Christ Presbyterian Church sits on West Sylvania Avenue on Toledo's west side, a neighborhood church with deep Presbyterian roots and a deep bench of music, mission, and formation programs. The congregation follows the creeds and confessions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and is a member of the Maumee Valley Presbytery within the Synod of the Covenant. Long known for its choirs and its commitment to neighborhood ministry, CPC identifies itself as a Matthew 25 church, joining other PCUSA congregations around the world in acting boldly and compassionately to see neighbors through Jesus' eyes and serve those who are marginalized or in need.
A Pastor Who Grew Up in the Pews
One of the more distinctive things about Christ Presbyterian is that the pastor is a child of the church. Reverend Ruth E. Clendenin serves as Pastor and Head of Staff, and she credits the Christ Presbyterian family for the bedrock foundation of her own faith. As a young person she participated in the church's children, youth, and music programs, and is the daughter of longtime members Judy and the late Art Clendenin. She holds a Master of Divinity from Union Presbyterian Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education (Union-PSCE), a Bachelor of Arts in French, and education training for grades K through 12. Before returning to her home congregation she served four different churches in Illinois, Texas, and South Dakota as associate and solo pastor, and she has also worked as a presbytery stated clerk. With the heart of a teacher, she encourages open and honest conversation about the complexities of life and faith and values equipping others to lead ministry.
Worship on Sunday Morning
Sunday at CPC begins with two services in the sanctuary, at 8:30 AM and 10:00 AM. Both services are open to worshippers of all ages and backgrounds, and the later service is anchored musically by the Chancel Choir. Worship is livestreamed on the church's YouTube channel for those who cannot attend in person. The order of service includes time for prayer, sermons, and personal reflection, and bulletins and newsletters are made available online for anyone who wants to follow along or prepare in advance.
A Music Ministry Worth Showing Up Early For
Music has been a defining feature of Christ Presbyterian for decades. The Music Ministry is led by Mark Mathias, Director of Music Ministry, organist, and the director of all three ensembles. Mark has served CPC since 2011 and brings a background as a former music educator, a Bachelor's in Music Education from Malone College, a Master's in Church Music from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and the American Guild of Organists' Service Playing Certificate. He is active in the Toledo chapter of the AGO and also directs the chimes for Young Voices of Toledo, a community children's choir.
The Chancel Choir, open to high school through adult singers who can match pitch, provides musical leadership at the 10:00 AM Sunday services and at the 9:00 PM Christmas Eve service. The Handbell Choir, also high school through adult, welcomes ringers with basic music reading skills, with instruction available for beginners. They play in worship about once a month and at the 9:00 PM Christmas Eve service. The Children's Choir is for ages 5 through 5th grade and rehearses on Sundays after the 10:00 service in the Music Room for about 25 minutes, combining singing, games, and pitch-matching activities.
Equipping Church Values and the Life of a Member
The Session of Christ Presbyterian has voted to be an Equipping Church, a framework that shapes how the congregation organizes ministry around six core values: Prayer, the Priesthood of all Believers, Servant Leadership, Team Ministry, Intentionality, and a Proactive Approach to Change. Members are encouraged to faithfully practice Belief and Hospitality, attend worship every Sunday they are in town, participate in at least five hours of service each year with a focus on the poor, sick, or disadvantaged, join one small group or Bible study each year, and give generously, with a recommended starting point of 5 percent of household income and a goal of 10 percent or more.
Governance: Elders, Deacons, and a Youth Voice at the Table
CPC is governed by a Session made up of eighteen elders (men and women), the pastors, and a youth elder. A Board of Deacons of sixteen members assists in ministries of compassion. The word Presbyterian comes from the Greek presbuteros, meaning elder, a word used 72 times in the New Testament. Even with this formal structure, the congregation teaches that every member is called to ministry and encourages each person to use his or her God-given gifts to serve others.
Spiritual Spark: Children's Ministry on Sunday Morning
Children's ministry at CPC is coordinated by Jen Juhasz, Director of Faith Formation, a Certified Christian Educator and longtime Sunday school and Vacation Bible School teacher who came on staff after nine years in the Perrysburg School System. Spiritual Spark meets on Sundays from 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM in Room 9 for children ages 2 through 5th grade. Using a one-classroom approach that mixes ages, children explore scripture and Bible stories through discussion, hands-on activities, and crafts, and they help to lead worship at the 10:00 AM service. The ministry also includes a summer intergenerational faith formation program, monthly children and family events, and mission activities throughout the year. A registration form and the church's child protection policy are available online.
Youth Ministry: Discipleship for Middle and High School Students
The youth ministry at CPC aims to create an inclusive environment where young people are empowered in their lives and in the church. Adopted by the Youth Ministries Team in August 2011, the program's mission is to guide youth in a life of discipleship, encourage them to grow as servant leaders, support them in their daily lives, and show them the love and mission of Jesus the Christ. Jen Juhasz coordinates youth activities alongside the Education Committee, and the year includes a regular schedule of gatherings, an annual MVP Youth Retreat, fundraising efforts, and opportunities for youth to serve as liturgists and acolytes in worship.
Christian Discipleship and Small Groups
Christ Presbyterian teaches that you cannot be Christian alone, and the church's Small Group Ministry exists to connect every person with a group of believers who can hold them accountable, affirm and challenge them, comfort and listen to them, and help them understand the world God created. Groups meet throughout the year for Bible study, fellowship, and service. One standing group, GriefShare, meets on Mondays from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in a 13-week Christ-centered series for those who have lost loved ones or friends. The group uses the GriefShare workbook ($20 fee), watches a DVD segment each week, and shares personal grief stories. The program is open to the wider community regardless of denomination, and registration information is available through GriefShare and the church.
Mission: Feeding Neighbors, Weatherizing Homes, and Crossing Borders
CPC's Mission Team coordinates a wide range of local and global efforts. Locally, members supply food banks with produce from the church's Community Garden, weatherize homes each fall, distribute food baskets at Thanksgiving and Christmas, and sew items that are donated to local organizations. One women's group sends toiletries, books, and other supplies to U.S. military service personnel overseas. Several members volunteer their time and talent with local social service agencies, and the church provides financial resources to both local community agencies and international mission projects.
The church has sent mission teams to Ottawa, Ohio; Bayou La Batre, Alabama; Pepechuca, Mexico; and Dariol, Haiti. Feed Your Neighbor, a regular food collection, focuses on canned meats (chicken, beef, tuna, spam, Vienna sausages, and similar items), with donations placed in a bin in the Narthex. The Corner is a recurring meal ministry that depends on consistent volunteers to prepare and serve a weekly meal, with roles that can be weekly, monthly, or as often as a volunteer's schedule allows. Youth also participate in packing meal bags for distribution in downtown Toledo.
Getting Connected
Visitors and newcomers are encouraged to begin with Sunday worship at either 8:30 AM or 10:00 AM, browse the online bulletin and newsletter in advance, and follow up through the Get Connected page to find a small group that fits. Online giving is available through the church's giving portal, with single and recurring gifts both welcome. Office hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Friday from 8:00 AM to noon, with the building located at 4225 W Sylvania Avenue in Toledo.