SACPC Weekly Updates for July 29 - Aug. 5, 2025

July 29th, 2025

Sunday, August 3, 2025

8th Sunday after Pentecost

This Sunday

"Joyfully Present & Prayerfully Connected"

Rev. Katherine B. Harrington

Katie leads us in worship with scripture coming from Philippians 4:4-9. During August, members of the congregation will share personal stories of how SACPC has impacted their lives. Our capital campaign prayer team will assist with worship. All are invited to enjoy coffee & fellowship in the chapel directly follow worship.

Previous Contemporary Worship

SACPC(USA) | June 29, 2025 | 9:00 am Contemporary Worship

Jun 29, 2025

SACPC(USA) | June 22, 2025 | 9:00 am Contemporary Worship

Jun 22, 2025

SACPC(USA) | June 15, 2025 | 9:00 am Contemporary Worship

Jun 15, 2025

Previous Traditional Worship

SACPC(USA) | July 27, 2025 | 10:00 am Combined Worship

Jul 27, 2025

SACPC(USA) | July 20, 2025 | 10:00 am Combined Worship

Jul 20, 2025 • Rev. Katherine B. Harrington

SACPC(USA) | July 13, 2025 | 10:00 am Combined Worship

Jul 13, 2025

Joyfully Present &
Prayerfully Connected

Weekly Prayer Connection

by Beth Cherry & Parker Lucas

As we think and pray about our capital campaign during August, the Prayer Team would like to offer these thoughts to possibly include in your own quiet time:

Oh Lord,
We are filled with gratitude for your steadfast love.
As we go about our daily lives and ministries this week help us to be
joyfully present and keep us prayerfully connected to You and each other,
Guide us in the role You want us to play
at St. Andrews Covenant Presbyterian Church.
Amen.

As we enter into a season of gratitude, allow the above prayer to inform how we respond with joy to the aspirational work we are doing in our lives and the life of SACPC. These prayers, written by fellow congregants, are meant to help plant seeds of gratitude so we can bear fruit (or leaves)!

The Joy Tree, pictured above, is an example of how we can share the fruit of our joyful labor and work in this church and the broader community. Take time this week to be grounded in this prayer and journal or write about the joy-filled fruit and leaves you aspire to bear this season!

When you visit the church, stop by the 15th St. Lobby to "leaf" some gratitude on how you feel prayerfully connected to Jesus and SACPC.

Announcements

Save the Date | Rev. Parker Lucas's Installation Service

Join us on Sunday, August 17th at 2:00 p.m. to celebrate the installation of Associate Pastor Rev. Parker Lucas. There will be a brief reception following the service in the chapel.

Men's Football Ministry: Calling all Men

by David Massey

We are excited to continue our Football Ministry, this being our 7th season in a row supporting the New Hanover High School football team. This is an impactful men's ministry allowing us the opportunity to get to know the young men that live in our neighborhood and hopefully build relationships. We provide the "Team Meal" on Thursdays for the entire season, starting September 4th from 5:30 to 6:30 pm in Brown Hall. So, if you're looking for a ministry to get involved with, please join your fellow men. Please feel free to call me should you have any questions. Go Wildcats!

David Massey (910-617-8546)

Lost and Found and Books, Oh My!

by Catheryn Thomas

Over the next few weeks, there will be two tables set up in the Chapel on the platform. One will have books that are free to a good home; the other will have the myriad items from our lost and found collection - which is overflowing. Please feel free to take any books that spark your interest. And if you have lost something (a water bottle, a pair of glasses), maybe that item is here. Thank you!

What's So Amazing About Grace?

by Sue McCaffray

Join our spirited Zoom group of Thursday night Disciples as we ponder Philip Yancey's classic book. We meet on Thursdays, October. 2-Nov. 6, 6:30-8:00 pm. Each week we read a couple chapters from the participant's guide and view a video together as we discuss. Reading Yancey's original book is optional. Contact Dave Hoff to sign up and for more information. We'd love to have you!

Spirit, Open My Heart:
A Celebration of Beauty, Joy, and Peace

by Sue McCaffray

Save the Date!

Each one of us is created in the image of God. This means that there is a divine spark of the Holy Spirit within every one of us. The purpose of this retreat is to open our hearts to that spark, letting it shine and glow. Mark your calendars for our one-day fall Spiritual Life retreat on Saturday, October 25, 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, at the beautiful Southport Presbyterian Church, led by our old friend Rev. Ann Jahnes.

Registration will be required, and details will follow shortly. Men and women of all ages welcome.

Food & Fellowship | Volunteers & Supplies Needed

by Ann Danchak

On August 3, 10, and 17 we will host sweets, coffee, lemonade and water after worship until 11:30 am. Our Food & Fellowship Team is looking for volunteers to donate cookies/sweet bites, lemonade, and helpers to set up/clean-up. Please contact Nancy Trout at 910-599-0622 if you are able to help.

Historic Sanctuary photos

by Catheryn Thomas

Some of you have been around SACPC long enough to know the basic history of our church - and specifically the history of our Sanctuary. There are two significant dates for our Sanctuary: 1917, when that part of the building was completed; and 1958. What happened that year? The congregation had completed major renovations to the building - including turning the sanctuary pews and pulpit 180 degrees!

It’s a bit hard to imagine what it must have looked like. But now we can see it, due to a gracious gift of historic photos from Mrs. Ruth Sprunt Johnson, daughter of Rev. James Sprunt, granddaughter of Rev. Alexander Sprunt and great-niece of James and William Sprunt, instrumental in our church’s history. The two photos, taken in 1926, are now framed and displayed in the 15th Street entrance.

It's wonderful to see these historic images alongside the beautiful rendering of what our Sanctuary will look like after our upcoming renovation. What changes can you see from that time to now? Enjoy!

POPS Programs Return SEP 10

by Sue McCaffray

POPS planners are lining up educational and inspirational programs to Prepare Our People for Service after dinner on Wednesday nights (6:30 pm - 7:30 pm). Mark your calendar for our September events:

SEP 10: Back-to-school fun with the Ukuholics Ukulele band
SEP 17: Let's Talk About Social Righteousness and Justice
SEP 24: This year's Malawi team reports on their recent visit and the state of our partnership

All are invited to join us for dinner in Brown Hall from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm.

New Confirmation Class Coming Soon

by Jen Phelps

We will be holding a Confirmation class during the upcoming school year. If you are, or have, a rising 8th or 9th Grader (or older that would like to participate) please contact Jen Phelps. Even if you are unsure about what Confirmation is or if it is for you - let Jen know!

We will be having a Confirmation Contemplation meeting soon for any who are interested.

CONTACT JEN

Attention Rising 6th Graders!

by Jen Phelps

Families of Rising 6th Graders: NOW is the time to contact Jen Phelps about getting your child involved in our youth ministry. Email Jen ASAP.

CONTACT JEN

Holy Happenings @ SACPC

"How We Learn to be Brave" Summer Book Group

Summer Reading Club
"How We Learn to be Brave"
JUL 30 | 4:00 pm
Living Faith Rm 214

Join us as we read this book by Mariann Edgar Budde, one chapter at a time, and meet for informal discussion on Wednesdays, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm in Room 214 (Living Faith). If you would like to meet via Zoom please contact Sue McCaffray.

CONTACT SUE

Walking in the Word July Bible Study

Walking in the Word
AUG 3 | 9:00 am
Rm 236

The Walking in the Word Sunday School class invites you to join us during the Sundays in July and August as we meet from 9:00 - 10:00 am and continue our study of Acts.

August Coffee & Fellowship Time

Coffee & Fellowship
AUG 3, 10, & 17 | 11:00 am
Chapel

For August, our Fellowship Team invites everyone to join us in the Chapel after worship for sweet treats, coffee, water, and lemonade.

Back To School Blessing

Back to School Blessing
AUG 24 | 10:00 am
Sanctuary

The majority of our local public schools will start a new school year at the end of August. What better way to begin the school year than by being with your church community and receiving a special blessing to start the year off right!

We invite all students, teachers, parents and grandparents to join us for a special Back to School Blessing on Sunday, August 24th at the 10:00 am combined worship service. It's also Commitment Sunday. We will celebrate with a lunch in Brown Hall following worship.

Capital Campaign Commitment Sunday

Capital Campaign Commitment Sunday
AUG 24 | 10:00 am
Sanctuary

Join us for one joyful worship service at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary, followed by a celebration luncheon in Brown Hall. Together, we’ll affirm our faith and shared calling to be Joyfully Present & Prayerfully Connected by turning in our 3-year commitment cards during the meal.

Music | Contact Cindy Litzinger

Adult Choir Practices Begin Sept. 3

Our choir brings together individuals who love to worship through music. We rehearse weekly and sing during the 11:00 am traditional worship service and for special worship events (i.e. Christmas Eve, Easter, etc.). Whether you're a seasoned vocalist or a beginner, all are welcome! Come and share your voice and make a joyful noise with us. Practice begins Wednesday, September 3 in the Choir Rm. See Angela Burns for details.

Exciting News! New Handbell Group Forming!

We are truly blessed by the wonderful interest in our handbell ministry. We've had folks express a desire to join our group and in order to make a space for all to continue to enjoy the job of making music together, we're forming a second bell choir!

Whether you're a seasoned ringer or new to handbells, we invite you to join us.

Here are the details:

When: Thursdays, 10:00 am - 11:00 am beginning Sept. 18th
Where: Handbell Room
Questions? Cindy Litzinger

Thank you for your support as we continue to expand our music ministry together.

CONTACT CINDY

We're Hiring | Contemporary Worship Director

St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church is looking to hire a Contemporary Music Director to join our team. This position offers the unique opportunity to lead an already established group of dedicated volunteers and skilled paid musicians who share a common goal of enhancing our worship experience through music. If you're passionate about music and ministry, we'd love to hear from you! For more information, please our full job description.

LEARN MORE

Go & Serve | Contact Gary Smith

Feed School Kids in when School Starts

August Donation Drive

This month children in our county are either getting ready to return to school or, in the case of our year-round schools, are already in the classroom. For some of those children, the beginning of school means a return to regular meals, community, and much more stability than they’ve had during the summer.

Once school starts, many of these children will be provided with free breakfasts and lunches, but snacks that they can either eat during or after school are also important. Some of you may not be aware that teachers often purchase such snacks themselves. Please prayerfully consider helping fill these students' bellies this month. Donations needed:

granola bars
fruit or applesauce cups
individually-packaged crackers
pudding cups
small water bottles or juice pouches

Donations may be delivered to the table in the 15th Street lobby. Thank you!

Children | Contact Lynn Warner

Save the Date | Family Beach Night

Family Beach Night
AUG 17 | 5:30 pm
Ft. Fisher State Park

Join us at Fort Fisher State Park (Kure Beach) for a SACPC Family Beach Night! Bring a picnic dinner for your family. We will provide ice cream treats. Come fellowship and enjoy God's beautiful creation together!

Children's Events

Youth | Contact Jen Phelps

End of Summer Party!

By popular demand - we are spending more time at Bill's! We will gather Sunday night, August 10th from 6:30 - 8pm. There will be walking tacos and water fun. Friends are welcome!

Youth Lock-In

Our annual lock-in event for middle and high school students! This year, we will be in the main church building. Friends are welcome - just warn Jen how many you are bringing so we can plan accordingly!

Youth $5 Putt Putt

Middle and high school students are invited for a night out at the new Surf's Up Mini Golf in Carolina Beach. Friends are welcome, but advance registration is required - and let us know if you want to ride with us to and from the church or meet us there.

Youth Events

GIVING | Contact Susan Dykes

June 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.

GIVE ONLINE

CareLine Updates as of July 29, 2025

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 For:

Soaring As Eagles Pre-K Jumpstart program which is in its last week at our church — prayers for the children and their families, for the teachers, Kim Ceasar, staff and volunteers.

Barbara Berberich’s sister, Pat, who is hospitalized with a severe bone infection in her hand that is not responding to antibiotics. She will likely need surgery. Please pray for her, her care team, and her family.

Participants in the CROSS Trip in Charlotte, NC July 27 - August 1st: Brooklyn Johnson, Elle Lathan, Finn Donovan, Josie Harrington, Max Harrington, Mirabelle Donovan, Silas Lockamy, Jeff Denlinger and Jen Phelps .

Rev. Jerrod B. Lowry, who was recently diagnosed with colon cancer.

Steve Wallace’s cousin, Nancy, has recently finished chemotherapy treatments and will be receiving immunotherapy treatments for an extended period. Her last scan found a new tumor, which her doctor hopes will be addressed by the residual chemo and continuing immunotherapy treatments.

Gary Howell who was hit by a car July 26th and suffered a broken ankle.

Teachers and students who will soon be returning to school.

Service Personnel:

Billy Purdom (USS Stout DDG ), Smith Beacham (Poland/Germany), Jack Looney (USS Carl Vinson, San Diego, CA) , Samuel Makepeace (Fort Moore, Georgia), Brennan Litzinger (Fort Bliss, Texas), Mikayla Reifert (Tinker AForce base in Oklahoma), 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 | July 29 - Aug. 5, 2025

July 30: Jerrod Lowry
July 31: Pen Galloway
August 1: Beth Davis
August 2: Kelly Hawkins, Eric Pilson, Paula Sneeden
August 3: Jason Swain, Lyda Williams
August 4: Linda Bron
August 5: Nancy Brown, Mac Lathan, Ashley Snyder

View our most recent Session Reports.

June 2025 Session Report

May 2025 Session Report

April 2025 Session Report

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.