There are many interesting events that happen each week at Community Presbyterian Church (CPC). Every Sunday following worship at about 11:10 AM there is a time of fellowship and coffee (usually a little good food, also). This is a great time to get to know some of us, and for us to get to know you.
On Tuesday mornings from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM there is a time of Bible study and fellowship. Weekday evenings there is often a book group, topical study, or movie group at 7:30 PM. This is another opportunity to get some great insights into the life of CPC. Please check our home page or Chapel Tidings to see what is being offered this month.
Each month, the Church World Issues, (CWI) meets. View our 14 day calendar of events above, or the full version at the orange link on this page for the dates and times pf events. If you have an interest in how Community Presbyterian Church is acting globally and locally, come and join us.
The Rev. Will McGarvey became the pastor at CPC on July 1st, 2004. Will grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah, and married his wife Becky in 1990. They are fortunate to be the parents of Ian and Megan, 20 and 18 respectively (As of 7-7). Becky's life work is as a Health Insurance professional at a brokerage office in the North Bay. Will received his Bachelor's degree from Westminster College of Salt Lake City with a Social Sciences Composite major and a minor in Religion. After a few years in the print shop business and retail management, he heard God's call to ministry through youth ministry. He spent five and a half years doing youth ministry in American Baptist (ABC) and Presbyterian - PC (USA) Churches before enrolling in San Francisco Theological Seminary, where he completed his Masters of Divinity.
Will is a progressive pastor within the Presbyterian Church (USA) who has a heart for sharing Christ's gospel of grace, while connecting the message of the prophets with Christ's message of social and environmental justice. God's love and acceptance is offered to everyone, regardless of racial, ethnic, sexual orientation, or social-economic status; and Christ's Church is called to mirror that invitation. Will leads the church through the scriptures in a way that both challenges and comforts, connecting the historical world of the Bible with the needs and challenges of the present. He encourages all in their journey with Jesus Christ through life's pains and joys. Christ's call is both gracious and demanding. Will is an Adjunct Faculty member at the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, where he leads one of the Field Education Seminars where Ministers in Training consider their models for their future ministry.
Will serves on the Board of the Coalition of Welcoming Congregations, which is a ministry of the Center for Lesbian and Gay Studies at PSR. Will serves on the Board of the Rainbow Community Center in Concord, a community center for the LGBTQ community which offers social services such as a youth group and counseling services. Will also serves on the National Board of the More Light Presbyterians, a network of people seeking the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people of faith in the life, ministry and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Pastor Will has a heart for pastoral care and community involvement. He recognizes the many stresses on East County families, while working with local leaders through CCISCO and the CROP Hunger Walk to seek the realization of the community's needs. Recognizing God's continuing call to young people, Will has worked with the fantastic team of adults who walk with the young people - our Middle and High School youth. Community Presbyterian Church is a church becoming - a community emerging into whom God is calling us to be. Come join us on the journey!
Will shares some of his personal musings on a blog at http://willymac4.blogspot.com in which you are welcome to participate. Feel free to read and respond to his irreverent thoughts on the church, the christian life, and our loves. There is a "Comment" link underneath each entry where you can respond and share what you think.
Our Minister of Music, Ann Custer, has been involved in church music ever since she was 16 when she began playing for a Lutheran church in exchange for organ lessons. She became a member of Community Presbyterian in 1961 and has been actively involved in the music program ever since. She served as Organist for many years and still plays occasionally. This autumn marks her 28th year as Chancel Choir Director as well as overseeing the other musical programs of the church. The music our choir and organ offer is an integral part of our successful – and meaningful – Traditional Worship Service offers to the community.
Jackie Wan has been our staff organist for the past ten years. She came out of retirement to serve our church. Jackie is a graduate of San Francisco Theological Seminary with an M.A. in Sacred Music and Christian Education. She has served churches throughout the Bay area since 1958. She is a volunteer staff member of the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County serving as Director of the Singing Messengers for more than 25 years. She also teaches piano, organ and voice in her home music studio. Jackie leads our Handbell Choir – truly a blessing whenever they share their talents.
Jessica Natal is the new Office Manager for both FCCA and CPC. The office hours have been updated to Monday through Friday from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. Welcome Jessica!
Michael Miller joined the CPC staff in the Summer of 2007 to lead our Alternative Worship Team, which prompts the congregation in multi-cultural song and creativity on the fourth Sunday of each month. He lives in Berkeley with his wife Kathryn and has two grown children. Michael is formerly the Music Director at Northminster Presbyterian Church in El Cerrito. He continues to serve on the Presbytery's Building the Beloved Community Task Force - helping sessions and congregations become inclusive bodies.
In the summers we have had a softball team that plays in the community league and enjoys great fellowship.
Ongoing Mission Opportunities:
If you would like to see a bit about the 2008 mission trip to Israel-Palestine a few members of our church and I participated in, please visit: http://keephopealiveca.blogspot.com. If you would like to go on our next trip to Israel-Palestine in October 2012, let Pastor Will know.
Remember the Deacon's Fund, highlighted on the first Sunday of each month, our Deacons receive and distribute donations on this Sunday to help families in need in the Church and East County.
The One Great Hour of Sharing Offering will be received during Lent, beginning February 21st through Easter, April 4th. This offering benefits The Presbyterian Hunger Program with 36 percent, while the Self-Development of People and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance each receive 32 percent.
Pennies for Peace: We accept the Pennies for Peace offering on the first Sunday of the month, during our Shared Ministry services. May 2nd we will be at FCCA (620 E. Tregallas Rd., Antioch).
Addressing Hunger in East County: CPC is a charter member of PICES, Pittsburg's food pantry at 585 W. 10th St. in downtown Pittsburg. We have also recently partnered with FB² - the Faith Based Food Bank - currently dispersing food at the Antioch Salvation Army at 525 E. 18th St. in Antioch. The Salvation Army is receiving frozen hams through Easter, so buy your holiday turkey, ham or canned meat a twin and drop it off at the Salvation Army!
The East County CROP Hunger Walk: will be held Sunday, Oct. 23rd, 2001 walking in both Antioch and Pittsburg. Help us raise money to battle hunger in East County and around the world.
Pakistan floods: How to help:
Please help provide food, tents, cooking supplies and emergency medical care to flood survivors in urgent need through a contribution to Church World Service. One hundred percent of your congregation’s gift goes for the emergency effort.
• Online: Church World Service or Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
• Or you can write a check to CPC: and write PDA in the Memo Line.
Michael Miller joined the CPC staff in the Summer of 2007 to lead our Alternative Worship Team, which prompts the congregation in multi-cultural song and creativity on the fourth Sunday of each month. He lives in Berkeley with his wife Kathryn and has two grown children. Michael is formerly the Music Director at Northminster Presbyterian Church in El Cerrito. He continues to serve on the Presbytery's Building the Beloved Community Task Force - helping sessions and congregations become inclusive bodies. 
