A Church That Feels Like Church
Northminster Presbyterian Church sits on 61st Street in Sarasota, Florida, a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) within Peace River Presbytery that has gathered for worship since 1958. The church describes itself as a place that "feels like church and welcomes like family," a fellowship where God's grace and hope are renewed week by week. NPC is rooted in the Reformed tradition, places a high value on Scripture as God's Word, and seeks to live that out in daily life.
More than six decades after its founding, NPC remains a fellowship alive with warmth and buzzing with opportunity, organized around three rhythms named at the church: worship, growth, and service.
Sunday Worship at 10:30 a.m.
Sunday worship begins at 10:30 a.m. at the 61st Street campus and is also livestreamed on YouTube and on Facebook so members at home can join in real time. A sermon archive on YouTube lets visitors return to past services whenever they wish. The church office is open Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
A Blended Style of Worship
NPC's worship is a blend of traditional liturgy with modern worship songs and hymns, a style that reflects the congregation's Reformed heritage while leaving room for fresh expression. Pastor Ed Dawkins brings the message, with liturgists, the choir, guest musicians, and a worship team sharing the work of each service. Communion is observed under the guidance of the Worship team.
Music and the Worship Team
Music is a defining part of NPC's identity. Minister of Music Ed Stiles Jr. leads an active music program that includes the choir, solos, and guest musicians, with Julius J. Davis Jr. accompanying the congregation on piano. Julie Mailliard serves as Worship Lead, and a wider worship team helps shape each Sunday's flow alongside a technology team that manages streaming and sound.
Bible Studies, Circles, and Prayer
Christian Education coordinates Bible studies, circles, and squares that draw the congregation into deeper study and conversation. The Prayer Chain ministers to the congregation through daily prayer and notifications, while fellowship events such as dinners and shows give members regular chances to gather beyond Sunday morning.
H.O.P.E. Food Pantry and Outreach
Outreach and mission at NPC center on the H.O.P.E. Food Pantry, a long-running effort that feeds neighbors in the Sarasota community. Ushers, the welcome center, communion servers, and decoration and flower teams keep Sundays running smoothly, and a dedicated Mission team connects members with service projects described as engaging and relationship-building. The Property team maintains the campus, while the Nominating team recruits new leaders as the church grows.
Leadership and Governance
Pastor Ed Dawkins leads the congregation with the support of Lay Pastor Jan Hunt. NPC is governed by the Session, with Sally Kirby serving as Clerk of Session. Deacons provide pastoral care, and a wide bench of teams - Finance, Personnel, Fellowship, Worship, Property, Technology, and more - carries the work of ministry across the church.
Visiting Northminster
Northminster Presbyterian Church is located at 3131 61st Street, Sarasota, FL 34243. The office phone is 941-355-4729 and the email is info@npcsarsota.org. A contact form connects newcomers with the church for pastoral conversations, serving opportunities, membership questions, and newsletter subscriptions. Online giving is available through the church's Realm giving form.