It's Palm Sunday! Join us as we explore a leader like one who serves. Katie leads us in worship with scripture from Luke 22:1-27 as we meet God [in] between the extremes of shouting & silence.

It's also 5-Cents A Meal Sunday and we are collecting One Great Hour of Sharing fish boxes. Bring both offerings to the collection bins on either side of the communion table during the first hymn.

By Evelyn Estep

Am I willing? Are you willing?

If we are willing, it will take courage to face come-what-may, determination and, yes, maybe change. And it takes confidence in God’s everlasting love that He will be with each one of us along this journey.

Pray: Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so control our wills, so that we be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you, and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to the glory and welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.

I lived in Charlottesville, VA in 2019, when the UVA Men’s Basketball team won the national championship. I was at a local restaurant and bar for the elite eight, final four and championship games. I remember the buzzer-beater three pointer by Kyle Guy. The place was packed with orange and blue. We screamed, yelled, hugged and kept our eyes GLUED to the screens. When Guy sunk the basket, the entire place erupted and people jumped on the tables and bar, screaming and hugging. The energy was palatable. I was hoarse for three days. It was like nothing I’ve ever felt before.

What if Palm Sunday were that way today? What if it were like that when Jesus arrived on a colt? Can you imagine the energy, shouting and excitement? I like to think it was very much like that, but for our salvation, not a national championship.

When creating this mixed-medium piece, I wanted to create something vibrant, joyful and full of energy that would allow you to feel the excitement and place yourself in the moment. Imagine the streets filled with people all focused on one goal, celebrating our Lord. I hope you can imagine what it might have been like and find that joy in your heart.

by Cindy Litzinger

Our m&m children blessed us with the sweetest performance last Sunday of "Zacchaeus." Here's a behind the scenes look at them rehearsing. 

by Gary Smith

Please read this announcement from Church World Service:

On February 3rd, CWS Wilmington had to furlough 80% of staff. While we had hoped to bring them all back, as of last week, CWS Wilmington has had to lay off almost half of our staff.

This painful decision comes following the new administration’s policy and funding changes that have severely impacted our organization over the past two months.

The impact of this loss in federal funds is devastating for the over 500 refugees and immigrants whom CWS Wilmington serves right here in the Cape Fear Area. Without CWS Wilmington’s programming, these individuals are at risk of falling through the cracks: losing their housing, health care, benefits, employment, and educational services.

Now more than ever, we need you to stand with us and with the communities we serve.

CWS Wilmington needs $350,000 in emergency funding over the next 6 months to stabilize our most vulnerable clients. Your gift will go immediately to supporting the most vulnerable groups, in particular our newest arrivals who have not yet secured work.

by Jen Phelps

We are adding one more night of DGroups before the end of the school year! Meet at The HUB as usual on Wednesday, April 30th

by Lynn Warner

This Sunday, April 13th, is Palm Sunday. As the children, (and anyone else who wants to join) process with their palms, they will place their fish boxes in the BIG FISH boxes on either side of the Communion Table. We invite anyone who has been gathering money throughout Lent to come forward during the first hymn and put your fish boxes or cash or checks in the BIG FISH box as well!

It is also 5 cents a meal Sunday so we can give double blessings!!!

If you won't be here don't worry - OGHS offerings can be given after Palm Sunday!

by Susan Dykes

Flowers represent a new season, a new birth! This Easter, you have the opportunity to contribute to the cost of flowers in memory or in honor of a special person. We plan to order palms and geraniums to help beautify our Sanctuary.

Any donation amount is greatly appreciated and those interested may use the white ‘Special Flowers’ envelopes located throughout the church, through our website, or contact Susan Dykes in the church office at 762-9693 ext. 207.

The due date for donations is Sunday, April 13th.

by Earth Care Team

As we get closer to celebrating our risen Lord, we encourage everyone to consider trying one or more of these Earth Care friendly practices during your family's Easter celebrations.

by Pate Southerland

This is a free, guided 6-mile paddle along the scenic and beautiful Black River. It is a very easy paddle by canoe or kayak and great for families with children who like to explore the outdoors. We'll enjoy many beautiful cypress trees on this stretch of the river and the water is very clean because there is no industry located nearby.

Plan to gather at the parking lot by New Hanover High School's tennis courts next to Brown Hall at 7:00 am sharp. We will leave at 7:30 am and travel approximately 30 miles to our put-in on the Black River. We should arrive back in Wilmington by 3:30 pm.

If you do not have your own canoe or kayak, we will help you find one. Registration is required and must be completed no later than 2:00 pm on Thursday, April 24th. You can register online or call the church office at 910.762.9693.

Any questions, or if you need a boat, call Pate Southerland at 910 262 4122.

by Julian March

March 6th Called Meeting
The session met to review a report on our Capital Campaign Feasibility Study. Rev. Harrington will share more details in a congregational letter.

March 16th Called Meeting
The Session held a called meeting to receive new members. Following introductions and the required faith questions answered in the affirmative, the session voted unanimously to receive the following individuals by reaffirmation of faith as members of SACPC:

• Michael J. DeCocco
• Emily Helen Hill
• George H. Franck
• Meryl Ann Samuel Franck
• Rebecca Y. Klouse
• Kristen E. Roeder LoMonaco
  
  

March 24th Standing Meeting
Rev. Harrington called the meeting to order and called on Steve Miller, who offered a devotion based on Joshua 3:5 and other scriptures and opened the meeting with prayer. 

Ryan Johnson reviewed the role of the Human Resources Committee, which contributes to the life of the church by serving as a confidential sounding board for the head of staff; acting in an advisory capacity; recommending terms of call and completing annual review of head of staff; updating the employee handbook and job descriptions; and participating in the annual budget process from a payroll perspective. 
. 
Overview from Sanctuary Task Force: Beth Davis provided an overview of the items that were included in the recommended budget that resulted from the Sanctuary Task Force. 

Presbytery report: Virginia Hager and Jack Richardson represented SACPC at the March 1, 2025, Presbytery meeting, where Travis “T” Worrell presented a sermon, was
examined, and then Presbytery voted to certify him as ready for ordination. He started this process as a SACPC member in 2015 and is serving at Woodburn Presbyterian Church in Leland.

Rev. Parker Lucas shared a reflection on his first month with SACPC, which included visits to the Harrelson Center, Carousel Center and Vigilant Hope, and how SACPC supports a variety of area missions. He spoke about the love and care the congregation has for people who walk in the building.

Katie Harrington reported:

• Gratitude for the Spiritual Life team’s leadership in curating art for Lent with artists illustrating worship themes.
• Holy Week has been planned, will be live-streamed and all are encouraged to attend.

Rev. Harrington adjourned the meeting by leading the group in singing the Doxology. 

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

Come have dinner with your church family this Wednesday! Menu: Chef's Choice: Sandwiches, Soups, Hot Dogs, and more! Cost: $7/adult, $5/under 12, or $25/family.

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.

April's Let Justice Roll Down Bible study will be led by Barbara Hager. The theme is Intergenerational Justice. Like the authors who reflected midstream on the meaning of ancient Judah’s story with God, who held onto unrealized hopes for their future, we have a story with God, a story whose meaning is changing. We will explore scripture from 2 Kings 22:20; 23:25; 23:29-30; 24:1–25:25; 25:27-30.

All are invited to attend. The same lesson will be given on April 8th, 9th, and 10th at 10:00 am in Dining Room. See Katherine Brandi for details.

Maundy Thursday marks the Last Supper, a moment of both intimacy and impending sacrifice. The violin, with its rich, expressive sound, has a unique ability to evoke deep emotions — sorrow, reverence, and quiet hope — that mirror the themes of the evening. Violinist, Danjella Zezelj-Gualdi, will join our Adult choir not only as musical accompaniment but as a vessel for emotional and spiritual depth, guiding the congregation into a deeper experience of Maundy Thursday’s meaning.

Arise, my soul, arise, shake off thy guilty fears.
The bleeding sacrifice in my behalf appears.
Before thy throne my surety stands.
My name is written on his hands.
arr. Dan Forrest

Our Good Friday tenebrae service invites us into the solemn journey of Christ’s crucifixion,  a night where we witness the greatest gift God has ever given - His Son - and reflect on the depth of His love and sacrifice.

Scripture readings will guide us through the final hours of Jesus’ life, each passage deeply accented by moving musical selections led by the Contemporary Worship Team. We are honored to welcome special guest Beverly Andrews, on the violin, adding a rich and stirring dimension to this sacred evening.

Musical selections will include "O the Deep Deep Love of Jesus," "King of Kings," "When I Survey the Wondrous Cross," "In Christ Alone," "Christ Our Hope in Life and Death," "Beneath the Cross of Jesus," and "Were You There."

Come and be part of this most sacred of nights, as we immerse ourselves in the crucifixion and begin to prepare our hearts for the joy of resurrection morning.

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:

This musical offering will help us reflect on the profound theme of sacrifice and redemption, while preparing our hearts for Holy Week.

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:  

• Glue sticks
• Construction paper
• Preschool-age story books
• Bubbles
• Hula hoops 
• Goo-Gone
• Staples 

Thank you for your generous support.

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.

Attention all children or anyone wishing to be part of the Palm Processional. Join Lynn in the Chapel 10 minutes before either the 9 a.m. or 11 a.m. services on Palm Sunday, April 13th, to be part of the Palm Processional.

Christ is Risen! Happy Easter! Children are invited to search for Easter Eggs during our Fellowship Time between services on Easter Sunday, April 20th! Infants through 5th Grade--and their parents--are encouraged to gather on the 15th St. sidewalk to meet with Lynn Warner for further instructions. No need to bring an Easter basket, we will provide bags. The egg hunt will only begin after the early service congregation has fully left the Sanctuary. Come, join the fun!

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.*

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).

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.

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.

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

Walter Futch who will undergo back surgery April 8th.

Rick Wells and his family following an emergency hospitalization while abroad.

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.

April 8: Ellen James, Steve Wilson
April 9: Dawn Lysne, Mary Beth Moore
April 11: Brian Johnson, Rachel March
April 12: Dana Gray, Sarah Cameron Rigby
April 14: Miles Crooks, Chay Huss, Megan Kash
April 15: Rick Garner, Eliza March, Joyce Whittaker

View our most recent Session Reports.