TUESDAY, JULY 21, 2026

On Prayer

“At the center of the whole enterprise of being human, prayers are the primary technology. Prayers are tools that God uses to work his will in our bodies and souls. Prayers are tools that we use to collaborate in his work with us…..” - Eugene Peterson, Answering God: The Psalms as Tools for Prayer

Ways to Put Prayer in Action

• Write out your prayers in a journal.
• Pray about current events, for those hurt or in danger, and for those in roles of protection and response, that all might know peace and comfort.
• Take a walk in nature. Getting away to a natural setting can be very helpful in clearing your mind and bringing a sense of balance.
•  Pray at meals consistently. Invite those present to consider how God has provided for them. 
•  Incorporate body prayer such as gestures, postures, or movements that express devotion and connection to God.
• Experiment with contemplative forms of prayer such as “breath prayer”, “centering prayer”, walking a labyrinth, listening to sacred music such as Taizé chants, and practicing Lectio Divina or Ignatian Examen.

Guest Preachers

This Sunday, July 26, we welcome the Rev. Neale Miller to the pulpit. For many years, Neale served as the pastor at Lakeview Presbyterian Church and upon retirement began attending SCAPC with his wife Linda. Linda and Neale are often found at the 8:30 service during the non-summer months and Neale is a fixture in the CBD study group and in teaching adult Christian education classes. Welcome, Neale!

On Sunday, August 2, we welcome the Rev. Dr. Don Frampton back to the pulpit. Don served SCAPC ably for 24 years as senior pastor, helped pastor this church and lead the community post-Katrina, and was made Senior Pastor Emeritus in 2019 upon his retirement. We are grateful that Don and Colleen Frampton are part of the SCAPC community and continue to participate in our life together, along with their adult children and grandchildren. Thank you, Don!

Blessing of the Backpacks

Our third annual “Blessing of the Backpacks” will take place this Saturday, July 25, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Okra Abbey Community Garden in the Pigeon Town neighborhood. At 9:30 we will have a Blessing of the Backpacks service led by Chris Currie. At 10:00 we will have an educational tour of the garden and help with weeding, followed by the distribution of school supplies. At 10:30 we will fire up the grill for hot dogs and other snacks. Then volunteers from Berean Presbyterian Church will hand out give-aways. Volunteers are needed to help grill hotdogs and distribute school supplies. If you can help out, please contact Kathy Randall at 601-519-2413 or kathyrandall7070@gmail.com.

Please Note: Due to predictions of Tropical Storm Bertha, tomorrow's scheduled lunch at Okra Abbey has been canceled.

Prayers for Youth Conference-Goers

This Saturday, July 25, 28 SCAPC youth and chaperones will travel to North Carolina for the Montreat Youth Conference. We ask that you keep them in your prayers as they grow their faith together this week!

STAIR Tutors Needed

Start the Adventure in Reading (STAIR), is looking for reading tutors for second and third graders in the Greater New Orleans Area, and we would love to have SCAPC help! STAIR offers virtual and in-person tutoring options for ten weeks during the fall and spring semesters. All curriculum and training for tutors are provided. No experience is needed. The Fall 2026 program begins in September, and the Spring 2027 program begins in February. If you are interested, please email us at program@stairnola.org or text/call at 504-202-8187. 

The Latest from Aden

Last week at the Aden Program for elder care, we enjoyed a dance lesson led by Kelly Haber! To learn more about the Aden program, visit our Aden webpage.

Congratulations, Liam!

Our congratulations go out to Liam Carlisle for receiving Mo-Ranch Summer Camp's all-camp award for Christian Living! The mission of Mo-Ranch, a Presbyterian Conference Center in Hunt, Texas, is to foster growth in God through Jesus Christ by sharing its unique living, learning, Christian environment. Christian Living is one of the camp's five core values (Christian Living, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Communication, and Collaboration).

Mahjong Monday August 3

Our next “Mahjong Monday” will be August 3 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Land Building! Know the basic rules of the game? Beginners through experts of all ages are invited to join a table or sign up a group on the SCAPC app or through our calendar page. This is a game night, not a tutorial program. There is no fee for the event.

Special Program on Mindfulness

Last week, the Spiritually Hungry Women met for a special session led by group member Lauren Lemmon on mindfulness, entitled “The Powerful Pause: From Reaction to Compassion.” Lauren is a retired judge, certified mediator, and faculty member at the National Judicial College, where she teaches Mindfulness for Judges. She is pictured front row second from left. It was a wonderful program enjoyed by all!

YAFs at Uptown Coffee

On Sunday, our Young Adults & Families (YAF) gathered after worship at Uptown Coffee for fellowship, food, and fun!

Challenger Class Outing to Museum of Illusions

Over the weekend the Challenger Class (fourth and fifth graders) enjoyed an outing to the Museum of Illusions in the French Quarter followed by beignets at Café du Monde!

MARK YOUR CALENDARS for our Swimming Day at the Northshore on Sunday, August 9 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and our Pizza Party on Friday, August 28 from 4-7 p.m. in the Youth Room!

Seeing God All Over the World

Thank you to all who have sent us postcards sharing where you've seen God this summer! Send us a postcard or bring one to church to let us know where you've been moved by the spirit. We are sharing them on the bulletin board in Frampton Fellowship Hall. Here are a couple we received this week:

The Kehlenbach family wrote:

"We have seen the beauty of God's creation at Lake Louise in Banff, Canada! It is truly breathtaking! The cooler temps have been a nice change from NOLA. Don't worry, we have watched a LOT of World Cup games here too..."

-Keven, Amy, Mills, Noah, Charlie

Arden Weiser wrote:

"My sister and I both attended the 227th Presbyterian General Assembly in Milwaukee, myself as a delegate and Savannah as an observer. During my first few days at GA, I enjoyed getting to know my fellow young adult advisory delegates. Whilst in Milwaukee, I attended an informative and peaceful protest against gun violence that GA facilitated. I attended many meetings and had the opportunity to cast my advisory vote on the motions and actions being made at the meetings. I sat with people from our Synod of the Sun which was both fun and helped make me more comfortable throughout the experience. Overall, my experience at GA was quite enlightening, both on how the PCUSA works and on issues I previously had a lack of knowledge on. I found God in everyone I met as they were incredibly nice and friendly which I was grateful for since prior to going I was nervous about how the trip would go. After going to GA for my first time, I believe if given the chance I would love to do it again.

Fondly, Arden