Join us for Worship Service every
Sunday at 10:30 a.m.
in the Sanctuary and
online anytime via YouTube.
0
Digital Discipleship – DPC Response to COVID-19
Sunday, August 16
Worship Service – https://youtu.be/a3_O0cBkweA
Cornerstone Class Bible Study at 9:15a.m. via Zoom
Coffee and Conversation
Join Rev. Alex Rodgers for a brief,
Faith 5 devotional and check in at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
Friendship Class – Lectionary Reflection with Vernon Gramling
at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
DPC Virtual Variety Show at 4:00 p.m. – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83074048969#success
The 4 Roommates of Self-Care – Join Rev. Jill Joyner via Zoom call at 7:00 p.m. for a new series on self-care. The series will run every Sunday evening in August.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89621468164?pwd=d3h5ZWVUak9KZ1NOK1JnM1RuS3FIZz09
Sunday, August 9
Worship Service – https://youtu.be/_AM7DF3L3tU
Cornerstone Class Bible Study at 9:15a.m. via Zoom
Coffee and Conversation
Join Rev. Alex Rodgers for a brief,
Faith 5 devotional and check in at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
Friendship Class – Lectionary Reflection with Vernon Gramling
at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
DPC Children’s Ministry will be hosting a Zoom call at 7:00pm. Parents can find out what is going to be planned for this fall.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81523727312?pwd=cnhCcGN1RmpIWUszR2tFZzM3TXRnUT09
The 4 Roommates of Self-Care – Join Rev. Jill Joyner via Zoom call at 7:00 p.m. for a new series on self-care. The series will run every Sunday evening in August.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89621468164?pwd=d3h5ZWVUak9KZ1NOK1JnM1RuS3FIZz09
Sunday, August 2
Worship Service – https://youtu.be/QGiNqKDREAA
Cornerstone Class Bible Study at 9:15a.m. via Zoom
Coffee and Conversation
Join Rev. Alex Rodgers for a brief,
Faith 5 devotional and check in at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
Friendship Class – Sharing Jesus Christ’s love for the world led by Mamisoa Rakotomalala, intern at DPC
at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
Sunday, July 26
Worship Service – https://youtu.be/8SrGO4O0EZM
Link to sermon – https://www.dpchurch.org/sermon/james-2/
Godly Play – https://youtu.be/RTGt8X7xp5I
Cornerstone Class Bible Study at 9:15a.m. via Zoom
Friendship Class – Sharing Jesus Christ’s love for the world led by Mamisoa Rakotomalala, intern at DPC
at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
DPC Virtual Game Night – Reverse Scavenger Hunt, 4-5:30p.m.
The Zoom link will be sent via email before the game begins.
Sunday, July 19
Worship Service – https://youtu.be/RjjoUPqpPUY
Link to sermon – https://www.dpchurch.org/sermon/not-just-hearers/
Punch on the Zoom Lawn! 12 Noon
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82568330170
Cornerstone Class Bible Study at 9:15a.m. via Zoom
Coffee and Conversation
Join Rev. Alex Rodgers for a brief,
Faith 5 devotional and check in at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
Sunday, July 5
Worship Service –https://youtu.be/XLjFSgKYxts
Godly Play – https://youtu.be/fhgTNQgAKaY
Cornerstone Class Bible Study at 9:15a.m. via Zoom
Coffee and Conversation – “How the Bible Works“
Join Rev. Alex Rodgers for a brief,
Faith 5 devotional and check in at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
Sunday, June 28
Worship Service –https://youtu.be/XLjFSgKYxts
Godly Play – https://youtu.be/Tv_aaSumTy8
Cornerstone Class Bible Study at 9:15a.m. via Zoom
Coffee and Conversation – “How the Bible Works“
Join Rev. Alex Rodgers for a brief,
Faith 5 devotional and check in at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
Sharing Jesus Christ’s love for the world led by Mamisoa Rakotomalala, intern at DPC at 9:30a.m.
via Zoom
~NEW~Office Hours: Pop Up Bible Study from Columbia Seminary: Brennan Breed, from Columbia Theological Seminary, and Chris Holmes, from First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, are teaming up with guest professors to offer an in-depth, spontaneous and unrehearsed five-week study of the book of Job. The study begins this Sunday April 19.
You can watch the live stream on Facebook on Sunday mornings from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM OR you can watch on YouTube after the live stream.
To view the Facebook live stream, join the Facebook group “Office Hours Bible Study”
Alex Rodgers will host a Zoom discussion of the Bible study on Wednesday evening at 5 p.m.
Weekly Offerings 6/22
- This week Office Hours Bible study began a new study on the book of Job. We’ll be discussing this lesson via Zoom on Wednesday evening at 5pm with special guest Rev. Chris Hooker! If you’d like to join Rev. Alex Rodgers and others, watch the lesson on YouTube and check your Wednesday DPC at Home email for the Zoom link or email Alex. arodgers@dpchurch.org
- Faith in Real Life meets Mondays and Wednesdays via Zoom. The scripture is Proverbs 5. Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/4044
- Thursday prayer at 1:00pm via Zoom. Check your Wednesday DPC at Home email for the Zoom link or email Alex – arodgers@dpchurch.org
Sunday, June 21
Worship Service – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vs2twqdk4FE
Godly Play – https://youtu.be/oI2LGK1ujE8
Cornerstone Class Bible Study at 9:15a.m. via Zoom
Coffee and Conversation – “How the Bible Works“
Join Rev. Alex Rodgers for a brief,
Faith 5 devotional and check in at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
Sharing Jesus Christ’s love for the world led by Mamisoa Rakotomalala, intern at DPC at 9:30a.m.
via Zoom
~NEW~Office Hours: Pop Up Bible Study from Columbia Seminary: Brennan Breed, from Columbia Theological Seminary, and Chris Holmes, from First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, are teaming up with guest professors to offer an in-depth, spontaneous and unrehearsed five-week study of the book of Job. The study begins this Sunday April 19.
You can watch the live stream on Facebook on Sunday mornings from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM OR you can watch on YouTube after the live stream.
To view the Facebook live stream, join the Facebook group “Office Hours Bible Study”
Alex Rodgers will host a Zoom discussion of the Bible study on Wednesday evening at 5 p.m.
Sunday. June 14
Worship Service –https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvPKsFjwoTJmqCjngo6mRKg
Link to sermon – https://www.dpchurch.org/sermon/whose-insight/
Godly Play – https://youtu.be/b2SqUL4k0BU
A Statement from Decatur White Clergy on Racism and Justice June 3, 2020
Cornerstone Class Bible Study at 9:15a.m. via Zoom
Coffee and Conversation – “The Pandemic Exposes Dangers of the Informal Economy“
Join Rev. Alex Rodgers for a brief,
Faith 5 devotional and check in at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
Sharing Jesus Christ’s love for the world led by Mamisoa Rakotomalala, intern at DPC at 9:30a.m.
via Zoom
~NEW~Office Hours: Pop Up Bible Study from Columbia Seminary: Brennan Breed, from Columbia Theological Seminary, and Chris Holmes, from First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, are teaming up with guest professors to offer an in-depth, spontaneous and unrehearsed five-week study of the book of Job. The study begins this Sunday April 19.
You can watch the live stream on Facebook on Sunday mornings from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM OR you can watch on YouTube after the live stream.
To view the Facebook live stream, join the Facebook group “Office Hours Bible Study”
Alex Rodgers will host a Zoom discussion of the Bible study on Wednesday evening at 5 p.m.
Weekly Offerings 6/8
- This week Office Hours Bible study began a new study on the book of Job. We’ll be discussing this lesson via Zoom on Wednesday evening at 5pm with special guest Rev. Chris Hooker! If you’d like to join Rev. Alex Rodgers and others, watch the lesson on YouTube and check your Wednesday DPC at Home email for the Zoom link or email Alex. arodgers@dpchurch.org
- Faith in Real Life meets Mondays and Wednesdays via Zoom.
- Thursday prayer at 1:00pm via Zoom.
Check your Wednesday DPC at Home email for the Zoom link or email Alex. arodgers@dpchurch.org
Sunday, June 7
Worship Service –https://youtu.be/TQ4TOZZrtrg
A Statement from Decatur White Clergy on Racism and Justice June 3, 2020
Cornerstone Class Bible Study at 9:15a.m. via Zoom
Coffee and Conversation – “My father died. Where is He Now?”
Discussion Video:https://youtu.be/y_T1NQ2qwE8
Join Rev. Alex Rodgers for a brief,
Faith 5 devotional and check in at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
Sharing Jesus Christ’s love for the world led by Mamisoa Rakotomalala, intern at DPC at 9:30a.m.
via Zoom
~NEW~Office Hours: Pop Up Bible Study from Columbia Seminary: Brennan Breed, from Columbia Theological Seminary, and Chris Holmes, from First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, are teaming up with guest professors to offer an in-depth, spontaneous and unrehearsed five-week study of the book of Job. The study begins this Sunday April 19.
You can watch the live stream on Facebook on Sunday mornings from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM OR you can watch on YouTube after the live stream.
To view the Facebook live stream, join the Facebook group “Office Hours Bible Study”
Alex Rodgers will host a Zoom discussion of the Bible study on Wednesday evening at 5 p.m.
Weekly Offerings 6/1
- This week Office Hours Bible study began a new study on the book of Job. We’ll be discussing this lesson via Zoom on Wednesday evening at 5pm with special guest Rev. Chris Hooker! If you’d like to join Rev. Alex Rodgers and others, watch the lesson on YouTube and check your Wednesday DPC at Home email for the Zoom link or email Alex. arodgers@dpchurch.org
- Faith in Real Life meets Mondays and Wednesdays via Zoom.
- Thursday prayer at 1:00pm via Zoom.
Check your Wednesday DPC at Home email for the Zoom link or email Alex. arodgers@dpchurch.org
Sunday, May 31
Pentecost Sunday
Worhip Service – https://youtu.be/tyWT9I4lyZs
Godly Play – https://youtu.be/YRTJOHvqvjY
Cornerstone Class Bible Study at 9:15a.m. via Zoom
The Forgotten Books of the Bible
Join Rev. Alex Rodgers for a brief,
Faith 5 devotional and check in at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
Lectionary Reflection led by Vernon Gramling at 9:30a.m.
via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/4044082622
~NEW~Office Hours: Pop Up Bible Study from Columbia Seminary: Brennan Breed, from Columbia Theological Seminary, and Chris Holmes, from First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, are teaming up with guest professors to offer an in-depth, spontaneous and unrehearsed five-week study of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The study begins this Sunday April 19.
You can watch the live stream on Facebook on Sunday mornings from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM OR you can watch on YouTube after the live stream.
To view the Facebook live stream, join the Facebook group “Office Hours Bible Study”
Alex Rodgers will host a Zoom discussion of the Bible study on Wednesday evening at 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 24
Join us for a Holy Ground style worship service. Gather your home communion items as we will celebrate communion together.
Worhip Service – https://youtu.be/ufRIYG5ecmo
Godly Play – https://youtu.be/3RcL_NmGRM0
Cornerstone Class Bible Study at 9:15a.m. via Zoom
The Forgotten Books of the Bible
Join Rev. Alex Rodgers for a brief,
Faith 5 devotional and check in at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
Lectionary Reflection led by Vernon Gramling at 9:30a.m.
via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/4044082622
There is NO Office Hours Bible Study this week. It will resume on May 31 with a new study on the book of Job. Discussion of the study with Rev. Alex Rodgers will meet on June 3 at 5:00pm.
Sunday, May 17
Worship Service –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXyThaSOPhM
Godly Play – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngQUxyaN3Ug
Cornerstone Class Bible Study at 9:15a.m. via Zoom
The Forgotten Books of the Bible
Join Rev. Alex Rodgers for a brief,
Faith 5 devotional and check in at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
Lectionary Reflection led by Vernon Gramling at 9:30a.m.
via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/4044082622
~NEW~Office Hours: Pop Up Bible Study from Columbia Seminary: Brennan Breed, from Columbia Theological Seminary, and Chris Holmes, from First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, are teaming up with guest professors to offer an in-depth, spontaneous and unrehearsed five-week study of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The study begins this Sunday April 19.
You can watch the live stream on Facebook on Sunday mornings from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM OR you can watch on YouTube after the live stream.
To view the Facebook live stream, join the Facebook group “Office Hours Bible Study”
Alex Rodgers will host a Zoom discussion of the Bible study on Wednesday evening at 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 10
Worship Service – https://youtu.be/tFtQ6lVwmYA
Godly Play – https://youtu.be/0UtX9Q8A4oE
Cornerstone Class Bible Study at 9:15a.m. via Zoom
The Forgotten Books of the Bible (Ruth)
Join Rev. Alex Rodgers for a brief,
Faith 5 devotional and check in at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
Lectionary Reflection led by Vernon Gramling at 9:30a.m.
via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/4044082622
~NEW~Office Hours: Pop Up Bible Study from Columbia Seminary: Brennan Breed, from Columbia Theological Seminary, and Chris Holmes, from First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, are teaming up with guest professors to offer an in-depth, spontaneous and unrehearsed five-week study of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The study begins this Sunday April 19.
You can watch the live stream on Facebook on Sunday mornings from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM OR you can watch on YouTube after the live stream.
To view the Facebook live stream, join the Facebook group “Office Hours Bible Study”
Alex Rodgers will host a Zoom discussion of the Bible study on Wednesday evening at 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 3
This Sunday our Seniors are preaching and our High Schoolers are leading all of DPC’s worship service! We hope all of our families will find dedicated time to worship together in your home and enjoy this service that our youth have worked hard to put together.
Worship Service – https://youtu.be/V9pmxTYJgWg
Godly Play – https://youtu.be/4aQ2qwQgD-k
Cornerstone Class Bible Study at 9:15a.m. via Zoom
The Samaritan Woman Reconsidered
Join Rev. Alex Rodgers for a brief,
Faith 5 devotional and check in at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
Lectionary Reflection led by Vernon Gramling at 9:30a.m.
via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/4044082622
~NEW~Office Hours: Pop Up Bible Study from Columbia Seminary: Brennan Breed, from Columbia Theological Seminary, and Chris Holmes, from First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, are teaming up with guest professors to offer an in-depth, spontaneous and unrehearsed five-week study of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The study begins this Sunday April 19.
You can watch the live stream on Facebook on Sunday mornings from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM OR you can watch on YouTube after the live stream.
To view the Facebook live stream, join the Facebook group “Office Hours Bible Study”
Alex Rodgers will host a Zoom discussion of the Bible study on Wednesday evening at 5 p.m.
Sunday, April 26
Cornerstone Class Bible Study at 9:15a.m. via Zoom
Laughter Helps the Brain Relax
Join Rev. Alex Rodgers for a brief,
Faith 5 devotional and check in at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
Lectionary Reflection led by Vernon Gramling at 9:30a.m.
via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/4044082622
~NEW~Office Hours: Pop Up Bible Study from Columbia Seminary: Brennan Breed, from Columbia Theological Seminary, and Chris Holmes, from First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, are teaming up with guest professors to offer an in-depth, spontaneous and unrehearsed five-week study of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The study begins this Sunday April 19.
You can watch the live stream on Facebook on Sunday mornings from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM OR you can watch on YouTube after the live stream.
To view the Facebook live stream, join the Facebook group “Office Hours Bible Study”
Alex Rodgers will host a Zoom discussion of the Bible study on Wednesday evening at 5 p.m.
Worship Service – https://youtu.be/bDLbOdwSko0?t=2
Godly Play – https://youtu.be/7bBDlJAuSWc
(This video originally aired in March but the lesson is fitting for today’s topic.)
Sunday, April 19
What’s Happening This Sunday:
Text: John 20:19-31
Title: Gifts of Easter
Wear bright colored clothes
Make an “Alleluia streamers” at home or a homemade shaker.Grab anything or just wave your hands anytime you hear the word alleluia in worship.
Cornerstone Class Bible Study at 9:15a.m. via Zoom
How to be Good
Join Rev. Alex Rodgers for a brief,
Faith 5 devotional and check in at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
Lectionary Reflection led by Vernon Gramling at 9:30a.m.
via Zoom https://zoom.us/j/4044082622
~NEW~ Office Hours: Pop Up Bible Study from Columbia Seminary: Brennan Breed, from Columbia Theological Seminary, and Chris Holmes, from First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, are teaming up with guest professors to offer an in-depth, spontaneous and unrehearsed five-week study of Paul’s letter to the Philippians. The study begins this Sunday April 19.
You can watch the live stream on Facebook on Sunday mornings from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM OR you can watch on YouTube after the live stream.
To view the Facebook live stream, join the Facebook group “Office Hours Bible Study”
Alex Rodgers will host a Zoom discussion of the Bible study on Sunday evening at 5 p.m.
Worship Service – https://youtu.be/GAuhvb2mzmI
Godly Play – https://youtu.be/6Je91zQajkA
Holy Week at Home – Easter Sunday
Cornerstone Class Bible Study at 9:15a.m. via Zoom
What Does the New Testament Say About Heaven?
Join Rev. Alex Rodgers for a brief,
Faith 5 devotional and check in at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
Lectionary Reflection led by Vernon Gramling at 9:30a.m.
via Zoom – https://zoom.us/j/4044082622
Easter Sunday Worship Service
Godly Play
Holy Week at Home – Holy Saturday
Good Friday
May this be a meaningful Holy Week for us all and may our worship and devotional times connect us as a church family while we are physically apart.
Click the link below to view the Good Friday Service –
Take a moment to light a candle, find or make a small cross to hold during the service.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRHS042sdf4&feature=youtu.be
Maundy Thursday
Join us for the Maundy Thursday Service – Click Here
Wednesday, April 8
Holy Wednesday/Passover
Today is Passover and the Bedol family have created 4 short videos to help us learn about Passover and its connections to Easter. Click on the links below to view each video!
Tuesday, April 7
Monday, April 6
Holy Monday
Sunday, April 5 ~ Palm Sunday
We invite you to participate in these activities online:
(Check your email for the Zoom session passwords)
Join Rev. Alex Rodgers for a brief, LIVE,
Faith 5 devotional and check in at 9:30a.m. via Zoom
ttps://zoom.us/j/691622601?pwd=ZWhsVmdyRU1Ra1VpNWVrZ0MydGNtdz09
Cornerstone Class Bible Study at 9:15a.m. via Zoom
https://zoom.us/j/316221737…
Lectionary Reflection led by Vernon Gramling
via Zoom
https://zoom.us/j/4044082622
Worship Service online at DPC YouTube page
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1qIzHCzxU0
Godly Play online on DPC YouTube page-
https://youtu.be/bqCBcgrqfwU
Sunday, March 29, 2020
Join us this Sunday
March 29, 2020
Join Rev. Alex Rodgers for a brief, LIVE, Faith 5 devotional
and check in at 9:30a.m.
via Zoom –
https://zoom.us/j/572426203…
Worship Service –
https://www.youtube.com/watch
v=5aHTWc9v9Hk&feature=share
Godly Play –
https://youtu.be/7bBDlJAuSWc
Don’t forget you can stream YouTube on your Smart TV.
During this time of care and precaution, we join together
in a virtual community. Please join us and know that we are with you and you are in our prayers.
Feel free to share this page with others to help them know that we are all as one even though we are not physically together.
Remember that the congregation’s expenses will continue during this period, so please continue to give.
Give Today – https://www.dpchurch.org/giving/
Thursday, March 26
Rev. Alex Rodgers will be hosting a Zoom time of prayer today at 1p.m. If you’d like to join the meeting, the link is below-
https://zoom.us/j/378239498?pwd=YXpValNDSUNWV0ttV0E4Z2hJY0xyZz09
Sunday, March 22
This Sunday we will have a full worship service with musical performances.
Worship Service – CLICK HERE
Godly Play – CLICK HERE
During this time of care and precaution, we join together
in a virtual community. Please join us and know that we are with you and
you are in our prayers.
Feel free to share this page with others to help them know that we are all as one even though we are not physically together.
Friday, March 20
What’s Happening This Sunday
During this time of care and precaution, we join together
in a virtual community. Please join us and know that we are with you and
you are in our prayers.
Feel free to share this page with others to help them know that we are all as one even though we are not physically together.
This Sunday we will have a full worship service with musical performances.
The link for the service will be posted soon on our Homepage –
Don’t forget you can stream YouTube on your Smart TV.
Faith and Real Life can now be attended via Zoom. If you are interested download the Zoom app—it is free. We will meet remotely at our usual times—Monday at 7-8:30 pm and Wednesday at 9:30 -11 am. The meeting ID is 4044082622 for both groups.
Follow along with the Blog Here.
Video message from Vernon Gramling- https://youtu.be/Xs_bQ25-Brg
Wednesday, March 17
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, March 17
DPC staff is working on putting together online worship and connecting time for the DPC family for Sunday. Please send Allysen any joys and concerns on your heart by end of the day WEDNESDAY. We’d also love to gather photos of your family from home this week. Share with us what you are doing! We will incorporate these into our worship service to pray for one another and share Christ’s peace with one another.
Email to aschaaf@dpchurch.org or text to her cell phone.
Monday, March 16
|
Sunday, March 15
Decatur Presbyterian Church Online Worship
Worship – https://youtu.be/H3fT2jvb10o
Godly Play – https://youtu.be/Gjd7M9YBGd8
During this time of care and precaution, we join together
in a virtual community. Please join us and know that we are with you and you are in our prayers.
Feel free to share this email with others to help them know that we are all as one even though we are not physically together today.
You are encouraged to worship at home daily through Bible reading and prayer, devotionals and music, or whatever spiritual discipline you find nourishing. The Lenten Menu – http://www.dpchurch.org/lent/
And remember that the congregation’s expenses will continue during this period, so please to continue to give dpchurch.org/giving/.
Click the link below to stay up to date on church schedules:
Saturday, March 14
Friday, March 13
Dear DPC Church Family,
In these unprecedented circumstances, we are reminded of the words of Psalm 46: God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth should change, though the mountains shake in the heart of the sea. DPC Clerk of session, Hikie Allen, also reminded us of Jeremiah 29:7, a verse that has guided our session over the past 7 years: But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare.
Based on our desire to love our neighbors, and based on the best information we have available, your session, pastors and staff have agreed that our most prudent course of action is to suspend all on campus gatherings of the DPC congregation for the next two weeks. DPCC and Global Village Project have already closed. This decision was not made lightly, but done so in consultation with other local churches, schools, and universities. The Church Office will remain open and the pastors will be available to you, but we encourage all groups to pause from meeting for the next two weeks, including session, Sunday School classes, choirs, Bible studies, youth events, councils and committees, etc. We will reevaluate this course of action over the coming days, but in the meantime, we encourage everyone to follow this guidance as part of a wider community effort to “flatten the curve” https://www.forbes.com/sites/tarahaelle/2020/03/13/why-everything-is-closing-for-coronavirus-its-called-flattening-the-curve/#4832b8506e2b of this pandemic. You are certainly welcome to meet by conference calls or virtually through various online options like Zoom.
What about Sunday morning? You are invited to join your pastors and other congregation members to worship online. We will be filming a special video for you this afternoon that will be shared by email, Facebook, and on the website, and we invite you to logon to Facebook at 10:30 am Sunday to “meet” with other members. Also, you are encouraged to worship at home daily through Bible reading and prayer, devotionals and music, or whatever spiritual discipline you find nourishing. Click for the Lenten Menu.
Your response?
First, even if you are not sick, please consider yourself “an asymptomatic carrier” of the covid 19 virus. We do not know how many of us may be carrying the virus even now, and we certainly do not want to infect those who are vulnerable.
Second, continue to follow the CDC recommendations about preventing the spread of the virus:
-Stay home when you are sick.
-Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
·Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, and then throw the tissue in the trash.
·Wash your hands often with soap and water; if soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
·Additional information can be found here.
Third, pray for all those who have been and will be impacted by this virus, including those whose financial well-being will be at risk in the coming months.
Fourth, call and check in on your friends and neighbors, especially those who may become more isolated by these circumstances and who may need some form of assistance. If you know church members who do not have or check their email, please share this information with them.
Fifth, remember that the congregation’s expenses will continue during this period, so please continue to give https://www.dpchurch.org/giving/ .
Though Threshold Ministry will be closed, we plan to hand out sack lunches daily for those who may not eat otherwise, and some of our members are already helping feed children who qualify for free lunches at school.
Grace and deep peace to all from your Pastors,
Todd, Alex, Allysen and Emily
—
Rev. Dr. Todd Speed
Decatur Presbyterian Church
205 Sycamore Street
Decatur, GA 30030
404-378-1777 church
404-368-3938 cell
Every child of God – belonging, engaging, being transformed
Thursday, March 12
Dear DPC family,
As you might imagine, your DPC pastors and staff are closely monitoring the Covid 19 virus situation. Earlier this week, it was a day by day monitoring. Today, we have been monitoring various community news sources by the hour, including guidance from the Center for Disease Control, Georgia’s Department of Public Health, the World Health Organization, the PCUSA, and the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta.
Please note that we respond to this unprecedented situation both out of an abundance of caution, based on available scientific data, as well as from the core of our theology, which calls us to love our neighbors and care for the most vulnerable among us.
What we know:
-as of today, City Schools of Decatur are still open, but have suspended all large group gatherings, like plays, concerts, and the TourDecatur 5K run;
-multiple concerts have been cancelled or postponed; the MLS (soccer), NBA (basketball), and MLB (baseball) have all suspended their seasons for the time being; and the NCAA has cancelled most of the spring sports tournaments;
-this virus spreads from person to person and this particular virus has a much greater propensity to spread from person to person than the typical flu viruses;
-the live virus can be present on surfaces for long periods of time;
-the death rate, particularly among those over 70 years old, is much higher, even 10 times greater, than typical flu viruses;
-as of this hour, there are no confirmed cases to my knowledge in Dekalb County, but there are a number of unconfirmed cases, and there are multiple cases in the Atlanta area;
-we received news of the first death in Georgia today from the Covid 19 virus.
What we do not know:
-we do not know who already has been infected and does not know it;
-we do now know how many confirmed cases there may be in the next 72 hours;
-many of us do not know whether we do or do not currently have the virus or may be contagious to others, putting vulnerable lives at risk.
-we do not know what further spread we might cause if we continue gathering, AND we do not know what we could be avoiding if we choose not to gather.
What we will do:
-in consultation with the session, we will make a decision by mid-day Friday regarding DPC large group gatherings, such as worship and choral concerts, as well as guidance for the meeting of smaller groups. Please watch your email Friday for this communication and share information with your church friends.
What to do in the meantime:
-pray for all those whose lives have been or will be impacted by this pandemic;
-continue to inform yourselves about this pandemic and its potential repurcussions;https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/organizations/guidance-community-faith-organizations.html
Stay home if you are sick or have flu-like symptoms!!
Clean your hands often
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.
Take steps to protect others
Stay home if you’re sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.
Cover coughs and sneezes
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash.
Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
Wear a facemask if you are sick
If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
Clean and disinfect
Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.
Thank you for your understanding, patience, and prayer.
Your pastors,
Todd, Alex, Allysen, and Emily
Rev. Dr. Todd Speed
Decatur Presbyterian Church
205 Sycamore Street
Decatur, GA 30030
404-378-1777 church
404-368-3938 cell
Every child of God – belonging, engaging, being transformed
