SACPC Weekly Updates for Apr. 14 - 21, 2026
Sunday, April 19, 2025
Confirmation Sunday
This Sunday
"Good Soil"
Jen Phelps, guest speaker
We welcome our Confirmands as our newest members of St Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian, with the Parable of the Sower and some quality family time.
Friendly reminder, this is Unity Sunday! We will offer one combined worship service at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary. Directly following worship, all are invited to enjoy a continental breakfast on the lawn provided by our Fellowship Team in celebration of our newest Confirmands.
Friendly reminder, this is Unity Sunday! We will offer one combined worship service at 10:00 am in the Sanctuary. Directly following worship, all are invited to enjoy a continental breakfast on the lawn provided by our Fellowship Team in celebration of our newest Confirmands.
Previous Contemporary Worship
Previous Traditional Worship
SACPC(USA) | April 12, 2026 | 11:00 am Traditional Worship
Apr 12, 2026 • Emily Donovan
SACPC(USA) | April 5, 2026 | 11:00 am Traditional Worship
Apr 5, 2026 • Rev. Katherine B. Harrington
SACPC(USA) | April 2, 2026 | 7:00 pm Holy Thursday Worship
Apr 2, 2026 • Rev. Katherine B. Harrington, Rev. Parker Lucas, Rev. Brock Meyer
After the Amen
This past Sunday's message invited us to rediscover the sacred relationship between our faith and God's creation, particularly through the lens of trees. The call in Ecclesiastes to 'stand in awe' before God is an invitation to slow down our distracted lives and truly notice what God has already placed around us. We also learned Wilmington's tree canopy has dropped from 48% to 40% in the last ten years with the loss disproportionately affecting low-income neighborhoods. The Tree of Life in Revelation promises healing for all nations, reminding us that God's restoration work includes every neighborhood, every community, and every living thing.
As we meditate on Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 and Revelation 22:1-5 try one of these practices this week:
As we meditate on Ecclesiastes 3:1-14 and Revelation 22:1-5 try one of these practices this week:
- Daily Awe Practice: Spend 10-20 minutes each day in nature (your backyard, a park, even looking out a window). Slow down and notice the way tree branches grow or sway in the wind. Notice the natural sounds around you (birdsong, wind, crunching of leaves under your feet). Make these moments not about fitness or gardening projects. Make these moments about relaxing and studying God's divine system, untouched and wonderfully wild.
- Attention Audit: Notice what steals your attention. Consider a digital fast or setting boundaries with technology to create more time for God-made things.
- Tree Inventory: Take a walk through your neighborhood and a nearby low-income area. Notice the difference in tree canopy. Consider supporting the work of the Alliance for Cape Fear Trees.
Announcements
Baptism Celebration
Peterson Family
Maddox Andrew Peterson, son of Erik Van Peterson and Lindsey Meredith Peterson received Christian Baptism on March 29, 2026 at SACPC during the 11:00 service.
In baptism, we promise to guide and nurture these children by word and deed, love, and prayer encouraging them to know and love Jesus Christ and to be His faithful disciple.
In baptism, we promise to guide and nurture these children by word and deed, love, and prayer encouraging them to know and love Jesus Christ and to be His faithful disciple.
Let It Grow Plant and Artisan Market
Proceeds benefiting the SACPC Earth Care Team
by Gayle Bell
One of our block neighbors, Let It Grow (in the Sisson house), has planned a native plant sale for the afternoon of Sunday, April 26th in the block parking lot. Vendors will be native plant nurseries, local herbalists, arborists and other plant related items. Let It Grow plans to donate half of their vendor fees to our church’s Earth Care Team.
On the same day, the yoga studio is holding an artisan market. Please plan to come out for this event in support of our block renters and your church’s Earth Care Team.
On the same day, the yoga studio is holding an artisan market. Please plan to come out for this event in support of our block renters and your church’s Earth Care Team.
March Financial Highlights
by Susan Dykes
Click the link below to view the financial updates for March.
Cooks Needed for DVSS Casseroles
by Carol Query
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.
Meet and Greet with New & Prospective Members
by Connections Team
Join us at the New and Prospective Members Meet & Greet! Sunday, May 3rd at 10:00AM in the Dining Room.
*Get Connected with other members
*Ask Questions
*Finger foods
RSVP with Rev. Parker Lucas.
*Get Connected with other members
*Ask Questions
*Finger foods
RSVP with Rev. Parker Lucas.
Thank You!
by Gwen Behen
The Earth Care Team would like to thank Cindy Litzinger for securing permission from Carolyn Winfrey Gillette to use the lyrics from her hymn O God, You Made The Trees. This was the last hymn sung in the 11.00am Earth Care Worship Service on April 12. The words beautifully reflected the message from our speaker, Emily Donovan.
Short Stories by Jesus Sundays in June
by Sue McCaffray
Whether you are a Sunday school regular or Sunday school drop-in, please join us for 4 Sundays in June, 10-11 in the Living Faith classroom for a combined class for adults and youth taught by our staff members. We will use a book by Amy-Jill Levine to look at some of Jesus's most beloved parables with fresh eyes. It's fun! Hope to see you there.
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.
Spring Mission Trip
by Gary Smith
We still have openings for four more people to go on our mission trip to western North Carolina from May 3-9. We would love for you to join us. Please contact Gary Smith or Parker Lucas for more details or to sign up.
Holy Happenings
Confirmation Sunday & Unity Worship
Confirmation Sunday & Unity Worship
APR 19 | 10:00 am
Sanctuary
APR 19 | 10:00 am
Sanctuary
We will gather together for a Unity Service at 10:00 am on Sunday, April 19th to welcome our Confirmation Class.
Join the celebration with our church family. Directly following worship, help us celebrate our newest Confirmands with continental breakfast on the 15th St. lawn. This is a rain or shine event, rain location is Brown Hall.
Weekend of Biblical Story Telling
Biblical Story Telling Weekend
APR 24 |7:00 pm
Sanctuary
APR 24 |7:00 pm
Sanctuary
Join us on Friday, April 24th at 7:00 pm to experience an immersive Storytelling performance on the life and legend of Saint Sebastian: saint, soldier and martyr. Davide Bardi and Paola Balbi, are the Artistic Directors of Raccontamiunastoria (Tell Me A Story). They will perform three times over the weekend of April 24 - 26. These events are FREE and open to the public.
New Young Families & Young Adult Meet Up
Young Adults & Families Meet Up
APR 26 |4:00 pm
Beat Street
APR 26 |4:00 pm
Beat Street
Are you between the ages of 25 and 45, looking for an opportunity to connect and fellowship with others? We’re excited to invite all young adults and young families to meet at Beat Street on April 26 at 4:00 pm! Whether you’re new to the church or have been around for a while, this is a great chance to meet new people, connect, and get involved in the SACPC community.
So if you are interested in being involved in creating this new group of young adults and families, please contact Rev. Lucas at plucas@sacpc.org.
So if you are interested in being involved in creating this new group of young adults and families, please contact Rev. Lucas at plucas@sacpc.org.
Breakfast Sunday
Breakfast Sunday
May 31 | 10:00 am
Brown Hall
May 31 | 10:00 am
Brown Hall
Join your church family for our Fifth Sunday Breakfast on May 31 in Brown Hall between worship services. It's been a long time! We will recognize all of our teachers and enjoy our time together.
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
April Donation Drive
Help Build a Boat
We will be raising money in April 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.
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 recently visited with us to talk with us about this critical piece of their ministry. 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 April.
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 recently visited with us to talk with us about this critical piece of their ministry. 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 April.
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)
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)
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
Youth | Contact Jen Phelps
Last DGroups Meet MAR 18
MORE DGroups This Spring!
DGroups
APR 15 | 7:00 pm
The POOL
Doors open at 6:30 pm
APR 15 | 7:00 pm
The POOL
Doors open at 6:30 pm
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.
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.
YOUTH Putt Putt
Youth Putt Putt
APR 26 | 7:00 pm
Surf's Up Mini Golf
Carolina Beach, NC
APR 26 | 7:00 pm
Surf's Up Mini Golf
Carolina Beach, NC
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
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!!
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!!
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.
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
Earth Care Sunday Reflections
Sunday, April 12
The Earth Care Team led us during both worship services this past Sunday where we celebrated all God's creation--especially trees. The congregation reaffirmed our commitment to be a certified Earth Care Congregation and invited a special guest, a native red bud tree, to worship with us. This tree will be planted at the corner of 15th & Market streets as an act of good stewardship towards restoring lost tree canopy on our property. We also learned about the divine importance of our local tree canopy and ways we can become more involved in preserving and restoring lost canopy in our area.
Please contact Shelley Hobson or Gwen Behen if you wish to join the Earth Care Team
GIVING | Contact Susan Dykes
March 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 April 14, 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.
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
Philippians 4:4-6
We Celebrate:
Our confirmands who are preparing their faith statements to present before the session and participating in worship this Sunday are: Brooklyn Johnson, Elle Lathan, Josie Harrington, Luke Lanier, Lyda Williams, Silas Lockamy, and Tory Hilliard.
We Pray For:
Phil Gladden, who is recovering from shoulder surgery he had on April 10.
Our friends in Chulochosema, Malawi, who lost a Deacon and member of the Women’s Guild named Margaret.
Reese Meiggs, the 6-year-old daughter of a family friend of Rachel and Julian March, with a cancerous brain tumor, was hospitalized with a brain bleed at the site of the tumor.
Jerry Owens, who is having a stent put in place on Thursday, April 16th.
Safe travels for Paola Balbi and Davide Bardi, Italian performers traveling to the US this week. They will be leading the Word Made Alive biblical storytelling event on April 24th.
Our friends in Chulochosema, Malawi, who lost a Deacon and member of the Women’s Guild named Margaret.
Reese Meiggs, the 6-year-old daughter of a family friend of Rachel and Julian March, with a cancerous brain tumor, was hospitalized with a brain bleed at the site of the tumor.
Jerry Owens, who is having a stent put in place on Thursday, April 16th.
Safe travels for Paola Balbi and Davide Bardi, Italian performers traveling to the US this week. They will be leading the Word Made Alive biblical storytelling event on April 24th.
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 | Apr. 14 - 21, 2026
April 14: Miles Crooks, Chay Huss, Megan Kash
April 15: Rick Garner, Eliza March, Joyce Whittaker
April 16: Scott Lund, Robin Mortenson, Lee Wilson
April 17: Thomas Murray
April 18: Scot Andrews, Fred Murray
April 20: Ben Ivey, Jordan McEwen
April 21: Becky Barefoot, Kay Hein, Linda Smith
April 15: Rick Garner, Eliza March, Joyce Whittaker
April 16: Scott Lund, Robin Mortenson, Lee Wilson
April 17: Thomas Murray
April 18: Scot Andrews, Fred Murray
April 20: Ben Ivey, Jordan McEwen
April 21: Becky Barefoot, Kay Hein, Linda Smith
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.
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.
Recent
SACPC Weekly Updates for Apr. 14 - 21, 2026
April 14th, 2026
SACPC Weekly Updates for Mar. 31 - Apr. 14, 2026
March 31st, 2026
SACPC Weekly Updates for Mar. 24 - 31, 2026
March 24th, 2026
SACPC Weekly Updates for Mar. 17-24, 2026
March 17th, 2026
SACPC Weekly Updates for Mar. 10-17, 2026
March 10th, 2026
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