SACPC Weekly Updates for May 12 - 19, 2026

May 12th, 2026

Sunday, May 17, 2026

7th Sunday of Easter

This Sunday

"Divine Interruptions"

Rev. Katherine B. Harrington

What if an interruption is actually a divine invitation to see and serve God in other people? Katie will be preaching on divine interruptions such as those we hear of in Mark 5:21-43. See you Sunday!

Previous Contemporary Worship

SACPC(USA) | May 3, 2026 | 9:00 am Contemporary Worship

May 3, 2026 • Rev. Katherine B. Harrington

SACPC(USA) | May 10, 2026 | 9:00 am Contemporary Worship

May 10, 2026 • Rev. Katherine B. Harrington

SACPC(USA) | April 26, 2026 | 9:00 am Contemporary Worship

Apr 26, 2026 • Rev. Katherine B. Harrington

Previous Traditional Worship

SACPC(USA) | May 10, 2025 | 11:00 am Traditional Worship

May 10, 2026 • Rev. Katherine B. Harrington

SACPC(USA) | April 26, 2026 | 11:00 am Traditional Worship

Apr 26, 2026 • Rev. Katherine B. Harrington

SACPC(USA) | May 3, 2026 | 11:00 am Traditional Worship

May 3, 2026 • Rev. Katherine B. Harrington

After the Amen

This past Sunday, John 14:15-21 reminded us we are never left alone. Jesus promises the Holy Spirit, our Advocate, as the living presence of God within and among us. This is not abstract theology. It is lived reality. When we sit with someone in crisis, when we fight for justice, when we feed someone hungry, we embody the Advocate's work. The Spirit moves through our compassion, our willingness to stand beside the suffering, and our courage to speak up for the voiceless. Loving Jesus is not private devotion. It is becoming advocates ourselves, interceding for others as the Spirit intercedes for us. Faith becomes an active, loving presence in the world.

As we meditate on John 14:15-21 try one of these practices this week:

Be an Advocate: Identify someone in your life who needs an advocate, someone who needs you to stand with them, fight for them, or simply show up. Take one concrete action this week to advocate for that person.
Receive Advocacy: If you're going through a difficult time, practice vulnerability by allowing someone to advocate for you. Reach out to a trusted friend or church member and let them know you need support.
Small Acts of Love: Like the Mercy Pouch ministry Katie mentioned in her sermon, find a simple, practical way to show love to someone in need this week.

Announcements

Presbytery East Community Gathering

by Parker Lucas

On May 30th at Topsail Presbyterian Church in Hampstead, NC, the East Community of our Presbytery will hold its annual gathering, starting at 9:30 am. This year, the focus is on the intersection of mental health, addiction, and faith, with a keynote address by Elder Jen Phelps; followed by breakout rooms focused on Narcan training, grief groups, support groups, and youth and families taught by Michelle Lucas. Our associate pastor, Rev. Parker Lucas, will lead worship following lunch.

If you are interested in learning more about this topic, please register via the link at the top of the Presbytery of Coastal Carolinas website and sign up for a breakout room. We’d love to have you attend to support Jen, Michelle, and Parker.

PRESBYTERY WEBSITE

Saints Alive & Email Changes Coming Soon

by Emily Donovan

We are changing the way we send our Saints Alive weekly newsletter and other church-wide communications. We are returning to MailChimp for delivering mass email communications including our weekly newsletter. This means you may need to check your spam folders or change a setting in your email preferences to ensure our communications are reaching you in a timely manner. Stay tuned for more details.

During this transition, we are also giving Saints Alive a refresh. If you have any questions, or need assistance accessing Saints Alive, please contact Emily Donovan by clicking the link below.

CONTACT EMILY

Sermons Now Available on Website & App

by Emily Donovan

Want to hear just a sermon or share a powerful message with your friends and family? You can now access the sermon portion of Sunday morning worship services via our mobile app and/or website.

Within the mobile app, simply click the "Worship" tab at the bottom and then click "Sermons" which will direct you to a playlist of the most currently available Sunday morning messages. On the website, hover your mouse over the "Worship" tab at the top of the screen and then click "Previous Worship" which directs you to our catalog of sermons, full worship services, and worship bulletins. Both sections get updated weekly.

What's in Session?

April Report

by Julian March

Click the link below to read the latest session report.

LEARN MORE

Adult Sunday School News

by Sue McCaffray

Confused about our schedule? Here's the rundown for May and beyond:

MAY 17: Sunday School at 10:00 am.
MAY 24: Walking in the Word & Living Faith at 9:00 am.
MAY 31: Breakfast Sunday at 11:00 am in Brown Hall (no Sunday School).

In June, we have a combined Sunday school class taught by staff for all adults in Rm 214 at 9:00 am (see below). Walking in the Word meets all summer at 9:00 am in Rm 236, studying the book of Acts. Everyone is welcome.

Venture, Evans-Feezor, and Living Faith join the combined class in June and then break until Labor Day weekend.

Stillpoint continues to meet Mondays at 5 via Zoom.

Questions? Please contact Sue McCaffray.

Short Stories by Jesus Starts in June

by Sue McCaffray

Join us whenever you can for four great parables of Jesus, seen through the lens of Amy-Jill Levine's book, "Short Stories by Jesus." We meet at 9:00 am before worship in ROOM 214 (Living Faith).

June 7: The Rich Man and Lazarus (Parker)
June 14: The Widow and the Judge (Sue)
June 21: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector (Jen)
June 28: The Laborers in the Vineyard (Katie)

All interested youth are also most welcome. Bring a friend!

April Financial Highlights

by Susan Dykes

Click the button below to view April's financial highlights.

LEARN MORE

CAMP FUSION VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

by Lynn Warner

Come and have a fun and meaningful week with awesome children! Our theme this year is "ROAD TRIP - ON THE GO WITH GOD." We'll be traveling to various locations learning about all the ways that God is always with us and we need your help!

Volunteers are needed to shepherd children, help with crafts, food, recreation, storytelling, music and afternoon activities as well.

Preschool meets from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm and the elementary age children meet from 9:00 am -3:00 p m each day the week of June 22-26.

Volunteers are needed to help only in the mornings, only in the afternoons or all day! You will be blessed as you are a blessing to those with whom you share your faith!

Please contact Lynn Warner at 614-746-5797 or click the button below to email Lynn if you have questions or are ready to jump in! I promise we will have fun!

CONTACT LYNN WARNER

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 26.

NOMINATE TODAY!

Holy Happenings

Presbyterian Women’s 2025-2026 Bible Study

PW Bible Study
May 12, 13 & 14 | 10:00 am
Dining Rm

May’s Bible study will be led by Beth Cherry. The theme is "The Road to Emmaus." Jesus did not abandon his followers; we are not alone, for the Spirit of God is with us. Main Scripture passage is Luke 24:13-35. Same lesson each day.

Music on Market: Benny Hill Jazz Quartet

Benny Hill Jazz Quartet
MAY 16 | 7:30 PM
Sanctuary

Get ready for an electrifying night with the Benny Hill Jazz Quartet as part of our concert series! With over 30 years of experience, Benny has captivated audiences, drawing inspiration from legendary artists like John Coltrane and Charlie Parker, while infusing his performances with a distinct and vibrant style. Benny’s improvisations on the alto saxophone are not only reminiscent of the jazz greats but also reflect his unique artistry. Don’t miss the chance to enjoy the captivating sounds of the Benny Hill Jazz Quartet!

Senior Sunday

Senior Sunday
MAY 31 | 10:00 am worship
Sanctuary

Our high school seniors will be leading worship on Sunday, May 31st. Please join us to celebrate them. Then stay for Breakfast Sunday in Brown Hall. Details below.

Breakfast Sunday

Breakfast Sunday
May 31 | 11:00 am
Brown Hall

Join your church family for our Fifth Sunday Breakfast on May 31 in Brown Hall after worship. It's been a long time! We will recognize all of our Christian Education teachers and enjoy our time together as we wrap up our spring programs and prepare for summer.

Music | Contact Cindy Litzinger

Music Events

Calendars

Happenings

SACPC Students

Children

Kindermusik

Adults

Worship Opportunities

Youth Summer Trips

Holy Week 2026

Advent 2025

Earth Care

Music

SermonShapers

Grounded in Goodness

2026 Lent & Holy Week

Go & Serve | Contact Gary Smith

Help our Neighbors The Carousel Center

Our May collection of items for local ministries will be for our neighbor, The Carousel Center. The Center provides a "one-stop shop" of services for children who have suffered abuse. Everything from intakes, interviews with law enforcement, medical examinations, and counseling is available under one roof, thus limiting the trauma retelling their story causes. We'll be collecting the following items to provide snacks for the children:

Single serving pre-packaged snacks (no peanut ingredients please):

popcorn
chips
pretzels
animal crackers
granola bars
dried fruit packs
Juicy-Juice boxes

Microwaveable single serve lunches such as:

mac-n-cheese
chicken noodle soup
oodles of noodles

Thank you for helping to feed these precious children.

Cooks Needed for DVSS Casseroles

SACPC members and friends are invited to participate in the preparation of casseroles for the clients of the Domestic Violence Shelter during the months of April, May, and June. Aluminum casserole pans and tops are available in the mailroom under the white cabinet beside the freezer. Instructions for making the casseroles at home and then delivering them back to the church on Sundays can be found in the DVSS notebook. For additional information, please contact Carol Query at 910-470-3127 or at caroldq63@gmail.com.

Children | Contact Lynn Warner

CAMP FUSION 2026 Registration NOW OPEN!

Road Trip: On the Go with God

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.

Youth | Contact Jen Phelps

Summer Trip Registration Closed

Registration for our Youth Summer Trips is closed. Remaining balances for these trips are now past due - so please pay these promptly. If you have any questions or concerns - contact Jen Phelps

I Plant a Little Seed

The children in the preschool at SACPC are learning how to care for God’s good creation. They plant and then they sing, "I plant a little seed in the cold dark ground…" The sweet voices of God’s love.

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

JOIN THE EARTH CARE TEAM

GIVING | Contact Susan Dykes

April 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 May 11, 2026

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

We Celebrate:

Keith and Jane Elmore on the birth of a grandson, Albert William Klemme V, to Will and Lindsay Elmore Klemme on April 17.

We Grieve For:

The passing of a longtime member, Daniel Jasper "Jackie or DJ" Black, who passed away on April 25 at his home. Please pray for his wife, Mary Ellen, and the rest of their family as they grieve his loss.

The passing of a longtime member, Louise Gorham, who passed away on May 10, 2026. Please pray for her husband, Dumay, sons, Dumay and Patrick, and their family.

We Pray For:

Meryl Franck, who is recovering in the hospital from surgery she had on Monday, May 4th.

Vickie Lapp, who is recovering at home from successful surgery.

Stephanie Holder’s cousin, Jennifer Steenbergen, who has been waiting 3 years for a kidney and pancreas transplant. They found a match and she was set for the transplant but her blood glucose was dangerously high so the transplant could not be performed.

Markay Carter’s brother who had back surgery on May 4.

Maria Smith’s husband, David, will have surgery in the near future. Maria is a preschool teacher here.

We Give Thanks For:

Pat Hardee’s friend, Tess Roney, who had successful surgery to remove a mass which was benign.

Service Personnel:

Billy Purdom (Navy War College, Newport, Rhode Island ), Brennan Litzinger (Fort Bragg, NC), Bradley Garrett (Coast Guard, Elizabeth City), Smith Beacham (Army at Fort Stewart, GA)

Birthday Celebrations | May 5-12, 2026

May 12: Stephanie Gray Hackney
May 13: Gerry Owens
May 14: Jack Woods
May 15: Genie Gretz, Beau Miller, Caroline Stuart
May 16: Sarah Anderson, Stephanie Holder
May 17: Caroline Caravaglio, Silas Lockamy
May 18: Laura Gainey, Sarah Pierson
May 19: Charlotte Cherry, Erin Thompson

View our most recent Session Reports.

April 2026 Session Report

March 2026 Session Report

February 2026 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.