Jesus said, “Come unto me, all who labor and are heavy-laden and I will give you rest.”

As pastor of this congregation, it is my privilege to welcome you to our website.

In the current religious and political climate, which seems so hostile to love and grace, it is important to say something about the Christianity we seek to practice here at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland.

 

This is a Christian community, hoping to offer authentic worship and service to the God we discover in Jesus Christ.  To our Presbyterian understanding, precisely because this is a Christian community, absolutely everyone is fully welcome.

 

We welcome you in the name of Jesus Christ Who taught the disciplines of hospitality, justice, and compassion—that is, love of God and neighbor. As Jesus welcomed people into the grace of God, we welcome you.

We use some of the traditional language of the church, looking within its poetry and time-tested idioms for the depth and riches of a living God. Even though the language of faith has so often in public discourse been co-opted for exclusive and false purposes, we employ its beautiful metaphoric cadences of truth for their revelatory hope. I pray that you will not allow public misuse of our Christian language to delude you and thus exclude you from the Christian love we intend.

We extend this love and hospitality not because we require you nor presume you to be Christian, but because we hope to be Christian toward you. It is indeed a great privilege to welcome you.

 

 

 

                          Rev. Chandler Stokes, Pastor

First Presbyterian Church of Oakland

Intellectual, Spiritual, Open-Minded, and Diverse

Welcome

2619 Broadway

Oakland, CA 94612

(510) 444-3555