If you were to ask anyone who has entered the doors of Community Church what their first impression was undoubtedly they would say, “This is the friendliest church I’ve ever been to.”  Of course it is our hope that every church is friendly.  Unfortunately, it is not always the case.  However, members and friends of Community Church go out of their way to welcome everyone and make them feel they are a part of the family.  Handshakes are often accompanied by hugs as well.

Being Presbyterian we are far from being “frozen.”  A long tradition at the 10 am service is for everyone to gather hand in hand after the Benediction and sing “Let There Be Peace on Peace.”  Our pastor Rev. Jim Goldsmith preaches a Bible based sermon that is contemporary to the issues of today.  As he has often said, “I like to preach a sermon that you can take home with you and hang your hat on; something you will think about during the week.”

Community Church has one Sunday morning service at 10 am.  During the year our church worships through many other services including Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday meditation, Healing and Wholeness service, Christmas Candlelight service and a monthly Taize service.  The highlight of the many diverse services is the Easter Sunrise Service held on El Prado Beach at Lauderdale-by-the-Sea.  This service has been held since the church was first chartered back in 1957.  This year over 725+ gathered at 6:45 am to watch the sunrise burst forth on the horizon and hear the Word proclaimed by Rev. Goldsmith.

In addition to being a friendly church we are also a diverse church.  We are diverse in many ways.  While we embrace our Presbyterian Heritage we are a home for many who are of other denominations.  It is not unusual on a typical Sunday to talk to members and visitors and find out how many different denominations worship at the church.  The pastor jokes about how many Catholics were worshiping by the number who “blessed” themselves with the sign of the cross at the charge and Benediction.

Being a “seaside” church has helped us become a diverse church since many visitors come from all parts of the country, Canada and even from around the world to our beach area.  While some are only here for a few weeks many stay for several months and become very active with the programs at the church.  We keep our regular “guests” abreast by sending them our monthly newsletter keeping them up to date on the life at the church.

Our diversity even flows over into our music program.  Community Church has been blessed with many members and friends who are musically gifted.  Under the direction of Jan Hinton the music for Sunday service is as diverse as its members.  Worship services have included almost every style of music imaginable.  We have utilized piano, organ, guitars, harmonicas, trumpets, flutes, saxophones, and percussion instruments.  Of course not all at the same time!  The singing has ranged from Old Time Gospel to Country to Opera singers from the “Met” and everything in between.

We celebrate our diversity with the peoples from many countries and backgrounds and ages.  You can’t talk about diversity until you include the many cultures that worship at the church.  The most inspiring diversity at Community Church is the way which our “family” reaches out to assist others.  The church is the home for its Angel Tree Food Bank.  Bags of groceries are handed out on a consistent basis to persons and families who have hit on hard times. 

The Deacons and children of the church have formed a strong bond with members of the St. Herman Society.  This is a home in Broward County for mentally challenged adult men.  Our children especially enjoy the Bar-B-Q’s and fun arts and crafts with the men.  Children have always been a priority of our church.  We are very involved with 4 Children’s S.A.K.E. which is an organization for foster families in Broward County.  Many of these families come to the church to participate in seasonal events. 

The congregation is a supporter of mission beyond it own community as well.  The children have pen pals with a group of our military people in Iraq.  Members support Operation Christmas Child, and mission programs in our Presbytery.

Our Presbyterian Women are active especially with their events which include an annual rummage sale, Holiday Arts and Crafts, a Jazz & Chocolate event and many more activities.

Community Church had its beginning at a little store-front on the beach with a handful of members back in 1957.  It wasn’t until 1960 when the growing congregation moved into its present facilities on Bougainvillea Drive.  Membership has grown and dwindled like so many churches.  However, being a church where seasonal guests are commonplace it is not unusual to have many more people in church on Sunday than members on the roles.  Community Church is currently going through some renovations due to Hurricane Wilma.  In addition, a new air cooling system is being installed to better accommodate the congregation, reduce costs by being more energy efficient.

Are we a diverse church?  Absolutely!  Are we unified at Community Church?  Absolutely!  Thank you for taking a quick look at Community Presbyterian Church.