ABOUT US...
Year Established: Park Hills Community was founded in
1945 at the present location in View Park, California, as the Second Reformed
Church (in Los Angeles) by The Reverend Henry Beltman, uncle of The Reverend
Dr. Robert Schuller, founder of the Crystal Cathedral and Hour of Power
Ministry in Garden Grove, California.
Denominational Involvement: We are a member church of the Classis of
California, Reformed Church in America (RCA).
Members have served the RCA on many national bodies and agencies
including General Synod Council; Commissions on Theology, Women, Nominations
and Race and Ethnicity; African American Council; Editorial Council of the Church Herald; RCA Church Growth Fund,
Inc; National Council of Churches; and Board of Trustees, New Brunswick
Theological Seminary. A Park Hills Elder served as President of the Synod of
the Far West and on the Classis Executive Team. A former Pastor and an Elder served on a
Classis Leadership Team, providing guidance to a Los Angeles sister church,
Hope Reformed, the first RCA church founded in California, and recently
reorganized as Faith and Hope Community.
The current Pastor and an Elder were selected by the Executive Team of
the Classis to lend their expertise on a task force to develop a Diversity
Director position for that governing body.
Church Property:
Extending
one city block, the church plant includes the gothic style Sanctuary building,
seating 200+. The separate Fellowship
Hall building can accommodate 150 at banquet tables, and has a full service
kitchen, and is adjacent to a small parking lot. Both buildings are frequently rented for
weddings, receptions and community meetings.
In 2007, a new building annex to the Sanctuary was dedicated. It provides a multi-purpose room, a church
staff office, a pastor’s study, a conference/class room, needed restrooms and
storage/utility rooms. The construction
was financed by a 5 year congregational giving “Sanctuary Partners” project and
loans from the RCA Church Growth Fund, Inc. and the California Classis. The area directly across the street from the two
main buildings includes a recently redecorated 3 bedroom, 2 ½ baths, den/recreation
room, split level parsonage, and an extended parking lot.
Ministerial Staff: The Reverend Dr. Richard L. Horton served as Senior Pastor from April, 2006 until his untimely death in August, 2011. A Pastoral Search Committee was formed and began the process of seeking ministerial candidates. After an extensive search, dedicated effort and prayer, The Reverend Lawrence K. Dove was called to the position. He formerly served for 13 years on the staff at Emmanuel Reformed Church in Paramount, California, as an Associate Minister responsible for multi-cultural worship and community outreach. Pastor Larry was installed as Park Hills’ undershepherd, by the Classis of California on July 15, 2012. He is supported by his devoted wife, The Reverend Yolanda R. Dove, who is active in the ministries of the church, including Co-Director of the Teen Group.
Sunday Church Schedule: Youth and Adult Sunday School – 9:30 a.m.
Worship Service – 11:00 a.m.
“Chat and Chew” Fellowship Time – 12:30 p.m.
Bible Study: On Wednesdays, 12 noon to 1p.m., the Pastor leads the reading and interpretation of selected Books of Scripture, utilizing various supplemental text materials. He creates special study guides each week to stimulate discussion.
Congregational Make-up: Active Confirmed Members – 80 Adults, 10 Youth; Active Associate Members – 13 Adults, 5 Youth. The Board of Elders conduct new member’s classes utilizing the RCA Belongings material. Worshippers are from many different denominational and religious backgrounds. Park Hills is one of only four predominately African American RCA congregations in the Western United States. The membership is primarily drawn from the upscale communities of View Park, Windsor Hills, Ladera Heights, Baldwin Hills, and Leimert Park. Others live in nearby Culver City, Inglewood, and the extended areas of Jefferson Park and Mid-Wilshire. The adult membership demographics are approximately 55% retired professional and salaried; 30% active professional; and 15% salaried.
Ministry Programs: Members participate in all areas of the church program, including Women’s Ministries, Men’s Fellowship, Ushers and Greeters, Sanctuary Choir, “Create In Thee” Sewing Class, “Chat and Chew” Fellowship Time Hosts/ Hostesses, and Worship Committee. The Department of Education sponsors various activities including a multi-cultural/generational Vacation Bible School, culminating with an annual Church Fellowship Picnic. The Evangelism Committee sponsors an Annual “Back to Church Sunday.” Past community events have included a Health Fair and Parenting Workshop. Current plans include an Emergency Preparedness event.
Type of Worship: The Park Hills worship services are broad enough to appeal to the majority, yet narrow enough to maintain the distinctiveness of the mainline Protestant Christian faith. They are nourished with the cultural background of the congregation. A variety of music led by a well qualified Director of Music, includes traditional hymns, gospel and contemporary songs, and anthems provided by a dedicated Sanctuary Choir and audience participation. Elders serve as liturgists for the Sunday morning service and elementary youth serve as acolytes. The Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated each first Sunday. Ecumenical services during Holy Week and on Thanksgiving Eve are often shared with local congregations. A sunrise worship service has been a traditional Easter highlight followed by a continental breakfast. A unique Service of Lessons, Carols and Candles has been held on Christmas Eve.
Type of Sermons: The Pastor’s messages are expositional in manner, usually based on a theme series. From a scriptural narrative or passage, the congregation learns how God’s Word is relevant to each listener. Audio and visual aids are often utilized. The sermon is followed by an invitation to discipleship and/or membership.
Outreach Ministries: Through committed ministerial leadership; a small, paid staff; dedicated volunteers; and the Consistory (governing board of elders and deacons); Park Hills Church seeks to minister to the needs of the whole family and to make positive efforts for outreach into the surrounding communities. Ongoing mission and benevolence care programs are extended both nationally and globally through Reformed Church World Services. Special mission offerings have been donated for earthquake relief to Haiti and fresh water and education assistance to Maasailand, Kenya. Locally, Thanksgiving food baskets are donated to needy families including those recommended by the Sickle Cell Research Foundation. The Women’s Ministries sponsors a Christmas Party for children with special needs from local youth and health organizations. Outreach has been extended to a local Girls’ Scout troop and to the Los Angeles Council of Churches’ Released Time Religious Education Program, for use of the church facilities. Teachers and parents from the magnet elementary school adjacent to the church property, utilize our parking lot.
In January, 2010, the Consistory accepted a request from the California Classis to partner with a RCA church plant, The R.O.C.K., led by Commissioned Pastor Peter Watts, to provide facilities and space for their individualized worship and specialized ministry. Several worship services, congregational activities and community events are now co-sponsored by our two churches, including a very successful Vacation Bible School and Youth Sunday School. In March, 2013, “Kick Back,” a ministry for teens from both churches was successfully organized. They meet on the 1st and 3rd Fridays and discuss topics of interest to Christian young people, and also enjoy outings such as roller skating.
Goals/Growth Efforts: Previous goal setting included a Refocusing Team which completed a strategic planning process involving church members in summit meetings to answer the questions: (1) Where have we been? (2) Where do we want to be? (3) How do we get there? From this study, the church developed their Mission and Vision Statement. At a leadership weekend retreat, officers and members were introduced to the 40 Days of Purpose Driven Life program authored by Rev. Rick Warren. In 2010 a series of successful leadership training classes were led by the Pastor, utilizing the RCA’s, Deacons and Elders Called to Serve material.
As a communication and evangelism tool, a quarterly newsletter, The Encourager, was created in January, 2013. It is edited by a member of the congregation and provides current information about the activities of the church, and supplements our website created in 2011. A revised brochure, “Are You Looking for a Church Home,” is in the process of being completed. It will be distributed to 1st time visitors to the church and at community events held on the premises. There are plans to continue participation in the National Back to Church program, introduced in 2012, as an evangelism tool.
Pastor Larry has stated that his goals including making Park Hills Community Church multi-cultural and multi-generational, reflecting the residents of the surrounding community. Currently, other short term goals set by the Consistory include upgrading the Sanctuary audio visual system and refurbishing the Fellowship Hall. (Revised - May 2013)
Ministerial Staff: The Reverend Dr. Richard L. Horton served as Senior Pastor from April, 2006 until his untimely death in August, 2011. A Pastoral Search Committee was formed and began the process of seeking ministerial candidates. After an extensive search, dedicated effort and prayer, The Reverend Lawrence K. Dove was called to the position. He formerly served for 13 years on the staff at Emmanuel Reformed Church in Paramount, California, as an Associate Minister responsible for multi-cultural worship and community outreach. Pastor Larry was installed as Park Hills’ undershepherd, by the Classis of California on July 15, 2012. He is supported by his devoted wife, The Reverend Yolanda R. Dove, who is active in the ministries of the church, including Co-Director of the Teen Group.
Sunday Church Schedule: Youth and Adult Sunday School – 9:30 a.m.
Worship Service – 11:00 a.m.
“Chat and Chew” Fellowship Time – 12:30 p.m.
Bible Study: On Wednesdays, 12 noon to 1p.m., the Pastor leads the reading and interpretation of selected Books of Scripture, utilizing various supplemental text materials. He creates special study guides each week to stimulate discussion.
Congregational Make-up: Active Confirmed Members – 80 Adults, 10 Youth; Active Associate Members – 13 Adults, 5 Youth. The Board of Elders conduct new member’s classes utilizing the RCA Belongings material. Worshippers are from many different denominational and religious backgrounds. Park Hills is one of only four predominately African American RCA congregations in the Western United States. The membership is primarily drawn from the upscale communities of View Park, Windsor Hills, Ladera Heights, Baldwin Hills, and Leimert Park. Others live in nearby Culver City, Inglewood, and the extended areas of Jefferson Park and Mid-Wilshire. The adult membership demographics are approximately 55% retired professional and salaried; 30% active professional; and 15% salaried.
Ministry Programs: Members participate in all areas of the church program, including Women’s Ministries, Men’s Fellowship, Ushers and Greeters, Sanctuary Choir, “Create In Thee” Sewing Class, “Chat and Chew” Fellowship Time Hosts/ Hostesses, and Worship Committee. The Department of Education sponsors various activities including a multi-cultural/generational Vacation Bible School, culminating with an annual Church Fellowship Picnic. The Evangelism Committee sponsors an Annual “Back to Church Sunday.” Past community events have included a Health Fair and Parenting Workshop. Current plans include an Emergency Preparedness event.
Type of Worship: The Park Hills worship services are broad enough to appeal to the majority, yet narrow enough to maintain the distinctiveness of the mainline Protestant Christian faith. They are nourished with the cultural background of the congregation. A variety of music led by a well qualified Director of Music, includes traditional hymns, gospel and contemporary songs, and anthems provided by a dedicated Sanctuary Choir and audience participation. Elders serve as liturgists for the Sunday morning service and elementary youth serve as acolytes. The Sacrament of Holy Communion is celebrated each first Sunday. Ecumenical services during Holy Week and on Thanksgiving Eve are often shared with local congregations. A sunrise worship service has been a traditional Easter highlight followed by a continental breakfast. A unique Service of Lessons, Carols and Candles has been held on Christmas Eve.
Type of Sermons: The Pastor’s messages are expositional in manner, usually based on a theme series. From a scriptural narrative or passage, the congregation learns how God’s Word is relevant to each listener. Audio and visual aids are often utilized. The sermon is followed by an invitation to discipleship and/or membership.
Outreach Ministries: Through committed ministerial leadership; a small, paid staff; dedicated volunteers; and the Consistory (governing board of elders and deacons); Park Hills Church seeks to minister to the needs of the whole family and to make positive efforts for outreach into the surrounding communities. Ongoing mission and benevolence care programs are extended both nationally and globally through Reformed Church World Services. Special mission offerings have been donated for earthquake relief to Haiti and fresh water and education assistance to Maasailand, Kenya. Locally, Thanksgiving food baskets are donated to needy families including those recommended by the Sickle Cell Research Foundation. The Women’s Ministries sponsors a Christmas Party for children with special needs from local youth and health organizations. Outreach has been extended to a local Girls’ Scout troop and to the Los Angeles Council of Churches’ Released Time Religious Education Program, for use of the church facilities. Teachers and parents from the magnet elementary school adjacent to the church property, utilize our parking lot.
In January, 2010, the Consistory accepted a request from the California Classis to partner with a RCA church plant, The R.O.C.K., led by Commissioned Pastor Peter Watts, to provide facilities and space for their individualized worship and specialized ministry. Several worship services, congregational activities and community events are now co-sponsored by our two churches, including a very successful Vacation Bible School and Youth Sunday School. In March, 2013, “Kick Back,” a ministry for teens from both churches was successfully organized. They meet on the 1st and 3rd Fridays and discuss topics of interest to Christian young people, and also enjoy outings such as roller skating.
Goals/Growth Efforts: Previous goal setting included a Refocusing Team which completed a strategic planning process involving church members in summit meetings to answer the questions: (1) Where have we been? (2) Where do we want to be? (3) How do we get there? From this study, the church developed their Mission and Vision Statement. At a leadership weekend retreat, officers and members were introduced to the 40 Days of Purpose Driven Life program authored by Rev. Rick Warren. In 2010 a series of successful leadership training classes were led by the Pastor, utilizing the RCA’s, Deacons and Elders Called to Serve material.
As a communication and evangelism tool, a quarterly newsletter, The Encourager, was created in January, 2013. It is edited by a member of the congregation and provides current information about the activities of the church, and supplements our website created in 2011. A revised brochure, “Are You Looking for a Church Home,” is in the process of being completed. It will be distributed to 1st time visitors to the church and at community events held on the premises. There are plans to continue participation in the National Back to Church program, introduced in 2012, as an evangelism tool.
Pastor Larry has stated that his goals including making Park Hills Community Church multi-cultural and multi-generational, reflecting the residents of the surrounding community. Currently, other short term goals set by the Consistory include upgrading the Sanctuary audio visual system and refurbishing the Fellowship Hall. (Revised - May 2013)
