Our Youth Director, Jen Phelps, is fresh off of the Youth Local Mission Trip this past week. She will have stories to share and big questions to ask.

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.

Our youth and their chaperones are on their annual local mission trip this week! Each day they will serve alongside different agencies while learning the needs of our surrounding community. Please pray for their safety as they learn to love Jesus and remain faithfully present in our community. 

by Emily Donovan

This is the amazing Jim Fox--our production coordinator. He runs the video, sound, and live stream every Sunday during both worship services. He's doing the job of two people most Sundays. THANK YOU, JIM!!

We average about 40 viewers on our Livestream each week. That's impressive and we're grateful so many join us from afar. If you tried to log on to watch this past Sunday's Unity Service you might have experienced some technical difficulties. This rarely happens, but when it does we do our best to fix the issue quickly. It's not always possible to resolve a livestream issue before worship starts.

This past Sunday, we captured most of Katie's sermon and the last half of the worship service. Click the button below to watch.

If you'd like to volunteer to join Jim in the sound booth on Sunday--we'd love to train you! Send Jim an email.

by Lynn Warner

On Sunday, August 25th, at 9:00 am and 11:00 am worship services, we will bless our teachers and students as they return to school. While we always hold you in our prayers throughout the school year we want to take this opportunity to bless the beginning of another school year for those who teach and those who are receiving the gift of teaching. 

by Jen Phelps

Come celebrate the end of summer and get plugged in with all the things happening in and with SACPC this fall! There will be food, games, prizes, and a special mission project. Find your people and maybe your purpose in serving in our ministries.

Ministry Leaders: Interested in advertising / showcasing your church ministry at this event?  Email Jen Phelps ASAP to reserve your space.

by Kathy Denlinger

The 2024 Adult Mission Trip is ‘inked’ on the SACPC calendar. Please read this invitation and prayerfully consider if it should be on yours! The Mission Trip is from Sunday, Oct 27th (commissioning at 9:00 a.m. service) through Wednesday, Oct 30th and will be based at Camp Kirkwood, in Watha, NC, about one hour from our church.

The Go & Serve Team is collaborating with local ministries to finalize work projects during the day that will include both ‘hearty’ labor (ramps, carpentry) and ‘less hearty’ labor (cleaning, painting, gardening), thus anticipating work for adults of all skill levels.

Lodging will be in two climate-controlled cabins – one for men and one for women. Each day will be spent working at various job sites. The evenings include dinners, Bible Study, and fellowship at beautiful Camp Kirkwood.

The cost is $100 per person to cover housing and a shared evening meal. You are welcome to work with us during the days without spending the evenings at Kirkwood; however, we encourage committing to the entire trip in order to gain the maximum spiritual and fellowship benefits.

Please prayerfully consider joining us as we live out SACPC’s mission of “staying faithfully present in our community.” We'll be serving our less fortunate neighbors while having fun inspiring each other spiritually.

by Catheryn Thomas

Rest was an important part of Jesus' ministry. We all need time away from our responsibilities to rest and recuperate - and that is especially true for pastors! From July 22nd - August 3rd, Katie will be on vacation with her family. She will be back in worship on August 4th, assisting Rev. Dr. Jerry Bron, who will be our guest preacher that day. For Katie to be fully present with her family during this time Gary Smith and Ann Benson will be available to assist with pastoral care during Katie's vacation. May you also find God's peace and rest in times of Sabbath this summer! 

by Sue McCaffray

Many are asking questions like this as we head into the heart of our political season. This past spring our Let's Talk About It sessions gave us two practical answers. We learned that Ephesians 4 provides many concrete steps we can take within and outside the church, and these can be summed up by three big words: humility, kindness, and patience. We also received wisdom from therapist Ben Rigby who provided Seven Guidelines for Constructive Conversations that Build Relationships. Let's dust those off as we talk and listen our way through the coming months! Click the download button below to read the guidelines.

by Catheryn Thomas

The filming community is alive and well in Wilmington - and our church gets to be a part of the backdrop. Monday, July 29th there will be a film crew and cast on site all day, taking over 15th Street, the lawn, and all the entrances on that side of the building. If you need to visit the church that day, please call the office first so someone can meet you at the Brown Hall entrance. Thank you!

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 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 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.

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!

Join us the last Saturday of even months as SACPC volunteers prepare and enjoy breakfast with our neighbors at Vigilant Hope. There are many ways to serve--with your time or your donations. Click the link below to sign up or see the supply list. See Jen Phelps for more details.

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.

This month children in our county are either getting ready to return to school or, in the case of our year-round schools, are already in the classroom. For some of those children, the beginning of school means a return to regular meals, community, and much more stability than they’ve had during the summer. Once school starts, many of these children will be provided with free breakfasts and lunches, but snacks that they can either eat during or after school are also important. Some of you may not be aware that teachers often purchase such snacks themselves.  Please prayerfully consider helping fill these students' bellies this month. Donations needed:

• granola bars
• fruit or applesauce cups
• individually-packaged crackers
• pudding cups
• small water bottles or juice pouches

Donations may be delivered to the table in the 15th Street lobby. Thank you!

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

Jodie Smith died July 17th.  A memorial service is planned at SACPC for July 27th, 2:00 pm with reception to follow.  

Bob Searl died July 13th.  A graveside service was held at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 1311 Shipyard Blvd., Wilmington.

Sampson (Sam) Clemmons, grandson of the late Bob and Louise Clemmons, died July 18th.  A service is planned for July 27th, 3:00 pm, at the River of Life Worship Center, 3504 Carolina Beach Road, Wilmington, NC.

Joseph Maganga, who works with Silas at the Chuluchosema Church, also serves three other small congregations. One of them in Masika, about 13 miles from Zomba, had its roof blown off during Hurricane Freddy, and its temporary substitute roof has been attacked by termites and leaks when it rains.

Alice Martin is having a cardiac test on July 25th.

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 23: Annamarie Eakins, Patsy Thurston
July 24: Dax Hawkins
July 25: Roxie Peterson
July 26: Katie Herring, Chris Roehner
July 27: Linda McMurry, Austyn Rouse
July 28: Keith Elmore, Zach Gray, Rebecca Jernigan
July 29: John Coble
July 30: Miranda Dungan, Joseph Gray, Jerrod Lowry

View our most recent Session Reports.