SACPC Weekly Updates for Mar. 18 - 25, 2025
Sunday, March 23, 2025
3rd Sunday in Lent
This Sunday
"lost & found"
Rev. Katherine B. Harrington
Maybe none are found until all are found. Katie leads us in worship with scripture from Luke 15:1-7 as we meet God [in] between the extremes of lost and found.
Previous Contemporary Worship
Previous Traditional Worship
Lenten Devotionals
everything [in] between
Tread Lightly 2025
Earth Care Team recommended
Announcements
3rd Sunday in Lent Featured Artist
Mirabelle Donovan
"Found"
"lost & found"
Luke 15:1-7
Luke 15:1-7
Mirabelle Donovan (daughter of Emily and David) has been drawing as long as she can remember. She’s now a Freshman at North Brunswick High School and has been recognized for her artistic talent. She has won awards for her design of an “I Voted” sticker for a Brunswick County Board of Elections design contest and for her azalea painting in this year’s Azalea Festival Youth Art Contest. Whether she decides to become a professional artist or not, she says she will always make time for art-making.
Her painting for the Parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke was inspired by Alexander Milov’s wire sculpture, “Love.” She connected Milov’s expression of an open and pure inner child inside a hurt and distrustful adult to The Parable of the Lost Sheep. The figure, or "lost sheep," is transparent and made of glass to represent the frailty of the human condition.
Inside each of us is a longing to love and be loved by Jesus. The viewer might ask: “Is there a tender, trusting, vulnerable and hidden part of me that longs to make contact with Jesus, my loving Good Shepherd? What keeps me lost when I only want to be found by Him?”
Her painting for the Parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke was inspired by Alexander Milov’s wire sculpture, “Love.” She connected Milov’s expression of an open and pure inner child inside a hurt and distrustful adult to The Parable of the Lost Sheep. The figure, or "lost sheep," is transparent and made of glass to represent the frailty of the human condition.
Inside each of us is a longing to love and be loved by Jesus. The viewer might ask: “Is there a tender, trusting, vulnerable and hidden part of me that longs to make contact with Jesus, my loving Good Shepherd? What keeps me lost when I only want to be found by Him?”
February Financial Highlights Now Available
by Susan Dykes
Click the link below to view February's financial highlights.
Thinking on Lent
By Evelyn Estep
“…I will follow you wherever you go.”
Luke 9:57
Luke 9:57
During these days and weeks of Lent, leading up to Easter, we are invited – given a choice – to take a step back and reflect on Jesus’ life and His sacrifice. I choose to.
Am I being asked to forsake the many duties or responsibilities in my life? Are there things in my life I need to ask forgiveness for? Things to repent of? Are there idols to discard?
What does Jesus want of me?
One Great Hour of Sharing:
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
by Lynn Warner
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance:
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is funded through OGHS and does amazing work! Katie has told me that a PDA representative has said that PDA may not be first on the scene, but they will be there until the work is done. PDA mission trips are wonderful!
As you consider your donation to OGHS please keep in mind the work of PDA!
- Focuses on the long term recovery of disaster impacted communities.
- Provides training and disaster preparedness for presbyteries and synods.
- Works collaboratively with church partners and members of ACT Alliance (Action by Churches Together) internationally, and nationally with other responders.
- Connects partners locally and internationally with key organizations active in the response — United Nations, NVOAD (National Voluntary Agencies Active in Disaster), Church World Service, Red Cross, FEMA and others.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is funded through OGHS and does amazing work! Katie has told me that a PDA representative has said that PDA may not be first on the scene, but they will be there until the work is done. PDA mission trips are wonderful!
As you consider your donation to OGHS please keep in mind the work of PDA!
Let's Talk About It: The Maintenance of Divine Worship
by Kathy Benson
Many thanks go to Steve Hein who was our guest speaker at POPS on February 19th. Several regular POPS attendees braved the bad weather that evening to learn about one of the Six Great Ends of the Church: the maintenance of divine worship. Steve was pleased to note that, here at SACPC, the major elements of divine worship are regularly incorporated into our services. They are music, preaching, sacraments and prayers.
Steve elaborated on all elements of worship AND how important corporate worship is to the body of believers. In the Book of Order for PCUSA we read, “God acts with grace; we respond with gratitude. God claims us as beloved children; we proclaim God’s saving love. God redeems us from sin and death; we rejoice in the gift of new life. This rhythm of divine action and human response--found throughout Scripture, human history, and everyday events--shapes all of Christian faith, life, and worship.” (W-1.0102: Grace and Gratitude)
Thanks again, Steve.
Steve elaborated on all elements of worship AND how important corporate worship is to the body of believers. In the Book of Order for PCUSA we read, “God acts with grace; we respond with gratitude. God claims us as beloved children; we proclaim God’s saving love. God redeems us from sin and death; we rejoice in the gift of new life. This rhythm of divine action and human response--found throughout Scripture, human history, and everyday events--shapes all of Christian faith, life, and worship.” (W-1.0102: Grace and Gratitude)
Thanks again, Steve.
Young At Heart
March Social
by MK Campbell
Are you young at heart? Somewhere between 25-60? We have a great social group for you. Young at Heart! We’ll be at the Blind Elephant on Friday, March 28th at 6:30 p.m. for fun and conversation. We hope you can join.
Make sure to sign up on the church app and join the Young at Heart group. If you have any questions, email MK Campbell.
Make sure to sign up on the church app and join the Young at Heart group. If you have any questions, email MK Campbell.
Prayer Stations/Spirituality Center
by Lynn Warner
Did you miss the Prayer Stations on Ash Wednesday? If so never fear - the Prayer Stations along with additional opportunities for Prayer and spiritual connection have been moved to the Temple Room in the Basement. We call it the Spirituality Center and it will be there throughout Lent. There are thoughtful activities for all ages - children - adult. You are welcome to come and experience the Center any time during the week or on Sunday!
Holy Happenings @ SACPC
POPS Meals Menu
POPS Meal
MAR 19 | 5:30 pm
Brown Hall
MAR 19 | 5:30 pm
Brown Hall
Come have dinner with your church family this Wednesday! Menu: Green Salad, Corned Beef, Cabbage, Potatoes, and Dessert. Cost: $7/adult, $5/under 12, or $25/family.
Lenten SermonShapers Bible Study
Lenten SermonShapers Bible Study
MAR 19 | 6:30 pm
Kardia Rm 224
MAR 19 | 6:30 pm
Kardia Rm 224
Our POPS Programs during Lent will tackle a handful of well-known stories from Luke's gospel that will be Katie's sermon texts for the coming Sunday. Join us as we help shape these sermons, pondering what it means to encounter God [in] between the extremes. We will use the scripture passages and a devotional guide. This weekly Bible study is led by Katie Harrington and Sue McCaffray.
Going Upstream:
The Environmental State of Our Waterways
Going Upstream: The Environmental State of our Waterways
MAR 22 | 2:00 pm
Brown Hall
MAR 22 | 2:00 pm
Brown Hall
As we celebrate World Water Day, join us for an expert panel discussion on the current status and efforts made to address the upstream threats of PFAS and 1,4-dioxane pollution within our waterways and how this impacts us locally.
Guest speakers include:
Our guest speakers will give short presentations, then we will open the panel discussion up for audience Q&A. This is sure to be an important and informative conversation. Please share widely with your friends and neighbors.
Guest speakers include:
Emily Donovan, co-founder of Clean Cape Fear
Discuss first ever federal PFAS drinking water standards and possible changes related to the new administration.Ken Waldrop, Executive Director of Cape Fear Public Utility Authority
Update on work CFPUA is doing to address PFAS and 1,4-dioxane in Wilmington's tap water and explain the cost benefits to water bills when pollution is controlled upstream at the source.Jeffrey Enders, PhD, Senior Research Scholar & Research Assistant Professor at NC State University
Present new research on PFAS in sea foam found along our local beaches, especially in Brunswick County.Hannah M. Nelson, Staff Attorney at Southern Environmental Law Center
Policy update on what state regulators/lawmakers are (or not) doing to address PFAS and 1,4-dioxane discharges upstream.Our guest speakers will give short presentations, then we will open the panel discussion up for audience Q&A. This is sure to be an important and informative conversation. Please share widely with your friends and neighbors.
POPS Program:
A Brief History of the Arab-Israeli Conflict
POPS Program: A Brief History of Arab-Israeli Conflict
MAR 26 | 6:30 pm
Kardia Rm 224
MAR 26 | 6:30 pm
Kardia Rm 224
PLEASE NOTE: Location changed to Kardia Rm 224.
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.
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.
Kindermusik Playdate Class **Registration Required**
Kindermusik Playdate
MAR 29 | 10:00 am
Children's Choir Rm
MAR 29 | 10:00 am
Children's Choir Rm
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. Space is limited. See Cindy Litzinger for details.
Breakfast Sunday is March 30th!
Breakfast Sunday
MAR 30 | 10:00 am
Brown Hall
MAR 30 | 10:00 am
Brown Hall
Join us on March 30th at 10:00 am for Breakfast Sunday to share a meal and enjoy an intergenerational "Sunday School Light" lesson. We will think about the powerful story of the Lost Son from Luke. There will be table talk, a video, and a service project -- all this and breakfast too: food for body, mind and spirit!
Breakfast provided includes pancakes, casseroles, cinnamon buns, fruit, coffee, etc. Please note this will replace ALL classes for children, youth, and adults. See you in Brown Hall!
Breakfast provided includes pancakes, casseroles, cinnamon buns, fruit, coffee, etc. Please note this will replace ALL classes for children, youth, and adults. See you in Brown Hall!
Music | Contact Cindy Litzinger
Adult Handbells present "The Passion Prophecy"
Join us on Palm Sunday at 11:00 am for a special presentation by our Adult Handbells group. They will be presenting "The Passion Prophecy" by Cathy Moklebust, a musical interpretation of Isaiah 53:4-5:
Surely he has borne our infirmities
and carried our diseases;
yet we accounted him stricken,
struck down by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions,
crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the punishment that made us whole,
and by his bruises we are healed.
and carried our diseases;
yet we accounted him stricken,
struck down by God, and afflicted.
But he was wounded for our transgressions,
crushed for our iniquities;
upon him was the punishment that made us whole,
and by his bruises we are healed.
This musical offering will help us reflect on the profound theme of sacrifice and redemption, while preparing our hearts for Holy Week.
The Whitetop Mountain Band
Music on Market just wrapped up an incredible concert at our church featuring The Whitetop Mountain Band, a talented family bluegrass band from the mountains of Virginia. Thanks to all who attended and supported this event.
Our next concert will feature The Raleigh Ringers on Saturday, April 5th at 7:30 pm. For tickets, reach out to Cindy Litzinger.
Our next concert will feature The Raleigh Ringers on Saturday, April 5th at 7:30 pm. For tickets, reach out to Cindy Litzinger.
Go & Serve | Contact Gary Smith
March Donation Drive
Good Shepherd, Salvation Army & Rescue Mission
During March, Go & Serve will be collecting non-perishable foods for Good Shepherd, Salvation Army, and the Rescue Mission. Suggested food items include:
Please bring your donations to the 15th Street lobby. Thank you for loving our neighbors in need in this way.
- cereal
- pasta
- pasta sauce
- canned fruits and vegetables (including #10 cans)
- canned soup
- packaged snacks
- canned chicken or tuna
Please bring your donations to the 15th Street lobby. Thank you for loving our neighbors in need in this way.
Western NC Mission Trip Update
PLEASE NOTE: Only 6 spots remain. Please register as soon as possible If you are planning to attend this trip.
We are 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 total. Click the link below to register or contact Gary Smith for questions.
We are 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 total. Click the link below to register or contact Gary Smith for questions.
Children | Contact Lynn Warner
Camp Fusion Registration NOW OPEN
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!
PRESCHOOL Camp Fusion
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.
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.
Camp Fusion
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.*
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.*
Children's Events
Youth | Contact Jen Phelps
Middle School Night In at The HUB
Middle school kids are invited to The HUB for their own Sunday night get together.
We will have snacks (but not dinner) and an opportunity for fun and fellowship and some Sardines.
Bring all the friends!
Spring Break Day of Service
We have the opportunity to spend some of New Hanover County School's Spring Break serving our church and our neighbors!
Middle and high school students are invited to gather at the church the morning of Monday, April 14th: drop off anytime between 8:00 am - 12:00 pm.
We will be working at the church in the morning, then going as a group to work at the Diaper Pantry and then dinner at Eden Village.
Sign ups are needed, but space is not limited (we just need to know how many we are transporting around town).
Middle and high school students are invited to gather at the church the morning of Monday, April 14th: drop off anytime between 8:00 am - 12:00 pm.
We will be working at the church in the morning, then going as a group to work at the Diaper Pantry and then dinner at Eden Village.
Sign ups are needed, but space is not limited (we just need to know how many we are transporting around town).
Youth Summer Trips Partial Scholarships 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.
Summer Trip Registration Is Now OPEN
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.
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.
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.
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.
Youth Events
GIVING | Contact Susan Dykes
February Financial Highlight
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.
CareLine Updates as of March 18, 2024
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
Philippians 4:4-6
We Grieve:
Family of Marge Leeper who passed away March 11th. The family address is 1094 16th Ave NW Hickory, NC 28601
We Pray:
Lynne Paine, a friend of Sue Messina’s who lives in in Santa Fe, has been diagnosed with stage two and three inductal breast cancer.
Alice Diab had surgery on Friday and is recovering at home
Alice Diab had surgery on Friday and is recovering at home
Service Personnel:
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.
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.
Birthday Celebrations | MAR 18 - 25, 2025
March 19: Nancy Mihle, Joe Moskal
March 20: Lucy Davis
March 22: Jim Bryan, Lila Ciarrocca, Chris Richardson
March 23: Carolyn Leonard, Judy Smith, Lindsey Tincher
March 24: Amy North
March 25: Tom Pappendick
March 20: Lucy Davis
March 22: Jim Bryan, Lila Ciarrocca, Chris Richardson
March 23: Carolyn Leonard, Judy Smith, Lindsey Tincher
March 24: Amy North
March 25: Tom Pappendick
View our most recent Session Reports.
SACPC Contacts
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
For pastoral concerns:
Katie Harrington kharrington@sacpc.org
910-762-9693 x203
Parker Lucas plucas@sacpc.org
910-762-9693 x202
For financial questions:
Susan Dykes sdykes@sacpc.org; x207
For newsletter, website, social media, and other communication questions:
Emily Donovan (edonovan@sacpc.org)
For the front desk:
call 910-762-9693 x201
For facility use reservations, Memorial Garden & The Block information:
Catheryn Thomas cthomas@sacpc.org; x229
Session Contacts: If you have questions, concerns or recommendations feel free to contact any session member individually or email the session at session@sacpc.org.
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm
For pastoral concerns:
Katie Harrington kharrington@sacpc.org
910-762-9693 x203
Parker Lucas plucas@sacpc.org
910-762-9693 x202
For financial questions:
Susan Dykes sdykes@sacpc.org; x207
For newsletter, website, social media, and other communication questions:
Emily Donovan (edonovan@sacpc.org)
For the front desk:
call 910-762-9693 x201
For facility use reservations, Memorial Garden & The Block information:
Catheryn Thomas cthomas@sacpc.org; x229
Session Contacts: If you have questions, concerns or recommendations feel free to contact any session member individually or email the session at session@sacpc.org.
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April 1st, 2025
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March 25th, 2025
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March 18th, 2025
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March 11th, 2025
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March 4th, 2025
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