursery Coordinator, is looking for volunteers to work with her in the Nursery on Easter Sunday morning at both the 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. worship services. If you would be willing to volunteer please contact Amy. 

by Shelley Hobson

The Malawi Partnership Team is pleased to announce a successful education fundraiser.   $22,547 has been contributed by our church family and friends to send preschoolers, primary school, and secondary school students to school this fall.  Funds are used to provide meals of enriched porridge for the preschool, book bags, shoes, uniforms, and supplies for primary school students in need of help, and tuition assistance for secondary school students.  These funds also help provide vocational training and a meal for young adults seeking to learn woodworking and tailoring. This precious gift of education is life-changing for these students in the warm heart of Africa.  Zikomo (Thank You)!

by Catheryn Thomas

During this year’s Azalea Festival, the Historic Wilmington Foundation (HWF) will host their walking tour through the Westbrook-Ardmore National Historic District, which begins near our church at the historic Fire Station No. 5, at the corner of Dock and 17th Streets. Because SACPC is so close, HWF has asked us to open our parking lots for ticket holders on the home tour. This also allows us to open our beautiful sanctuary for ticket holders to view. Our church historians are working on an information sheet to hand out and will be on-site during the tour hours to answer any questions.

We would like to have some extra hosts to greet visitors at the door. The tour runs Saturday and Sunday, April 6th and 7th from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. If you are interested in being a door greeter, please contact Catheryn Thomas. Click the button below to send Catheryn an email or call 910-762-9693 x229.

by Earth Care Corner Education

The original maker of plastic Easter eggs, Blayer Industries, was once the only American manufacturer of plastic eggs. In the early 2000s, it was making 250 million eggs a year.  It has since gone bankrupt because it couldn’t compete with cheaper Chinese plastic eggs.

With the passing of that company into history, it’s a good time to also say farewell to the use of plastic eggs and grass in Easter baskets. As we become more aware of the detrimental effects of plastics on our environment and our personal health, it is good to know that there are several finer earth-friendly options for a colorful Easter basket.

Hard-boiled dyed eggs are great for egg hunts, and most kids love dying them. For re-fillable eggs, there are wooden ones, felt, wool, and paper mache’ varieties.  Nestle the eggs in non-plastic grass to complete the festive look.  There are several choices for this too, such as crinkle paper, wood fibers, wool, and natural raffia from palm trees.  If you are really ambitious, ryegrass germinates and grows quickly, and would add a delicate fresh smell and feel to your basket.  

For dining room table center baskets, you could use fresh salad greens.

Creating an earth-friendly Easter basket is a natural child-centered way to honor God’s good creation, and to show your children that caring for the earth involves all ages, and using our creativity is just plain fun.

"The Earth is the Lord’s and all creatures in it, the world and all who dwell in it."
Psalm 24:1  

Information from www.presbyterianmission.org

by Gary Smith

The East steering committee for the Coastal Carolina Presbytery's East Community 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.  

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.

The campaign runs until 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

This week is our last rehearsal before Spring Break. Then we resume regular meetings on April 10th!  For more information, contact Cindy Litzinger.

Join us for a sampler of what Paul has to say about unity and honesty in Ephesians and other letters. You do not want to miss this! Come join the conversation.

Music on Market will present the final concert for the 2023-2024 season on April 13th with an educational lecture beginning at 7:00 PM and the concert at 7:30 PM in the Sanctuary featuring the Scott Silbert Jazz Quintet performing jazz from Artie Shaw and Benny Goodman.  This concert is free to the public. Doors open at 6:30 PM.

Come enjoy an enlightening evening of outstanding music.  

Our banned book club is now open to all! Our next book is The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood - read the book and then join us on Zoom as English teacher extraordinaire Amy Stuart leads our discussion. Sunday, April 21st at 7pm on Zoom.

This month we’ll be helping victims of child abuse that our neighbor, The Carousel Center, serves with love and compassion. They need individual packages of Cheez-It or Goldfish crackers, Juicy-Juice boxes, and NEW items for their treasure box such as fidget-spinners, Pop-its, lip balm, gel pen sets, fun socks, small notebooks, brainteaser books, and temporary tattoos. The children they serve range from preschool to teens.

Please join us as we pray for the time when such services are no longer needed!

During March, Go & Serve will be collecting non-perishable foods for Good Shepherd, Salvation Army, and the Rescue Mission. Suggested food items include:

• cereal
• pasta
• pasta sauce
• canned fruits and vegetables (including #10 cans)
• canned soup
• packaged snacks
• canned chicken or tuna

Please drop your donations in the bin in the 15th Street lobby near the Narthex.

The full-day camp is full!  Space is still available for the half-day preschool camp.

Save the Date (especially because we are adjusting our worship time!) Confirmation Sunday will be April 28th and we will be welcoming our Confirmands at ONE UNITY SERVICE AT 10am that day. We hope you will join us as these young people join our church.

Attention all 6th - 12th graders! Our next Be The Light Event will be at The Harrelson Center on April 14th from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm - MARK YOUR CALENDARS! In the meantime.... we are collecting sunscreen and bug spray to add to hydration bags that will be distributed by Catholic Charities to migrant farm workers this summer. Bring your donations to The HUB or the church anytime we gather.

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

Alec Hansjoerg Stern, born May 31, 2022, son of Elizabeth Cherry Stern and Ian Hansjoerg Stern, was baptized March 24.  Baby Alec is the brother of Elizabeth Beatty Stern, 5 years old. He is the grandson of Beth and Bob Cherry and Jackie Norton.

Joseph Kean Walters, born April 4, 2023, son of Georgia Cherry Walters and Thomas Richard Walters, was baptized March 24.  He joins big sister Lena Walters, 3 years of age.  Grandparents are Beth and Bob Cherry.

Susan Dykes' aunt, Melva Pridgen, died on March 19th.  A graveside service was held on March 21st.  

Dr. Robert Crawford Bankhead (Bob or Doc) died on February 9, 2024. Dr. Bankhead was Executive Presbyter of Wilmington Presbytery and served several churches and in other capacities in his career.  His memorial service is planned for April 14, 2024 at the Sion Presbyterian Church in Winnsboro, SC.

Lynn Warner’s mother, Nancy Doughtery, is having a procedure on April 2nd in Greenville, SC.

Ginny Silliman fell at Bradley Creek Rehab, fractured a hip, and was admitted to NH for hip repair.  She is expected to be in the hospital for a few days.

Lynn Warner’s mother, Nancy Doughtery, is having a procedure on April 2nd in Greenville, SC. 

Ginny Silliman fell at Bradley Creek Rehab, fractured a hip, was admitted to NH for hip repair.  She is expected to be in the hospital for a few days.

Billy Purdom (USS Stout DDG ), Smith Beacham (Fort Richardson, Anchorage, AK), Jack Looney (USS Carl Vinson, San Diego, CA), Samuel Makepeace (Fort Moore, Georgia), 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.

March 26: Joshua Neiburger, Rob O’Briant
March 27: JoAnna Worsley
March 28: Shuford Cornette, Jackie Lewis
March 29: Sarah Holt Gwathmey, Chris Johnston
March 31: Carolyn Connor, Cecelia Corbett, Jennifer Glatt
April 1: Lauren Mercer, Nancy Worsley
April 2: Sarah Grace Hill, Robbie Wheeler

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.