Old North Church - Dumont, NJ

09/06/2026

Good morning all

09/03/2026

Join us on Sunday for Communion.

09/01/2026

Marilyn’s Musing - September 1, 2026
We have survived the summer!! The “ber” months are here as the saying goes meaning September. October, November, and December. Are you ready for some cooler mornings and fresh air? I know I am. September can still be warm in the beginning and that’s ok, I know it will come to end soon and be cooler. Yes!
I’d like to continue thinking about The Lord’s Prayer. As we heard it read from different interpretations this summer, the following parts are what I found interesting.
NIV version
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
KJV version
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil:
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
In the NIV version it says “as we also have forgiven our debtors”. And in the KJV version it says “as we forgive our debtors”. In the NIV version I interpret it as being in the “past tense” – we have forgiven them already. And in the KJV version, could it mean that we are doing it now as we are praying? Also, one version says to “deliver us from the evil one” and the other says “deliver us from evil”. If I kept going and checking the versions as Pastor had us read them, I am sure there are other little differences that I don’t remember from this summer sermon series (sorry Pastor, there was so much to remember and think about)
There is so much more to think about when we say this prayer. Sometimes I say it in a rush and it’s like “God I need to say this now!” because of an immediate need to talk to Him. Other times I just say it as I always did, but now it will be different for me. As I am sure, it will be for some of you who followed the sermons this summer.
Another thought is that the beginning and ending of the prayer is talking about “God’s Kingdom” saying “Thy Kingdom” talking to “Our Father”. Imagine the whole world saying this prayer starting with “Our Father” and praying about “His Kingdom”. By us saying His prayer we are bringing His Kingdom together on earth. Think about that as we say this prayer next Sunday together.
After listening to Pastor Debbie talk to us about The Lord’s Prayer this summer, I am wondering how you felt singing it at the end of the service on Sunday? There was something so special about it I know I can’t find the right words…. maybe blessed would be one? Let me know if you think of others.
I know we don’t sing “The Lord’s Prayer” often, but I have a feeling we will be doing more often – maybe on the Sunday we have communion? Hm….
Let’s sing it again now….and thank Pastor Debbie for taking us on this journey of learning more about this beautiful prayer.
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=ZZIrnodc8LQ&si=Ouz9abr_XiF0kf9X
Preview YouTube video Andrea Bocelli - The Lord's Prayer (Lyric Video) ft. The Tabernacle Choir at Temple SquarePreview YouTube video Andrea Bocelli - The Lord's Prayer (Lyric Video) ft. The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square

Andrea Bocelli

08/28/2026

Join us for worship on Sunday.

08/25/2026

Marilyn’s Musing - August 25, 2026
It is the end of August and we are getting closer to the cooler months at the end of the year. This summer has been a very interesting and thought provoking one with Pastor Debbie discussing The Lord’s Prayer with us every week. I have come away from church feeling the spirit and thinking about the different parts of the prayer. Pastor Debbie gives us a lot of information on each part of the prayer and somehow there is always something in there that “clicks” with me and I have the moment where it comes together. It is sometimes hard to share that with you.
This week was “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil”. God does not “lead” us into temptation in the sense of actively causing us to sin. Instead, the prayer is a plea for God to protect us from circumstances and situations that might lure us into sin (1 Corinthians 10:13) And then when He has us say “deliver us from evil” it shows that the petition also seeks protection from Satan’s influence. “Jesus Himself was tempted in every way but without sin (Hebrews 4:15), and His victory over temptation is the basis for our plea”.
When I did my usual research, these practical applications came up. I thought I would share them with you.
• Awareness: Recognize situations that could lead to sin and seek God’s guidance to
avoid them.
• Submission: If trials come, submit to God’s will and trust His provision of a way out
(1 Corinthians 10:13).
• Prayer: Ask God to “permit” you to be spared from temptation, trusting His
authority and love.

I am not sure I have covered or interpreted everything Pastor Debbie said. I apologize if I got anything not quite right. God won’t lead us into temptation but He knows it is there and we have to be aware of it. We need to be closer to God so we can talk to Him when “evil” presents itself in our lives.
I like the part of The Lord’s Prayer that we said at the end of our service where we said –
“Protect us God from enticing entrapment in all that would separate us from your Love. And lead us away from all that creates suffering and pain and death, for us and all others.”
I’ve been spending a lot of time in my musing talking about our services this summer. There has been a lot going on in addition to worshiping together every Sunday. I’d like to say a special thank you to Alan, our organist, who is there every week and plays so beautifully for us. I don’t know if many of us get a chance to say thank you after church on Sunday, but I did this week and he was very happy to hear that he makes our services so enjoyable. I am sure you have seen on Facebook and in the sanctuary how many items were donated for our annual school drive. We may not fill all the pews every Sunday but we sure filled many hearts with our love with all the donations. It is amazing the work we do as a church family. And another thanks to Scott who runs the food drive every month. The outreach our church does is wonderful and makes a difference in people’s lives – the volunteers and the recipients. All we are doing is following God’s commandment to love one another. It’s that simple.
We are working hard on getting ready for our September Thrift Shoppe Sale. There will be some fun surprises to see when our regulars come in and maybe some new people will be tempted to visit us on September 12th.
And then the fall season begins……Isn’t this a wonderful world that God made that we can see the changes in His world and enjoy them…..
As we get ready to change seasons in a couple of weeks, let’s sing “The Church’s One Foundation” and remember that Jesus Christ is her foundation.
https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=U3GzJlXa2fQ&si=Lw1VFVDZPUdDS7qf


Preview YouTube video BEAUTIFUL Hymn- The Church's One Foundation (Sing Along with Lyrics)Preview YouTube video BEAUTIFUL Hymn- The Church's One Foundation (Sing Along with Lyrics)

08/23/2026

Happy Sunday!

08/22/2026

A few more pics from last night’s beautiful Lumos experience concert.
The music was great and the sanctuary of OLD NORTH looked amazing!!
Photo credit- Judie Tulli

08/22/2026