Los Gatos United Methodist Church stands at 111 Church Street in downtown Los Gatos, California, where a congregation has been gathering since 1866. The first worshipers met beneath the shade of an oak tree - the same tree that, a century and a half later, gives the block across from today's sanctuary its sense of rootedness. The present-day building is the congregation's third sanctuary. In that time the church has changed its buildings, its music, and its dress code, but its work in the town has only grown.
From an Oak Tree to a Third Sanctuary
The first Christian worship in Los Gatos happened in 1866, when a small group gathered under the limbs of an oak tree to sing of God's love. The present-day sanctuary at 111 Church Street is the congregation's third home, standing across the street from where that oak lived for more than 150 years.
The first permanent church building went up on Church Street in 1889; the sanctuary the congregation uses today dates from 1965. The congregation's own telling of its story leans on contrasts: hymnals without accompaniment back then, every instrument and many styles now; Sunday finest, now jeans; horseback and carriage, now electric cars and bicycles, with the wry note that reducing a carbon footprint still matters.
Los Gatos United Methodist Church became a reconciling congregation in April 1995, formally welcoming all persons regardless of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, cultural background, physical or mental health, family status, or financial circumstances. The inclusive stance is described as still at the heart of the church's mission, and the church invites anyone wishing to celebrate their marriage in the spirit of Christ's love to do so in its facility.
One Sunday Gathering, Two Musical Streams
One Sunday service gathers the whole congregation at 10:00 AM Pacific, with two musical streams woven together. Traditional music is led by Music Director David Herberg and Organist Joyce Rhodes; contemporary music is led by Ren Geisick. The worship is described as a multi-sensory experience that uses video, dance, poetry, and art to connect mind, body, and soul to the presence of God.
Visitors are explicitly told that they can come as they are - in jeans, ties, or anything in between. A Children's Time is offered each week, after which children are welcome to go to the nursery or Sunday School, or stay in the sanctuary with their families.
Those who cannot be in the building join through a livestream at 10:00 AM on the church's YouTube, Facebook, and Vimeo channels. Each Sunday's bulletin is posted so online worshipers can follow along. Previous services remain available on the same channels.
Children and Youth at the Heart of the Congregation
The children's ministry is led by Children's Ministry Director Jessica Eastland and uses the Big Faith Methodist curriculum. Sunday School is offered for children from age two through seventh grade during the 10:00 AM service, with age-appropriate lessons, crafts, music, and hands-on activities in classroom 10 and a secure play yard. Children's Church begins with the family in the sanctuary for a kid-friendly teaching with Pastor Jae before the children move to their own space.
Safety is built into the program: every staff member is background checked, every classroom operates with a two-adult rule, and allergies are flagged. Parents sign children in and out themselves. The ministry offers family faith resources and walks alongside families at milestones like baptisms and confirmations, with a stated emphasis on God's grace for all, inclusive love, service and compassion, age-appropriate discipleship, and a safe place to ask questions.
For middle and high schoolers, a Youth Group meets on Sunday evenings, organized by Children's Ministry Director Jonnye Cartmill. The ministry treats young people as part of the church's life rather than as an afterthought.
Adult Small Groups That Shape Daily Faith
Adult ministries at Los Gatos UMC are built around small groups, on the conviction that faith grows in conversation and not only in pews.
- Chancel Choir rehearses weekly and sings in traditional worship under David Herberg.
- Faith, Reason & Community uses books and DVDs to discuss challenging questions of faith and welcomes drop-ins year-round.
- Men's Spirituality Group meets every Monday from 7:30 to 9:00 PM in the Church Library from September through May, drawing on eight daily spiritual practices from Christian, Jewish, Islamic, Hindu, and Buddhist traditions.
- Saturday Morning Men's Group meets online biweekly from 8:00 to 9:30 AM and welcomes men of all ages and walks of life.
- Gift Stitchers gathers on the first and third Tuesdays from 12:30 to 2:00 PM in the Art Gallery to knit, crochet, and quilt shawls and accessories for homebound or ill persons and those experiencing major life changes.
- Praise Band leads worship every other Sunday, rehearsing at 7:30 PM on the preceding Thursday under Ren Geisick, and welcomes singers and instrumentalists.
- Kindred Spirits Book Club meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 1:00 PM in the Art Gallery.
- Circle of Support offers nonjudgmental, confidential care to people facing illness, loss, job changes, and other transitions; meetings are at Merrill Gardens on South Winchester Boulevard.
- United Women in Faith meets from September through June as a fellowship, education, and mission group.
A Mission Heart in Punta Colonet
For more than twenty years, the congregation has sent teams to Punta Colonet, Mexico, every spring break. The trip, which members simply call Colonet, has come to define what mission means at Los Gatos UMC. Volunteers build casitas, install water towers, and add solar lights in partnership with Lighting for Literacy (LFL), a joint venture of the church and Los Gatos Morning Rotary founded in 2012 by Doug McNeil and Jess Salem.
Lighting for Literacy is at the same time a youth STEM project at home: local teens design and build solar light units that give two to three hours of evening light to homes without electricity. The project has earned recognition from the White House Champions of Change program, Rotary District 5170, the Clean Tech Open Youth STEM Showcase, the County Board of Supervisors, the Los Gatos and Monte Sereno city councils, and the Jefferson Award.
What began as an adult mission trip has grown into a family-friendly experience open to youth, college students, and community members whether or not they attend LGUMC or any church. Spanish speakers and non-Spanish speakers, seasoned volunteers and first-timers, are all welcome; the only requirements are a heart for service and teamwork. Informational meetings begin each September and October. Volunteers also serve through the United Methodist Volunteers in Mission program in Louisiana, Haiti, Alaska, and Russia.
Hot Showers, Healthy Food, Warm Jackets: Outreach at Home
Local outreach begins every Thursday, when volunteers offer hot showers and meals to neighbors experiencing homelessness in Los Gatos - a ministry built on dignity and care.
On the first Sunday of each month, Hunger Challenge bags are passed with the offering plate; the spare change collected supports Second Harvest of Silicon Valley, which redistributes surplus healthy food to more than 500,000 people each month through nearly 400 partners.
Seasonal drives fill out the year. In February, the Brief Drive collects underwear, diapers, and similar items for the San Jose Family Shelter. March brings a Spanish book drive to support the Colonet mission trip. October is the Fall Jacket Drive, collecting warm outerwear for the same shelter in partnership with Grace Preschool. November's Children's Gift Tree matches members with the names, ages, and interests of children in the Head Start Program, with wrapped gifts returned within a couple of weeks. December's Alternative Christmas Faire turns holiday giving into support for about twenty nonprofits, each represented with an engaging display.
A Social Justice Committee, meeting on the third Tuesday of each month from 7:00 to 8:30 PM in the Fireside Room and on Zoom, carries the congregation's advocacy work beyond its own doors, supporting the UMC Reconciling Ministries Network and the Methodist Federation for Social Action and organizing events such as Rise Against Hunger meal packaging.
Live Oak: Lunch and Friendship for Seniors
The Live Oak Senior Nutrition and Service Center has been a ministry of the church since 1974. Monday through Friday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, a dedicated staff and volunteer team serves hot lunches in the Social Hall at the back of the church to adults over 60. Daily choices include a hot entrée and a salad or sandwich, and a $5.00 donation is suggested but never required. The calendar also schedules chair yoga, tai chi, bingo, and other programs.
Volunteers are always needed to serve lunch, lead activities, or provide entertainment. The center is a working example of the congregation's belief that church is what happens on Sundays and what the community does the rest of the week.
Grace Preschool and a Campus That Hosts the Community
Grace Preschool operates on the church campus under Director Kristy Currie, sharing facilities and values with the congregation. It also partners with the Fall Jacket Drive each October.
The same campus opens its doors to the wider community for weddings, vow renewals, and memorial services. Pastor Hyujae Lee, the musical staff, and a technical team support every event, and a dedicated coordinator guides each family through the planning. Couples and families can choose between the Sanctuary, which seats up to 400 guests, and the more intimate Labyrinth Chapel, which holds up to 50. Both venues include state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, live-streaming, bridal party facilities, full setup and cleanup services, a large reception hall with kitchen access, and ample parking, with member discounts available.
Supporting the Church
Gifts can be made through the PayPal Giving Fund, by check mailed to the Finance Office at 111 Church Street, by bank Bill Pay, by Zelle to accounting@lgumc.org, by stock transfer through Charles Schwab (account 5671-2297, DTC 0164), or through the church's recurring giving program. The Finance Office can also assist donors who give from a Charitable Gift Fund. Los Gatos UMC operates under the United Methodist Church's group ruling with Tax ID 94-1399283.