Mira Vista United Church of Christ

Sheila C. _{on Yelp}

Feb 17th, 2015

I'm not a regular church goer but have been attending on and off for the past few years.  Lately, I've found myself going more often - at first just to spend more timewith my mom but, have come to realize that I'm experiencing more of a spiritual connection.  It's a wonderful congregation -  warm and welcoming.  I love the music and the new Minister, Melinda.   I like their social justice stance and commitment to the community.

Elizabeth C. _{on Yelp}

Jul 3rd, 2011

I've been a member of Mira Vista for about a year and a half now, and that in and of itself is saying a lot. I've been a Christian for the past thirty years or so, but have until now been pretty skittish about committing to a church. I spent years visiting varying denominations, always feeling like an outsider who was on a spiritual journey that didn't quite mesh with any of them. From the beginning, Mira Vista's welcome felt different, more genuine: "Whoever you are, wherever you are on life's journey, you are welcome here." I have indeed felt welcomed. And very soon, I found myself not only participating in worship, but also joining the Cultural Justice Group, the Social Action Team, and feeling part of a community filled with heart, compassion, depth and wisdom. This is a church that cares for the world in active, dynamic ways. It is a place where different ideas are listened to and respected. It is a community filled with love for one another, one in which each of us is encouraged to deepen our relationship with God and to live out that relationship in ways that in turn help others deepen theirs. And because of all this, I feel nurtured and blessed at Mira Vista. I would invite anyone hungry for a wonderful church home to come visit, and be sure to stay for lunch and conversation. You won't be disappointed.

Leslie M. _{on Yelp}

Feb 27th, 2010

I am a first year Seminary student and I attended this church to scope it out for my field education experience next year.  Although the congregation is small the welcome I received was one of the warmest I have experienced in the  bay area.  I arrived a little bit late due to my confusion about the location.  I didn't realize they have their services in the Lutheran church so when I saw the Lutheran church sign I called information to make sure I had the address right.  After a close inspection of the marquee, I noticed that Mira Vista was listed.   The music was great.  The music director is passionate and has a lovely voice.  The choir did a fantastic job.The regular pastor was on sabbatical when I attended so I can't speak to how the sermons normally are but Rev. Katie's sermon was great.  The theology is progressive and open minded.One can see that the people at Mira Vista truly care about each other.  As prayers were requested for family and friends,  I could hear and feel the genuine compassion and concern people had for one another.  Since I have only attended once, I don't know a lot about their social justice programs but it seems that for such a small church they are extremely active in the community.If you are looking for a church home, I would definitely consider Mira Vista.

Nancy L. _{on Yelp}

Jul 13th, 2009

I had stayed away from churches for my entire adult life, for 40 years to be exact, after my family was kicked out of a church for being too progressive when I was a teenager. Then one day I went to the 2006 Christmas Eve service at Mira Vista United Church of Christ, since my father wanted to go. I was deeply moved by the choir, the pastor's sermon, the congregational singing - I had tears running down my face. I realized there was something special here. After a few weeks of soul searching I started attending, sitting in the back pew. I came to realize that while I already had a very full life, lots of friends, work I love, a great family, etc., I was missing having a spiritual practice and community. I realized that this group was honest, genuinely caring, progressive politically, and deeply spiritual. It feeds my soul.I was invited to sing in the Amazing Graces, the choir, which I love (pretty soon you will be able to find us on You Tube). I was asked to take on a job and join the church council, which I did. I volunteered to go on the last 2 annual trips to New Orleans to help rebuild post-Katrina (check out the blog about these trips on the church website). I have marched in the last two Pride parades, carrying a banner I made, with the church's name on it, and proclaiming that God loves everyone. I participate in our monthly discussion groups about racism and social justice.I really feel like I can be me here, and am accepted, not judged.The pastor is an amazing woman, really smart, loves good poetry, and always has a thought-provoking and uplifting message in her sermons. She is very joyful and a delight to be with.This is a small but growing and very alive group, and everyone is welcome! Come check us out.

Margaret K. _{on Yelp}

Jul 10th, 2009

I started going to this church several months ago. I have to say that I am pretty hard on churches. I have found it to be a progressive spiritual congregation that embraces you as you are. The pastor is wise and kind and crafts sermons that make you think or perhaps re-think what you thought you knew about the bible. She also makes its message relevant to the present. It is an open and affirming church which means that all folks are welcome and the scripture readings are completed in English and Spanish. Child care is offered but children are also welcome to stay and part of the service is specifically for little ones. It shares the physical building with the Lutheran Church that owns it, which I happen to think is great . ( I am a planner.) Efficient use of buildings is green and a good thing. Most importantly, it frees up more money to DO something that the church finds important, like the group they sponsored in the spring to go and work in New Orleans, and to support food programs in Richmond and El Cerrito. Oh, and the music is truly amazing. Soulful and rich. It has lifted me out of my everyday thoughts and centered me in my seat on more than one occasion. You can't be running through your to-do list in your head when Amy and Wendy and/or the Choir really turn it on.  You got no choice but to listen, it is that good.It is a small but growing congregation and if you are church shopping and any of this sounds good, I suggest you add it to your list.