TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2024

This passage (as assigned) is very short and simple. It seems to me that this is what Luke 2:4-5 says. Joseph was an ordinary guy, with ordinary worries, not yet knowing of the miraculous event forthcoming. In Matthew, the first Gospel in the Old Testament, the Advent Story is mentioned briefly with the glorious angels appearing in a dream to Joseph to foretell the magnitude of the event. But in these brief verses of Luke if understood as written, the reader can see this as a humble beginning which is what God intended.

From what I have read, the author of Luke felt that his story should be told the way God wanted us to understand the event. Joseph was a commoner whose wife bore the son of God. Joseph did not appear to know what would be taking place and how important to humanity the birth event would become. Unlike the births of most “royalty,” this birth was to seem like an everyday occurrence until Jesus’ true identity was revealed. This is what God wanted, and the author of Luke wanted to emphasize the word of God as he understood it. 

Printed Advent devotional books are available at the entrances to the Sanctuary and Chapel and online at this link.

For a full list of Advent events, visit our Advent page.

Music Offering

Our PC(USA) Book of Order states, “The covenant people have always used the gift of song to offer prayer...To lead the congregation in the singing of prayer is a primary role of the choir and other musicians.” In celebration and continuance of this gift, we are collecting a special offering for the SCAPC Music Program this month. To contribute via Paypal, please go to scapc.org/music. You can also send a check to the church made out to “SCAPC” with “Music Fund” in the memo. In addition to our regular service music, the Music Fund enables our Chancel Choir and Orchestra to lead our annual Celebration of Carols, which will take place on Sunday, December 15 at the 10:30 service (see announcement above).

Sunday School Classes Starting in January

The Gospel According to a Sitcom Writer

January 5 – 23 Library

You would think it strange if someone suddenly ascended into heaven, right? Reading between the lines, do we detect a touch of rivalry between Peter (the Rock) and John (the disciple who Jesus loved)? And surely the lack of parables I the latter’s mystical tome is simply crying out to be discussed! This class will playfully explore the four Gospels and be enlightened in the process.

Freedom of Religion in America

led by Richard Ashmore

January 5 – February 9 | Land Building Riverside Room (recorded)

For four centuries, the United States has grappled with how best to relate church and state. This class will focus on the concept/ideal/principle/experiment called “Freedom of Religion.” We will learn that Freedom of Religion is not a simple, long-standing, and well-established fact in our country. Instead, Freedom of Religion in America is a unique, wonderful, complicated, contested, and audacious work in progress with many historical twists and turns and an unknown future. We will explore the historical highlights of this highly important work in progress.

The Individual in the Institution:

A Creative Workshop on Faith and Belonging

led by Ashley Brown and Tyler Wheeler

January 12 - April 6 | 2nd floor conference room

This interactive class invites you to explore how to identify and nurture your personal faith beliefs while understanding how they align with the broader Presbyterian Church (PCUSA). Drawing on diverse resources— such as our Book of Order and Book of Confessions to lesser known Reformed Theologians who helped shaped PCUSA theology, we will engage in a deep reflection on our personal journeys of faith. In this class, you are encouraged to ask questions, love your doubts, and join in thoughtful discussion as we explore together what it truly means to be Christian within the context of our church community.

White Gifts Distributed

This morning, the white gifts collected by our members on Sunday were distributed to the participants of Eden Centers for Hope and Healing, New Orleans Women and Children's Shelter, Raintree Children and Family Services, the St. Thomas Community Center, and the STAIR (Start the Adventure in Reading). Thank you to all who contributed such meaningful gifts to brighten their Christmases!

Prison Visit

Last week, several SCAPC members visited the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel, LA as part of the Frederick Douglass Project for Justice. Visitors included Brittany Colson, Peter Rumm, Ashley Brown, Chris Currie, Jenn Keene, Ben Morrison, Michael Ball, Meg Gammage, Ed Lupberger, Don Frampton, and John Koch.

Aden Participants and Nursery Schoolers

Participants of the SCAPC Aden Program for Elder Care were joined by nursery schoolers to make ornaments for our White Gift tree last week.

Supper Club

SCAPC Supper clubbers Donna Lupberger, Caitlin and Drew Rowland, Ron and Jo Quinton, and Greg and Avery Beuerman enjoyed a festive night together this month! If your SCAPC supper club is meeting soon, send us a photo!

40/50 Dinner Party

A merry group of 40's and 50's enjoyed a Progressive Christmas Dinner Party Sunday, beginning with appetizers at the home of Helen and Thompson Graves, dinner in the Land Building, and dessert at the home of Lacey and Price Lanier!

40/50 Yak, Snack & Read

The newly formed 40/50 "Yak, Snack & Read" book club met earlier this month for an evening of refreshments and conversation on The Fifth Gospel. The group will meet next on Monday, February 3 in the Land Building at 6 p.m. to discuss James: A Novel by Percival Everett. All 40's and 50's welcome! Pictured here from left are Robert Edgecombe, Philip McCann, Dawn Talbot, April Weiser, Mary Dawn Pugh, and Michelle Baker.

YAF Christmas Brunch & Gift Exchange

Our Young Adults & Families enjoyed a rollicking Christmas lunch and gift exchange Sunday at the home of Catherine and Claire Karas!

The Original 95 Theses (of Why Home Alone 2 is Better)

Following in the footsteps of Martin Luther, Chris Hazlaris, Director of Youth and Young Adults, published 95 theses of why Home Alone 2 is the superior movie and nailed it to the senior pastor's office door. While an impressive effort, no minds have been changed as of this publication. See Chris Currie's sermon from last Sunday at this link if you are wondering why.