SACPC Weekly Updates for Mar. 25 - Apr. 1, 2025
Sunday, March 30, 2025
4th Sunday in Lent
This Sunday
"A Church for Sinners and Saints"
Rev. Jerrod Lowry
Jerrod leads us in worship with scripture coming from 2 Corinthians 5:16-21 and Luke 15: 1-3, 11-32. It's also Breakfast Sunday! In lieu of Sunday School, join us in Brown Hall between worship services for food, fellowship, a service project, and intergenerational Bible study.
Previous Contemporary Worship
Previous Traditional Worship
Lenten Devotionals
everything [in] between
Tread Lightly 2025
Earth Care Team recommended
Thinking on Lent
By Evelyn Estep
What does Jesus want of me? As I assess the motives of my intentions and actions during Lent, I have been provided with the opportunity to think seriously what God desires of me, not what I desire. It’s not a half-hearted commitment to give up chocolate, cursing, overeating… or a resolution to read the Bible every day, smile more often, drive more conscientiously… I think I’m being asked to make a commitment to align my intentions and desires and actions with God’s.
What do you think He desires of you?
What do you think He desires of you?
Announcements
4rd Sunday in Lent Featured Artist
Rev. Katherine Hester Doehring
"The Living Water"
In 2011, while she was an intern at SACPC, Rev. Katherine Hester Doehring gave the congregation a particularly memorable worship experience on an August Sunday morning. She brought paints and canvas and painted “live” throughout the service as the Scripture passages spoke to her of the Living Water. As she listened and painted, she connected the water flowing from Creation through God’s provision in the wilderness in Exodus, through the Psalms of thirst and to the Jordan River for the baptism of Jesus, the true Living Water.
Her beautiful painting has been at our church ever since, upstairs in the Luminos Room on an easel. As you look at it, let it be a reminder to you of Jesus’ own words:
“… Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” — John 4:14
Her beautiful painting has been at our church ever since, upstairs in the Luminos Room on an easel. As you look at it, let it be a reminder to you of Jesus’ own words:
“… Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” — John 4:14
Welcome New Member
Doug Mortenson
Join us in welcoming Doug Mortenson one of our new members as of November 25, 2024. Doug is married to Robin Andrews Mortenson and they have two children, Maggie age 6 and Cole age 4. Doug is on the Finance Committee and both Doug and Robin are involved in the preschool program.
More Cooks NEEDED for DVSS Casseroles
by Carol Query
SACPC members and friends are invited to participate in the preparation of casseroles for the clients of the Domestic Violence Shelter. Aluminum casserole pans and tops are available in the mailroom along with instructions for making and delivering the casseroles to the church on Sundays. For additional information, please contact Carol Query at 910-470-3127 or send Carol and email.
Going Native
by Earth Care Corner Education
“Using native plants is a common sense way to garden.” That was a message we heard from Sarah Anderson during her recent POPS presentation.
With that in mind, the New Hanover County Arboretum is hosting a native plant sale from April 10-12, 10:00am-5:00pm each day.
There is also an area in the Arboretum landscaped with native plants to stimulate ideas, and Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions. So this might just be your opportunity to give native landscaping a try or maybe try a native plant or two.
Spring is wonderful. Happy Gardening!
With that in mind, the New Hanover County Arboretum is hosting a native plant sale from April 10-12, 10:00am-5:00pm each day.
There is also an area in the Arboretum landscaped with native plants to stimulate ideas, and Master Gardeners will be available to answer questions. So this might just be your opportunity to give native landscaping a try or maybe try a native plant or two.
Spring is wonderful. Happy Gardening!
One Great Hour of Sharing: Hunger Program
by Lynn Warner
This week we feature the Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP). PHP is another area that receives money donated through OGHS.
PHP works to alleviate hunger and eliminate its root causes. Hunger is an extremely complex phenomenon with economic, political, environmental and social causes. PHP works to address underlying causes for hunger and help those both in our country and internationally seek solutions to help solve hunger problems.
GOD'S TEAM: The Body of Christ
by Lynn Warner
Last week in the MORE portion of M&M on Wednesday afternoon we played a game with balloons. We have been talking about working together as the body of Christ and played a game where we had to keep a balloon in the air - sometimes two or three!!! We didn't want the balloon to fall in the swamp! We started standing, then on our knees, then sitting down and finally laying down. We discovered that we all found one way or the other easier. The goal was to work together to keep the balloon up! Moral of the story - Teamwork makes the dream work. We all make up the body of Christ and when we work together cooperatively God's love is clearly evident!
Have Extra Paper at Home?
by René Sasser
If you happen to have any extra paper at home that you are no longer using, the preschool would love to have it for our children's free art play. We can use old computer paper, printer paper, letterhead paper, plain note cards, card stock, etc. Consider us if you run across any paper you'd like to share.
Preschool Registration
by René Sasser
Registration for preschool is going well. Some classes are full and others are filling up quickly. We do have some spots available and would love to have your child, grandchild, or friend join us. We offer 2, 3 and 5 day options. Please email René for more information or to schedule a tour. We would love to meet you and share more information about our school!
Church Officer Nominations
by Kent Anderson
Nominations for next year's church officers are NOW OPEN.
Nominations can be made online or via a Nomination form found on the back of our pews, as well as various locations in the church. Forms can be placed in the offering plates or turned into the church office. Please submit nominations by May 4th.
February Financial Highlights Now Available
by Susan Dykes
Click the link below to view February's financial highlights.
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.
Holy Happenings @ SACPC
POPS Meals Menu
POPS Meal
MAR 26 | 5:30 pm
Brown Hall
MAR 26 | 5:30 pm
Brown Hall
Come have dinner with your church family this Wednesday! Menu: Chicken & Biscuits, Salad w/ Nuts & Berries and Berry Vinaigrette, and Dessert. Cost: $7/adult, $5/under 12, or $25/family.
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.
Young At Heart March Social
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.
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 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!
Lenten SermonShapers Bible Study
Lenten SermonShapers Bible Study
APR 2 | 6:30 pm
Kardia Rm 224
APR 2 | 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.
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.
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.
April Collection: Child Development Center
April's collection will be for various supplies in support of the Child Development Center (CDC), which provides early intervention services at their preschool for special needs children. The children they serve will be better prepared for their school experience the following year and beyond.
We can support the littlest of our neighbors with the following donations:
Thank you for your generous support.
We can support the littlest of our neighbors with the following donations:
- Glue sticks
- Construction paper
- Preschool-age story books
- Bubbles
- Hula hoops
- Goo-Gone
- Staples
Thank you for your generous support.
Western NC Mission Trip Update
PLEASE NOTE: Only 4 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 25, 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 Pray:
Nancy Benson, Jim’s mother, had successful surgery recently. Please also pray for Jim and Kathy as they help to care for her.
Linda Lee’s husband, Mike, who has congestive heart failure that has moved to Stage 2.
Ray and Katherine Brandi's niece Rachel and husband Tom who had their first child, Oliver on 2-28, delivered by emergency cesarean surgery. Oliver was in the NICU for 14 days, now home, and continues to be monitored for a rare hematological disease.
Jack Richardson, Sr., father of Jack Richardson, who is receiving hospice care at home in Cary.
Linda Lee’s husband, Mike, who has congestive heart failure that has moved to Stage 2.
Ray and Katherine Brandi's niece Rachel and husband Tom who had their first child, Oliver on 2-28, delivered by emergency cesarean surgery. Oliver was in the NICU for 14 days, now home, and continues to be monitored for a rare hematological disease.
Jack Richardson, Sr., father of Jack Richardson, who is receiving hospice care at home in Cary.
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 25 - APR 1, 2025
March 25: Tom Pappendick
March 26: Joshua Neiburger, Rob O’Briant
March 27: JoAnna Worsley
March 28: Jackie Lewis
March 29: Sarah Holt Gwathmey, Chris Johnston, Larry Tootoo
March 31: Carolyn Connor, Cecelia Corbett
April 1: Nancy Worsley
March 26: Joshua Neiburger, Rob O’Briant
March 27: JoAnna Worsley
March 28: Jackie Lewis
March 29: Sarah Holt Gwathmey, Chris Johnston, Larry Tootoo
March 31: Carolyn Connor, Cecelia Corbett
April 1: Nancy Worsley
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.
Recent
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April 1st, 2025
SACPC Weekly Updates for Mar. 25 - Apr. 1, 2025
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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