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"I Need to Admit My Need"
by Dr. Kenneth Phifer
Almighty God, let me feel that I am praying, not just listening to words that fade into the silence.
Let me feel that I am reaching out into that greater dimension of reality wherein I live and move and have being.
Let me feel that somehow
I am in touch with Someone more than I, who gives meaning to my little life and direction to my spirit.
Let me truly pray.
Let me truly pray as I acknowledge my dependence upon you. I confess that I have often forgotten that dependence.
Now I am a bit frightened at what I have done. I would like to undo some of it if I could.
The problem is it will be costly to undo it, and I must change some of my way of living. You know, O Lord, how hard that is for me.
[For complete prayer, click here.]
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A Book of Uncommon Prayer
Through the generosity of one of our church members, and with permission from the Phifer family, the late Dr. Kenneth Phifer’s beloved book of prayers has been reprinted for our congregation. Dr. Phifer was our Senior Pastor from 1965-1983. Copies are available in the church office (Monday-Friday, 8:30-5:00) for a suggested donation of $15 each to benefit the Phifer Library. Please note that the books are available on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved or shipped. There are only a few copies left so we encourage you to come soon!
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SCAPC Session
After our monthly session meetings, we will use this space to update the congregation on the highlights from our meeting.
What is session?
Session is the governing body of the church and is made up of elders, men and women elected by the congregation to serve as the church’s governing body. Elders usually serve 3-year terms, participate in the work of a ministry committee, and attend monthly session meetings.
What happens at a session meeting?
According to our Presbyterian Book of Order, there is very little shared about what should happen at a session meeting. It says meetings should open and close with prayer, that meetings should be conducted in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised, and that is pretty much it. Our session meetings happen the fourth Monday of the month (this past session meeting occurred on April 24). They begin with a time of food and fellowship at 5:30 p.m. followed at 6:00 p.m. by a call to order and opening prayer. After this there is a devotion which usually draws from an article, thought piece or devotion on leadership or building community or spiritual leadership. One important point of church leadership is that session members and session meetings are not just for running the business of the church but also for forming community, developing spiritual leaders, and incubating the church’s mission.
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During the clerk’s report, we approve minutes from prior session meetings and new member meetings, and we share correspondence. Last month this included a thank you from the Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest for hosting their meeting here. The ministry committees of the church then share their reports or updates, always including the most recent financial report. We also share any updates on pastoral care, we include the most recent SCAPC prayer list, and we hear reports from the ministry staff. A session meeting concludes with a motion to adjourn and a parting prayer. | |
Chris Currie, Senior Pastor | |
One should come to a session meeting not just with a sense of processing information or maintaining the governance of the church, but to learn something new, to be enriched and inspired by what is happening through the ministry of SCAPC, and to be formed for discipleship and leadership in the world. | |
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Volunteer Opportunities for May 15, 22, & Beyond
Every fourth Monday of the month, SCAPC teams up with our neighbors at Bethlehem Lutheran Church to help serve a meal as part of their "Community Table" Ministry. This month we’re also taking the third Monday to help fill a need. When our volunteer teams arrive, the food has already been prepared and our job is to package it into to-go containers to be given out. We meet at Bethlehem Lutheran (1823 Washington Ave.) at 10 a.m. to start prep work. Lunch is served promptly at Noon and after a quick clean-up we are on our way no later than 12:30 p.m. Please contact Pastor Sarah with any questions. Teams are 3-4 people, so grab your friends and sign up today at this link.
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Summer Service Hours for High Schoolers
Our Carrollton Camp Ministry is July 17-21 and 24-28 at Noble Minds School, 1333 S. Carrollton Avenue. We are looking for high school students to help support the camp and earn service hours in the process. Here’s how students can help:
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Option 1: Youth “Shepherd” for the children
Volunteer shepherds stay with a group of children throughout their camp day, serving as mentors. They accompany the children to their daily activities at camp.
Days and Times: 9:00 to 4:00 p.m., 6 hours a day for the 2 weeks of camp
Commitment: 80 hours Total
Option 2: Teach reading only at the camp
We will be using a program called “Read for Joy” developed by STAIR, Start the Adventure in Reading, and need volunteers to provide this camp activity.
Days and Times: 9:00 to 3:00 pm, 6 hours a day for the 2 weeks of camp
Commitment: 60 hours Total
To volunteer, students must:
- Complete an application
- Pass a background check (with approval from a parent)
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Participate in a training session on Sunday, July 16 from noon to 2 p.m.
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Be available to volunteer July 17-28.
- Must be vaccinated against COVID-19
Please contact Pastor Sarah for an application and more information.
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NEW! INTERGENERATIONAL STUDY OF JESUS' MIRACLES
On Sundays in May, the Spiritual Formation Committee is hosting an intergenerational study of Jesus’ miracles in Frampton Fellowship Hall. Participants of all ages will be assigned a table where we will have discussions, activities, science experiments, and more. Classes are for all ages, children through adults.
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“JESUS OF THE EAST: RECLAIMING THE GOSPEL FOR THE WOUNDED"
April 16 - May 14 | Land Building Lakeside Room and Zoom | Book by Phuc Luu
This class gives us an opportunity to explore Christianity and justice from the Eastern Christianity perspective. The author examines his experiences as a Vietnamese immigrant, as well as others who live between pain and hope. For the recording of last Sunday's class, click here.
SCAPC Sunday School page
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Spiritually Hungry Women: New Study
Tomorrow the Spiritually Hungry Women will begin a six-week study of Faith Unraveled: How a Girl Who Knew All the Answers Started Asking Questions by Rachel Held Evans. This group meets weekly from 12:30-1:45 on Wednesdays in the Land Building and via Zoom. All women are welcome!
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The recording of last week's Theology Reading Group led by Chris Currie can be found at this link. To learn more about this and other study groups, visit our small groups web page. | |
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Collecting Ponchos & Reading Glasses for Homeless
For the month of May, Presbyterian Women are collecting items for the Program of Hope homeless ministry at First Presbyterian Church. Requested items include rain ponchos to hand out during the summer months, and reading glasses, either new or used in any strength. The collection basket is located at the State Street entrance to the Chapel.
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Presbyterian Foundation of Louisiana
The Presbyterian Foundation of Louisiana is a non-profit corporation formed in 1956 that is governed and managed under the authority of the Synod of the Sun, Presbyterian Church (USA). The Foundation's scholarship program was established from a bequest of the Gilbert Hyne Estate and is further supported by the multi-purpose Margaret “Nell” Johnston Memorial Fund, named for our late SCAPC member. Scholarships are awarded to students pursuing studies in the field of engineering or towards a medical doctorate degree. The Lilly B. Weeks Scholarship Fund is available for Presbyterian seminary students’ books.
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Additionally, the Foundation oversees funds in the "Ministry to Aging Fund", which receives gifts from institutions, churches, and individuals for the benefit of and assistance to programs for the elderly. Details can be found on the PFL website. (See GiveNOLA link above). | |
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YAFs to Wednesdays at the Square
YAF will be meeting up for an evening of outdoor music and fun at Wednesday at the Square! Join us Wednesday, May 10 from 5:00–8:00 in Lafayette Square on South Maestri Street. Please RSVP to Tyler by Tuesday, May 9 for more details via text on where to meet up. Note: There will be no PINTS on Wednesday, May, 10.
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Our Partners at NOLA Wesley Campus Ministry
On Sunday we were thrilled to welcome to our pulpit Rev. Zoë Garry, Campus Minister and Director of NOLA Wesley. SCAPC has recently entered into partnership with NOLA Wesley, Tulane and Loyola’s open and affirming campus ministry, to better serve college-aged students attending school or working locally. Shown here is Zoe with college students Shalini Kishore and Mark Keplinger who participated in the 10:30 service.
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Aden Program Visitor
We’ve enjoyed the company of Jo Q’s sweet dog Butler at the Aden Program recently! He’s super friendly, cuddly and loves treats! And, Butler is just a highlight of the fun we’ve had together since the rekindling of our elder care ministry. Please learn more about the Aden Program on our webpage and please contact our Director, Heidi, for more information.
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WNO Talent Show
What a talented congregation we have! A fun time was enjoyed by all at last Wednesday's Talent Show. Shown here, Chris Hazlaris plays piano for his adoring fans.
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