Website for Hillside Community Church: ecswedenborgian.org

Re: Children's Christmas Service
The Hillside Community Church in El Cerrito will be holding a service on Christmas Eve (5pm) which I think you would enjoy. There will be a short service, music provided by both a pianist and an organist. Following the service we will be performing our traditional Nativity Story play which is ''Play-It-Yourself'' - any child or adult that is attending is welcome to participate in the retelling of the story. We have the costumes and props and the story is narrated while the children (and some adults) act out the parts. It is a wonderful way to get the children involved and to learn the story. There are infinite parts for the children, from angels to shepherds to wise kings. The play is followed by a potluck supper and there is every chance that Santa will join us for supper. If you decide to come and you have little ones with you please let us know names and ages so that we can be sure that Santa knows to bring a stocking with him for your child - it is a busy night for! him and he might need a separate list for this stop!

We'll be carolling around the Christmas tree and fireplace during supper also.

If you need any further information please call Linda at 510-235-3646. The address is 1422 Navellier St., El Cerrito, CA Eileen

Re: ''comfortable'' church near El Cerrito
I can highly recommend Hillside Community Church, which is located right in El Cerrito, on Navellier Street. My family and I have been attending services there since January, and we have come to feel that it is our spiritual home.

Here's what I love about Hillside: 1) The gorgeous natural setting. The church is set back from the street, on a Hillside (hence the name). Adjacent to the church there is a lovely lawn and a waterfall and trails that my boys love to explore. On numerous occasions we have seen wild turkeys and deer on the premises.

2) The childcare. My sons are 2 and 4, and every Sunday they get to play downstairs at Peter Pan Nursery School with a wonderful young caregiver. They love it and cannot wait to get to church.

3) The open, free-flowing, non-dogmatic nature of the church. The church emphasizes respect for all religions, and is extremely open and welcoming to all... including non-believers.

The vibe is casual. You can sip coffee during the service. You can show up in your work-out clothes--no one cares. Last Sunday we sang ''Let it Be'' as a congregation and it was very moving.

The only downside of the church is that the congregation is very small. Most Sundays see between 15-20 people. We are the only family with small children. But the music is great for such a small group.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. Amy