SACPC Weekly Updates for Apr. 15 - 22, 2025

Sunday, April 20, 2025

Easter Sunday

This Sunday

"grief & hope"

Rev. Katherine B. Harrington
It doesn't matter where you find yourself in the extremes of daily life--resurrection is for you. This story is for you. Join us Easter Sunday as Katie leads us in worship with scripture from Luke 24:1-12 as we meet God [in] between the extremes of grief & hope.

There's no Sunday School this week. Instead, all are invited to celebrate Easter Fellowship on the Lawn in between both worship services.

Previous Contemporary Worship

Previous Traditional Worship

Holy Week & Easter @ SACPC

Spotlight on a Saint

Supporting our Good Shepherd Neighbors

by Kathy Denlinger
The Good Shepherd Center was thrilled to receive our donation of pantry items from the March Go-and-Serve donation project. These items help enable our less fortunate neighbors to make ends meet in their own homes. Thank you!

Announcements

Easter Sunday Artist's Walk

by Emily Vassar

"The Rising Son"

Featured Artist: Beth Davis

If you’ve ever been in Rev. Harrington’s office, you’ve seen her assortment of decorative stoles hanging on the wall. Each one has a story behind it and most are handmade. When Katie discovered Beth Davis’ talents in the fabric arts, she asked Beth to make several stoles for her to fill in gaps in the liturgical year.  

Beth’s talent comes naturally. Her mother was a hand-weaver and quilter, and Beth has childhood memories of going with her to craft shows most weekends. Quilt-making is a fun, creative outlet for her and she has generously gifted and donated many quilts over the years. Last year, Beth made stoles for each confirmand (14 stoles in all) that will be used in services for each class in the future. She also made the parament and stole for Advent.  

Her beautiful designs and handiwork will be enjoyed at SACPC for years to come. Now you’ll see the joy of Easter morning in both her Easter parament and pastors’ stoles. Beth was inspired by the image of the sun rising on the empty cross — a simple and profound symbol of the victory of Christ’s resurrection.

"Light for My Path"

Art provided by : Laura & Tex Peterson

Also available on display during Easter Sunday, is an old stained glass window with a Bible design. This art was a gift to Laura & Tex Peterson from their parents many years ago. It was bought from a London antique market. For the Peterson Family, it represents God’s word being the light in the world to bring Hope, Peace and Love to all.

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.” — Psalm 119:105

Saints Alive on Vacation Next Week!

by Emily Donovan
Our weekly Saints Alive newsletter will take a short pause next week and resume again on Tuesday, April 29th. 

Welcome New Member

Kristen LoMonaco

by Shelia Woods
Kristen joined on March 16, 2025, moving to Wilmington to be near her daughter and grandchildren. Kristen visited several churches but feels SACPC is a good fit and is enjoying our fellowship. Kristen is a 3x survivor and has served many HOAs over the years.

Welcome Kristen!  We’re so glad you’re here!

In Search of a Refrigerator!

by Jen Phelps
Lynn and Jen would love to have a refrigerator in the basement, closer to the kids' classrooms. If you are spring cleaning or upgrading your own appliances - please consider donating your gently used and still functioning refrigerator to the church.  Contact Jen for more details or to donate.

SAVE THE DATE | Senior Sunday on June 1st

by Jen Phelps
Our high school seniors will be leading worship at both services on Sunday, June 1st. Please join us to celebrate them.

March Financial Updates

by Susan Dykes
Click the link below to view March's financial highlights.

Camp Fusion Volunteers Needed

by Lynn Warner
We are gearing up for a wonderful week of Camp Fusion - June 16 - 20! The theme this year is: "Camp Fusion: Putting our Trust in God!"

It's going to be a wonderful week, but we can't do this successfully without YOU!!! We are in need of volunteers in the following areas:

Preschool Leaders - shepherding and leading our preschoolers to their various activities - morning only

Leaders for our K-1, 2nd-3rd and 4th-5th grade classes - actually shepherding children

Storytellers - sharing the story of the day with four different age groups during the morning

Craft helpers - helping with crafts that have already been planned with various age groups in the morning

Afternoon help with our various age groups as they travel to different activities - afternoon only

Kitchen help - helping to prepare and serve lunches to our elementary children and staff - a couple of people each day would be great! Evelyn Estep is organizing the kitchen and will be there each day.

General help - volunteer to do little things that need to be done to fill in or be an extra set of hands! Any and all help is truly appreciated!  Please contact Lynn Warner to volunteer, ask questions or for further information!

ONE GREAT HOUR OF SHARING

by Lynn Warner
THANK YOU to all who came forward on Palm Sunday to place your fish box, check, jar, or whatever means you used to donate to OGHS. If you were not able to be here or still want to donate to this very worthy offering it is not too late. You can donate on Easter Sunday in the offering plate or send  your donation to the church by check or through online giving!

Adult Education Celebration

by Sue McCaffray
Students and teachers in all adult Sunday school and mid-week classes are invited to celebrate our "school year" and thank our teachers on Sunday, May 25th during the Sunday school hour (10:00 am - 11:00 am) in the Dining Room. We will also recognize the service of the Connette-Covenant class as its mission comes to a close. Light refreshments and a time to socialize. Join us!

Office Closure on Easter Monday

by Catheryn Thomas
The office will be closed Monday, April 21, for the staff to enjoy time off after a busy Holy Week. We will open again on Tuesday the 22nd, normal business hours.

Zacchaeus

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. 

Support for Church World Service

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.

Tips for an EGG-CELLENT Earth-friendly Easter

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.

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.

Holy Happenings @ SACPC 

Maundy Thursday Worship

Maundy Thursday Worship
APR 17 | 7:00 pm

Sanctuary
Join us at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary on Maundy Thursday as Rev. Parker Lucas leads us in worship with special music from our Adult Choir. Communion will be served.

Good Friday Worship

Good Friday Worship
APR 18 | 7:00 pm

Sanctuary
Join us at 7:00 pm in the Sanctuary for our Good Friday worship experience. This will be a Tenebrae service with music led by our Contemporary Worship Team. Tenebrae means "darkness" in Latin. Join us for this somber reflection on Christ's suffering, death, and burial through scripture readings, music, and the gradual extinguishing of candles.

Easter Fellowship on the Lawn

Fellowship on the Lawn
APR 20 | 10:00 am
15th St. Lawn
Join us for our annual Easter Fellowship on the Lawn. We'll gather on the 15th St. lawn at 10:00 am between both worship services to celebrate Easter as a church family. Please bring your favorite finger foods to share and fresh-cut flowers from your home gardens for our flower cross. This is a rain-or-shine event. The rain location is Brown Hall.

There will be an Easter Egg hunt for children--see Lynn Warner for more details.

Young at Heart April Social

Young at Heart April Social
APR 25 | 6:30 pm

Wrightsville Beach Brewery
We’ve had great participation in our last two events. Let’s keep it going! Join us on Friday, April 25th at Wrightsville Beach Brewery!
 
Who: Adults 25-60 years old
What: Young at Heart Social
Where: Wrightsville Beach Brewery, 6201 Oleander Dr.
When: Friday, April 25 at 6:30 p.m.

Contact MK Campbell for details or to learn how to join the group chat via the SACPC mobile app.

Family Canoe & Kayak Trip

Family Canoe &Kayak Trip
APR 26 |7:00 am

Black River
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.

SACPC Over The Bridge Social

SACPC Over the Bridge Social
MAY 1 | 6:30 pm

Leland Brewing Co.
Do you live in Leland and drive ‘over the bridge’ to worship at SACPC? You’re not alone! Mark your calendar to attend the first SACPC OVER THE BRIDGE SOCIAL MEET-UP!

We’ll be gathering:

Thursday, May 1st at 6:30 p.m.
Leland Brewing Company (Outdoor Patio)
2115 Ale Ave.
Leland, NC 28451

All ages are invited and there’s space for kids to run around.
Adult and non-adult beverages are available for purchase.

Feel free to bring an easy snack/app to share.

Questions? Contact Kathy Denlinger

Let Justice Roll Down Bible Study

Sustaining Creation's Health for All

Let Justice Roll Down Bible Study
MAY 8, 13 or 14 | 10:00 am

Dining Rm
May's Let Justice Roll Down Bible study will be led by Beth Cherry. The theme is Sustaining Creation's Health for All. Scripture and modern science help us see nature’s wisdom more clearly and lead us to seek just ways to care for the earth and one another. We will explore scripture from Genesis 1:29-30; Psalm 104; Isaiah 2:1-5; Micah 4:1-4; Matthew 13:31-32.

All are invited to attend. The same lesson will be given on May 8th, 13th and 14th at 10:00 am in Dining Room. See Katherine Brandi for details.

Music | Contact Cindy Litzinger

Harmony at the Table

A Maundy Thursday Musical Collaboration

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

A Service of Darkness and Shadows

Good Friday Tenebrae Service

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.

Go & Serve | Contact Gary Smith

April Donation Drive

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:  

  • 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 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.

Children | Contact Lynn Warner

Easter Egg Hunt

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!

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. 

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.*

Children's Events

Youth | Contact Jen Phelps

One More DGroup!

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

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.
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.

Youth Events

GIVING | Contact Susan Dykes

March 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 April 15, 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

We Pray:

Walter Futch who is in rehab following back surgery on April 8th.

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

More participation in the mission team for western NC

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.

Birthday Celebrations |  APR 15 - 22, 2025

April 15: Rick Garner, Eliza March, Joyce Whittaker
April 16: Scott Lund, Robin Mortenson, Lee Wilson
April 17: Thomas Murray, Sophie Richardson
April 18: Fred Murray
April 19: Dan O’Connor
April 20: Ben Ivey, Jordan McEwen
April 21: Becky Barefoot, Kay Hein, Linda Smith
April 22: Jeff Denlinger, William Hobbs, Amy Smith
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.

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