Community Church at Holliston

I love this church!

Big long review here. I just can’t resist reviewing this church in all its glorious details, because I believe it is one of the great hidden gems among the Pasadena Christian communities!
Although initially drawn to it by the intriguing old-​world architecture of the front building, I have to admit that I have never been inside that part. Instead, I have come to love the English-​speaking ministry that meets in the social hall at the back of the property. It goes by the name of Community Church at Holliston and apparently met somewhere in Glendale before moving in to partner with the Korean-​speaking UMC.
Now, please hear me – I am horrified to have to admit to my hick side here, but I really didn’t know what to expect from a primarily Korean church, even if the service was going to be in English, and even if the staff’s web bios showed them to be from places like Kansas and Boston. Even my normally-​adventurous 10-​year-​old protested: «But Mom, there’s not a bit of Korean in me!» Haha… not to worry. She made a new friend immediately on her way into the kids’ ministry, and I discovered a church community so astonishingly friendly that this little Midwestern Irish lass felt instantly at home.
The gatherings at this church are very casual – lots of jeans and t-​shirts here – and I’ve often seen Pastor Sam with a Starbucks cup in his hand between worship songs, so you can pretty much figure that’s welcome here, too. The band is lively and inspirational. The messages are heartfelt, invigorating, and sincere, with some of the best research I’ve ever heard added to the mix. Pastor Sam isn’t content with just preaching his thoughts on a single passage, but flips back and forth among all the relative references in both Old and New Testaments, as well as frequent insights into Jewish history and context that bring out the scriptures’ meaning even more vividly. There’s plenty of both humor and humility in Pastor Sam’s teachings (no «holier than thou» or «us vs. them» rantings here).
The kids’ ministry is lively and spirited as well. They all start off in one room for worship music before splitting off into separate rooms for age-​appropriate lessons. They pass a contribution basket around during that first part (no pressure, though; I think they’re just giving the kids a chance to support orphans in other countries). My 2-​year-​old loves it when big sis hands her a quarter to put in. As far as I know, there isn’t any childcare for babies and toddlers, but they’ve just built a big beautiful playroom for them called «The Nest» just inside the main doors. It’s kind of their answer to a cry-​room, but much more fun. The service is piped in on flatscreen TV to keep the parents of the littlest ones from missing out. They also have a private nursing corner, baby-​changing supplies, and enough toys to keep the toddlers happy for hours.
When service is over, the transformation happens. Everyone picks up a couple of folding chairs, the big round tables come out, and the church has a huge lunch spread for anyone who wants to stick around. In fact, it happens simultaneously for the Korean-​speaking congregation in the courtyard, and you’ll often see families head out there for curry and rice for the parents, then back into the hall for hot dogs or pizza for the kids. It’s a great social time, even for a newbie, and first-​timers are invited to join the pastor at a special table so that he can enjoy chatting with them personally.
Now, this last bit is not necessarily a topic of pride for a church, but before I wrap this up I have to mention one more detail: I’ve noticed that a lot of these people have a tendency of running late. I mean, if you slink in during worship and decide to settle down and hide in the back row, you’ll find at the end of service that another six rows of chairs have been added behind you, and they’re all completely full! Why do I bring this up? Well, I’m also one of those people who just can never seem to get out of the house on time, and over the years I’ve missed out on a lot of sweet opportunities because I got discouraged and gave up on going at all. If this is you, please don’t give up. The parking here might take some patience, and you might have to search through the sidestreets for a spot; but before you lose your cool at the kids and head home, just take a deep breath, walk on in with all the other latecomers, and enjoy yourself. You will be SO glad that you did! Hope to see you there!

An imposing structure built in 1923, this Methodist church now cares for the (mostly) Korean-​American community residing near the ever-​popular Colorado Blvd. Towering imperiously, much like a modern-​day Tower of London, this impressive castle-​like church will put the fear of God* into any doubting Tomaseu.
*forgive me, Mother, for I may not know what I do