Church of the Wayfarer (Carmel-by-the-Sea)

At the exact geographical center of Carmel-By-The-Sea stands this picturesque United Methodist Church, more than a hundred years old yet still thriving.

Residents of Carmel-by-the-Sea always know exactly when the day reaches its midpoint, thanks to this church's iconic bell that tolls without fail at noon. Locals and tourists alike are also familiar with the church's lovely garden, which consists almost entirely of plants from the Bible, and through which anyone can stroll. And throughout most of each day, the church's intimate sanctuary is open to the public for quiet meditation and prayer.

Presided over by the young, vibrant Pastor Luke Ham, Sunday worship services take place at 10:00 AM each week. These are followed by Adult Sunday School in the church library. While there's currently no Sunday school program for children, each service features a special Children's Moment, after which childcare is provided in a bright, inviting nursery. Each service features a special guest musician, and though the church has no regular choir, traditional hymns are still sung with gusto. Yet traditional though the hymns are, this is a progressive church, friendly to all groups, lifestyles and other faiths.

The church is home both to a Men's Group and to the Wayfarer Women, providing ample opportunities for members to socialize and do good works in the community. Activities offered include a walking group, a book club, and qi-gong.

Nor should we overlook the various special events held at the church throughout the year. For example, there's the annual Benefit Luncheon, accompanied by a raffle and a guest lecture; or the handing out of free cookies and baked goods in front of the church each year on the day of Car Week's Concours on the Avenue; or Scholarship Sunday, when select high school seniors are granted scholarships each spring. Town locals also look forward to the annual children's Easter Egg Hunt in the church garden on Easter Sunday, and to the outstanding pre-Thanksgiving Holiday Faire, which features a grand-scale bake sale and a delicious hot lunch.

The church building is home to several artists' studios as well.

Few churches on the Monterey Peninsula are more iconic than this old Carmel gem, and few are friendlier, more intimate, or more inviting to all.