It all started when I attended a “Guild for Psychological and Religious Studies” seminar on comparison of “The Records” (of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) with about 20 others, mostly ministers. One of the ministers took me informally under his wing, Walter Wink. He suggested I try a church in “east Oakland”: MPC, where he knew a few members.
I first attended MPC the Sunday before July 4, 1972, became a member and was baptized three years later. That Sunday to my pleasant surprise two members, both Navy Commanders in uniform were given time during the celebration to present their passionate and opposing views on whether MPC should continue to provide sanctuary for a Navy conscientious objector who refused to sail with his ship to Vietnam.
Why have I stayed? Good people helping others, open to and working unselfishly toward new ways of helping others at home and abroad. Staff and Administration have carried out this mission well. Being part of a liberal accomplishing group is stimulating and feels right for me. My wife and I are also grateful for prayers and rides to church we received from the MPC community; at times, our medical conditions would have made it otherwise impossible to attend.