TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024

Productivity Panic

"Suffice it to say, we love time management apps/book/seminars for the same reason we love work itself: because they appeal to our own sense of agency and allow us to feel productive and worthy while distracting us from deeper, less manageable realities. To put it in Law/Gospel terminology, if what we produce with our time has traditionally been a means of appeasing judgment, today it is that and a way of fleeing from it simultaneously. A distraction from conscience, or loneliness, or grief, or simply vulnerability–a way of imposing order on the chaos of relating to another person or even oneself, to say nothing of God. Like the addicts we are, captivity to the illusion of control is not merely our dereliction but our predilection."

-from Time Precious Time: On Unread Emails and Productivity Panics

by David Zahl

David is the author of Seculosity, on which our Sunday School class is based (see below).

New SCAPC App Replaces the Old One!

Now that the new scapc app is available, our old app on Directory Spot will no longer be accessible beginning next month. So if you haven’t made the switch, do it today! In addition to having the church directory at your fingertips (you can even download a member’s contact info into your phone in one tap), the new app offers event listings, recordings, contact and prayer request forms, the church calendar (new!), and giving. Download on the App Store or visit scapc.org/app for download instructions. If you have any questions, please contact Hallie Boh at hallie@scapc.org.

The Gospel of Matthew

In telling the story of Jesus, Matthew challenges his disciples to live each day as participants in God's kingdom--to be poor in spirit and pure in heart, turn the other cheek and love one's enemies.

January 7 - March 24 | Phifer Library & Zoom

Class recording: January 21

The Seculosity of Marriage and Parenting

Statistics show that fewer and fewer Americans are attending church, but author David Zahl argues that we are in fact more religious than ever. Using his funny and insightful book, Seculosity, we will dig deeper into three of the areas that can consume us as adults - Busyness, Relationships, and Parenting – and learn what to do about it.

January 7 - March 24 | 2nd floor conference room

This Sunday's topic: "Busyness Part 2" led by Jenn Keene

The Gospel According to Ted Lasso:

This five-week class will use the TV show "Ted Lasso" as a way to explore the gospel, how we’re called to live in community, and reflect on our relationship with God and others. You do not need to have watched the show to attend class.

January 7 - February 4 | Land Building Riverside Room

Class recording: January 21

Classes for all ages meet at 9:30 a.m. See our Sunday School page for details.

Worship Workshop this Sunday

First grade students are moving towards a new milestone in the church. They will remain in the worship service with their families to continue their Faith Journey. They and their parents will attend a Worship Workshop during the 10:30 a.m. services on Sundays, January 28 and March 3 to learn about the order of worship, the importance of worshipping as a community, the elements of communion, and the commitments made during baptism. Research shows that a person’s lifelong behaviors and views are generally developed when they are young–before 13 years old. That stated, they concluded “what you believe by the time you are 12 is what you will die believing.” So please support these families as they take the next steps with their children.

Run/Walk the Crescent City Classic with SCAPC Members

The LCMC Health Crescent City Classic 10k run/walk will take place Saturday, March 30, starting at the Super Dome and ending at the New Orleans Museum of Art in City Park. If you would like to team up with other SCAPC members to participate, contact Ethan Rault at erault1@gmail.com for meet-up details. Register on the CCC website for $60/person by February 17. Registration is $65/person after this date.

Youth Group Sunday

Youth Group for 6th-12th graders will resume this Sunday, January 28, from 5:00-7:30 p.m. in the Youth Room on the 3rd floor.

New Arrival!

Congratulations are extended to parents Rosalind and Peter Wilson, siblings Anders and Mary Rogers, grandparents Lisa and Peter Wilson, and great-grandmother Betty Wilson-Jeffrey on the birth of Griffin Charles Wilson who was born on January 18.

Confirmands

This past Sunday, 12 confirmands publicly professed their faith and reaffirmed their baptismal vows during 10:30 worship.

PW Retreat

Last weekend, 50 Presbyterian Women gathered at the Solomon Conference Center in Loranger, Louisiana for their 30th annual retreat. The theme, "Self-Care as We Care for Others and Serve God" was led by Rev. Meagan Findeiss with worship liturgy led by Ashley Brown. A time of study, reflection, mission, worship, fellowship, and fun was enjoyed by all!

Young Adult Volunteers (YAV)

SCAPC members enjoyed dinner with the 2024 PC(USA) Young Adult Volunteers of New Orleans. The mission of the New Orleans YAV's is "to seek God in the city's tension of sorrow and celebration." To learn more click here. Shown here front row from left are Chris and Jenn Keene and Jacob Bruno with YAV's Dan and Steff (who coordinates SCAPC's RHINO program). Back row is Tyler Wheeler with YAV's Caitlin and Jamie.

Chris Currie Preaches at Lecture Series

APTS Former President Shows NOLA Spirit

Yesterday, our own Chris Currie preached a sermon for Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary's MidWinter Lectures -- and he will preach again at 5 p.m. today. For livestream and recordings, click here. Chris was joined today by former APTS President Ted Wardlaw, who revealed his New Orleans spirit by sporting a NOLA Couture street tiles bow tie!