Sunset Presbyterian Church is celebrating its golden anniversary this year.  Beginning as a New Church Development in 1956, a group of 70 persons met at a restaurant, and, shortly thereafter, moved to the Sunset Elementary School.   In one year, the church had grown to over 300 persons with a Sunday school of over 100 children and youth.  The congregation was formally organized on November 17, 1957.  Two years later, land was purchased and the first buildings were erected.  In 1967, the sanctuary was built while the church membership peaked at over 1100 plus 700 children and youth.      Within 3 years, the membership had dropped to 750, and declines continued over the next 30 years.  Current membership is less than 100. 

Despite significant losses, the church leaders have fiercely held to the belief that it will prevail in the end.  Building on a skeleton force, church leaders plan to secure a full-time pastor when sufficient funds become available and the cutting edge of Sunset’s ministry becomes clarified.  Signs of hope are appearing, and these are particularly evident around specific gifts of the Spirit: exhortation, service, compassion, and love.

The Hispanic Fellowship, small in number, continues its ministry of worship and Bible Study.  Renewed efforts at outreach are being discussed.

A project has been instituted that moves the church onto the sidewalk in front of the church building on a busy thoroughfare.   Twice a month on Saturday, hot dogs, barbequed chicken, T-shirts and hats are provided to any passers-by, especially to the homeless whose network has spread the word of what the church is doing.   The workers have been energized by this effort, and the church has extended its ministry into the life of the community. 

A Charter School has begun in the church’s two Christian Education buildings. Providing education for 75 children from kindergarten through 5th grade, the church leaders visualize a wider contact with the immediate neighborhood.   In order to make this venture possible, the church, with the backing of Presbytery and General Assembly, has received loans of $325,000.  The Christian Education buildings, long neglected, were completely refurbished with new ceiling, lighting, flooring, handicap bathrooms, and so forth.  This project will be a source of ministry as well as financial income.  As a result, a palpable lifting of morale is evident throughout the congregation.

On Worldwide Communion Sunday, a congregational worship experience, picnic, and social gathering will be held at Duck Pond, a local park.   Anticipation of this event has buoyed spirits as menus and athletic events are planned.  An intentional effort is being made to invite the families of children attending the Charter School.  Leaflets will be distributed and personal invitations extended.  We want to extend our ministry to the Charter School staff and families. 

On Saturday November 10th, the congregation will celebrate its birthday by holding a Thanksgiving Turkey dinner to which our neighbors will be invited.  We are eager to share our joy and enthusiasm with others in the community.   A special bilingual service of Celebration and Re-Dedication will be held at the 11 AM Sunday Worship Service on November 11th, followed by a luncheon in the Fellowship Hall.