TUESDAY, AUGUST 8, 2023

How is a Church Born?

By the grace and guidance of God, churches come into being and grow to usefulness by the vision, faith, and generosity of those who really love Christ and invest their talent, time, and treasure in his ongoing kingdom.

-Dr. John S. Land

SCAPC Senior Pastor, 1917-1959

As a congregation we have been guided by these words for decades and seek to carry them into the future. This summer, the Session approved the formation of a strategic planning committee to assess our resources, strengths, and desired growth areas, and to formalize an overview of ministry outcomes envisioned through the year 2030. On the horizon are a series of listening sessions, a congregation-wide survey, meetings with committee heads and affinity groups, and discussions with peer churches about their strategic planning.  Serving on the committee are Parke Ellis (Chairman), Pat Widhalm (Vice-Chairman), Margaret Ann Lindsey, Beth Poe, Amy Goodson, Bobby Segal, Ethan Rault, Gillian Egan, Robert Edgecombe, Thomas Currie (Youth Group), Hallie Boh (Ad Hoc, Clerk of Session) and Chris Currie (Ad Hoc).Our first general listening session will be held Sunday, August 20 following 10:30 a.m. worship in the Sanctuary and all are invited to attend and share their thoughts and ideas.

Interfaith Field Trip

Our neighbors at Masjid Abu Bakr Al Siddique Mosque have invited a few of us over to learn briefly about the Jefferson Muslim Association and attend their 1:00 p.m. prayers on Monday, August 14.  The address is 4425 David Dr, Metairie, LA 70003. Folks can carpool by meeting at the church at 12:15 p.m. and driving over together, or meet outside the Mosque.

If you’d like to attend, please RSVP to me by Monday morning via email: ashley@scapc.org.

-Ashley Brown, SCAPC Pastoral Resident

Attire and Etiquette: For women, hijabs will be available there, but feel free to bring a scarf--any size will do. I will have a few hijabs ladies can borrow if they’d like. I can help you cover your heads properly before we walk in. Women also need to have arms, shoulders and legs covered (i.e.-- long sleeves and long pants to the wrists and ankles covered please.) Shoes are left outside of the Mosque. Socks are fine!

SCAPC Photographic Tour of Cuba

SCAPC members returned to Cuba this past spring after several cancelled trips due to the pandemic. On Sunday, August 20, come take a photographic tour of our work with our sister church partners and water projects, and learn how the Cuban people are faring in their current challenging environment. The presentation will be led by Cindy Bush at 9:30 a.m. in Frampton Fellowship Hall.

YAF Cocktail Competition

All Young Adults & Families are invited to the YAF Cocktail Competition at the Bruggers-Chaney Home, 3026 Nashville Avenue on Saturday, August 19 from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Bring a cocktail or a mocktail to share with the group and we will vote on the best one from each category! RSVP to tyler@scapc.org by Wednesday, August 16. 

Attention, 6th-12th Grade Students:

Are you between 6th and 12th grade and interested in getting involved with the SCAPC Youth Group for the first time? On Sunday, August 20, from 3-5 p.m. on the church third floor, you are invited to an afternoon of games and fellowship to get to know the youth room and some of your fellow church peers better. Whether you are a rising 6th grader or you are older and just now ready to start getting involved, we hope this opportunity will be a great introduction for you to feel comfortable when normal youth events start up in September! Feel free to contact Chris Hazlaris if you have any questions.

New Programs at STAIR

Start the Adventure in Reading (STAIR) is busy preparing for the fall semester serving students virtually and in person. Additional students in the community will be served through STAIR's new programs - STAIR Impact seminars and workshops for tutors, parents, and students; as well as STAIR Adventures reading-focused field trips. STAIR believes that every child should have the opportunity to succeed in life. Reading is fundamental to success. Read. Learn. Discover. Applications to be a volunteer tutor or a student in the program for the fall are now available.  Visit stairnola.org.

Liberty Kitchen's Guest Chef Night

Prepare your taste buds for a sensational three-course meal crafted by Chef Todd Pulsinelli of Hotel Chloe alongside Liberty Kitchen's alumni and trainees. The event takes place on Wednesday, August 16 at 6 p.m. at Liberty Kitchen, 300 N. Broad Street and supports their Youth Development Program, empowering young people in New Orleans with valuable workforce training and wraparound services. Tickets can be purchased at this link.

YAF's Serve at Crescent City Café

On Saturday, the YAF group (Young Adults & Families) served breakfast at Crescent City Café. The Café serves the poor and marginalized members of our community with dignity and provides individuals the opportunity to build relationships and connect with one another through the sharing of a meal. 

New Arrival

Congratulations are extended to Laura Mutter and Yong Suk on the birth of their daughter Leah Marie Kwon who was born on Saturday, July 29!

Our Sympathy

Our sympathy is extended to Lee Ledbetter and his family on the death of his mother, Helen Land Ledbetter, who died on Wednesday, August 2. Helen was the daughter of Dr. John S. Land, SCAPC Senior Pastor, 1917-1959.