Beverly Hills Presbyterian Church
505 N Rodeo Dr
Beverly Hills, CA
90210
(310) 271-5197
http://www.bhpc.org/

After several attempts to attend the the church where Reese Witherspoon found solace and that my more LA-savvy friends declared as a sanctuary for celebrity praying, I expected a big hat, big car, big collection plate church. I was surprised to see that this is actually a sweet, bible based, traditional Presbyterian church (Although I did attend on Oscar Sunday!). This is a nice family church that was about 1/2 full for the 11 AM service. The sermon for this first Sunday of Lent followed and was spun from a dramatic reading from CS Lewis on temptation. There seemed to be a bit of a right-winged angle to it and I wouldn't be surprised if much of the congregation were, but from one service, its hard to imagine that this is the type of church that might be audited for its political activity. More, it seems to follow the scripture and aim to remind us of our role towards leading a virtuous life. Indeed, the BHPC is not high church, but highly principled in the rules that guide us all as Christians.

As a visitor, I was pleased to be offered a rose (still doing well a week later!), and that the church holds the collegial tradition of passing the peace. Ahh...

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.

Brentwood Presbyterian Church
12000 San Vicente Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90049
310-826-5656
www.bpcusa.org
9:30 AM; 11:00 AM

The Brentwood Presbyterian church has a huge campus on the corner of Bundy and San Vicente in the Brentwood area of Los Angeles. I came for the second of two services. My impression is that the second service is more contemporary, and the smaller of the two. There were hymnals in every pew, but the hymns and more contemporary Christian music we sang was printed on a screen which hung from above the alter. There was also not a formal choir, but a group of about 12 churchgoers standing on the alter in plainclothes singing their hearts out as the approximately 60 attending parishoners were encouraged to join.

I also had the impression that the first service was the more family oriented of the two since there were gobs of young families leaving as I rolled in. It seemed that there is an entire wing dedicated to the church's learning programs for children and adults, and a large gym for young adults and others. During the service the youth minister, a peppy young girl who liked to say "man!" and "excitin'" presented the work that the young adults are doing both for their own personal enrichment and the community, including a once-monthly trip to Santa Monica to work with another youth minister in that area's work with the poor. A confirmation class meets concurrently with the 11 AM service, and the youth also meet again Sunday evenings. Definitely a great church to raise a family.

The service was great. The minister started with a greeting in which every person was to shake the hands of three others and pass it back, this all to orient us with the context of his sermon on Paying Your Family Forward. The emphasis was on generosity (it also happened to be stewardship season). There was also an opportunity for people to share concerns and the Minister would bring us to prayer after each concern, all of which were heartfelt. The Minister was very good at keeping people concise and pulling their concerns into eloquent prayer.

There is not an embarrassing introduction of visitors.

This bible-based church has a very active bible study program for adults, carolling, hikes, youth and children's program. I would be interested to see if there is a big difference between the 9:30 and 11:00 services...

If you plan to come to the Agape Church in Culver City arrive early! Despite its two large parking lots it took me 15 minutes of driving around in circles to finally follow the flags guiding me to the satellite parking down the road. There is a shuttle that will take parishoners to and from this lot, but I walked the two short blocks. Finally making my way inside at five-till-eleven, I see that the place is packed! Luckily I am meeting my cousins who arrived at 10:30 when the doors open for the service. I sit with them waaaay in the back corner of the church while others wait by for openings, or take a seat outside to watch the service through television monitors.

The Church Building
The Church looks like a gutted office building, or a warehouse in which they have put up some curtains and a stage to make it appear to be an actual, traditional church sanctuary. Still, the somewhat industrial environment does nothing to discourage people from attending, rather this is a profoundly popular church. So what about this place so effectively lures people in?

The Church Vision
This International Spirtitual Center, which one parishoner described as a "Science of Mind" church, has a very broad appeal, but it is not a Christian church. They believe that we are created with known gifts that we may stifle through fear and societal expectations, but that through self-affirmation we can realize our natural dreams and gifts, and by so doing, we are actually becoming the person God would want us to be. The philosophy links together emotions, God, and experiences, and asserts that we create emotions through our experiences which may ultimately create boxes which limit us to see ourselves in the eyes of the material world and our own fears rather than in terms of our great potential to attain a life that God sees as reaching our capacity. A very enriching vision.

The Message
This particular Sunday was the youth Sunday. While it was not typical of the ordinary service, you could see the impact of the church message in the young people . The children and youth perform songs, dances, and read poetry and bits of personal insight. Because the youth who deliver parts of the service are such natural performers, visitors are offered an understanding of the effectiveness of this institution. Unlike typical insecure adolescents, these young people are confident, self-assured, and driven and cannot wait to participate.

The message, delivered by Dr. Michael Bernard Beckwith is consistent with the vision of the church and organization with which he is associated. He seems to inspire a kind of awakening allowing you to meditate into an inner voice that will push you to face your fears and obtain the confidence to attempt to try new things, and achieve your personal dreams. While there is not talk of Jesus, except peripherally among all of the major religious founders, the idea of living for today, planning for tomorrow, and being the very best person you can be as being an example of God himself is intriguing. However, it takes a position of self-interest and self-centeredness that is somewhat contrary to my Christian beliefs. Still, an environment such as this and messages such as these may be just what one needs to pull out of a slump and into progress and greater enlightenment. And that is without question a good thing, and may be just what the doctor ordered. Apparently for many, they are moved to tears through the service.

Music
It is definitely a clap and holler church, with words for songs (not hymns) on a projection screen, a drum set, guitars and professional singers being words of inspiration to our ears, and for some people, a little pep in their step as they dance in the halls.

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+.

The first retroactive, first review:

September 17, 2006
First United Methodist Church
1008 11th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
http://www.santamonicaumc.org/

I attended this Methodist church's second service at 11:30. The first began at 9:00, which is already a problem, but was also said to be a contemporary service, which tends to mean rock n' roll and doesnt usually flown with me since my middle school days as a church camper.

There is free lot parking across the street and very friendly ushers at the entrance. The building is bright, light wood, and a traditional, but recently built (it seems) sanctuary with stained glass windows and true pews. There were about 80 people of all ages attending the service. About half of the parishoners seemed to be quite elderly, though there were a couple of kids as well. The service began traditionally enough with the entering of acolides, a choir and a cpngregation at its feet singing hymns. The choir was good, professional, but probably not much better than most congregants with well-tuned voices and the Methodist attitude to sing your heart out.

The minister did the scripture reading. While she did indeed read with great drama, giving flow to the story, I found it interesting and a little off-putting that a member of the church would not be called to take on that simple task. There was also not a children's sermon. This is a part of the service that I usually appreciate, even though I do not have children of my own, as it provides the simple lesson with which one should go away. This might have been a special sunday, though, since it was the sunday when they give bibles to the 4th grade children. The sermon was about the stained glass and what it is meant to be a Christian.

At the end of the service they give a flower to all the visitors. Very cute. But I am not sure how I feel about that kind of attention, or really that use of church funds.

They partner with a parish in Nigeria, but I could not tell how much else they did for the community. Overall, though, this was a nice, sweet church.

The first retroactive, first review:

September 17, 2006
First United Methodist Church
1008 11th St.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
http://www.santamonicaumc.org/

I attended this Methodist church's second service at 11:30. The first began at 9:00, which is already a problem, but was also said to be a contemporary service, which tends to mean rock n' roll and doesnt usually flown with me since my middle school days as a church camper.

There is free lot parking across the street and very friendly ushers at the entrance. The building is bright, light wood, and a traditional, but recently built (it seems) sanctuary with stained glass windows and true pews. There were about 80 people of all ages attending the service. About half of the parishoners seemed to be quite elderly, though there were a couple of kids as well. The service began traditionally enough with the entering of acolides, a choir and a cpngregation at its feet singing hymns. The choir was good, professional, but probably not much better than most congregants with well-tuned voices and the Methodist attitude to sing your heart out.

The minister did the scripture reading. While she did indeed read with great drama, giving flow to the story, I found it interesting and a little off-putting that a member of the church would not be called to take on that simple task. There was also not a children's sermon. This is a part of the service that I usually appreciate, even though I do not have children of my own, as it provides the simple lesson with which one should go away. This might have been a special sunday, though, since it was the sunday when they give bibles to the 4th grade children. The sermon was about the stained glass and what it is meant to be a Christian.

At the end of the service they give a flower to all the visitors. Very cute. But I am not sure how I feel about that kind of attention, or really that use of church funds.

They partner with a parish in Nigeria, but I could not tell how much else they did for the community. Overall, though, this was a nice, sweet church.