TUESDAY, AUGUST 4, 2026

The Difference Between Grace and Karma

"It’s a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the Universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between Grace and Karma.



You see, at the center of all religions is the idea of Karma. You know, what you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics – in physical laws – every action is met by an equal and opposite one. It’s clear to me that Karma is at the very heart of the Universe. I’m absolutely sure of it. And yet, along comes this idea called Grace to upend all that “as you reap, so will you sow” stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I’ve done a lot of stupid stuff."

--Bono, lead singer of U2

The Soundtrack of Faith Sermon Series Begins Sunday

This Sunday, August 9, Chris Currie will begin a four-week sermon series related to music and faith, but in particular how these artists have shaped his faith through their songwriting, lyrics, and unique sound.

Follow-Up Session on Mindfulness with Lauren Lemmon Tomorrow

The Spiritually Hungry Women's group is pleased to announce that tomorrow (Wednesday, August 5) group member Lauren Lemmon will lead a follow-up session on mindfulness entitled “The Powerful Pause: From Reaction to Compassion.” Lauren is a retired judge, certified mediator, and faculty member at the National Judicial College, where she teaches Mindfulness for Judges. Her first presentation on July 15 was so well-received and so rich that the group has persuaded her to continue the discussion. The session will take place at 12:30 p.m. in the Land Building Lakeside Room and all are welcome to attend, whether in person or via Zoom. Please email bethpoe@tulane.edu for the Zoom link.

PW Collection for Program of Hope

Presbyterian Women are collecting items for Program of Hope during the month of August. Program of Hope, one of our community ministry partners, is a ministry created by First Presbyterian Church that provides worship, counseling, housing/shelter vouchers, and needed items every week to those without permanent housing. Requested are t-shirts (sizes L and XL), socks, and travel-size toiletries. Please bring donations to the basket by the Chapel entrance.

YAF Volunteer Morning at JLNO Diaper Bank

Join the Young Adults and Families at the JLNO Diaper Bank Warehouse as we volunteer to bundle diapers and pack period kits for distribution into the community! This is a family-friendly, social, community opportunity for anyone age 8 and older. We meet this Saturday, August 8, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the JLNO Diaper Bank Warehouse (1109 N. Al Davis Road, Elmwood, LA 70123). Sign up on our YAF webpage.

YAF End-of-Summer Party at the Batture

The Young Adults and Families Group enjoyed fellowship, the summer heat, the river breeze, and a beautiful sunset at their end-of-summer party at The Batture on Thursday evening.

Celebrating Our Ushers This Sunday

This Sunday, August 9, following 9:30 a.m. worship, we will be honoring those who serve as ushers throughout the church year. Please join us in Frampton Fellowship Hall to express our appreciation for the many ways our ushers serve and support this community!

Challenger Class (4th-5th Graders) Swimming Day

All 4th and 5th graders are invited to a Challenger Class Swimming Day on the Northshore this Sunday, August 9! Drop-off time at the church will be 11 a.m. and pick-up time at the church will be 5 p.m. Please contact Michele Murphy at michele@scapc.org to sign up.

Summer Park Sunday This Weekend

Everyone is invited to meet up at Alma Peters Park (4 Annunciation Street) this Sunday, August 9, for fellowship and fun! We will meet from 4:00 to 5:30 to sit and chat, play on the playground, or go for a walk together. BYOB and snacks.

Needle Arts Group This Sunday

The Needle Arts Group will meet this Sunday, August 9, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Land Building Lakeside Room. If you enjoy crocheting, knitting, sewing, cross-stitching, or any other needle arts, come join us! We meet on the second Sunday of each month. We will be taking up a donation for Second Harvest.

Our Sympathy

Our sympathy is extended to Sarah Hillery and her family on the death of her mother, Patricia Cook Rauls, who died on July 15.

Montreat Youth Conference

SCAPC Youth just returned from the Montreat Youth Conference where they hiked, rafted, bonded, engaged with the Black Mountain community in a special service project, and worshipped with over a thousand other youth in North Carolina. Ranging from 13 to 18 year olds, our group showed tremendous unity and spiritual growth on the trip as they navigated the week’s events and the theme “Wonder and Wander.” Several of our youth also served as on-stage liturgy leaders through their gifts of music and speaking in front of the entire auditorium of participants. We are so proud of our kids!

Seeing God All Over the World

Thank you to all who have sent us postcards sharing where you've seen God this summer! Send us a postcard or bring one to church to let us know where you've been moved by the spirit. We are sharing them on the bulletin board in Frampton Fellowship Hall. Here are a couple we received this week:

Savannah Weiser wrote:

"Arden and I went to Starkville, Mississippi this summer for orientation at MSU and ended up enjoying all it has to offer. Some of the people like Trinity, Dixie, Cara, and Georgia make me so excited to head back up for the fall semester. It was also nice to see what we could do in town at Starkville which was a pleasantly active town. We both can't wait to go back up there for our first fall semester and are eager to join the many clubs MSU has to offer! I saw God in the kindness that I encountered while there. Peace be with you."

The Tietje family sent us word that they experienced God while visiting the Swift River at White Mountains, New Hampshire.