Global Ministry; Dementia Training; Events, Classes, Photos & More

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

The Light of the World

“We believe in the triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, who gathers, protects and cares for the church through Word and Spirit. This, God has done since the beginning of the world and will do to the end.

We believe in one holy, universal Christian church, the communion of saints called from the entire human family…

We believe that God has entrusted the church with the message of reconciliation in and through Jesus Christ, that the church is called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, that the church is called blessed because it is a peacemaker, that the church is witness both by word and by deed to the new heaven and the new earth in which righteousness dwells.”

-from The Belhar Confession (1982)

Our Partners in Ghana

Since 2011, our church has been in partnership with Senchi Gethsemane Presbyterian Church (SGPC) in Ghana. This relationship began when Senchi's Rev. Isaac Ababio befriended the late John Geiser, one of SCAPC's Global Ministry volunteers who was visiting the Senchi Community. Over the years, SCAPC has helped in the construction of a new Sanctuary for the church and has supported the Senchi Ferry Learning Center and the Ghana Scholarship Fund.

Last month, members of SGPC met with members of our congregation via Zoom during the Sunday School hour and gave a presentation outlining their current projects and ongoing relationship with SCAPC members including Ann Byerly, Patti Pannell, and Henrietta and the late Walter Harris. To view that presentation, click here.

Most recently, Henrietta Harris coordinated the shipment of several packages of books from the STAIR program here in New Orleans to the Senchi Ferry Learning Center. Director Franca Debrah responded via email, "Going through the books today I realize [their] rich and catchy content. It will be very helpful to the center and also our outreach program...Thank you always supporting Senchi, the light of the Asuogyaman District."

Also last week, SGPC Treasurer Alex Akoto extended prayers of protection to our congregation during the passing of Hurricane Francine.

World Communion Bread Making

Spiritual Preparation for a Time of Unity

Prepare breads to grace our communion table on World Communion Sunday! On Thursday, October 3 from 6-8:30 p.m. in the Land Building, we will create two world breads including focaccia. A dinner will be served to compliment the breads.

The cost of $15/person includes dinner and breadmaking ingredients for a loaf to bring home, plus two recipes. A check (made out to "SCAPC" with bread making in the memo) delivered to Emily in the church office is your reservation for the event. Reserve by noon on Monday, September 30.

Beware of Hoax Messages "from" Church Staff

If you receive a suspicious text or email "from" Chris Currie or another church staff member asking "if you are free" or requesting a favor, it is a hoax message to which you should not respond. You can verify emails by checking to be sure the address ends in "@scapc.org" which means it is a valid SCAPC email address. Note that church staff will never ask for donations via email or text for any purpose other than an official SCAPC campaign or event.

Two-Year Old Bible Presentation

Our Two-year-olds Bible Presentation will take place this Sunday, September 22, from 10:10 – 10:20 a.m. in the Chapel. This is a wonderful way to introduce the stories of the Bible and set the seeds for faith formation in your children. Contact Michele Murphy, michele@scpc.org by Thursday, September 19 if your child would like to receive a personalized Bible board book during the presentation.

YAF (Young Adults & Families) Events

PINTS Classic: Tennis anyone? All YAF's (Young Adults & Families) are invited to the second annual PINTS Classic this Saturday, September 21 starting at 4:00. All skill levels (including true beginner!) and cheerleaders are welcome for this fun and laid-back event. We will meet at City Park Tennis Center at 4 p.m. then head over to Blue Oak BBQ for celebratory drinks and dinner. Beer and cold drinks will be provided at the Tennis Center. A suggested donation of $10 (Venmo to @thwheeler) is appreciated for court fees. Please RSVP in the SCAPC app or to tyler@scapc.org by tomorrow!

POLO (Parents of Little Ones) Party

Join Pastor Sarah and Tyler for a special gathering for little ones ages three and younger on the Land Building Lawn this Sunday, September 22 from 4:00-5:30 p.m.! We will have bubbles and chalk for the littles to play with as well as plenty of kid-friendly snacks and adult refreshments in the cooler. Junior Baptism Buddies are also encouraged to reach out to their Baptismal Buddy and attend! For questions or to RSVP, please email tyler@scapc.org.

Saints Party

Last Sunday, the YAF's (Young Adults & Families) gathered at Dat Dog to cheer the Saints on to victory! To learn more about YAF programs, visit our YAF page.

"Seeing the World from the Perspective of Those Living with Dementia"

People living with dementia aren’t trying to give you a hard time - they are having a hard time! Our relationship with someone living with dementia is the most important thing at that moment. By understanding the difference between typical and atypical aging, we can examine how changing our approach can support those living with brain change. There is still so much living to do after a diagnosis of dementia. With the right support and the right care, we can help people living with dementia still lead lives filled with value and purpose.

Reserve your place by contacting Kasey Bealer at kaseyb@teepasnow.com or 504-710-6345.

Adult Classes

“Genesis” September 8-November 24 | Phifer Library

The Bible’s first book contains many well-known stories, some familiar since childhood: creation and the garden of Eden; an ark full of animals adrift in a flood; Abraham and Isaac; the conniving Jacob; and the dreams of Joseph. Now hear these stories again in a new way, and in hearing, discover the knowledge that God created everything in goodness and love.

Click here for class recording: September 15, 2024

This coming Sunday's class will center on Genesis 2:4b-3:24, “The Temptation Story”, led by Michael O’Keefe.

“Faith at Home: A Handbook for Cautiously Christian Parents”

September 8 - November 24 | 2nd floor conference room

As parents, we strive to help our children develop a strong moral foundation, including a strong understanding of Christian faith. With so many contradictions from mainstream culture, however, many parents are left feeling as though religious language is a foreign language and are unsure how to incorporate faith practices into family life. Faith at Home aims to help parents learn this “second language” and introduce it to children in simple and meaningful ways.

This coming Sunday's topic will be "Talking About God", led by Tyler Wheeler.

Challenger Class

On Sunday, Challenger Class members (grades 4-5) enjoyed learning about the books of the Bible.

Young Adult Volunteers (YAV's)

The Presbyterian Church (USA)'s Young Adult Volunteer program is an ecumenical, faith-based year of service for young people (ages 19–30) in sites across the United States and around the world. YAV's accompany local agencies working to address root causes of poverty and reconciliation. Alongside this work, YAV's explore the meaning of their Christian faith and accountability to their neighbors in the community with peers and mentors.

REFLECTIONS ON A YAV YEAR

Take a look at this reflection from Steffan Johnson, who served as a YAV with the Presbytery of South Louisiana this past year, including coordinating our RHINO program! Click here to read.

WELCOME, ROBERT!

New YAV Robert Moseley began his work at SCAPC this month! Born in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, Robert grew up in Winneconne, Wisconsin and graduated high school in 2020. He shares, "I have been a Presbyterian all my life. I like to read, draw, play Dungeons and Dragons, and game. I heard about the YAV program through my pastor at church and signed up the next day. I will be serving at Okra Abbey, Camp RHINO, Program of Hope, and with the Jefferson Food Bank. I am excited to be in New Orleans!"

New Members

Please join us in welcoming Lizzie and Neal White and Jane Winslow who joined the church on Sunday!

Lizzie and Neal White with Dee

Jane Winslow

This Week's Prayer List

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