Westwood Presbyterian Church
10822 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90024
(310) 474-4535
office@westwoodpres.org
http://www.westwoodpres.org/

I returned to the Westwood Presbyterian Church on January 28 and was again struck by the warmth of the community, aided by the small, Gothic sanctuary.

Its strong musical tradition means that it is not uncommon to arrive at this church on a "Jazz Sunday", or to enjoy an Advent Sunday service that glides from an inspirational sermon about the challenges of the life of Handel right into an outstanding performance of Messiah. In short, this church has a very creative musical director complemented by a gifted and dedicated choir.

Its not all song, though. The pastor weaves biblical lessons with the academic and cultural into a spiritually poignant message. A membership of 600 (and what appears to be more like 150 in attendance on a typical Sunday) people, young and adult, who are often associated with nearby UCLA, enjoy church-run academic pursuits on poverty, homelessness, history, literature and bible studies, as well as pancake Sundays, arts and crafts, and men's and women's fellowships. Its the kind of church where you'll find a Bentley, a hybrid and an old lemon in the lot -- it just seems to attract people who are driven by their missions and united in Christ.

Sunday school for young children and young adults accounts for a growing family population.