SACPC Weekly Updates for Mar. 3-10, 2026

Sunday, March 8, 2025

3rd Sunday in Lent

This Sunday

"The good news is...together, the impossible is possible"

Rev. Katherine B. Harrington
How do miracles become possible? Often, it is through the power of community. Katie will be preaching from Ephesians 3:20-21 and Mark 6:32-44. Join us this Sunday for the first worship services back in our renovated sanctuary! We will also be collecting our five cents a meal offering.

Previous Contemporary Worship

Previous Traditional Worship

Announcements

Back In The Sanctuary THIS Sunday!!

by Katie Harrington
March 8 will be our first Sunday of worship in our newly renovated sanctuary. Join us for a worship service filled with joy and gratitude!

Sanctuary Comment Box

by Catheryn Thomas
This Sunday we welcome everyone back to our new and improved Sanctuary! Let us know what you love about the space, or if you have questions or concerns. Drop us a note in the box in the Narthex. Staff will check the box weekly.

Easter Fellowship on the Lawn

by Laura Petterson
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!

Easter Flowers

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.

What's In Session?

February Updates

by Julian March
February's Session report is now available. Click the link below to view.

Thank You Note | Looney Family

by Beth Looney
Dear SACPC —

Thank you for the prayers you have lifted up for my son, Jack Looney, over the past six years while he served in the Navy. Walking through those years knowing that the SACPC family was praying for his safety, strength, and peace brought us so much comfort.

In January, Jack completed his service and is now home as a civilian, living in Durham with his wife of four years, Julia. During his time aboard the USS Carl Vinson, he served on multiple deployments, including his most recent nine-month deployment in the Persian Gulf.

So many prayers for Jack’s safety have been answered over the years. As we take his name off the prayer list, we ask that you continue to hold other service members and their families close in prayer. Please know that your prayers truly matter — they carry our kids through long days, homesickness, uncertain moments, and all the challenges that come with military life.

Thank you again - we have appreciated your support!

Beth & Jack Looney

Lenten Daily Devotionals

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.

Ducks in a Row Registration Ends March 5!

by Phyllis Smith
A new Ducks In a Row class begins 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.

Holy Happenings @ SACPC 

Dinner with Pastor Nonato

Dinner with Pastor Nonato
MAR 3 | 6:00 pm

Dining Rm
Please bring a main dish, salad, or dessert to share and join us for a potluck dinner with Nonato Santos, the pastor of the Petropolis Presbyterian Church in Manaus, Brazil, our partner congregation. Pastor Nonato will be in town for two days to discuss his church's ministry to communities along the Paraguay River and its campaign to build a own boat to facilitate this ministry.We are planning a mission trip to Brazil from August 1-7, 2026. See Gary Smith for details

POPS Meal Menu

POPS Meal Menu
MAR 4 | 5:30 pm

Brown Hall
Menu: Salad, Chili, Mac & Cheese, Cornbread, and Dessert. Cost is $25/family, $7/adult, and $5/under 12.

Lenten SermonShapers Bible Study

Lenten SermonShapers
MAR 4 | 6:30 pm

Kardia Rm 224
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.

Grounded in Goodness

Grounded in Goodness Nature Meetups
MAR 5 | 12:00 pm

Halyburton Park
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.

Presbyterian Women's March Bible Study

Presbyterian Women's March Bible Study
MAR 10*, 11 & 12 | 10:00 am

Dining Rm
*MAR 10: Circle 2 meets at Eden Village
March’s Bible study will be led by Barbara Hager.  The theme is "The Woman Who Was Bent Over."  As followers of Christ, we are to serve with a compassionate and healing spirit and be part of setting people free. The main scripture passage is Luke 13:10-17. Same lesson each day.

PLEASE NOTE: On Tuesday, March 10 Circle 2 will gather at Eden Village for study and fellowship with their friend, resident John Porter.  Wednesday and Thursday meetings are at the regular time and place.

Sanctuary Dedication

Sanctuary Dedication
MAR 15 | 10:15 am

Sanctuary
Our sanctuary and HVAC system have been beautifully renovated. On March 15 at 10:15 am, we will gather to dedicate them to the glory of God. Come for a time of music, prayer, and celebration between our regular 9:00 am and 11:00 am worship services. No Sunday School.

Celebration Sunday

Celebration Sunday
MAR 22 | Noon

Brown Hall
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.

Music | Contact Cindy Litzinger

Living Last Supper

Enjoy some of these memories from The Living Last Supper.

M&M (Music & More)

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

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

March Donation Drive

Help Build A Boat

We will be raising money in March to help our partners in Brazil—the staff and members of the Petropolis Presbyterian Church—build a boat to use in their ministry to communities along the Paraguay River. This partnership is 25 years old, and over the years, we have sent a half dozen teams to Brazil to work with them in this vital ministry. Our next team will travel there in August.

The Petropolis Church received a large grant to help build the boat, but still needs about $30,000 to complete the vessel. After it is finished, they will no longer need to rent one to use in this important outreach.

Pastor Nonato Santos is visiting with us this week to help with the fundraising. He is also visiting friends in Florida and Texas to solicit funds. Donations can be made online or by placing a check designated for the Brazil partnership in the offerings on Sundays in March.

Ramp Build

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.

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!

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.

Children's 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

Last DGroups Meet MAR 18

DGroups
MAR 18 | 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.

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!

Montreat High School Youth Conference

Montreat High School Youth Conference
June 14 - 20, 2026
Completed Grades 9 - 12
Montreat, NC
$600/person

REGISTRATION OPENS SUNDAY, MARCH 1 AT 8:00 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.

Masanetta Middle School Conference

Masanetta Middle School Conference
July 9-12, 2026
Completed Grades 6 - 8
Massanetta Springs, VA
$400/person

REGISTRATION OPENS SUNDAY, MARCH 1 AT 8:00 PM!!
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.

Teacher Workday Service Day

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.

Youth 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

Crib sheet for cutting plastic and saving our landfill

by Gwen Behen
First of two articles:

  1. Disposable cleaning and dusting sheets are unnecessary. Transform old towels and clothes into rags you can use over and over. 
  2. Use silicone food-storage bags instead of press and seal plastic. Many are dishwasher safe.
  3. A pack of old-fashioned matches eliminates the need for plastic fire starters.
  4. Instead of single use sheet masks for skincare, opt for serum and lotions in bottles, glass if possible.
  5. Use plant based dental floss instead of dental tape. A reusable dental brush works as well.
  6. Most dish sponges are made from plastic. Switch to sponges made from coconut coir, which also have antibacterial properties.
  7. Plastic mesh loofahs are breeding grounds for bacteria. A plain washcloth works as well and is more sanitary.
  8. Try bar shampoos.
  9. Put out real dishes for social gatherings instead of cheap plastic sets.
  10. Opt for loose leaf tea instead of tea bags. Microplastics in your body and the ground will be reduced.
  11. Dryer sheets are polyester (plastic based). Wool dryer balls speed up drying times and reduce microplastics in your laundry.
  12. Polyester clothes also shed microplastics each time they’re laundered. Using a guppy bag will help capture the plastic. 

More tips next time!!!

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

GIVING | Contact Susan Dykes

January 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 March 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 Grieve With:

Tony McEwen, whose mother Tonita McEwen, died Saturday, February 28.

 Page Tootoo and her family after the passing of her brother, John Troy Scott.

We Pray For:

Reese Meiggs and her family, friends of Julian and Rachel March. Reese, a kindergartner, is undergoing treatment at CHKD in Norfolk, Va, for a cancerous brain tumor.

Alison Sineath as she recovers from a recent heart procedure.
 
Jeanne Owens who is having surgery March 5.

Service Personnel:

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)

Birthday Celebrations  |  Mar. 3-10, 2026

March 3: Jack Richardson, Clyde Strassner, Emily Vassar
March 4: Mary Margaret Burney, Maggie Mortenson
March 5: Dawn Wallace
March 6: Betty Jo Bennett
March 7: Gregory Pleasants
March 8: Jonathan Miller, Grace Napper, Anna Grace Padula
March 10: Meredith Hayes, Allison McCorkle
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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