Wherever you are on life’s journey, we’re glad you found your way to us. We believe that “church” ought to be relevant, nonjudgmental, forward-thinking, science-loving, environmentally-conscious, gay-friendly, inspiring, and most of all a place where we serve God by loving others.   We emphasize faith, reason, service and love:

 

Faith should be a source of joy.  It’s more about mystery than certainty.  To us faith is does not mean subscribing to a creed but trying to practice the wisdom of Jesus—which can lead to healing and wholeness in ourselves and in our world. 

 

Reason tells us there’s no “one true religion,” but church ought to offer meaningful ways to understand ourselves and others, creating community and putting joys and sorrows into perspective.  Scripture offers guidance and inspiration, not scientific facts. 

 

Service means that our treatment of others is the ultimate expression of our faith.  Church needs to practice its spirituality with acts of compassion, social justice, earth care, hospitality, generosity and by meeting the needs of people and animals. 

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Love: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind…and you shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  ~Mark 12:30-31

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Our Story: Here’s the fine print.  Bower Hill Church got its start in 1951.  Our identity as a “justice church” goes back to the Selma-to-Montgomery March of 1965.  We are officially a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA), which traces its roots to the Church of Scotland and the Protestant Reformation of the 1500s.  But we are ecumenical, interfaith, and find inspiration and wisdom in a variety of faith traditions.

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Will It Be Weird?  Probably not too much.  If you visit, you’ll be welcomed but not overwhelmed.  We understand that some folks just want to hang back and scope things out for a while. Our worship service is reverent, but not stuffy.  It follows an ancient pattern but remains relevant to our times. Children are welcome.  There is a nursery as well as special activities and programs for kids. Dress however you like, and when they pass the offering plate, please don’t give!  Giving is a joy reserved for members, not guests!