This is the perfect church! Well, no, that would be a lie, but it is my church, and I love it. I have been faithfully attending and serving at this church for close to 30 years, since a freshman in college, and have seen it grow from a small college group to a college-dominated English Ministry of a Korean Church, to what it is now, a vibrant, growing church that is made up of most lifestages (infants, children, college, post-grad, young working adults, no-so young working adults, married couples, and families). Christ Central Presbyterian Church (aka CCPC) is an independent church (particularized May 2014). CCPC is a member of the KAPC (Korean American Presbyterian Church) denomination. I'm one of the four ordained elders at Christ Central, and I would recommend my church to you whether you are someone seeking after Christ, or someone looking for a spiritual home to grow.
This is what you should expect:
Service starts at 9:50 am (and we start on time), so come a little early (9:30) so you can grab a close parking spot. Parking is probably the least desirable part of coming to church. Warning! Do you park in the lower lot. Occasionally, someone will park down there, and Korean church double parks, so you will get stuck for a couple of hours. Take in the view of the Pacific Ocean from the parking lot. It is unparalleled, especially on a clear day. When you enter the church, you'll receive a program and be welcomed. If you are new, someone from the Newcomer Team, will take your essential info, and answer any questions you might have. You'll be guided to an open seat, welcomed with friendly faces and greetings. At 9:50, we begin worship with a Call to Worship, and we respond with participatory praise music/singing. Next is a time of reflection and repentance (because we acknowledge our sin and need for God's grace), and then an Assurance of Pardon (to remember the work of Christ that redeems us). Afterwards, we have offering, prayer, children's message, scripture, and the Word of God! Worship is a wonderful journey that is a back and forth between God and His people.
Another note: If you have kids, please bring them into the worship service, and after the Children's Message, they will be escorted to their respective age-based classrooms. Parents can walk their kids down the first time, and can ask questions about our Children's Ministry while doing so.
Infants? You can bring them into the main sanctuary of course, but if you some privacy/quiet needs, there is a cry room directly behind the sanctuary with a bathroom in it. The sermon (with volume) is broadcast there, and you can also open the blinds to see directly into the sanctuary when you no longer need the privacy.
After some short announcements, you are guided to a free meal (usually hot "kook bap" soup), provided by our heritage church, Korean Central Presbyterian Church, in the fellowship hall, while the Korean-speaking congregation comes in to prepare for their worship. You hang out, meet people, and usually are done at 12:00 pm. There are post-lunch activities depending on your lifestage, so if you want to hangout longer, you can to meet more folks.
Beyond Sunday, the church is based around mid-week Community/Small Groups, and you will only really experience what our church is like if you join one. The congregation is in the 200-250 range with a great nursery/children's program/youth group. The church is small enough where our staff is accessible. If you want to, you can meet, and get to know the pastors and elders. The church is led by Senior Pastor Ben Kim and Pastor In Kim. The staff is wonderful, the servant leadership is dedicated, and we try very hard to "Love God" and "Love People" (our 2015 motto).
If you've been to CCPC when it was KCPC English Ministry, I think you'll see that we have kept what is good, and have changed much of what needed improving. We're by no means perfect, but strive to glorify God by equipping the saints and preaching the Good News.
CCPC is known for its reform theology, biblical teaching, Christ-centered community groups, heartfelt rockin' praise/worship, Presbyterian organization, and free lunch. I hope you find a home here at Christ Central. I look forward to meeting you. God bless you! read more