It's Senior Sunday! Our graduating high school seniors will lead us in worship with scripture from Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18, and Jeremiah 29:11-14. We'll also receive communion at both worship services.

by Kelli Blowers

We invite you to return your bulletins & announcement sheets after each worship service for recycling. There will be two designated baskets located in the Narthex. See an Usher for details.

by Earth Care Team

One of the perks of being on the Earth Care Team is reading the discussions the other team members have concerning environmental issues.  At this point, it is also one of the only church "teams" where there is a youth member; that in itself is refreshing and informative.

The latest discussion centered around the question of which is better: bar soaps, shampoos, and/or liquids.  A lot of the following information came from a 5/16/24 article in the Washington Post.  That article referenced a recent study performed by the Institute of Environmental Engineering at the Swiss University ETH Zurich.  There were several points which seemed pertinent to someone wanting to decrease their carbon footprint.

The first point is that generally bar soaps and shampoos are the greenest option.  That word "generally" is where all of the caveats come into place.  Many true bar soaps dry the skin.  To counter that, some soaps have begun to add artificial, petroleum based ingredients and moisturizing additives,   If you want to make sure a pure soap is being used, the ingredient list should be checked to see if there are infused detergents, often labelled as SLS and SLES.

Liquid soaps and shampoos usually contain more moisturizing ingredients, unfortunately most are made from synthetic petroleum based ingredients.  However, there are more liquid soap makers beginning to use simple natural ingredients.

Packaging is what sets the two products aparts.  Bars are usually packaged in paper or cardboard, and are easier to travel with.    Packaging liquids is 19 times as energy intensive as bars.  The plastic liquid packaging can sometimes be recycled, but the pumps are not recyclable.

Both types of soaps are equally effective in removing dirt, germs and bacteria.  The misconceptions about bar soap accumulating bacteria have been debunked.

As stated in an article from Waterglen Soap Company,  "Encouraging a shift towards more sustainable and health-conscious choices, such as the use of bar soap, serves as a practical step individuals can take towards reducing plastic waste, conserving resources and fostering well being.  As society continues to navigate the complexities of sustainability and wellness, the humble bar soap emerges as an ally."  

But in the end, the consumer has to decide.

by Sam Query

For over 20 years SACPC has supported and sponsored the Music on Market Fine Arts Series as a musical outreach to the surrounding community. The pandemic posed a significant hardship on the series causing it to be discontinued for part of a season.   Several Board members had to resign during this time.  

After the pandemic, the series restarted with several outstanding concerts over the past two seasons. The series is governed by a Board of Directors volunteering to bring these free concerts to the public along with the Artistic Director, Cindy Litzinger. Persons who have a love of live musical performance and wish to become a part of this creative process as Board members may contact either Sam Query, President of the Board, or Cindy Litzinger, Artistic Director.  

by Gary Smith

The Walking in the Word Sunday school class invites you to join us at 10:00 am in Rm 236 all summer as we study the book of Daniel. Our class is discussion-oriented, and we welcome your participation.

by Lynn Warner

One of the projects we will be working on at Camp Fusion beginning June 10th requires pictures from magazines. If you have magazines to donate please bring them to the Narthex on Sunday or drop them off by the Church Office during the week. Thank you in advance for your help!

by Gary Smith

Please enjoy this special message from Hank Bellomy with the Presbytery:

The East Community of the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina has completed a grassroots campaign in partnership with Undue Medical Debt, formerly RIP Medical Debt, to eliminate medical debt for folks in need. Persons qualifying for elimination of debt earn 4 times or below the federal poverty level or have medical debts that are 5% or more of their annual income. In the time frame of January through April the churches of the East Community have raised $40,724.53 exceeding our goal of $20,000. We have been able to eliminate the debt of folks in Brunswick, Carteret, Duplin, Lenoir, New Hanover, Onslow, and Pender counties, with funds exceeding those debts going to medical debt in other regions throughout NC.  The total sum of the funds raised will aid in eliminating debts over 4 million dollars. Recipients do not have to go through a application process but will receive a letter expressing that Presbyterian Churches of the presbytery have aided in eliminating their medical debt.

Thank you East Community Churches for partnering together to be the hands and feet of the Lord doing ministry throughout our community. What a testimony this will be of loving our neighbors well to the community around us!

Hank Bellomy

by John Bobrink

We are asking for the congregation to submit names for elders and deacons for the class of 2027. Please use the online link below to submit your nominations. Please submit names before August 1st.

by Jen Phelps

During June, children and youth are invited to join Lynn and Jen in the Chillaxation Station in the basement from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. There will be fun activities, fellowship, snacks and God only knows what else! Friends are welcome.

We will celebrate our High School seniors as they lead us in both worship services on June 2nd. Join us to celebrate these students!

Take a break from your Sunday morning routine and join us beginning June 2nd at 10:00 am in the Kardia Room (224) for a brisk run through the meaty book of Ephesians: salvation by God's grace, unity in Christ, husbands and wives, children and parents, and other hot topics await! Join us whenever you can; no prior experience is necessary!

JOIN US for a Family Pool Party! This event is for Children & Youth ministry families. Come when you can, leave when you must. Snacks will be provided (not dinner).

Parents/Guardians-- don't drop off - DROP IN! We want parents to hang out and enjoy fellowship and connection with other SACPC families (and swimming, if you would like). Why should the kids get to have all of the fun this summer???

In June we will collect for NourishNC--a local food pantry that focuses on providing food for children and their families. Nutritious food empowers children to succeed in the classroom and their community.

NourishNC partners with over 100 community agencies to help distribute food to needy children. During the school year, NourishNC provides food-insecure children with weekend backpacks filled with food for those days they won’t be in school. During the summer that program expands, and families with elementary school children can pick up bags of nutritious food and fresh produce. These are only some ways NourishNC helps feed children in New Hanover County. Let’s help them do that by stocking NourishNC's pantry for summer!

Items we're collecting:

• high fiber/low sugar cereals (large and individual boxes)**IMMEDIATE NEED**
• beef stew and hearty soups
• canned fruit
• low sodium canned veggies
• canned chicken or tuna. 

This is a partial list of what NourishNC needs for the summer. A complete list will be on the bulletin board in the 15th Street lobby.

Thank you to all who have already volunteered to help with Camp Fusion this summer! The dates are June 10th - 14th from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm for preschoolers and from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm for those having completed Kindergarten - 6th Grade.

We are still in need of volunteers in these areas:
 

• Preparing and serving lunch (menus and food will be provided)
• Volunteers with our Preschool Children
• Additional help with crafts
• Recreation - planning & implementing
• Helpers to assist in the afternoon with drama and music

TAKE A BREAK @ The Hub!!! The school year is coming to an end and exams are happening - so come to The HUB to disconnect for a bit, rest your brain, and hang out with your people.

Drop in anytime from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. We will have some board games and art supplies; as well as, some pizza and assorted foods to dip into our Ranch fountain.

This event is for middle and high school students. Friends are welcome - we hope you will stop by! 

Current middle and high school students are invited to join us for some fun at the Jungle Rapids water park on Wednesday, June 12th from 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm! The price is $25/person. If you are a helper with VBS the cost is $15/person.

Currently, we are only registering members of our youth group (unless they helped out with VBS). We may open spots for friends later if space allows...see Jen Phelps for details.

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

The family of Ayden Radke, a 7-year-old neighbor of Susan Dykes, died May 26th.  Ayden was an organ donor.

Todd Harrington’s mother, Elizabeth Harrington of Greensboro, died on May 21st.  A memorial service is planned for June 8th in Greensboro.

Stephanie Holder’s stepfather, Bill Cochran, died on May 18th.  The funeral was held on May 23rd.

Marilyn Mitchell was admitted to NH with dehydration.

Bob Weber had a hip replacement at Surg Care on May 23rd.  He is recovering at home and doing well.

SACPC Preschool's 4-year-old class graduated on May 23.  They are: Abraham Huss, Ada Kiser, Caleb Woltmann, Collier Rose Bissette, Ella Spale, Grady Allen, Hazel Bretz, Liza Mae Benton, Lucy Meier, Maggie Mortenson, Mela Mastro, Quinn Merritt, Sallie Oden.

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), Patrick Falvey (Landstuhl Military Medical Center, Germany)

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.

May 28: Kathy Denlinger, Katherine Flynn, Deme Nunley, Cindy Pierson, Polly Sheats, Delle Blount Wilson
June 1: Laurel Richardson, C.J. Stewart
June 2: Foster Lathan, Kris Morrison, Kyle Thompson
June 4: Hugh Caison, Beth Chadwick, Josie Harrington, Greg Wayne

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.