Katie leads us in worship with scripture coming from Isaiah 11:1-10. We continue to explore visions from the prophet Isaiah of God's future encouraging us, and challenging us, to believe in a time when peace and justice reign for all. We will ask ourselves, is our faith in Christ daring enough to believe that God's future is right in front of us. 

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.

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.

Jesse Tree devotionals are still available. The devotional includes a printed tree with 25 ornaments to mark each day through Advent. Contact Lynn Warner to reserve your copy.

by Rene Sasser

Mark your calendars for Thursday, December 4, and join us for a delicious way to support our preschool! From 4:00 - 8:00 PM, Panera on 3506 Oleander Dr will generously donate 30% of net sales to our preschool when you dine in person. You only need to show them a copy of this flyer or order at the kiosk and use the code FUND4U before paying.  

Prefer to eat breakfast or lunch, want to order online or on the app, want to pick-up a to go order? Great news — online and app orders count all day long! Just be sure to enter the code, FUND4U, before paying.

Your participation helps us fund programs, supplies, and experiences that make our preschool such a special place for our children. So grab your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and eat at Panera on December 4!

Thank you for supporting our school community — one bite at a time.

by Shelley Hobson

Need a meaningful Christmas gift idea for family members and friends?  Make a donation in their names to SACPC's Malawi Education Fund.

For fifteen years, hundreds of young people and children of our partners at Chuluchosema church in Malawi have benefitted from our generosity. Preschoolers receive classroom materials and a daily meal of enriched porridge. Primary School kids are given shoes, uniforms, and book bags. Secondary school students get help with their school fees.  The Saturday vocational training program provides teaching in tailoring, woodworking and construction and a much-needed meal.

Make your donation either online or by writing a check. Be sure to note that your gift is for Malawi Education. Gift cards for stocking stuffing or wrapping are available.

If you have donated before, please do it again!  If you have never participated in this ministry, today is a good day to start!

Zikomo!
The Malawi Partnership Team

by Julian March

Rev. Harrington called the meeting to order and called on Jim Benson, who offered a devotion and opened the meeting with prayer.  

Safety and security: The Session supports the staff in launching a task force to evaluate safety and security at SACPC. The effort will involve researching best practices and creating/updating relevant policies and procedures. The task force will fall under the Building and Grounds Committee. 

Ends update: Elders held an annual retreat in September and evaluated the SACPC’s “ends,” or guiding principles of our church, and reflected on updates to the ends. As a follow-up to this discussion, the session approved the creation of a task force to continue this work. The task force will bring a recommendation to the Session for future action.

HVAC project update: Jim Benson shared the crawlspace of the sanctuary has been encapsulated, most of the equipment is in place downstairs and the work is on schedule.

New officers: December’s Session meeting will include examination of new officers. Installation and ordination of new officers will occur at both worship services on January 11, 2026.

Katie Harrington reported:

• For a stewardship update, the church has received 135 pledge cards though we are anticipating more to come in. 
• Finance is working to showcase information about capital campaign in Saint’s Alive, in addition to the operating campaign. 
• The Advent pancake and craft night went well, thanks to the fellowship, children and youth ministries for their involvement. 
• A reminder to take note of and welcome visitors during the Advent season. 

Rev. Harrington adjourned the meeting with prayer.

by Christian Education Staff

NO CHILDREN, YOUTH OR ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL ON DEC 28 OR JAN 4. Note: Venture class does NOT meet DEC 14 and Walking in the Word WILL meet at 9:00 am on JAN 4. Our regular Sunday School schedule returns JAN 11 at 10:00 am.

Here's what some of our adult classes are studying. Join us! Each of these classes is happy to welcome newcomers or explorers.

Evans-Feezor Men’s Class (Room 215) continues with The Present Word. In December our topic is “Our Holy God and the Holy Scriptures”, in January 2026 it is “Grace and Reconciliation” and in February we study “The Church and its Teachings”.

Living Faith (Room 214) continues with Feasting on the Word lectionary-based scripture lessons, generally mirroring the week’s preaching and youth/children classes. Focusing this year on the Gospel of Matthew and seasonally appropriate scriptures.

Stillpoint Women’s Class (on MONDAYS AT 5 PM via Zoom). Our current book is “The Book of Forgiving,” by Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu. Contact Shelley Hobson or Lynn Kozik at clmkozik@gmail.com or Shelley Hobson at shelleyhobson@me.com for the link.

Venture Class (240) Lessons for the remainder of 2025 and 2026 are likely to include:1. Who are the children of God? 2. Am I supposed to tell others about Jesus? If so, why is it so hard? Why is it hard to talk about Jesus to my family? 3. Why do we pray, “In the name of Jesus?” 4. Should I invite people to our church? 5. What does God expect me to do?

Walking in the Word (236) We will continue in Acts into next year. We are currently in chapter 16 and proceeding to chapter 28.

by Catheryn Thomas

Thank you to all who contributed to the Angel Tree gift drive this year! What a generous congregation we have. So many children will be blessed by your generosity. Blessings to all this Christmas season!

by Sue McCaffray

Join us on Wednesday, January 7 at 6:30 pm in Kardia Rm 224 for a talk by Sue McCaffray, wearing her retired history professor hat. This talk will focus on the late Russian anti-corruption campaigner Alexei Navalny. Navalny revealed in his prison memoir that he had become a Christian, and we will consider how this may have impacted the life he chose to lead.

by Parker Lucas

We will be in contact with those who have already paid and signed up to receive an angel and/or cross.

by Gwen Behen

The original idea behind today’s Unseen Guests program in our church was to share a little of any leftovers from family meals. This year, during the November and December seasons of celebrating and having extra food, don’t overlook another possibility for your leftovers. There are those whom you probably don’t know who would be delighted in having a bit of them.

If you do decide to share your food in this way, Unseen Guests containers will be in the Officers’ Mailroom sitting on the metal cabinet next to the freezer. Feel free to grab one, fill it, and after writing the contents on the white side of the lid, return it to the freezer. An unknown person will be grateful.

by Phyllis Smith

It’s time to get your ducks in a row and organize everything your loved ones will need when dealing with end of life issues. Ducks in a Row is a six session program to help you do just that. The class will meet every two weeks beginning January 6. The other dates are: January 20, February 3, February 17, March 3, and March 10.

There will be speakers for four of the classes covering advanced directives, financial planning, estate planning, and funeral planning. There is no cost for the course but there is a $40.00 charge for the notebook that you will use to record all of your information. For couples there is an extra $5.00 for a partner package.

It is a valuable gift for your loved ones and we have lots of fun, too!

Help us celebrate Parker's official installation. Join us at 2 p.m. this Sunday, December 7th, in Brown Hall. A reception will follow after the service. Click the link below to view the livestream.

December’s Presbyterian Women’s Bible study will be led by Rev. Parker Lucas. The theme is "The Prodigal Child, The Eldest Child, and the Devoted Parent." God offers grace and love, not because of what we do, but because of who we are—beloved children of God. Main scripture passage is from Luke 15:11 – 32, plus other references in Luke.

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.

All are invited to sing Christmas carols at the New Hanover County Corrections Facility on December 16th. The annual Christmas party given by the Community Resource Council will be at 3:00 pm. Our congregation has done this in the past. We gather outside the fence and sing. This is a deeply meaningful way to contribute to our prison ministry.

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.

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  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.

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.

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.

We will return to western North Carolina to continue rehabbing homes damaged by Helene. The trip is scheduled for May 3-9, 2026. We will be staying at First Presbyterian Church in Spruce Pine. We will be partnering with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and the United Methodist Committee on Relief. The cost is $160 for lodging and food, and Go and Serve will reimburse half of this amount if you desire. Please direct questions to Gary Smith or Parker Lucas.  If you want to sign up for the trip, please email Gary. The trip is limited to 20 participants.

We encourage you to get your picture taken as the "I" in KIND! The photo opportunity is located in the area between Brown Hall and the Gathering Area. Many thanks to our 2, 3 and 4 year old preschool classes for their beautiful handprints on the K, N & D. We hope you enjoy being the "I" in KIND not only in the photo, but in your everyday life! What a great way to show and share our love for God!

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!

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!!!

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.

Bring out your best recipe and prepare to compete for fabulous prizes and lots of recognition. We will gather for taste testing and judging, fellowship and fun. Open to all middle and high school students. Friends welcome!

Chefs - bring your dish already prepared and ready to serve!

Airlie Gardens is sponsoring a Park Pop-Up at Smith Creek Park on December 4 from 9 a.m.-1:00 p.m. There will be hands-on activities, eco tips, use of native plants and action focused information on wildlife habitat. This is a good way to honor God's creation with conservation in your own backyards.

How to wrap all those Christmas gifts and care for our planet?  Members of the Earth Care Team will be on hand at the Advent Pancake Supper and Craft Night on Sunday to show you how.  Who needs glossy, plastic-coated and expensive commercial gift wrap when you can be creative and unique? Wrap gifts in decorated craft paper, scarves, newspaper and magazine pages, fabric remnants--all things that can be recycled or reused.  Visit our table and let our Earth Care elves demonstrate how to turn those mountains of wrapping rubbish into something more Earth-friendly.   We hope to see you there!

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.

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.

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

The family of Mary Singleton who passed away. A graveside service will be held at Greenlawn on December 5 at 2:00 pm.

The family of Charles Wells who passed away on November 29.  A graveside service is planned for December 6 in Wallace.

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

Lynn Atkinson whose surgery was rescheduled for December 8.

Nathan Strickler who has had a return of cancer requiring chemotherapy.

Joyce Whittaker who recently moved into assisted living.  

Ann Danchak who had outpatient surgery December 1.

D.J.Black who is recovering after his first chemotherapy treatment.

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.

December 2: Melissa Hinds
December 3: Bob Martenis, Benjamin Smith
December 5: Chris Brownfield, Aidan Flynn, Louise Heidenreich, Steve Wallace
December 6: Dwight Lysne, Paula Sewell, Hamilton Tincher
December 7: Jennifer Rigby, Rene Sasser
December 8: Jake Bron, Judy Hartz, Nancy Jackson, Holly Pilson

View our most recent Session Reports.