however, for those who prefer to read, I will tell you that for decades I looked for a place where my views were not mocked and my love for GOD wasn't belittled, and where the congregation not only loved GOD, but people too, and showed it in action and in word, rather than just in sermons and prayers. I also had a strict rule about clergy: the leader had to have a personal experience of the Holy, and when asked would talk about it without embellishment or hesitancy. Further, I would not join any church where the preacher made more money after taxes than the poorest congregant made before taxes. Finally, the congregation I was looking for would worship GOD as a Living Presence but not as an idol or a book, and would be kind and respectful with all people, and would work diligently daily for social justice and peace in my city, directly, and without fanfare. Thus, when I first telephoned Simi Valley UCC, and a lady answered, I was relieved when she gave me her name before asking mine, and she asked if I had any questions, and I did. I asked why she liked the church. She told me why she liked the church, and then asked what I thougt was important in a church, so I told her. We talked for forty-five minutes. I attended a meeting or two, and it turned out that nice lady was not the pastor, not even on any committee. Instead she was the person who organized the church-site feeding for the needy. I went to that as a volunteer and then went for services every week for a year, and then stopped going to all my other socio-religious functions (Buddhist, Islamic, Catholic, Episcopal, Chabad, Hindu.) I joined the church in 2013, and am now a Trustee, and an Education Board member. Come, see, experience: this is how church feels...and the colors are rich, too. Guy BonGiovanni