Katie leads us in worship with the sermon text from Ephesians 4:1-16. It's also a Unity Sunday. We will offer one worship service at 10:00 am featuring our choir and contemporary worship band.

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.

As of the end of June, giving is below budget expectations, resulting in a year-to-date shortfall of $132,109.  So that we can continue to spread the Word of God, as well as serve our congregation and the community, please prayerfully consider giving to help rebound from this deficit.

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.

On Sunday, June 30th the Petropolis Church celebrated the 30th anniversary of its missionary project of evangelization to the riverside communities of Maués. During these years, the church and its various partners, including numerous mission trips from SACPC, have proclaimed the gospel, nurtured believers, and provided much-needed medical assistance along the Amazon River and its tributaries.

Patricia Matias reports that during these years:

"We have seen clearly the hand of the Lord guiding our path. We thank God for our partners who have helped us over the years.

Having Pastor Steve and Kay with us during these days [of celebration] was very rewarding for the entire church. We had the opportunity to thank the Lord for their lives and how God raised them to walk with us through the years.

We thank St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church for your partnership, love, prayers, and support during this journey. We are immensely grateful to God for the lives of each one of you; we know how much you love riverside people and our church.

We also thank you for the beautiful letter you sent us. You are an answer to our prayers. We ask that God bless you greatly!"

by Cindy Litzinger

We will have one, combined service at 10:00 am in the sanctuary this Sunday. This service is designed to bring our congregation together as one body, sharing our faith and strengthening our bond as a church family. We hope to see you there!

by Gary Smith

HabiTours are a chance to take a fun and interesting behind the scenes look at Cape Fear Habitat.  You’ll have a chance to tour the warehouse, meet staff and learn more about the process of building affordable housing and how you can be part of it!

Beginning August 14th, HabiTours will take place regularly on the second Wednesday of each month from noon to 1:00 pm for individuals and groups of up to 12. Lunch will be provided. For larger groups or to schedule a special tour date, contact development@capefearhabitat.org.

by Shelley Hobson

Elder Steve Miller opened the meeting with a message and prayer on the Bible.

The Clerk’s report was received along with minutes from Session committees (Finance, Governance and Training, Human Resources, Congregational Engagement, and Planning).

Session will not meet in July; the next meeting will be August 26th followed by the annual Session retreat in September.

Each meeting has a self-evaluation component to review current policies and practices to ensure they are still appropriate. This year the Session decided to allow remote participation in Session meetings when necessary. Also, decisions that need a quick turnaround and minimal discussion can be accomplished via email voting. Elders determined these procedures are working well, and no changes are needed, at this time.

Reverend Harrington reported VBS Camp Fusion was well-attended and successful. Jumpstart Preschool, hosted by Communities in Schools and utilizing our preschool classrooms is serving approximately 25 children this summer. These children have not had the opportunity to attend preschool, and this experience will get them ready for school this fall. SACPC volunteers are helping out.

Human Resources news:  Kelli Blowers, administrative assistant, moved away from Wilmington in June.  Facilities manager, Jeff Sullick, also departed, and the hiring process has begun for that position. The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee has resumed its search after believing they were close to a decision.  We will continue to pray for the Spirit to lead us to the right candidate for SACPC.

by Earth Care Education

This might sound too good to be true:  Mosquito protection without harming birds, beneficial insects, and butterflies. Apparently, it exists. The method is called a Mosquito Bucket of Doom.  Of course, the first step is to rid your yards of any standing water.  It takes as little as one teaspoon of water left standing for about a week to give mosquitoes the chance to breed and multiply. According to Sidewalk Nature, the bucket of doom is simply a bucket of water, a handful of grass, and a stick and a Bti dunk (sold at Lowes and Home Depot).  The Bti dunks are made with a larvicide that produces toxins that only kill larvae of mosquitoes and black flies.  All mammals, including humans, birds, and other insects are not harmed.  As the grass rots, the carbon dioxide that is produced attracts mosquitoes.

Simply fill a 3-gallon bucket about half full with water and a handful of grass.  This size bucket requires only about 1/4 of a dunk tablet.  This amount lasts 30 days, and should be replenished each month with water (if it doesn't rain) and more of a dunk tablet.  Set the bucket in a shaded or shady area.  The stick is used as an escape ramp for any other insects, such as fireflies, or birds that might fall into the bucket.  Plus, if you put the dunk in an open weave bag with a rock in it and tie it to the bottom of the stick, it will ensure that those mosquito species that lay eggs above the water line are caught with the rising water and don't fall into the grass. One source said that tying the dunk under the water would prevent a curious squirrel or dog from grabbing it.  Always cover a bucket of water with chicken wire or wide mesh if small children are around.  The dunks can also be used in rain barrels, and that water is safe for watering gardens.

The best colors for the bucket to attract mosquitoes are black, red, orange, or greenish-blue. For an illustrated step-by-step explanation, google "Sidewalk Nature". Enjoy your mosquito-free yard; you will help yourself, and all the needed insects that won’t succumb to sprays.

by Kathy Benson

Naomy hails from the beautiful Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the unincorporated island territory of the United States, also known as "La Isla del Encanto" located in The Caribbean. Several of our members have visited there and can attest to its beauty and the warm hospitality of the people.

Naomy is gifted to be able to speak Spanish and English and knows her way around technology. She worked as a software engineer for a decade. She is able to stay home these days and pursue her interest in cooking.

As empty-nesters, she and her husband Rick find enjoyment in traveling. When their Wilmington neighbor, our own Wilbur Jones, invited them to attend worship at SACPC, Naomy and Rick were welcomed warmly by our members. As a matter of fact, Naomy was nurtured in the Presbyterian Church in Puerto Rico during her formative years.

We are very pleased that Naomy stepped forward this year and joined SACPC by reaffirmation of faith on February 25, 2024. Look for Naomy in worship or adult Sunday School and introduce yourself. She might even help you practice your conversational Spanish! Bienvenida, Naomy!

When you first meet Fatima, you will quickly note her beautiful Brazilian accent. That's because she originally hails from the East Coast of Brazil in Gravata where the official language is Portuguese. Husband Paul hails from the East Coast of Florida in Daytona. Now they call the Coastal Plains of NC home.

Paul is a soloist and retired teacher of music (Davidson County Schools) with an interest in photography.  Fatima also sings and plays an instrument. For a while, Paul and Fatima sang in our adult choir. I guess we could say they make beautiful music together!

Fatima is also a local business owner specializing in interior/exterior painting, etc. You can find more about her business, The Master's Painter LLC, on Facebook. We were happy to welcome Fatima and Paul to our official church roll on February 25, 2024 as they both joined by reaffirmation of faith.

Please look for them in worship, enjoy harmonizing alongside them and give them a very warm SAC welcome! Say, "Bem-vindo!"

by Jen Phelps

Rising 6th-grade students will be joining our youth group this fall - but our Youth Director, Jen Phelps, needs to know you are out there (and start connecting with parents) NOW! Please, contact Jen with information about your rising 6th graders ASAP!

by Sue McCaffray

All children, youth, and several adult Sunday School classes will take a break in July and August. For adults looking for a place to land between 10:00 am and 11:00 am on Sundays please consider visiting the Venture class (Room 240, led by Kathy Benson) or Walking in the Word (Room 236, led by Randy Barrow), which continues its study of the book of Daniel. All classes resume in September. Happy summer!

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.

A new putt-putt adventure awaits! Open to all middle and high school students. We are trying out a new location in Brunswick County - so meet at The HUB by 6:30 pm to carpool together (or, if you are already on that side of the bridge, meet us at The Golf Barn at 7:00 pm). We will return to The HUB for pick up at 9:00 pm.

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???

Our next Banned Book Club book is Stamped: Racism, Antiracism, and You; A Remix of the National Book Award-winning Stamped from the Beginning (AGES 12 & UP). We will meet in person this time at The HUB for discussion and desserts.  Amy Stuart will be leading our discussion. We are welcoming any that want to be included, but we are reading the young adult version recommended for ages 12 and up. Parents are encouraged to read the book along with their students!

In July we will have one of our favorite collections--providing backpacks and school supplies for children in need in our community. We are accepting backpacks for children from kindergarten through high school.

Supplies we'll collect include:
 

• pens and markers
• pencils and colored pencils
• crayons
• 3-ring binders and notebook paper
• composition books
• folders
• construction paper
• scissors
• erasers
• glue sticks
• rulers
• index cards 

The items we collect will be divided among WRAAP, the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, and Family Promise. This is a tangible--and fun--way to stay faithfully present in our community.

As summer winds down - join us at Bill Landen's house for walking tacos and lots of water fun.  Friends are welcome, dress prepared to get wet!

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

Elizabeth (Libby) Adams duPont, born June 26th, is the granddaughter of David and Meg Massey. Parents are Emma and Bennett duPont who reside in Charleston, SC. 

Bob Searl died July 13th.  Visitation is planned for 10:00 am on July 19th at Andrews Mortuary with graveside service following at 11:00 am at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1311 Shipyard Blvd., Wilmington.

Robin Harper’s mother, Jean Wilkerson Tate, died recently.  A service was held on July 14, 2024, 2:00 pm, at First Baptist Church of Mebane, NC.

Dawn Lysne is recovering at home after surgery on July 9th.

Marilyn Kimbro has cancer in several sites.  She started chemotherapy on July 15th.

Gayle Bell started chemotherapy and radiation on July 11th. 

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.

July 16: Don Floyd, Ed Kiefhaber, Emily Pensinger
July 17: Harrison Gould, Dennis Nicks, G.W. Rippy-Roehner, Helen Rippy-Roehner, James Stuart, Brent Williams
July 18: Nan Caison, Jo Carpenter, Greg Davis, Michael Holder, David Rojas-Lozada, Jim Snyder
July 20: Kevin Crooks, Chris Faulk
July 21: Virginia Nordeen
July 23: Annamarie Eakins, Patsy Thurston

View our most recent Session Reports.