TUESDAY, AUGUST 5, 2025

From the Pastor's Desk

On Monday, July 21, I presented to the President of Mo-Ranch, Tim Huchton, a total of $2,750 from SCAPC donations in cash and gift cards, including a $1000 check and $500 in gift cards from SCAPC Presbyterian Women. The donation to Mo-Ranch will be used where most needed in their support of search and rescue workers and their own mission in these days.

The gift cards will be used to support employees of Mo-Ranch who lost their homes and possessions and are currently living at Mo-Ranch until they get back on their feet. One couple was in their home when the rising waters crossed the highway and lifted their house off its foundation and they started floating until they were stopped by another obstacle. The water rose up so much in their home that they had to go to their bathroom where they tried to punch a hole in the ceiling and get into the attic. Unable to do so they stood on top of the sink counter and the commode and had enough space from their necks to the ceiling to stay above water. The other employee who was affected lives in Kerrville in an apartment near the river and lost everything as the flood waters breached her apartment. According to Tim’s report about the flood damage there, only about 2% of people have flood insurance, so a lot of these people are experiencing total losses. That will make these donations from this community that much more impactful to those affected.

An additional $8,436 was donated by SCAPC members to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance towards their efforts in the Texas Hill Country which include support for Mission Presbytery staff and volunteers, material aid, and spiritual care. Thanks for these efforts and the ties that bind us together as a connected church.

Many blessings,

Chris  

Got SCAPC Photos?

We are collecting memorable photos of SCAPC events/life over the years and would welcome yours! Please email them to Ashley Brown at ashley@scapc.org.

SCAPC 101

Our next SCAPC 101 will be held on Sunday, August 17, 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.

Needle Arts Community Group

If you like needle arts (crochet, knit, sew, cross stitch, etc.), join us this Sunday, August 10, from 4-6 p.m. in the Land Building. Bring a work-in-progress, snack or drink to share, and make new friends. This group grew out of a desire for community and deeper friendship when two old friends reconnected over crochet, and is open to folks in and outside of our church.

Katrina Memorial Service

A Service of Lament, Thanksgiving, and Healing

We invite you to join us for worship on August 29 as we remember and lament what was lost and we give thanks to God for the ways we have been cared for and carried through this tragedy. We will honor those who were lost, those who came to help, and those who, with resilience and strength, came back and rebuilt this community. 

5:30 p.m. Doors open for quiet prayer and reflection

6:00 p.m. Worship begins

Sharing Our Stories of Remembrance and Hope

Throughout August, we will be sharing our stories of remembrance and hope on two bulletin boards in Frampton Fellowship Hall. We invite those who wish to share stories, memories, feelings, photos, tokens, etc. of things, people, and places that were lost as well as those things and memories that brought you hope in the midst of the recovery. You may hand write your stories or submit them via email to Pastor Sarah who will print them off and add them to the display. As you leave your story, photo, memory, etc. please take with you a stone with the word “Hope” written on it, as a physical prayer to remind us that we take hope with us on this continued journey of healing and rebuilding. 

Help This Sunday

The Worship and Music committee will be decorating Hope stones following worship this Sunday, and volunteers of all ages are invited to help. Please join us in the Land Building Riverside Room at 10:30. Below are some pictures from last Sunday's volunteers.

Seeking Flower Donations

If you would like to donate flower arrangements for the two urns in the Sanctuary in memory or honor of a loved one for Sunday morning worship, please contact Libbie Reiss at libbiereiss@yahoo.com or visit our flower donation page.

The Spiritual Formation Committee invites people of all ages to meet up at Alma Peters Park (346 Eleonore St.) this Sunday, July 20 for fellowship and fun. We will meet from 4:00-5:30 p.m. to sit and chat, play on the playground, or go for a walk with others. BYOB and snacks. Email Katie Brendler with any questions.

Musical Shabbat

SCAPC has been kindly invited to join our neighbors at Temple Sinai on Friday, August 22 for a Musical Shabbat service! We will meet at the front doors of Temple Sinai (6227 St. Charles Avenue) at 5:50 p.m. for the 6:15 service. Children are welcomed and encouraged to attend and learn about how another faith worships.  If you have any further questions, email Ashley@scapc.org.

YAF Annual Cocktail Competition

Join us on Saturday, August 23 from 7-9 p.m. to see if you can beat the reigning cocktail champions! The competition is taking place at the home of Katie Brendler, 3108 Audubon Street. All participants/couples are asked to bring their drink of choice to compete along with any supplies needed to craft your masterpiece. You may bring your beverage ready to serve or create it upon arrival. We’ll have small cups available to try them all and larger cups to drink our favorites! Alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic drinks will be in the running. Prizes will be awarded to best cocktail, best mocktail, and best presentation. Questions? Email caitlin@scapc.org.

40/50s GroupMe!

The 40/50s group is forming a GroupMe for easier connection between members! This is an easy app that will allow us to stay connected, chat with members, schedule peer meet-ups, and communicate with each other about events. Signing up is easy! Simply download the GroupMe app to your phone and email michele@scapc.org to share your cell number.

Challenger Class Kick-Off Pool Party

Fourth and fifth graders are invited to come splash around with fellow classmates as we prepare for a year of fellowship, fun, and faith. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Meet at the Berger's Home, 6000 State St., August 17, 3-5 p.m. Please RSVP to michele@scapc.org.

Be a STAIR Reading Tutor!

Start the Adventure in Reading (STAIR) is looking for reading tutors for second and third graders in the Greater New Orleans Area. STAIR offers virtual and in-person tutoring options over 10 weeks during the fall and spring semesters. All curriculum and training for tutors are provided. The fall 2025 program begins in September, and the spring 2026 program begins in February. If you are interested, please email program@stairnola.org or text/call 504-202-8187. 

Brunch & Books with Raintree Children & Family Services

Saturday, July 19 was a joyful day of Brunch and Books! Ebie Strauss invited SCAPC Community Ministry and Presbyterian Women Mission partner Raintree Children and Family Services to food and fun at The Rink. The 12 teenage girls got to experience making menu choices, social etiquette, and just plain fun in The Chicory House setting during this Summer Break. New foods, homemade biscuits, fruit and fried eggs ruled the meal but old fashioned togetherness was the learned blessing. The thank you notes on paper napkins told the story. A trip to the Garden District Book Shop followed and a book series was chosen for the library at Raintree House. Each girl received a book of her own.

Grace & Greens at Okra Abbey

Grace & Greens is a free community meal held every Wednesday at noon at Okra Abbey. “Community" is the key word in that description, Grace & Greens is an opportunity for all our neighbors to gather together around a meal and grow deeper in friendship. Every meal is begun with a welcome and a blessing which sets the tone for the wide welcome extended to one another during the meal and other times of fellowship at the Abbey. Last Wednesday, SCAPC members prepared and set up lunch for those gathered. Pictured here from left are Ron and JoNell Quinton, Darlene Guillot, Arden and Savannah Weiser, and Kathy Randall. Present but not pictured was Sarah Chancellor-Watson.

Blessing of the Backpacks

Last Sunday's Worship Short at Okra Abbey brought together over 70 community and SCAPC members for worship, giving out school supplies, and sharing a meal. Blessings on the new school year!