Rev. Harrington leads worship with sermon text coming from James 2:1-17. It's also Rally Day and 5-Cents-A-Meal Sunday! Jeff & Kathy Denlinger will share a brief Moment for Mission featuring our community partners at the Good Shepherd Center.

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 Sue McCaffray

According to our Book of Order, the Six Ends (Goals) of the PC(USA) are:

• the proclamation of the gospel for the salvation of humankind;
• the shelter, nurture, and spiritual fellowship of the children of God;
• the maintenance of divine worship;
• the preservation of the truth;
• the promotion of social righteousness; and
• the exhibition of the Kingdom of Heaven to the world.

Join us for our first POPS program of the Fall! We will introduce the six Great Ends of the PC(USA), and begin to consider how they guide our relationships inside and outside of the church. Kent Anderson and Shelley Hobson, of Pie vs. Cake fame, will lead our discussion. Welcome back!

by Sue McCaffray

Would you like to give the preacher a piece of your mind? Here's your big chance to be a Sermon-Shaper! Join Pastor Katie for her Sermon Shapers Class:

Starting September 11th, Katie will lead the group to consider the text and themes of the scripture passage she is working on for the following Sunday.

Feel free to bring a brown bag lunch and JOIN US! 

by Catheryn Thomas

Girls Scouts NC Coastal Pines has formed a new Daisy Troop here at SACPC that meets twice a month. Now Debbie Todd, Senior Membership Director for New Hanover County, invites girls of all ages interested in scouting to come discover what it's all about! The sign-up event is Tuesday, September 10, at 6pm; entrance is at the Brown Hall doors. For more information, visit nccoastalpines.org or text "Join Now" to 910-231-0750.

by Katherine Brandi

God calls us to protect the created world we share and need from environmental degradation and destruction. For September, Peggy Hayes will facilitate this Bible study on Environmental Justice using scripture from Ezekiel 33:21; 34:8; 17; 18-19.  The same lesson will be given on September 10th, 11th, and 12th at 10:00 am in the Dining Rm. All are welcome to join this church-wide Bible study sponsored by the Presbyterian Women. Contact Katherine Brandi for more details.

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.

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.

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.

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

Virginia G. Silliman, 97, died on August 27.  Visitation is scheduled for September 6th, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm, Andrews Mortuary, Market Street.  A funeral is planned for September 7th, 2:00 pm, Andrews Mortuary Chapel, Market Street.

Debbie Reid’s memorial service is scheduled for September 7th, 2:00 pm, at Cameron Art Museum.

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.

September 4: Sybil Bottom, Tom Hyatt, Kristen Lee, Charles Wells
September 5: Morgan Moskal
September 6: Jim Barker
September 7: Carolyn Nowak
September 8: Jay Burney, Marshall Lawrence, Genesis Rojas Lopez, T Worrell
September 9: Colleen Holliday, Trudy Keever, Lindley White
September 10: Parker Curtis, Peggy Hayes

View our most recent Session Reports.