It's Earth Care Sunday! Our Earth Care Team will lead us in worship with Rev. Harrington providing the sermon using text from Romans 8:18-25 (CEB). Our M&M kids will also be on hand. At the 9:00 am service, there will be the baptisms of Kara and Eliza Johnson.

by Emily Donovan

SACPC was recently certified as an Earth Care Congregation by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Presbyterian Hunger Program through February 2025. The Earth Care Congregation certification is designed to recognize churches that commit to taking seriously God’s charge to “till and keep” the garden.

SACPC formed an Earth Care Team last May and spent seven months conducting an environmental audit to gain this certification. This status speaks to the serious commitment that our Earth Care Team has made to care for God’s earth. To become an Earth Care Congregation, our Session affirmed an Earth Care Pledge to integrate environmental practices and thinking into our worship, education, facilities, and outreach.

SACPC is the only PC(USA) church in Wilmington to acquire this distinction, the second church in our presbytery, and one of 31 PC(USA) congregations in North Carolina. Our Earth Care Team meets the first Tuesday of every month at 5:30 pm and welcomes all who are interested in encouraging a faith-based response to sustainable living. Click the button below to email our Earth Care Team and join the fun!

Chris Johnston offered the opening devotion and prayer based on the Beatitudes.

Jen Phelps introduced this year’s Confirmands and explained the confirmation process.  Elders shared why confirmands are important people in our congregation and are looking forward to examining each student on April 28th, Confirmation Sunday.

SACPC’s Policy and Governance document is reviewed regularly by Session for ways to improve it and make it more specific to our church; thus, it is a living, breathing structure.  Session looks for possible improvements and we monitor our adherence to the agreed-upon policies.  We modified and simplified the introduction to our Ends Policy and added two policies:  annual election of an Assistant Clerk of Session and a formal monitoring process (possible scenarios presented to Elders for discussion).

Four baptisms were approved for late March and during April.

Session members volunteered to be Holy Week worship readers.

The Finance Committee presented proposals for the replacement of the church HVAC system from an antiquated and unreliable water-based system to an air-based one. There will be a significant improvement in operating consistency and cost of operation. The motion to proceed was unanimously approved by Session. To fund this extensive work, the Finance Committee, with approval by Session, will seek to acquire bank financing. This motion was also unanimously approved. Session is encouraged to think about other changes to the sanctuary which may be prudent to do during HVAC work.

Work on Brown Hall upgrades continues.

Paige Williams is chairing the Preschool Director search.

The meeting was closed with prayer concerns and prayer.

by Gary Smith

We are excited to be back on the build site with Ericka to finish up the construction of her home. We currently have hardware (April 20th) on the volunteer calendar. You can log in to your Volgistics account to access the calendar or use the links below to create an account.

Since we have moved on to finishing work, volunteers ages 14+ are welcome to join in the fun!)

Build Location: 1620 Dorsey Lane  
Note: Dorsey Lane is a new road and may not show up on your GPS. Use the following address instead: 3204 Reminisce Road (Castle Hayne). This is the address for a large blue house on the left side of the street. Dorsey Lane is just past this house! Also, there is a Dorsey Lane in Navassa, so be sure your map is leading you to Castle Hayne!

by Gary Smith

The Shelter Care team, led by Palmer Sineath, completed another ramp Saturday in Rocky Point. Other SACPC participants were Rick Wheeler, Bill Aman, David Massey, Jack Richardson, John Bohbrink, and Gary Smith. The homeowner wrote, "To all God's helpers from St. Andrews, My husband and I are so grateful for all you have done to give him mobility to get into and out of our home. Thank you so much."

by Lynn Warner

The Children's Ministry Team would like to extend a heartfelt THANK YOU to Palmer Sineath for putting together all the rolling shelves for our new Children's Library! This summer the Children's Library will move to the Temple Room downstairs. This will make all the wonderful books we have much more available to our children and our Sunday School Teachers.

More exciting news about the Children's Library will be forthcoming. THANK YOU, Palmer!

To My Church Family,

I can't thank you enough for all those who have prayed for me during this difficult time. The visits, cards, flowers, phone calls, and food have all helped to cheer me.

I am doing better each day and hope to return to church soon! Thank you for your continued prayers.

May God bless those who pray and care for others.

Love you all!

Dawn Wallace

by Kathy Benson

Join us in welcoming Sallie Rochelle who joined our SACPC family by reaffirmation of faith on February 25, 2024. Sallie is an active member of Venture Sunday School Class. She originally hails from Cleveland, Ohio and is now retired from General Electric.

Sallie is quite an outdoor enthusiast! She enjoys horseback riding, boating, and gardening. She enjoys cooking as well. We are so glad friends invited Sallie to attend our church gatherings and that she has chosen to join the membership roll.

Please look for Sallie in worship and personally welcome her to the SACPC family!

by Rev. Katherine B. Harrington

Are you interested in learning more about SACPC and/or becoming a member? Join us for our membership exploration class on May 12th & 19th 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).

by Sue McCaffray

History buffs and Bible readers alike will find Harry Friedman's engaging book, "The Murderous History of Bible Translation" entertaining and educational at the same time. Did you know that people have been translating scripture for more than 2,000 years? Learn about people like William Tyndale, who gave his life to produce an English-language Bible, and be inspired by their passion for the Word of God.

A very special new book was donated by the Stillpoint Class in honor of Katherine Brandi's mother, Mary Eberts: "The Cup of Our Life", by Joyce Rupp. Rupp offers reflections on how to have a more intimate and disciplined life of prayer, and Mary loved it.  

by Preschool Director Search Committee

Our Preschool Director, Gail Richardson, is retiring from her current position as she feels God is redirecting her talents. Gail has been a steadfast leader, guiding our program through Covid, fundraising for a beautiful new playground, and ensuring our Preschool is fiscally sound. Please give Gail a hug and thanks for her dedication and love for our children!

While Gail has planned for the upcoming year, we still need to try and fill her shoes. The search committee has posted the Preschool Director job opening and is currently accepting applications. We are asking our congregation to consider who you might know who would be a good fit to lead our preschool in the next season. The position is listed on Indeed and we are hoping to have it filled by the end of May.

Questions and resumes may be sent to SACPCPreschool@gmail.com or you may speak with one of us.

Peace,
Preschool Director Search Committee
Lauren Allen, Clare Powers, Randy Warner, Paige Williams, Rev. Katherine Harrington

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 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 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 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 after dinner in the Chapel as our Not-Ready-for-Primetime-SACPC players present a skit based on our Guidelines for Constructive Conversations that Build Relationships. Following the skit Dr. Ben Rigby will lead us in a discussion. Come be equipped to speak and listen in a spirit of love and unity!

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.

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.

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

Eliza Ann Johnson, born on November 12, 2009, daughter of Kara Ann Johnson and Brian Ross Johnson, will be baptized on April 21, 2024.

Kara Ann Johnson will be baptized on April 21, 2024.

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

Ginny Silliman has been transferred to The Peak from the hospital.

Billy Purdom (USS Stout DDG ), Smith Beacham (Fort Richardson, Anchorage, AK), Patrick Falvey (Landstuhl Military Medical Center, Germany), 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 16: Scott Lund, Robin Mortenson, Lee Wilson
April 17: Thomas Murray, Sophie Richardson
April 18: Fred Murray
April 19: Dan O’Connor
April 20: Quinton Cooke, Ben Ivey, Jordan McEwen
April 21: Becky Barefoot, Kay Hein, Linda Smith
April 22: Jeff Denlinger, Amy Smith
April 23: Margo Hurd

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.