SACPC Weekly Updates for Nov. 11 - 18, 2025

Sunday, November 16, 2025

23rd Sunday after Pentecost

This Sunday

"When it feels like the world is ending, testify!"

Rev. Katherine B. Harrington
This Sunday, Katie will be preaching from Psalm 98 and Luke 21:5-19. There will also be a moment for mission about a special project from Kids Making it, scroll down for more details!

Previous Contemporary Worship

Previous Traditional Worship

Advent @ SACPC

ADVENT AT A GLANCE:
NOV 23: Advent Pancake Dinner & Craft Night, Youth Friendsgiving
NOV 26: Office closed at noon
NOV 27 - 28: Office closed
DEC 2: Giving Tuesday
DEC 14: Advent Music Sunday (both 9:00 am & 11:00 am services)
DEC 18: Winter's Eve Service
DEC 20: Living Nativity & Music on Market
DEC 24: 3:00 pm, 5:00 pm & 7:00 pm Christmas Eve Services
DEC 24 - 26: Offices closed
DEC 28: 10:00 am Unity Worship (one service, no Sunday School)
JAN 1 - 2: Offices closed
JAN 4: 10:00 am Unity Worship (one service)

Advent Daily Devotionals

Each year we purchase digital copies of the Presbyterian Outlook advent devotional for our congregation. This year's devotional is titled “Draw Near: Lighting the Advent Faith with Hope, Peace, Joy and Love.”  Click the button below to download a copy.

Announcements

Pumpkin Raffle!

by Rene Sasser
Thank you to everyone who supported the preschool's pumpkin raffle. It was a great success, and 4 lucky winners were happy to go home with their festive pumpkins!

Evelyn Estep - Mummy, 1s Class
Brittani Metts - Spider, 2s Class
Harper Merritt - Halloween Characters, 3s Class
Mary Scott Allen - Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, 4s Class

Thank you also to Barr-Evergreen for donating the pumpkins. If you shop for a Christmas tree there, thank them for their support.

Port City Power Yoga Turns 4!

FREE Week of Yoga NOV 17 - 23

by Katelyn Maginnes
Our gift to YOU as Port City Power Yoga celebrates 4 years! A FREE Week of Yoga November 17-23. All classes are free. Expect raffles, fun & connection. It's been a great 4 years on "the block" and we look forward to many more. Come take a class with us and see what we're all about. No experience necessary.

Sacred Timber Pre-Orders Start NOV 16

by Parker Lucas
Following the closure of the sanctuary, our pews were taken to be refurbished; most were structurally sound and will be returned to the sanctuary. A few were past their usefulness and no longer safe for use as pews. In order to preserve the sacredness of the pews, instead of scrapping the wood, we sent it to Kids Making It, a local nonprofit that teaches youth about creativity, patience, and perseverance through woodworking.

Kids Making It turned our unusable pews into angels and crosses that will be available for purchase this Sunday, November 16. Stop by the table located outside Brown Hall to pre-order your angels and crosses. The cost is $35/angel and $25/cross. Limit one of each per household. If families would like to purchase more than one of each a "wish list" will be available on a first come, first serve basis if extras are available.

The proceeds will be split between the artist and local missions. For more information, contact Laura Peterson and/or Rev. Parker Lucas.

Tree Giveaway on DEC 5!

by Earth Care Corner Tips
If you’re looking to add more life and beauty to your yard, the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees is hosting a tree giveaway. On Friday, December 5, from noon to 5:00pm, at Legion Stadium, each person may choose two trees from a variety of native trees.  Arborists and Tree Stewards will be available to offer guidance if needed.  Happy Planting.

What's in Session?

October 2025 Report

by Julian March
Rev. Harrington called the meeting to order and called on Nancy Trout, who offered a devotion and opened the meeting with prayer.  

Ends Discussion: Elders regularly receive education about our “ends,” or guiding principles of our church, to ensure alignment with our long-term strategic plans. Jack Richardson introduced a discussion on homelessness in our community and invited Kathy Denlinger to provide some information about the topic and the Good Shepherd Center. Kathy shared:

  • Wilmington has a housing shortage, particularly of entry-level and mid-market housing options, and rental prices have also increased significantly. Wilmington has working people who can’t afford housing and are assisted by the Good Shepherd Center, which has 100 beds in its emergency overnight shelter serving adults and children.
  • Since COVID-19, the overnight shelter beds have been at capacity. Since the Salvation Army has reopened its new shelter, this should help somewhat. Good Shepherd also offers case managers, daily hot meals and food distribution. Its Sgt. Eugene Ashley Memorial Center provides housing for veterans.  
  • SACPC provides ongoing support for Good Shepherd. Go and Serve’s budget includes $12,000 in financial support and we host periodic donation drives. SACPC volunteers, including youth, support the center via projects, meal preparation and picking up donated food from area grocery stores. Kathy encouraged prayers for Good Shepherd’s staff and 500+ volunteers.

October Presbytery Meeting: Elders Virginia Hager and Nancy Trout served as commissioners representing SACPC. Virginia shared information about Wingspan ILM, a campus ministry at UNCW, that receives support from both SACPC and the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina.

Follow up to retreat: Elders reflected on the September Session retreat, including items that were discussed and next steps.

Katie Harrington reported:
  • Katie turned it over to Rev. Parker Lucas for an update. Parker shared his recent attendance in an experience for new pastors that included a focus on core values and creating experiences and practices that inform your life. Parker acknowledged a level of hospitality at SACPC and a vitality to SACPC’s congregation, where people want to be involved. He looks forward to further engagement in discipleship and community building at SACPC. 
  • Katie shared she has officiated in several recent weddings, and will write a letter to First Presbyterian expressing thanks for their support in hosting SACPC during our ongoing sanctuary work. 
  • Stewardship Sunday is Nov. 9, and we are praying for this effort.  

Rev. Harrington adjourned the meeting with prayer.

Making Blankets and Cards for the Homeless

by Lynn Warner
Our children are working on making Christmas cards and tying blankets for the homeless during M&M and on Sunday morning. We will deliver the cards and blankets to First Fruits Ministry throughout the month of December and beyond as the need for blankets may very well continue. If you are interested in helping us prepare the blankets for the children to tie or take one home to work on yourself we would appreciate the help for this important ministry. Please email Lynn Warner or call 614-746-5797. Thank you in advance!

Thanksgiving Meal Collection Due NOV 16

by Kathleen Denlinger
We have an opportunity to work with our partner, the Good Shepherd Center, to help our less-fortunate neighbors have a special Thanksgiving meal. Please consider adding a few of these items to your grocery basket this week. Items needed: Instant Potatoes, Boxed Stuffing Mix, Canned Green Beans, Boxed Mac & Cheese, Canned Yams, Marshmallows, Cranberry Sauce, Jiffy Cornbread, Jarred Gravy, and Canned Corn.

There will be a bin in Brown Hall this Sunday, November 16, 2026 to collect the items.

Installation Service for Rev. Lucas

by Parker Lucas
Join us at 2 p.m. on Sunday, December 7th, in Brown Hall for Rev. Parker Lucas' Installation Service. Reception will follow after the service.

Donations Needed | Advent Craft Night

by Ann Danchak
The Fellowship Team is in need of fresh greenery cuttings to help make advent wreaths during our annual craft night. Bring your clippings to church on Sunday, November 23. See Ann Danchak for details.

Advent Greenery Donations Due DEC 14

Poinsettias and other greenery will add beauty to our Brown Hall worship space this Advent season. You have the opportunity to contribute to the cost of the decorations in memory or in honor of a special person. 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, December 14th.

Come Sing with Us!

Join the Choir for “The Living Last Supper” — singing selections from Handel’s Messiah

by Cindy Litzinger
Have you ever wanted to sing Handel’s Messiah but didn’t know where to start? Here’s your chance! This February, SACPC will present “The Living Last Supper,” a moving blend of music and drama that brings to life the story of Jesus’ final meal with His disciples. The choir will perform selections from Messiah as part of this powerful worship experience — and we’d love for YOU to join us!

Rehearsal Schedule (in the Choir Room):
 
Jan 7 – 7:00–8:00 pm
Jan 14 – 7:00–8:00 pm
Jan 21 – 7:00–8:00 pm
Jan 28 – 7:00–8:00 pm
Feb 4 – 7:00–8:00 pm
Feb 11 – 7:00–8:00 pm

Tech Week in Brown Hall:
 
Feb 17–19 (times TBD)
Feb 20 – Dress Rehearsal
Feb 21 – Performance | 7:30 pm
Feb 22 – Performance | 3:00 pm

FAQs:
Do I need to attend every rehearsal?
No — come when you can! We’d love to see you at as many as possible.

Do I need to read music?
Not at all! All are welcome — enthusiasm counts more than experience.

Can I invite a friend?
Absolutely! The more voices, the better.

Add your voice to this inspiring musical journey and help us share the story of Christ through the timeless beauty of Handel’s Messiah.

Taking Care of Our Coast with NC Coastal Federation

by Shelley Hobson
At POPS on Wednesday night, SACPC's Earth Care Team presented a program with geologist and NC Coastal Federation Program Director Kerri Allen. The talk was designed to educate us about caring for and protection of our beautiful coast and its vital wetlands.

The NC Coastal Federation is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting and restoring North Carolina's coast through a combination of habitat restoration, environmental education, and advocacy for strong environmental policies. Their work includes improving water quality, restoring salt marshes and oyster reefs, reducing marine debris like lost fishing gear, and developing living shorelines to combat erosion and storm damage.

To find out more about how you can help the NC Coastal Federation protect our coast, here are some resources and ways to get involved:
Sign up for Coastal Review Online daily news briefs:
Sign up for NC Coastal Federation's newsletter:
Sign up to receive volunteer notification:
Become a member:

We Are Still Collecting Toothpaste!

by Jen Phelps
Every Christmas - our youth group supports the Fommunity Resource Council in providing Christmas gifts to the men at our local prison.

We are collecting full size, adult toothpastes (400 of them, to be exact) and would love your help! We have 300 so far. Help us reach our goal!

Bring toothpastes to any youth at any time, or to the lower level youth space on Sunday mornings or Wednesday nights through November 19th. THANK YOOOOOOUUUUU!

Holy Happenings @ SACPC 

Finding Resilience, Joy, and Our Identity in Jesus Christ

by Katherine Brandi
Presbyterian Women's Bible Study
NOV 11, 12 & 13 | 10:00 am

Dining Rm
November’s Presbyterian Women’s Bible study will be led by Katherine Brandi.  The theme is "Jesus Is Tested." Christ’s wilderness experience shows us that when our lives are dangerous and frightening, we are not alone.  Main scripture passage is from Luke 4:1-13, other brief references from old and new testament.

Chillin with the Church(folks)

Chillin with Church(folks)
NOV 16 | 4:00 pm

Flying Machine Brewing
Looking for time to connect with your fellow church folks, of all ages, outside of the walls of SACPC? Please drop in and join us at Flying Machine Brewing (3130 Randall Parkway) from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, November 16th.

POPS Program: Game Night

Game Night
NOV 19 | 6:30 pm

Brown Hall
For our last POPS program of 2025 - our YOUTH will be hosting a game night in Brown Hall. Stick around after dinner and play with your church family - there will be something for everyone!

Advent Pancake Dinner & Craft Night

Advent Pancake Dinner & Craft Night
NOV 23 | 5:00 pm
Brown Hall
Kick-off the season of Advent with our annual Pancake Dinner & Craft Night. There will be crafts and Advent wreath making for families of all ages to make and take home to deepen your faith journeys through the holidays.  This is a fun time for the whole family!

Advent Music Sunday

Advent Music Sunday
DEC 14 | 9:00 am & 11:00 am
Brown Hall
Experience the beauty of Advent through meaningful music, powerful readings, and a spirit of joyful anticipation as we prepare our hearts for Christmas. This year's theme is “Celebrating the coming of Christ — the Light of the World — through Scripture, reflection, and song.”

The 9:00 a.m. service will feature our Contemporary Worship musicians along with the children of the church. The 11:00 am service will feature the Adult Choir and instrumental soloists.

Winter's Eve Service

Winter's Eve Service
DEC 18 | 7:00 pm

Choir Rm
Between the joy and gratitude of Christmas and Thanksgiving, a space of darkness lingers as nights get longer. Join us for a service that acknowledges the dark and light aspects of our lives through meditation, reflection, and renewal during this Advent season.

Living Nativity

Living Nativity
DEC 20 |6:00 pm - 7:30 pm

15 St. Lawn
We are changing the date of annual Living Nativity. Our youth ministry will present their annual Living Nativity on Saturday, December 20 before the Music on Market concert. Both events are free and open to the public.

Music on Market | Wilmington Voices

Wilmington Voices "Songs of the Season"
DEC 20 | 7:30 pm

Brown Hall
Music on Market  is thrilled to welcome back Wilmington Voices to our concert series for an evening of choral music celebrating the season! The spirit of the holidays comes alive through the magic of choral music. This captivating concert celebrates the warmth, joy, and beauty of the holiday season, inviting audiences of all ages to gather and share in the festive cheer. Experience the power of live performance as Wilmington Voices takes you on a journey through beloved holiday classics.

Committed to fostering community and connection, Wilmington Voices brings together diverse groups across New Hanover County and beyond. Join us for a delightful concert filled with melodies that uplift the spirit and showcase the incredible talent of these dedicated musicians.

Christmas Eve @ SACPC

Christmas Eve Services
Wednesday, December 24 
3:00 pm  |  5:00 pm  |  7:00 pm
Brown Hall
This year, all Christmas Eve worship services will be in Brown Hall while our Sanctuary undergoes much needed renovations. Each service will feature traditional music of the season, candlelight and communion. A nursery will be provided during our 3:00 pm & 5:00 pm services.

Music | Contact Cindy Litzinger

Ringing, Laughing and Mummy-Making!

Adult Handbells Enjoy a Night of Fun and Fellowship

The SACPC Adult Handbell Choir traded handbells for laughter recently at a special evening of games, food, and friendship! Instead of ringing chords, we were busy wrapping each other up — literally — during a “Dress the Mummy” contest. Teams competed to see who could create the best mummy using rolls (and rolls!) of toilet paper, and the results were as entertaining as they were creative.

The night was a perfect reminder that our music ministry is as much about community and joy as it is about making beautiful music together. We’re so grateful for the spirit and fellowship of this wonderful group. Whether we’re ringing bells or rolling up mummies, there’s always room for fun, faith, and friendship in the bell choir!

Go & Serve | Contact Gary Smith

November Donation Drive

Angel Tree

The Go and Serve team will be collecting donations for the Salvation Army Angel Tree during the month of November. This is our opportunity to provide a joyful Christmas for children who otherwise would go without. The tree with "Angels" will be in the Gathering Area beginning November 9. Please choose one or more "Angels," purchase some or all of the items on the list, and return them unwrapped with the child's tag attached to the gathering area before November 30.

PrayGround

Our PrayGround in Brown Hall is provided for families with young children. Children can be involved in quiet activities as they and their families worship at our morning services. The children are encouraged to be involved in the service and play quietly or dance as they worship!

M&M (Music & More) Children Pack Mercy Pouches

In the "More" portion of M&M we are talking about being Peacemakers and one way we can show this is by caring for others. We had a small but mighty group last week who really took seriously talking about the problem of homelessness and enthusiastially putting together Mercy Pouches for those in need. They were all excited to take one with them to pass out to people they see on the side of the road!

Dive Deep Into God's Word

Last Sunday in our Dive Deep Into God's Word Bible class we explored what it was like for the early Christians called the "People of the Way." They had to meet in secret for fear of being arrested. They didn't have Bibles - printing presses weren't around yet, and it was dangerous for them to meet.

We tried to imagine what this would have been like by acting out the situation. The Youth class helped us by being Roman soldiers asking us where we were going. We casually drew with our foot half of a fish - if the person stopping us drew the other half we knew they were safe and would let us continue on our way. The sign of the fish, ICTHUS, letters of the Greek alphabet standing for Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior was an early symbol that helped the Christians as they met in secret.

We talked about how thankful we are that they continued to spread the Good News!

Children's Events

November DGroups

D-Groups
NOV 19 | 6:30 pm
Brown Hall
Middle and high school students gather for fellowship, Bible study and our small group ministry every other Wednesday night.

For our last DGroup of the fall season we will host a Game Night for the POPS Program. Meet in Brown Hall at 6:30 pm. We will then go to the Lower Level afterward Game Night for devotions and small group time. See Jen Phelps for more details.

***NOTE: We are asking all students to use the Brown Hall entrance for DGroups. Student drivers please park near the tennis courts. Parent pick-up should also be near the Brown Hall doors.

Friendsgiving

Friendsgiving
NOV 23 | 6:30 pm
Lower Level
Middle & High School students are welcome.

Youth will gather in the lower level following the Advent Pancake event for fellowship and a celebration of friendship and ALL THE THANKSGIVING SIDES!

Pajama Jam Putt Putt

Pajama Jam Putt Putt
DEC 14 | 7:00 pm
Surf's Up Mini Golf

FREE EVENT!!
We are taking our annual Christmas party - The Pajama Jam - on the road for a night of Putt Putt in Carolina Beach. Open to all middle and high school students. Friends are welcome, but ALL must register online by Friday 12/12.

Let us know if you are meeting us there or want a ride to a from the church. Meet at SACPC at 6pm to carpool or meet at Surf's Up at 6:45pm.

This event is FREE!!!

High School Ski Trip

High School Ski Trip
FEB 6 - 9

Wintergreen Resort

Cost: Starts at $275
Early registration opens NOV 19 for JUNIORS & SENIORS ONLY!! Registration for all high school students opens Sunday, Dec 7 @ 8 PM.

High school students are invited to ski Wintergreen this February! We will leave midday on Friday and return Monday evening (Monday is a teacher workday for New Hanover County Schools).

Juniors and Seniors get priority! (this is their last ski trip...).

The cost starts at $275/person. HOW IS THE TRIP SO CHEAP?!? Because it covers transportation, food and lodging - but NOT ski rentals or lift tickets. Students will need to make those arrangements separately directly through Wintergreen's website.

Youth Events

GIVING | Contact Susan Dykes

September 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 November 11, 2025

Click here to access the complete CareLine.
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 Grieve For:

Stephanie Williams’ mother, Cynthia, who passed away 11-3-25.

We Celebrate:

NHHS boys’ football team who won their first playoff game.

We Pray For:

Kent Anderson who fell from a high ladder and has a badly fractured heel bone.  Surgery was last week and he remains non weight bearing with orders to keep the leg elevated.

Kristen Roeder-LoMonaco who received a recent diagnosis of recurring cancer.  

Lynn Atkinson who has surgery planned for November 21st.

Immediate News:

We pray for those who face food insecurity and for the ability of food banks to help meet their needs.

Service Personnel:

Billy Purdom (USS Stout DDG ), Smith Beacham (Poland/Germany), Jack Looney (USS Carl Vinson, San Diego, CA) , Samuel Makepeace (Fort Benning, 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 |  Nov. 11 - 18, 2025

November 11: Carol Jennings, Scott Miller
November 12: Eliza Johnson
November 13: Caroline Lawrence, Bill Smith
November 14: Sallie Bridger
November 17: Aiden Schaller, Luke Schaller
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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