On behalf of all the members and friends of Southminster Presbyterian Church, I want to welcome you to our website — and to our church! If you are looking for a community of faith where you can experience spiritual growth while serving others in the name of Christ, I hope you’ll consider yourself warmly invited to Southminster.
You’ll find lots of helpful information about our beliefs, our worship, and our community here on the website, but you’re also invited to contact the office if you have questions or want to learn more. Please know that I’d be delighted to chat with you on the phone or in person at the church office, or even to buy you a cup of coffee at one of my favorite local shops.
Blessings to you on the journey!
God’s Peace,
Pastor TJ
What is Southminster all about?
Southminster is an open and affirming community seeking a caring and just society. We are a progressive and slightly irreverent congregation on Boise’s South Bench. You will often find Southminsterians out and about in the community. We volunteer at our neighborhood school, Grace Jordan Elementary. We also pray at the Capitol and speak out in the community on behalf of others.
We attend the PRIDE festival each summer and many of us are working to make Idaho a safer place for all Idahoans, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation. People of all gender identities and sexual orientations are welcome here, in both worship and in leadership.
When and how does Southminster worship?
Please join us for Worship in-person or online on Sunday mornings at 9:30am. The second Saturday of each month, however, worship is at 5:00pm and we take the following Sunday morning as a day of Sabbath rest.
Our congregation values intergenerational community, so all ages are warmly invited to participate in the worship service. Children’s bulletins and a “prayground” are available with age-appropriate activities to assist families in worshiping together with children 5 and up. There’s also a staffed nursery (we call it “The Nest”) with plenty of toys and a live video feed of worship for children ages 0-4. For more information, click here!
Our sanctuary, fellowship space, and bathrooms are all located on the ground level and are universally accessible for people with disabilities. Ramps and lifts are available to access other parts of our building. Additionally, our church building has several all-gender bathrooms so people of all gender identities may be fully welcomed and included in our space.
A note on our dress code: in short, there isn’t one. A few people do dress up for worship, but most come in casual attire. Come as you are, and know you will be welcomed.
Will I have to be recognized as a visitor?
We get it. Visiting a new church for the first time can be equally exciting and terrifying, so you may not feel like drawing extra attention to yourself. Don’t worry! If you’re visiting our worship service, we promise not to make you stand up to introduce yourself or perform any unexpected liturgical dance moves. That said, we’re a friendly bunch! So we encourage you to stick around after worship for coffee hour to get to know folks. (We also hope you’ll include some contact information on our Friendship Pad so that our pastor and staff can be in touch!)
Will I need to give an offering when I visit?
As a visitor, we consider your presence among us to be an offering to God! Please do not feel like you should give an offering or make a donation during a worship service. (By the way, most of our members give online or by mail, so you definitely won’t be the only person passing the plate without dropping something in).
How has Southminster responded to COVID?
Southminster’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic has centered on the intersection of science, medicine, and theology, sharing Jesus’ special concern for those who are most vulnerable and marginalized. Specifically, even now as the pandemic seems to reach “endemic” stage we will continue to monitor the Idaho Crisis Standards of Care, current hospitalization and infection rates, and the particular needs of immunocompromised individuals.
While we are now worshiping in-person, we are fully committed to livestreaming all of our worship services so that those who, for any reason, desire to worship from home are able to do so. While the use of face masks is no longer required, anyone who wishes to wear one will be warmly received.
Where is Southminster located?
We are located at 6500 W. Overland Road (between Cole and Curtis) in Boise, Idaho. You’ll find plenty of parking in our lot on Hummel Road. For major events, overflow parking can be found at Grace Jordan Elementary School next door. If you prefer public transit, our church is located next to a bus stop for Valley Regional Transit’s #29 Overland route. (Note that at this time, the route does not operate on Sundays).
Who Can Be a Member of Southminster?
Interested in learning more about joining the community of faith at Southminster? Anyone may become a member, regardless of age, gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, or class. If you are interested in becoming a member, please contact Pastor TJ for information and details.
