WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2025

Daylight Savings Starts Sunday

Be sure to set your clocks forward an hour before you come to church!

Weekly Prayer Practices

During this season of Lent, our emphasis is centered on prayer. Theologian Karl Barth reminds us that far from being an inward private act, ‘to clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.’ Each week of Lent, we will lift up a spiritual practice of prayer that is central to the life of faith and provides a special emphasis during this season. Each week we are focusing on some specific prayer practices in which we invite you to participate.

WEEK 1: FASTING AS A PRAYER PRACTICE

Fasting as a spiritual practice has always been a vital part of our ancestral Christian traditions, yet with the modern convenience-driven lifestyle, fasting (as well as many other forms of prayer) has become less of a focus. Jesus fasted in the desert after his baptism. Esther, King David, Saul, Daniel, Moses, Nehemiah and even Paul all fasted at pivotal times in their lives when hard decisions or clarity was needed. If you’re new to fasting but crave an opportunity to slow down- let this be your invitation. Select what you want to “fast”- and set a realistic time limit for your fast.

Here are some ideas to fast from: cell phones, cars, spending money, sugar…even speaking! While enjoying your fast, take time for contemplation. Perhaps you can enjoy a long walk or let your body rest during an extended nap or even read a book you’ve been meaning to for months. You’ll be amazed by how the gift of fasting will connect you to peace. It may be uncomfortable at moments, you may even experience some boredom, but you’ll find ultimately that this is a great way to grow as a Christian and connect to the goodness of God! This Saturday, March 8, we’ll be learning more about how Muslims fast at a free Iftar meal hosted by our Muslim neighbors at Abu Bakr.

Iftar Meal Details & Sign-Up Info:

What is Ramadan and why do Muslims fast during this religious holiday? SCAPC has been generously invited to a Ramadan Dinner (called Iftar) hosted by our friends from Abu Bakr Masjid this Saturday, March 8 from 5-7 p.m. at 2420 Illinois Ave, Kenner, LA 70062. During this special experience, we will dine on delicious Middle Eastern food, learn about the spiritual practices of Ramadan and meet our Muslim neighbors. The cost is free (thanks to the hospitality of our neighbors) but a bouquet of any sort of flowers would be welcomed! Meet at 2520 Illinois Avenue at 5 p.m. or meet at 4:30 p.m. at SCAPC to carpool over together. Space is limited to 25 persons. Please sign up on our Interfaith webpage or email Ashley Brown by tomorrow.

Living Christ, Living Buddha TOMORROW

Bill Troutt and Ashley Brown are hosting an interfaith conversation on the book Living Christ, Living Buddha by Thich Nhat Hanh tomorrow, March 6, at 9 a.m. We will meet at PJ’s Coffee, 5432 Magazine Street in the back courtyard. Grab your coffee and walk through the coffeeshop all the way to the back to find us! A friend of Martin Luther King, Thomas Merton and many influential world leaders, Buddhist Zen Master and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize Thich Nhat Hanh explores the life and teachings of Buddha and Christ in a warm and welcoming dialogue. You don’t have to have read the book to come and join in on the conversation. All are welcome!

Cello & Piano Concert Friday

This Friday at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary, Uruguayan cellist José Ottonello and Chinese pianist Apple Lin will deliver a unique program that will feature works from Ástor Piazzola, Carlos Gardel, José Bragato, Sergei Prokofiev, Johannes Brahms, and Ernest Bloch in a one-of-a-kind concert that promises to leave a lasting impression. The event, sponsored by the New Orleans Hispanic Heritage Foundation, is free and open to the public.

Care Packages for College Students Sunday

This Sunday, March 9, any congregation members who would like to support our college students are invited to join the Spiritual Formation Young Adult Subcommittee in the Youth Room on the 3rd floor. There, we will compile care packages for our college students who are about to start exam season. All materials will be provided! We just need your help to stuff the boxes and write personal notes of encouragement to our SCAPC young adults at their respective universities. The event is come-and-go as you please starting immediately following 10:30 worship. Our committee will be facilitating the care package assembly until about 1 p.m.

Clothing Drive for Homeless

For the month of March, SCAPC is collecting clothing for the Program of Hope homeless ministry, one of our 20 community ministry partners. The program is especially in need of men's casual clothing. There is a donation basket in Frampton Fellowship Hall where items can be placed.

Prayers for NC Mission Trip Team

This week our prayers go out to the SCAPC mission team travelling to North Carolina to aid in rebuilding efforts in the Montreat/Black Mountain area. Team members are: Anderson Baker; Martha Beveridge; Sarah Chancellor-Watson; Sarah and Nina Edgecombe; Elizabeth Favret; Carro Gardner; Bonnie and Jim Hobden; John Koch; Kelley McWhirter; Benjamin and Campbell Morrison; Michele, Kevin, Ashlin, and Sean Murphy; Patti Pannell and John and James Dunlap; Linda Patrick; and Harriet Riley. 

Adult Sunday School Classes

9:30 a.m. | Details on Sunday School page

NEW! FAITH AND LITERATURE

Beginning this Sunday, March 9, our first class topic will be “Faith and Fiction: Lord of the Rings and Ignatius J. Reilly” in which we will explore themes of faith and the challenges of the modern world. This class will be led by Chris Currie. Later this month we will examine essays by Marilynne Robinson, Identity Trap by Yascha Mounk; How a Christian Should Read the News by Betsy Fischer Martin who will lead that class; and “Mystery and Mysterium”, a class led by the authors of the Ludington-van der Berg mystery series, Michael Lindvall and Madeline Lindvall-Radman. Their class will be part of our 2025 Lupberger Lecture Series.

THE GOSPEL OF JOHN

February 16 - May 18 | Land Building Riverside Room

In its tone, structure, and portrayal of Jesus, the Gospel of John differs greatly from the other three gospels. John’s story of Jesus is theologically complex, interweaving themes of light and darkness. He presents Jesus as originating “from heaven,” making him more divine than he appears in the other gospels. This Sunday's topic is "Of Signs and Faith" led by Donna Ryan.

THE INDIVIDUAL IN THE INSTITUTION: A CREATIVE WORKSHOP OF FAITH AND BELONGING

January 12-April 6 | Led by Ashley Brown and Tyler Wheeler

2nd Floor Conference Room

In this interactive class, we invite you to explore your personal faith beliefs while understanding how they align with the broader Presbyterian Church (USA). Our topic this Sunday will be "General Views on Individualism" led by Tyler Wheeler.

YAF Parade Watch

Our Young Adults & Families (YAF) group gathered for parade watching Wednesday night!

Nursery School Parade

Last week our nursery schoolers enjoyed a parade of their own to the delight of parents and teachers along the route!

Sympathy

Our sympathy is extended to Andrew Tatum and his family on the passing of his mother, Debra Tatum, who died on February 25.