Our History
Calvary Presbyterian Church began as a neighborhood church development in 1948, shortly after World War II. We started as a children’s Sunday school class and developed into a worshipping community, meeting in neighborhood homes. The sanctuary was finished by 1953 and an addition for Christian Education was built in 1959. From the beginning, Calvary’s membership has been diverse in economic, educational, professional and denominational backgrounds. In the early 1990s, the church welcomed growing numbers of Presbyterian immigrants from Ghana. Today we hail from many places, and we’re grateful for the diversity we share. We know that God is leading us into a joyful future.
People. Purpose. Passion.
That’s what we’re about! At Calvary Presbyterian Church we believe everybody matters to God. We welcome all people—and all means all! We come from all walks of life, bringing together various religious heritages, different educational and economic backgrounds, and rich ethnic and cultural diversity as people gather from numerous countries across five different continents to be in community together.
Our Purpose
Our purpose is to faithfully respond to Christ’s call to be His Followers. We believe that following Christ leads to a transformed life that is shaped by the Holy Spirit and dedicated to learning, growing and serving others. As we fulfill that purpose, and allow God’s transformation to take place in our lives, prayer must be the foundation of all we do. Through prayer we discern the will of God and are empowered to pursue God’s vision and plans for us.
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At Calvary, we recognize that Jesus lived and loved with passion, and so should we. We are passionate in our love for God, and we express that passion in vibrant worship where we celebrate God’s presence and work among us. We express it in our commitment to discipleship through which we come to know and follow Christ. We live out that passion in active engagement with our community. And, we share it through our joy in caring for one another, whether someone is a first-time visitor or a long-time member. We care for one another whether we agree or disagree on every issue, idea, or flavor of ice cream. (The answer is chocolate!) We are passionate about the transformation that occurs when we listen, honor different viewpoints, and remain in relationship. We can live and love together and change our corner of creation, while holding the truths of our differences in tension. We don’t walk away from the table simply because we disagree.
Our Beliefs
The name “Presbyterian” comes from the Greek word for “Elders.” Presbyterian churches are governed by called elders and ordained pastors (sometimes called “teaching elders”), who serve together on our church board, which is called the Session.
“Calvary” is a name used to refer to the hill on which Jesus Christ was crucified, along with two criminals. Like the Cross, Calvary points away from death to salvation and new life given generously to us through Christ.
The PC (USA) is among the Protestant groups considered “mainline.” Our faith is relevant, good news for everyday life. Questioning and searching are accepted and valued as a part of spiritual growth. Our tradition developed out of the Calvinist, and later Scottish, line of the Protestant Reformation in Europe, and we are constantly aware that we are “Reformed and Always Being Reformed.” There is much more for us to learn and to experience of Christ’s love for us and the world.
Our Churches beliefs and practices include:
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God is active in the world and has a claim on all areas of life.
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All people are created in the image of God, yet are prone to rebel.
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The Bible is our unique and authoritative witness to Jesus Christ, the Savior.
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Through Baptism, God seals us with the Spirit and calls us to be disciples.
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In Communion, Christ offers himself to us as nourishment for the soul.
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As disciples, we are called to serve our neighbors as Jesus did.
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Church leadership is shared, as we discern God’s will for us together.
Who is Our Church For
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Individuals and families;
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Young and old;
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“Haves” and “have not’s”;
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Gay and straight;
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The churched and the unchurched;
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Black, white, brown and every nationality;
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White-collared, blue-collared and no collar;
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Saints and sinners
For more specifics on our beliefs, please click on the PC (USA) link below:
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Becoming a Member
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The only requirements for membership are faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and a commitment to the life and work of this congregation. Come visit us and see if Calvary may become your new faith home.
