We have been privileged to be members of the FCCPA community for almost 20 years…read more It is a church grounded in the past - the Congregational and UCC tradition - but also a church launching into the future - a progressive Christian community based in Silicon Valley and oriented towards the 21st century and beyond. It has an active congregation of bay area families young and old and various peoples in all stages of life and on all stages of faith journeys. Near Stanford, the congregants are very intelligent, talented and highly educated individuals. We challenge our pastors and they challenge us - we all learn and grow together. The theology is progressive and interpretive - not literal and never inerrant. The community is diverse, with an active commitment to being open and affirming towards all LGBT members. Worship services have phenomenal music, an impressive organ (and unimaginably impressive organist!), an active choir, with many different services and social events throughout the year to celebrate the holidays and the turning of the seasons. The senior minister even integrates puppetry into his ministry! The church is a third space - not a home, not work or school - rather a shared retreat for spiritually-based social connections in our larger bay area community. There is always so much going on - men's and women's retreats, film groups, movie nights, a coffee shop, Tuesday tea, youth groups, annual Spring musical play, Xmas pageant, camping trip, etc. etc. also so many opportunities to volunteer together in local community service. FCCPA is a place to come together in fellowship with an extended church family It is a place where God is still speaking!

Good sermons with assist of Clarence the Camel, and the musical performances are genuinely…read morebeautiful. That's the good news. The rest, less so. On my first visit, they showed me what was in their "Welcome bag," told me I wouldn't be getting one, and suggested I come back the following week to buy similar items at their "free trade" bazaar. Visits two and three weren't better. I said hello pleasantly, clearly -- even held a door open for someone, and was flat-out ignored. It was bizarre. I also noticed that the people of color in the pews (a stark contrast to the diversity in their promotional photos) were, without exception, either personal assistants or performers. The Stepford Wives energy got to me. I never went back. Just buzzed on out for some fresh air -- get it? Bzzz-air. P.S. No, I never did get my hands on an Unwelcome bag.

Every congregation says it is "warm and welcoming," but at Congregation Etz Chayim, it's really the…read morecase. It is big enough to have lots of activities and yet small enough for people to get to know each other. Our new rabbi, Chaim Koritzinky and his lovely family have brought even more energy to this already energetic group. There is a place for everyone at Etz...family activities, text study, services, religious school for children, alternative services, teen activities, a women's Rosh Chodesh group, an annual men's retreat, mah jongg group, a book club...and if there's something new you'd like to see, you can help create it. What I love the most is the spirit of volunteerism. If you offer to help with something, you can rest assured that there will be a group working with you. If you'd rather just show up, you are also welcomed.

This is a wonderful synagogue with a very compassionate rabbi. I love the music. The sermons are…read morefantastic. Will definitely go there for services again.

I started attending this Church in October of 2017 until January of 2019 when I went on the road…read morefor 5 months and was not going to be returning due to the high cost of living and having a very nice home of my own in Southern California, but I missed the people here and the fellowship and returned. I Truly love this Church, it is a small congregation but big in LOVE, and that is what we all need. The Pastor and his wife are fine people, they are the happiest people I have ever met and they exude love and kindness. He preaches truths from the Bible and doesn't add anything to it or take anything away. Just the facts and the consequences. So many people today do not want to hear sound doctrine, Titus 2:1 is exemplified in his teaching and preaching... "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:" those were the words Paul the Apostle wrote to Titus to instruct Titus to instruct the followers of Christ. Unfortunately in the day we live in there are too many people that have itching ears and want to here happy, lovey things that build themselves up and help them to justify the way they live their lives without having a close RELATIONSHIP with the SAVIOR and be in OBEDIENCE to HIM and HIS WORD. 2 Timothy 4:3-4 "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables." That is what Paul the Apostle wrote to Timothy to exhort him to watch out for these things and to do the work of an evangelist and to make full proof of his ministry. Titus was again instructed by Paul the Apostle in Titus 1:9 "Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. That in itself shows that even almost 2000 years ago the prophetic words of things to come, that same word is more relevant today than it was then, when people have gone away completely from God's word and become such haters. The Word of God will definitely chastise you to help you be what God intended you to be but never beat you up and tear you down it is ALWAYS going to break you to make you what you ought to be for HIS purpose. The wisest man that ever lived said this: "Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgement, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14

Very interesting and old-school type vibe. Pastor preached a great message on Noah w scripture to…read morematch on screen to read along. Very friendly church, small but comfortable setting. They made us feel welcomed and it was a very family like atmosphere. I'm not sure about childcare though

I've had great experiences visiting this church. The atmosphere was inviting, the priest engaging,…read moreand the people are friendly. There are two services on Sunday, with one in the early morning at 7:30, and the other at 10:30. I've done both and felt welcomed at either time. A great place to start/end my week!

This is a very impressive church I have ever known. A few weeks ago the church members kindly…read morewelcomed my family. Even though they do not know me well, they did not hesitate to help my family with many supports when we were in troubles. They not only speak about the word of God but also living out it. You will soon recognize that God is present in such a warm and compassionate community.

I went to this church few times and don't fully stand on some of they biblical principles and why…read morethe need to keep reinforcing doctrines not mentioned in it. Also the LGBTQ+ flag on their site which it's very misguided for Christian not seeking worldly sermons.

I reached out to SVPC requesting a graveside service for my mother. I was originally told that they…read moredo not provide that service. I wrote back to the Pastor and explained my disappointment in this, especially for a church member that had tithed with that church for over 37 years and also served as a deacon for the church. I got an apology letter and a revised answer that they would actually provide the service. I was advised the the pastor would contact me prior to the service. All the information was provided to the church including an obituary type letter for the Pastor. Well, the day came for the service, no call and no Pastor. And this goes to prove why I don't believe in church. God Yes, church No.

CCIC is a very close-knit family church. While the name is "Chinese" the demographics is far more…read morediverse with attendees from many countries including China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Vietnam, UK and Germany. (There are more countries, but I don't know everybody). We have a very vibrant mix of mixed-marriage families, typically with one Chinese or Asian spouse. There are about 700-800 regular attendees divided among the 4 weekly Sunday services. Of those, about 150 attend the English congregation, while the others attend the Cantonese or Mandarin services. The church attracts college and graduate students, professionals and families new to the area. Sunday service in the English congregation typically starts with worship, congregational prayers, sermon, announcements and the welcoming of visitors and guests. Service starts at 9:15 am and ends by 10:30 am. Immediately after that, there is a 30 minute coffee break time where all visitors are invited to meet at the visitor's welcome room for refreshments. Sunday school classes commence after that and lasts for an hour. CCIC has excellent programs for children of all ages, starting with a nursery for babies up to 2-years old. Older children have their own classes separated by age, up to about high school. There are youth groups, young adult groups, and adult groups as well. Some of the more popular ministries include the Youth Fellowship, Home Group Fellowship, Men's Ministry and Women's Fellowship. Many church attendees stay back for the church lunch to further fellowship. Lunch can be purchased for a nominal fee and is usually catered Chinese food from a nearby restaurant. Every few weeks, there is also an additional "family lunch" where volunteers cook whatever they like. The church has many excellent cooks and we have enjoyed foods such as pizza, pasta, BBQ, tacos, hot dogs, burgers and salads. One of the most common feedback from visitors to this church is how warm and welcoming it is. Many visitors hear about this church from friends or family. While this church may not have all the facilities and infrastructure of a larger church, it is the love and care of this church community that has my family going there. We truly feel like we are one, big, happy family.

I must say this is a really united church. Everyone here feels welcome. I personally think it makes…read moreme feel at home because this is reminiscent of my church in Singapore. It feel like I am part of a second family. Location wise this church is just down the street from where I live. The name Chinese Church here not only means Chinese but people from SE Asia or Europe. Most of us are from either Singapore, Malaysia, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, Philippines and Thailand. We have really interesting speakers at every sermon. If you prefer to go to a service in Chinese or Cantonese they have it here too. For kids and students of all ages they have programs espcially designed for them. After the English service there is also Sunday school. The Sunday Schools are really beneficial for your life. Last but not least at times they have family lunch which is really good. The choices for the lunch is endless

After visiting a couple different churches in the area, my wife and I were drawn to Palo Alto…read moreVineyard church for the welcoming community and the no-frills (but very authentic) style of worship. There is a good amount of diversity among both the congregation and the church staff. For what I'd consider a mid-sized church (estimate upwards of 150 including children and youth), I enjoy seeing a broad range of ethnicities represented, which includes a fairly strong international presence. The service itself is very down to earth. Worship sets are led by rotating groups of people, with some preferring older songs and hymns and others leaning more contemporary. The sermons also alternate between three to four of the pastoral staff. One thing I've enjoyed most about the service at Palo Alto Vineyard is the way they always make it a point to pray for different global or current issues. I see it as a healthy recognition of the local culture (dominant Silicon Valley influence), but also the desire join in with the larger global church. I've since learned that Vineyard churches (it's a network/movement) focus on both demonstrating outward love for neighbor (evangelistic to newcomers, different outreach ministries) and being Holy Spirit led (lots of emphasis on prayer). There is often a space in worship where the pastor leads the congregation in sharing any words God might have for the entire congregation. There is almost always an invitation for people to receive prayer at the end as well. All in all, we have experienced Palo Alto Vineyard to be a place of very genuine and very welcoming community. There are nonbelievers, visitors from out-of-town, and members who have been at PAVC for decades. People want to follow Jesus and it seems to be a healthy community. Family "fourths" (once every fourth Sunday) are a chance to sit with families and kids at tables during service. There is enough anonymity on any given Sunday to be comforting (if that's your thing), but also lots of times to connect (they encourage a dedicated time to fill out the Connect Card, and as far as I can tell, no one has ever been hurt by the extra bagels/donuts and coffee). There are lots of different small groups and a dedicated Children's and Youth Ministry. The church meets at a local middle school, so make sure you find the right parking lot where you see lots of others pulling in, and you should be good to go.

My family has been attending the Palo Alto Vineyard church for the past 17 years. Although there…read morehas been changes over the years (two different pastors, new location, etc) one thing has remained constant; the amazing community and supportive, loving environment. All three of my children (now ages 14, 11 and 6) have been mentored in their faith through the hard working volunteers and pastoral staff at PAVC! Additionally, the musical worship always helps fill me with His spirit, even on difficult days. Thank you Lord for this community who loves You and desires to serve You so faithfully!

I started attending Foothills about two years ago when I was church shopping. I had two small…read morechildren and I wanted to find a church community that would expose them to music, fellowship, volunteerism, and tradition. I quickly felt at home and knew instantly this was the place for us. The structure and traditions are similar to the church I grew up in, but Foothills is far more progressive--welcoming to people from all walks of life and levels of belief. I felt instantly welcomed and not at all judged. They are a smaller church community, but well-sized for their building, which is beautiful and peaceful. I visited other churches that were much larger and felt lost, not sure of how I would fit in. But Foothills is just the right size. There aren't a lot of young children...yet, but there is a lot of energy and enthusiasm. A year ago they hired a new pastor after their previous pastor retired. They also have a wonderful associate pastor who has been there for years and helps run the youth programs. They have a great nursery for small children that opens before church (although I brought my baby into church without a problem), a children's choir, youth classes, and an annual youth service trip. Some of my favorite activities/events at Foothills have included: a service day where groups volunteered at numerous sites in the area, an Iftar dinner with a local Muslim community, a peaceful candle-lit dinner for Maundy Thursday, and a potluck dinner followed by outing to see the Los Altos holiday parade. I hope you will consider stopping by and checking us out. You may find Foothills your new home.

Foothills is a warm and welcoming community. Our historic sanctuary is beautiful and cozy. Our…read moreservices are enjoyable and thoughtful, with excellent preaching and a wide variety of great music. There are ample opportunities to participate in church life. We are an "open and affirming" (ONA) congregation, having made a public covenant of welcome into our full life and ministry to persons of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. https://www.ucc.org/lgbt_ona If you are seeking a place of peace and joy, you are welcome here.