This Sunday, we will offer one worship service at 10:00 am led solely by our Music Ministry. This is our Advent unity worship experience where we come together using the power of music to help us reflect, connect, and prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus Christ.

For this Sunday only, please place your special 5 Cents A Meal offerings in the collection baskets located in the Narthex before or after worship. Thank you for accommodating this change in our regular worship schedule.

by John Bohbrink 

Stewardship pledges to date are 155 pledging units for $969,000-- 23 are new pledges! We still have approximately $300,000 left towards our 2025 goal and 56 previous pledging units who have yet to pledge this year. Please send us your pledges by the end of the year. 

by Jeff Denlinger

Ushering is a simple way to serve and enhance your Sunday experience. It’s an Elder and Deacon responsibility, but any congregant is welcome. We use SignUpGenius for scheduling, making it easy to sign-up for Sundays when you are available. If you’ve ushered in the past, please rejoin the team by sending me your email address. For “newbies”, we’ll ensure to mentor you to get comfortable.  If, by chance, you receive an unsolicited email SignUpGenius, consider it a “God Wink”.

In other Deacon news, we want to acknowledge the Class of 2024 who will end their service this month: Kathy Benson, Stanton Bissette, Alison Sineath, and Rick Wheeler.  Each has contributed in so many ways to the Diaconate and our church.  We celebrated their service at our November meeting with a terrific meal organized by Nancy Brown (see picture).

Finally, please know the SACPC Deacons are praying for each one of you, the church and its leadership every day.  In 1st Thessalonians 5 the Apostle Paul writes; “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”

by Cindy Litzinger

Join us on Dec 8th at 10:00 am for a special morning of worship through music. This is our Advent unity worship experience where we come together and enjoy one combined worship service. This hour will be dedicated to the power of music in helping us reflect, connect, and prepare our hearts for the birth of Jesus Christ. Our talented musicians and choirs have been diligently preparing a program that will help us celebrate the richness of our faith and the joyous anticipation of this sacred season.

PLEASE NOTE:  Sunday School will be at 9:00 am on Dec. 8th.

by Jim Benson

The project to replace the SACPC heating and air conditioning systems is now underway. The current antiquated systems (some over 65 years old!) have long been in need of an update. New high efficiency heat pumps have arrived and were placed on the roof overlooking Dock Street in early November. Work inside the building should begin the first week of December and construction will likely continue into late summer of 2025.

Installation will be sequenced to mitigate impact to SACPC activities, but some disruptions should be expected to allow this important project to be accomplished. The sanctuary will also be out of service for several months at the end of construction but will include exciting new renovations to the worship space. Staff will be coordinating the Contractor activities. Please contact Catheryn Thomas with any scheduling concerns.

by Shelley Hobson

The gift that truly keeps on giving is a donation to send children to school in Malawi.  If you would like to give a gift that will not only warm the heart of someone you love but also change a child's future, become a partner in SACPC's Malawi Education campaign.  

A gift of $75 will outfit a student with shoes, a uniform, and a book bag.  It can send a child to preschool where he will also receive a meal of enriched porridge (often the only meal the child receives that day). $100 or more can help a secondary school student pay for school fees and supplies.  

Our partnership also funds the Saturday Feeding Program at Chuluchosema CCAP where young people receive vocational training in tailoring, woodworking and masonry, as well as a meal.  

In the fourth poorest country in our world, any gift will make a difference in the life of a child or young person. Please send a check noted Malawi Education to the church office, or give online (use the pulldown menu to select Malawi Education).

If you are giving your gift in honor of friends or family, gift cards are available in the church office, on the table in the Gathering Area or at the 15th Street entrance to the narthex.  Your gift this Giving Tuesday will change a child's future.  Zikomo!  (Thank you!)

by Sheila Woods

Thank you to our SACPC family for the cards, calls, e-mails, and especially PRAYERS during Jack's recent lung cancer scare and surgery.  He is doing really well and to our knowledge right now, will need no further treatment. With love from the bottom of our hearts, Jack & Sheila Woods

by Jane Smith

Thank you for your incredible generosity to the children in our community! You went above and beyond with your Angel Tree gifts.

Mary Grayson Streisel, daughter of Robert Thomas and Anna Wayne Streisel, received Christian Baptism on November 24, 2024 at SACPC during the 11:00am service. In baptism, we promise to guide and nurture these  children by word and deed, love, and prayer, encouraging them to know and love Jesus Christ and to be His faithful disciple.

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!) continue with the Kindermusik home materials, including music from class, musical activities, and each month's story.

Multi-Age, Family Environment (ages birth - 6 yrs)
8 classes, meet weekly
Classes are 45 minutes
Class Time: Thursday 10:30 am
8 weeks Tuition & Materials: $120/child or $216 for 2 siblings
Classes Start Thursday, January 16, 2025

by Earth Care Team Education

“Modern gift-wrapping paper and ribbons cannot be recycled. They are a layered composition of paper with plastic in the form of glitter, gloss, and metallic coating.”

“For holiday gifting, reuse last year’s bags, gift wrap and ribbons. If you must buy new, consider premade fabric gift bags that can be used for decades. To close the bag use jute twine and add branches, twigs or dried flowers.

Another option is the traditional art of Japanese gift wrapping with cloth, known as furoshiki. It is elegant, easy and environmentally friendly. Choose a square piece of strong cloth three times longer at the diagonal than the gift .  You can use a bandanna or scarf.  Place the item you want to wrap on the cloth at a diagonal. Lift and lay the top and bottom corners over the gift. Then lift the remaining two corners and tie a double knot.”  

From Living Without Plastic By Brigette Allen and Christine Wong

Be prepared to be pleased!  Have a joyful Christmas!

by René Sasser

Our preschool has much to be thankful for this fall!

A huge thank you to Gary Smith, John Bohbrink, Jan McGowan and BIlly Aman who stained the playground equipment for us as well as replaced some damaged equipment. We appreciate you helping us maintain the playground for many years to come. We know it was a true labor of love. We are grateful.

The family of Ann MacDonald made a donation in her memory for the preschool to purchase new chairs for the 2 year old classroom. The teachers and children have so enjoyed the new, smaller chairs. Being able to have their feet on the floor is a huge improvement and very helpful for developing core stability. We are grateful.

Bob Padula and Jim Lassiter removed the old changing tables in the nursery rooms and knocked down a wall for us. The work had to be done quickly before the new floors were installed late summer. Bob and Jim didn't know having their wives as teachers meant they were recruited as well. We are grateful.

Robin Mortenson organized our Fall FUNdraising Family Night. Children came in costume, jumped on bounce houses, played games and paraded around Brown Hall. Parents enjoyed time with other parents. Teachers and students created pumpkins for a raffle. We all enjoyed dinner together, and we raised money for the preschool. We are grateful.  

We also are so very thankful for the staff of SACPC and their daily support. Katie, Catheryn, Susan, Lynn, Jeff, Tom, Cindy, Libby, Catherine, Gayle, Jim, Emily and everyone else on staff. Thank you for supporting our teachers, families and especially the children. We are grateful.

Jeffrey Rowe Jenkins and Mary Louise Jenkins, son and daughter of Jay and Renee Jenkins, and McCalla Catherine James, daughter of Janell Catherine James, received Christian Baptism on November 17, 2024 at SACPC during the 11:00 am Service.

In baptism, we promise to guide and nurture these children by word and deed, love and prayer, encouraging them to know and love Jesus Christ and to be His faithful disciple.

by Cindy Litzinger

The SACPC adult handbell group recently traveled to Raleigh to attend a day long handbell festival.  It was a wonderful experience to come together with 300 fellow musicians, showcase our hard work and connect with others who share our love of handbells.  The day was inspiring to our group and we made some incredible memories!

by Cindy Litzinger

Music on Market is excited to share that it's recent concert featuring the NC Brass Band Quintet was a success!  We had a wonderful turnout and the performance was top notch.  Thank you to everyone who came out to support us. If you missed it, don't worry -  we have another concert coming up soon.  

Mark your calendars and join us January 25, 2025 to hear The Onyx Club Boys - a gypsy jazz quartet that you won't want to miss!

by Susan Dykes

Click the button below to view our most current financial updates.

by Jen Phelps

Our college students are invited to join with other college students at Montreat for worship, keynotes, workshops, and critical conversation groups (and all-important recreation). Gather with your extended college-age church family for some Sabbath renewal.

We will travel together from SACPC on Thursday, January 2nd leaving around 10:00 am and returning the afternoon of Sunday, January 5th.

Cost:
Early registration: 11/19 - 12/1 = $200 use code EARLYBIRD
Late Registration: after 12/1 = $250

Registration closes 12/17/2024.

By Susan Dykes

Poinsettias add to the beauty of the Chapel and Sanctuary during the Advent season. You have the opportunity to purchase these beautiful flowering plants in memory or honor of a special person. Use the white envelopes in the pew racks prepared for this use or click the button below to order online.

Poinsettias are $12 each. Orders are due by Sunday, December 15th.

By Sue McCaffray

Our Adult Faith Formation Team purchased a digital copy of the Presbyterian Outlook 2024 Daily Advent Devotional called “Patterns of divine possibility: An Advent search for God’s diverse ordering”. Click the button below to download a digital copy.

We will meet on Wednesday, Dec. 4th from 6:30 pm - 7:15 pm in the Choir Rm preparing to participate with other choirs on Dec. 8th at 10:00 am. All are welcome! It's not too late to join. See Angela Burns for details.

December's Let Justice Roll Down Bible study will be led by Emily Donovan. Water is so essential, and its presence and absence so impactful, that both Scripture and contemporary events reflect its multidimensional effects on human life. We will explore scripture from Genesis.

All are invited to attend. The same lesson will be given on December 10th and 11th at 10:00 am in Dining Room. See Katherine Brandi for details.

PLEASE NOTE: Circle 8 will enjoy this same lesson led by Emily Donovan on December 12th at 10:00am at a private residential location. Contact Circle 8 moderator for more details.

As the nights get longer, join us for a special service of "Seeking the Sacred" in our lives. We'll acknowledge the darkness and honor the light surrounding us as we pause to meditate, reflect, and renew our spirits during this Advent season.

Our Youth will present a Living Nativity on the 15th St. Lawn on Christmas Eve from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm.

Join us on Christmas Eve! We will offer the following Candlelight services in the Sanctuary:

3:00 pm Contemporary w/ Christmas Pageant
5:00 pm Traditional w/ Communion
7:00 pm Traditional w/ Communion

Nursery will be provided at all worship services.

Please join us for our first winter POPS program of the new year! We will step into a peaceful moment of reflection and renewal as Matthew McDonald guides us on a Christian meditation journey. Designed for those new to meditation, this session combines deep breathing, gentle relaxation techniques, and two uplifting scripture passages—Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 15:13—that remind us of God’s plans for a future filled with hope.

Perfect for the New Year, this meditation will guide you to release tension, connect with God, and walk forward with confidence in His promises. Whether you’re new to meditation or looking for a fresh way to ground yourself in faith, this is your time to pause, reflect, and find peace.

What to Bring (optional): We will be seated chairs, but those wishing to be on the floor may bring yoga mat (or other soft surface to lay on), pillow(s), blanket, eye cover, bolster (for under knees), water, and anything else you might need to feel comfortable. Also, a Journal, pen/pencil are optional as well.

In December, instead of adding to your pre-Christmas to-do list by buying an item for one of our local ministries, why don’t you consider making a donation to Presbyterian Disaster Association for our neighbors in Western North Carolina? You may make your donation to the church and designate it to "PDA’s Hurricane Helene Relief".

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 October, giving is below budget expectations, resulting in a year-to-date shortfall of $79,673.  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

We celebrate new church members:  

• Cynthia Semones
• Tarry Boyd
• Joe Brisindi
• Doug Mortenson

Jack Woods has stage 1 lung cancer and had surgery on Nov. 20th.

David Danchak, son of Ann, is recovering from triple bypass surgery and requires constant attendance for another week.

Nathan Strickler, son of Sue and Herb Strickler, whose cancer has returned to his brain. He is currently receiving radiation which will be followed by chemo.

The family of Barbara Hart, who died on Tuesday, November 2nd.

The family of Johnnye Hilliard, Mother of Matt Hilliard, who died on November 26th.

The family of Libby Gwennap, sister of Al and Frances Todd, who died on November 26th after a short, hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer. 

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-deployed to Poland 11-24), Mikayla Reifert (Kadena, Japan), Bradley Garrett (Coast Guard, Elizabeth City)

Prayer requests: Click here to tell us about your need.

Hospitalizations: Please click here to email Katie Harrington or call the church office at 910.762.9693 to leave a message.

December 3: Lil Conley, Bob Martenis
December 5: Chris Brownfield, Aidan Flynn, Louise Heidenreich, Steve Wallace
December 6: Bradley Garrett, Dwight Lysne, Paula Sewell, Hamilton Tincher
December 7: Emory Curtis, Dick Pensinger, Jennifer Rigby, Rene Sasser
December 8: Jake Bron, Judy Hartz, Nancy Jackson, Bethel Paris, Holly Pilson
December 10: Kelli Fankboner, Ed Hobson, Roxana Miller

View our most recent Session Reports.