People come to Montclair Presbyterian Church for a wide variety of reasons. We recently asked them two questions: “Why do you attend Montclair Presbyterian Church?” and “Why do you attend church at all?”. Here’s a sampling of what they had to say.
Why MPC?
You know how, sometimes you can’t win for losing? Well, at MPC, I can’t lose for winning. This community provides me unconditional love.
It is a source of comfort and strength, of peace and motivation to be a part of this community. We come together to grieve the darkness of the world and make plans of action to change that darkness. To know I have this loving place in my life refills my cup when the world so often drains it.
Friends and family members have come and gone from my life. Being in the church family, I’m never alone.
Food for the soul. [Revs] Ben and (former associate pastor) Rev Talitha are inspirational and fabulous.
For the tears, the laughter, the goosebumps.
To hear Ben’s sermons, always fair and spot on. To remind myself that there is goodness and light in this world. To count my blessings.
This church keeps me grounded through community. In a crazy and often painful world, connecting with hopeful and active people every week helps me stay hopeful and active.
Nurturing for my soul. Beautiful music. To be part of a larger family of faith (be part of something much, much bigger than myself). Ben and (former associate pastor) Talitha are wonderful pastors!
MPC is my family! Why wouldn’t I want to spend time with my family. We sing, pray, laugh, celebrate & even cry together. My church is a collection of many generations coming together as one.
My church family sent me over 30 cards, emails, texts, phone calls and visits while I was recovering from surgery. We care for each other locally so that we have the strength and mutual support to care for people globally.
Attending church at MPC reminds me of the central importance of compassion in my life. Being a part of the church community reminds me of the central importance of living in harmony with others.
Why MPC? Because the message of God’s love & commandments is brought in words that speak to me in ways that energize me to be in the world.
I asked a soldier why he joined the military. He explained that it was so good to be in a group which shared a moral code, where he knew they had his back & they knew that he had theirs. I’m so glad I didn’t have to join the military to have such a supportive, caring community!
Each week I come away with something uplifting, thought-provoking, questioning.
Why attend church at all?
In our frantic world it is so refreshing to slow down and join in with a group of caring and supportive members to pray and celebrate God’s glory.
To share corporate worship with friends and to learn from the teachings of Jesus.
Because in these dark times I need community, love and faith.
It’s the opportunity to have one hour a week of quiet, reflection, of not-doing, and focusing on larger than everyday matters.
I attend church as a practice learned as an infant. But although I carry my own interpretation of spirituality, I wish to have a tribe, which I gest plus the social justice activities and [a chance to] practice the arts as well.
I attend church because I want to belong to a community of people who are personally striving for harmony and justice, and who want to pursue those ideals in a community and on behalf of others.
Why not go to church? We sing, we care for each other, we work together for justice & peace & disaster assistance — based on our commitment to our understanding of God through the life & teachings of Jesus.
If I wasn’t here [at MPC] I would find another church. Where else does one get a chance to talk openly about God? Where else can warmth & community center on something other than myself?
I feel the need to worship in a holy place. I feel the need for fellowship. I pray many times daily and read my bible occasionally.
Interested in learning more?
Please check out our Information for Visitors page. You may also wish to contact our pastor Rev. Ben Daniel at ben@mpcfamily.org. We’d love to hear from you, and to have you join us on Sunday!