Rev. Harrington will lead us in worship with the sermon text coming from Luke 24:36-48. There will be a baptism at our 9:00 am Contemporary service. It's also 5-Cents A Meal Sunday. During the first song or hymn bring your offerings to the front and place them in the baskets located next to the communion table. 

Alec Hansjoerg Stern, son of Ian and Elizabeth Cherry Stern, received Christian baptism on March 24, 2024 at SACPC during the 9:00am service. 

Joseph Kean Walters, son of Thomas Richard and Georgia Cherry Walters, received Christian baptism on March 24, 2024 at SACPC during the 9:00am service.  

In baptism, we promise to guide and nurture these children by word and deed, love, and prayer, encouraging them to know and love Jesus Christ and to be His faithful disciple.

by Kathy Benson

Please extend a warm welcome to Ellen James who joined on February 25, 2024 by letter of transfer from St. Matthew's Lutheran Church of Wilmington, NC. Ellen retired as a physical therapist with New Hanover Regional Medical Center. She was quite active in her former congregation, serving in a variety of leadership roles. She has been involved in Stephen Ministry in the past as well. She currently spends much time with her grandchildren, including one who attends our preschool.

Ellen's varied interests include gardening, knitting/sewing/crocheting, and tennis. She says she was attracted to SACPC, in part, because of the community-minded spirit she has seen here. Oh, and she enjoys music and loves to sing!! We are glad Ellen has chosen to officially join the roll and look forward to her participation in the vibrant and ongoing mission and ministries of our congregation. Please find Ellen and introduce yourselves to her!

By now, you've probably seen Karen Frye on numerous occasions as she has been an active presence in our congregation for the last five years. We are pleased to officially welcome Karen to our church roll as of February 25, 2024 when she joined by reaffirmation of faith. You've seen her ringing in the adult handbell choir. In fact, she is a veteran bell ringer of 40 years! She is also a member, with her husband John, in our adult choir.

Though church music is of great interest, Karen has devoted herself to service in a variety of ways over the years; from teaching Sunday School and working with youth groups to working behind the scenes in chairing the education committee in her former church. We are very glad she has brought her enthusiasm for sharing time and talents to SACPC.

Currently, Karen is heavily involved with Church World Service Refugee Resettlement ministry--a worthy cause. Retired from New Hanover Regional Medical Center in HR, she now finds time for other home interests. Karen was pleased to share that she has eight grandchildren (blended family) ranging in ages from 1 to 9 years old! Please extend a warm greeting to Karen when you see her next.

by Gail Richardson

The rain didn't stop our Easter Egg hunts or parties on March 28th. We had about forty parents join us for the egg hunts and they were all surprised to find so many rooms "hidden" in the basement. And the children had so much fun finding the hidden eggs. We all had a lovely week off and the children, big and small, were excited to be back at preschool this week!

by Cindy Litzinger

Dear Church Family,

I am excited to invite you to be a part of our upcoming worship services in a special way.  I invite you to submit your favorite hymn (from the hymnal) or a contemporary worship song (from the Sung Canon of Belief) for a chance to have it featured in our upcoming worship services. To submit your favorite hymn or worship song simply email me - that's it!  

While we may not be able to include every submission immediately, we will strive to include them in future services. We look forward to being inspired and uplifted by the songs that have touched your hearts!  

by Sue McCaffray

Join us for a 6-week Zoom book study every Thursday from May 2nd - June 6th at 6:30 pm. We will explore Old Testament scholar Walter Breuggemann's series, "Embracing the Prophets in Contemporary Culture: Confronting Today's 'Pharaohs'." This class is led by Dave Hoff and Sue McCaffray. There is some reading each week to prepare for class, and a short video that we watch together. Email Dave Hoff for more information and to get the zoom link.

by Earth Care Education

According to Nexstar Media Wire News, the spotted lantern fly is a “dazzling but dangerous” invasive species. Originating in China, this pest was first spotted in 2014 in Pennsylvania, but has since spread to 17 other states, including NC.

The adult flies show up between July and December, and are quite a handsome insect, with vibrant red spots on their opened wings. These hungry bugs feast on and destroy fruit trees and vines and ornamental and hardwood trees. They coat the leaves of the trees and vines with a sappy, sweet substance that blocks photosynthesis, as well as sucking sap from stems and branches. They pose a serious threat to wine industries and Christmas tree businesses.

The USDA encourages citizens to “stomp” on adult lantern flies, but unfortunately, they are harder to identify in their earlier life stages in the spring.  However, completely and evenly crushing their egg in the mud-like nest masses is a helpful strategy. It is prudent to try and catch the crushed nests in a bag to seal and dispose of in the garbage. These masses are often found on trees and man-made surfaces such as grills, vehicles, and outdoor machinery.

If you see adult lantern flies or egg masses please contact the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in Wilmington at 910-815-4667 or the State Biologist at 919-873-2112.

Another way to serve God’s wonderful creation.

by Lynn Warner

This summer we are offering Camp Fusion - Mission Possible! This will be a combined Vacation Bible School/Music Camp. We have amazing programs planned and invite you to join the fun by being a Camp Volunteer.

Our camp will have morning and afternoon sessions. The morning session will be a "typical" VBS schedule. Preschoolers will participate from 9:00 am - noon and Grades K - 6th will stay from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.

Morning Volunteers needed for:
Crafts
Shepherds for Preschool, K/1; 2nd/3rd/4th
Storytellers
Recreation

Afternoon Volunteers needed for:
Drama
Music
Set design

Email Lynn Warner if you are interested in blessing this need.

by Jen Phelps

All 6th - 12th grades are invited to attend. We will gather at Wrightsville Beach Park for a cookout and our KICKBALL CHALLENGE with SACPC Elders and Deacons!

Friends are welcome - registration for youth is not required, but there is a sign-up to contribute to the cookout food if you would like.

by Sue McCaffray

The Spiritual Life Team is offering a 2-night, 3-day Fall Retreat from September 20 - 22, 2024 at the beautiful Trinity Center in Pine Knoll Shores. The theme for the weekend is titled: "God is in the Mess: Having Honest Conversations with God." The weekend will be led by Rev. Rachel Doll of Winter Park Presbyterian Church. Rachel is a noted Biblical storyteller, and her focus will be on Mark 4 & 5.

Registration is now open and will close on June 1, 2024. Space is limited. Contact Linda Smith for more information.

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 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

All children K-5th grade are invited to attend our m&m program. 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 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.

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 granola bars, peanut butter crackers, Smart Food popcorn, microwavable single-serve lunches of mac-n-cheese, chicken noodle soup, oodles of noodles, little water bottles, juicy juice boxes, and hygiene items of shampoo, body wash, deodorant, toothbrushes & toothpaste.

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

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

Austyn Gray Rouse, daughter of Jordan Vance Rouse and Alice Bullock Rouse, born July 27, 2023, will be baptized on April 14, 2024.

Mary Tyler has been discharged from NH. She asks for prayers but no visits or calls at present, please.

Ginny Silliman fell at Bradley Creek Rehab, fractured a hip, had hip repair at NH and has returned to Bradley Creek for rehab. Ginny fell a second time and is again admitted to NH.  No fractures during this fall.

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.

April 9: Dawn Lysne, Mary Beth Moore
April 11: Cathy Coons, Rachel March
April 12: Dana Gray, Sarah Cameron Rigby
April 14: Miles Crooks, Chay Huss, Megan Kash
April 15: Rick Garner, Eliza March, Joyce Whittaker
April 16: Scott Lund, Robin Mortenson, Lee Wilson

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.