The Purpose of Prayer
At the center of the whole enterprise of being human, prayers are the primary technology. Prayers are tools that God uses to work his will in our bodies and souls. Prayers are tools that we use to collaborate in his work with us…
There is much more to being human than simply surviving; there is God--looking for God, pleasing God, getting God’s help. We are unfinished creatures--longing, reaching, stretching towards fulfillment. We express these desires for completion in prayer. Prayers articulate our seeking after the best. Prayers give voice to aspiration towards the highest.
from Answering God by Eugene H. Peterson
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SCAPC is called by God’s grace to support, grow, and encourage its congregation members of all ages in Christ Jesus. This mission extends to our college-age members and visitors, for whom this church hopes to provide positive spiritual resources, mentors, and peer communities to support their religious growth at a unique season in their lives. To this end, SCAPC 1) has recently entered into partnership with NOLA Wesley to better serve college-aged students attending school or working locally, 2) has revamped a SCAPC “Alumni” group to maintain fellowship with its young adult members after they graduate high school, and 3) is committed to providing a welcoming weekly Sunday morning worship atmosphere to student visitors and at least one yearly retreat (with NOLA Wesley) for all 18-22 year old visitors and members of SCAPC. | |
3. FOR ALL LOCAL COLLEGE STUDENTS
Sunday worship and a yearly college retreat opportunity are open to any and all local college students who hope to get more involved in their life of faith. This past January, SCAPC and NOLA Wesley brought students to the Montreat College Conference to learn more about sacred rest amidst college life and to strengthen relationships together. We also understand that some college students simply want to find a place to worship while away from their home congregations, and we seek to be a congregation that makes room for college and university students in the beauty and hospitality of our weekly worship services.
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GUEST PREACHER ZOË GARRY
This particular Sunday, April 30, we welcome Zoë Garry from Nola Wesley as our preacher along with student liturgists from that ministry, and we also celebrate and give thanks for all of the ways this church is committed to making connections and building relationships with college and university students in this congregation, in this community, and for the sake of the church. People return to churches, people serve churches, and people join churches that reached out for them, made room for them, nurtured them, and made a touch point with them in the course of their campus experience. We look forward to building on the ways this congregation, through our worship and our ministry, welcomes college students, ministers to college students, and becomes a touch point at every stage of the life of faith.
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Pantry Ministry: Soups & Casseroles Available
Do you know someone in the congregation who could use some TLC in the form of a comforting meal? Pick up a frozen casserole or container of soup from the freezer in the church kitchen and deliver to a friend or family member in need! Add a salad and some French bread for a hearty gift of love. Many thanks go out to everyone who contributed soups and casseroles during our pantry drive this month! Questions? Contact Melissa McDonlad at mcdonaldnola@gmail.com or 504-715-1594.
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Register for VBS Today!
There are only a few more weeks to register for Vacation Bible School at SCAPC this summer, Tuesday, May 30-June 2 from 9-12. Our theme is Hero Hotline! We still have spots available for both campers and youth volunteers but time is running out. Please register at scapc.org/vbs soon! Registration closes on Tuesday, May 16.
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Adult Classes
“JESUS OF THE EAST: RECLAIMING THE GOSPEL FOR THE WOUNDED"
April 16 - May 4 | 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.
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"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.
UPCOMING! INTERGENERATIONAL STUDY OF JESUS' MIRACLES
On Sundays in May, the Spiritual Formation Committee will be 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.
SCAPC Sunday School page
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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. | |
Part-Time Nursery School Teachers Sought
SCAPC Nursery School is seeking part-time teachers to work with children ages 2-5, Monday-Friday from 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The school is hiring for the 2023-24 school year, beginning in mid-August with possible summer camp opportunities. Please email Nursery School Director Keflyn Fransen at scapcns@gmail.com for more information.
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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. We encourage everyone to support the Foundation now through May 2 on their Give NOLA Day donation page at this link. | |
Liberty's Kitchen Anniversary Lunch
In celebration of Liberty's Kitchen's 15th anniversary, the organization will hold "A Taste of Nostalgia" on May 2nd from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Café, 300 N. Broad Street. This free event promises to be a fun-filled celebration with delicious light bites and plenty of opportunities to connect with like-minded people in the community. Click here to register.
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Liberty's Kitchen is one of SCAPC’s Community Ministry Partners. Through our annual Stewardship Campaign, SCAPC members have invested their resources, service, and relationships in the ministry of Liberty's Kitchen. To make a pledge and contribute to 2023 Stewardship, please click here. | |
Welcome!
Please join us in welcoming our new members:
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Alex and Jamison Beuerman
with baby Fritz
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Last week we also welcomed Adele Clare Abrams, daughter of Laura and Andrew Abrams, sister of Axel Abrams, and granddaughter of Mary and Scott Monsted. She was born on Tuesday, April 18. | |
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