New to Calvary? We've Got You.
Health & Safety
Keeping our friends and members safe and healthy is a priority to us. We abide by city and state and guidelines and regulations. Our beautiful sanctuary allows space to spread out, and worship. Our staff and choir are all fully vaccinated, though we still ask everyone to wear a mask in public spaces. We are constantly re-evaluating our event formats, and facilities to make sure we can joyously participate in community, while keeping the community healthy. For those friends still not comfortable worshipping in person, we continue to offer Livestreaming of events and services.
A Welcoming Church
We know that visiting a new church for the first time can be intimidating. Calvary strives to be friendly and welcoming. You need not be a member to attend. You don’t have to be Christian. You don’t have to live in the San Francisco Bay Area. And you are not required to pay anything.
Kid Friendly
Children are always welcomed in all our worship services. The Sunday service includes a children’s meditation. We also have coloring sheets and crayons available in the narthex entry area at the back of the sanctuary.
During the program year, children are invited to head downstairs for Children’s Church. Learn more about other programs for children and youth.
Music in Worship
We are led in worship by our Chancel Choir, often with special musical guests.
If you are interested in singing with our fully vaccinated choir, please contact Michael Conley, our Director of Music Ministries.
Choir rehearses Thursday nights at 7 pm.
Validated Sunday Parking
We validate Sunday parking at the California Pacific Medical Center parking garage, located on Clay Street between Fillmore and Webster.
Be sure to ask for a validation coupon at the front desk to bring your parking charge down to a flat rate of $5. Validation is available Sunday mornings only.
Friendly Greeters and Ushers
Friendly greeters and ushers are available each Sunday morning to answer
any questions you may have or to direct you to the sanctuary, chapel,
restrooms, nursery, and Calvin Hall (where we gather for coffee, fellowship,
and meals).
When, Where, and What Should I Wear?
Our primary worship service is on Sunday mornings at 10:00 am, and is approximately one hour long. We recommend allowing some extra time for transportation or parking for your first visit.
The Sanctuary entrance is at 2515 Fillmore (between Jackson and Pacific) in San Francisco.
We say that everyone is welcome, and really mean it. Many people tend to wear suits and dresses, but plenty wear casual clothes. We truly want you to be comfortable and care much more about you being here, than what you are wearing. For those bringing children, we recognize that it is a big victory to get the kids out of the house at all! Don’t worry if hair isn’t combed perfectly and clothes don’t match.
Getting Here
Calvary is easily accessible by Muni/bus lines along Jackson (3), Fillmore (22) and Divisadero (24), and is a short walk from California (1) line. Street parking is often available, and meters are free on Sundays.
Validated parking coupons are available at the California Pacific Medical Center garage (Clay at Webster) for a fixed price of $5. Please ask at reception for validation. If you have a special need we may assist with and are planning to visit, please call (415) 346-3832.
What Will I Experience?
Every service at Calvary is a little different though we follow an order of worship that includes prayers, music, scripture reading, announcements, and sermon.
If you are brand new to church, new to a Presbyterian Church, or have been in a church environment your whole life, you are welcome at Calvary!
You will be surrounded by people of all ages and all walks of life, and from every corner of San Francisco. The thoughtful, Biblically based sermon will be delivered by one of our well-educated, experienced, funny and engaging pastors. The music is uplifting, and the sanctuary setting is beautiful.
One More Time: Does Calvary Welcome Children?
With great joy! If you are a brand new parent you are welcome to either keep your little one with you, or observe and try our nurturing care providers.
If you have energetic toddlers or older children, we have ministries that combine spiritual depth with the fun and energy kids crave. Children younger than kindergarten typically check in on the Lower Level prior to the 10 am service. Kindergarten-age and up start in the Sanctuary.
Kids through third grade participate in the Children’s time at the front of the church before heading downstairs for Sunday Studio Kids. 4th grade and up are welcomed to join the other big kids in the balcony, where they will sit together until after the sermon, when they leave the sanctuary for their own class. If your child prefers to stay with you, that is absolutely fine.
For more information on Children, Youth and Family Ministries, please click here.
Welcome table
Visit our Welcome Table to find information about the many ministries at Calvary (information is also located in nearby wall racks).
What is a Presbyterian?
Calvary is first and foremost a Christian church committed to sharing the love of Jesus in word and action.
Our denomination is Presbyterian Church (USA). PCUSA is a connectional church, distinguished by the representation of elders – female and male leaders – in its government. (Presbuteros is the Greek word for elder and provided the name for the Presbyterian family of churches.)
Presbyterians are distinctive in two major ways. We adhere to a pattern of religious thought known as Reformed theology (emphasizing God’s supremacy over everything) and a form of government that stresses the active, representational leadership of both ministers and church members. At Calvary, we are thrilled to have strong, compassionate lay leaders working side by side with our pastoral staff.
