TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10, 2023

Reflect the Grace

Almighty God, we thank you for the gifts and generosity of this congregation in every age, and in particular in the opportunities and challenges of today. We thank you for dynamic worship, the gifts of music ministry, the formation that takes place in our classrooms, the joy of youth group, pet blessings, retreats, and the work of Presbyterian Women. We thank you for the gifts and generosity of those who gather here and those who stand with you on a distant shore and whose gifts continue to impact our life together and mission in our world. In our own life of discipleship, O God, may we live well and faithfully as stewards of your abundance and caretakers of all you have entrusted to us. May our gifts bear witness to the love of Jesus Christ in our lives, and may all of us, from the youngest to the eldest, be used and used up our whole life long to reflect the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit. Amen.  

-Prayer by Chris Currie for Dedication Sunday

There Your Heart Will Be

As stewards, as caretakers, as disciples, we are asked by God to make good use of our resources. There is much that lies ahead of us as a church in the way of mission in 2024. One vital way to share in that mission is to pledge a financial gift towards the 2024 budget. Learn how current year stewardship dollars are being spent, and make your pledge for the coming year at scapc.org/pledge. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." - Matthew 6:21

The Aden Program: Latest News

The Aden Program is off to a great start! This week we enjoyed exercising using exercise bingo (yes, it’s a thing!) and playing balloon volleyball. Our wonderful volunteers brought Hadley and Butler for pet therapy and we started on our Halloween art projects by painting pumpkin door hangers. The Aden Program can use your help! If you’re able to spare an hour or two, we’d love to add you to our volunteer roster. Please contact Kasey at aden@scapc.org if you’re interested or reach out if you know someone that can benefit from our program. We have room for a few more participants too!

Bonhoeffer Theology Discussion

Starting Thursday, October 19 at 12:15 p.m. in the second-floor conference room, the Theology Reading Group will start discussing Dietrich Bonhoeffer's Life Together: The Classic Exploration of Faith in Community. These dynamic discussions led by Chris Currie will explore Bonhoeffer's theological themes. Come join us in person, on Zoom, or listen to the recordings posted each week on the Theology Reading Group webpage. If you would like to receive weekly emails that include the week's assignment and zoom information, please email Miram Hollar at miriam@scapc.org.

Reddoch Scholarships Available for College Juniors & Seniors

The Joseph W. Reddoch Educational Fund, part of SCAPC’s Visionary Fund, is accepting applications from junior- and senior-level college or university students for scholarships for the 2023-2024 academic year. Apply online at scapc.org/scholarship. The deadline for applications is October 31, 2023. Joseph W. Reddoch donated the initial scholarship funds in 1993, and the Reddoch Educational Fund continues to assist deserving college students who are members of SCAPC through ongoing contributions to the fund. If you have any questions, please contact Lynn Hoffman in the church office by emailing lynn@scapc.org.

PW Honorary Life Memberships

On Sunday, Presbyterian Women were honored to present Honorary Life Memberships to two distinguished SCAPC women for outstanding stewardship of their time to programs of our church. Beth Poe (left) was recognized for serving on Session as a Ruling Elder four times, regularly assisting with liturgy and communion, teaching Sunday School, and leading PW retreats. She currently leads the Spiritually Hungry Women group. Elizabeth McGough was recognized for serving on the Membership Committee for over 12 years as well as the Congregational Care and PW Nominating Committees. Her "ability to connect interest and talent is unmatched". She regularly attends McMillan Society events, PW circles and retreats, and she participated in a national PW Gathering.

The Honorary Life Membership award is the highest recognition given in PW PC(USA). Contributions were given in each lady's honor to the PW endowment which trains women for future leadership in the church.  

Bakers Needed for Scottish Heritage Reception

For Scottish Heritage Sunday on October 29, we are seeking volunteers to bake shortbread, oatmeal and oatmeal lace cookies, mini-scones, and mini-lemon tarts. Recipes can be provided if needed. If you would like to contribute, please contact Ann Van Horn at hvanhorn3@gmail.com.

Writers & Artists Sought

We are looking for writers and artists of all ages who are interested in helping us create this year’s Advent devotional on our theme ‘The World is About to Turn’ based on the hymn 'Canticle of the Turning'. If you would like to compose a short devotional, about 300 words, for our Advent devotional books and web page, please contact Katie Brendler (katie@scapc.org) by tomorrow. You will then be given a scripture reading about which to write a short reflection. We are also seeking artists to contribute drawings, paintings, or photographs, so please notify Katie if you wish to contribute art or have questions. You do not need to create new art but can send art you have already made. 

Pardon Our Mess as We Work to Impress!

Over the next few months, you will see scaffolding and construction materials around the entire exterior of the Sanctuary and Education Buildings as we begin a much-needed exterior cleaning and waterproofing project to protect the gift of these wonderful buildings.

Sunday School: Adult Classes

"Exodus: God Revealed to Moses and His Community"

Land Building Riverside Room | led this week by Neale Miller | Click here for last week's class recording.

"When Kids Ask Hard Questions" | led this week by Bria Rault | 2nd Floor Conference Room | This week's topic: “Good Enough for Jesus: On Body Image”

YMCA Education Services: Corporate Classic

SCAPC has partnered with the YMCA Education Services (YES) adult literacy program for many years. The program provides hundreds of adults each year with the math, reading, language, and computer skills they need to advance at work, assist their children with schoolwork, and be active, engaged citizens. Literacy skills help to break the cycle of poverty which affects so many families in our community and which ultimately holds back our entire region. To learn more, visit the YES webpage. On Saturday, November 4, YES will host their 43rd Corporate Classic, a racing fundraiser open to all. For registration and partnership forms, visit the Corporate Classic webpage.

Community Table Ministry

Every fourth Monday of the month, SCAPC teams up with our neighbors at Bethlehem Lutheran Church to help serve a meal as part of their "Community Table" Ministry. We need volunteers for October 23 and November 27! The food has already been prepared and our job will be to package it into containers to be distributed. If you wish to participate, click here to sign up. Please meet at Bethlehem Lutheran at 10:30 a.m. to start prep work. Lunch will be served promptly at noon. Following a quick clean-up you will be on your way by 12:30 p.m.

SCAPC Hosts Manhattan Chamber Players

On Monday, October 16 at 7:30 p.m., the Manhattan Chamber Players will perform "some of the most unabashedly Romantic music of Johannes Brahms" featuring soprano Faylotte Crayton and a clarinet quintet. The concert will take place in the Sanctuary. It is free and open to the public.

New Members

On Sunday we welcomed Will Tietje and Lauren Tickle-Tietje into membership along with their son, Billy.

Men's Retreat

Nancy and Parke Ellis hosted a Men's Retreat for 19 men at their home in Pass Christian, Mississippi last weekend. They enjoyed conversations with Chris Currie centered on the retreat theme, "The Gospel According to Ted Lasso", as well as wonderful meals and a closing communion service.

YAF Retreat

25 of our Young Adults & Families group enjoyed a camping retreat last weekend at Fontainebleau State Park! Their theme was "Rooted in Christ". In addition to group discussions, they set up a tented campsite, played games, and gathered by the campfire for fellowship and fun.