In the Spirit

-- Story by Michele Marr; photo by xxx

ADDRESS: 7641 Talbert Avenue TELEPHONE: (714) 596-0900

WEB SITE: o7 https://www.hbcrschurch.org

f7

DENOMINATION: United Church of Religious Science

YEAR CHURCH ESTABLISHED: The congregation began in 1963 as a study

group that met in a room over a store Downtown. In 1964 the group moved

its meetings to the Women’s Club. In 1970 the group had 20 members. As

the congregation grew, it moved to facilities at Seacliff Village at Main

and Yorktown. When Seacliff was demolished for recent reconstruction, the

congregation moved to its present building on Talbert.

SERVICE TIMES: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Sundays. Youth church and child care

are available at both services. A Sunday evening service meets with an

open format for participants to share spiritual gifts and experiences.

SENIOR MINISTER: The Rev. Peggy Price. Price became Senior Minister in

1998.

PASTORAL STAFF: The Reverend Diann Davisson, pastoral care minister.

There are 33 licensed practitioners at the church. Practitioners are

members of the Ecclesiastical Office of the United Church of Religious

Science. They serve as teachers and assistants in classes, workshops and

seminars. In spiritual support of the ministry of the church,

practitioners participate in the Congregational Services Department,

which includes the Ministry of Prayer. They are committed to practicing

spiritual and mental healing. The United Church of Religious Science

licenses each practitioner. A minimum of three years of study, followed

by stringent written and oral testing is required for licensing.

Practitioners are not psychological counselors and they do not give

advice.

SIZE OF CONGREGATION: 1,100 members. Close to 2,500 people are

affiliated with the church.

MAKEUP OF CONGREGATION: All ages, mostly from Huntington Beach, though

a number of people come from locations throughout Orange County. Members

come from many spiritual backgrounds. Some are still practicing

Buddhists, Catholics, etc.

CHILD CARE: Provided for both Sunday services and some special events.

Children come into the church toward the end of the service. Many special

events are family events.

TYPE OF WORSHIP: The service is an uplifting celebration. It includes

Congregational music, soloists, silent meditation and reflection and

prayer. Price delivers a Sunday message. Music Director, Debi Wheeler-Ure

and the Heart Song Choir provide music.

TYPE OF SERMON: Price’s messages are based on spiritual principles and

focused on positive spiritual life tools.

UPCOMING SERMON: During the month of July Price will present a series

of messages titled, “The Five Cs Of Castle Building.” On August 5, Terry

Cole-Whittaker will speak at both morning services. Her message is, “Dare

To Be Great!” On Sunday afternoon, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Cole-Whittaker

will present a seminar, “Seven Steps to the Spiritual and Material Riches

of Life.” Call the church for tickets and information. Tickets are $25 in

advance or $30 at the door. Child care will be available. Cole-Whittaker

is an international motivational speaker and author. Her book is “Every

Saint Has A Past, Every Sinner Has A Future.”

RECENT SERMON: Price recently delivered a message titled, “We Must Be

the Change We Want To See.”

WELCOME WAGON: First time visitors are given a flower, a welcome

packet and are invited to join others for bagels and coffee after

service. The church is, foremost, inclusive. All people are welcome.

Price presides at weddings, baptisms, memorials, same-sex unions and

other events blessed in the sanctuary.

CLASSES, SPECIAL EVENTS AND SUPPORT GROUPS: Dozens of classes, support

group meetings and special events are on the church calendar each month.

The calendar and more information can be viewed on the church Web site.

OUTREACH PROGRAMS: The church offers service and support to the

community in many ways. Members participate in the Adopt-a-Social Worker

program, which provides assistance to families who are making the

transition from welfare to self-support. Church members work with Habitat

for Humanity to build homes in the community. The church’s Outreach

Singers visit convalescent homes and hospitals. Every year church members

donate time, service and support to various community organizations

during its Day of Sacred Service. The church is an active member of the

InterFaith Council of Greater Huntington Beach. At Christmas, members

prepare and deliver special holiday gifts and meals to low-income

families. The Young Adult Group coordinates collections of nonperishable

foods and cash donations for a number of food drives that benefit Second

Harvest food bank. At Easter, members work with Project Self-Sufficiency

to provide holiday gifts for low-income and single parent families. The

church provides financial support to a number of charitable

organizations.

DRESS: California casual.

CHURCH DESIGN: The church seats 400. The building offers a large

network of classrooms, some of which are made available for community

groups to use during the week.

MISSION STATEMENT: With open mind, open heart and open arms, we

celebrate spirit in all.

PHILOSOPHY: Science of Mind is a faith and a way of life. It is based

on the teachings of Jesus and supported by the many teachings of

spiritual masters, philosophers and science. Ernest Holmes, the founder

of Religious Science, synthesized the philosophy.

INTERESTING NOTE: The Soroptimists of Huntington Beach recently

honored Price with their Women Helping Women Award. Price served as

co-president of the Interfaith Council for 1999-2000. She also serves as

an officer of the National United Clergy of Religious Science.