“In the love of Truth and the spirit of Jesus, we unite for the worship of God and the service of Mankind.” – quote for the first service of the San Luis Obispo Congregational church, 1958.
The United Church of Christ (Congregational) of San Luis Obispo is an incredibly active church. We have annual events and activities within the church and serve the community in many ways. Here are some of the activities we do year-round.
Caiaphas pays off Judas
Lenten Season
We learn of the last days of Christ, his ministry, crucifixtion and resurrection. Rev. Curt brings to life those involved intimately in the life of Jesus through theater, from disciples to the temple leaders of the time.
Seder Meal
We honor Jesus and His Jewish ancestry by sitting down to the Sedar meal, the Last Supper. Our good friend Richard Carsel usually performs the Sedar, steeped in the traditions of Jesus’ time.
The Easter Cross
Easter Early Service and Brunch
OK, we don’t get up at dawn, but we do have a lovely outdoor service at 8:30 a.m. and quite a spread of Easter Brunch goodies to enjoy. The church also has its regular 10:30 a.m. service for those who don’t want to get up early. It is a joyful day – “He is Risen” – and Fellowship is fun, festive and filling!
Summer BBQ
Summer BBQ’s
We fire up Big Nick (our BBQ named in memory of a cherished church member) and cook up some of the best chicken and Tri-tip in the county. We serve Santa Maria style, complete with salad and garlic bread to raise funds for the church. Look for us to fire up the grill in May/June.
Homeless Overflow
Each July, our church has the honor of hosting guests from the Maxine Lewis Memorial Shelter. Congregants volunteer to spend the night, donate food and, the last couple of years, each guest has received a homemade quilt from the Quilters Club that meets at the church. We have a year-round ministry that donates clothing, blankets and other items to the shelter.
People’s Kitchen at Prado Day Center
Once a month, church members cook, deliver and serve lunch at the Prado Day Center for the Homeless. In recent months, more than 160 meals have been served. To learn how you may help, visit http://www.pradodaycenter.org.
Church Choir
Musical Events
The United Church of Christ San Luis Obispo is a very musical church! Shoot, we have a minister that loves musical theater, a Choir Director that has an operatic voice, very talented accompanyists and musical church members. Several congregants play musical instruments and we host musical groups throughout the year. We have welcomed the San Luis Obispo Chamber Orchestra, choirs from the California International Choral Festival & Competition, the Valley Choral, songwriter Jim Manley and many more. In May, we host our own church talent show called, “May Mayhem.”
Church Fellowship Luncheon
Each month, the church invites a member of the community to tell their “Faith Story.” We heard from Dave Romero, Mayor of San Luis Obispo; Dave Garth, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce and Olivia Doko, an ordained Catholic priest not recognized by the Church.
Fall Re-Usables Sale
Fall Re-Usables Sale
In September, we prepare for the Fall and the returning Cal Poly students by holding a large “garage sale” so-to-speak with gently used electronic equipment, furniture, household items, linens, plants and books. We have everything that a student (or anyone for that matter) may need to decorate their house.
Thanksgiving Breakfast Service
Thanksgiving Breakfast Service
For the past few years, the congregation has celebrated Thanksgiving together by breaking bread together. As a church family, we are grateful to each other and the people in our lives. It’s a special way to worship and appreciate each other.
Christmas Candlelight Service
Christmas Season
This is a most sacred season – the promise of the Messiah fulfilled. “Christ is born!” The congregation celebrates the birth of Christ with several services including a Chrismon service that explains the symbols of the season, first-person sermons from Rev. Curt, a Christmas musical cantata service and a candlelight Christmas Eve service.
Santa Baby, aka Rev. Curt
