Celebrating the living Christ
Places of faith
By Angela Randazzo Special to the Acorn

WENDY PIERRO/Acorn Newspapers

Church of the Living Christ

171 Royal Ave.

Simi Valley

(805) 522-0246

Pastor Matti Perttula

Founded: 1962 Size of congregation: 100

Denomination:

Assemblies of God

Services: Sunday, 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Foundation of beliefs: We believe we are saved by

grace through faith in the

Lord Jesus Christ.

Fun fact: The church has an annual

Christmas party and a Fourth of July barbecue.

Questions of faith

(answered by Perttula):

What is the purpose of life?

To love God and love your neighbor as yourself.

What must humankind do to get into heaven?

Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. I would like people to know that God is love. We need to care for one another and love one another.

What is your belief in heaven or hell?

They are both literal places according to Scripture. Hell is a total separation from God. The Bible describes it as a lake of fire. Belief in Jesus Christ is the only condition for salvation. If you don't believe in Jesus Christ, that would mean you would not go to heaven.

How important is it that congregation members get involved in the community? What kind of things do you do?

We help at the Samaritan Center. We help people when they come to church. We are there for people to give them spiritual support.

Does your church believe in the literal interpretation of the Bible, or are we free to draw our own meanings from those writings?

There is both a literal and symbolic interpretation within the Bible. You can't really say it should all be interpreted as literal. Jesus said if your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. Obviously, that isn't a literal interpretation.

What is the church's view on gay rights and abortion?

We believe in the sanctity of life and that marriage is between a man and a woman.

Women's role on the church? Our denomination ordains women.