Katie leads us in worship with sermon text coming from Isaiah 60:1-9. Communion will be served during both services.

by René Sasser

Preschool registration for the 2025-2026 school year is just around the corner! Registration for currently enrolled families will begin on January 8th. Priority registration for SACPC families begins January 13th with enrollment opening to the general public on January 15th.

We are excited to begin planning for the next school year. We know the importance of an enriching, encouraging, and engaging preschool experience. If you or someone you know is looking for a faith based preschool that encourages children to develop at their own rate spiritually, emotionally, physically, socially and cognitively, please consider SACPC Preschool.

 We cherish the time we have with the children and families in our school. Please email René Sasser. Preschool Director, to schedule a tour of the preschool, for more information, or for a link to the registration form.

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

It's not too late to give the gift of education to a child in Malawi! SACPC's Malawi Partnership Team encourages you to make a donation to our education fund to help children from preschool to secondary school afford necessities such as shoes, uniforms, book bags and school fees.  

A wonderful way to begin a new year is with the knowledge that you are changing futures for students whose families have no electricity or running water and no way to pay for what the kids need to attend school.  Send a check noted Malawi Education or give online, using the Malawi Education designation on the pulldown menu.

Zikomo! Thank you from the Malawi Partnership Team.  

by Carol Query

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 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 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 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

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.

January is the month we will be collecting Mercy Pouch supplies.  Last year, we distributed approximately 1,200 pouches. Thank you!!!

The bulletin board located at the 15th Street Sanctuary entrance has tickets of the items needed.  Please take one or more tickets as you can and help purchase these items which are:
 

• Individual fruit and pudding cups
• Tuna or chicken pouches
• Water
• Crackers
• Band-aids
• Gallon zip lock bags.  

Thank you again for your contributions and for distributing these pouches to our neighbors in need.  

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 November, giving is below budget expectations, resulting in a year-to-date shortfall of $102,108. 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 31: Blake Lowry
January 1: Dave Hoff
January 2: Stephanie Gould, Ann Bennett Sasser
January 3: Dexter Hayes, Catherine Hill
January 4: Rick Andrews, Barbara Curtis
January 5: Shari Murray, Hobbs Sutton, Ricky Wheeler, Libby White
January 6: Shelley Hobson, Caroline Johnson, Jack Waldrop
January 7: Sheila Woods, Cecil Worsley

View our most recent Session Reports.