Mercy is often difficult and even inconvenient, but it is what makes us God's own. When have you received mercy? When have you offered mercy? Katie will preach on the good news of God's mercy and justice that Jesus teaches in the gospel of John 8:1-11 this Sunday. 

In Matthew 19:13-15, when Jesus welcomed the children, who had no social status in ancient times, He revealed something revolutionary about God's kingdom: it belongs to those the world overlooks. We're called to be a refuge of radical welcome, not just inviting people through our doors but making them feel they truly belong.

The question posed to us is profound: How are we existing as a church in this world? Do the vulnerable feel welcomed and accepted when they're with us? Our worship isn't meant to stay within these walls, it's meant to propel us outward to embody God's compassion for everyone who feels invisible, cast out, or unlovable.

As we meditate on last Sunday's teachings try one or two of these practices this week:

1. Remember your story: Write down a time when you were vulnerable and someone showed you compassion. How can that memory inspire action this week?
2. Welcome a child: Intentionally engage with a child this week - listen to them, ask their opinion, treat them as someone with valuable insights to share.
3. Support the vulnerable: Identify one specific way to care for widows, orphans, or immigrants in your community:
   • Volunteer at Good Shepherd Center or Carousel Center
   • Support Church World Service's refugee ministry
   • Visit or call someone who is grieving or isolated
   • Learn about immigration issues in your community
4. Practice radical welcome: Invite someone who might feel like an outsider to coffee, lunch, or church. Make sure they don't just feel welcomed but that they belong.
5. Learn from children: Ask a child in your life what they think God wants for the world. Listen carefully and consider how their answer challenges you.

by Emily Donovan

We just updated our mobile app with some tools and resources to help you prepare for Holy Week. Take a moment to download or open the mobile app and see what's new. There's a lot of exciting and different offerings this year. More importantly, who are you inviting to worship with you on Easter? We now have an easy to use "Easter invites" tab to help share the Good News with loved ones. You can also click the social media icons below.

by Emily Donovan

We also updated our website with all things Holy Week! Share the link below with your family, neighbors, friends, and co-workers.

by Lynn Warner

Palm Sunday is March 29th and we invite any children in attendance and adults, if you wish, to be part of our Palm Processional at the beginning of both our morning worship services! Please meet Lynn at 8:50 or 10:50 in the Narthex to receive your palms and be ready to process during the first hymn. Following the processional you will return to sit with your families!!

by Lynn Warner

We will have so much fun on Easter Sunday during our annual Fellowship on the Lawn celebration! The fun begins at 10:00 am. Each child receives a colorful bag and is invited to go on an Easter Egg Hunt on the 15th Street Lawn. There will also be crafts to make, pictures to take, and treats to eat! 

by Lynn Warner

Our 3rd-5th Graders just completed a four week class about Prayer. It was called; "Hey, God, Let's Talk." During the class we considered these four topics:

• Prayer: Confidential: God and Me 
• Teach me to Pray: Jesus Teaches About Prayer
• Jesus' Model Prayer: The Lord's Prayer
• Hard Questions about Prayer 

During the class we had lots of interactions, played games, did projects and shared some deep thoughts and questions about our faith and prayer!

by Susan Dykes

February's financial report has been updated. Click the button below for more details.

by Catheryn Thomas

The wonderful flowers in the Sanctuary this past Sunday were given in honor of our beautifully renovated sanctuary and with gratitude for the sanctuary team, staff, contractors, craftsmen, capital campaign donors, volunteers, and ALL who made this day of dedication and celebration possible.

by Parker Lucas

During the planning phase of the sanctuary renovation project, hearing assistance was one of the factors the renovation team wanted to address. The team wanted to ensure everyone who attended worship at SACPC had the best possible experience, which included being able to hear the words and prayers spoken.

By working with the team at Church Interior Inc, our solution was both Bluetooth- and physical-based hearing assistance through WaveCAST. If your hearing aids have Bluetooth capabilities and you want to use them in the sanctuary, please download the WaveCAST Audio Receiver app from the app store on your preferred device.

Instructions for use of both the Bluetooth and physical hearing aid packs are in the narthex. Ask an usher to direct you to them. Since this system is so new, if you plan to use it, please arrive early and speak with Rev. Parker Lucas, who can help you get set up. There are still several minor bugs and kinks getting worked out with this new system, so please report any problems you have to a staff member.

by Shelley Hobson

Braving the Truth is a newly-released collection of essays by New York Times bestselling author Rachel Held Evans.  Evans' writing inspired a generation of questioning and evolving believers. This book offers a collection of her most impactful essays—in print for the first time.

For a generation finding their footing in life after evangelicalism, Rachel Held Evans was one of the most trusted and beloved voices of our time. Stubborn in her hope, courageous in her questions, and devoted to inclusivity, her online writing was a sanctuary to the millions who read her words daily. Her death to a sudden illness in 2019 invoked a global outpouring of stories of her legacy and influence.

Today, her words still speak, and now for the first time, fans old and new can experience her most viral and enduring essays in print. Braving the Truth is an anthology and keepsake collection letting readers borrow the bravery Rachel was best known for. Edited by New York Times bestselling author and Rachel’s dear friend Sarah Bessey, and interspersed with reflections from Matthew Paul Turner, Shauna Niequist, Lisa Sharon Harper, Glennon Doyle, and more, this special volume tackles topics such as:
 
“An Evolving Faith:” On doubt, asking questions, and liberation from certainty
“That Unholy American Trinity:” On patriarchy, white supremacy, and religious nationalism “Casseroles and Kingdom of the Hungry:” On the church
“All right, then, I’ll go to hell:” On gender and sexuality
“Still a Bible Nerd:” On Scripture, biblical literalism, and a better way.

“If you want to understand the Church today, you need to understand Rachel Held Evans,” so writes Sarah Bessey. Thoughtful yet down-to-earth, immediate and timeless, this essay collection is a gift from the past to bring into the future—a treasury to revitalize, validate, embolden, and return to again and again.

Stillpoint meets via Zoom on Mondays from 5-6 p.m.  If you have questions or would like to receive the Zoom link, please get in touch with Shelley Hobson or Lynn Kozik.

by Susan Dykes

Flowers and greenery will add beauty to our worship spaces this Lenten season. You have the opportunity to contribute to the cost of the floral 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, give online using the "Easter Florals" fund, or contact Susan Dykes in the church office at 762-9693 ext. 207.

The due date for donations is Sunday, March 22.

by SACPC Staff

Our friends at A Sanctified Art have provided a special e-reader version of this year’s Lenten devotional, which you can access on your computer or mobile devices. In order to protect their work, please refrain from sharing this link or posting it on social media.

Menu: Salad, Swedish Meatballs, Steamed Vegetables, Egg Noodles, Rolls and Dessert. Cost is $25/family, $7/adult, and $5/under 12.

Would you like to give our preacher a piece of your mind? Be a Sermon Shaper! This Lenten POPS Series meets every Wednesday, 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm from February 25 - March 25. Join Katie and friends as we discuss upcoming sermon texts each week in Lent.

NOTE: WE WILL HAPPILY INCLUDE YOU VIA ZOOM! Please contact Sue McCaffray for the link.

During Lent, Rev. Lucas & Emily Donovan will offer weekly meditative nature meetups inspired by the medical practice of forest bathing. Each session is an invitation to rest, listen, and receive God’s care through the natural world—allowing our bodies, minds, and spirits to be gently restored.

Join us for a Celebration Sunday event! The Fellowship Committee will provide lunch and there will be games, crafts, and prizes as well! This event is for all ages celebrating not only that we are back in the Sanctuary for worship, but that Brown Hall is now fully available for all church events! This event is sponsored by the Children's Ministry Team and the Fellowship Team of Deacons.

Easter Fellowship on the Lawn is Sunday, April 5 from 10:00 am - 11:00 am between services.  Bring finger food to share and a flower to put on the outdoor cross. Come share the joy!

We now have a recording available of February's The Living Last Supper. Click the video above to relive this moving experience.

Also, thank you to the many people who helped bring The Living Last Supper to life last month. This meaningful Lenten presentation was truly a community effort, and we are grateful to everyone who contributed their time, talents, and energy. Our thanks to the disciples who devoted many hours to learning and memorizing their roles, helping create a powerful and reflective portrayal of that sacred moment around the table.

The choral portion of the program initially began with the St. Andrews-Covenant Choir but quickly grew as singers from the wider community joined the project. What started as our church choir became a wonderful community choir, and together they created a beautiful and powerful sound in their presentation of selections from Handel’s Messiah.

Behind the scenes, many hands helped make the production possible — from lighting and sound support to costume coordination, backdrop creation, and the many details involved in setting up and taking down equipment before and after each performance. Special appreciation goes to those who provided musical leadership and accompaniment for the project, guiding the choir and supporting the musical elements of the program with care and artistry.

We are grateful to everyone who helped make The Living Last Supper such a meaningful experience. It took many hands and hearts working together, and we thank each of you who played a part in making it possible.

We broke out the "fancy" drums for m&m and had a very special guest, our own Pat Litzinger, lead a session on percussions. 

Because of pastor Nonato Santos's schedule, the dates of the summer mission trip to Brazil have been changed to July 25 to August 1. It is primarily designed for medical personnel, but people with varied skills are welcome. Partial scholarships to cover travel are available. If you want to sign up for the trip or would like more information, please contact Gary Smith or John Pasquariello.

During March, Go & Serve will be collecting non-perishable foods for Good Shepherd, Salvation Army, and the Rescue Mission. Suggested food items include:
cereal
pasta
pasta sauce
canned fruits and vegetables (including #10 cans)
canned soup
packaged snacks
canned chicken or tuna

Thank you for loving our neighbors in need in this way.

by Gary Smith

Our shelter care team built ramps in January and February for disabled individuals living in homes near our church. Ten men participated in the builds. Special thanks to David Smith and John Bohbrink for their leadership of these builds.

Our Children's Ministry will offer The One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS) coupon books again this year during Lent. Items will be available on Ash Wednesday (FEB 18) and throughout the Lenten season.

The Coupon Book suggests a different idea each day for families to consider as we realize how blessed we are and how we can help others. There is a suggested amount of money to put in your fish box each day as you follow the instructions for the day.

Fish boxes will be returned on Palm Sunday (MAR 29) during both services of worship!

Get ready for CAMP FUSION 2026: Road Trip: On the Go with God. Registration is now open! This one-of-a-kind experience combines the elements of VBS, music, creative arts, and mission work! Space is limited so register early. Needs based scholarships available.

Grades K - 5th Full Day
9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Completed Grades K - 5th
Registration: $120/per child
(includes camp T-Shirt, snack & lunch)

Preschool Half Day
9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Ages 3 years old (potty trained) - Have not completed kindergarten
Registration: $50/per child
(includes camp T-Shirt & snack)

If you have any questions please contact Lynn Warner.

Our Youth Team decided we want more DGroups this Spring!  (March 18th is too early to stop the a-we-so-me-ness.) We are adding two additional nights in April - hope to see you in the Pool!

Middle and high school students gather for fellowship, Bible study and our small group ministry every other Wednesday night. "Doors open" at 6:30pm - Programming begins at 7:00 pm.

PLEASE NOTE: You may make a non-refundable 50% deposit on this trip to reserve your spot. Full balance must be paid no later than May 1st!! We will be taking a group of high school students to the Montreat Youth Conference June 14th-20th. Spots are limited and will be open to members of our Youth Group initially, and then open to friends, if space allows. Trip cost is: $600/person.

We will be taking a group to the Middle School Conference at Massanetta Springs. This trip is for CURRENT 6th - 8th grade students. Registration will initially be opened to members of our youth group, and then open to friends, as space allows. Trip cost: $400/person.

We're spending the day with Sam from Vigilant Hope who will help us learn more about our neighborhood. We will have activities at the church and a field trip to one of their sites at Lake Forest Baptist Church. Registration required.

Third time's the charm? We are planning a night out at Surf's Up Mini Golf in Carolina Beach and MAYBE the weather won't interfere this time! Sunday, April 26th meet at the church at 6:30 to carpool or meet at the location at 7pm. Friends are welcome - no cost to participants but MUST SIGN UP IN ADVANCE!   Sign up will close on Thursday April 23rd

Cleaning up the Earth and saving landfill space:

1. Ask your dry cleaner to skip the thin plastic wrap and hang your clothes unwrapped.  Bring a reusable garment bag when you pick them up. 
2. Make your preferences in Door Dash, UberEats or Grubhub  the "No plastic utensils please."
3. Please ditch single use plastics, especially bottles.  Imagine the smile from a clear-eyed child who lives in Cancer Alley where most of these are produced.
4. If a straw you must have, use a metal or silicone one.
5. Say no to glitter---all micro plastics.  Even the biodegradable kind must be given to a special facility for it to degrade.
6. Large loads of laundry in cold water reduces micro plastic shredding and reduces your electric bill!
7. Go for powders or tablets over laundry or dishwasher detergent pods or plastic bottles.
8. Decline receipts or choose digital ones.  Paper receipts are coated in BPAS, known hormone disruptors.
9. Take your own reusable coffee cup to your favorite coffee shop.
10. Skip the plastic cling film and wrap cheeses, cover jars and put sandwiches in beeswax or silicone bags.  Both are reusable.
11. Billions of plastic-handled disposable razors are trashed every year.  Try a safety razor and only replace the blades.

The Presbyterian Hunger Program strives to walk with people in moving toward sustainable choices that restore and protect all of God’s children and Creation. In Lent, we slow down, take time, and examine our internal spiritual lives and the way we live out our Christian faith in the world around us. Our hope is that this Lenten calendar will be the beginning of actions intended to create more mindful behaviors throughout the year.

Please contact Shelley Hobson or Gwen Behen if you wish to join the Earth Care Team

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.

Prayer requests: Click here to tell us about your need.

Hospitalizations: Please here to email Rev. Harrington and Rev. Lucas or call the church office at 910.762.9693 to leave a message.

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 baptism of Leo and Beau Miller on Sunday the 15th at the 11:00 am service.  Parents are Mara and Corey Miller and grandparents are Sue and Beau McCaffray.

Marilyn Neal, a friend of Sue Messina’s, who has been on our prayer list for quite a while. She sadly passed away on March 12. Please keep her husband, Mike, in our thoughts and prayers as he grieves, not only for his wife but for the loss of two daughters to cancer previously.

Carolyn and Jim Brumit and their family. Jim's brother-in-law, Dr. Paul Eugene Stanton, Jr., died Thursday, March 5, in Jonesboro, Tennessee.  

Barbara Berberich who is a new member.  She had surgery March 12.  Barbara is a choir member.

Tess Roney, a friend of Pat Hardee’s, who will be having upcoming surgery for diagnostics.

Reese Meiggs, the 6 year old daughter of a friend of Rachel March’s. She was diagnosed with an aggressive, inoperable cancerous brain tumor and is undergoing radiation treatment.

Lynne Paine, a friend of Sue Messina’s, who has been on our prayer list for a while following breast cancer treatment.  New issues have arisen at her one year checkup and further testing is scheduled.  

Billy Purdom (Navy War College, Newport, Rhode Island ), Brennan Litzinger (Fort Bliss, Texas), Mikayla Reifert (Tinker AFB in Oklahoma), Bradley Garrett (Coast Guard, Elizabeth City)

March 17: Sandra Hiatt, Mike Lee, Leon Skinner
March 19: Nancy Mihle
March 20: Lucy Davis 
March 22: Lila Ciarrocca, Chris Richardson
March 23: Carolyn Leonard, Judy Smith, Lindsey Tincher

View our most recent Session Reports.