Katie leads us with scripture from Luke 6:27-38. Join us as we will welcome our new associate pastor, Rev. Parker Lucas during worship.

by Katie Harrington

Please help welcome Parker to our church family. Parker is our new Associate Pastor and began work on Monday, February 17th. We are overjoyed!

Parker will work closely with the deacons, and in all areas of the diaconate, including caregiving, fellowship, and connections. On Sunday mornings, Parker will assist in worship and preaching.

As we welcome Parker, please remember to wear your name tags so he can get to know all of us as well.

by Ann Benson

"Thank you" and recognition are not needed from members of SACPC for time I spent working with you. You were kind and welcomed me even when you were not feeling well. You all shared your lives, families and feelings with me. I did not need any recognition for that because I gained more than I ever gave.

I thank you for that time and I thank you for the Barnes and Noble gift card and for the Betty Brown print of SACPC’s bell tower.  I am still around and I always enjoy hearing from you. Keep in touch.  Ann Benson

by Gary Smith

Many members of SACPC have expressed interest in going to western NC to help rebuild homes damaged by Hurricane Helene last September.  We now have a chance to do that. We will be partnering with the Fuller Center in Burnsville, NC, from May 4th to 10th.

The upfront trip cost is $150 - $154/person. Go & Serve will reimburse attendees $75 upon confirmed registration. Space is limited to 20 participants. Click the link below to register or contact Gary Smith for questions.

by Jan McGowan

In order to guide a homeless family on the road to independent living, you need effective case by case management. The not-for-profit agency Family Promise, which has a 98% success rate in helping families secure independent living, has a team that is very aware of all the resources our community offers to families, who for many reasons, find themselves without shelter and in crisis. One of those resources is a group of area churches, including SACPC, that provide dinner to these families for a week each quarter at the Willow Pond apartments off Darlington Avenue, 15 minutes from our church. The volunteers have an opportunity to share their prepared meal for up to three families and eat with them to offer encouragement and comfort.  Kathy Benson (a regular volunteer with the Family Promise emergency shelter program) wrote a note letting the SACPC Family Promise Coordinators know of her experience volunteering:

“I told Jim (her husband) that this is the only face-to-face outreach in which I am involved. It occurs to me that preparing a meal for a family and visiting with them is something I need to continue doing. I think in the past some church folk at SACPC were (and may continue to be) apprehensive about providing meals and meeting people in what can feel awkward because of perceived disparities. You, (the SACPC coordinators of this ministry) have a heart for seeing past those awkward thoughts and inhibitions into the hearts and spirits of those who have been entrusted to us for care.  It’s as personal as one can get-to share a meal in the name of and for the love of Christ. We’ve been blessed to be able to share what The Lord has already provided. You make it happen for families…warm and secure shelter, food in the belly, the knowledge that others care and that there is hope through Christ and His followers.”

If you’d like to be a part of this ministry, please contact SACPC coordinators Robin Harper or Jan McGowan. You can also leave your contact information with the church office by calling 910.762.9693.

by Sue McCaffray

As we move toward spring cleaning time, let's all bear in mind that our church library cannot absorb very many of our old books! Good intentions often become a burden for your church staff. The right way to donate is to contact Sue McCaffray BEFORE bringing any books to the church.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept duplicates of books we already have, books that are out of date, books that have been written in, or books on topics that our SACPC readers are not looking for. When such books are left in the library, we have no choice but to discard them.

Thank you for thinking of us, but please do contact Sue before bringing books to the church.

by Susan Dykes

Click the link below to view January's financial highlights.

by Katie Harrington

Are you interested in learning more about SACPC and/or becoming a member? Join us for our membership exploration class on March 9th & 16th at 10:00 am in the Dining Room. Rev. Harrington will lead this class with a general overview of St. Andrews-Covenant and our ministries, as well as what it means to be part of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

by Shelley Hobson

Reciprocity is how the land sacrifices its riches for humanity and how humanity responds. Plants and the Earth give us invaluable gifts that sustain our lives. How do we give thanks and give back, so the land, while helping people survive, will be cared for in return?  These are themes in Braiding Sweetgrass—a stunning and best-selling collection of essays by Robin Wall Kimmerer, a mother, scientist, botanist and decorated professor, McArthur Genius Grant recipient and enrolled member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation of indigenous people.

Reading this book requires attention and appreciation for the beauty of the writing and the nature it describes. I found myself putting the book down after an essay or passage and contemplating the wisdom sprouting forth from Kimmerer’s writing through her lenses of science and indigenous teaching.

If you read Braiding Sweetgrass with openness to hear its message, you will begin making connections between things such as packaged food in the grocery store, lumber in the hardware store, development of land, and you will gain a sense of responsibility for our role in taking and giving back to Mother Nature.

Kimmerer and her people subscribe to the concept of the Honorable Harvest, a set of Indigenous principles that guide the practice of taking from the natural world with respect and reciprocity, ensuring sustainability by only taking what is needed and leaving enough for the future generations, essentially treating the Earth as a living being with inherent value.

When asked for one thing she would recommend to restore the relationship between land and its people, the author responds very practically:  

“’Plant a garden.’  It’s good for the health of the earth and it’s good for the health of people.  A garden is a nursery for nurturing connection, the soil for cultivation of practical reverence.  And its power goes far beyond the garden gate…Something essential happens in a vegetable garden.  It’s a place where if you can’t say ‘I love you’ out loud, you can say it in seeds. And the land will reciprocate, in beans.”

Special Message from Wilmington's Warming Shelter Director:

by Phyllis Smith

Ducks in a Row is a series of classes helping people prepare for the end of life decisions. Speaker topics include Advance Directives, Financial Planning, Estate Planning, Funeral Decisions. There are six classes, meeting every other week.

Registration is now open for a new Tuesday class which will meet from 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm in Kardia Rm 224. This class begins on March 18th and ends on May 27th. Space is limited. There is a $40 fee to cover the cost of the workbook each attendee will use ($45 for a couple). Phyllis Smith is the facilitator. Click the "Learn More" button below to contact Phyllis and/or register.

by Libby White

Martha Breit Davis, daughter of Rickman and Lucy Davis, received Christian Baptism on February 2, 2025 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

Registration is now open for a new Kindermusik Playdate for infants - 5 year olds. Kindermusik Playdates are a one-time class for parents, babies, and toddlers on the go! This Kindermusik experience celebrates joy, love, and connection through songs, games, and dances.

Families will engage in various play activities to promote social interaction, cooperation, creativity, and listening skills. You get the same Kindermusik fun and learning in the classroom . . . and the same high-quality music to enjoy at home, but in a stand-alone class so you can try it out! Space is limited.

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. 

Come have dinner with your church family this Wednesday! Menu: Breakfast Casserole, Pancakes, Grits, Biscuits, and Homemade Apple Danish. Cost: $7/adult, $5/under 12, or $25/family.

We welcome Rev. Steve Hein back into our midst as he and the Let’s Talk About It team lead us to consider the third Great End of the Church: the preservation of divine worship. This will be a special program, and we hope to see you there!

Our high school girls are inviting all girls kindergarten through 8th grade to come celebrate Galentines! We will have snacks and crafts, games and quality time together. See Jen Phelps for details.

Last month, we learned our local climate is undeniably warming. Summers in Wilmington are getting hotter and longer. These changes are impacting how we garden, landscape and utilize natural resources. Join us as our Earth Care Team welcomes Sarah Anderson, SACPC's own expert Master Gardener and owner of Joyscapes Garden Design. Sarah will share how God designed plants and wildlife to depend on each other for survival and how restoring natives ensures the diversity that is crucial for the sustainability of all God's creation.

Are you young at heart? Somewhere south of 60? Are you looking for ways to connect with other like-minded individuals at church? Well, we’ve got you covered!

We’re starting a new adult social group for those who are 25-60 years old! And, we’re kicking it off on Friday, February 28th at the new The Tap Yard on 16th Street (not the Tap House downtown)! Come join in on the fun!

Drop in as you’d like and stay for the BBQ food truck and open mic night, if you’d like. Look for me, MK Campbell. If you don’t know me, I’m short, have short brown hair and go to the contemporary service.

We plan to do this once a month, and will be looking to you all for ideas, locations and of course, a name! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

February 1st is National Freedom Day, which marks the culmination of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January. The State Department estimates that 27.6 million people are currently the victims of human trafficking worldwide. As many as half of them are minors; 80% are female. Twenty years ago, when the United States passed the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, most people did not know that, in our modern era, people were still being held in slavery. In the subsequent decades, fortunately, that many Americans have become aware of this tragedy.

In New Hanover County, we are blessed with several ministries that are providing services to local victims. One of those is A Safe Place, which Go & Serve supports annually through our budget. A Safe Place opened a shelter for victims in 2012 and has expanded its services to include counseling, case management, and an outreach center, primarily to young women and teen girls exiting, or trying to exit, the sex trade. If you have questions about human trafficking see Understanding Human Trafficking from the State Department.

This month we will be collecting items for this vital ministry including the following:
 

• Journals 
• Adult coloring books
• Gel pens for coloring
• Laundry detergent
• Cleaning supplies
• Paper towels
• Toilet paper 

Or visit their Amazon Wish List to donate items to them directly.  To learn more about A Safe Place, visit their website at: www.asafeplacetogo.com

We are thrilled to announce Year Two of an incredible summer camp opportunity for children ages preschool - 5th grade. Get ready for CAMP FUSION 2025: Putting Our Trust in  God. This one-of-a-kind experience combines the elements of VBS, music and creative arts!

Dates: June 16 - 20, 2025
Time: 9:00 am - noon
Ages: 3 years old (potty-trained) - not yet completed Kindergarten
Cost: $30/child

Preschool  campers will experience all the fun-filled morning activities which include Bible stories, crafts, and music;  however, they will not participate in the afternoon program. 

Dates: June 16 - 20, 2025
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Ages: Grades K - 5th (completed)
Cost: $120/child

Grades K - 5th campers will embark on a journey of faith, creativity, and expression. They will have the chance to deepen their understanding of the Bible through engaging lessons and activities; as well as, explore their musical, dramatic and artistic talents. The week ends with a special performance on Friday, June 20th at 2:00 pm.

*Register Early - space is limited.*
*Need-based scholarships are available.*

Friendly Reminder: We believe money should never be a reason why a youth is unable to attend our trips. We also don't want families to feel like they have to choose financially between attending a youth trip or doing a different activity. We have partial scholarships available to offset the cost of any youth trip. Please contact Jen for more information.

Unfortunately, due to multiple factors (Montreat housing, our budget, fees) the cost of the Montreat Youth Conference for high school students will be $700 per student. It was previously advertised at a lower fee, but adjustments are needed to cover our group's expenses.

PLEASE NOTE: Registration for all summer youth trips will open on Sunday, March 2nd at 8:00 pm via the mobile app. Here's a list and description of all trips:

Montreat Youth Conference
June 8 - 14, 2025
Cost: $700/student

This trip is open to current 9th - 12th graders. Spots are limited and will be open to members of our Youth Group initially; and then open to friends, if space allows.

Massanetta Middle School Conference
July 10 - 13, 2025
Cost: $400/student

This trip is open to current 6th - 8th graders. Spots are limited and will be open to members of our Youth Group initially; and then open to friends, if space allows.

CROSS Mission Trip
July 27 - August 1, 2025
Cost: $400/student

This trip is open to current 6th - 12th graders. We will travel to Charlotte, NC to participate in the CROSS Mission Program. This has been a favorite of students in years past and this summer's trip should live up to the hype! Spots are limited and will be open to members of our Youth Group initially; and then open to friends, if space allows.

Middle and high school guys are invited to Brown Hall to fellowship, games and the March Madness selection show on the big screen.  Friends are welcome and the ranch fountain will be flowing!

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!

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

For the family of Quentin Cooke, who died Saturday morning, February 15

Tom Essa, brother of Linda McMurry who was in a car accident and broke his neck.  He will have surgery in Wilmington on Monday, February 17th and is expected to be discharged the 18th. Please keep him, Warren and Linda in your prayers.

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.

February 18: John Bohbrink, Penn Compton, Sandra Gelegonya
February 19: Gloria Degnan, Sara Moore, Linda Rankin
February 20: Rickman Davis, Jennifer Waldrop
February 21: Bill Francis, Cameron Johnson
February 22: Nancy Trout
February 23: Grace Andrews, Cindy Bron
February 24: Tim Bottoms, Mary Butner, Clint North, Tina Wallace
February 25: Bob Thurston

View our most recent Session Reports.