Two Services of Organization!
The New Church Development Commission and the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta invite you to celebrate as
Ormewood Church and
Zo Presbyterian Church
are welcomed as congregations of the Presbytery!
These two Services of Organization are as scheduled:
Ormewood Church
Sunday, October 5 at 11 AM
At Ormewood Church
1071 Delaware Ave SE,
Atlanta, GA 30316
Zo Presbyterian Church
Sunday, October 12 at 2:30 PM
At North Decatur Presbyterian Church
611 Medlock Rd,
Decatur, GA 30033
Ormewood Church:
From Potlucks to Church Planting
Nearly a year to the date after the former Ormewood Park Presbyterian Church closed its doors with 15 remaining members, signs of new life at the historic sanctuary on Delaware Avenue emerged in the spring of 2017.
Ormewood Park neighbors, families of the Ormewood School, and fans of the well-loved Ormewood Dog Yard gathered with NCDC throughout the spring and summer of 2016 in pot-luck style community meetings to discuss the vision of the neighborhood and area. The priority was not a question of property; the top priority was to get to know the area and discern what God was already doing in Ormewood. From there, a clarion call emerged. The people needed community, and they desired a neighborhood gathering place that offered refreshing and creative new ways for folks to engage with one another and with their faith.
From these gatherings, a group of 12 southeast Atlanta residents of all backgrounds met in the fall and winter to dream how a new church could look in the neighborhood. These 12, with the guidance of NCDC Executive Director Lindsay Armstrong, drafted and published an advertisement for an organizing pastor. This was followed by months of interviews, discussion, and eventual unanimity in a way forward, hiring Jenelle Holmes as organizing pastor of “Ormewood Church.” The first worship service of this fledgling group was held Easter of 2017, new life emerging on the property of a closed church. Click here to continue reading Ormewood's story.
A Vision Rooted in Faith: A Moving History of Zo Presbyterian Church
In the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, a divine spark ignited a journey of faith, unity, and resilience that would become the Zo Presbyterian Church (USA). It began with a simple moment—a drive through the city, a sign that read "Presbytery of Greater Atlanta," and a man with a vision. The Rev. Dr. Lianchinkhup Taithul, a devoted pastor and visionary leader, felt a stirring in his soul. Compelled by faith, he entered the Presbytery office and, with humility and boldness, declared his dream: to establish a Presbyterian church for his Zo people—a community of immigrants and refugees seeking a spiritual home in a new land.
His words found a warm reception with the Rev. Dr. Lindsay Armstrong, Executive Director of the New Church Development Commission (NCDC). With her steadfast support and the NCDC and Presbytery’s encouragement, the dream took root. On October 9, 2016, the Zo Presbyterian Church (USA) was born. That day, families and individuals gathered not just to worship, but to dedicate themselves to a shared vision—a church that would serve as a beacon of hope, fostering spiritual growth and community for the Zo people in the United States and beyond. The NCDC joined in the joyous celebration, providing lunch and a birthday cake, marking the occasion with warmth and fellowship. Click here to continue reading Zo's story.