TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 7, 2023

PRAYER

On this day we thank you for the circle of those who enrich our lives:

Those new friends and old acquaintances with whom we have connected today…

Those who are not physically present but surround our lives with love and care…

Those who have shaped our lives and continue to guide our future…

Those who have made the news headlines today because of what they have done or said…

Those who have been brought to our attention because of a meeting, conversation, or message…

Those who are in the hospital, in care, or a place that is strange to them…

Those in whose family or relationship there is stress or a break-up…

Those who are waiting for a bath, or a death, or news that will affect their lives…

Those who need to forget the God they do not believe in and meet the God who believes in them…

Those whose pain or potential we should not forget to share with you today…

As we end this prayer may we do so not to end our devotions, but to expect your kingdom, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.

-from When Did We See You, Worship & Prayer Guide, PC(USA)

PASTORAL RESIDENCY: WELCOME, ASHLEY!

In the fall of 2021, SCAPC was invited by Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (APTS) to be a pastoral residency site. Pastoral residencies have come about as a way to give seminarians opportunities to learn and gain skills in supportive ministry environments before embarking on longer term calls and opportunities. Over the course of a pastoral residency, residents have the opportunity to preach and lead various parts of worship, teach Sunday School classes, and participate in pastoral care, the ministry of administration, and all aspects of congregational life. This particular pastoral residency is a two-year position. Two-thirds of the cost of the residency are paid by APTS, by way of a generous gift given by a member of their school community. The remaining one-third is being paid by our church through a benevolent gift from a member of our congregation.

After an application process this fall and interviews with a pastoral residency committee, seminarian ASHLEY BROWN was selected to serve. Ashley is a graduate of the University of South Carolina with a BA in International Studies and will graduate from APTS in May. To learn more about Ashley and the pastoral residency program, click here. Ashley will be visiting SCAPC tomorrow through Sunday. If you are at Wednesday Night Out or in Sunday worship I hope you will take the opportunity to introduce yourself to Ashley and welcome her to the SCAPC community!

Ashley is seeking a ONE-BEDROOM APARTMENT to begin renting in August. If you know of one that will be available, please contact Sarah Chancellor-Watson.

ANNUAL REPORT

Last Sunday, the SCAPC's 2022 Annual Report was presented at our Annual Congregational Meeting. To view the report, click here. Hard copies are also available in the church office.

CALL FOR SESSION NOMINATIONS

As a governing body, the Session of St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church needs people who are strong in faith and generous in spirit. Being elected an Elder by the congregation is an opportunity to serve Jesus Christ in leadership. Nominees for the Session Class of 2026, which is a three-year term, must be active church members who participate in worship regularly, support the church’s stewardship campaign financially, and use their time and talents to support the mission of the church. Will you answer the call to service for our thriving church? Or do you know of another member who would be an asset to our Session? You can submit your nomination(s) at scapc.org/nomination. Nominations are due Sunday, February 26.

Please note that on SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, we will have ONE UNIFIED SERVICE AT 8:30 AM in the Sanctuary. The service will be livestreamed to our YouTube page. There will be no Sunday School or childcare.

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 [email protected] or call 504-813-7764.  

READING GLASSES FOR THE HOMELESS

This month, Presbyterian Women are collecting reading glasses, new or used, in any strength, for the Program of Hope Homeless Shelter, as well as men's and women's solid deodorant. Please place your donations in the designated baskets by the State Street Chapel entrance.

ADULT CLASSES

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

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

Mention of Scotland and the Scots usually conjures up images of kilts, bagpipes, Scotch whiskey, and golf. However, due to the contributions of John Knox and the reform movement that gave birth to protestant church in Scotland, an environment was created that nurtured a literate society, education for all, a 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.

"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.

There will be NO CHILDREN'S OR YOUTH CHOIR rehearsals on February 12 or 19.

YOUTH: Please note that we will not have Youth Group this Sunday, but we WILL have Sunday School.

WEBPAGE FOR "AFRICAN AMERICAN SPIRITUALITY" CLASS

Last Sunday, Richard Ashmore concluded his Sunday School class on African American Spirituality. We have developed a webpage that includes class recordings, slides, and links to the spirituals and gospel songs which accompanied each topic. Explore at scapc.org/class.

WALTER HARRIS ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP

Many SCAPC friends were present at the portrait unveiling of the Walter Harris Endowed Scholarship at Loyola University School of Music last Friday. Walter was a faithful member of our congregation for 14 years before he passed away in 2020.

YAF TRIVIA NIGHT

The Young Adults & Families (YAF) enjoyed a night of trivia at Oak Street Brewery last Wednesday!

SYMPATHY

Our sympathy is extended to the family and friends of Robin Richmond (Mrs. Randolph) who died on Thursday, February 2nd. A service will be held tomorrow at 11 a.m. at Lakelawn Metairie Funeral Home.