The Presbyterian Church is marked by special characteristics in its Reformed heritage dating back to the 16th Century, greatly influenced by John Calvin (Switzerland) and John Knox (Scotland). The essential tenets of the faith include the sovereignty and grace of God resulting in the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ; the Scriptures as ultimate authority; that God alone is Lord of the conscience; and that, therefore, the rights of private judgment are unalienable. Presbyterians celebrate two Sacraments: Baptism and the Lord's Supper. Baptism is the sign and seal of being incorporated into Christ; infants as well as adults are baptized, thus witnessing that God's love claims people even before they are able to respond to faith.

The nature of Presbyterian order is such that it shares power and responsibility. It is a very connectional structure, with a system of governing bodies (local church session, Presbytery, Synod and General Assembly). In governance Presbyterians are representative, with clergy and lay persons sharing in decision-making, seeking together to find and follow the will of Christ. There are 11,500 PCUSA congregations in the United States, comprising approximately 3 million members.

Reverend Lou Will

12601 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
(216) 228-2210

With Stone donated by a quarry owner in Pennsylvania and hauled to the site in a borrowed truck, Faith Church was built in 1905. Subsequent additions and remodelings resulted in the present attractive and useful facilities. The building contains two stained glass windows made by the Phillips Studio and original windows of traditional design.

Mission is at the core of Faith's ministry. The Lakewood Christian Service Center's first location was in Faith Church. A full Head Start program has been here since 1990, currently with two sessions in the morning and two in the afternoon, totaling nearly 70 children. Three Alcoholics Anonymous groups meet in the building weekly, as does a CoDependents Anonymous support group. A Community Meal is served on the fourth Monday each month. Faith is a host congregation participating in the Interfaith Hospitality Network, welcoming homeless families four times a year for a week in the church. Many volunteers help to provide meals, fellowship, and staying overnight while these families work toward housing and employment, assisted by the IHN's professional staff.

Our worship service is 10:00 a.m. year-round, with education classes for all ages following the service. A drama group provides a creative way to share the Gospel. There are men's and women's retreats, as well as a congregational retreat. Occasional potluck dinner evenings provide added times for good fellowship and fun. A year-long celebration is being planned in 2005 to mark Faith's 100th Anniversary of ministry. We give thanks and praise to God!

1659 Rosewood Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
(216) 228-6060
http://www.gracelakewood.org/
chair lift available

Grace Presbyterian Church was founded in 1920 as a mission church in the southwestern section of Lakewood. Beginning with a small white frame church, it grew to the present modern glass-fronted structure. Grace Church has always centered its emphasis on family at worship and in service to others. Leadership is given by its deacons as they offer a monthly community meal to those who are hungry, and the elders serve as assistants in all worship services and direct the mission of Grace Church. Among other programs, veterans attend and participate. Lenten dramatic services are led by members of the church and the pastor.

14502 Detroit Avenue
Lakewood, Ohio 44107
(216) 226-0514
www.lakewoodpresbyterian.org

Lakewood Presbyterian Church was founded in 1905 as a daughter congregation of First Presbyterian (Old Stone) Church on Public Square in Cleveland. The church has come to be an important center of worship, religious education, mission and outreach for Cleveland's west side. The international Presbyterian Peacemaking Ministry was birthed at Lakewood Presbyterian in the 1970's under the able leadership of the Rev. Dr. Richard Watts. In recent years the congregation has enhanced its outreach to the poor and disenfranchised through monthly free community meals, supporting temporarily homeless families via Interfaith Hospitality Network, and more recently, through a growing concern of providing access to healthcare. The now fully accessable facility consists of a large neo-gothic sanctuary that includes two pipe organs and magnificent examples of midcentury stain glass windows by African American artist, William Phillips. The Wright Memorial Chapel is the site of numerous intimate services. The 2007 Kilgore Ministry Center has greatly enhanced the thriving congregation's ministries of faith formation, music and the arts, and community outreach.