Seeking a Church

I am going to South Hills in South San Jose, and you are more than welcome. However, you may like to try going to Westgate in West San Jose. Blessings!

I have been wanting to try Abundant Life. I listen to Pastor Paul Shepard on the radio and he is awesome. We attend Jubilee and I really love our Pastor Dick Bernal and the staff. They have so many ministires to attend. The womens retreat is awesome and they just launched this last friday 3/28 a Celebrate Recovery ministry. For people with past hang-ups, addictions from chemical dependency to shopping or whatever it may be, they are there to help. The music is very uplifting and the Pastor loves to joke a lot. He is awesome. Now, the childrens ministry, I can't even put into words. They pour a lot into the next generation. When my daughter was 2, she was coming home speaking with authority. Talking about how "the Devil is a liar and I will stomp on him in the name of Jesus." They have a whole separate building for them with a good checking in and out system. For ages 0-3, they are in the same building as the main santuary. By age four, they move to the children's building and have wonderful classes and they learn so much about the Lord thru coloring and puppet shows and singing. Then there is the youth ministry on the other side of the children's classes. Before and after services they have computers, basketball courts, video games all lined up on the walls, air hockey tables, a cafe and lounge area. My son loves going to church and is always inviting friends who are so shocked and love the church and wanting to come back for more. It's awesome that my son is also encouraging those towards the Lord. The chruch also has a food and clothing panrty opened for the community. They try thru donations to have supplies from baby formula and diapers, to parishable items and cleaning supplies and clothing.

Serivces: Sun. 9 and 11am, they also have a Spanish service at 2pm and a Vietnamese service at 11am in their 3rd building. Wed. at 7:30p, and Fri at 7:30pm. Children services during all of these services, (no youth on wed.) They have many ministries going on on the weekends. Once a month there is a womens ministry, there are single minisrties that do a lot of trips. Couples have a retreat coming up. Hope you'll try us... and good luck in your search. God bless.
www.jubilee.org, ###-###-####, 175 Nortech Pkwy, San Jose.

We go to The River. It is located in San Jose. (www.the-river.org) Westgate is another good church. They are both non-denominational and not too preachy.

Hi Shari,

I live in the West San Jose area close to Lawrence and Saratoga. There is a large church called Westgate Church. Here's the link:http://www.westgatechurch.org/index.php

They have two services and the main pastor is really inspiring. The children's program is well run, too. I like the church's involvement in the community. They have really worked hard to help the community know they are available as a resource for any type of help.

Hope this helps! God bless.
C.

We attend St. Timothy's on Camden Avenue. They have a good Sunday School program, MOPS and lots of activities for the kids. It's a Lutheran Church and is not too preachy. There are many different adult bible studies to choose from if you are wanting to expand your Bible knowledge. They also have an Alpha class that meets once a week. I prefer the 11:15 service. It's more contemporary. The website is http://www.st-tims-lutheran.org/Church/.

J.

Hi,

I have been a student of Unity since I was a child and I attend the Palo Alto church. I have not attended the one in San Jose http://www.unitysanjose.org/ but I've heard wonderful things about it. One of things I like best about Unity is their support for children's self esteem...in our church the children our blessed with "you are God's perfect child, God and I love you just the way you are." Unity is focused on self mastery and realizing the Christ's spirit within or rather your best self. Most of all Unity is about love and acceptance.

Good Luck!

P.

I love Peninsula Bible Church in Cupertino. They have a huge children's program and even are doing a Sunday school for parents right now. www.pbcc.org

Hello Shari, Yes I know a great church off of 101 and Blossom Hill/SilverCreek Area. They have an awesome childrens church and for junior and high school Students as well as college age. check it out for yourself at www.fccchurch.com God is really moving in this area!! Hope you like what you see on the web to come and check us out! If you want to go let me know and I can meet you there. God bless you! e-mail in ____@____.com

Hi Shari.

I've seen a couple of the other responses and Westgate, Abundant Life, and Cathedral of Faith are all great churches. I go to the Home Church in Campbell on Winchester near Hamilton. It is a non-denominational Christian church. We have members from every background, race, and age group. I've been there 26 years since I was 22 years old. Obviously, I think it is a great church. It is my real home as the people I know there are as close to me as my own family. We have 2 services, 9:00 and 11:15. We have great childrens programs, womens ministry, and mens dinners. The youth and college groups are very active. If you are interested in checking it out, I'm sure you'd feel very welcome and loved there. Check out www.thehomechurch.org and search through the entire site. Or just stop by one Sunday or even during the week and someone will be willing to answer any questions you have. Happy searching!

I think it's great that you're looking for a church for you and your boys. I'm not too sure what you mean by too "preachy" but I think nowadays we need to hear what the word of God says and not what man thinks. I also believe a church needs to disciple people once they become a christian. (discipleship is more important than conversion!) I would suggest pray and ask the Lord to guide you to a place that is right for you & your boys and for your faith to grow. You can try Bethel Church in San Jose. It is located on Winchester Blvd. Remember, you won't find one that is perfect but you can find one that can help you grow spiritually. Also, it is very important that we learn about the Lord daily and then gather for worship & fellowship on sundays. Stay in God's word daily & prayer and He will never fail you.

May the Lord Jesus bless you!

I can recommend 2 churches. 1 is Bethel Church on Winchester Avenue. I'm currently attending there and absolutely love it. Lots of family involvement and both my girls love it. the 2nd is Cathedral of Faith, an non-denominational church again with lots of family involvement, but on a much bigger scale. I'd recommend either. I grew up going to Cathedral of Faith but moved to Bethel as more of a regular church after I had kids because it had a more community feel, easier to connect with others. Best to you!

An amazing church right near you is Queen of Apostles Catholic Church off of Moorpark, right next to Mitty High School. We used to go there before finding another amazing Catholic church in Campbell, closer to our home. Its a very welcoming, upbeat environment with groups for families and also an inquiry group for those looking to learn more about the Christian Catholic faith. For those who have never been around a Catholic church, it is very welcoming and not at all intimidating. Their website is www.qofa.org. Good Luck and God bless you on your faith journey!

J.

Hi, I would love to recommend the Central Avenue Church of Christ on Foxworthy and Almaden Blvd. They have a wonderful message, preach the word of God and have a superb children's program and extremely FAMILY ORIENTED. They just completed the children's easter egg hunt and they have couples marriage counseling classes, teen classes and other support systems. If you need additional information, you can call me at ###-###-#### or email me at ____@____.com

Hi Shari,

I think it's great you're looking for a church for your family. I'm not sure what size/type/location you would like, but I'm very happy to tell you about mine.

We live in San Jose, but our church is in nearby Milpitas near the intersection of Calaveras and Piedmont. It's Calvary Assembly of God, and my family has been attending there about 6 1/2 years now. There are a variety of services and activities, but the main Sunday service is at 10:45 am. It's a relatively small church (I would guess attandance on Sunday morning to be between 200 and 300). There are different advantages to small, medium, or large churches, so you'd need to explore which is the best fit for you. I like small to medium churches because it's easier for me to get to know people and make friends. I personally tend to feel invisible in huge churches...

But about the children's programs, I'm not sure how old your children are, so I'll tell you about them all. We have a nursery for children under 2 at all services. Sunday morning there are Sunday school classes for all ages including adults from 9:30 to 10:30. During the morning service, we have a Toddler Church room for ages 2 and 3, and Kinder Church room for ages 4 and 5, and kids in grades K-6 go to Kids Church (they spend part of the time in the main service and part of the time in their own room for the Children's service). There are also Wednesday night family programs including Royal Rangers (like Boy Scouts) for boys, which my son absolutely loves, and a youth meeting for Junior High and High School kids. And there are other activities available (like a weekly women's Bible study, Junior Bible Quiz for kids, and more) depending on how much you'd like to do.

The people are very kind and friendly, and the Pastor is down to earth and approachable and welcoming. We call it our church family (we have no family of our own in town). We'd be very happy to have you pay us a visit.

And a note of encouragement, it took us months and months of trying different churches each week before we found one that fit us. So if it takes you awhile to find just the right church, don't give up--it's worth the search. I firmly believe church helps families be more grounded. Oh, and if you want a large church, try Bethel Church (www.bethel.org) or Jubilee (www.jubilee.org).
Best Wishes,
N.

Hi Shari,
I love our church - Westgate church. I think it has just what you are looking for - great support groups for all ages, FUN classes for the kids (they are grouped according to age). There are womens groups that meet during the day, some with childcare. The music ROCKS! Right now we have a new series called No Stupid Questions (which works for me). There are services Saturday night and 2 on Sunday. Check our the website westgatechurch.org. Good luck and God bless :)
S.

Hi Shari! Cathedral of Faith is a great option and huge church with over 70 ministries, school programs, a gym, and since I've known the senior pastor and his family personally all of my life (current pastor Ken Foreman Jr was one my dad's best friends before he died) I can attest their genuine love and care for the people and you feel it through the whole church. Very inviting, very loving family atmosphere. I also agree with another previous post about Jubilee Christian center, its a great church and definitely more upbeat (CofFaith is too) and I would say the teaching has more spiritual weightiness (not preachy) where CofFaith is more user/beginner friendly. I've known Pastor Dick Bernal of Jubilee for many years and went to school with his kids Sarah and Jesse. Both churches have very lively worship but Jubilee is in Milpitas/San Jose border but worth the drive. With a 6 and 3 yr old it wouldn't be that bad but if you had to stay close, Cathedral is a great alternative. Here's their websites:

www.cathedraloffaith.org
www.jubilee.org

Hope this helps! J.

Hi Shari,
My husband, three kids, and I have been attending Westgate Church for about 3 years now and we absolutely LOVE it. We searched for a "home church" for quite a while until a friend invited us to Westgate. We felt right at home immediately. It's a fairly casual atmosphere and the pastor Steve Clifford has a great sense of humor and delivers a great real-life message each week. The music is top notch too...really cool band. The children's program is terrific too. Our kids ages are 6, 5 and 3 and they each get a lot out of the programs that the children's ministry team has developed. Your 6 year old would be part of a fun and interactive group called Kid Quest. The kids are grouped by age and sex (all 6 year old girls together in one group and the 6 year old boys in another group. The 7 year olds, 8 year old, etc. All ages meet in one big room (it happens to be our old worship building. We just built a brand new worship center so the old one is now used for the kiddos). The design of the room is really cool because they have a stage where the adult leaders do skits and the kids love it.
For the younger kids, they are in a separate building and have play-time, snack-time and chapel, where they learn a bible verse, sing songs and watch a very short video each week. It's great for their level.
The Sunday service times are 8:45 and 11am. We tend to go to the 11am. The church is located on Saratoga and Prospect. There are two entrances but the best one is off of Prospect. If you're driving on hwy 85, take the Saratoga exit and drive toward Westgate Mall. Go left onto Prospect and then left at the next light. This will bring you directly into the parking lot of the church.
I hope you decide to try Westgate. If you do, look for me. My name is M. R and you might find me picking up my name tag at the name-tag table out in front of the main church entrance. I'd love to have you introduce yourself to me and we can introduce the kids too.
Good luck and God Bless.

Hi,

I've been attending Neighborhood Church in Santa Clara for the past 8 years and absolutely love it! I've been involved in children's ministries since my daughter was 3 years old. We have great programs for children on Sunday mornings. We offer classes for parents on Wednesday nights and your boys can attend the "Royal Rangers" program at the same time. Also, on Wednesday nights, we have "Friendship Cafe" where you can have a good dinner for either $2 per person or $5 for your entire family. Please check out our website: http://www.nchurchsc.com

If you do decide to come visit us, please look me up! I can usually be found working in the "Java Cup Cafe", the Nursery or with the Middle School Youth Group.

R.

Dear Shari,

I'd be delighted to welcome you and family to attend our church. I'm the superintendent of a sweet, lively Sunday School where children are taught that God is Love and that they are his precious children. We work with the Bible and its stories of healing and safety, and teach children how to pray and be spiritual healers.

We don't have a minister; we have lay readers who read from the Bible and the Christian Science textbook, Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures by Mary Baker Eddy. We are not preachy, we are welcoming.

Our church is at 1807 The Alameda in San Jose (right near the Y). Sunday Services are at 10:30 -- SS meets at the same time. Most folks come into the building from the parking lot which is at the back of the church off Emory.

If you'd like to get more info, feel free to email me at ____@____.com or call me at ###-###-####

If you

We have a large family and really love the childrens programs at Church on the Hill. The staff are really focussed on making the children's time at the church fun and safe. They encourage the kids to buddy up with visiting children so they instantly feel at home and it's evident that the staff all really enjoy spending time with the children. The rooms are all clean, bright and beautifully decorated - each age group having a different 'theme'. Each Sunday, there is a 'lesson' for the children along with different activities and free play time.
We found that the best way to get to know people at the church was to join in on some of the planned activities, there is a MOPS (Mothers of PreSchoolers) group which meets twice a month and there are numerous Community Groups which meet in peoples homes once a week.
This church may not be the closest to you, but I definately recommend it as being welcoming and great for families. Even the Senior Pastor is in his 30's and has a young family!
www.churchonthehill.com.
Best of luck finding a church home.

Hi Shari,
My name is J. Dan i have been going to victory outreach for 14yrs and i love it they have the support for children of any ages the children minstry is really strong they have a youth minstry? and as for me i stay home is i have a lot of support from our church if you want more information leave me a message?
here is the website for you to look at
www.victoryoutreachsanjose.org

I love my church! I've been attending WestGate church for the past three years. I think it is near your area...it's in the Prospect/Saratoga/Lawrence Expwy triangle. They have curriculum even for the younger kids classes (my oldest daughter is 4) and it just gets better and better the older they get.

Good luck finding a church home! You can check out details at www.westgatechurch.org.

M.

Hi Shari.

I am also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and I feel so blessed. As I'm raising children, I feel so grateful to have these values to teach my children and that they will also learn the same things from their teachers at church. Check out www.mormon.org where you can learn about the basic beliefs and find answers to questions. Feel free to contact me as well if you would like to know more.

R.

I am of the same faith as Rebecca (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints).
I also live in the San Jose area.
I'll PM you with my number. You can call me and we can get together, and then we go to church together. My daughter, who will be five in about four weeks, loves going to church and tells me all about the things they did during Sunday school class. I just moved to San Jose and everyone was incredibly welcoming.

Hi Shari,

It is wonderful that you are looking to find a church for you and your family. I have raised (and am still raising) my 5 children. My oldest is 18 and my youngest is 18 mos! We have always attended The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. I have found this church to be a great blessing in my life. The support system is phenomenal! It is a very family oriented church that teaches about God and Jesus Christ, and why we are here on the earth.

Children are welcomed into the nursury at 18 mos where they learn very basic ideas such as "God gave me a loving Family". Children ages 3-12 attend the Primary program, (a Sunday School program) where they learn more about having faith in our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ.

There are weekday activities too. I am an activity day leader for girls ages 8-12, and I teach them through fun activities how to set goals, grow closer to God, serve others and develop their talents. Boys can attend the wonderful Boy Scouts program. When your children turn 12, they attend Sunday School and the Young Men or Young Women program, where there are amazing leaders to gently help lead them through their challenging teen years. They have weekday activities too, where they can bond with friends, and grow closer to God and Christ.

Adults attend Sunday School to learn more about the scriptures. Adults also attend either Relief Society (for women) or Priesthood (for men), which are wonderful organizations to help increase faith, learn of our Savior Jesus Christ, and God our Father and offer service to those in need locally and around the world. The support system of Relief society is wonderful. We are all great friends that provide love and support to each other. I feel like there is always someone willing to help out at a moments notice if I'm ever in need. Priesthood has helped my husband become the kind and loving father that he is. It has strengthened our relationship. This has been a perfect place to raise my family.

There are many wards (congregations) of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. You will find that all wards have kind, family oriented members that are wiling to serve and be your friend. Just look in the phone book or on lds.org, and you will find the one in your area. All are welcomed! Through prayer, you can find the answers you are looking for!

Feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Take Care. K.

Hi Shari,

We have two adopted girls, now 6 and 8. The younger one has ADHD and both have struggled with behavioral issues. I'm sharing this so you know how important a good church system is to us. After lots of church shopping with many churches reusing to support our kids, we landed at Westgate Curch on Saratoga Ave just south of Prospect. What an amazing difference. They are so child focused here and the "teachers" are amazing with the kids. My yunger daughter, who has learned to hate Kindergarten, can't wait for Sunday to go to church. They're even starting ateam for special needs kids to make sure the kids with behavioral issues are better supported.

Our senior pastor refers to himself as "the bald guy from Texas". He most often wears blue jeans and cowboy boots on Sunday mornings. The entire staff has been very supportive, not just of the new families that have come, but of the entire community.

Let me know if you want more info. I think you'll be truly blessed by attending Westgate.

S. Langmead

Hi Shari,
I have been going to Calvary Church in Los Gatos for the past two years and I love it! The adult services are great. Not "preachy", and very engaging. The children's programs are fantastic. Definitely check them out for your family. I have also heard great things about Westgate Church which I see did get recommended. Try a couple churches and find something that is a great fit for your family. Email me back if you want someone to walk you around the Calvary campus and show you the children's rooms.

Hi Shari,

We just started attending the Unitarian Universalist Church on Blossom Hill in Los Gatos. Their philosphy sounds like what you are looking for. Its non-demoninational & not at all preachy. They also have childcare during the services which is nice. My parents raised me in the Unitarian Church & its very much about love & acceptance. I plan on having my 15 month old daughter dedicated there in May. If you are intersted in attending, feel free to give me a call & we can go together. Our number is ###-###-####.

Here is their website; http://www.uuflg.org/faq.html
Take care, A.

I am also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. We believe firmly in God the Father, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit. We encourage and embrace families and there are always strong children's groups in our congregations. There are 13 million members worldwide and lots of congregations in San Jose - certainly one near you. Go to www.mormon.org to learn more about basic beliefs and to find a church close by. All the best!

I attend a medium sized church in the Cambrian area, 95124) called Cambrian Park United Methodist. It is a very friendly church, why we joined 10 years ago, has a growing childrens program and a fantastic youth program. They are currently putting together adult ministries. We have an awesome female pastor in her 40's. We are a combination of traditional and contemporary mixed together which works for us. We have worship at 10AM on Sunday mornings with Sunday school at 10:15 and a nursery for the littlest ones. We would love to have you!!

I am a mom of 4 children ages 14, 10, 7 and 4.

http://www.starofdavidministries.org

I don't know if you're up for driving as far as Mountain View, but Abundant Life Christian Fellowship (www.alcf.net) is a *wonderful* church with a large, non-denominational, multi-ethnic congregation and a fabulous set of pastors. I know that there are lots of folks from San Jose that attend, and there are homegroups (small groups that meet together to discuss the sermons and get to know each other) that meet weekly in San Jose. There's a great moms group, and the kids ministry (Sunday school and fun events) is great - my son loves it! It's a great church for folks new to the faith (or just checking it out), and they even have classes for those interested in finding out more about Christianity. If you go to their website, you can email leaders in the different ministries, or just attend some Sunday and go to the information table to find out more. The head pastor (Pastor Paul Sheppard) has a radio ministry (www.enduringtruth.org)- his sermons are on the radio several times a day, so you could check out his "preaching" if you're inclined :). I will be praying that you find a great church to belong to! :)

Hi Shari,
My husband and I go to Calvary Church in Los Gatos. It's a wonderful church. We have a 1 year old that we put in the daycare while we attend the services. I have a few friends who also attend and they have kids in the 4-6 year old range. They are very happy with the Sunday School for the kids. There are a lot of small groups you can join as well. We go to the 10:45 service on Sundays and love the Pastor (Bob Thomas). Good luck in your search for faith. You will find it. :-)
A.

http://calvarylg.com/

Hello Shari,

Check out Cathedral of Faith. Very diverse. Have a huge ministry. The promote spiritual but they also promote health. They have a huge fitness center. They have a children's ministry and all kinds of programs. D.

87 North to Curtner. Left of 87 on Curtner.

Or Almaden Expressway North to Curtner. Rte on Curtner.