TUESDAY, MAY 30, 2023

On the Holy Spirit

The union between the Father and the Son is such a live concrete thing that this union itself is also a Person…You know that among human beings, when they get together in a family, or a club, or a trade union, people talk about the “spirit” of that family, or club, or trade union. They talk about its “spirit” because the individual members, when they are together, do really develop particular ways of talking and behaving which they would not have if they were apart. It is as if a sort of communal personality came into existence. Of course, it is not a real person: it is only rather like a person. But that is just one of the differences between God and us. What grows out of the joint life of the Father and Son is a real Person, is in fact the Third of the three Persons who are God. The third Person is called…the Holy Ghost or “spirit” of God.

-C.S. Lewis, Mere Christianity, 1952

Summer Sunday Services

Beginning this Sunday through August 13, we will have a single worship service at 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary and via livestream.

Adult Sunday School Class

Sundays in June | 8:30 a.m. | Phifer Library

In this class, we will examine the Book of James, using the Coffee with the Pastor book series. Known in history as James the Just, the author of this biblical book was one of the most pivotal figures in the early church. As a devout Jew and Christ follower, James’ deep appreciation and empathy for the traditional Jewish customs and laws was balanced by his understanding of the needs found in non-Jewish believers. Author Pastor Mike offers verse-by-verse insights into James’ writings. His conversational style and delivery challenges readers to practically live out their faith, regardless of their background.

Children's Activities During Worship

During the month of June, in the early part of each service, children in first grade and under will be invited to Frampton Fellowship Hall for a lesson and fun activities.

Thank You, Pentecost Liturgists!

During Pentecost Sunday worship last weekend, we recognized the moment in which the Holy Spirit fell on the apostles and caused them to speak in different languages. The following members proclaimed "Come, Holy Spirit" in various languages: Martha Beveridge, Latin; Peggy Crain, American Sign Language; Donna Davis, Spanish; Lark Fall, Swahili; David Grissett, Gaelic; Beth Poe, French and German; and Vicki Vega, American Sign Language and Italian.

Pentecost at El Fuerte Presbyterian in Cuba

Last Sunday, our brothers and sisters at El Fuerte Presbyterian Church in Cardenas, Cuba gathered for their Pentecost worship service and fellowship.

Meet Our Pastoral Resident, Ashley Brown!

Beginning next week, Ashley will join the SCAPC staff for a two-year pastoral residency, a position funded in partnership with Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary (APTS) and by a generous gift from one of our church members. Ashley graduated from APTS on May 15th with a M.Div., having previously graduated from the University of South Carolina with a BA in International Studies. While here, she will participate in all aspects of church life including preaching, teaching classes, engaging in pastoral care, and learning the ins and outs of church administration. 

Ashley states, “I am deeply passionate about community work, and in relationship building outside the walls of the church”, wishing to “grow roots in my call and ultimately serve with strength, creativity, bravery, and tenderness.” Please join us in welcoming Ashley to the SCAPC community! Ashley’s first day in the office will be Monday, June 5th.

Visit Our Aden Program Participants

Our Aden Program for elder care is seeking volunteers to help in two-hour shifts on Tuesdays and Thursdays through June. All who have a love for the elder population and would enjoy forming friendships with our participants are encouraged to come! This can also be a special way for high schoolers and college students to earn service hours. To learn more about the Aden Program and to sign up for a shift, visit our Aden webpage at scapc.org/aden. You can reach out to Director Heidi Young Batson at aden@scapc.org with any questions.

Flower Volunteers Needed

Congregational Care is looking for volunteers to help on Monday mornings from 9-11 a.m. for its "Flower Outreach Program". No experience is necessary! Enjoy a pleasurable and easy morning assembling flowers that will bring joy to those in our congregation who are in need. Signing up is quick and easy too. Click here to sign up. You can reach out to Gail Kaliszeski at gkaliszeski@simon.com with any questions.

Turn Your Donation into a Pledge

At SCAPC, we consider every dollar donated to the church to be a blessing. It is our call to use these dollars to further God's kingdom through our ministries. Every year as we create the budget for our ministry programs, we rely upon the promise of financial gifts through the pledges of our congregation. While every donation is put to the greatest use, our annual budget can increase only from the gifts that have been committed for the year ahead, not from those which we cannot anticipate. We therefore encourage you to make a pledge of your gift, whether paying now or at the close of the year, in order to have the greatest impact on the church year ahead. Pledges of every size are welcome. You can learn more about how your pledged dollars are spent and submit your pledge (with payment now or later) at scapc.org/pledge or by contacting Accountant Emily Fleshman at 504-897-0101 x113, emily@scapc.org.

Vacation Bible School

Vacation Bible School kicked off today! Our theme is "Hero Hotline: Called to Serve God Together", which is based on Romans 14:19, "So let’s strive together for the things that bring peace and the things that build each other up." Our children are enjoying a fun week of activities and Bible lessons, led by youth and adult volunteers.

Memorial Service

A memorial service will be held for Gray Morrison III this Friday, June 2nd at 1 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Gray died on Tuesday, May 2.