Rev. Harrington leads worship with sermon text coming from James 5:13-20. 

by Katherine Brandi

The Presbyterian Women’s Honorary Life Member Award was a surprise presentation awarded to Gwen Behen on Sunday, September 15th, during the 11:00 am worship service. Gwen has always been a servant to others whether it be for her immediate family or for those in the church family, neighbors, friends, or community members. She has been very active in the life of St. Andrews-Covenant since 1989.

Gwen faithfully uses her God-given gifts to serve others. She does not hide them or neglect them; she uses her gifts generously, quietly, and graciously to benefit others. She truly lives out the command written in 1 Peter 4:10 — “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”

Gwen is tenacious and inspiring and has worked tirelessly over the years.  She is like a stagehand, often behind the scenes; visiting, helping, and caring for others. Some of the ministries she has been a part of include: teaching in Vacation Bible School and Sunday School classes for children and adults, assisting children in after-school programs, hosting Family Promise, coordinating Unseen Guest meals, volunteering as an office receptionist, being an active choir member, was ordained and served as elder and deacon, commissioned as a Stephen Minister, a Divine Driver, and is active in Presbyterian Women’s Circles.

She initiated and coordinated a Young Mother’s Group that became “The Oval” young women’s group. She is a strong advocate for environmental protection and an active member of the newly organized Earth Care Team. We are blessed to have Gwen serve with us and among us.

by Lynn Warner

Our wonderful Children’s Library has moved downstairs to the Temple Room! The floors were deep cleaned this past week and the books are now where they can be easily accessed by our children! Look for more information about our Children’s Library in the coming weeks!

by Shelley Hobson

Nancy Trout opened the meeting with a prayer and message from Matthew 7:13. "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it."

Each month, the Session packet contains minutes from the five Session committees: Planning, Congregational Engagement, Governance and Training, Human Resources, and Finance. The minutes are reviewed by Elders before the meeting. Requests for communion were approved for the following events:  Session Retreat (September 14th), Session meeting (September 23rd budget review and discussion), and Spiritual Life Retreat (September 22nd).

The Building and Grounds team is reviewing the use and cost of the Sisson House as either a retreat/mission center or a rental property.  A task force will be nominated to evaluate our options.

A sanctuary improvement task force is meeting weekly and consulting with an architect and church interior designer.  Lighting and audio improvements, pew repair vs. replacement, flooring, handicap seating have been discussed. The team has a November deadline to present a proposed budget for the Capital Campaign. Team members are Marty Conley, Margo Davy, Rita Pasquariello, Robbie Benson, George Chadwick, Carol McGowan, Beth Davis and Beth Cherry.

Session will meet for an off-campus retreat on Saturday, September 14th to discuss “How Are We Engaged.”  The facilitator will be Kent Anderson.

Each month the Session is presented with a fictional (but possible) scenario to evaluate. This month, we pondered a budget situation that prevents our church from making budget for the year.  We consulted the Book of Order and Session Policies which say we are required to have a budget. It is the job of the Finance Committee and Treasurer to bring budget issues to Session’s attention. Session would meet to balance the budget knowing that rental income is earmarked for mission. Session Policies say staff cannot put the church in debt.

Reverend Harrington reported the following (highlights): Brown Hall renovation is finished; dedication will take place on September 22, 2024. Rene

Sasser has started as Director of our preschool (new flooring and other classroom updates have been completed).

Catherine Beaman has joined the staff as a part-time administrative assistant.

HVAC work has begun. Elevator is being repaired.

Reverend Harrington offered a closing prayer.

by Emily Donovan

On September 12th, Rev. Harrington sent a staffing update to the congregation via email. Please check your inbox to review the letter, or click the link below to read it. 

by Shelley Hobson

A welcoming committee bearing posters hand-decorated by our kids and staff will greet Abusas Silas and Joseph at the airport tomorrow afternoon!  We are excited to greet them and hope you are looking forward to seeing Silas again and meeting Joseph for the first time.

The mission of this visit is to honor and say farewell to Abusa (pastor) Silas who is retiring soon and to say hello and get to know Abusa Joseph, who will step into the big shoes left by Silas. Joseph is currently the associate pastor at Chuluchosema. Our team who visited Malawi last summer met Joseph and is delighted to introduce him to our congregation.

Mark your calendars for several opportunities to meet and hear from our guests:

Special Guests Attending Worship
Sunday, 9/22
9:00 am & 11:00 am
Sanctuary
Silas and Joseph will be guests at both worship services and join us for breakfast in Brown Hall for the renovation dedication.

Men's Bible Study
Wednesday, 9/25
7:00 am
Dining Rm
The Men's Bible Study will welcome Silas and Joseph on Sept. 25th.

Sermon Shapers
Wednesday, 9/25
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Bring a bag lunch and join Katie, Silas, and Joseph for Sermon Shapers, a Bible study featuring the upcoming Sunday's scripture lessons.

POPS Program: Stories from Malawi
Wednesday, 9/25
6:30 pm
Kardia Rm 224
The two Abusas will share stories about life at Chuluchosema and how the education sponsorship dollars from our church family are making a difference for children in the village.  

Malawi Partnership Sunday
Sunday, 9/29
Sanctuary & Brown Hall
Silas and Joseph will lead both worship services at 9:00 am and 11:00 am in the Sanctuary with Silas preaching. They will also take your questions about life in Malawi during a joint Sunday School gathering in Brown Hall at 10:00 am between worship services.

The partnership between Chuluchosema and SACPC began in 2011. It started as a friendship between Silas Ncozana and Steve Hein and grew into a friendship between two churches on opposite sides of the world. Many lives have been changed and enriched by this partnership.  We hope you will join us as we welcome Silas and Joseph very soon!

by Sue McCaffray

** Please Note!** If you have contacted Dave Hoff about the N.T. Wright, "Surprised by Hope" Zoom class, and have not heard back from him by now, please try again at the link below. Sadly, we had a glitch with the former link. Hope to see you on Sept. 26th. Everybody is welcome, and there is still space!

Join the small band of Thursday Night Disciples as we spend six weeks reading noted New Testament scholar N.T. Wright's book, Surprised by Hope. Wright addresses the hope of the resurrection, of heaven, of the second coming of Jesus, of salvation, of the church. Starting Sept. 26th, we'll meet by Zoom on Thursdays from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. We will each purchase a participant's guide and the book. There will be some reading to do each week. A great way to meet up with friends from the comfort of your own home. Contact Dave Hoff for details on how to sign up.

This week's menu: Stuffed Shells, Caesar Salad, Steamed Broccoli and Cauliflower, Garlic Bread, and Cookies. Cost is $25/family of 4 or more, $7/adult, and $5/under 12.

Our POPS series, Let's Talk About the Great Ends of the Church, continues as our very own Olivia Phelps shares insights from her work in Washington, DC as a Summer Fellow for the PC(USA) Office of Public Witness. Join us for dinner in Brown Hall from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm. The program starts at 6:30 pm in the Kardia Room, 224. Everybody's welcome!

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.

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.

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 August, giving is below budget expectations, resulting in a year-to-date shortfall of $114,090.  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.

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

Gwen Behen was awarded the Presbyterian Women Honorary Life Member Award.

William Fisher Hobbs, born April 22, 2021, son of Carson Rudisill Hobbs and Ryan Fisher Hobbs, is to be baptized on September 22nd.  He is the grandson of Bill Rudisill and the late Debbie Brown Rudisill.  William joined Jake (14), Lucy (10), and Mac (8).

Larry Tootoo is scheduled for a cardioversion on September 18th.  

Jaxson Smith, 11-year-old grandson of Gloria and Murray Degnan, has a temporal bone fracture after being hit by a baseball near his ear on September 13th.  He is not walking at present and is nauseated with movement.

Margaret Blanton, 101 years old, died September 13th.  Her service is planned for September 19th, 1:00 pm at SACPC.  Burial at Greenlawn Cemetery is planned to immediately follow the church service.

Theresa Ivey’s mother, Betty Benton, 92 years old, died September 4th.  A graveside service is planned for September 18th, 3:00 pm at Greenlawn Cemetery.

Helen Rippy, 100 years old, died August 28th.  She was buried on September 7th at Magnolia Cemetery in Elon, NC.

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 17: Bobby Bell, Carol Bottoms, Jim Knowles, Jane Raney
September 18: Holland Chadwick, Joe Messina, Lynda Page, Ginny Simmons
September 19: Nannette Gabler, Bill Paris, Ann Thacker
September 20: Hunter Galloway, Ashley Lewis
September 22: Jimmy Carter, Henry Sandlin
September 23: Andrew Hurd, Beverly Maurer
September 24: Ed Link, Julie Miller

View our most recent Session Reports.