Rev. Harrington leads us in worship with scripture from 1 Corinthians 12:12-13a. There is also a Congregational Meeting at 10:50 am in the Sanctuary.

by Catheryn Thomas

Due to the forecast of extremely cold temperatures and possible sleet, freezing rain, and snow, our church offices will close at 3:00 pm on Tuesday (1/21) and remain closed through Thursday (1/23). All activities are canceled.
 
NOTE: The POPS Program on the Arab-Israeli conflict will be rescheduled for Wednesday, March 26th.

Another announcement will go out for Friday, as needed. Prayers that everyone stays safe and warm!

by Cindy Litzinger

Due to limited seating for this popular event, tickets (free) will be issued online for this concert. Doors will open at 6:30 pm for ticket holders only. Seating will be held for ticket holders until 7:00 pm, after which time, seating will be first come-first served.  

Tickets will be available starting February 1, 2025. Click the "more info" button below to access more details and the link to reserve tickets.

by Katie Harrington

There will be a congregational meeting on January 26th at 10:50 am in the Sanctuary for the purpose of receiving a report from the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee.

by Jen Phelps

This is a church-wide volunteer opportunity sponsored by our youth ministry. We will gather to cook and serve the weekly pancake breakfast at Vigilant Hope, an organization serving those experiencing homelessness and those living in poverty.

Volunteers meet at Lake Forest Baptist Church - 1626 Lake Branch Drive (near Greenfield Lake) at 7:45am!  *note their new, slightly earlier arrival time*

Prayerfully consider bringing some supplies...

PLEASE NOTE: Any supplies that are not donated by volunteers are paid for using our youth budget. If you sign-up to bring supplies and also plan to stay to help, please sign-up for one of the available volunteer spots. 

How does a guy born in New Jersy meet a girl from the Carolinas and fall in love? You might ask Joe and Tarry that question when you get to know two of our newest members, Joe Brisindi and Tarry Boyd. Tarry, daughter of church members Blair and Charlene Boyd, was born in Wilmington and is a daughter of SACPC. Both Joe and Tarry joined by reaffirmation of faith on November 25, 2024. She is currently employed by the City of Wilmington; he is currently employed by PEVO Sports in sales. It is safe to say both are fitness-minded, are sports fans (of more than one sport) and back the Pack!  

Joe and Tarry are engaged with plans for a spring wedding in Wilmington. We wish them all the best as the date draws near! Please extend a warm welcome to the happy couple when you see them in worship!

Join us in welcoming Cynthia Semones, one of our newest members who first visited our church at the invitation of members Dave & Susan Hoff and then joined by reaffirmation of faith on November 25, 2024. Formerly a resident of Dayton, Ohio, Cynthia relocated to our area in 2017. While still in Dayton, she served as a docent at the Dayton Art Institute for ten years. In fact, her interests include art, history, reading, walking and traveling. She has indeed traveled many places including Haiti, Uganda and Zambia with mission teams.

Cynthia has already connected to ministries here such as Walking in the Word Sunday School Class and Good Shepherd Center. Cynthia has a heart for reaching others through hands-on service; in her previous church she helped at a soup kitchen and with small groups. If you enjoy swapping travel stories, then you have a conversation starter at hand. Please extend a warm SACPC welcome to Cynthia!

by Lynn Warner & Katie Harrington

There will be only one worship service at 10:00 am on SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2025 as we enjoy a church-wide unity service in the Sanctuary. This service is designed to bring our congregation together as one body, sharing our faith and strengthening our bond as a church family. We hope to see you there!

PLEASE NOTE: No children or youth Sunday School on Feb. 16th. Adults, check with your Sunday School leader to determine if you will meet.

After the unity service, the entire congregation is invited to join us at 11:30 am in Brown Hall for fellowship, fun, lunch, games, prizes, service projects! Something for all ages!!!  More information coming soon.

Reverend Harrington called the meeting to order and called on Jim Benson who offered a musical Christmas devotion with his barbershop quartet.

Guests attending the meeting were new Officer Candidates and Deacons. Elders and officer candidates divided into small groups for new officer examinations.  Following the examinations, a motion was made to sustain officer examinations. The motion was approved by Session.

Ordination and Installation of new officers will be held during both worship services on January 12, 2025.

Four new members were received in November: Cynthia Semones, Terry Boyd, Joe Brisindi and Douglas Mortenson—all by reaffirmation of faith.

November baptisms:  Walker Davis Gould, Mary Charlotte Mitchell, McCalla Catherine James, Mary Louise Jenkins, Jeffrey “Rowe” Jenkins, and Mary Grayson Streisel.

Rehearsal is Session’s monthly “what if” scenario that allows us to discern what our procedure might be in a possible situation.  This month’s issue was a fictitious concern expressed by an at-large church member serving on the Building and Grounds team who felt a church-hired landscaping company owned by the spouse of a current Elder might be a conflict of interest.  Our policies say if this relationship is disclosed and the quote is within reason, this is acceptable, and church members would be assured protocol is being followed.

As of this meeting, 169 pledges have been received.  More are anticipated.

Tony Colmenares has been hired as SACPC’s facilities manager and starts work 1/6/25.

APNC continues its work.

Session thanked the elders who are rolling off and who will attend their final committee meetings in January.

Session presented Reverend Harrington and Reverend Smith with thank you gifts.

Reverend Harrington was excused while Session discussed and approved the proposed Terms of Call as presented by the HR committee.

Prayer requests were listed, and Reverend Harrington offered a closing prayer.

by Shelley Hobson

The Malawi Partnership Team is beginning the process of planning a trip for members of SACPC who would like to meet our partners in Chuluchosema this summer when it will be winter in Malawi.

Silas Ncozana and Joseph Maganga will host us from our arrival on June 24th until our departure on July 2nd. The travel team will participate in worship at Chuluchosema with Katie preaching, join villagers and church members for Bible study, help with teaching and utilize skills from team members (medical, technology, teaching, sewing, etc.). For example, participants with medical expertise might run a clinic to screen for hypertension. We will visit village schools, as well as meeting Street Kids at Zomba Primary School.  We will have fellowship with Chuluchosema families and be immersed in the Warm Heart of Africa.

If you are interested, please plan to come to an information meeting to be held as part of POPS programming on Wednesday, February 12th. You can also click the "Learn More" button below to access the trip application and FAQs document. If you have specific questions now, please click here to email Ed Hobson.

by Sue McCaffray

What could be better than gathering to talk about the big questions once a week from the comfort of your own home? Join us via Zoom on Thursdays from JAN 30th - MAR 6th, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. Our topic this time will be a well known book by a leading Christian scholar, Dallas Willard, called The Divine Conspiracy. Willard discusses God's purposes for us and our relationship with God. Reading Willard's whole book is optional, but not necessary for participation.

Each week we view a short video together and respond to questions we have read in advance in our participant's guide. Each person purchases this guide on his or her own for about $10. Contact Dave Hoff for more information and to get the zoom link. You are welcome even if you must miss one or two of the meetings. It's fun!

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.

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.

Come have dinner with your church family this Wednesday! Menu: Salad, Shepherd's Pie, Rolls, and Dessert. Cost: $25/family $7/adult $5/under 12.

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.

February's Let Justice Roll Down Bible study will be led by Beth Cherry. The theme is Climate Change. Scripture teaches us to listen to the prophets who warn of threats, avoid complacency and self-concern, and participate with joy in the work God has given us to do. We will explore scripture from Ecclesiastes 1:14; 2:24; 3:9-11; Isaiah 22:13; Jeremiah 37:11-16; Luke 12:16-21; 12:19; 1 Corinthians 13:12 (KJV).

All are invited to attend. The same lesson will be given on February 11th, 12th, and 13th at 10:00 am in Dining Room. See Katherine Brandi for details.

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.

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.  

Soaring As Eagles Saturday Academy takes a village … and we can’t do it with YOU!

Join us as a cherished volunteer for more fun this coming year! The 2025 Saturday Academy will help 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders from Title 1 schools improve their End of Grade (EOG) test scores through experiential learning. We’ll meet eight Saturdays, January through May, at GLOW Academy, 4100 Sunglow Drive in Wilmington.  The students will be served breakfast and then enjoy working with volunteers on a range of fun, educational activities in small group settings.

Last year, Soaring As Eagles provided tutoring to over 60 young students in our community. This year, we’re looking to reach even more students … but we can’t do that without your help! Below is the link to sign-up. Volunteer for one Saturday … sign up for all … any help is greatly appreciated!  

Saturday Academy is truly a rewarding experience for both students AND volunteers! If you have questions or need more info, click here to contact Emily Vassar or call (910) 274-4788. 

Camp Fusion is our VBS, Music, and Art program! The program is for Pre K - 6th Grade. The schedule is:

Pre-K Camp Fusion
Ages: 3 years old (potty trained) - those who have not completed Kindergarten
9:00 am - Noon

Camp Fusion
Ages: Grades K - 6th (completed)
9:00 am - 3:00 pm (lunch provided)

REGISTRATION WILL OPEN BY THE END OF JANUARY!

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

W.D. "Doc" Rippy celebrated his 103 birthday on January 13th.

Dorothie Johnson, in Waynesville, who has a right arm infection and pain.  

Deb Randall, who was admitted to Novant Health ICU yesterday with a brain bleed.

The family of Carroll Herring, mother of Russell Herring, who died on January 15th. A memorial service will be held at SACPC on Friday, January 24th at 2:00 pm.

The family of Rev Dr Ed Connette, whose memorial service will be held at SACPC on Saturday, January 25th at 11:00 am.

Charles Link’s 16 month old granddaughter passed away from RSV on January 12th. Her name is Wren Broadright, daughter of Royce and Caroline. Charles is Edwin Link’s cousin.

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.

January 21: Kara Johnson, Gilbert Joyner
January 22: Tarry Boyd, Phil Perry, Gail Richardson, Zera Stewart
January 23: Ted Davis, Julian March, Krisiann Moskal, David Smith
January 24: Dena Bingham, Benjamin Davis, Marian Fisher
January 25: James Murray, Romi Wheeler
January 26: Joan Gray, Betsy Knowles, Brad Moore
January 27: Patti Whitley
January 28: Caroline Hill

View our most recent Session Reports.