Montclair Presbyterian Church

What first got my attention at MPC was a January Yule Feast featuring fillet mignon, cabernet, and a circus of jugglers, acrobats and tightrope walkers.  Tightrope walkers in church? These people know how to enjoy themselves.  I then joined the Art Gang, going on excursions to Sea Ranch, Mendocino, Magnolia Press, Castelo de Amorosa.  There are dinner groups and drama discussion groups of Berkeley Rep plays, with dinner.  So the church became my social life.  At first I was put off at how “buzzy” it was before Sunday services, but then I realized these people are all friends–good friends.  It’s become my social support network.  I sing in the choir.  We often sing difficult music at which we work very hard.  Many fine voices.  This spring we did a small Bach Mass in G with professional soloists and chamber orchestra of baroque instruments. Many churches have put me off–their “stickiness.”  Here one can believe as one wishes.  There’s no pressure.  Spaciousness and acceptance to explore and test your beliefs, prejudices, limits.  People from other traditions often find MPC just the place they’ve been looking for.  This is the first church I’ve ever found that didn’t make me cry.  Joining a small group is a good way to get acquainted. For the many of those out there who describe yourself as spiritual but not religious, this is the place for you.

Carol Wolleson

Have you been to church lately?  You’ll enjoy MPC’s faith practice.  In these days of extremist, fundamentalists taking over the national platform, MPC has a meaningful service, great music, and friendly people.  The music is a constant delightful surprise, led by Choir Director Kim Rankin and organist Marcia Roy.  I enjoy revisting the Bible, the provocative sermons by Interim Pastor Beth, and the great participation by the kids of the congregation.  Oh, and an awesome youth group, led by Susan Hunn and Talitha.  We MPC members welcome you!

Cynthia Blumgardt

Singing in the choir lifts my spirits, Beth’s time with the children and her sermons engage my mind, and being part of a welcoming community where I have made deep friendships over the years warms my soul! Being a member of Montclair Presbyterian Church has given me the opportunity to learn, to be a leader, and to be supported at times of need.  I miss it when I’m out of town!

Bonnie Hamlin

I met a lot of friends at MPC and my wife of 30 years. I enjoy going to church with my wife. I especially enjoy the Sunday music. I find the people interesting and there are interesting important causes. Sometimes I need someone to listen to me when I am taking on a difficult task. It helps to have someone listen. There are kind people and people who will listen. I like the Art Gang. My blood pressure drops when I am in church. Then there is Family Camp I started going there 33 years ago.

Charlie Boije

I couldn’t live without a church because God is fascinating and central to my life. I love Beth’s sermons and her talks to the kids.  The congregation itself is full of  amazing people with interesting stories. The people are like money in the bank. When I have time to have a good conversation with someone, I feel enriched.

Peggy Alter

I came to MPC from a background in Unitarian churches, and I value what I have learned about our Christian heritage in the almost twenty years I’ve been part of this church family. I have also gained great insight into Bible stories and their often challenging messages for our times. The Adult Education program and the Poets and Storytellers offer so much to all of us. The emphasis on social justice is very important to me: being a member of the church means “walking the walk”. Most of all, the MPC church community has become an important part of my life, and I treasure the many friendships I have made here.

Mary Ellen McKey

Montclair Presbyterian Church is the community I always wished I could live in. As the world speeds up, and pressures from work and school increase, we get dragged in a thousand directions, and it’s hard to remember which way is up. MPC is a reminder that there is still room in our lives for contemplation, charity, hope, and growth, and that we are richer for it.

Rob Elia

I go to MPC because of the warmth and inclusivity. I can bring my whole self.

Virginia Abascal

I attend Montclair Presbyterian Church because I am never bored.

Bunny Stevens

I came here 30+ years ago because this was a doing church not a praying church.

Meta McAuley

If I were standing naked at the corner of 14th & Broadway at 3 am, there are several MPC members I could call who would pick me up, no questions asked.

Earl Hamlin

Thirty plus years ago, I came to and joined Montclair Presbyterian Church.  The daughter and grand-daughter of Presbyterian ministers, I had outgrown the church of which I had been a member for a number of years, as well as serving on its staff.  My choice was between St. John’s in Berkeley and Montclair [MPC].  What drew me to Montclair was the preaching and the music program which has been exceptional over the years.  My social contacts have been small, thought I have made a number of good friends that I have come to value.  I hope to continue my membership for the future.  I have also been impressed with the strong social justice involvement of Montclair in the past and appreciated my involvement in that action.

Minda Lucero