Our Beliefs

God Is Here, Now

Presbyterians believe that the Word of God is present and active in the world, making “all things new” in and through Jesus Christ (Rev. 21:5). As individuals and as the church, we are always being transformed by God’s Word, even as we share its good news with the world. God is not finished yet.

As followers of Jesus, Presbyterians are engaged in the world. We seek thoughtful solutions to the challenges of our time. We are called to ministry in Christ’s name; thus we seek to continue his mission of teaching the truth, feeding the hungry, healing the broken, and welcoming strangers.

We believe God continues to send the Holy Spirit to dwell within us, giving us the energy, intelligence, imagination, and love to be Christ’s faithful disciples in the world.

A Connectional Faith

We honor the uniqueness of each person’s spiritual journey and encourage individuals to study the Bible and pray, so they may cultivate a deep relationship with God. And we believe faith extends far beyond that.

We live out our faith through community. Worshiping, receiving care, or serving alongside others, the actions we take in faith open up new questions. As we seek understanding, our companions help us make meaning. This cycle of faith seeking understanding then leads us to further action.

Members of our congregation gather and connect in various ways. We come together for prayer and to celebrate milestones. We celebrate the Sacrament of Baptism and the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper as a congregation. We participate in mission through many local partnerships.

Beyond Carmichael, we connect regionally for mission in northern California through the Presbytery of North Central California. CPC is also part of the Synod of the Pacific, which provides support to Presbyteries throughout the western United States. Our pastors and elders periodically serve on committees of the presbytery and synod,  keeping us connected.

Hope for the Future

CPC participates in several denomination-wide initiatives: quarterly Special Offerings, Matthew 25, and Earth Care Congregations.

The Special Offerings support peacemaking efforts and development of sustainable food resources worldwide. They also support future faith leaders.

Churches that sign on to the Matthew 25 initiative commit to study and action on one or more of the following goals:

• Building congregational vitality
• Dismantling structural racism
• Eradicating systemic poverty

As an Earth Care Congregation, we are committed to care of our earth in the areas of worship, education, facilities, and outreach.

Our church is also part of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, which offers resources to help congregations expand our welcome of LGBTQIA+ people, affirm their gifts for ordained office, and uphold marriage equality for all.