East County Shared Ministry Celebrates Inclusive Worship
On Sunday, March 25, from noon until 3 p.m., East County Shared Ministry will hold an open house celebration at the historic Camp Stoneman site, located at 200 E. Leland Road (between Railroad and Harbor) in Pittsburg. The public is invited to join this celebration. Refreshments, prizes, entertainment and myriad opportunities to share in a progressive congregation that honors diversity all will be offered.
East County Shared Ministry (ECSM) is a blending of two congregations: Community Presbyterian Church of Pittsburg and First Congregational Church of Antioch. The two joined together over a year ago to share a commitment to spiritual growth, intellectual freedom and social justice within their congregations, their community and globally. The combined efforts have far exceeded expectations, and ECSM is excited to share its success. Its position as an all-inclusive body has been formalized, presenting the opportunity to share that commitment.
“Our two congregations are sharing an amazing journey of discovery and rejuvenation. There is a wonderful freedom in our new shared community where we celebrate our radical welcome of diverse people,” said Rev. Christy Parks-Ramage, Pastor of First Congregational. “Together we welcome spirit and celebrate faith without asking for conformity. The vitality of our shared worship and community life energizes our commitment to mission.”
Both congregations have historically been in the forefront of progressive leadership in East Contra Costa County, ordaining women and people of color, offering support, education and sanctuary to immigrants, inclusion of all sexual orientations and embracing diversity in all its features. Both congregations will celebrate 150 years of presence in the County in the very near future.
“For years, ours has been a community that has welcomed those of diverse theological and cultural backgrounds: evangelicals, moderates and liberals who have found a way to care for each other and the world with an openness you wouldn’t expect to find under the same roof,” commented Rev. Will McGarvey, Pastor of Community Presbyterian. “During my seven years here, I have especially appreciated the preservation of the freedom of conscience and voice for all in our midst.”
The public is invited to experience the radical welcome offered at East County Shared Ministry at the Open House celebration or any Sunday morning at 10 a.m.
About East County Shared Ministry
ECSM recognizes, celebrates and gives thanks for the many diverse gifts of God among us. All are invited to participate in their community and worship life including, but not limited to, believers, seekers, agnostics, women and men, those of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions, those of all races and cultures, those of all classes and abilities, those who hope for a better world and those who have lost hope. For more information visit the website at www.cpcpittsburg.org or email to [email protected].
As they say every Sunday, “No matter who you are or where you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.” Services are Sundays at 10 a.m. Check their newsletter for details and other events of interest.
Media contact:
Rev. Christy Parks-Ramage, 925.757.4094
Rev. Will McGarvey, 925.597.9797
200 E. Leland Road
Pittsburg, CA 94565
Office: 925/439-9361
