TUESDAY, APRIL 14, 2026

From the Pastor's Desk

Dear SCAPC Community,

Sometimes it is easy to forget to whom we belong. The philosopher Descartes tried to say we think therefore we are, believing what distinguished us above all else were our brains and our ability to think rational thoughts. Often we fall into the trap of thinking that what we are able to achieve defines us; what we are able to produce makes us what we are, or worse, we are what we are able to amass for ourselves.

The Christian community stands at the baptismal font and declares to the world and all who will listen, “you are loved, therefore you are.” We are part of God’s good creation, creatures loved by Jesus Christ to infinity and beyond, and works-in-progress through the love of the Holy Spirit.

Thank you for sharing your love by showing up, by putting your God-given gifts to good use, and by sharing your generosity toward the mission of this church. You are loved, therefore you are!

Gratefully yours,

Chris Currie

Centennial Organ Dedication This Weekend!

Celebrate the dedication of our majestic new organ, designed to be one of the finest pipe organs in the region! The organ is intended to play a significant role in the leading of divine worship; to provide recital and concert opportunities; and to foster, inspire, and nurture a new generation of dedicated church musicians as it serves to support the musical life of our city and region, particularly with regard to sacred music. We have a weekend of festivities planned!

Friday, April 17

7:30 p.m. - Recital by organist Ken Cowan,

Organ Chair at Rice University

Saturday, April 18

10:00 a.m. - Organ Masterclass

Sunday, April 19

10:30 a.m. - Organ Dedication During Worship with Chancel Choir

Sunday, April 19

3 p.m. - Recital by organist Ken Cowan

Celebratory Reception to follow!

Organ Featured in Times-Picayune

Our new organ was featured in the Times-Picayune on Saturday! Writer Bob Warren interviewed SCAPC Music Director Steven Blackmon, Senior Pastor Chris Currie, and staff from Létourneau Pipe Organs. The article described the years-long process of constructing the instrument from custom crafting and assembly in St. Hyacinth, Quebec, to installation to the voicing of 4,494 pipes to software programming to its momentous dedication. Steven showcased the instrument's capabilities for Warren with a performance of Widor's "Toccata" from Symphony No. V - one of the most beloved pieces in the organ repertoire - which Steven also played during Easter Sunday worship. Steven explains that the old organ was neo-Baroque and intended to play music of the 1750s and earlier. He praises the new organ's "many colors...You can go from a whisper to a roar." Chris states, "it's a good investment if you value worship. It's an important part of who we are." Times-Picayune subscribers can view the article on our organ webpage.

Prayers for Members Visiting Our Sister Congregation in Cuba

SCAPC members Laura St. Clair, Rick Grubb, Lisa Stahl, Charles Hadley, John Koch, and Doug Meffert will leave tomorrow for a visit to our sister congregation, El Fuerte Presbyterian Church, in Cardenas, Cuba. They are carrying much-needed parts for the Living Waters for the World filtration system installed and maintained by SCAPC members, as well as many requested items. Please keep them all in your prayers!

PW Collecting Toiletries for Raintree

During the month of April, Presbyterian Women are collecting items such as regular-size toiletries, towels, wash cloths, soap, lotion, and toothbrushes/toothpaste for Raintree Children and Family Services. Please bring donations to the basket by the Chapel entrance.

Program of Hope Homeless Ministry

Our friends at Program of Hope have had a busy season! In the months of January, February, and March, they distributed 636 sack lunches, 185 Salvation Army vouchers, 524 RTA jazzy passes, and 204 RTA senior passes to the 638 guests they welcomed. As one of our community ministry partners, Program of Hope is provided both volunteer and monetary support from SCAPC.

YAF Crawfish Boil

Join the Young Adults & Families (YAF) on the Land Building lawn from 12 to 2 p.m. this Saturday, April 18 for our annual Crawfish Boil! Will Tietje will be preparing crawfish from the Tietje family crawfish farm in Southwest Louisiana. Come join in the fun for the whole family! Please RSVP ahead of time on the SCAPC app or the YAF webpage, so we have an accurate headcount of how much food to prepare. Questions? Email caitlin@scapc.org.

Dinner and a Movie

Get ready to moonwalk! Join us for dinner and a movie on Tuesday, April 28. We will enjoy dinner at Margaret and Morgan Cross’ home at 1220 Jefferson Ave from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and then will walk over to the Prytania Theater for the 7:30 showing of Michael (the Michael Jackson biopic). The cost is $25/person. YOUR CHECK, CASH OR VENMO IS YOUR RESERVATION. Send payment to Michele Murphy @michele-murphy-12 (Venmo), or check made out to SCAPC or cash to the church office.

Mahjong Monday

On Monday, May 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. we will hold our first “Mahjong Monday” 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. Register by April 30. This is a game night, not a tutorial program. There is no fee for the event.

Sunday School Adult Classes

Recordings: scapc.org/sunday-school

HIDDEN VOICES: THE LESSER KNOWN WOMEN OF THE BIBLE

April 12-26 | Second floor conference room | Led by Ashley Brown

Many of the women in scripture appear only for a moment, sometimes unnamed, sometimes easily overlooked, yet their stories hold profound wisdom about courage, suffering, faith, and God’s surprising work in the world. In this class we slow down and listen carefully to these hidden voices. Through study and discussion, we explore how these women shaped the biblical story and what their experiences reveal about the lives of all people who seek to follow God faithfully today.

THE GOSPEL OF LUKE

February 22-May 17 | Phifer Library

Topic for April 19: "The Dangers of Money" led by Neale Miller

Member News

NEW MEMBER: We extend a warm welcome to Chris Keene who joined SCAPC membership this Sunday. Chris' wife Jennifer and daughter Emelia are members as well. Here's Chris volunteering with the Wednesday Night Out Kitchen Krewe!

NEW ARRIVAL: Congratulations are extended to parents Emily and Andrew Tatum and big brother Charles on the birth of Elizabeth Marie Tatum on April 10!

Spring Day of Service

Over 40 SCAPC members turned out for our Spring Day of Service! Volunteers were dispatched to four of our community ministry partners: Crescent City Café, STAIR, Okra Abbey, and New Orleans Women and Children's Shelter. Check out the photos on our Community Ministry page and our one-minute video below!