CHURCH IN OCEAN PARK
235 Hill St, Santa Monica, CA 90405
310-399-1631
churchop@aol.com
http://www.churchop.org/Home.html

Founded in 1898, Santa Monica's Church in Ocean Park began as a Methodist Episcopal church. It was clear upon entry that it has evolved into quite a different congregation today.

Due to a frantic, last minute bank stop for the offering, I was running late to my first visit to this church. I race into a tiny parking lot and squeeze into the last spot. I quickly follow the person in front of me up the stairs (no elevator for the wheelchair bound) and to the sanctuary. It is now 10:25 and, with people standing around getting coffee, the service is just starting to come together with singing led by folk singer and Minister of Music, Elinor Graham. Everyone seems to know the words but me. There are no hymnals, no bibles, and no one has handed out a bulletin to follow the service. I am not really sure what to expect. Ten minutes into the service a bulletin is passed along with a flier for a rally!

There are about 30, maybe fewer, people ranging in age from 35 to 75, averaging at approximately 55. The sanctuary has stained glass windows, and wooden chairs that hook together to make three rows of pews that circle around the room, water stains the ceiling, peace dove and rainbow flags decorate the walls, and ear to ear smiles from most of the parishioners who notice the stranger tell me that to most of the people in the room, this place is home.

Following the first song there are announcements about various activities (protests, Four corners, yoga, poetry, samhein ritual on the beach), and then what I think might be a prayer. There is then a bible reading, which is about as much Jesus as you will hear at this church.

A couple of women join Rev. Janet McKeithen at the mic in the center of the group. This spot serves as an alter despite the full, raised alter. I suppose this is because of the size of the group and the communal feel of the church. The three women tell, through the help of a slide show, an impassioned story about their recent trip to New Orleans as UMCOR volunteers. This goes on for about an hour in an informal, non structured manner in which the other parishioners ask questions, and share their own concerns. As moving as this was, I began to wonder if there would be time for the sermon. But, alas, a sermon that was! There was a litany about Katrina's survivors and New Orleans' reconstruction, followed by the lighting of candles for loved ones. This too was quite participatory. On a voluntary basis, individual parishioners made their way to the center to tell the story of either a loved one, the people who had helped them throug their personal battles, and even a comforting cat. In their honor, each person lit a tea candle, although a couple of them nearly lit the place on fire! Some blessings came with tears, but all were heartfelt and sincere.

Following another song "Bread" was passed. I thought maybe this would be communion. No, rather, an eccentric, energetic man told a story about opportunity, and taking chances as we ate the dried, organic bananas he provided. OK. More like community than communion, befitting this congregation.

The offering came and I dropped in the cash I had stressed so much about that morning. But the offering was a more casual, 'do what you can' kind of set up, with a couple of buckets, and mismatched baskets coming at you in all directions. During the passing Elinor Graham sang a soulful solo about love, loss and heaven. While there was no choir, the voices of the congregation, particularly Elinor's, rendered inspirational music.

At this point we all pull into a circle, holding hands, as those who know the words sing Donovan's "Happiness Runs", and then another spiritual involving mother earth. More announcements including a birthday (to which we sang happy birthday), and concerns. About 7 children and a few young adults appeared from the children and youth programs.

When the service ended, I said a quick goodbye and went to my car. At this point it was 12.30. My car was blocked in by three other cars. Part of the community, I guess. I go for a walk and by the time I come back, I can return home without a scratch.

This church is certainly untraditional, with a vibrant, loving, active community who aim to make a difference in the world. At least in this state, there is a place for a church like Ocean Park. Driven by social activism, progressive movements, caring for the disadvantaged and eachother, I get the feeling that Jesus just might join a congregation like this.

Getting There

On October 15 I visited All Saints Episcopal church in Beverly Hills. I had meant to attend the Beverly Hills Presbyterian church and, having arrived 30 minutes before the service began, was disappointed to learn that, despite the "Parking Information Here!" sign, there would be no special parking accommodations for this beautiful church on the corner of Rodeo Drive and Santa Monica Blvd, but that parishioners are instead sent to scavenge for street parking. Fortunately, on Sundays, lot parking is free. However, on that particular Sunday there was an Art in The Park event next door! After 25 minutes of driving on $3 a gallon I find a spot and enter the church at exactly 11:00. Curious about the incense, kneeling posts, and lack of urgency to get the service started, I glance quickly at the bulletin to learn that I did not enter the Presbyterian Church of Beverly Hills, but the All Saints Episcopal Church next door! I probably could have snuck out and in to the church I set out to attend, but believing this to be fate I sat tight, albeit tremendously self conscious about my lack of fluency in the language and customs of the Episcopal tradition.


The Review:

All Saints Parish
504 N Camden Drive
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-275-0123
Worship Service: 6 PM Saturday; 8 AM Sunday; 9 AM Sunday; 11:15 AM Sunday
http://www.allsaintsbh.org/index.php

The sanctuary is medium-sized, ornate and traditional with a beautifully-smithed metal screened in chapel type area to the right of the alter, where the choir sits waiting for the service to begin. Thankfully, the bulletin explains every step of the service including how to receive communion, when to stand and kneel, how to respond to calls, and the Episcopal/Catholic version of the Nicene creed. The bulletin also demonstrates the church's creative methods of fundraising. One member offers to rent her beachfront property and donate the proceeds to the church, and another realtor offers her commission if you sell your property through her. This is a very committed congregation. They arre involved in community outreach efforts, particularly those involving justice, offer child care, and education and fellowship opportunities. A quick glance around also tells me that this is a gay-friendly, and therefore likely progressive, congregation.

The service begins with a Call to Worship and introduction of who I believe was a new choral director. He walks the congregation through the new arrangement of Holy, Holy, Holy to make sure we have it. Then a wonderful choir leads the congregation through the first hymn. Through the service there were many beautiful selections. The service is traditional, but seems to be forward thinking. The sermon was about technology, judgment and balance as a Christian in the modern world, though it was thought provoking, it was not terribly inspirational. However, this must have been an off week for the congregation exuded an energy of confidence, joy, power and faith. If I did not think there were something completely wrong about grading or ranking churches as an utter lay person and believer that church is usually good, even if it is not for me, I would definitely give this one an A+.