A Message from Rev. Katherine Todd
Welcome! Thank you for taking time to visit our site and learn more about Forest Hill Presbyterian Church!
In the time I’ve come to know Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, several things stand out.
#1 – This church specializes in the art of loving one another, in truth and action.
Over forty years ago, after the death of her husband, a mother was approached by the church minister about starting a child care center in the church. It would give her a way forward, with work and income, while providing for young families in the community. And so, the Forest Hill Presbyterian Church Child Care Center was born and has nurtured thousands over the years. Our current Director, Emily Hawkins, was herself a student in the center when she was young!
When a member of church spoke about the need in the community for a place for dogs to meet and run free, the dog park was created. Never before have I seen a dog park on the front lawn of a church. But in this place, the needs of the community have remained front and center.
Most of those who’ve joined the church have stayed because of the love and sense of community they’ve found here.
#2 – Forest Hill Presbyterian is a vital part of the community.
Not only providing a dog park and child care center for the community, Forest Hill decided to make better ecological use of its green space by building a labyrinth on the front lawn. Motivated by the desire to reduce it’s storm-water run-off and to serve the greater community, Forest Hill designed the labyrinth in memory of one of its beloved members, and now all are invited to commune with God in this ancient spiritual practice of walking the labyrinth.
Forest Hill also opens up its doors to various civic groups and associations that better the community. Subsidizing the cost of space, the church is grateful to be a part of the good work these groups are doing!
#3 – There is a spirit of love and acceptance here that is far too rare.
In a world where we find ourselves divided over politics and ideology, morality and ways of life, Forest Hill Presbyterian is a community where folks are welcomed and valued for who they are. It is a place where folks of differing ideologies can talk and agree to disagree. It is a place where love guides, and where we trust that God will take care of the rest. We are not a congregation of like-minded individuals. We are not a congregation of one race or ethnicity. We see our various colors and backgrounds and experiences as assets, and trust that together we are better able to know and follow God than apart.
#4 – We seek God’s face together.
None of us having the corner on the truth, we humble ourselves day after day and seek God’s face together, ever expecting to be surprised by the Living God! Standing on the shoulders of all who have come before, we are a grateful people. Humbly aware that our God cannot be contained in all the world, we are an expectant people. We believe that God is living and moving among us now, and we choose to listen and to follow – that we may join with God in what God is doing in the world, and that God’s love and light, justice and hope might cover the earth.
We do not presume to be the church for everyone, but if you are seeking to deepen your faith, to love your neighbor, to ask honest questions, to grow, and to walk humbly with God, we hope you will come!
Give us the gift of getting to know you!
Rev. Katherine Todd
Minister, Forest Hill Presbyterian Church
We invite you to:
- Learn more about Sunday worship
- View a summary of what we believe
- See our educational offerings for adults and children alike