Prayer; Community Calls; Photos; Faith Can't Fit Into a #...What do you think?

TUESDAY, JUNE 24, 2025

Prayer of the Day

O Lord our God, thank you for the gift of this community of faith. For deep and abiding friendships and conversations that pick up right from where we left off earlier. We give thanks for the people among us with whom we can share vulnerable intensity coupled with laughter and joy. We thank you for the freedom in Christ to become who you have called us to be and to serve those you have put in our lives. We thank you for those moments you place before us to be Christ’s body on earth for the sake of the world you so love. May our worship today propel us farther in that calling. Amen.

- Chris Currie

Sunday worship, April 27, 2025

Sermon Series: The Virtues of Elusive Grace

For the past two summers the SCAPC session engaged in a ‘summer read’ together. This summer’s book is Elusive Grace by Scott Black Johnston. Dr. Johnston is Senior Pastor at Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City and wrote this book, in the midst of a vitriolic and polarized season, lifting up the virtues that are at the heart of our faith as Christians and at the heart of our civic responsibilities as citizens. Over the next seven weeks, each week’s sermon will touch upon one of the seven virtues of elusive grace that Johnston highlights: temperance, justice, prudence, courage, faith, hope, and love. Why this book? In the epilogue Johnston writes that ‘serving in a church, as an elder or an usher or a youth adviser or a choir member or a trustee—or whatever your particular calling—is to be plunged into a mixture of mud and stardust, an astonishing blend of human foibles and kindness. It’s far from perfect, rarely easy, but it can also bless you—it can bless you so deep down that you will never recover. That’s got to be why God keeps it open-ended, blanket invitation. Calling, and calling, and calling: Whom shall I send?’ We hope this book helps equip us for the work of ministry in and through this congregation.

SCAPC Member Becomes Inquirer for Ministry

At our June session meeting, church member Sandra Jenkins who is an ordained Baptist minister and graduate of McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University in Atlanta requested that the session endorse her request to become an inquirer (which would be the first step in the ordination process through the Presbytery of South Louisiana). According to our Book of Order, the purpose of inquiry is for church and those who believed themselves called to ordered ministry to explore the call together so that the presbytery can make an informed decision and recommendation about a person’s call to ministry.

After at least a year, an inquirer may request to become a candidate through the presbytery’s support, guidance, and evaluation of a candidate’s fitness and readiness for a call to ordained ministry (from Book of Order, G-2.06). Congratulations to Sandra and blessings as you begin this journey toward ordination in the Presbyterian Church (USA).

We Want to Hear from You!

Our lawn sign has sparked lots of interest along St. Charles Avenue. What does it mean to you? Reply to this email to let us know.

Yak, Snack, & Read

The 40/50s Yak, Snack, & Read book club will meet on Tuesday, August 5 from 6-7:30 p.m. in the Land Building Riverside Room for discussion, light snacks, and wine. Our book is The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray.

The Personal Librarian tells the story of an extraordinary woman, famous for her intellect, style, and wit, and shares the lengths she must go to—for the protection of her family and her legacy—to preserve her carefully crafted white identity in the racist world in which she lives. Visit scapc.org/yak for more details.

STAIR Needs Tutors July 14-18

The STAIR (Start the Adventure in Reading) program headquartered in SCAPC's Land Building is rolling out "STAIR: A Reading for Joy Mini-Camp" next month which will focus on the joy of reading rather than school reading scores. They are in need of tutors to help from 9 a.m.-12 p.m., July 14-18. If you are available and interested, please email program manager Chloe Miller at chloe@stairnola.org for more info.

Scanner & Toner Needed for Kinship Center

Kinship Senior Center, one of SCAPC's 20 community ministry partners, is in need of a heavy-duty scanner for office paperwork as well as HP 902 toner cartridges for their color printer. If you would like to donate, please contact Kinship Director Elaine Looney at 504-314-0300. The center is located at 921 S. Carrollton Avenue.

Summit 46

Last week twelve 4th– 6th graders were led by Michele Murphy, Jamie DeFraites, and John Guidry to Mo Ranch in Hunt, Texas for Summit 46. With 100 other students, they explored "Choose Your Character". This theme was all about helping kids understand that they are uniquely chosen by God for an incredible purpose. They worshipped, sang, played games, and met new friends. Our group consisted of students from SCAPC, Lakeview Presbyterian Church, and University Presbyterian Church (in Baton Rouge).

Our whole krewe!

Avery Danner, Raven and Beanie Breaux

Chaperones Michele Murphy and Jamie DeFraites

Theo and Cal Carlisle, Reid England

Click here for more Summit 46 photos

YAF Rock 'n' Bowl Event

Last Thursday a crowd of 25 SCAPC YAF's (Young Adults & Families) enjoyed a fun evening together at Rock 'N' Bowl! Our next event will be Beignets & Coffee following the 9:30 a.m. service on Sunday, July 13 at Uptown Coffee behind New Orleans Hamburger and Seafood, 4141 St. Charles Avenue. For more on the YAF's, visit our YAF webpage.

Thank You, Donald!

During worship on Sunday, Donald Jefferson was recognized and thanked by Chris Currie for his 30 years of service to the church as sexton. The congregation echoed that thanks with a standing ovation, waving special Donald fans in his honor. A larger celebration will be held for Donald and his family this fall.

The Latest from Aden

Today at SCAPC's Aden Program for Elder Care, Henry and Louise Bush's daughter Mary came and entertained everyone with patriotic music for the 4th of July on her violin. Savannah and Arden Weiser, Lillian Berger, and Mackie McEnery all helped with everything from exercise to decorating to salad prep, washing dishes, and serving lunch!

Hymn Sing

Our "Worship Short" this month was a Hymn Sing followed by snowballs in the Land Building. A happy crowd of all ages showed up for fun music, fellowship, and a yummy summer treat!

This Week's Prayer List

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