A HEART OF FRIENDSHIP
From its inception, Congregational Church of Soquel has been a place where relationships are given a high priority. This living tradition continues to be a distinguishing quality and is reflected in the activities of our church calendar.
Special events create a variety of opportunities for adults to build friendships and consider avenues of spiritual growth and service. Enjoying the experience of friendship while exploring matters of faith defines the life of our Youth Ministry. Middle School (grades 6-8) and Senior High (grades 9-12) meet on Sunday evenings.
ADULT FRIENDSHIP There are many ways to get acquainted and be active at Congregational Church of Soquel. Friendships are formed as we worship, work, and play together. Our Board of Fellowship organizes picnics, game nights, and other adult and family events. Consider joining the choir, ushering, greeting, helping in the library or office, making flower arrangements, working in the gardens, teaching Church School, or helping to provide dinner for the homeless in our community...there is a place for you and your gifts, and there are like-minded people who want to get to know you. If you don't find your niche, let us know! Maybe you have something unique to offer that will meet a special need in our congregation and its outreaches. We'd like to hear your ideas.
CRAFT & CARD PAINTING GROUP The Craft & Card Painting Group meets every Thursday to enjoy each other's fellowship and make fun and beautiful crafts and greeting cards, which are available to benefit our church and other important ministries. Special activities during the year include a spring fair and the Holly Day Bazaar in November.
WOMEN'S CIRCLES Women have a dynamic ministry at the church. Working together, they create many opportunities for friendship and service, including small groups, a Spring Tea, and a Women’s Retreat in the fall. At the present time, four circles operate under the umbrella of Women’s Fellowship.
Alice Circle was formed in 1981 and named for a long-time member, Alice Harn. We meet the second Monday of each month for breakfast at Jeffery's Restaurant in Santa Cruz at 7am. If you are an early riser this is for you!
Eve Circle was formed in 1980 to accommodate women who work during the day. This circle was named for the Biblical Eve and also is an abbreviation for "evening!" We meet the first Monday of each month at 7pm at members' homes.
Lydia Circle was formed in 1960 by Mabel Seebart, wife of former Minister Emeritus, Dr. Seebart. Devotion on the Biblical Lydia was given at the formation meeting and thus the name was chosen. We invite you to join us for lunch every third Monday at 12:30pm in Parrish Hall.
HGP Circle was formed in 2009 to provide friendship, caring, and fun for younger or young at heart women who are not a part of the other circles. We meet on the fourth Thursday of each month.
YOUTH FRIENDSHIP Congregational Church of Soquel offers a wonderful environment for youth fellowship in worship, learning, service, friendship and faith. Enjoying the experience of friendship while exploring matters of faith defines the life of our youth ministry. In addition to Church School activities, youth have many other opportunities to grow together. Middle School (grades 6-8) and Senior High (grades 9-12) meet on Sunday evenings, September through May. Special events, such as the Easter sunrise worship service and annual Church Carnival, provide other opportunities for youth fellowship.
Many of our youth and their adult sponsors have traveled to the Pan American Institute, a school in Tijuana, Mexico, and a mission of the National Association of Congregational Christian Churches, to participate in work projects improving the school or someone's home. Our annual Missions Sunday, when we welcome members of our community doing the work of important local organizations, is always greatly enriched by participation of our youth. In fact, one of the local organizations with whom we have grown strong bonds, Above the Line Group Home Society, was introduced to our church through the initiative and awareness of Senior High students.