TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2023

FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK

Dear SCAPC community,

Just a reminder that today is the last day for nominations of elders for consideration by our nominating committee. Elders serve on the church session providing governance and spiritual leadership, but most importantly, alongside our ministry staff, elders make ministry happen. This church is full of gifted and committed people who contribute to our life together and our mission in many ways. If you have not already done so, I encourage you to nominate a member or members of this congregation to the nominating committee as they begin their work. You can do so by entering their information on our nomination page (scapc.org/nomination).

As we begin this season of Lent, we direct you to our Lent Devotions for your use during Lent. You can access printed copies here at the church, and feel free to access online at scapc.org/lent-devotionals. Each week there are 4 different lectionary texts accompanied by 4 different devotion contributions through text and art. May these reflections from members of our SCAPC community guide you as we journey together through Lent toward the cross and resurrection.

Blessings on these days,

Chris

May God give you grace never to sell yourself short;

grace to risk something big for something good;

grace to remember that the world is too dangerous for anything but truth

and too small for anything but love.

-William Sloane Coffin

SCAPC 101 THIS SUNDAY

"SCAPC 101" will be held this Sunday, March 5, from 9:30-10:15 a.m. in the Phifer Library. This class is designed as an orientation for new members and visitors interested in joining our church...or anyone wishing to learn more about SCAPC! We will talk about our basic beliefs as Presbyterians, the history of SCAPC, and how you can get involved in its ministries. It is also a great way to get to know new and longstanding members alike!

HELP GUIDE OUR NEW MEMBERS

The Membership Committee is seeking volunteers to serve as "Navigators" to provide support to new church members and help them assimilate into the life of the congregation. Navigators will be partnered with new members of similar age and interests. The Membership Committee is excited to launch the Navigator Program as yet another way to welcome new members and get them involved in church life. For more information, please email Margo Phelps at msp1161@aol.com or call 504-813-7764.  

ADULT CLASSES

"JOHN KNOX & HOW THE SCOTS INVENTED THE MODERN WORLD"

February 12-March 19 | led by John Dunlap & Chris Currie | Land Building Lakeside Room

Due to the contributions of John Knox and the reform movement that gave birth to the protestant church in Scotland, an environment was created that nurtured a literate society, education for all, faith that asks questions and seeks understanding, free thought and inquiry, a larger commitment to the ethical vision of society, and a say in the affairs of government. For the February 26 class recording, click here.

"GOD, IMPROV, & THE ART OF LIVING"

January 8 - April 30 | Book by MaryAnn McKibben Dana | 2nd floor conference room

This book blends personal stories, pop culture and scripture into a smart, funny down-to-earth guide to the art of living. 

FOR DETAILS ON CLASSES FOR ALL AGES, VISIT OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL PAGE.

TREE PLANTING PROJECT WITH SOUL

SCAPC is teaming up with Sustaining Our Urban Landscape (SOUL) for a fun morning of service on Saturday, March 18. Anyone over 16 is welcome to join us to plant trees in the Lower 9th Ward. Volunteers will meet at 2401 St. Maurice Street at 9:30 a.m. and we will plant from 10–1 with a pizza lunch to follow. All tools including clean gloves will be provided by SOUL. For more information or if you are interested in volunteering, please contact Tyler Wheeler (tyler@scapc.org) by March 8th.

DINNER & MOVIE NIGHT

All are invited to a Dinner & Movie Night next Tuesday, March 7 at 5:15 p.m. in Frampton Fellowship Hall. We will view Jason Berry’s film City of a Million Dreams: Parading for the Dead in New Orleans, which chronicles over 22 years of jazz funerals as well as race relations, burial traditions, and the resilient culture of our city. $25/person includes a red beans and rice dinner, discussion panel with Jason Berry, and a donation towards the film’s production. Your check is your reservation. Please make checks out to “SCAPC” with “McMillan” in the memo line. Reservations are due this Friday.

YOUTH MINISTRY IMPORTANT MARCH DATES:

Please also keep our Confirmands in prayer as they begin their formal classes in March!

YAF PINTS RETURNS

Young Adults & Families' PINTS resumes tomorrow! PINTS (Presbyterians Imbibing in Necessary Theological Study) meets weekly on Wednesdays from 6:45-8 p.m. at the Land Building for theological discussion and adult beverages. Each week we discuss different topics on how faith impacts our everyday lives. There is never any prep work necessary to attend. Childcare is always provided. Join us!

Chris Currie will be leading a weekly Theological Reading Group beginning on March 9th to review the book Faith Seeking Understanding by Daniel Migliore. The group will meet 12:15-1:15 in the conference room on the second floor as well via Zoom and will include a weekly chapter review and discussion. You can bring your own lunch. The author himself may join us by Zoom for further discussion!

RHINO'S IN FLORIDA

Please pray for our RHINO mission team serving this weekend in Port Charlotte, Florida with Wintergarden Presbyterian Church!

YOUNG ADULT VOLUNTER (YAV) APPLICATIONS

Applications are currently being accepted for the Presbyterian Mission Agency's 2023–24 YAV program. The program is open to young adults ages 19 to 30 who want to explore their Christian identity through a social justice lens. Click here to learn more and apply.

PW RETREAT OPPORTUNITY IN SCOTLAND

The Presbytery of South Louisiana announced that Linda Walker of University Presbyterian Church, Baton Rouge has been contacted about a retreat opportunity open to all women. The retreat will be held on the west coast of Scotland in June 2023 at the Iona Community’s off-grid eco-center – CAMAS – a truly stunning location in the Isle of Mull. For more information, contact Linda Walker at lstodwalk@bellsouth.net.

NEW ARRIVALS

Congratulations go out to Kyle and Eric Siegel on the birth of their son, Max Wallace Siegel, who was born on Tuesday, February 21.

Congratulations go out to Jessica and James Vorhoff on the birth of their daughter, Eleanore James Vorhoff, who was born on Thursday, February 23. She is the granddaughter of SCAPC member Bob Vorhoff.

SYMPATHY

Our sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Hunter Babin who died on February 18. A service will be held on tomorrow at 2:00 p.m. at Lakelawn Metairie Funeral Home.