Normandy Presbyterian Church

HUMILITY AND GRACE

“Somehow, we think we can only fully enjoy our being loved by God if others are loved less than we are.” - Henri Nouwen

It's easy to be resentful of others' good fortune, isn't it, especially if we think they don't deserve it. "They haven't worked hard like we have; they haven't done what is right; they haven't come to church. Why should they receive that good gift? Why should they be loved?

These are honest and fair questions. This Sunday, we will explore one of Jesus' stories, Matthew 20.1-16, which helps us consider this.

Join us at 9AM, In-Person or Online.

FORGIVENESS
Most Needed, Most Difficult

"We cannot have friends without forgiveness, we cannot have family without forgiveness, we cannot have lasting marriages without forgiveness. But it is very, very difficult [to do]. -- Christian Author, Fred Craddock

When we have been hurt. . .
Why is it so hard to turn loose of the pain. . .
Why is it so difficult to forgive one another?

Join us for worship this Sunday as we study Jesus' teachings about forgiveness. 9 am, In-person or Online

with special guest Rev. Gary Kelly

with special guest, Dr. Michael Bradley

JESUS, YOU'VE GOT TO BE KIDDING!

When Jesus called his disciples he called them to build a new community - the gathering we call CHURCH. But sometimes we wonder why. The church has caused so much hurt, so much heartache. How could anything good ever come from it?

Yet, Jesus insists that the church is both his idea and his gift to us. And "the gates of Hades will never overcome it." ( Matthew 16.13-20)

Join us for worship this Sunday as we consider the gift of the CHURCH. 9 AM, In-Person or Online

Lessons on Faith

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." - Hebrews 11.1

In Matthew's Gospel, there are five stories in which Jesus commends persons for their "great faith," holding them up as models for living. Surprisingly, none of the five are stories about faithful disciples of Jesus. They are all desperate outsiders.

What is Jesus telling us about faith? Where are you feeling desperate in your circumstances? How do we trust God in our day-to-day lives?

Join us this Sunday as we explore the story of the Canaanite woman in Matthew 15:21-28.
9 AM, In-person or Online

Stewardship - the Dirty Word

When most of us think of the word “Stewardship," we think it's a fancy word for asking people to give money. Our fears go up and we want nothing to do with it.

But when the Bible talks about stewardship it means an attitude toward all of life. God alone is the creator. We are stewards and servants invited to manage, care for and use wisely all that God has put into our hands. It's a blessing and privilege which each person is given.

How can we become stewards of all of life?

Join us for worship this Sunday. 9AM, In Person or Online

ALL THINGS NEW

It's one thing to be a follower of Jesus at home or with your family; it's another to be a follower in the push and pull of daily living. Yet, God is concerned not just about people spiritually, but about every area of daily life: money, school, sexuality, business -- even politics. When Jesus says he is making all things new he means ALL THINGS, every aspect of life.

What does this mean for us as Jesus' followers?
How can we follow Jesus in making things new?

Join us this Sunday for worship @ 9 AM
In-Person or Online

WHAT'S THE PROBLEM???

If I asked you to name the greatest sin, what would you say?

Pride? Selfishness? Unbelief? Atheism?

Surprisingly, we Presbyterians, following the lead of the Bible, would say, "Idolatry."

Presbyterians are certainly concerned about pride and selfishness, but not so much about unbelief or atheism. Why? Because the Bible teaches that all human beings believe in something, all human beings worship something. The problem is that we believe in and worship the wrong things. We trust in technology, finances, family, career, group identity... or any number of other things. But fail to trust in God. That's idolatry.

Join us this Sunday as we confront the idols in our lives.

9 AM, In-Person or Online

with special guest Rev. Gary Kelley

RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS

Most all problems in our relationships boil down to a misunderstanding of God: who God is, how God relates to us, and how we relate to God and to others.

The way God relates to human beings is by means of a covenant. But what is God's Covenant with us? How can we live up to our part of it? What difference will it make in our daily lives?

Join us for worship this Sunday! We continue our summer series, “Theology for Every Day," as we look at the power of God's Covenant.
9am, In-person or Online

SO GOD'S IN CHARGE......REALLY???

We Presbyterian Christians have been distinguished by our belief that God is sovereign…in control, over all things: creation, history, and our personal lives. We believe this because this is what we see in the Bible.

But this belief is not without its difficulties. Just look at the world: devastating storms, injustice, genocide -- the evils go on and on.

Join us for worship this Independence Day weekend as we grapple with the Biblical teaching of "The Sovereignty of God."
9 AM, In-Person or Online

ALL TIME BEST SELLER

Did you know that the Bible was the best selling book last year? And the year before that? And the year before that?

Did you know that the Bible is the best selling book of all time?

Why?

And why do followers of Jesus seem to give it so much authority?

Join us this Sunday as we continue our sermon series on beliefs: THEOLOGY FOR EVERY DAY.

We'll explore Christian convictions about the Bible.

9 AM, In-Person or Online

AM I GOOD ENOUGH?

Have you ever wondered who you might become if you had a deep confidence that you were worthy, "good enough," loved…really, truly loved?

It would change everything, wouldn't it? Most of us spend our whole lives attempting to be worthy of love and feeling that we fail miserably at it.

But listen, we don't have to make ourselves worthy. We don't have to try and try to be good enough. We don't have to wonder if we are acceptable and loveable.

Join us this Sunday as we find freedom and life through God's Good News!
9 AM, In-Person or Online

JESUS
GREAT TEACHER? RELIGIOUS LEADER? MORAL REFORMER?
OR SOMETHING MORE???

A Christian worker serving in some far away place returned to the United States. She spoke to several churches and people were amazed at her life and sacrifice. One parishioner twittered, "Oh, it is wonderful what you have done! You must love the people and this place very much."

But the worker responded, “It's the dirtiest, most awful place I have ever been and the day I go back will be a day too soon. But I will...(and she paused)…if Jesus wants me to."

Why do you think this woman had such commitment? What was it about Jesus that made her want to serve in this place where there was so much difficulty? If Jesus were only a great religious teacher or leader, would you make this kind of sacrifice?

Join us for worship this Sunday @ 9 am as we talk about the second belief in our sermon series, THEOLOGY FOR EVERY DAY: “The Incarnation." Join us in-person or online.

THEOLOGY FOR EVERY DAY

Beliefs matter…especially our beliefs about life and God.

This Sunday we begin a new series of sermons talking about basic Christian beliefs. If you have ever wondered about things like (for example):

Trinity
Salvation by Grace
Predestination
The Bible

this summer series is for you. Join us this Sunday as we tackle the EVERYDAY purpose of the TRINITY. 9am, In-Person or Online.

Thirsty?

"Come, everyone who is thirsty - here is water!…Why spend money on what does not satisfy?...Listen now, my people, and come to me; come to me and you will have life!" - The Prophet Isaiah

In every single human being there is a thirst…a deep desire…a longing for life. But not just material life - having the necessities for survival - but for life that is abundance. For meaning and purpose. For connection with others. For power to make a difference. For loving and being loved. For freedom and forgiveness.

This is the gift that God gives us in Jesus through the Holy Spirit. LIFE. LIFE IN ALL ABUNDANCE!

Join us this Pentecost Sunday as we discover the power of God's Spirit to bring LIFE! 9am In-Person or Online.

JESUS IS LORD...................REALLY?????

Without a doubt, the belief that Jesus is Lord (that he is the one in charge, the one in control) is surely one of the most puzzling beliefs Christians hold. “Just look around!” we might say. “How can anyone believe that Jesus is in control, when things in this world are so bad?"

Good question. Join us this week, Ascension Sunday, as we explore this issue. Discover what the Bible and Christian experience teach about our struggles in life and what the Risen Jesus is up to in the midst of them.

Sunday @ 9 AM
In-person or Online

ONE HUNDRED YEARS FROM NOW.....

Do you ever wonder if it makes any difference - really - to serve and love and give as a follower of Jesus? I mean, "So what?" if I arrange some flowers and take it to a sick neighbor. “So what?" if I attend the City Council meeting and try to make a difference. “So what?" if our church provides food to a few needy people. "So what?" if I listen to a co-worker and pray with him about his marriage.

One hundred years from now, will any of this have mattered -- really?

This Sunday, we are completing our study of Jesus' resurrection and its implication for our lives. Join us this Mother's Day as we talk about resurrection, purpose and mission.

You know your mother would want you to come....

9 AM, In-Person or Online.

The Second Coming. The Last Judgment.
Daniel. Revelation. Armageddon.

When many of us think of Jesus' Second Coming we feel some confusion, and since the middle ages people have generally looked at these events with fear.

But is that really what the Bible teaches? Is that really what these end time events are all about?

Join us this Sunday as we explore the hope which the Second Coming gives.

9AM, In-Person or Online

with guest Pastor Dr. Michael Bradley

JESUS ROSE FROM THE GRAVE…SO WHAT????

The message of Jesus' resurrection is the central affirmation of the Christian Church. But do you ever wonder, "So what???" What is the significance? What's the purpose? What difference does it make for us, this world, for you, for me?

The truth is that Jesus' resurrection means more than just the idea that one day we, too, will rise from the grave and go to be with God in heaven. Rather, Jesus' resurrection is a cosmic explosion of God's power breaking into our world. And through his resurrection, a whole new creation begins!

Find out more this Sunday @ 9 AM
Join us for worship, In-person or Online

EASTER AT NORMANDY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ✝️ Sunday, April 9, 2023

Join us this RESURRECTION SUNDAY morning for three very special opportunities for worship and fellowship:

•6:30AM - Sunrise Worship at the Normandy Baptist Church

•7:30AM - Pancake Breakfast at NPC Fellowship Hall

•9:00AM - Easter Celebration Worship at Normandy Presbyterian, “The Strange Story of Easter"

THE LAST SUPPER

When it comes to the Communion Service in worship, we often focus on the elements -- the bread and the cup -- and what they mean, when they should be shared and with whom. But when you look how Communion began, in the sharing of the Last Supper, it seems we ought instead to focus on the people who were there and how Jesus related to them. When we do that, this special meal becomes even more powerful.

Join us this Passion/Palm Sunday as we look at the last event in Jesus' life before his suffering and death on the cross. Worship with us as we uncover the deeper meaning of the Last Supper.

Sunday, 9 AM, In person or Online

DECISIONS AND PRAYER

One of the most vivid mental images we have of Jesus in the last week of his life, is the gospel scene of him praying in Gethsemane. In his anguish, Scripture says, Jesus prayed so earnestly that his "sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground" (Luke 22.44).

Obviously, Jesus didn't not want to do what God had planned for him; he didn't want to suffer; he didn't want to die. Who would have?

But as he prayed, something changed.....in Jesus, himself. He found the will, the courage to follow God.

We all face our own Gethsemane decisions....some even daily. Could prayer help us, too?

WORSHIP WITH US THIS SUNDAY
9 AM, In-person or on Facebook Live

GIVING YOUR BEST

The prices on the protein bars were outrageous! Fifty dollars for 24 bars? Forty-two for 30? I wanted to get something that would be nutritious to hand to homeless folks whom I often encountered on the streets, but I also didn't want to break the bank to do it. Our grocery budget had been tighter due to inflation, and I wanted to make sure there were enough funds to get some string cheese and chips for my snacks.

So I found myself in that common struggle we often feel: do I give the best to others or do I give the best to myself?

This Sunday we'll look at a time an unnamed woman gave an extravagant gift to Jesus. (Matthew 26.1-13). She gave her best. What would it take for us to do the same?

DO YOU KNOW WHAT IS MOST IMPORTANT?

Christianity is not so much about a philosophy as it is about a Person and people in general. It's not so much about rituals or rules as it is about relationships, loving God and loving others.

Nowhere do we see that more clearly than in the story of Jesus clearing the Temple, Matthew 21.13-17. Jesus overturned the tables of the money-changers and the sellers. He welcomed those who had been judged and excluded. He offered a refocus on the things that are most important.

Join us for worship this Sunday. Refocus your life! 9 am, In-person or Online

JESUS' LAST WEEK

As much as the story of Jesus' last days shows us his sacrificial suffering, for those who know about Jesus' resurrection -- it is even more a story of how we may practice faith in our daily lives.

Over the next six weeks, we will look at six key events of Jesus' last week to see what they can teach: Triumphant Entry, Cleansing the Temple, Teaching in the Temple, Anointing Jesus' Feet, Gethsemane and the Last Supper.

Not only will we learn about Jesus' sacrifice, but also how we may live more effective, faith-filled lives.

Join us for worship this Sunday, 9 am, in-person or online.

EXTREME MAKEOVER: The Total Person

It's not enough to measure our lives by how well we keep the religious rules -- by how often we attend church, give money, obey the Commandments, or such.

God is looking for more: a personal integration where external behavior and internal commitments work together. God wants our daily love and obedience to come from the heart.

Join us for worship this week as we continue to study Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5-7. Sunday @ 9 AM, In-person or Online

DO YOU KNOW YOUR LIFE'S PURPOSE?

Do you know you have a purpose in life? That there is a deeper meaning possible? That there is a task God has for you to do?

A lot of us don't know that purpose...or when we do, we struggle to live into it. The result is that we miss satisfaction and joy.

Jesus said, "I have come that you might have life and life in all fulness." John 10.10. Join us for worship this Sunday as we talk about God's purpose for you.

9AM, In-person or Online

THE WORLD TURNED UPSIDE DOWN

The worst mistake you can make about the Christian faith is to see it as a bunch of rules. It's not about rules. It's about relationship - relationship with God which comes to us because of and through Jesus.

This relationship changes everything.

That's why Jesus' teaching in his most famous sermon, “The Sermon on the Mount," (Matt. 5.1-12) seems so odd. Jesus turns everything upside down.

We're not meant to turn it into rules; we're meant to marvel at it, to give thanks for it, and with God's help to let it change our lives.

Join us this Sunday for worship as we talk about:
"The World Turned Upside Down."
9 AM, In-person or Online.

The Invitation

Imagine….you are in the stands ready to watch an exciting game, but there are no players on the field. Instead, the manager points to people in the crowd, inviting them to play! Suddenly, the manager points to you….

Followers of Jesus are not so much like spectators in the stands. They are more like those who say "yes" to the invitation to play the game.

What will you say? What will you do?

Join us for worship this Sunday @ 9 am.
In-person or Online

with guest Pastor Dr. Michael Bradley

God's Ways are Not Our Ways

Let's just admit it, most of the time, we think selfishly that we know better than God how to run our lives, our children, our future -- everything. The result is the mess we've made of ourselves and our world.

But what if there were another way? A way characterized by trust, patience, generosity, service and sacrifice? God's way? What if we could live God's way?

That's the invitation we will explore in worship this Sunday. We will be looking at the life of Jesus. Why don't you join us?

In-Person or Online @ 9 AM

ADVENT: A TIME TO BELIEVE

In a few short days we will celebrate the biggest holiday of the entire year. Most families will spend hours in preparation and hundreds of dollars to celebrate Christmas.

But will we know what it's all about? Is Christmas for us just a time to place a pause on real life -- a time to ESCAPE FROM the challenges and struggles of daily living?

Or is it somehow ABOUT DAILY LIVING? Can Christmas make a difference in the ups and downs of ordinary life -- in our stresses, disappointments, our griefs and our fears?

Join us on this last Sunday before Christmas.
Sunday @ 9 AM
In-Person or Online

ADVENT- A TIME FOR MERCY

Sometimes "good" people don't like the message of mercy because they think that "bad" people are going to get away with doing wrong. But mercy - not judgment - was the center of Jesus' life and ministry.

Mercy should always be the center for us as well.

Please join us this Sunday!
9 AM In-Person or Online

HOW DO WE GET READY FOR CHRISTMAS?

We get ready to celebrate Christmas by decorating the house and tree, listening to Christmas carols, cooking special food, and gathering gifts for family and friends.

But how do we get ready in a deeper way? How can we experience and share God's special love at Christmas or to be ready to receive the new life that God wants to give?

Join us this Sunday for the second in a series of sermons about preparing for Christmas: ADVENT: What Time is It?

In-Person or Online @ 9 AM

ADVENT: WHAT TIME IS IT?

A few years ago, our family had unexpected visitors. We had 15 minutes to straighten our house and get the kids and ourselves ready. You have never seen a family work as fast. But when the doorbell rang, we were ready!

It may only take a few minutes to straighten the house, but it's not quite as easy to straighten out your life. When the doorbell rings, it may be too late. So Jesus says, "get prepared now."

Join us this Sunday for the first sermon in our Advent series, "What Time Is It?."
Find out how we can get ready for the wonderful future God has planned.

Online or In-Person @ 9 AM

THANKSGIVING SUNDAY

Have you ever received a gift and neglected to give thanks for it? Sure you have. All of us have done it!

So how do we remember to give thanks? How can we be more intentional about our appreciation of the kindness of others…and especially of the kindness of God?

Join us this Sunday for a Thanksgiving Worship Service. Learn the secret of gratitude and joy.

9 AM In-Person or Online

Veterans Day Service

ALL SAINTS' SUNDAY

Life is difficult. For all the joys there are surely as many sorrows. For all that is easy, there are an equal number of challenges.

But on All Saints' Sunday, we can be inspired by those who have faced the difficulties of life and faith…and have held fast, trusting God through them.

What can help you persevere in hard times? Think about faithful believers who have died. Whose life encourages you?

Please join us this Sunday @ 9AM
In-Person or Online

“Do not desire and try to take your neighbor’s house…or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.” CONTENTMENT

To be who I am and be SATISFIED.
To possess what I have and say, "IT'S ENOUGH."
To live my circumstances -- as they are -- and GIVE THANKS.

This Sunday, we complete the last in our series on the Ten Commandments. We focus on the commandment, "You shall not covet."

Join Us @ 9 AM
In-Person or Online

TRUTHFULNESS

A little boy was caught lying by his dad.
The father said, “You know there are no liars in heaven." Son: “Dad, have you ever told a lie?" “Yes." “Mom?" "Yes." “The pastor of our church?" “Yes."

Son: “Then I guess the only people that are going to be in heaven are God and George Washington!"

This Sunday we will look at the 9th Commandment: "Do not bear false witness against your neighbor." It's all about lying…and about how truth telling can make a difference.

Join us this Sunday!
9AM, In-person and Online

IF NOT STEALING, THEN WHAT??

Did you know that there are 71 synonyms for the verb "steal" (according to one website)? This simply mirrors the truth that there are a huge variety of ways to accomplish stealing in daily life. And we humans are pretty good at it.

No wonder God makes "Do not Steal" one of the Ten Commandments.

But if stealing is NOT what God desires for us, what is? Instead of stealing, what is the positive value God wants for our lives?

Join us this Sunday to find out.
9 am, In-Person or Online

Negative Command....Or Good Word?

When the seventh commandment says, "Do not commit adultery," most of us are filled immediately with feelings of guilt, shame, fear. As a result, we hate the commandment and the one who originally gave it.

But what if this commandment was really a prescription for goodness in our lives?

Join us this week as we continue our study of the Ten Commandments. Discover how the seventh commandment offers the "good life" which God desires for you and me.

Sunday @ 9am in-person or Online

Sermon from a very special guest, Dr. Michael Bradley

DO NOT KILL

The sixth Commandment: “Do not kill." What could be simpler, right? And yet since the day God gave the commandments to Moses, human beings have made it complicated through ethical dilemmas, exceptions and excuses.

But the purpose of this commandment -- as of all ten -- is to offer life at its best.

How can we view this commandment in a different way? How can it free us from complexity and irrelevance to live life the way God intends us to live?

Join us this Sunday as we continue our sermon series: WORDS OF LIFE.
9 AM, In-person or Online.

REMEMBER THE SABBATH DAY

This Sunday in worship we continue our series of sermons on the Ten Commandments as we look at the 4th Commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day and treat it as holy."

What possible relevance could this ancient commandment have for our busy world and the busy lives we live today?

Join us this Sunday and find out.

9AM In-Person or Online