WELCOME TO CLARENDON HILL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Welcome! Please join us at Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church (CHPC). Below are some frequently asked questions that will help you know what to expect when you visit for the first time.
When is our worship service?
10:30 on Sunday mornings – Worship followed by refreshments and fellowship
Children of all ages are always welcome in the entire service, but childcare is available during worship. Children are welcome to use the story books and coloring activities on the table in the back of the sanctuary. Please speak with a greeter if you’re interested in childcare or Sunday School for children.
Where is the church located?
We’re near the Tufts University campus, at the corner of Curtis Street and Powderhouse Boulevard. Click here for a google map and further directions.
155 Powderhouse Boulevard
Somerville, MA 02144
617-625-4833
Where can I park?
There are no parking restrictions on Sundays, and it’s usually easy to find a place on the street in front of the church.
Parking is also available on weekends and after 5:00 p.m. on weekdays in the West Somerville Neighborhood School’s parking lot. To get there, turn onto Curtis Street at the intersection of Powderhouse Boulevard and Curtis Street, and take the first left onto Raymond Street. The lot is on Raymond Street, about one block from Curtis Street, on the left.
Another option for on-street parking (on a Saturday or weekday when a parking permit is required in front of the church) is to follow Powderhouse Boulevard away from Curtis Street for one block, turn left, and park on Packard Avenue (heading up the hill toward the Tufts campus).
Where do I enter?
The entrance to the church is on Powderhouse Boulevard. Just go up the stairs and through the doors. The sanctuary will be on your left. A greeter will probably be ready to hand you a bulletin—or pick one up from the stack on the table just inside the front door. The bulletin contains the order of worship and will guide you through the service.
Where are the restrooms?
Restrooms are down the stairs on your right. The women’s room is halfway down the stairs, and the men’s room is at the bottom of the stairs and to the left in the hallway.
What should I wear?
Please wear whatever you are comfortable wearing.
What if I am late?
No problem! Just pick up a bulletin from the table near the front door, come on in, and sit anywhere you like.
What will the worship service be like?
We follow a standard Presbyterian order of worship, with hymns, prayers, scripture readings, and a sermon. The bulletin you are handed by the greeter or pick up from the table in the narthex (lobby) will guide you through the service. Hymnbooks and Bibles are in the pew racks. When you enter the sanctuary, you will likely see some folks greeting each other while others sit in silent reflection prior to the start of worship, and you may even hear the choir warming up.
May I participate in Communion?
Yes. Presbyterians practice “open Communion.” The table is open to all who are drawn to it, regardless of denominational affiliation. CHPC celebrates Communion on the first Sunday of the month and on special occasions.
What is the congregation like?
We are a growing church family with a warm, open, and inclusive style. We are believers and seekers on a faith journey together. We are life-long Presbyterians, people who grew up in other religious traditions, and people who are new to church. We are babies and retirees, students, singles, couples, and families. We gather every Sunday morning from local neighborhoods, the greater Boston area, and the wider world. The Bible calls us to be one in Christ, and inclusivity is at the center of our ministry. Our members come from diverse places and backgrounds and hold different opinions, but we are all committed to loving God and our neighbors and to learning from those around us. All are welcome in our services and at fellowship events.
How can I meet new people? Are there fellowship opportunities?
There are various fellowship opportunities to help us get to know each another better. The best way is to join us downstairs after worship at our coffee hour. This is an informal time together with good food, good conversation, and good coffee (Fair Trade coffee from the Presbyterian Coffee Project).
We welcome you to potluck dinners held regularly on weekends in the homes of church members. Several times a year we also have potlucks after Sunday worship. In addition, we gather periodically for activities such as picnics, apple picking, bowling, or visits to area museums or restaurants. Check our events/news page or our Facebook page to find out about upcoming activities. Newcomers are always welcome!
You can also meet the people of CHPC by joining in faith-building and mission activities. Check the website to see what’s coming up.
Click here for Mission | Click here for Spiritual Growth | Click here for Events
We encourage you to fill out a green visitor’s card to join our email list so you can receive information about upcoming events.
Is Christian education available?
Christian education/Sunday School for children is available. Please speak with a greeter for more information.
Adult education sessions are held periodically throughout the year. New participants are enthusiastically welcomed in our ongoing exploration of a variety of topics.
We have monthly prayer meetings after church and a Horizons Bible study group for women. See the Spiritual Growth tab for more information.
Click here for Spiritual Growth
What are More Light Presbyterians?
Clarendon Hill Presbyterian Church believes that God calls us to be one body in Christ, despite any differences among us. Therefore, we welcome everyone, regardless of any earthly condition, to join us on our shared journey of faith. As one demonstration of our commitment to inclusion, CHPC is a member of More Light Presbyterians. The mission of More Light Presbyterians is to work for the full participation of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people of faith in the life, ministry, and witness of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
How can I get more information about CHPC?
Please pick up and fill out a green visitor’s card if you’d like more information. These cards are in the pew racks, on the table in the back of the sanctuary, and on the table near the front door. Help yourself to Presbyterians Today magazine and to Clarendon Hill’s visitor information packet on the table in the back of the sanctuary. Also check out this website, including the “About Us” section. You can follow us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Clarendon-Hill-Presbyterian-Church/373782233485
Whom should I contact if I have other questions?
Feel free to speak with anyone in the congregation! You may also email any questions to chpc@clarendonhillchurch.org or call us at 617-625-4823.
Click here for Contact
How can I contact the pastor?
You may reach Rev. Allen Fairfax by phone at 617-625-4823 or by email at pastor@clarendonhillchurch.org.