Montclair Presbyterian Church

My first attraction to MPC was two fold. I admired the dedication to learning and understanding that people showed by their participation in contract adult education groups. Imagine,committing to show up six sundays in a row. The thing that caused me to actually start coming here was the idea that my husband would have a church that he could fully be part of.

Jean Norris

I grew up in MPC with my family. My maternal grandfather was the pastor at MPC in the 40″s. My mom, Jean Smart, still attends MPC. I have lots of friends at MPC, some old, some newish….

Kathy Sawyer

The services at MPC provide quiet, meditative time to hear the lessons that give me the peace, strength, and inspiration to face the chaos of the world around me. And in the creative, intelligent, and loving members I find the sense of community that makes me want to give back.

Gretchen Garlinghouse

I come her because it is a friendly environment. People are pleasant and they include the children. I like the participation and openness.

Marina Tate

We don’t just sit around thinking “Holy” thoughts – we work to make a better world.

Sari Kulberg

I go to MPC because it’s a place where everybody knows my name.

Sloan White

Now, every time I attend a church even I find that I am talking to a person who cares as deeply as I do about things going on in the world.

Jean Norris

What draws me to the church is that I get a positive message about God and  about how I can I can be of use to God in the world. My teen age daughter greatly enjoys and benefits from the youth group and willingly comes to church.

Janet Griffith

Montclair Presbyterian Church is an extended family for me and for many others in our church family. MPC is spiritual without being too religious. Our Sunday morning services are a celebration of Jesus and God.

We worship together, have fun together (there is a lot of laughter, including on Sunday mornings), and work together for social justice and other causes.

Come for a visit! You’ll be glad you did.

Phil Reagan

My husband and I moved to Oakland on Saturday of Labor Day Weekend 1994 – from New Jersey. My X-husband’s first wife whom I had attended church with in the 70’s (in St. Louis, MO)  told me I should check out Montclair Presbyterian Church.  So on the day after we moved into our new home, I headed down the hill to MPC to attend the service.  I was warmly welcomed by an elderly woman wearing a bright red beret and informed that the service was in the courtyard – not the sanctuary.  The service, by now retired Duke Robinson, was intellectually stimulating, the people were warm and welcoming and the day was glorious.    I have been attending ever since.  Over the 17 years, through two regular pastors and two interim pastors,  it has truly become my faith community. Being a member of a congregation interested in social justice issues has gently  nudged me into becoming more active.  I am a better person today – having absorbed the lessons modeled at MPC on how to care for one another and our planet.  MPC welcomes all as evidenced by the fact that my husband, who is not a Christian,  regularly participates in activities and even c-chairs the “Art Gang” group within the church.

Pat Schwinn

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