SACPC Weekly Updates for Feb. 3 - 10, 2026

Sunday, February 8, 2025

5th Sunday after Epiphany

This Sunday

"Wilderness Encounters"

Rev. Parker Lucas
This week we delve into Jesus’s journey into the wilderness and Hagar’s wilderness experiences with God. As we explore their stories, we can see the ways in which the wilderness (not always a desert) is a place of struggle and revelation. As we explore the Hebrew meaning of the wilderness, we will juxtapose it with "Forest Bathing," a practice centered around slowing down and allowing nature to reveal Gods presence through our senses.

Please join us this Sunday, with your own stories and experiences of how journeys into the wilderness (whether personal or physical) are revelatory and provide a glimpse into the nature of the God who created us. Parker leads worship with scripture from Genesis 21:14-21 and Matthew 4:1-11.

It's also 5-Cents A Meal Sunday. Bring your offerings to the collection bins at the front during the first song or hymn.

Previous Contemporary Worship

Previous Traditional Worship

Announcements

Unity Worship & Congregational Meeting on FEB 15

by Katie Harrington
On Sunday, February 15 we will have one unity worship service at 10:00 am. As part of our worship, we will also hold the annual meeting of the congregation to present the annual report and the budget, vote on changes in terms of call for the pastors, elect the Congregational Nominating Committee, and hold the annual meeting of the corporation. It will be a time of celebration and gratitude for all God is doing and will do at SACPC!

Please note: Sunday school will be canceled Sunday, February 15 with one exception, the adult Walking in the Word class will meet at 9:00 am in Room 236 for those wishing to attend. All are welcome!

Inclement Weather Updates

by Katie Harrington
Our church campus will reopen on Wednesday (FEB 4) for normal operations. All activities will resume as scheduled. SACPC Preschool families will receive a separate email on Tuesday (FEB 3) afternoon regarding plans for the remainder of the week.

Our staff has been working hard remotely and in person to reopen the church campus. We are excited to welcome everyone back as they are safely able to return. We give special thanks to all our first responders, essential employees, and the ministries of the Warming Shelter ILM and Living Hope Day Shelter for providing safety and shelter from this historic winter storm.

Grounded in Goodness

by Emily Donovan
In the 1980s, the Japanese government began investigating the health benefits of time spent in nature as a response to the severe increase in stress reported within its population. Since then, a growing body of research shows time spent slowly, attentively, and repeatedly in nature helps ease stress, calm the nervous system, lower inflammation, and support emotional and physical well-being. The Japanese call this practice shinrin-yoku or "forest bathing."

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.

Lenten Daily Devotionals

by SACPC Staff
Our theme for Lent is Tell Me Something Good which invites us to return to the roots of Jesus’ radical good news which was about liberation, mercy, love, and grace. Beginning Ash Wednesday (FEB 18), a limited number of printed copies will be available on the credenza outside Brown Hall. 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 and mobile devices. In order to protect their work, please refrain from sharing this link or posting it on social media.

What's in Session?

January 2026 Update

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

Double the Impact!

A Special Matching Gift for Our Preschool

by Rene Sasser
We’re excited to share wonderful news about an opportunity to support the ministry of our preschool in a powerful way. Thanks to the generosity of a member of our church congregation, all donations made to the preschool will be matched, doubling the impact of every gift. This matching gift is being offered as a way to encourage our church family to invest in the vital work of the preschool—nurturing young children, supporting families, and laying a strong foundation rooted in faith, learning, and love. Every contribution made during this matching period will go twice as far in strengthening programs, resources, and the daily care provided to our students.

Whether you are a long-time supporter or considering a gift for the first time, now is a meaningful moment to give. Your generosity, combined with this matching gift, will make a lasting difference in the lives of our children and in the future of this important ministry.

Please include “Preschool Matching Fund” on a check, or select the Preschool Matching Gifts Fundraiser fund when giving online. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Together, we can make an even greater impact.

New Ducks In A Row Now Available

by Phyllis Smith
Due to overwhelming demand a new Ducks In a Row class will begin on Mondays from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm starting March 16 in Kardia Rm 224. These classes meet every other Monday through May 18. Future class schedule includes March 30, April 13, April 27, May 11, and May 18.

This class was created to help prepare for end of life issues and give our loved ones all the information they will need at a difficult time. Four guest speakers will talk about Advance Directives, Financial Planning, Estate Planning, and Funeral Planning. The class size is limited to 20 people with a registration cut-off date of March 5.  

The program is a non-profit and there is no charge for the class. The notebook used costs $50.00 and a Partner Pack for couples is $10.00. You will keep all materials. The cost reflects a small increase due to skyrocketing printing and materials costs.

In Gratitude

by Emily Vasser
THANK YOU, dear friends, for your thoughtfulness, generosity, love and especially for your prayers for me these past six weeks. Yes, it’s possible to break an elbow (yeouch). That said, surgery was successful and I’m on the mend!

Your delicious meals, phone calls, cards, texts, emails and offers of transportation have been strong comfort and support — soothing balm in a challenging season.

When I walked in the 15th Street doors for the first time, 20 years ago now, I immediately felt the love and friendship in this place, “the sweet aroma of Christ” that Paul talks about. That has never been more true for me, even from a distance. I look forward to the joy of worshipping with you in person, to studying, singing and laughing with you. You’re all sorely MISSED!

In His Peace,
Emily Vassar
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother (and sister) are born for a time of adversity.”
— Proverbs 17:17

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.

Holy Happenings @ SACPC 

POPS Meal Menu

POPS Meal Menu
FEB 4 | 5:30 pm

Brown Hall
Menu: Salad, Hamburger Steak w/ Gravy, Green Beans, Mashed Potatoes & Cookies. Cost is $25/family, $7/adult, and $5/under 12.

POPS Program: Trash Talk & Recycling 101

Trash Talk & Recycling 101
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?

Presbyterian Women’s February Bible Study

Presbyterian Women's February Bible Study
FEB 10, 11 & 12 | 10:00 am

Dining Rm
February’s Presbyterian Women’s Bible study will be led by Beth Cherry. The theme is Finding Our Joy in Christ: “I Will Say It Again, Rejoice”.  Christian joy emerges from a deep belief that God is good, and God reigns forever.  Main scripture passage is Philippians 4:1-23. The same lesson is given each day.

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.).

Ash Wednesday Taizé Service

Ash Wednesday Taizé Service
FEB 18 | 7:00 pm

Brown Hall
We begin our observance of Lent with a quiet, candlelight worship service for Ash Wednesday in the Taizé style. Imposition of ashes will be offered.

Additionally, self guided prayer stations sponsored by our Youth Ministry will be available in the Gathering Area from 6:00 pm - 8:30 pm. Make time to enjoy this meaningful experience.

Please note: There will be no POPS dinner or classes on Ash Wednesday.

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.

Membership Exploration Class

Membership Exploration Class
FEB 22 & MAR 1 | 10:00 am

Dining Rm
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!

Lenten SermonShapers Bible Study

Lenten SermonShapers
FEB 25 | 6:30 pm

Kardia Rm 224
Rev. Harrington & Rev. Lucas lead this weekly Bible Study series where we help shape the Lenten sermons by pondering what it means to share the good news of radical welcome, love for neighbor, care for the vulnerable, nourishment for the hungry, and nonviolence in the face of injustice.

Music | Contact Cindy Litzinger

Music Events

Calendars
Happenings
SACPC Students
Children
Kindermusik
Adults
Lent 2026
Youth Summer Trips
Holy Week 2026
Advent 2025
Earth Care
Music

Go & Serve | Contact Gary Smith

Support Our Preschool this Month

by Jane Smith
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 

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.

One Great Hour of Sharing Calendar

Available Ash Wednesday

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!

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

Calendars
Happenings
SACPC Students
Children
Kindermusik
Adults
Lent 2026
Youth Summer Trips
Holy Week 2026
Advent 2025
Earth Care
Music

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

Calendars
Happenings
SACPC Students
Children
Kindermusik
Adults
Lent 2026
Youth Summer Trips
Holy Week 2026
Advent 2025
Earth Care
Music

Tread Lightly During Lent

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.

Earth Care Survey Results

As an Earth Care Congregation, we believe caring for God’s creation is a big part of how we live out our faith every day. Recently, we asked church members to share how they’re already caring for the Earth in their own lives. Thank you for your participation, your responses were encouraging and inspiring.

Many of you also shared concerns and ideas, plus areas where you’d like to learn more. We heard a real need for clear, trustworthy information and practical guidance around caring for clean water and air, understanding recycling guidelines, and finding ways to get involved locally.
We offer these survey results as a starting point for prayerful reflection, learning and action as we seek to be faithful stewards of God’s creation together at home, at church, and in our community. Please contact Shelley Hobson or Gwen Behen if you wish to join the Earth Care Team

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 February 3, 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 Give Praise:

The work of emergency personnel, DOT, Duke power, meteorologists, warming shelters and others who kept us safe during the snow storm.

We Grieve For:

Sue Messina’s 90 year old father died on January 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.  

Kathy Denlinger's mother, Shirley Shea, died on January 31. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

We Pray For:

Ron Faulk, who is back in the hospital with complications from his surgery.  

Our youth and advisors on the Ski Trip this weekend.

Those experiencing homelessness and the warming shelters.

Bob Van Note and his family in this season of grief.

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)

Birthday Celebrations  |  Feb. 3 - 10, 2026

February 3: Will Davy
February 5: Angela Burns, Matthew Pierson, Ryan Pierson
February 7: Paige Williams
February 8: Elle Lathan
February 9: George Chadwick III, Marge Gordon, Terri Lensch, Steve Miller:
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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