SACPC Weekly Updates for Jan. 27 - Feb. 3, 2026

Sunday, February 1, 2025

4th Sunday after Epiphany

This Sunday

"Foolishness or Power?"

Rev. Katherine B. Harrington
We will continue learning from Paul's letter to the church in Corinth, as Katie preaches from 1 Corinthians 1:18-31. We are also all invited to the Lord's Table as we celebrate the sacrament of communion together.

Previous Contemporary Worship

Previous Traditional Worship

After the Amen

Reflections from last Sunday's Message

Knit Together

by Katie Harrington
The phrase "knit together" carries profound meaning. The Greek word Paul uses is the same one used when Jesus calls James and John while they're mending their fishing nets. It means combining, restoring, making perfect, making complete.

Just as a net with holes cannot catch fish, a community with divisions cannot fulfill its purpose. Just as yarn doesn't become a beautiful sweater without the patient work of looping strand after strand, we don't find unity without intentional effort.

We need mending. We need to be knit together, one relationship at a time, one conversation at a time, one act of grace at a time.

As we meditate on last Sunday's teachings from 1 Corinthians 1:10-18 here are some ways to further your walk with Christ:
  • Pray daily for someone with whom you have a strained relationship or significant disagreement.
  • Reach out to have a conversation with someone you've been avoiding or someone from a different perspective.
  • Practice listening to understand rather than to respond in your next difficult conversation.
  • Examine your heart for places where you've created "in groups" and "out groups."

Announcements

Inclement Weather Updates

by Katie Harrington
We are monitoring another possible threat to our weekend weather forecast. Our strategy remains the same as last week. If changes need to be made to this Sunday’s worship schedule, we will share an update on our website homepage, Facebook, and Instagram no later than 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, February 1. If no update is posted, we look forward to gathering together as usual.

Please note: Our livestream is always available when we are able to hold in-person worship.

Volunteers Needed

by Jane Smith
The Warming Shelter, which provides a warm, safe space for our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness to stay on very cold nights, will be open from January 24 through at least January 31. This will be the fourth time this winter that it's been needed. The shelter is hosted at Grace United Methodist Church at 401 Grace Street.

The last session, which ran from January 18 through January 21, was a success, and the shelter's administrators expect that this week will be too. For information on the various volunteer positions needed as well as other ways to support the ministry, see the Sign Up link below. If you feel called to donate to cover various needs, you will also find a donate link.

Welcome Church World Service!

by Katie Harrington
Our staff enjoyed meeting and sharing devotion time with our friends from Church World Service (CWS) who are temporarily using office space at SACPC while their permanent space is getting renovated. Please warmly welcome CWS and its visitors if you see them in the building. CWS is also a longstanding mission partner with our Go & Serve Team.

Resources: Mental Health Interventions

by Rachel March
SACPC held a Jan. 14 POPS program titled Let's Talk About Mental Health Interventions. A key takeaway for all of us is that mental health interventions start with us. Friends and family members may be the first to notice signs that someone is struggling with their mental health.

If we notice someone struggling, we can approach them with care and concern and actively listen as well as refer them to a mental health provider if there is no immediate danger. We can call 988, a 24/7 mental health emergency line, to talk through concerns. Note that 988 can dispatch mobile teams, if needed, for emergency interventions in situations without weapons, violence or serious physical injuries.

In the case of a dangerous situation involving weapons or where urgent medical care is needed, we can call 911 and request officers with Crisis Intervention Training who are versed in mental health topics and how to respond to mental health emergencies with care.

For further resources for families and caregivers, or to learn more about mental health topics, a good resource is NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI also has a presence here in Wilmington.

Capital Campaign Update

by Ed Hobson
The Finance Committee is pleased to inform the Congregation that as of December 31, 2025 SACPC has received $1,423,988 of the total pledge amount of $3,223,402. These funds are being used to finance the Sanctuary Renovation Project and the HVAC project.

Thus far we have been able to make prepayments of $700,000 on the loan balance with another $220,000 due in February. These prepayments will result in saving approximately $210,000 in interest over the loan term.

We are very appreciative of the progress made to date on the payment of Capital Campaign Pledges and would like to encourage early fulfillment of your commitments so that we can further reduce and minimize our interest payments.

December Financial Update

by Susan Dykes
Click the link below to view our December financial updates.

History of Boy Scout Troop 13 & How to Join

by Kevin Hicks
Boy Scout Troop 13 was founded in 1916 and was chartered with St. James from 1919 through at least 1948. It then moved to St. Johns until 1994, and has been chartered with St. Andrews since then.

There have been 187 Troop 13 Eagle Scouts at St Andrews, an extraordinary testament to the parents of these Scouts. Without parents dedicated to Scouting’s values, Scouting cannot thrive.

Since COVID, recruitment and enthusiasm for scouting has struggled, as has many traditional children and youth activities. However, these powerful community building opportunities help develop character, leadership, and love of the outdoors. Today, both Boy Scout Troop and Cub Scout Pack 13 maintain this tradition and the Troop is expected to honor its 300th Eagle Scout in 2026.

Youth at least 10 years old and in the 5th Grade are eligible to register for Boy Scouts after March 1st, and the Troop goes to summer camp the week of July 12th.

Youth ages 5 to 10 can join Cub Scout Pack 13, the oldest pack in our area. Please help steward Troop 13 and Pack 13, and give youth members a chance to build their character through a proven method.

If your children or grandchildren are interested in Scouting, contact Troop 13 Scoutmaster Kevin Hicks at 910-617-2984 or Cubmaster Ken Fitzgivens at 910-795-9143 to find out more.

Membership Exploration Class

by Parker Lucas
Are you interested in learning about becoming a member of SACPC? Then join us for the Membership Exploration class on Sunday, February 22 at 10:00 am in the Dining Room. This class will provide a general overview of St. Andrews-Covenant and our ministries, as well as what it means to be part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

If you want to become a member of SACPC (which is not required), you may choose to do so on Sunday, March 1, at 10:00 am in the Dining Room to meet with the church's Elders. Please connect with Rev. Lucas if you plan to attend!

The Roastery Raffle Winner

One of our Block partners, Vigilant Hope's Roastery (located at the corner of 16th and Dock) held a Birthday Raffle to celebrate 5 years in business! For each coffee order you could enter the raffle to win a variety of prizes donated by various businesses. Our own Catheryn Thomas won the raffle and was presented with many wonderful prizes! CONGRATULATION CATHERYN!!!

Many of us at the church go there on a regular basis for great coffee and to support a good cause. The Roastery is a wonderful place to hold a meeting, catch up with a friend or just stop in for a great cup of coffee or specialty drink all while supporting Vigilant Hope! One of their mottos is: "It was never about coffee."  Check it out if you haven't already!

What's in Session?

December 2025 Update

by Julian March
Click the link below to access the most current Session report for December.

Wingspan Trivia Night

by Gary Smith
Two teams from SACPC competed at Wingspan's second annual Trivia Night fundraiser on January 15. The team consisting of Sue McCaffray, Rickman Davis, Walker Heidenreich, Jim Fox, Jane Smith, and Gary Smith captured first place, narrowly defeating seventeen other teams including a second one from SACPC that included Jen Phelps, Parker Lucas, Dax Hawkins, Kelly Hawkins, Lora Padula, and Bob Padula. SACPC supports Wingspan, a ministry at UNCW, led by campus minister Elizabeth Villegas, through our Go and Serve budget.

Sanctuary Renovation Update

by Catheryn Thomas
We know everyone is just as excited as we on staff are to see the photos of the Sanctuary and adjacent spaces. We're so close to the finish line! BUT: that end of the building is still very much an active construction zone, with tools and equipment around, and open holes in the floors. So, please resist the temptation to just take a peek. Our insurance agents will appreciate your cooperation.

ALL DAY TODAY: Support our Preschool at City BBQ!

Tuesday, January 27

by Rene Sasser
Thank you to everyone who helped make the December Dine With a Cause event at Panera successful! We appreciate your support.

We are excited to announce our next event. Please mark your calendars for Tuesday, January 27, and join us at City Barbeque. All day, City Barbeque will donate 20% of sales to the preschool when you show them a copy of this flyer. Or, use the code GIVE when dining online or on the app. Please make sure to enter the code before checking out.  

City Barbeque is located at 3824 Carolina Beach Rd.

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 City Barbeque on January 27. Thank you for supporting our school community — one bite at a time.

SACPC Preschool Enrollment

by Rene Sasser
Enrollment is now open for SACPC preschool's 2026-2027 school year! We look forward to welcoming both returning and new families to our program. Families are encouraged to register as early as possible to help with planning for the coming year.

If you or someone you know would like more information about the preschool, the registration process or would like to schedule a tour, please contact Rene Sasser at 910-762-9693, ext. 214 or rsasser@sacpc.org.

We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with families in providing a nurturing, faith-filled early learning experience.

Holy Happenings @ SACPC 

POPS Meal Menu

POPS Meal Menu
JAN 28 | 5:30 pm

Brown Hall
Menu: Caesar Salad, Spaghetti Bolognese, Garlic Bread, and Dessert. Cost is $25/family, $7/adult, and $5/under 12.

POPS Program: Go & Serve's Brazil Ministry Updates

Go & Serve's Brazil Ministry Updates
JAN 28 | 6:30 pm

Kardia Rm 224
Our Go & Serve team gives an update on our ministry with the Petropolis Presbyterian Church in Manaus, Brazil. Come hear about their new boat AND a possible mission trip this summer to assist with their mission to impoverished communities on the Paraguay River

POPS Program: Trash Talk & Recycling

Go & Serve's Brazil Ministry Updates
FEB 4 | 6:30 pm

Kardia Rm 224
Let's Talk Trash. There's a lot of confusion around what kinds of trash are recycable. The Earth Care Team is hosting a talk with Sara Dousharm the Program Coordinator for NHC Recycling and Solid Waste. Sara will lead a discussion on Recycling 101: What can we recycle and where does it go?

POPS Program: The History of SACPC

The History of SACPC
FEB 11 | 6:30 pm

Kardia Rm 224
Our own Mary Farmer will lead us on a walk through the long history of St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Music | Contact Cindy Litzinger

Music on Market | Living Last Supper

Living Last Supper
FEB 21 | 7:30 PM
FEB 22 | 3:00 PM

Brown Hall
“A Living Last Supper” is a dramatic and poignant depiction of Jesus and his disciples on the night before his betrayal. Each disciple rises to share his thoughts upon learning that there is a traitor among them. The St. Andrews-Covenant Choir enhances this powerful narrative with music from the Lenten portion of Handel’s Messiah, creating an unforgettable Lenten experience. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness a profound moment in history brought to life through music and drama.

Go & Serve | Contact Gary Smith

Support Our Preschool this Month

If you're like me, you thoroughly enjoy the children's art work that regularly lines the halls outside the preschool classrooms. And if you're in the building on a weekday morning, you smile at the sounds of the little ones' voices in the building.

For February, we have the chance to love on those kids by providing them with the supplies they need as they learn. The list has been compiled by SACPC Preschool Director Rene Sasser with input from the children's teachers. Items are child friendly. If you have questions about the list, you can contact Jane Smith or Rene Sasser. (Jane Smith, ) or Rene.

Below is both a list of items that can be purchased locally along with links for those of you who might prefer to shop online.

Dot art markers
Colored dot stickers
Velcro - strips and/or dots
Thermal laminating pouches (9x11.5)
8.5x11inch sheet protectors
Small white school glue bottles (1.25 ounces or 4 ounces)
School glue sticks
Tempra paint sticks
Method foaming soap

From Lakeshore Learning:
Textured Rubbing Plates 
Playful Penguins Ice Blocks 
Mix & Match Magnetic Construction Vehicles 
Mix and Match Magnetic Rescue Vehicles 

From Bella Luna Toys:
Nesting Bridges 
Wooden Rainbow Tunnel 
Any of the wooden block sets in this collection 

January Donation Drive

Items needed: warm hats, scarves, and gloves/mittens for all ages.
In January, we will be collecting warm hats, scarves, and gloves/mittens for all ages, baby through adult. Church World Service (CWS), which supports immigrants who have arrived in our country after a rigorous background check process that can take years, often come from warm climates and are unprepared for our winters. CWS helps immigrants navigate life in America in a variety of ways. Several people from SACPC volunteer with this valuable ministry. Let's help these new neighbors feel welcome and warm.

Spring Mission Trip

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.

Save the Date | CAMP FUSION is June 22-26

We are excited to announce the CAMP FUSION  dates for 2026 are June 22-26 for children ages 3 - through having completed 5th grade. The preschoolers will be here from 9:00 am - noon and snack will be included. Elementary aged children who have completed Kindergarten - through 5th grade will attend from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Both snack and lunch will be included for elementary aged children.

More information about programming will be coming your way soon and we will begin registration in early February!  Mark you calendars now and tell your friends!

Hey, God, Let's Talk!

Beginning on Sunday, February 1 and continuing through the month our 3rd - 5th Grade Sunday School class will embark on a study of Prayer! The class is entitled "Hey, God, Let's Talk."

As Christians prayer is an important part of our relationship with God and becoming comfortable with the concept of Prayer is an important part of our Christian Education and spiritual growth.

Families with children in this age group will receive additional information about this opportunity this week.

Children's Events

DGroups Meet FEB 4

DGroups
FEB 4 | 7:00 pm 
The POOL
Doors open at 6:30 pm
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.

Galentines Save the Date

Galentines
FEB 15 | 6:30 pm 
Dining Rm
Middle and high school girls are invited to gather for fellowship, friends, fun and fondue!

March Madness Guys Night

March Madness Guys Night
MAR 15 | 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Brown Hall
Middle and high school guys are invited to Brown Hall to fellowship, games and the March Madness selection show on the big screen.  Friends are welcome and the ranch fountain will be flowing!

Youth Events

Earth Care Pledge

To be certified by PC(USA) as an Earth Care Congregation, we are committed to fulfilling this Earth Care Pledge:

  • Our worship and discipleship will celebrate God’s grace and glory in creation. 
  • Our education will encourage and support each other in keeping and healing the creation.
  • Our facilities will be managed, maintained, and upgraded to respect and cherish all creation.
  • Our outreach will encourage community involvement and public policy to protect and restore the earth.
If caring for the Earth is one of your passions, the Earth Care Team invites you to join us for our monthly ZOOM meetings! Contact Gwen Behen or Shelley Hobson for more information.

GIVING | Contact Susan Dykes

December 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 January 27, 2026

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 Celebrate With:

Russell and Betsy Herring have two new grandchildren, both born on January 18. Georgia Elizabeth Weldon, born to parents Lexi and Sam Weldon (big brother Everett) and Joseph Rhodes Caravaglio born to parents Caroline Herring and Drew Caravaglio. We rejoice with these families!

We Grieve For:

Vickie Van Note died on 1/25. A memorial service will be held on January 31 at 11:00 a.m. in Brown Hall.  Please keep Bob and the Van Note family in your prayers.

Sue Messina’s 90 year old father died on Jan 21 in New Jersey. No services are planned.  Please remember the family in your prayers.

Larry Bonney, a past member of SACPC, died on January 27.  Please keep Diane, his wife, and the Bonney family in your prayers. 

We Pray For:

Ron Faulk who is  recovering from back surgery on January 14th.  
The ministry of Church World Services and their clients.
Those experiencing homelessness and the warming shelters.

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  |  Jan. 27 - Feb. 3, 2026

January 27: Patti Whitley
January 28: Caroline Hill
January 29: Lynn Goodman, Gregory Wayne III
January 30: Rebecca Lynn Burney
January 31: Sweetie Francis
February 1: Eric Pierson
February 3: Will Davy
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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