|
And yet, many of us (myself included!) often find ourselves overcommitted, overwhelmed, and overstuffed—with things, with obligations, with distractions. No wonder our souls feel weary. Jesus invites us to a different way: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). The way of simplicity isn’t just a nice idea; it’s an invitation into deeper trust, greater peace, and a more intimate walk with God.
So, how do we take steps toward a simpler, more spiritually nourishing life? Here are a few places to start:
| | |
-
Clear the Clutter—Inside and Out. Take a look at your home, your calendar, even your mental state. What’s taking up space that doesn’t serve your walk with Christ? Let go of what’s weighing you down—whether it’s stuff, obligations, or old anxieties—and make room for what nourishes your soul.
-
Prioritize Rest and Sabbath. We are not meant to run on empty. God calls us to rest, not just because we need it, but because it teaches us to trust. Make space in your week for a Sabbath Day, for slowing down, for remembering that you are not defined by what you produce but by the God who loves you.
-
Have a Zero Spend Weekend. Prioritize a weekend to enjoy what you have, what requires no consumption or purchasing. Reread books that you love, tidy up the garden and make do with what’s on your property instead of zipping to the Garden Center for a fresh bag of mulch. Consume what you already own! Eat leftovers and let your nervous system reset and your wallets breathe. You likely have more than you realize.
-
Set healthy emotional boundaries. Simplifying isn’t about doing less for the sake of it; it’s about making sure that what you say yes to is aligned with God’s call for your life. Balance your needs with the emotional needs you’re constantly being asked to carry from others who need to learn their own emotional regulation and let’s be honest, need to hire their own therapist!
-
Practice Gratitude and Generosity. When we focus on what we have instead of what we lack, we step into abundance. And when we give freely—of our time, our resources, our love—we loosen the grip of materialism and scarcity, making space for the joy of Kingdom living.
Simplicity isn’t about deprivation; it’s about making space for what truly matters. When we strip away what distracts and weighs us down, we find a deeper richness in life with Christ. We become more present, more joyful, freer. And isn’t that the abundant life Jesus promised?
| | |
A Work that is "Incredibly Inspiring and Uplifting"
During the 10:30 a.m. service this Sunday, April 13, the SCAPC Chancel Choir and Orchestra will perform Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living.
Combining both liturgical and non-liturgical texts, this powerful five-movement work projects a wide range of meaningful expression, from a biting essay on the vanity and pain of existence, to a plea for mercy, and finally a celebration of eternal light.
|
| |
Palm Sunday Procession this Sunday
All children are invited to join in a palm procession for Palm Sunday at the beginning of the 10:30 service. Please gather in the narthex before the service begins.
| | |
SCAPC 101
Our SCAPC 101 class will be held this Sunday, April 13, from 9:30-10:15 a.m. in the second floor conference room. 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. Learn more in the meantime by visiting our membership page.
| | |
Bread Making as a Spiritual Practice: A SCAPC Tradition
CHILDCARE NOW AVAILABLE!
On Wednesday, April 16 from 6-8 p.m., join with others from the congregation to make bread for the communion we will share during our Maundy Thursday worship. This evening has become a tradition during Holy Week. We will share a light supper and then talk about the art of bread making as a meditation. This year, we will be working with sourdough. If all goes well, each participant will also take some sourdough starter and a loaf to bake at home at the end of the evening. Join us if you have never baked before or if you are a seasoned professional. All ages are welcome and childcare will be available. The cost is $15 for dinner and supplies. Your check, delivered to the SCAPC Office, is your reservation. The deadline is Monday, April 14 at noon.
| | |
Maundy Thursday Service
On Thursday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary, we will commemorate the Last Supper with communion, prayer, liturgy, and music by the Chancel Choir. Childcare will be available. The service will be livestreamed on our YouTube page.
| | |
Good Friday Walk and Prayer Pilgrimage
This Friday, April 18, Miriam Hollar will lead a Good Friday walk and prayer pilgrimage to nine local churches beginning at 8 a.m. The pilgrimage will finish in our sanctuary with the Good Friday Service at noon. For details and walking schedule, please email miriam@scapc.org by noon on Maundy Thursday, April 17.
| | |
Good Friday Service
On Friday, April 18 at noon in the Sanctuary, we will commemorate Jesus’ crucifixion through scripture, song, and silent reflection. Please note that there will be no childcare. The service will be livestreamed on our YouTube page.
| |
|
Join an Usher Team!
Serving as an usher on Sunday mornings is one of the most important (and fun!) ways to volunteer for the church. The role can involve anything from passing the offering plates, recording attendance, assisting congregants with special needs, and most importantly, greeting everyone as they gather for worship. Each usher team serves two months of the year, six months apart (for example, January and July). To join a team, contact Geoff Snodgrass at gpsnodgrass@gmail.com.
| | |
Youth College Admissions Prep with The Carnahan Group
This Sunday, April 13, at 5 p.m. in the Youth Room, we will be joined by Kathy Carnahan and Sarah Pottharst Girolami of The Carnahan Group! Kathy and Sarah are college admissions specialists and church members who want to give back to SCAPC by offering a free hour-long session and Q&A for any of our high schoolers looking for help finding colleges and applying. This was an invaluable info session the last time the Carnahans came to our church, and we think it will once more be a huge opportunity for our families to learn some tips and tricks regarding university applications. No RSVP is necessary. Any parents and youth are welcome.
| | Youth Summer Trips: Sign Up Now! | | It’s time to get excited for our summer SCAPC Youth Trips! The Mo-Ranch Junior High Jubilee for students who have completed 6th-8th grade will take place July 6-10. We will join congregations of other middle school youth in the Hill Country of Hunt, Texas for an unforgettable Presbyterian Conference experience that’s filled with new friends, great recreation, and deep spiritual enrichment. Activities will include everything from taking a challenge on the Mo ropes course to swimming in the beautiful Guadalupe River! Days are filled with keynote/worship sessions, small groups with other PCUSA youth from across the South, down time for informal games and hanging out, and, to close each night, home group reflection time. | | | The Montreat High School Conference for students who have completed 8th-12th grade will take place July 19-26. Spend an unforgettable week at Montreat Conference Center in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. We will join senior high students from around the country for a week of activities including profound worship experiences, small groups, interactive games, and energizing songs and dances. We will also spend time whitewater rafting and hiking the wilderness. On Wednesday, we will be volunteering with Asheville Youth Mission. Year after year, bringing our youth to Montreat to hear amazing speakers and meet other faithful teens from across the country inspires them and leaves a major impact on their faith. | | | |
MAKING ROOM: CELEBRATING HOSPITALITY AS A CHRISTIAN TRADITION
led by Ashley Brown and Bev Church | April 6 - May 18 | Land Building Riverside Room
In this class we explore themes of welcome, generosity, and the sacred art of making room for the stranger, challenging neighbor, the needy, and even those who may be difficult to embrace and welcome. Every class includes modernized lessons on hospitality by local expert and published author Bev Church. Our final class on May 18 will culminate in a special Sunday School celebration of all we have learned. This Sunday’s topic will be “A History of New Testament Hospitality.”
THE GOSPEL OF JOHN
February 16 - May 18 | Phifer Library
In its tone, structure, and portrayal of Jesus, the Gospel of John differs greatly from the other three gospels. John’s story of Jesus is theologically complex, interweaving themes of light and darkness. This Sunday's topic will be “I am the Good Shepherd”, led by Neale Miller.
| | |
Yak, Snack, & Read's New Book:
The Midnight Library
The 40/50's Yak, Snack, & Read book club will meet on Tuesday, May 20 from 6:00-7:30 p.m. in the Land Building to review The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. Join us for a lively discussion!
| | | |
Spring Day of Service
More than 60 volunteers turned out for the Spring Day of Service this past Saturday!
| | From left: Stacey Danner, Sydney Lawder, Bob Smith, Julie Graybill, and Libbie Reiss sorted clothes for Program of Hope Homeless Ministry. | | From left: Caroline MacArthur, Scott Burns, Paige and Chep Morrison, Richard Seelman, and Matt McCann moved furniture to the Eden Emergency Center. | | From left: Nicole Patel, Arden and Savannah Weiser served at Okra Abbey where they picked up neighborhood trash, gardened, and painted murals on rain barrels. The barrel shown was painted by April Weiser. | | Clockwise from left: Becky Knight, Blythe Wren, Stacey Danner, Jamie and Sophia DeFraites, Jennie Wimbish, Sadie DuVernay, Avery Danner, Dorothy Burns, and Kate Knight (Laura St. Clair not pictured) made bracelets for the women of our sister churches in Cardenas, Cuba. | | |
YAF Crawfish Boil
The Young Adults & Families (YAF) group enjoyed a festive crawfish boil on Saturday!
| | Chefs Burt and Will Tietje | | From left: Jessie Bruggers, Jenn Keene, Sarah Chancellor-Watson, Bria Rault, and Sarah Bleile | | From left: Jenn Keene, Ashley Brown, Sarah Bleile, Matt McCann, and Barrett Wheeler | | Daniel Fletcher and Sarah Hedgecock with their son Isaac | | |
New Arrival!
Congratulations go out to Adelle Bergman Valenti, former Aden Program Director, and her husband Michael on the birth of their daughter, Catelynn Josephine Valenti, who was born on Monday, March 31.
| | |
Sympathy
Our sympathy is extended to the family of Jane Kilgore, former SCAPC member and longtime STAIR tutor, who died on December 19 in Atlanta.
| |
Disclosure: The recipients of this message are associated with St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church (SCAPC), either by way of membership, visitation, expressed interest, or participation in SCAPC's programs. If you no longer wish to receive email from SCAPC, please click below to unsubscribe. This will exclude you from ALL church group emails.
| | | | |
