TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2026

Everything That Breathes

On Sunday we dedicated our Centennial Organ with much praise and gratefulness, which Chris Currie captured in his sermon:



"Thanks to all who made this instrument possible, from my own predecessors, to the stubborn and hopeful vision of a gifted musician who has been here for many years, to generous donors, givers, and volunteers of all ages who helped unload not one or two but three 18-wheelers full of pipes and parts and organ entrails; to crafts people and organ builders, to architects and contractors, to patient congregation members who moved worship to various venues of the church. All had an important role to play in this venture that we trust is so much more than our own self-gratification and meant for the pleasing of our own religious sensibilities.

For this instrument to fulfill its purpose, it must do more than that. It must assist us to better worship and service to God, and share in our hope that everything that breathes praise the Lord. After all, an organ cannot make sound without air and breath and wind and blowers and bellows and valves. So may this organ do its part in helping us transcend our senses and get lost in wonder, love, and praise, and may this organ always contribute to our hope that everything that has breath, praise the Lord, until God’s kingdom comes. Amen."

What an amazing weekend! At worship on Sunday, we dedicated our new Centennial Organ – one of the finest pipe organs in the region and a years-long endeavor. Director of Music and Organist Steven Blackmon led the Chancel Choir in two Jonathan Dove anthems that demonstrated the power of worship music on this exceptional instrument. Ken Cowan, head of the organ program at Rice University and one of North America’s finest concert organists gave recitals on Friday night and Sunday afternoon to packed congregations, along with a masterclass on Saturday. Hear recordings of the service and recital on our YouTube channel.

Texas Boys Choir Coming Sunday

This Sunday in 10:30 worship we will be joined by the Texas Boys Choir! Since 1946, the Texas Boys Choir has shaped the lives of thousands of young men through the transformative power of music. More than just a youth vocal ensemble with two Grammy Awards, this Fort Worth institution has sent alumni to prestigious universities, professional music careers, and leadership positions across the globe. With performances at Carnegie Hall, the White House, and concert venues across 18 countries, the choir has stood as one of the nation’s premiere male youth chorus programs for 80 years. The Men’s Choir is comprised of the oldest, most experienced boys in our program - many of whom began singing as members of our Training Choir at 8-years old.

The choir will also give a concert on Sunday at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. The event is free and open to the public.

Community Lighthouse Project

With more frequent extreme weather events in our area, extended power outages are becoming increasingly common. Our church is supporting an innovative local effort to create solar-powered hubs — many of them located at churches in neighborhoods that need services during emergencies.

Created by Together New Orleans and Alliance for Affordable Energy, the Community Lighthouse Project already has a pilot phase of 16 solar hubs underway at sites including Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Broadmoor Community Church, First Grace United Methodist Church, and other congregations.

Community Ministry recently approved $6,000 in donations from RHINO and the Sybil and Blair Favrot Fund to support the project. Community Lighthouses are already the nation’s largest network of solar resilience hubs, providing solar power and backup battery capacity to congregations and community institutions across the city.

Together New Orleans is a broad-based coalition of religious congregations, unions, neighborhood associations, and other community institutions from across the greater New Orleans area. Its shared mission is to address issues facing local families and communities. The Alliance for Affordable Energy is a New Orleans-based nonprofit that advocates for Louisiana utility customers.

-Harriet Riley, SCAPC member

Dinner and a Movie

Get ready to moonwalk! Join us for dinner and a movie next 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.

PW Spring Gathering

The Presbyterian Women’s Presbytery of South Louisiana’s Spring Gathering this past Saturday, hosted in collaboration between John Calvin Presbyterian and SCAPC, was a wonderful opportunity to worship together and to learn about the many outreach ministries that our various churches support.

An offering collection of more than $700 was given to Evergreen Life Services which provides community homes and services for individuals with a range of disabilities. In addition, 172 canned and other food goods were donated to Okra Abbey (one of SCAPC's community ministry partners) in support of their Grace and Greens community meals program offered every Wednesday.

GiveNOLA Day: SCAPC Visionary Fund

Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 5! GiveNOLA Day is a 24-hour event hosted by the Greater New Orleans Foundation to inspire people to give generously to nonprofits in our region, creating a thriving community for all. All GiveNola Day donations to SCAPC will be directed to the SCAPC VISIONARY FUND which was created as a repository for endowment gifts, thus providing important financial support beyond the annual budget for certain congregational priorities, such as benevolences, music, Christian Education, and property needs. (Please note that these donations cannot be applied to Stewardship pledges and will not appear on your church statement. A receipt will be emailed upon donation). To learn more, visit our Visionary Fund page.

Congregational Meeting May 3

The session has called a congregational meeting to be held on Sunday, May 3, following the 10:30 service in the sanctuary. The purpose is to hear a report from the Nominating Committee who will present for approval nominees for the Elder Class of 2029, a nominee to fill an unexpired term for the Elder Class of 2028, and nominees for the Associate Pastor Nominating Committee. 

Grandparent Camp

SCAPC grandparent camp for SCAPC children ages four through fourth grade and their grandparents/friends will be held May 27-29 from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.! The theme will be “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood: Kindness.” We will come together for worship, story, art, recreation, and more!

Sunday School Adult Classes

All class recordings: scapc.org/sunday-school

HIDDEN VOICES: THE LESSER KNOWN WOMEN OF THE BIBLE

April 12-May 17 | 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 26: "Table Manners" led by Donna Ryan

Upcoming! AMERICAN RELIGION @250

May 3-17 | Land Building Riverside Room | led by Chris Currie

America has experienced significant changes demographically, sociologically, culturally, and religiously over the past decade. While we cannot make sense of all it, this class will explore the religious shifts that have occurred most recently and what it might explain.

This class will also explore the demographic changes in class and culture that have occurred throughout the country and led to changes in religious beliefs but also changes in political polarization and cultural upheaval. Lastly, we will discuss Christian ethics in relation to artificial intelligence and recent efforts led by the Vatican to place ethical demands on artificial intelligence.

New Members

We extend a warm welcome to new members Scott Burns and Tom Chambers who joined SCAPC on Sunday!

Pastor Sarah in Her New Church!

SCAPC member Henrietta Harris visited First Presbyterian Church of Richardson, Texas this past Sunday and was treated to a sermon by our own Sarah Chancellor-Watson who is now Senior Pastor there!