TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2023

FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK

Dear SCAPC community,

Towards the end of the month, on the evening of Friday, March 24th and the morning of March 25th (Saturday), St. Charles Avenue Presbyterian Church will be hosting the annual gathering of The Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest. If you are interested in history and in particular Presbyterian history, I invite you to participate in this gathering however you can. On Friday, the Society is holding a dinner at 6 p.m. in the Land Building followed by a presentation on the history of SCAPC by Senior Pastor Emeritus, Don Frampton.

On Saturday morning, David Watson (Sarah Chancellor-Watson’s spouse and) pastor at Metairie Ridge Presbyterian Church, will make a presentation on his time as a New Orleans police chaplain and as a pastor in greater New Orleans; Paul Hoffman will make a presentation on the history of University Presbyterian Church, Baton Rouge; and Elaine Walter will make a presentation about Berean Presbyterian Church in New Orleans.

Saturday’s presentations will begin with coffee and refreshments at 8:30 a.m. and the presentations will begin at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11 a.m., respectively.  If you would like to attend the dinner on Friday night, there is no cost, but please let Pierce Young (pierce@scapc.org) know you plan to attend. If you want to know more about the Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest, I invite you to visit their webpage.

Blest be the tie that binds,

Chris Currie

LENT DEVOTIONAL

“For this reason the promise depends on faith, in order that it may rest on grace, so that it may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (who is the father of all of us, as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”), in the presence of the God in whom he believed,who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.” - Romans 4:16-17 (NRS)

Paul tells us boldly that Abraham, known as our first father in faith, was justified by grace through faith. Abraham was in relationship with God not because Abraham offered a burnt offering or because he followed the laws of God. He was in relationship with God because God desired a relationship with Abraham, as God does with each of us. Abraham trusted God to lead him, rather than Abraham leading himself. 

Like Abraham, we should trust God to lead us – an offer made to all people of all cultures and every nation. God claims all of us as family. In this time of Lenten reflection, pray for the gift of faith, the ability to trust in God’s direction and to hear God’s call. To fully live into God’s desires for us, it takes practice on our part and Lent provides the time and space to deepen our faith.

Prayer: Gracious God, thank you for your love. Help me fully understand the gift of faith that you have given me. Give me the wisdom to live out your guidance in my every hour in every day. Amen

-Miriam Hollar; Art by Leon Hinson

For more Lent devotionals by SCAPC members and artists, click here.

Note to worshipers: This Sunday, March 12, is the beginning of Daylight Savings.

Be sure to set your clock one hour forward!

PASTORAL CARE PHONE NUMBER

We now have a new dedicated Pastoral Care phone line in the office. When calling the office with a notice of a hospitalization, death, or other emergency, please press 4 to skip the office directory and be connected to a voicemail box specifically created and monitored for these important concerns.

PALM LEAF PROJECT

Join us this Sunday, March 12, after the 10:30 a.m. service as we prepare for our Palm Sunday services. We will be making palm leaves that the children will wave before the Chancel Choir & Orchestra service on April 2. All ages are encouraged to participate. We will have supplies in Frampton Fellowship Hall.

RSVP FOR YOUTH SUNDAY & FAMILY CRAWFISH BOIL

Youth Sunday is on March 19 (Sunday after next). Anyone who wishes to read, usher, or help prep a bulletin prayer or artwork should respond to Chris as soon as possible with their preferred role. Following Youth Sunday will be our Family Crawfish Boil on the Land Building lawn (noon-2 p.m.). Youth, along with their families and siblings, are encouraged to attend, and we would recommend bringing a change of clothes if you are coming directly from church. If you decide to come in church clothes, don’t fear; we will have some fun crawfish bibs for anyone who wants one! Please RSVP to Chris if you plan on coming to the boil and how many are in your party, so we can finalize our order. 

ADEN PROGRAM OPEN HOUSE

The Aden Program, SCAPC's elder care ministry, will hold an Open House on Tuesday, March 19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Aden Program offers social engagement and activities for the young at heart, embracing those with memory impairment, as well as providing respite and peace of mind for the loved one caring for them daily. To learn more, visit our Aden webpage or contact Director Heidi Young Batson at 504-962-9027 or aden@scapc.org.

THEOLOGY CLASS OFFERED VIA ZOOM & RECORDING

Chris Currie's weekly Theological Reading Group, which begins Thursday in the 2nd floor conference room at 12:15, will be accessible via Zoom and recording at this link. We will review the book Faith Seeking Understanding by Daniel Migliore.

ADULT CLASSES

"JOHN KNOX & HOW THE SCOTS INVENTED THE MODERN WORLD"

February 12-March 26 | led by John Dunlap & Chris Currie | Land Building Lakeside Room

Due to the contributions of John Knox and the reform movement that gave birth to the protestant church in Scotland, an environment was created that nurtured a literate society, education for all, faith that asks questions and seeks understanding, free thought and inquiry, a larger commitment to the ethical vision of society, and a say in the affairs of government. For the recording of the March 5 class, click here.

"GOD, IMPROV, & THE ART OF LIVING"

January 8 - April 30 | Book by MaryAnn McKibben Dana | 2nd floor conference room

This book blends personal stories, pop culture and scripture into a smart, funny down-to-earth guide to the art of living. 

FOR DETAILS ON CLASSES FOR ALL AGES, VISIT OUR SUNDAY SCHOOL PAGE.

RHINO TEAM IN FLORIDA

Our team of RHINO volunteers have returned from their trip to Port Charlotte, Florida for Hurricane Ian relief and rebuilding. Lena Kennedy, Lisa Eldredge, and Harriet Riley stayed and worked with Wintergarden Presbyterian Church, which is starting up a similar program to RHINO for long-term rebuilding in their community. Pastor Devon Andrews and her volunteers were welcoming and generous hosts to our team.

Our SCAPC volunteers put in 25 hours of work at the home of community member, Bruce. A new roof was put on his house, but the ceiling needed some major patching, including a new ceiling in the sunroom. Our volunteers were very grateful to meet this kind man and do what they could to help him. To donate towards Wintergarden Presbyterian's new program, click here.

OUR SISTER CONGREGATIONS IN CUBA

Earlier today, a team of SCAPC members departed for a visit to our sister congregations in Cuba. While there, they will deliver medications donated by our Presbyterian Women; update the Living Waters filtration systems at El Fuerte, Juan G. Hall, and Matanzas Central Presbyterian Churches; prepare a jambalaya lunch with live dance music by a local band and children’s activities for the El Fuerte congregation; and visit a convent in Havana. Team members are Courtney Bell, Cindy and Ed Bush, Darlene Guillot, Laura St. Clair, and Ann Van Horn.

ITEMS NEEDED FOR EDEN HOUSE TOTES

This month, Presbyterian Women are collecting items to be packaged in spring totes for the residents of Eden House, one of our Community Ministry Partners. Eden House is a movement to eradicate the trafficking and selling of human beings through many programs including a residence shelter. They have recently expanded to 13 residents. Requested items in multiples of 13 include: candy, journals, fragrant soap, fingernail polish, toothbrushes, toothpaste, bangle bracelets, hair brushes, colorful bandanas, etc. Please deposit items in the basket by the State Street Chapel entrance. You can also make a monetary donation by check to "Presbyterian Women" with "Eden House" in the memo, mailed to the church or placed in the PW box outside the church office. To learn more about Eden House, click here.

CRAFTS FOR N.O. WOMEN & CHILDREN'S SHELTER

Last Sunday, the Challenger Class put together St Patrick’s Day crafts and decorations for the residents of the New Orleans Women and Children’s Shelter, a SCAPC Community Ministry Partner. Pictured here from left are Buddy Mackenroth, Evan Eubanks and Pearson Eubanks.

TREE PLANTING PROJECT WITH SOUL

SCAPC is teaming up with Sustaining Our Urban Landscape (SOUL) for a fun morning of service on Saturday, March 18. Anyone over 16 is welcome to join us to plant trees in the Lower 9th Ward. Volunteers will meet at 2401 St. Maurice Street at 9:30 a.m. and we will plant from 10–1 with a pizza lunch to follow. All tools including clean gloves will be provided by SOUL. For more information or if you are interested in volunteering, please contact Tyler Wheeler (tyler@scapc.org) by Thursday.

YMCA EVENT

One of our Community Ministry Partners, YMCA, is holding their annual "Hats & Horses Gala" on Sunday, March 26 from 1-4 p.m. at the N.O. Fairgrounds. Tickets are $60 and include food and drink and a fun silent auction with great prizes. Wear your race day hats! Details can be found at ymcaneworleans.org.