What to Expect?

You can expect a friendly, welcoming group of folks! Our minister, Rev Carla Friedrich will likely be somewhere close by before the service, so feel free to introduce yourself. You can even call her before hand to ask questions (510. 282. 6244 cell ) or need direction or let us know you are coming (619. 296. 5662 office)

You can expect a warm welcome. The first thing you will see upon approaching the church is the foyer. Those with “Greeter” buttons can help further direct you and answer questions. On the left, there is a table of free literature; please help yourself to any of these. To the right is the bathroom and also a stairwell to the Hall with two other bathrooms. Straight ahead is the library. (There are coloring books, books, and some toys in there for anyone to use) When you come in, the sanctuary is on the left. Enter the sanctuary on your left, and if services have already begun, be sure to grab a bulletin (order of service) on the table on the right as you enter. You may sit anywhere you like.

“In heaven, upon entering another’s heavenly home, there is a room; a place of belonging which has been prepared especially for you; and the same is true when they visit you. … This is because the inmost of heaven is the Divine Love of the Lord and whole of heaven is the Lord Himself, who desires nothing more than to draw all to him.” – Emanuel Swedenborg CL

“In my Father’s House there are many mansions [rooms]. I go there to prepare a place for you; if it were not so, I would have told you.”

The congregation on any given Sunday, is a mix of new neighbors and visitors; young and old. There are also some life-timers there since this congregation has been worshipping here for over 125 years. There will often be individuals who are of varied cultural backgrounds and various faith traditions. They will be dressed anywhere from Sunday best to casual sports clothes. One person may have even ridden their bike to Church. Its a real eclectic mix of sincere seekers. We hope that you come with a bit of renewed innocence (a growing edge; the willingness to remain teachable)

Speaking of innocence, children are welcome in worship. They don’t have to be utterly silent; the minister doesn’t mid their chirps. If they they get restless, bored, or want to wander, the side room (library) for entertaining them comes in handy. You can even play in the front garden and come back in. If the windows are open, you may even be able to hear the music and message from the out of doors.

The service lasts almost exactly 1 hour from beginning to end. We meditate, we sing, we speak, we pray, we listen, we reflect and respond; then we eat, drink, and be merry. We usually sing three hymn-songs and we are such a diverse group that our favorite way to do it is to sing one traditional hymn, one easily sung, one modern classic or popular secular song which becomes sacred in a sacred setting.

For the spiritual message, the minister uses the ancient “language of correspondences” as a tool to extract the deeper meaning and usually finds a way to connect Scripture holistically with “all of life” and is always geared to practice in our daily lives. After the message, there is a time for reflection, and testimonials or insights to be shared. This way, we “make religion our own” and get to know one another better. You are always in spiritual freedom here and in no way compelled to believe or to speak unless you so choose. Your heartfelt thoughts, or burning questions, and different perspectives are always welcomed! We hope you’ll join us!