Shows
North Decatur Presbyterian ChurchWhat Are These Gifts? 2.9.25.As we journey through Luke's story of Jesus, Jesus reveals himself as someone with extra-ordinary powers to heal bodies. We read two healing stories from Luke 7 and wonder, "what are these gifts that Jesus shares that allow him mend what is broken?" NDPC Ministry Fellow Tsz Nok Christopher Ng, preaching.2025-02-0920 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchThe Call of Isaiah. 11.17.24.Ministry Fellow Christopher Ng, second year student at Candler School of Theology, preaches on the call of Isaiah to prophetic ministry from Isaiah 6. Please support our talented ministry fellow as he preaches for the first time at NDPC.
2024-11-1727 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchEphesians 2. 10.6.24.Revs. Caroline Leach and Nibs Stroupe, NDPC clergy affiliates, will be leading 11AM worship. Caroline and Nibs will be preaching a dialogue sermon on Ephesians 2. Holy Communion will be celebrated.
2024-10-0622 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchLove Beyond Duality: Embracing the Sacred Balance. 9.1.24.NDPC’s talented and thoughtful Director of Music, Huu Mai, will offer this Sunday’s message as we celebrate a Labor Day tradition at NDPC of a music-centered worship service. Holy Communion will be shared.2024-09-0130 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchWhat Do We Mean When We Say Jesus? 7.14.24.
Rev. Lewicki preaches on "What do we mean when we say 'Jesus'?" The world--and even the church!--is full of different ideas of who Jesus was and what Jesus means. Do you ever find that difference disorienting? Yet, how you understand Jesus has a deep impact on the direction of your faith. Is he a model for how to live a human life? The atoning sacrifice for sin? Who does NDPC say that Jesus is? Who do you say that he is? Join the conversation this Sunday in worship.
2024-07-1423 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchBridge Over Deep Water. 6.30.24.With Rev. Lewicki traveling this week, we are delighted to welcome NDPC clergy affiliate the Rev. Bobbie Wrenn Banks to the pulpit. Her sermon is titled Bridge Over Deep Water, and the texts we will read is Psalm 46:1-5, 10-11; Matthew 14:22-33.2024-07-0125 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchPentecost. 5.28.23.5.28.23. Summer Worship begins today with a celebration of Pentecost. Rev. Lewicki preaches about the Holy Spirit’s weirdness–and her insistence on reconciliation. The handbells open worship, and the NDPC community choir sings a beautiful anthem.
2023-05-281h 14North Decatur Presbyterian ChurchGet Up and Eat. 5.14.23.5.14.23. In the ancient story of the prophet Elijah, from 1 Kings, there is a very modern lesson about our struggles with mental health, and how God moves to provide us with care. Victoria Robinson, NDPC Ministry Fellow, is our preacher.
2023-05-1417 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchYouth Sunday. 4.30.23.4.30.23. NDPC’s high school and middle school youth lead every part of today’s worship service. Sam Fisher and Freeman Mosley are our preachers.
2023-04-3056 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchWe Have Only One Planet. 4.16.23.4.16.23. To celebrate Earth Day 2023 and to kick off Climate Action Week, worship asks us to cherish and celebrate our interdependence with the Creation. NDPC members Patrick Kasele and Dr. Dabney Dixon reflect on their own stories of learning to love the Creation; Rev. Lewicki invites us to speak to the plants–and to listen to what they say back to us.
2023-04-1617 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchA Walk (not a War) Story. 1.29.23.1.29.23. We welcome frequent NDPC guest preacher Zeena Regis as we explore Micah’s invitation to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. We ordain and install elders at the 11AM worship.2023-01-2919 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchAdvent 4: Let It Be. 12.18.22.12.18.22. It’s the fourth Sunday of Advent. We light the candle of Love. A younger and an older member of NDPC lead a short drama, a “conversation with God.” We read the story of the angel Gabriel’s “annunciation” to Mary, and we explore the meaning of her response: “let it be.” 2022-12-1824 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchAdvent 3: Let There Be Joy. 12.11.22.12.4.22. We had technical difficulties with the audio this week. We don't have a podcast this week. You're welcome to circle back to ndpc.org for this week's service video.2022-12-0400 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchAdvent 1: Let There be Hope. 11.27.22.It’s the first Sunday of Advent. We light the candle of hope. Each Sunday of Advent, our meditation and candle lighting will be a led by a younger and older member of NDPC–a conversation with God. Our preacher this Sunday is NDPC Ministry Fellow Victoria Robinson. We celebrate the baptism of Coralie Arsenault. 11.27.22.2022-11-2717 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchThe Whole Bible in 30 Minutes (as Seen by its Women). 11.20.22.11.20.22. It’s the “last Sunday” of the church year. Advent, which begins on November 27th, begins a new year in the liturgical calendar. This Sunday we end the year by reprising an NDPC tradition: The Whole Bible in 30 Minutes. Rev. Beth Waltemath tells the story of Scripture–this time through the eyes of women, beginning “in the beginning” with Genesis, and spinning out the entire story until it ends with the dream of Revelation.2022-11-2036 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchAll Saints Day. 11.6.22.11.6.22. It’s NDPC’s annual celebration of All Saints Day. We read the names of those of our congregation who have died in the last year. Rev. Lewicki preaches on “Remembering."2022-11-0622 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchPride Sunday. 10.9.22.10.9.22. For Pride Sunday, 2022, the Rev. Dr. Erin Reed Cooper, NDPC Director of Children, Youth, and Family Ministries, is our preacher.2022-10-0930 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchI Am. 9.18.22.9.18.22. Today, we dive into NDPC’s 2022-23 theme: BE. Being is something shared by all of life, but it is something we rarely reflect upon and and often take for granted. What is being? What is it for? And what do we perceive about the being of God? This week, we read the story of God’s revelation in the burning bush from Exodus 3. Rev. Lewicki, preaching.2022-09-1826 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchGod and the Politics of Fear. 7.31.22.7.31.22. The Rev. Dr. William Brown, NDPC clergy affiliate and Professor of Old Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary, is our guest preacher.2022-08-0133 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchFor Those Who Suffer . . . Repent? 7.24.22.7.24.22. Our preacher today is the Rev. Dr. Jennifer Ayres, NDPC clergy affiliate and professor of Religious Education at the Candler School of Theology.2022-07-2426 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchThe Unnamed Woman of Shiloh. 7.10.22.7.10.22. Our preacher today is the Rev. Mary Anona Stoops, Pastor for Adult Spiritual Formation at NDPC.2022-07-1034 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchMy Name is "Legion." 6.19.22.6.19.22. This Sunday, NDPC clergy affiliate and honorably retired pastor of Oakhurst Presbyterian Church, the Rev. Nibs Stroupe is our preacher. The ministry of Nibs and his partner, the Rev. Caroline Leach, at Oakhurst was the PCUSA’s most important example of how a local church can address white supremacy and build a multiracial congregation.2022-06-1926 min
North Decatur Presbyterian ChurchSpirit-Inspired Worship. 5.22.22.5.2.22. We celebrate the 5th “mark” of a vital congregation: Spirit-Inspired Worship. What makes worship “good?” Traditional hymns or a rock band? Exegetical preaching or liturgical dance? Long periods of silence or ecstatic drum circles? Mimes! Definitely mimes. All of these things can make for great worship–or lousy worship. Rev. Lewicki talks about how we “make” worship at NDPC and what makes a worship service “good.”2022-05-2222 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchIncarnational. 5.8.22.5.8.22. On this fourth Sunday of Easter, NDPC ministry fellow Erin Tolar leads us as we reflect on the 3rd “mark” of church vitality: an outward, incarnational focus. We worship God, our mother, and we give thanks for the people in our lives who have shown us maternal love.2022-05-0820 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchPalm Sunday. 4.10.22.4.10.22. It is Holy Week. It is one worship service, extended into five gatherings over eight days. Today, Palm Sunday, we meet up with a procession headed to Jerusalem, and walk alongside Jesus and his followers. Worship convenes outside on NDPC plaza and we process with percussion and singing into the sanctuary. When inside, we hear four dramatic retellings of the events of Holy Week that reveal Jesus’ prophetic witness and lead to his final sacrificial act of solidarity.2022-04-1034 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchA Vital Congregation. 2.27.22.2.27.22. We launch NDPC’s participation in the Vital Congregations Initiative. The VCI is a two year process that will involve the whole congregation in self-reflection, discernment, prayer, and the setting of a courageous and spirit-filled vision for our church’s future. Rev. Lewicki preaches on the commissioning of the 70 from Luke, chapter 10.2022-02-2754 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchBaptism of the Lord. 1.9.22.1.9.22. Today’s worship service is NDPC’s annual Re-affirmation of Baptism. Those who are baptized are drawn into an extraordinary miracle–we are bound up in the hydrodynamics of God. Rev. Lewicki preaches.2022-01-0923 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchAdvent 4: Darkness. 12.19.21.12.19.21. Our theme for Advent 2021 at NDPC is “Silent Nights.” Each of the four weeks invites you into the different rhythm of this season. Week 1 focused on slowness–slowing down and perceiving time in a new way. Week 2 focuses on stillness–on “not doing,” on letting God do for us. Week 3 focuses on silence–on the beauty and depth of quiet. Week 4 focuses on the many gifts of darkness.
Rev. Lewicki explores the final theme, darkness. What is “darkness?” Is it something of which we should be afraid? Or is there a way for you to “see” in the dark? We light the 4th can2021-12-1927 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchAdvent 3: Silence. 12.12.21.12.12.21. Our theme for Advent 2021 at NDPC is “Silent Nights.” Each of the four weeks invites you into the different rhythm of this season. Week 1 focused on slowness–slowing down and perceiving time in a new way. Week 2 focuses on stillness–on “not doing,” on letting God do for us. Week 3 focuses on silence–on the beauty and depth of quiet. Week 4 focuses on the many gifts of darkness.
Rev. Beth Waltemath explores silence. We are drawn to the image of a “silent” night at Christmas time. What is this yearning for silence really about? We read the 39th Psalm and explore the c...2021-12-1329 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchAdvent 2: Stillness. 12.5.21.12.5.21. Our theme for Advent 2021 at NDPC is “Silent Nights.” Each of the four weeks invites you into the different rhythm of this season. Week 1 focused on slowness–slowing down and perceiving time in a new way. Week 2 focuses on stillness–on “not doing,” on letting God do for us. Week 3 focuses on silence–on the beauty and depth of quiet. Week 4 focuses on the many gifts of darkness.
Rev. David Lewicki explores stillness. What does it mean to be still? Won’t we get left behind in a world always in motion? Why do we privilege “stillness” as a way to experience God’s...2021-12-0632 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchAdvent 1: Slowness. 11.28.21.11.28.21. Our theme for Advent 2021 at NDPC is “Silent Nights.” Each of the four weeks invites you into the different rhythm of this season. Week 1 focuses on slowness–slowing down and perceiving time in a new way. Week 2 focuses on stillness–on “not doing,” on letting God do for us. Week 3 focuses on silence–on the beauty and depth of quiet. Week 4 focuses on the many gifts of darkness.
Today, Ministry Fellow Erin Tolar explores slowness. How do we experience time? Why does there always seem to be too little? What could it mean for us to live “in the fullness of...2021-11-2820 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchAll Saints Day. 10.31.21.10.31.21. We celebrate the annual festival of All Saints and the 66th anniversary of NDPC’s founding. On this particular day, we remember the specific people who went before us whose lives showed us what faith, hope, and love look like in the flesh. We will spend time remembering the saints–those famous and those known only to us. We will speak the names of those members of NDPC who have died in the past year. Rev. David Lewicki, preaching.2021-11-0131 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchChildren's Sabbath. 10.24.21.10.24.21. What do you have in common with absolutely every other person who ever has been or ever will be? Each of us has the shared experience of childhood.
Our experiences of childhood, however, are not the same. Your childhood probably had moments of wonder and curiosity, moments of fear and hurt. Who was there for you in those moments, to help you translate them and understand them? Who wasn’t?
This Sunday at NDPC, we will celebrate Children’s Sabbath- a day to be challenged to show up for children in our lives, and for children...2021-10-2423 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchThere Is Enough. 10.17.21.10.17.21. If you were to make a list of the most challenging, controversial gospel stories, the story of Jesus’ encounter with the Syrophoenecian woman in Mark 7 will be at the top of that list. Who is this woman? Why does Jesus dismiss her so cruelly? Does her response chasten Jesus? Why does Mark include this story in his gospel? How do this story’s messages about race, gender, and power function in the world today? Ministry Fellow Zeena Regis is our preacher this Sunday. We read and pray over the names of this month’s victims of gun violence in Georgi...2021-10-1816 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchPride Sunday 2021. 10.10.21.10.10.21. Atlanta’s citywide Pride Celebration was cancelled again this year due to COVID, but we still celebrate Pride in worship in the sanctuary at NDPC.
What does Pride mean to you this year? How has the movement for LGBTQ+ liberation in church and society touched you and your family? What do you want to celebrate? What do you grieve? What do you need to confess? What work is left for us to do?
NDPC members offer their own testimonies in worship and we sing, pray and worship our very queer God. Ministry Fellow Erin Tolar is...2021-10-1034 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchI've Been Meaning to Ask: Where Does It Hurt? 9.19.21.9.19.21. We had some trouble with the audio this week. Please find a video of the full service on the website. ndpc.org. We'll try to do better.
Some of the best conversations start with good questions—questions we’ve been meaning to ask, questions that keep us curious, and questions that lead us deeper into courage and connection. Our upcoming worship series from A Sanctified Art centers around four guiding questions: “I’ve been meaning to ask… Where are you from?… Where does it hurt?… What do you need?… Where do we go from here?” As you can see, these ques...2021-09-1900 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian Church9.12.21. I've Been Meaning to Ask: Where are You From?9.12.21. We had some trouble with the audio this week. Please find a video of the full service on the website. ndpc.org. We'll try to do better.2021-09-1200 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchRe-Boot: Appreciating Beauty. 7.25.21.7.25.21. Throughout June and July, as we return to in-person worship and begin new rhythms for life after quarantine, the NDPC community will focus on “re-booting” our basic operating system for the Christian life: worship and prayer and storytelling and hospitality and justice and appreciating beauty and forgiveness.
Can you recall the last time that something beautiful took your breath away? Where were you? What were you doing? What about it evoked such a response? This Sunday, Mary Anona Stoops will explore the practice of appreciating beauty. Using a passage from the Wisdom of Solomon, a book found in the O...2021-07-2526 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchAshley Wilcox. 7.11.21.7.11.21. NDPC is pleased to welcome our preacher for Sunday, July 11th, Ashley M. Wilcox. Ashley is a Quaker minister and the author of The Women’s Lectionary: Preaching the Women of the Bible Throughout the Year (forthcoming from Westminster John Knox Press). She is a graduate of Candler School of Theology and Willamette University College of Law. Ashley teaches preaching at Candler School of Theology and her online class, Preaching with Confidence. Her writing has been published in Friends Journal, Western Friend, Quaker anthologies, and on www.ashleymwilcox.com.2021-07-1112 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchMinistry Fellow Zeena Regis. 7.4.21.7.4.21. DPC is pleased to welcome our preacher for Sunday, July 4th, Zeena Regis. Zeena will be joining the NDPC staff this fall as one of our new Ministry Fellows. Zeena has worked in hospice and palliative care as a chaplain and grief counselor since 2012. Her training includes a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science from Agnes Scott College and a Master of Divinity from Columbia Theological Seminary, where she was honored with the HJ Riddle Memorial Award for excellence in pastoral care. Most recently, Zeena was selected for The Collegeville Institute’s Emerging Writers Mentorship Program, a 13-month pro...2021-07-0413 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchI Love to Tell the Story. 6.27.21.6.27.21. Throughout June and July, as we return to in-person worship and begin new rhythms for life after quarantine, the NDPC community will focus on “re-booting” our basic operating system for the Christian life: worship and prayer and storytelling and hospitality and justice and wonder and forgiveness.
This Sunday, Erin Reed Cooper reminds us of the importance of storytelling. One of the most important things we do as a worshipping community is tell stories. We tell an ancient story that has been told for generations, and we weave it together with the story of our lives. We even tell...2021-06-2724 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchRe-Boot: Prayer. 6.20.21.6.20.21. Throughout June and July, as we return to in-person worship and begin new rhythms for life after quarantine, the NDPC community will focus on “re-booting” our basic operating system for the Christian life: worship and prayer and storytelling and hospitality and justice and wonder and forgiveness.
This Sunday, we talk about the importance of prayer. Is there a stranger thing than prayer that we are asked to do as followers of Jesus? What is a prayer? What is it for? What does it do? Rev. Lewicki offers a few ideas (and a few confessions about his own pray...2021-06-2020 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchRe-Boot: Sabbath. 6.13.21.6.13.21. Re-boot: Sabbath, Rev. Lewicki, preaching.
Throughout June and July, as we return to in-person worship and begin new rhythms for life after quarantine, the NDPC community will focus on "re-booting" our basic operating system for the Christian life: worship and prayer and storytelling and hospitality and justice and wonder and forgiveness.
This Sunday, we talk about the importance of sabbath-keeping. In many ways, the last year and a half has felt like a kind of sabbath. It certainly was a break from the "usual." But maybe a confined, enforced sabbath is not really "sabbath" at...2021-06-1326 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchRe-Boot: Ritual. 6.6.21.6.6.21. Throughout June and July, as we return to in-person worship and begin new rhythms for life after quarantine, the NDPC community will focus on “re-booting” our basic operating system for the Christian life: worship and prayer and storytelling and hospitality and justice and wonder and forgiveness.
This Sunday, we talk about the importance of ritual, specifically, the ritual of worship. The ritual of worship is one of the most uniquely human, most impactful practices that we share. But what is ritual? What does it do for our bodies and spirits? Is it mindless groupthink? Why is the ritu...2021-06-0619 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchAnd He Cured Many Who Were Sick. 2.7.21.2.7.21. And He Cured Many Who Were Sick
We have never been so aware of sickness and health as we are in this pandemic. Into this moment, comes a story of Jesus as a healer of those who are sick (Mark 1:29-39). How are we supposed to hear stories like this today? We hear from some of NDPC's "healers" as they reflect on this story and their own work.2021-02-0722 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchNot Simply Waiting. 11.29.20.11.29.20. This Sunday's preacher is our newest Ministry Fellow, Kendra Peebles. Please welcome Kendra to her first experience in NDPC's virtual pulpit! The sermon will come from Isaiah 64:1-9. We often find ourselves longing like the Israelites, desiring and waiting for God to perform wonderful deeds as in the past. During this Advent season, God is desiring for us to do more than simply wait.2020-11-2914 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchThe Best. Story. Ever. Joshua. 6.19.20.6.19.20. "Joshua fit the battle of Jericho and the walls came a-tumblin' down!" I remember singing that in Sunday School more than 40 years ago as we learned about Joshua taking over from Moses, his great military victory, and his leadership of God's people into the Promised Land. It was a story of courage and bravery and faith. No one told me it was also a story about genocide. And I'm quite sure that no one told me that it's all made up--Joshua and the Israelites never even fought at Jericho, let alone caused the walls to come a-tumblin' down. So wha...2020-07-1922 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchThe Best. Story. Ever. Joseph and his brothers. 7.12.20.7.12.20. The Joseph story. Genesis chapters 37-50. Rev. David Lewicki preaching.2020-07-1325 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchNotes from Goat Island. 7.5.20.7.5.20. Notes from Goat Island, Matthew 25:31-46 (the parable of the sheep and the goats).
Located approximately an hour east from our church on Georgia’s Jackson Lake, you can arrive by boat to an island that is totally inhabited by goats. Locals creatively refer to this island as “goat island.” Our text this Sunday details a strange and powerful story that Jesus tells about sheep and goats. Tune in as we examine this odd parable and its implications for our present world. Rob Schoonover preaching. 2020-07-0514 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchMemorial Drive Ministries. 6.28.20.6.28.20. David Roth, the one who leads Memorial Drive Ministries (not the rock icon of the 80's), preaches from Ruth 2:1-13.2020-06-2827 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian Church"The one who struggles with God." 6.21.20.6.21.20. Rev. Lewicki, preaching. In June, we began a fun summer preaching series: The Best. Story. Ever! When we are children, we learn about the Bible through its biggest, brightest, most wonderful stories: wild animals, miraculous deeds, and s/heroes of every shape and size. This summer, NDPC is going back to re-visit the Biblical stories that captured our imaginations as children to discover how their meaning deepens as we “grow up” and how they speak into the social crises of this age.
Strange things happen to us in the middle of the night. Something truly strange happened to Jacob. On t...2020-06-2116 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchAnger. Violence. 6.14.20.6.4.20. On Sunday, June 7th, we began a fun summer preaching series: The Best. Story. Ever! When we are children, we learn about the Bible through its biggest, brightest, most wonderful stories: wild animals, miraculous deeds, and s/heroes of every shape and size. This summer, NDPC is going back to re-visit the Biblical stories that captured our imaginations as children to discover how their meaning deepens as we “grow up” and how they speak into the social crises of this age.
Anger. Violence. We know how deeply these two are embedded in our world. We have felt the s...2020-06-1416 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchAdam and Eve. 6.7.20.6.7.20. Adam and Eve. Genesis chapters 2-3. Rev. David Lewicki preaching.2020-06-0711 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchSpecial Edition: What feeds you?Rev. Beth Waltemath brings you a special episode using the testimonies of members of North Decatur Presbyterian Church about their experiences of communion in quarantine. Based on the theme " What Feeds You?" as part of a class with Agnes Scott College. 2020-05-2332 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchBeloved Community (Part 3). 5.17.20.Rev. David Lewicki preaches on May 17th. In May, we explore the 9th and final Big Idea of the Bible: Beloved Community. Beloved Community is an idea popularized by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that was first articulated by 20th-century philosopher Josiah Royce. It is, “a spiritual or divine community capable of achieving the highest good as well as the common good.” The roots of such community are in the Scriptures themselves, in images such as "the people of God," "the Body of God," and "the ekklesia." In May, we explore our calling to Beloved Community and ask...2020-05-1723 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchBeloved Community (Part 2). 5.10.20.5.10.20. Rev. Erin Reed Cooper preaches on May 10th. In May, we explore the 9th and final Big Idea of the Bible: Beloved Community. Beloved Community is an idea popularized by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that was first articulated by 20th-century philosopher Josiah Royce. It is, “a spiritual or divine community capable of achieving the highest good as well as the common good.” The roots of such community are in the Scriptures themselves, in images such as "the people of God," "the Body of God," and "the ekklesia." In May, we explore our calling to Beloved Community and ask...2020-05-1014 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchBeloved Community (Part 1). 5.3.20.5.3.20. In May, we explore the 9th and final Big Idea of the Bible: Beloved Community. Beloved Community is an idea popularized by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that was first articulated by 20th century philosopher Josiah Royce. It is, “a spiritual or divine community capable of achieving the highest good as well as the common good.” The roots of such community are in the Scriptures themselves, in images such as “the people of God,” “the Body of God,” and “the ekklesia.” In May, we explore our calling to Beloved Community and ask what this kind of community offers to us and...2020-05-0316 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchDon't Grow Weary. 4.26.20.4.20.20. This week our Executive Presbyter, Rev. Aisha Brooks-Lytle, offers the proclamation of the word based on Galatians 6:1-10. In that passage of scripture, the Apostle Paul encouraged the early church to not grow weary and to work for the good of all, especially in the family of faith. Even in the midst of difficulty, division, and a pandemic, Aisha encourages us to do the same.
The Reverend Aisha Brooks-Lytle is a native of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Central High School (Class of 251) and holds a Bachelor of Science in Music from Temple University (’99). After spending a sig...2020-04-2622 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchEaster. 4.12.20.4.12.20. Christ is risen! Hosanna in the highest!
Once again we gather in spirit and online to worship.
Rev. David Lewicki preaching. 2020-04-1221 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchOur Need for Salvation. 4.5.20.4.5.20. We are embracing virtual worship even though we can't embrace each other. This week, Rev. David Lewicki preaches about our need for salvation.
Also, if you would like to view the entire worship service, visit facebook.com/NDPChurch and look in the video section. 2020-04-0614 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchMercy (Part 5). 3.29.20.3.29.20. Part five in the series about mercy.2020-03-3019 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchMercy (Part 4). 3.22.20.3.22.20. 2020-03-2320 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchMercy (Part 3). 3.15.20.3.15.20. We have arrived at the season of Lent, a season of simplifying and deepening our faith. We “give up” something in order to clarify our reliance on God. We “take up” practices of prayer and serving others that bring our lives into alignment with God’s will. During the Sundays in March, we will explore the 6th “Big Idea” of the Bible, mercy.
On March 1st, we discovered on Mercy is the primary aspect of God’s character; God is merciful.
On March 8th, we explored how each of us is called to reflect God’s character by sho...2020-03-1613 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchMercy (Part 2). 3.8.20.3.8.20. We have arrived at the season of Lent, a season of simplifying and deepening our faith. We “give up” something in order to clarify our reliance on God. We “take up” practices of prayer and serving others that bring our lives into alignment with God’s will. During the Sundays in March, we will explore the 6th “Big Idea” of the Bible, mercy.
On March 1st, we discovered on Mercy is the primary aspect of God’s character; God is merciful.
On March 8th, we explored how each of us is called to reflect God’s character by sho...2020-03-0921 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchMercy (Part 1). 3.1.20.3.1.20. We have arrived at the season of Lent, a season of simplifying and deepening our faith. We “give up” something in order to clarify our reliance on God. We “take up” practices of prayer and serving others that bring our lives into alignment with God’s will. During the Sundays in March, we will explore the 6th “Big Idea” of the Bible, mercy. Mercy, we will discover on the first Sunday in Lent, is the primary aspect of God’s character; God is merciful. Rev. David Lewicki preaching.
2020-03-0218 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchPower (Part 4). 2.23.20.2.23.20. It’s February, and we’ve turned to the Bible’s 6th “Big Idea”–one that’s sure to put a jolt in your winter blues: POWER. What does the Bible say about power? What is power? What is it for? Who has it? Who should have it? What power does God have and how does God use it? Power is one of the most complex subjects in the Holy Scriptures, primarily because so much of what it teaches about power seems contradictory: Is God an all-powerful Creator, or a God who “empties himself” of power to assume flesh and die in humilia...2020-02-2423 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchPower (Part 3). 2.16.20.2.16.20. It's February, and we've turned to the Bible's 6th "Big Idea"--one that's sure to put a jolt in your winter blues: POWER. What does the Bible say about power? What is power? What is it for? Who has it? Who should have it? What power does God have and how does God use it? Power is one of the most complex subjects in the Holy Scriptures, primarily because so much of what it teaches about power seems contradictory: Is God an all-powerful Creator, or a God who "empties himself" of power to assume flesh and die in humiliation and weak...2020-02-1713 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchPower (Part 2). 2.9.20.2.9.20. It’s February, and we’ve turned to the Bible’s 6th “Big Idea”–one that’s sure to put a jolt in your winter blues: POWER. What does the Bible say about power? What is power? What is it for? Who has it? Who should have it? What power does God have and how does God use it? Power is one of the most complex subjects in the Holy Scriptures, primarily because so much of what it teaches about power seems contradictory: Is God an all-powerful Creator, or a God who “empties himself” of power to assume flesh and die in humilia...2020-02-0924 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchPower (Part 1). 2.2.20.2.2.20. It’s February, and we’ve turned to the Bible’s 6th “Big Idea”–one that’s sure to put a jolt in your winter blues: POWER. What does the Bible say about power? What is power? What is it for? Who has it? Who should have it? What power does God have and how does God use it? Power is one of the most complex subjects in the Holy Scriptures, primarily because so much of what it teaches about power seems contradictory: Is God an all-powerful Creator, or a God who “empties himself” of power to assume flesh and die in humilia...2020-02-0322 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchWonder (Part 3). 1.26.19.1.26.19. Throughout January, we explore the 5th of the Bible’s “9 Big Ideas:” Wonder. God, by definition, is wonder-ful and fills us human beings with wonder. Wonder is awe and amazement at some aspect of our human experience that we can’t easily understand nor easily ignore. Wonder moves us to inquire into the nature of this experience and animates a life-long search for wisdom. We began the month with a service of poetry and music and reflection to mark the wondrous Epiphany (“revelation”) of Jesus to the magi. On January 12th, we explored the quirky, surprising wonders of the Holy Spirit...2020-01-2726 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchWonder (Part 2). 1.19.20.1.19.20. Throughout January, we explore the 5th of the Bible’s “9 Big Ideas:” Wonder. God, by definition, is wonder-ful and fills us human beings with wonder. Wonder is awe and amazement at some aspect of our human experience that we can’t easily understand nor easily ignore. Wonder moves us to inquire into the nature of this experience and animates a life-long search for wisdom. We began the month with a service of poetry and music and reflection to mark the wondrous Epiphany (“revelation”) of Jesus to the magi. On January 12th, we explored the quirky, surprising wonders of the Holy Spirit...2020-01-2024 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchThe Wonders of the Holy Spirit (Part 1). 1.12.20.1.12.20. Throughout January, we explore the 5th of the Bible’s “9 Big Ideas”: Wonder. God, by definition, is wonder-ful and fills us human beings with wonder. Wonder is awe and amazement at some aspect of our human experience that we can’t easily understand nor easily ignore. Wonder moves us to inquire into the nature of this experience and animates a life-long search for wisdom. We began the month with a service of poetry and music and reflection to mark the wondrous Epiphany (“revelation”) of Jesus to the magi. On January 12th, we explore the quirky, surprising wonders of the Holy Spirit...2020-01-1720 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchLiberation (Part 4). 12.22.19.12.22.19. In our 2019-2020 sermon series, “The Bible’s 9 Big Ideas,” the month of December is a celebration of God’s liberation of humanity. God is a liberating God. From the exodus out of Egypt, to God’s intervention in history of behalf of those who are poor, to the freedom we gain from sin and death, to Jesus, who liberates true humanity by coming in the flesh on Christmas morning, God’s way in the world is to hear our cries and lead us into political, economic, spiritual, and existential freedom.2019-12-2318 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchLiberation (Part 3). 12.15.19.12.15.19. In our 2019-2020 sermon series, “The Bible’s 9 Big Ideas,” the month of December is a celebration of God’s liberation of humanity. God is a liberating God. From the exodus out of Egypt, to God’s intervention in history of behalf of those who are poor, to the freedom we gain from sin and death, to Jesus, who liberates true humanity by coming in the flesh on Christmas morning, God’s way in the world is to hear our cries and lead us into political, economic, spiritual, and existential freedom.2019-12-1621 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchLiberation (Part 2). 12.8.19.12.8.19. In our 2019-2020 sermon series, “The Bible’s 9 Big Ideas,” the month of December is a celebration of God’s liberation of humanity. God is a liberating God. From the exodus out of Egypt, to God’s intervention in history of behalf of those who are poor, to the freedom we gain from sin and death, to Jesus, who liberates true humanity by coming in the flesh on Christmas morning, God’s way in the world is to hear our cries and lead us into political, economic, spiritual, and existential freedom.2019-12-0813 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchLiberation (Part 1). 12.1.19.12.1.19. In our 2019-2020 sermon series, “The Bible’s 9 Big Ideas,” the month of December is a celebration of God’s liberation of humanity. God is a liberating God. From the exodus out of Egypt, to God’s intervention in history of behalf of those who are poor, to the freedom we gain from sin and death, to Jesus, who liberates true humanity by coming in the flesh on Christmas morning, God’s way in the world is to hear our cries and lead us into political, economic, spiritual, and existential freedom.
Each Sunday in worship, we will explore Liber...2019-12-0230 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchProphecy (Part 4). 11.24.19.11.24.19. Throughout November, we explore PROPHECY. God knows that everyone called into power is corrupted by it. God ensures that every leader in the world is accompanied by a prophet. The prophet walks alongside the leader, is immune to the siren song of power, has no vested interest in what is, and their sole job is to keep their eyes on God’s vision of Beloved Community. Because the prophet can see and hear God when the leader can’t, the prophet can say whether the leader’s decisions create justice. When they do not, the prophet speaks truth to power...2019-11-2423 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchProphecy (Part 3). 11.17.19.11.17.19. Throughout November, we explore PROPHECY. God knows that everyone called into power is corrupted by it. God ensures that every leader in the world is accompanied by a prophet. The prophet walks alongside the leader, is immune to the siren song of power, has no vested interest in what is, and their sole job is to keep their eyes on God’s vision of Beloved Community. Because the prophet can see and hear God when the leader can’t, the prophet can say whether the leader’s decisions create justice. When they do not, the prophet speaks truth to power...2019-11-1721 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchProphecy (Part 2). 11.10.19.11.10.19. Throughout November, we explore PROPHECY. God knows that everyone called into power is corrupted by it. God ensures that every leader in the world is accompanied by a prophet. The prophet walks alongside the leader, is immune to the siren song of power, has no vested interest in what is, and their sole job is to keep their eyes on God’s vision of Beloved Community. Because the prophet can see and hear God when the leader can’t, the prophet can say whether the leader’s decisions create justice. When they do not, the prophet speaks truth to power...2019-11-1025 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchProphecy (Part 1). 11.3.19.11.3.19. Throughout November, we explore PROPHECY. God knows that everyone called into power is corrupted by it. God ensures that every leader in the world is accompanied by a prophet. The prophet walks alongside the leader, is immune to the siren song of power, has no vested interest in what is, and their sole job is to keep their eyes on God’s vision of Beloved Community. Because the prophet can see and hear God when the leader can’t, the prophet can say whether the leader’s decisions create justice. When they do not, the prophet speaks truth to power. Al...2019-11-0318 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchCovenant: The Bible's Nine Big Ideas (Part 4). 10.27.19.10.27.19. What is the Bible about? What “big ideas” stretch across the scriptures from Genesis to Revelation, providing these disparate stories with continuity and integrity? Each month from September through May 2020, our worship will explore one big idea in-depth, examining how the idea is introduced and how it deepens and develops. By the end of the series, you will understand the span of the Bible in a whole new way.
In October, we explore COVENANT. The central idea in the Hebrew Scriptures is that God enters into a covenant relationship with God’s people. This relationship, Christians believe, is aff...2019-10-2724 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchRetreat Sunday (no sermon). 10.20.19.NDPC held a church-wide retreat on October 20, 2019. We enjoyed fellowship and a short outdoor service together, but we did not record the sermon. Sometimes worship is a place and a time. Join us next week, when we'll be back to the usual way of things.2019-10-2500 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchCovenant: The Bible's Nine Big Ideas (Part 2). 10.13.19.10.13.19. What is the Bible about? What “big ideas” stretch across the scriptures from Genesis to Revelation, providing these disparate stories with continuity and integrity? Each month from September through May 2020, our worship will explore one big idea in depth, examining how the idea is introduced and how it deepens and develops. By the end of the series, you will understand the span of the Bible in a whole new way.
In October, we explore COVENANT. The central idea in the Hebrew Scriptures is that God enters into a covenant relationship with God’s people. This relationship, Christians believ...2019-10-2522 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchCovenant: The Bible's Nine Big Ideas (Part 1). 10.6.19.10.6.19. What is the Bible about? What “big ideas” stretch across the scriptures from Genesis to Revelation, providing these disparate stories with continuity and integrity? Each month from September through May 2020, our worship will explore one big idea in depth, examining how the idea is introduced and how it deepens and develops. By the end of the series, you will understand the span of the Bible in a whole new way.
In October, we explore COVENANT. The central idea in the Hebrew Scriptures is that God enters into a covenant relationship with God’s people. This relationship, Christians believe...2019-10-1027 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchGod's Creative Story: The Bible's Nine Big Ideas (Part 4). 9.29.19.9.29.19.
What is the Bible about? What "big ideas" stretch across the scriptures from Genesis to Revelation, providing these disparate stories with continuity and integrity? Each month from September through May 2020, our worship will explore one big idea in-depth, examining how the idea is introduced and how it deepens and develops. By the end of the series, you will understand the span of the Bible in a whole new way.
In September, we explore CREATION. Where does our story begin? Why is there more than one creation story in the Bible? Why is life in Jesus a "...2019-09-3018 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchGod's Creative Story: The Bible's Nine Big Ideas (Part 3). 9.22.19.9.22.19. Exploring the Creation Story.
What is the Bible about? What "big ideas" stretch across the scriptures from Genesis to Revelation, providing these disparate stories with continuity and integrity? Each month from September through May 2020, our worship will explore one big idea in-depth, examining how the idea is introduced and how it deepens and develops. By the end of the series, you will understand the span of the Bible in a whole new way.
In September, we explore CREATION. Where does our story begin? Why is there more than one creation story in the Bible? Why is...2019-09-2319 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchGod's Creative Story: The Bible's Nine Big Ideas (Part 2). 9.15.19.9.15.19. As we begin our church year, NDPC begins a brand-new yearlong sermon series: The Bible’s 9 Big Ideas.
What is the Bible about? What “big ideas” stretch across the scriptures from Genesis to Revelation, providing these disparate stories with continuity and integrity? Each month from September through May 2020, our worship will explore one big idea in depth, examining how the idea is introduced and how it deepens and develops. By the end of the series, you will understand the span of the Bible in a whole new way.
In September, we explore CREATION. Where does our sto...2019-09-1521 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchGod's Creative Story: The Bible's Nine Big Ideas. 9.8.19.9.8.19. As we begin our church year this Sunday, September 8th, 2020, NDPC begins a brand-new yearlong sermon series: The Bible’s 9 Big Ideas.
What is the Bible about? What “big ideas” stretch across the scriptures from Genesis to Revelation, providing these disparate stories with continuity and integrity? Each month from September through May 2020, our worship will explore one big idea in depth, examining how the idea is introduced and how it deepens and develops. By the end of the series, you will understand the span of the Bible in a whole new way.
In September, we explore CREA...2019-09-0928 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchWhat do we do when we worship? (Part 4) 8.25.19.8.25.19. Every time a community gathers for worship, it is both a deeply conservative and a radically revolutionary act. A group of unrelated people come together in the same place at the same time, to engage in well-known ritualized actions, listening to a familiar and beloved story. This is the conservative part. The radical part is that we bring the expectation–even hope–that these elements will somehow become an encounter with the Living God. Encounters with the Living God change us forever.
During the month of August at NDPC, we explored what we do when we worship: gath...2019-08-2618 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchWhat do we do when we worship? (Part 3) 8.18.19.8.18.19. Every time a community gathers for worship, it is both a deeply conservative and a radically revolutionary act. A group of unrelated people come together in the same place at the same time, to engage in well-known ritualized actions, listening to a familiar and beloved story. This is the conservative part. The radical part is that we bring the expectation–even hope–that these elements will somehow become an encounter with the Living God. Encounters with the Living God change us forever. Rev. David Lewicki preaching.2019-08-1920 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchWhat do we do when we worship? (Part 2). 8.11.19.8.11.19. Every time a community gathers for worship, it is both a deeply conservative and a radically revolutionary act. A group of unrelated people come together in the same place at the same time, to engage in well-known ritualized actions, listening to a familiar and beloved story. This is the conservative part. The radical part is that we bring the expectation–even hope–that these elements will somehow become an encounter with the Living God. Encounters with the Living God change us forever.
This week's scripture comes from Luke 18:9-14. Rev. David Lewicki preaching.2019-08-1123 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchWhat do we do when we worship? (Part 1) 8.4.19.8.4.19. Every time a community gathers for worship, it is both a deeply conservative and a radically revolutionary act. A group of unrelated people come together in the same place at the same time, to engage in well-known ritualized actions, listening to a familiar and beloved story. This is the conservative part. The radical part is that we bring the expectation–even hope–that these elements will somehow become an encounter with the Living God. Encounters with the Living God change us forever.
During the month of August at NDPC, we will explore what we do when we worsh...2019-08-0423 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchWorship Unplugged. 7.28.19.7.28.19. Throughout the month of July, NDPC will experiment with worship "unplugged." Instead of giving up electric instruments (which we don't often use anyway), we are giving up the formal liturgy that we use almost every week. Our hope is that by losing the liturgy, we can attune ourselves to the way the Spirit of God is moving in and through us during the time we are at worship. Can we notice God's presence? Can we move with it and respond to it? What does the Spirit do in our music-making... in our response to the scripture... in our praying...2019-07-3016 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchWorship Unplugged. 7.7.19.7.7.19. Throughout the month of July, NDPC will experiment with worship “unplugged.” Instead of giving up amplified instruments (which we don’t often use anyway), we are giving up the formal liturgy that we use almost every week. Our hope is that by losing the liturgy, we can attune ourselves to the way the Spirit of God is moving in and through us during the time we are at worship. Can we notice God’s presence? Can we move with it and respond to it? What does the Spirit do in our music-making…in our response to the scripture…in our praying...2019-07-2819 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian Church(Ir)religious Freedom. 6.30.19. 6.30.19. "(Ir)religious Freedom."
On the Sunday before the birthday of our nation, we will look at freedom. What are the diverse meanings of freedom in the United States today? And what happens to our own sense of freedom when we follow after Jesus? Rev. David Lewicki preaching.2019-07-0319 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchHope in the weirdness of the Bible. 6.23.19. 6.23.19. Isaiah Lewis is a left-handed queer from Chester, West Virginia, home of the world’s largest teapot. He graduated with a Master of Divinity from Candler School of Theology in May 2019. He finds hope in the weirdness of the Bible. The scripture reading is Revelation 5:6-14.2019-06-2313 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchShannon Ball preaches on Exodus 1:8-22. 6.16.19.6.16.19. Shannon Ball preaches on Exodus 1:8-22.
Shannon Ball was baptized at NDPC many, many years ago but moved away as a child. She came back to Atlanta to attend Columbia Theological Seminary. She has worked as a chaplain, non-profit program director, and now works for Enterprise Community Partners, a non-profit affordable housing advocacy organization. 2019-06-1721 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchIt Could Always Be Worse! 6.9.19.6.9.19. Rev. Laura Mariko Cheifetz preaches on Ecclesiastes 1:2-9: It Could Always Be Worse!
The Reverend Laura Mariko Cheifetz is an ordained Teaching Elder in the Presbyterian Church (USA). She has served in theological education, religious publishing, and social justice advocacy, and she has provided leadership in the national and international church. She is also the co-author and editor of Church on Purpose and contributor to Race in a Post Obama America, Leading Wisdom, and Streams Run Uphill. She is a contributing editor to Inheritance magazine. She lives in Decatur GA with her partner and their two Shih...2019-06-1711 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchEaster 4. Faith for a Lifetime: Senescence. 5.12.19.5.12.19. This Sunday, we conclude our yearlong "Faith for a Lifetime" sermon series. We've explored spirituality at every stage of life, from infancy to adulthood. This week, we look at the spiritual opportunities (and crises) that come toward the end of our lives, in a time called "senescence." NDPC's Pastor for Adult Spiritual Formation, the Rev. Mary Anona Stoops, preaches from John 21:15-19. 2019-05-2024 minNorth Decatur Presbyterian ChurchFaith for a Lifetime: Vocation. 1.27.19.January 27, 2019
We return to NDPC's yearlong series, "Faith for a Lifetime," exploring the particular spiritual opportunities and challenges that meet us at each stage in our lives. As we begin our lives as adults, leaving adolescence behind, we begin to assume full responsibility for ourselves and our place in the world. We ask questions: "What am I supposed to do with my life?" "What am I good at?" "How can I make a living... and a life?" In the church, we call this our search for vocation, or "calling." Every person, we believe, is called. The questions...2019-03-1121 min