(*Please stand, as you are able) The Call to Worship for today was inspired by Ministry Matters blog. Processional Hymn: Despite its familiar Thanksgiving associations, the real concern of this text is to recall the harvest imagery Jesus used to describe the fulfillment of God’s sovereignty. The tune name commemorates the royal chapel where the composer was organist for forty-seven years. Choral Introit: This text placing the discipline of stewardship in the context of faithful witness was written by a retired Presbyterian minister to be part of the 1986 stewardship campaign titled “Called to be Disciples”. The tune name (KINGSFOLD), recalls the Sussex village where the arranger (Ralph Vaughan Williams) first heard the melody. The Prayer of Confession was inspired by prayer on Ministry Matters blog. D ECATUR P RESBYTERIAN C HURCH Presbyterian Church (USA) Every child of God ~ belonging, engaging, being transformed June 25, 2017 12 th Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:30 a.m. GATHERING A ROUND THE WORD WORDS OF WELCOME Rev. Dr. Todd Speed Pastor: The LORD be with you. People: And also with you. *CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Allysen Schaaf Leader: God abundantly cast seeds of love and hope upon us. People: May we be fruitful soil for the planting and growing of hope and peace. Leader: Come, let us praise God who is so generous with us. People: Let us sing songs of joy and yield lives that give thanks to God. All: Hallelujah! Let us worship God! *PROCESSIONAL HYMN 367 St. George’s Windsor Come, Ye Thankful People, Come *PRAYER OF ADORATION AND PRAISE CHORAL INTROIT May We in Service to Our God English Country Song Chancel Choir arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams May we in service to our God Act out the living word, And walk the road the saints have trod Till all have seen and heard. As stewards of the earth may we give thanks in one accord To God who calls us all to be disciples of the LORD. [Kenn Carmichael] CALL TO CONFESSION PRAYER OF CONFESSION LORD, forgive us when we doubt your mercy and your love. We are so caught up in getting everything that we want; and we want it all right now. We have trouble waiting and remembering that it is in the waiting that we might hear your voice. It is difficult for us to believe that we can be fruitful, good soil for your words and work. We find excuses not to be attentive to you, but to focus instead on our own desires. Slow us down, LORD... (Silence is kept for personal prayers of confession.) Loving God, remind us again of your mercy and your love so that we might hear your word with joy and bear your fruit in the world. Amen. ASSURANCE OF PARDON *GLORIA PATRI 581 Henry W. Greatorex Glory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be: World without end. Amen, Amen.
Transcript
(*Please stand, as youare able)
The Call to Worship fortoday was inspired byMinistry Matters blog.
Processional Hymn:Despite its familiarThanksgivingassociations, the realconcern of this text is torecall the harvestimagery Jesus used todescribe the fulfillmentof God’s sovereignty. Thetune namecommemorates the royalchapel where thecomposer was organistfor forty-seven years.
Choral Introit: This textplacing the discipline ofstewardship in thecontext of faithfulwitness was written by aretired Presbyterianminister to be part of the1986 stewardshipcampaign titled “Calledto be Disciples”. Thetune name (KINGSFOLD),recalls the Sussex villagewhere the arranger(Ralph VaughanWilliams) first heard themelody.
The Prayer of Confessionwas inspired by prayeron Ministry Mattersblog.
DECATURPRESBYTERIAN
CHURCHPresbyterian Church (USA)
Every child of God ~ belonging, engaging, being transformed
June 25, 2017 12th Sunday in Ordinary Time 10:30 a.m.
GATHERING AROUND THE WORD
WORDS OF WELCOME Rev. Dr. Todd SpeedPastor: The LORD be with you.People: And also with you.
*CALL TO WORSHIP Rev. Allysen SchaafLeader: God abundantly cast seeds of love and hope upon us.People: May we be fruitful soil for the planting and growing of hope and peace.Leader: Come, let us praise God who is so generous with us.People: Let us sing songs of joy and yield lives that give thanks to God.All: Hallelujah! Let us worship God!
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN 367 St. George’s WindsorCome, Ye Thankful People, Come
*PRAYER OF ADORATION AND PRAISE
CHORAL INTROIT May We in Service to Our God English Country SongChancel Choir arr. Ralph Vaughan Williams
May we in service to our God Act out the living word, And walk the road the saints have trodTill all have seen and heard. As stewards of the earth may we give thanks in one accord To Godwho calls us all to be disciples of the LORD.
[Kenn Carmichael]
CALL TO CONFESSION
PRAYER OF CONFESSIONLORD, forgive us when we doubt your mercy and your love. We are so caught
up in getting everything that we want; and we want it all right now. We havetrouble waiting and remembering that it is in the waiting that we might hear yourvoice. It is difficult for us to believe that we can be fruitful, good soil for yourwords and work. We find excuses not to be attentive to you, but to focus instead onour own desires. Slow us down, LORD...(Silence is kept for personal prayers of confession.)
Loving God, remind us again of your mercy and your love so that we might hearyour word with joy and bear your fruit in the world. Amen.
ASSURANCE OF PARDON
*GLORIA PATRI 581 Henry W. GreatorexGlory be to the Father and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost.
As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be:World without end. Amen, Amen.
CROSS Middle SchoolMission Trip,June 25-30
Passing of the Peace:The gesture is simple,but the meaning isprofound. When weextend our hand toanother, we identifywith Jesus, whoextended his life to thepoint of death to makepeace with humanity(Col. 1:20-21). What’smore, in the midst ofdivisions we symbolizeour unity throughhandshakes and hugs(Eph. 2:14-21). Likewise, when weregularly pass thepeace we practiceGod’s call to makeevery effort tomaintain the bond ofpeace (Eph. 4:3).
Hymn: All threesynoptic gospels recordboth the telling andthe explanation ofJesus’ parable of theSower (Matthew13:3–8, 18–23/Mark4:3–8, 14–20/Luke8:5–8, 11–15). Becausethe seed equals “theword,” Jesus (as theWord made flesh)becomes the Seed inthis expansion of theparable.
COMMISSIONING OF CROSS MISSION TRIP PARTICIPANTSRev. Schaaf and Dr. Speed
CROSS Middle School Youth Mission Trip: Walter Beaubien, Abigail Bennett, Jemma Brooks,Camille Bush, Jackson Cheek, Ben Conners, Alden Daniels, Sam DeLisle, Clara Drake,Robbie Eldridge, Noah Ellis, Poppi Florence, Rush Forquer, Nate Geiger, Hannah Godwin,Parker Hills, Sadie Hills, Sam Joiner, Sienna Lange, Cooper Mealor, Porter Mealor, Sarah Moss,Emma Murphy, Anna Taggart, Isabel Taggart, Callie Toole, Matthew VaughnAdults: Brian Beaubien, Tyler Brett, Reynolds DeLisle, Braylen Dixon, Alexandra Hutson,Kelsey Rheney, Keenan Rodgers, Allysen Schaaf
CROSS Mission Trip participants, please stand.Leader: Will you work to exemplify Christ’s teachings by loving one another,
building relationships with all you meet and treating everyone as achild of God? Will you share Christ’s love and cross over stereotypesthat divide God’s people? Will you listen and look for God around youand return to share your experiences and encourage our congregation tocontinue to serve together?
Mission Team: We will!
*THE PASSING OF THE PEACEThe peace of Christ be with you. And also with you.
(Please turn to your neighbor and pass the peace of Christ.)
*HYMN 171 A Sower Came from Ancient Hills SeachristFollowing the Children’s Moment, children ages 4 to 2nd grade have the option of
attending Children’s Chapel for an interactive worship experience. Pick up after the service in theChildren’s Ministry Room in Sycamore House. Newcomers, please sign-in at the notebook on the
pew at the front of the sanctuary.
PROCLAIMING THE WORD
CHILDREN’S MOMENT Kendall HamiltonLeader: We now go our separate ways.Adults: May God be with you there.Children: May God be with you here.
PRAYER FOR ILLUMINATION Dr. Speed
NEW TESTAMENT READING Matthew 13:1-9(pew Bible, page 13, NT)
Leader: The Word of the Lord.People: Thanks be to God.
A Summer with the ParablesSERMON “Rich and Rocky Soil” Dr. Speed
RESPONDING TO THE WORD
*AFFIRMATION OF FAITH The Apostles’ Creed Rev. Alex RodgersI believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus
Christ his only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of theVirgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead, and buried; hedescended into hell; the third day he rose again from the dead; he ascended intoheaven, and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence heshall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Ghost; the holycatholic church; the communion of saints; the forgiveness of sins; the resurrection ofthe body; and the life everlasting. Amen.
Offertory Anthem:Charles VilliersStanford (1852-1924)was an Irish composer,teacher, organist andconductor, havingstudied music inCambridge, England,and Leipzig, Germany.He is widely consideredone of the greatestEnglish composers ofall time, and was aleading musical figureof the Edwardian Era. Stanford used a well-known tune from theScottish Psalter as thebasis for the anthem. The William Cowpertext offers insighttoward a longing for arestored relationshipwith God.
Processional Hymn:Greater awareness hasenlarged Christianstewardship to developnew dimensions ofconcern for people inall parts of the world.Because we believethat it is God’s will thatthe gifts we havereceived should beshared, this hymnconcludes with thatphrase from the Lord’sPrayer.
Organ Voluntary:Sigfrid Karg-Elert(1877–1933) was aGerman composer ofconsiderable fame inthe early twentiethcentury, best knownfor his compositionsfor organ. He was bornSiegfried Theodor Kargin Oberndorf amNeckar, Germany, theyoungest of the twelvechildren of JohannJacob Karg, a bookdealer, and his wifeMarie Auguste EhlertKarg. From August1901 to September1902 he worked as apiano teacher inMagdeburg. It wasduring this period thathe changed his nameto Sigfrid Karg-Elert,adding a variant of hismother's maiden nameto his surname, andadopting the Swedishspelling of his firstname.
INVITATION TO CHRISTIAN DISCIPLESHIP(Please sign and pass the Ritual of Friendship Register at this time
so that we might know your concerns and keep you informedabout the life and ministry of this community of faith.)
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE and THE LORD’S PRAYEROur Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy
will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; andforgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors; and lead us not into temptation, butdeliver us from evil; for thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory, forever. Amen.
PRESENTATION OF TITHES AND OFFERINGS ANTHEM: O For a Closer Walk with God C. V. Stanford
Chancel ChoirO for a closer walk with God, A calm and heav’nly frame; A light to shine upon the road Thatleads me to the Lamb! Return, O holy Dove, Return sweet messenger of rest; I hate the sins thatmade Thee mourn, And drove Thee from my breast. So shall my walk be close with God, Calmand serene my frame; So purer light shall mark the road That leads me to the Lamb.
[text:William Cowper]
*DOXOLOGY Old Hundredth, L.M.Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise God, all creatures here below;Praise God above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost. Amen.
*PRAYER OF DEDICATION AND THANKSGIVING
FOLLOWING THE WORD INTO THE WORLD
*PROCESSIONAL HYMN 714 Italian HymnGod of the Fertile Fields
The flowers in the sanctuary today are given to the glory of God,
in loving memory ofBobbie and Hikie Allen
Lyman MurpheyLyman Murphey, Jr.
Marie and Hugh BurgessPat Murphey
bySidney and Red Murphey
^ ^ ^
Parking at Sycamore HouseWith the renovation underway, we have moved the staff offices to trailers in the SycamoreHouse parking lot. We ask that the Sycamore House parking lot be reserved on weekdaysfor staff and church office visitors. At the end of the day, we will lock the gates to providesecurity for the trailers, so please don’t park at the Sycamore House lot on weekdays unlessyou are coming to the church office. Thanks!
Usher CaptainStephen Leonard
AcolytesWalter and Leah Beaubien
^ ^ ^
Today’s Children’s Chapel leader:Jamie Butcher
Topic: The Parable of the Good Sower
^ ^ ^
Music texts reprinted under OneLicense.net #A-720828 - All Rights Reserved - Used with Permission
^ ^ ^
As faithful stewards of God’s good creation, please recycle your bulletins;receptacles are available at each exit.
^ ^ ^
In this hour, we turn our full attention to the worship of God.In order to participate fully, please, no food or drink in the sanctuary, and remember to
silence & store your cell phones & electronics before the start of the service. Thank you!
^ ^ ^
The DECATUR PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Session
Clerk of Session: Neal Davies Asst. Clerks: Betty Saye Treasurer: Anne Marie MillerDudley Larus Assistant Treasurer: Kathy Smith
Class of 2017Jack Brooks
Candler BroomNeal DaviesJim KeithBo King
Leslie MillerElla PerryJudy Toole
Maureen VandiverRon Warren
Class of 2018Bill CheathamCheryl Darnell
Rachel Reiff EllisDavid HolbrookJeanie Mehlhop
Ed OwensBetty Saye
Beryl TaylorVic Verdi
Class of 2019Nicole Alexander
Sue BingemanLynn EvansKen Graff
Dudley LarusConnie MorrisConnie PerryGordon Rose
Jody Sauls
TrusteesBob Wilson (Class of 2017)Les Cook (Class of 2018)
Tricia Wynegar (Class of 2019)
Youth ElderBrianna Hunter (May, 2018)
ELDER and TRUSTEE NOMINATIONSThe Nominations Council wants to know whom you think should be considered for nomination as Elders or Trustees for theClass of 2020. Active members of Decatur Presbyterian Church are eligible to serve as an Elder.
The Book of Order states that Elders are chosen by the people. Together with ministers of the Word and Sacrament, theyexercise leadership, government, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a particular church as well as thechurch-at-large, including ecumenical relationships. They serve faithfully as members of the Session.
Likewise, the Board of Trustees is elected from the congregation. The trustees shall have the following powers: to receive,hold, encumber, manage, and transfer property, real or personal, for the congregation.
Both Elders and Trustees should be persons of faith, dedication, and good judgment. Their manner of life should be ademonstration of the Christian gospel, both within the church and in the world.
Service requires a commitment of time and resources, attendance at worship services, full participation in Session or Trusteemeetings and council assignments; visiting congregation members with special needs (illness, bereavement, homeboundcommunion, etc.); support and leadership of the church’s programs and support of the church financially through a regularpledge.
The deadline for submitting names is July 2, 2017Please use the form on the reverse side for your suggestion(s). Additional “Elder/Trustee Nomination Forms” are available inthe Church Office and on the church website.
There are several options for submitting properly completed forms. Forms may be:^ placed in the offering plate^ mailed to the church office, Attn: Nominations Council^ Completed and submitted online at dpchurch.org^ emailed to Nominations Chair, Maureen Vandiver at [email protected] or Chair-Elect Ken Graff at
NOMINATIONS COUNCILMaureen Vandiver, Chair Ken Graff, Chair Elect
Class of 2017Marianne AdamsHeather Beaubien
Ken Graff
Class of 2018Adrianne Leonard
Toni ScottJeff Vaughan
Class of 2019Elizabeth OrthJeremy Smith
Bill Turnipseed
The Nominations Council will accept names of candidates for the Elder and Trustee Classes of 2020 until July 2. Nominationforms will be included in Sunday church bulletins, DecPress Online, on the church website, and will be available in the narthexand the church office. Please think carefully about those members whom you would want to represent you on the Session.
It is not necessary to obtain the member’s permission to recommend them for initial consideration, but if you have askedthem before nominating them, please indicate that on your form. Church members may also nominate themselves. TheNominations Council will review candidates, contact potential elder nominees, and acquire their agreement to serve prior toplacing their name on the election slate. Of course, nominations from the floor may be made at the Congregational Meetingto be scheduled in September.
RECOMMENDATION OF ELDERS and TRUSTEES FOR THE CLASS OF 2020I suggest
� I have asked their permission before nominating
� I have asked their permission before nominating
� I have asked their permission before nominating
be nominated for the office of Elder. I understand that submitting these individuals’ names for consideration does notnecessarily mean that they will appear on the recommended ballot.
I suggest � I have asked their permission before nominating
be nominated for the office of Youth Elder (to serve through May, 2019). I understand that submitting this individual’sname for consideration does not necessarily mean that it will appear on the recommended ballot.
I suggest � I have asked their permission before nominating
be nominated for the office of Trustee. I understand that submitting this individual’s name for consideration does notnecessarily mean that it will appear on the recommended ballot.
Submitted by Date
Town HallGatheringTODAY!
Wide-Open Doors to a Great Work:Welcoming the Congregation & Community
* * *Look for latest information on our website (dpchurch.org) under Wide Open Doors * * *
Project Overview
HOSPITALITY:• Primary entrance, hospitable reception• Generous main corridor and new, accessible restrooms• Community Room and Threshold Ministry
CHILDREN, YOUTH, MUSIC MINISTRY:• Dedicated spaces for children’s ministries• Chancel Choir robing rooms & music storage• Full provision for youth ministries
INFRASTRUCTURE: • Sanctuary electrical wiring and building infrastructure• Office efficiencies and locations
W ide-Open Doors Campaign UpdateGrateful to God and excited about the future of DPC’s mission, as of June 15, 2017, the Wide Open Doors Campaign has giftscommitted totaling $2,996,414. We will continue our follow up with phone calls and visits as we continue this very successfulcampaign for DPC and move closer to the total project cost of $4 million. If you have any questions about the campaign orwould like to receive a packet, please contact our hard-working volunteer campaign coordinator, Elizabeth Orth, [email protected] or (404) 234-6970.
W ide Open Doors Capital Projects UpdateWhat’s Happening This Week...
Passed Fire Marshall inspection for office trailers!Continued installing new conduit for electrical systems Excavation of elevator pit has been completedFoundations for new stairs and walls from Bradley Building to parking lot were poured
What’s Happening Next Week...Continue framing interior wallsInstalling rebar in elevator pit footing
Town Hall GatheringsAll are invited to come hear about the project progress at Town Hall Gatherings scheduledafter worship on June 25, July 30, and August 20. Don’t miss these three opportunities forthe congregation to receive face-to-face updates about the renovations and ask any questions.
Meeting Spaces for SummerThanks to everyone for your patience and flexibility during construction.
Church Office: Staff and Volunteer Receptionists in office trailers in Sycamore House parking lot
Sunday School Classes: Crusaders Sunday School Class with Back to Basics Sunday School Class, in Scott ChapelFriendship Sunday School Class at Philips TowerCornerstone Sunday School Class not meeting in June, meet in Fellowship Hall July & AugustChildren’s Ministry and Sunday School in Sycamore HouseYouth Ministry and Sunday School in Sycamore HouseInter-Generational Festival Summer Sunday School for ALL ages in Sycamore HouseFellowship/Families in Faith to join inter-generational class in Sycamore House
Ministries/Groups: Threshold Ministry/Caregivers’ Group/Faith in Real Life to Sycamore HouseSandwich Brigade, Flower Ministry, and other ministry projects in Sycamore HouseCouncil/Committee/General Meeting Rooms in Sycamore HouseCommunity Groups (AAs) using space in Sycamore House
ANNOUNCEMENTSHave an event to promote at DPC? Send details to [email protected]
Summer Sermon Series – The ParablesJoin us this summer for a series on the Parables from theGospel of Matthew!
Sunday, July 2, 2017Rev. Dr. Todd Speed preaching
Text: Matthew 13:34-46Title: Lost and Found SheepCommunion by Intinction
Sunday, July 9, 2017Rev. Dr. Todd Speed preaching
Text: Matthew 19:10-14Title: Lost and Found Sheep
What’s New on the DPC Website?The DPC web site is the place to go to find out informationabout what is happening at DPC as well as to find greatarticles, sermons and news. New content is added daily. New to the web site:
t Summer Fun at DPC Pictures in the new PictureGallery (Blog)
t Faith in Real Life Blog: June 22: Reality and Promise(Blog)
t NEW-The Caregiver’s Blog: On Caregiving: IncreasingDemands (Blog)
t Updated Wide Open Doors information/video(Giving)
t Alex Rodgers’ June 18th Sermon: New and OldGarments (Worship)
See the new section on the Wide-Open Doors Campaign. Also check out the video on 'How to Join DPC' on the 'JoiningDPC' page. Stay tuned to www.dpchurch.org for the lateston what is happening at DPC.
Staff AnniversariesThe Personnel Committee wishes to saywishes to say thank you to Allysen Schaaf forher 3 years of service (6/3) andKeenan Rodgers for his 1 year of service(6/12). We appreciate all you do for DPC!
Save the Date! Scotland Trip in June 2018DPC members are planning a pilgrimage to the wondrousland of Scotland. There we will explore the roots ofPresbyterianism among other fabled locations. If you areinterested in participating, save the date (June!) and speakwith either Tricia Wynegar or Dr. Todd Speed for moreinformation. An informational session will be held later thissummer.
Children, Youth, & Families
Where Does My Child Go Sunday Mornings?
Sunday School, 9:15am to 10:10amThe prophet Isaiah says, “See, I am doing a new thing!”Join us this Summer at Sycamore House for a fresh take onSummer Sunday School. There will be breakfast, crafts,prayer activities, and interactive Bible lesson for all ages. Sign up here to contribute to breakfast:http://www.signupgenius.com/go/30e0b4eada623a0f94-summer1
Worship, 10:30am to 11:30amChildren are welcome in worship at DPC!
Worship bags are available to help children learn more aboutand feel comfortable in the worship environment. You willfind them in front pew on the right side of the sanctuary andin the narthex (lobby). Feel free to take the bags home withyou.Children’s Chapel is an interactive worship experience forPre-K to 2nd grades. Children leave for Children’s Chapelfollowing the Children’s Moment in the Sanctuary. Checkyour child in by signing the notebook on the front pew. Check out is in the Children’s Ministry Room (SycamoreHouse). If this is your first time, don’t hesitate to asksomeone for help navigating the hallways!Nursery and Toddlers continue with professional caregiversduring the worship hour in Sycamore House.
Registration Is Open for DPCCRegistration is open for all classes at Decatur PresbyterianChildren's Community, our preschoolfor 2 year olds through Kindergarten,and Parent's Morning Out for 9months through 2 year olds. They arefilling up, but there are spacesavailable in all age groups–registernow! Information and registrationforms are available on our website(dpchurch.org), click the DPCC-Preschool tab.
Youth Ministry
Remaining Summer Trip Dates:Honduras High School Youth Mission Trip, July 7-15
For more information about Youth ministry at DPC, contactRev. Allysen Schaaf at [email protected]
Youth Mission Mondays in JulySpecific details to come on each Mission Monday but ingeneral for each date we will meet around 9am, do a serviceproject in the morning and then enjoy a fun activityafterwards. Times and "what to bring" will vary. Participating churches: DPC. North Decatur Pres, DecaturFirst United Methodist, North Decatur Methodist, andpossibly others. All are welcome. Invite a friend! July 10 - Mercy Church and milkshakesJuly 17 - Creation care at area park/stream and kayaking/canoeing at Sweetwater ParkJuly 24 - Hunger 101 and Atlanta Community Food Bank andfun at Centennial Olympic ParkJuly 31 - DPC's Threshold Ministry and fun lunch/recreationactivity
Classes/Small Groups for AdultsWorship+2 Opportunity (learning & growing in faith)
Info on Adult Sunday School ClassesCornerstone, led by Dave Williams
Taking a break in June, July in Slack Fellowship Hall
Crusaders (Scott Chapel)June 25: Alex Rodgers will lead this weekJuly 9: Dr. Stan Saunders, Associate Professor of NewTestament at Columbia Theological SeminaryJuly 16 & 23: Dr. Raj Nadella, Assistant Professor ofNew Testament at CTS, will lead the class.August 20, 27, & Sept. 3: Dr. William Yoo, AssistantProfessor of American Religious and Cultural Historyand Director of the ThM program at CTSSept. 10, 17, 24: Dr. Mark Douglas, Professor ofChristian Ethics; Director of MDiv Program at CTS
Friendship (Philips Tower Dining Room–class at 9:05 am)6/25: the apostle Luke (portrayed by Vernon Gramling)will be interviewed by Ken Graff of the Good NewsBroadcasting7/2: Play led by Ken Graff7/9: Old Hymns & Summer Camp Melodies led byKeenan Rodgers7/16: Appreciating Natural Beauty led by BethedaGramling7/23: The Notion of Sabbath led by Cat Glascock7/30: Sublime Solitude led by Ann Churchman
Inter-generational Sunday School for ALL (Sycamore House)All ages are invited and this will be the summer Sundayschool option for children and youth. Jamie Butcher hasput together an incredible festival style class based onthe "Messy Church" curriculum. "See I Am Doing a NewThing" will be the theme.
Young AdultsThe DPC Young Adult Group (for those in mid 20s to late 30s)has fun fellowship and service events!
Caregiver's Support GroupRev. Hugh Burns leads the group on Thursday mornings at10:30 am in Sycamore House. All are welcome! ContactHugh Burns for information at [email protected].
Be sure to check out the Caregiver's Support Group blog onour website (www.dpchurch.org). Current blog posts areUnavoidable Reality; Unavoidable Uncertainty; and IncreasingDemands
Faith in Real Life Small GroupFaith in Real Life offers an opportunity todeepen your relationship with God in asmall group of fellow seekers. It is aplace to struggle with scripture and aplace to practice prayer and meditation. Your mind will be challenged and yoursoul nourished. You're invited to join!
Monday nights from 7:00-8:30(Taking summer off, will resume late August)
orWednesday mornings from 9:30-11 in Sycamore House
(Will continue to meet in summer–join us!)Questions? Email group leaders Vernon Gramling([email protected]) or Dana Young([email protected]) for more information.Can’t attend, but want to join in? Follow the blog!
https://faithinreallifeblog.wordpress.com/You may also access the Faith in Real Life blog thought DPC’swebsite–just click the “Blog” tab!
New ‘Men in the Middle’ GroupDPC Men (with a focus on those in their 30's and 40's) gathermonthly for a time of fun, fellowship, and discussion aboutwhat it what it means to be in the "middle".
Our next gathering will be at 8pm on Thursday, July 6. Comejoin us for fellowship and discussion as we consider what lifeis like in the middle of our careers, in the middle of metroAtlanta, in the middle of our families, in the middle of churchand culture, and in the middle (sometimes) of currentnational and world events. All are welcome. Hope you canjoin us.
High Tech Bible StudyWednesday Mornings, 7:15–8:30 am, Session Room
Join Dudley Larus for an early morning Bible study withGrace@Work on Wednesday mornings from 7:15 am to 8:30am. All are welcome!High Tech Ministries is a nonprofit organization that leadspeople into a life-changing relationship with Jesus Christ.
Mission Info & Opportunities
Threshold Ministry NewsThank you to everyone who donated water during lastSunday’s Water Drive! And, thank you to the young adultsfor their help. Of course, it’s not too late to donate water tohelp us meet our summer demand. You can drop water offat Sycamore House during Threshold hours (Mondays andThursdays, 9-11:45am) or you can drop it off at the churchoffice on other weekdays. As we settle into our new space,we are temporarily not providing a clothing closet; so,please, no donations of clothing at this time.Thank you, Ellen Gallow, Threshold Coordinator
Service Project July 2–Sandwich Brigade!Everyone is invited to participate in the inter-generationalservice project on Sunday, July 2, during the Sunday Schoolhour in Sycamore House. We will make sandwiches for thelunch ministry. (The regular Sandwich Brigade will not meetthis month as their day falls on July 4.)
July Is DEAM Month at DPCThe Mission & Outreach Council will host our July food drivefor DEAM, Decatur-Area Emergency Assistance Ministry.
Collection points will be limited to Sycamore House and thesanctuary narthex, due to our ongoing construction.
Rice, boxes of pasta and JelloCanned meats and pasta sauceSweet cerealsCanned fruitBundled tea and sugar packetsToothpaste and toothbrushesDeodorantPowdered laundry detergent
DEAM provides food and basic toiletries to qualifying familiesfrom food pantries at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church inDecatur and Avondale First Baptist Church.
Church office will be closed Monday and Tuesday, July 3-4, in observance of Independence Day.
Threshold Ministry will be closed Monday and reopen Thursday.
Scan Code to Give Online!
Welcome to Our VisitorsWe hope you have already been made to feel at home among us, and we want to assure you that if you are looking for a churchhome, we would be delighted if you gave us your prayerful consideration. We have ministries by which you can be nurturedand supported in your Christian faith and through which you can serve others and glorify God. We would like to speak withyou about how this congregation might serve you and how you might serve with us.
The MinistersThe ministers of the Decatur Presbyterian Church are the members. Those who are baptized in Christ are the servant people ofGod. Our ministers participate in worship regularly, give faithfully of their time, talent and energy, contribute gratefully fromtheir blessings, and pray fervently for one another and the mission to which God calls, leads, and empowers us. Welcome tothis ministry with us.
An Invitation to MembershipAnyone who believes in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior and desires to follow Him is invited to become a part of the Body ofChrist, which is the Church. Persons wishing to unite with this congregation may do so by: 1) profession of faith and baptism;2) profession of faith alone when baptism took place as an infant; 3) transfer of letter from another church; 4) reaffirmation offaith when a letter from another church isn’t possible and one has been baptized, 5) affiliate membership when you are an activemember of another church and temporarily in this community. You are invited to write your request on the Ritual of FriendshipRegister or speak with one of the ministers.
Our Mission StatementThe mission of the Decatur Presbyterian Church community is to share Jesus Christ’s love for the world.
DPC’s Bicentennial Goal
Every child of God – belonging, engaging, being transformed
Core Strategies 2015-20171. Engage people of all ages in high quality experiences of worship and faith formation
2. Implement courageous outreach efforts that engage new people with the church community
3. Care compassionately for those struggling with life circumstances, including those living on the margins of society
4. Intentionally build relationships within the church community
![[chorus] Amen Amen Amen [end Chorus]](https://static.documents.pub/doc/80x56/56815dc0550346895dcbead0/chorus-amen-amen-amen-end-chorus.jpg)
