Our Beginnings

Almaden Valley United Church of Christ began in spring 1965 when a small group of families met in each other's homes. The founding group had the vision of a church close to home: a small friendly church with a warm intimate atmosphere. They wanted to give their children a safe place to grow and learn, and to counter the rootlessness and transience of an era when being transferred across the country was a way of life. The UCC’s Northern California Conference supported this church in what was then mostly rural Almaden Valley.

By May 1966, the church was 80 members strong. It began meeting in the Prune Shed, which was a former fruit drying facility near Crown Blvd. and Almaden Road. The warm spirit of the new church made up for what the building lacked. The roof leaked all winter, and the worshipers stepped over buckets which were color-coded to match the holes in the roof above. Today, Some old-timers even say the lights in our sanctuary remind them of the those buckets from the old days.

In 1968, AVUCC informally partnered with an Episcopal congregation to share the Prune Shed. When the church moved into its new building in 1969, the Episcopal Church in Almaden (ECA) moved also. Work began with the national denominations to formalize the arrangement and the Joint Venture became a legal entity in 1970. It is much more than a legal and economic agreement. The ecumenical spirit has flourished and strengthened through the years, adding a deep dimension to the lives of both congregations. We have shared, grieved, and celebrated together. In addition we share our Sunday School and Youth Programs and occasional worship together.

Over the years, AVUCC has been actively involved in many outreach programs, especially Habitat for Humanity. As the church has grown, new members have come as others have moved away. But in less than 35 years we have families representing three generations in the church. AVUCC is continues to grow with new vitality and energy under the skilled leadership of Pastor Paul Smith-Telfer.