“As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.” 1 Peter 4:10
Adult Faith Formation
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Shepherd's Ministry
Building a Caring, Connected Church Family
At Christ Church, we believe no one should walk through life alone. Shepherds’ Care Ministry is here to help our church community grow stronger by fostering genuine relationships and offering meaningful support.
Whether you’re new or have been here for years, our trained Shepherds are ready to walk alongside you—offering spiritual guidance, a listening ear, and a caring heart. It’s all about creating a place where everyone feels known, supported, and spiritually encouraged.
Let’s grow together. Let’s care for one another.
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Women's Spirituality Group
Wednesdays at 10:00 AM on Zoom
No matter your background, beliefs, or where you are on your spiritual journey, you’re welcome here. We gather each Wednesday morning on Zoom to explore faith, ask questions, read a book and support one another in a safe, open space.
We spend a few weeks with each book and recently have read “How We Learn to Be Brave” by Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde and “A Faith of Many Rooms” by Debie Thomas.
Whether you're just beginning to explore spirituality or have been walking this path for years, join us for thoughtful conversations, meaningful connections, and inspiring ideas. Reach out to our group leader, Mary Jennings, for the Zoom link—we’d love to have you!
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Holy Hikes
Bi-monthly on Saturdays or Sundays
Holy hikes are an opportunity to worship God in the richness of God’s creation, while also getting active and making new friends! All are welcome at these adventures. The challenge of the hike may very, but there is almost always an option for beginner hikers.
Past locations include Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, Los Trancos Open Space Preserve and Windy Hill Preserve.
Holy Hikes are co-sponsored by Christ Church Los Altos and Christ Church Portola Valley and Woodside. Each hike is led by The Reverend Cal Payne-Taylor. To learn more about our next hike, you can visit our Events page or click below to contact Rev. Cal.
Serving in a ministry is a way to deepen your faith, while also supporting the parish in a way that is mutually beneficial for both the community and you! We invite you to consider your talents and gifts, and where you might be called to serve as a member of the church body. If you’d like to learn more about any of these ministries, reach out to any of our staff, or you can find the contact information for specific ministry leaders in our directory (ministry leaders are listed at the end of each ministry description).
Liturgical Ministries
These are ways of serving for or during worship.
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Acolytes help with worship preparation and facilitation, including carrying crosses, lighting candles, and assisting the clergy. At Christ Church, an acolyte also typically leads the Psalm.
This ministry is wonderful for people who enjoy the routine of church and like to work in support of others.
Ministry Leader: Clergy
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Altar Guild prepares the altar for services and cares for the sacred vessels and linens. These volunteers also prepare the communion elements.
If you enjoy setting the table for dinner parties or pride yourself on a crisp ironing job, this ministry might be for you!
Ministry Leader: Sarah Halsey
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Choirs (for adults and children) lead the hymns and sing anthems, psalms, and other service parts.
If you catch yourself singing in the shower or if you get excited when you see your favorite hymn in the bulletin, church choir might be for you.
Ministry Leader: Lauren Wittine
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Flower Arrangers bring in flowers from home to create floral arrangements for church services.
If you enjoy creating beauty and like to see the tangible fruits of your labor, you might enjoy flower arranging.
Ministry Leader: Pam Kaufmann
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Greeters welcome people as they arrive at church and hand out church bulletins. They also arrive first to coffee hour and invite people to join in fellowship on their way out.
If you have a friendly smile and are willing to arrive to church at 9:45am, consider volunteering to be a Greeter!
Ministry Leader: James Mack
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Lectors and Intercessors read scripture lessons and lead the prayers of the people.
Lector ministry could be your calling if you enjoy reading aloud!
Ministry Leader: Barbara Creed
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The Tech Team works each Sunday to ensure the microphones are working well and to facilitate the livestream and the church YouTube channel. They also help with tech at events and orient parishioners with some of the apps and programs we use in our ministry.
If you like figuring things out, or if your family is always asking you to answer their technology questions, consider joining our Tech Team!
Ministry Leader: Angela Hey
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Ushers assist with seating, alms collection, and communion logistics.
If you are looking to stretch your legs during the church service, consider volunteering to be an Usher!
Ministry Leader: Currently vacant…
General Ministries
These ministries reach out to others and strength our church and connections.
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Buildings and Grounds oversees the maintenance of church buildings and the gardens.
Buildings and Grounds covers a large portion of the work we do, and therefore offers volunteer opportunities for almost anybody, including church cleanup days and work in the garden. If you have special knowledge about construction, electrical work, plumbing, or other maintenance trades would would particularly love your support in this ministry!
Ministry Chair: Ruth Ann Wrucke
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Sunday School is offered every week during the 10am service. Children 5-11 years old are offered the opportunity to learn about their faith through stories and hands-on activities.
Volunteering at Sunday School is great for anyone who enjoys working with children. (Please note that safe church training is required for anyone in a ministry that works directly with children).
Ministry Leader: Michel Hardbarger
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Coffee Hour hosts provide food and refreshments for the social time following Sunday services.
Coffee Hour host is a great ministry for almost anyone, whether you enjoy baking, like to host, or just have an active Costco membership!
Ministry Leader: Chantal Eshghipour
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Finance Committee is responsible for budgeting, reviewing financial statements, and recommending expenditures to the vestry.
Was math your favorite subject in school? Are you an investment wiz? Consider sharing your talents with the Finance Committee!
Ministry Leader: Annemarie Redmond
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Outreach offers financial, emotional, physical, and spiritual support to neighbors near and far. Click here to learn more about the work our Outreach team does.
If you love to help others, consider joining the Outreach Committee or volunteering for individual projects such as cooking or donating food, tying blankets, or visiting senior homes.
Ministry Leader: Kathy Kennedy
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Volunteers in the Shepherd Ministry care for a “flock” of church members by offering connection, companionship, prayer and support.
If you like connecting with others, enjoy chatting, or like to send a heartfelt card, then you would be a great addition to our Shepherds Team!
Ministry Leader: Lenore Lovoi
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Stewardship Committee encourages parishioners to share their time, talents, and treasure in support of the church mission. Stewardship leads the annual pledge drive each November.
Stewardship Committee might be a calling for you if you are comfortable talking about money or are good at organizing information!
Ministry Leader: Wendy McAdam
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The Voices in the Valley team selects upcoming speakers, advertises, and supports during our speaker series, which invites parishioners and guests from the community to learn and grow spiritually and intellectually.
If you are passionate about learning or have interesting connections in the community, our Voices in the Valley team would love to have you!
Ministry Leader: Lenore Lovoi
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The Welcome and Membership team welcomes visitors and guests, and helps newcomers explore and fully participate in the life of the parish.
This is a developing committee, so if you are excited by the idea of building something new and growing the church, consider joining Welcome and Membership.
Ministry Leader: James Mack