TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2024

Follow Him

He is the Way. Follow Him through the Land of Unlikeness;

You will see rare beasts, and have unique adventures.

He is the Truth. Seek Him in the Kingdom of Anxiety;

You will come to a great city that has expected your return for years.

He is the Life. Love Him in the World of the Flesh;

And at your marriage all its occasions shall dance for joy.

-WH Auden, from For the Time Being, 1942

Welcome Back, Sarah!

We are thrilled to welcome back Associate Pastor Sarah Chancellor-Watson who rejoined us this week, following her maternity leave!

Annual Meeting of the Congregation

Our annual congregational meeting was held this past Sunday following 10:30 worship. Among other items, the 2023 annual report and our new strategic plan were presented. To view those, click below or pick up hard copies in the church office.

LENTEN SPIRITUAL PRACTICES

February 18- March 24 | Land Building Riverside Room

Lent is the pilgrimage from the feast of the nativity and epiphany to the feast of Easter. In between are forty days for self-reflection, personal growth, and spiritual pilgrimage. On Sunday mornings, we will discuss different practices and pilgrimages. On Wednesdays we will have optional walking pilgrimages beginning at 11 a.m., lasting up to an hour. For a schedule of class topics and pilgrimages, visit our Sunday School page. There is no walking tour this week.

Class recording: February 18

Topic for Sunday, February 25: "Civil Rights Pilgrimage" led by Chris Currie

Optional walking pilgrimage for Wednesday, February 28 at 11 a.m. (meet at 10:45): Press Street Station (5 Homer Plessy Way) to William Frantz Elementary School (now Aliki Academy)

THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW

January 7 - March 24 | Phifer Library & Zoom

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.

Class recording: February 18

THE SECULOSITY OF MARRIAGE & PARENTING

January 7 - March 24 | 2nd floor conference room

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.

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

Wednesday Evening Pastor-Led Class: New Study

The Wednesday evening pastor-led class is beginning a new study this week on C. Clifton Black’s book A Three-Dimensional Jesus: An Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels. Class meets at 5:15 p.m. (before Wednesday Night Out dinner!) in the Phifer Library. All are welcome!

Elder Nominations

As a governing body, SCAPC's Session 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 2027, which is a three-year term, must be active church members who participate in worship regularly, support the church’s stewardship campaign, 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? Please submit a form to the Nominating Committee at scapc.org/nomination. Nominations are due on March 17.

Are you seeking other ways to get involved in church life? If you are searching for a pathway to direct your skills and interests, we invite you to take our Ministry Match Survey. In a few minutes, you will discover opportunities to serve your congregation and community. 

Aden Program Seeking New Director

Kasey Bealer has ably served as Aden Program Director since September 2023, but has recently had an opportunity to take a full time position with Positive Approach to Care and will not be able to continue as Aden Director beyond the end of February. Arrangements are being made to continue the Aden program in this interim period and a search for a new director has already commenced by the Aden board. If you know of someone who might be interested in this important work or would like to know more about this position, please contact Sarah Chancellor-Watson, sarah@scapc.org. Click here for the job description.

Volunteers Needed to Plant Trees

We are seeking volunteers to plant trees with SOUL (Sustaining Our Urban Landscape) on Saturday, March 2 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Gentilly, 4110 Hamburg Street. Click here for registration and details on what to bring. Volunteers under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Lenten Food Drive

60% of households led by older Americans must choose between buying groceries or paying utility bills. Throughout the season of Lent, we are collecting non-perishable foods for the Broadmoor Food Pantry to help alleviate this pressure. Our highlighted item this week is canned soup, which can provide an easy meal-in-one. Rice, pasta, canned fruit and vegetables, and baby food are especially appreciated as well.  You can bring items to the collection bins at the Chapel entrance on State Street or in Fellowship Hall.

SCAPC Members in Cuba

A team of SCAPC volunteers departed Sunday to visit our brothers and sisters at El Fuerte and Juan G. Hall Presbyterian Churches in Cardenas, Cuba. The team is delivering much-needed supplies for the Living Waters for the World water purification systems installed by SCAPC members several years ago. They will also bring over-the-counter medications collected by Presbyterian Women. Shown here from left are Kate Prechter, Dorothy Burns, Laura St. Clair, Mary Monsted, and Martha Beveridge. To learn more about our Cuba ministry, visit scapc.org/cuba.

Presbyterian Border Ministry

Last fall, SCAPC volunteers assembled 90 backpacks for refugees at the US/Mexico border. The bags were recently delivered by volunteers with the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Read about their experience in this article by Sallie Watson, General Presbyter of the Mission Presbytery which encompasses the Rio Grande Valley area of Texas.

Sanctuary Flowers

Each Sunday, floral arrangements for the two urns in the Sanctuary are donated in memory or honor of loved ones. There are Sundays available should you wish to donate arrangements. Please contact Libbie Reiss at 504-813-1102 or Libbiereiss@yahoo.com to reserve your Sunday. 

Collecting Clothes for Homeless Ministry

During the month of February, Presbyterian Women are collecting clothes for the Program of Hope Homeless Ministry. Especially needed are gently worn black pants and white shirts for job interviews, t-shirts (sizes L and XL), socks, and travel-size toiletries. Donations can be brought to the basket at the State Street entrance to the church.

Leadership Opportunity for 18-35-Year-Olds

The Auburn Rose Way Program is a unique leadership development opportunity for individuals aged 18 to 35 to gain new skills, capacities, and connections to bridge divides and build community in a range of contexts. All costs (program, travel, lodging, and meals during the program) for those selected to participate in this inaugural cohort will be paid for by Auburn Theological Seminary. 

The program is committed to fostering a diverse cohort of “faith-formed” and “faith-curious” individuals dedicated to engaging across differences—religious, political, societal, or otherwise. The program will equip participants with approaches, skills, and habits that support deep-to-deep conversations across differences and transform conflict, drawing on the wisdom of our faith traditions. Program Details:

March 19 (9 a.m.) to March 21 (4 p.m.), 2024

Janet Prindle Center for Prophetic Leadership

Auburn Theological Seminary, New York City

Click here to apply.

New Arrival

Congratulations are extended to Bria and Ethan Rault, and to sisters Frances and Camille, on the birth of Eleanor Claire Rault who was born on February 15.

New Member

Please join us in welcoming Susan Merrick, who rejoined SCAPC membership this past Sunday. Susan is the sister of Patricia Brinson and Bobby Merrick.

Nursery School Parade

SCAPC Nursery School students enjoyed their annual Mardi Gras float parade earlier this month!