Rev. Harrington will lead us in worship with the sermon text coming from James 1:17-27. The book of James is filled with practical wisdom about the life of faith. For the next four weeks, we will explore the intersection of faith and ethical action in our sermon series: "Faith that Works." 

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 by providing beneficial programs and spiritual events that lift up, motivate, and provide joy!

As of the end of July, giving is below budget expectations, resulting in a year-to-date shortfall of $76,821.  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.

by Earth Care Education

For all of the good advances made in reducing pollution from vehicle exhaust, there's another less addressed pollution source. This pollution comes from the metallic particles, microplastics, and chemical compounds shed when tire rubber meets the road. Who knew?!

These shredded pollutants can cause heart, lung, developmental, and reproductive problems. Additionally, one of the chemicals used in tire production has catastrophic effects on marine life. The earliest warning of this marine effect occurred in the early 2000s when 60% of the coho salmon in Seattle's waters died before they could spawn. That mystery was traced to the tire pollutant.

Knowing what we do now, we can respond. Until scientific research finds alternate ways to manufacture tires, our best hope is changes in personal behaviors. This is also one of the most difficult ways forward. However, simply slowing down definitely reduces tire wear, which is the source of the pollutants.

Another step is moving away from single-passenger cars and using carpooling. If you are fortunate enough to live where there is good mass transit, that alone reduces so many car trips and tire shredding.  

Finally, walking for close-by errands is great and also helps reduce chronic disease risks and builds community and friendships. Some have met so many people as they’ve increased their walking miles. For those errands that are a bit farther, biking can help, especially an e-bike.

So, be encouraged, try to smile, leave earlier, and look at the beauty in nature and in other people which our Creator has provided to help us enjoy our journey.

Source:  Sierra- Summer 2024 issue

by Shelley Hobson

The Malawi Partnership Team is excited that our good friend and Chuluchosema pastor Silas Ncozana and Associate Pastor Joseph Malanga will arrive in Wilmington in a few short weeks! Silas and Joseph are coming, so we can say farewell and Godspeed to Silas as he retires and get to know Joseph who will be leading Chuluchosema and helping nurture our partnership.

Our church family will have several opportunities to greet and hear from Silas and Joseph. Arriving on September 18th, they will be our guests at worship on September 22nd.  At POPS on September 25th, Silas and Joseph will provide an update on what's going on at our sister church. Silas and Joseph will lead our worship services on September 29th. The plan is for them to depart the next day.

There is space in their visit calendar for you to invite one or both of them to have a meal with you. Or perhaps your family would like to take them to your favorite Wilmington place.  
To reserve a spot, please get in touch with Ed or Shelley Hobson (edhobson@ec.rr.com or shelleyhobson@me.com)

by Cindy Litzinger

This music-filled class celebrates the unique joys of your growing child. Each week your child will love singing, dancing, and playing instruments with you and their new friends and you'll love helping your child practice a wide variety of abilities such as gross and fine motor skills, turn-taking, social skills, and active listening.

In class, we'll also share tips and ideas for using music throughout the week. Plus, the fun (and learning!) continues with the Kindermusik home materials, including music from class, musical activities, and each month's story.

Multi-Age, Family Environment (ages birth - 6 yrs)
Weekly classes meet for either 4 or 8 classes
Classes are 40 minutes
Class Times: Monday 10:30 am or Thursday 11:00 am
4-week Tuition & Materials: $60/child or &108/2 siblings                                                          
8-week Tuition & Materials:  $120/child or $215 for 2 siblings

Classes Start:

Monday, September 16th
Thursday, September 26th

by Jan McGowan

Our church’s quarterly commitment to prepare and serve a meal each night for the week of September 15th - 21st for the two families currently in the Family Promise emergency shelter program is fast approaching.  Meals are served at 6:00 pm in the Family Promise day center at 3511 Frog Pond Place unit 101.  

If you’d like more information, please call Jan McGowan (716-863-6677) or Robin Harper (910-321-8419) or you can sign up to bless this need using the link below.

by Sue McCaffray

A regular practice of studying scripture and faith is essential to our formation as mature Christians. It's never too late to become a Sunday school Drop-In! Every one of our 5 Sunday morning classes is eager to welcome new members or occasional visitors. Each meets from 10:00 am - 11:00 am on the second floor. Check us out! We even have a Zoom class for women on Mondays.

Connette-Covenant
Room 226
Men and women, focusing on various Bible topics This fall Dumay Gorham will lead a series based on Anna Carter Florence’s book A is for Alabaster, 52 Reflections on the stories of Scripture.
Starts Sept. 8th at 10:00 am

Evans-Feezor Men’s Bible Study
Room 215
Men’s small group fellowship taught by Steve Miller, using The Present Word curriculum. Starts Sept. 8th at 10:15 am

Living Faith
Room 214
Co-ed class taught by Kent Anderson and Sue McCaffray. We use a PC(USA) curriculum called Feasting on the Word, which is also used by our children and youth so that families can share their lessons at home. The curriculum follows the Lectionary and most sermon topics. Includes Bible study and group discussion. This fall we will also feature a special “Mr. Rogers” curriculum in October.
Starts Sept. 8th at 10:15 am

Venture
Room 240
Venture Class members are men and women dedicated to one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. The class examines the scriptures, explores the themes in which they were written, discovers the timeless truths in the WORD for our society/world today, and finds personal life applications. Currently studying from the book, Troublesome Bible Passages by Douglas E. Wingeier and David Lowes Watson.
Starts Sept. 8th at 10:00 am

Walking in the Word
Room 236 and via Zoom
Co-ed class taught primarily by Randy Barrow, which examines different books of the Bible in depth. Currently studying the book of Daniel.
Starts Sept. 8th at 10:15 am

Stillpoint
Zoom on Mondays, 5:00 pm
Stillpoint is a small women's group seeking spiritual growth by means of contemplative study and reflection. Now reading Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy Keller. The Monday class gives those women who aren’t able to attend a Sunday morning class an alternative time for spiritual study. Contact Lynn Kozik or Shelley Hobson for the Zoom link.
Meets year-round.

by Sue McCaffray

 ... but not far. The materials in the second floor Curriculum Center across from the rest rooms are now located in the former Children's Library, Room 232. All of these are for the use of folks leading Bible studies, classes, small groups, retreats, etc. Please stop in and familiarize yourself with what's available - there are many short-term studies for groups, including DVDs. Some of the materials pertain to Bible study while others focus on aspects of our faith, family life, church leadership, theological and social issues. Next time you are looking for a new study stop in to see what we already have before you buy something new. Materials may be signed out at the desk, and marked returned when you bring them back.

by Lynn Warner

Grow in your faith while sharing your faith with our preschool, and elementary-aged children! It’s a G.I.F.T. to Grow In Faith Together through our Sunday Morning Sunday School offerings for children! Contact Lynn Warner for details or to volunteer.

by Linda McMurry

Attention SACPC‘ers! The start of POPS and our weekly POPS meals is just around the corner on Wednesday, Sept. 11th. Our committee needs some extra hands. Activities include setting up, serving food, refilling food/beverage stations, cleaning up, and dishwashing. We start setting up at about 4:30 pm, serving food from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm, and cleaning up until around 7:15 pm - 7:30 pm every Wednesday from Sept. 11th - Nov. 13th. You can come and contribute your aide during any portion of that time depending on how it fits your schedule. If interested in joining us, contact Linda McMurry via phone or text at (910)617-9983 or click the button to email Linda.

by David Massey

Men Feeding Young Men: Starting Sept 5th we will serve the "Team" dinner from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The food is prepared by Jackie Horton, so all you have to do is serve the food. This is a very simple and easy way to meet your neighbors, so please come join us. Feel free to call with any questions: David Massey 910-617-8546

by Shelley Hobson

You are invited to join us! Our newest study is by Presbyterian pastor Timothy Keller. We have begun studying this book and newcomers are welcome at any time. Our group of women meets via Zoom every Monday from 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm and discusses a new chapter each week--stimulating discussions with no heavy lifting! For more information or to be added to our email list so you will receive the Zoom link, contact Lynn Kozik or Shelley Hobson.

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.

Students and parents and ANYONE interested in our Youth Ministry are invited to The HUB to learn about what we have been doing - what we will be up to - and maybe even how to get involved.

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.

Music on Market is proud to bring Wilmington Voices to its concert series. They will present Music for a Sacred Space, an evening of choral music that is not only a celebration of artistic excellence but also a testament to the enduring power of music. They seek to create a sense of peace and reverence in the hallowed confines of a sacred sanctuary, transcending boundaries and uniting hearts in a shared journey through sublime music. Whether one seeks solace, inspiration, or simply an opportunity to bask in the beauty of choral harmonies, this concert promises to be a memorable and uplifting experience for all who attend.

Join us for breakfast and a dedication of our newly-renovated Brown Hall! We will enjoy a time of fellowship and gratitude for the generous gift the Rudisill family gave in honor of Debbie as we dedicate Brown Hall to the glory of God.

SACPC's Earth Care Team invites you to join us on Saturday, September 28th for the 4th Annual Brunswick Heritage Riverside Ride. This is a 16-mile bike ride along northern Brunswick County’s Gullah Geechee Cultural Heritage Corridor. The pace is casual and is a great outdoor family-friendly experience.

The event is free and does require registration. Click the link below to learn more.

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!

During September, Go & Serve will collect non-perishable foods for Good Shepherd, Salvation Army, and the Rescue Mission. These items help those who struggle with food insecurity put meals on the table. Of the 230,520 people living in New Hanover County, 31,620 often lack the food they need. Of those, over 7000 are children and nearly 10,000 are seniors (Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, 2023).

In Matthew 25: 35-40 Jesus told believers that by feeding the hungry they were feeding him. Let’s feed our hungry neighbors for Jesus’ sake. Suggested food items include:
 

• cereal 
• pasta
• pasta sauce
• canned fruits and vegetables (including #10 cans)
• canned soup
• packaged snacks
• canned chicken or tuna
• ketchup, mustard, mayonnaise
• instant rice, potatoes, and grits 

Please drop your donations in the bin in the 15th Street lobby near the Narthex.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again:  Rejoice!  Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.
Philippians 4:4-6

Ginny Silliman is nearing the end of life.  

Colleen Holliday’s daughter Amy Lawson had surgical removal of her thyroid on August 22nd at Duke.  Amy did well and is recovering at home.  

Betty Feezor had colon surgery on August 21st and is at NH and is doing well.

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.

August 27: Lynn Kozik, Cate Miller
August 28: Jim Benson, Bill Best
August 29: Beth Cherry, Bob Gray, Todd Harrington
August 30: L.C. Dechent, Amy Stuart
August 31: Sue Ellen Holleman, John Thompson
September 1: Finley Harrison
September 2: Mary Ellen Black, Melissa Curtis, Austin Durst, Jack Richardson
September 3: Jane Davis, Angie Garrett

View our most recent Session Reports.