On this 4th Sunday of Advent, Katie will lead us in worship with sermon text from Luke 1:26-55. God often speaks to us through the mess of our lives, when things aren't going well. But God also calls us to share the message of the good news because of and in spite of who we are and where we are. This Advent season we explore God's Messengers.

We will also collect Christmas Joy Offerings.

by Catheryn Thomas

The church office will have reduced hours during the holiday weeks, to allow staff time with their loved ones. Please make note of these times if you are planning to come by the church.

Church Office Hours:

December 24th & 25: Closed
December 26th - 27th: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
December 31st - January 1st: Closed

We will return to normal business hours Thursday, January 2nd. 

by Catheryn Thomas

Some keys were found in the Narthex after Sunday services on December 15th. The keys include a house key and a key and fob for a Saturn vehicle. Please contact the church office if they belong to you. Thanks!

by Jen Phelps

 We are kicking off 2025 with a Brown Hall takeover! Fellowship, games, some healthy competition, and Sardines! Snacks provided. All students in Grades 6th - 12th are invited! Friends are welcome - help us ring in the new year!

by Shelley Hobson

There aren't many better ways to honor a loved one at Christmas than giving the gift of education for a child in the 4th poorest country on Earth.  For thirteen years, SACPC has supported students who are part of our partnership with Chuluchosema CCAP in Malawi,  Hundreds of children and young people have benefitted from dollars that help them go to school, and there are many success stories!

A donation of $75 buys shoes, a uniform and a book bag for a primary school student. $100 helps fund the church preschool along with a daily meal for each student.  $100 or more helps pay for secondary school fees. Our donations pay for vocational training which trains young people in marketable trades such as tailoring, woodworking and brick laying.  

If you would like to participate in our partnership in this life-changing way, you can give online (Malawi Education is part of the pull down menu) or send a check to the church with Malawi Education on the memo line.

Nelson Mandala said "“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”  You can change the world--one child at a time with a gift to the Malawi Education fund.

Zikomo!  Thank you!

The Malawi Partnership Team

by Lynn Warner

We have some awesome new books in the Children's Library! Come to the Temple Room downstairs and check out all the amazing books - new ones as well as all the rest! There is a new Christmas book entitled "Callan the Christmas Tree" by Katie Kilson (sister of Megan Johnson), a wonderful book for parents entitled "Spiritual Conversations With Children" and so much more! Feel free to take a book home and bring it back when you are done!

by Lynn Warner

All children Preschool through 5th Grade are invited to take part in our Spontaneous Christmas Pageant during the 3:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service.

Please come to the Parlor at 2:30 pm to get your costume and prepare to participate in the Pageant. The children will then return to sit with their families for the remainder of the service!

by Catheryn Thomas

What is a Chrismon Tree? In 1957, Mrs. Frances Kipps Spencer, a member of Ascension Lutheran Church in Danville, VA, created ornaments for the church's Christmas tree. The designs were monograms of and symbols for Jesus Christ; the name is a combination of "Christ" and "monogram." These symbols have been used by His followers since biblical times and are a heritage of all Christians. The ornaments are all white and gold to symbolized the purity and majesty of the Son of God.

by Sue McCaffray

All past, present, and future Living Faith classmates are welcome to join us for a little party in our classroom (214) 10:00 am - 11:00 am on Sunday, Dec. 22nd. Bring a treat to share or just bring yourself. Entertainment provided free of charge!

by Carol Query

38 years ago the Domestic Violence Shelter and Services, Inc. was founded to empower victims and their families to break the cycle of domestic violence. Several members of Saint Andrews - Covenant Presbyterian Church were among those “founding mothers” whose work with DVSS continued throughout their lives.

One program initiated years ago by a SACPC member was the delivery of a weekly casserole to the shelter where the clients were housed. Until COVID, this program flourished with other churches and civic organizations following the lead of SACPC. However, with the arrival of COVID, the NHC Health Department forbade “home prepared” food to be delivered to the clients. Thus, the delivery of SACPC casseroles being delivered abruptly stopped.

However, after a conversation with a DVSS employee, I learned the shelter would really appreciate the resumption of the weekly casseroles. The SACPC casseroles provide the clients a home cooked comfort food much unlike fast food. Hence, the “Resumption of Casseroles for the Domestic Violence Shelter Clients” resumed in September with 9 women volunteering to provide 1-2 casseroles in September, October, and November. To date, casseroles have been delivered on a weekly basis.

NOW, it is time to fill the slots for January, February, and March with names of men and women who will generously prepare a casserole or two for the clients at the Domestic Violence Shelter. BELOW is basically all the information you need to know to participate in this most rewarding program of Go and Serve.

For those of you interested in preparing a casserole, the program will operate as it has in the past.

(1) The “cook” will pick up a 13 x 9 aluminum pan AND lid from the cabinet next to the freezer in the mail room near the dining room and sitting area.

(2) She / He will prepare a casserole at home – one that is “child-friendly” since most of the clients have children. The casserole should be completely cooked so the clients only need to defrost it and reheat it.

(3) On the lid of the casserole should be printed or typed on a label (A) the name of the casserole, (B) the date it was prepared, and (C) specific directions on reheating the casserole.

(4) PLEASE take the prepared casserole to the church on the Sunday of the week you chose OR on Monday or Tuesday, if doing so is more convenient to your personal schedule.

(5) The casserole should be placed on one of the two lower shelves of the freezer in the mail room.

(6) I will deliver a prepared casserole to the Open Gate every Wednesday of the weeks noted below. PLEASE check your calendar and see which of the listed dates are ones you can consider to make a casserole.

Do NOT worry about overlapping with another cook. I have that situation covered!

The more cooks, the merrier! We need volunteers for the following dates:

January 5, 12, 19, and 26
February 2, 9, 16, and 23
March 9, 16, 23, and 30

Thanks so much for participating in one of the most important outreach endeavors of Saint Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church – that of feeding our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Carol Query, DVSS Casserole Chairman / SACPC Go and Serve Committee 

by Catheryn Thomas

This Sunday we will collect Christmas Joy Offerings during both worship services. This is a special offering that has been received by Presbyterian Churches throughout our denomination since the 1930s.

The offering helps fund the Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions, which provides current and retired church workers with the help they need to get through life’s unexpected challenges. The offering also supports Presbyterian-related schools and colleges equipping communities of color. These schools include Menaul School (Albuquerque, NM), Presbyterian Pan American School (Kingsville, TX), and Stillman College (Tuscaloosa, AL).

Ways you can give:

• During worship-- put your donation in the special envelopes provided and place them in the offering plates. 
• Online--click the button below. 
• Via phone: text CHRISTMASJOY to 91999.

For more information, click the Learn More button.

by Jen Phelps

Our middle and high school students gather for fellowship, fun, Bible Study and our small group ministry beginning January 8th. DGroups meet EVERY OTHER Wednesday. The HUB opens at 6:30 pm and programming begins at 7:00 pm. See Jen Phelps for more details.

by Jen Phelps

It's the last Sunday School class of the year and all the kids are invited to take a break with Lynn and Jen in the Chillaxation Station (in the basement).

Wear your jammies and enjoy some Christmas Cheer and Charlie Brown! This event is for all students in Grades K - 12th.

by Phyllis Smith

 Do you have your "ducks in a row"?

In other words, do you have all of the information your executor and family will need at the end of your life? I thought I did until I discovered Ducks in a Row, a six week workshop that helps you compile all imaginable information your loved ones will need, even including plans for your pets!

Ducks in a Row is a non-profit and the only expense will be $40.00 to cover the cost of the notebook you will use and take home with you. If a couple participates there will be an extra $5.00 because there will be pages that each participant will complete.

For four of the classes there will be invited speakers: Someone from Hospice, our own Sue Stricker; a financial advisor; an estate attorney; and someone from Andrews Mortuary.

The classes will be held every other Monday beginning January 13th from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm on the following dates:

January 13 and 27
February 10 and 24
March 10 and 17

If you are interested, and I hope you will be, please contact me at 910-616-8707. The class size will be limited to 18 participants and registration is required.

Phyllis Smith

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”.

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 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.

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.

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.

January's Let Justice Roll Down Bible study will be led by Gwen Behen. The theme is Air Quality. The wind itself often signals a holy moment, and is related to both our breath and God’s, both our spirit and God’s. We will explore scripture from Genesis 1:26, 30; 2:7; 6:17; 7:15, 22; Psalms 32:2; 104:29; Job 7:11; Isaiah 42:5; Ezekiel 11:5; 37:5, 8, 10.

All are invited to attend. The same lesson will be given on January 8th, 9th, or 14th at 10:00 am in Dining Room. See Katherine Brandi for details.

Go and Serve presents guest speaker Brianna Beadell, family recruitment specialist for the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina. Brianna will talk about foster care and what it involves. Foster care is a unique opportunity to serve at risk children in the county. Even those for whom foster care is not an option, however, will learn how they can best support those who are called to serve in this way.

The Let’s Talk About It Team will host A Brief History of the Arab-Israeli conflict with guest speaker UNCW History Professor Steve McFarland. Steve teaches global history and the history of technology and air power in the Department of History at UNCW. He will lead us through a brief review of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and how it affects the current situation in Gaza.

Music on Market is proud to bring Onyx Club Boys Quartet to its concert series~ Indulge in the captivating rhythms and infectious energy of a gypsy jazz quartet (violin, guitar, upright bass, and drums) as they transport you to the vibrant streets of 1930’s Paris and Stuff Smith's New York City Swing. Their diverse influences will take the music beyond borders. Join them for a trip around the world, which will make you swoon, tap your feet, and realize how universally similar music really is.

Did you know Wilmington has the longest continuous climate record in the state? It dates back to 1871. Join us as Tim Armstrong from the National Weather Service in Wilmington discusses how climate change has impacted local preparedness strategies including hurricanes, sea level rise, and extreme rainfall. He'll also show us how the climate has changed in Wilmington using over 150 years of recorded data.

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

Bill and Sweetie Francis celebrate their 45th wedding anniversary on December 22nd.

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.

Jim Barker, who had heart surgery on Tuesday, December 10th.

Jackie Norton, who is recovering from surgery on December 16th.  

SACPC Pastor Emeritus Rev. Dr. Ed Connette died Tuesday, December 10th. A memorial service will be held January 25, 2025 here at SACPC.

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 17: Judy McGuire, Deb Randall, Ben Rigby, Daniell Tincher
December 18: Billy Smith
December 19: Lisa Bohbrink
December 20: Jane Elmore, Pat Rackley, Marianne Wayne
December 21: Jaxson Smith
December 22: Will Jones, Patrick McWilliams, Babs Wright
December 24: Marty Conley, Carol McGowan, Deb Tew

View our most recent Session Reports.