HISTORY & COMMUNITY
Loving & serving in Sebastopol for many years
We go way back...
Founded in 1889 by nineteen Sebastopol residents, the church began with a bold commitment to children and youth—starting a Sunday School before even building a sanctuary.
After worshiping in several locations, the growing congregation built its first church on South Main Street in 1901. By the 1960s, needing more space, they moved “way out” to North Gravenstein Highway—now well within city limits. The first service there was held in 1961, and the sanctuary we worship in today was dedicated in 1967.
In the 1970s, under Rev. Philip Anderson, the church launched its beloved Family Camp, changed its name to The Community Church of Sebastopol to reflect its inclusive spirit, and helped establish Burbank Heights, affordable housing for seniors.
Under Rev. Gene Nelson’s 38-year leadership, the church expanded with Memorial Hall (1997) and a new chapel and classrooms (2013), creating space for worship, youth programs, and community events.
For over a decade, under Rev. Dr. Benjamin J. Broadbent & Assoc. Minister Rachel Knuth, the church has carried forward a legacy of faith, service, and welcome, introducing Faith Formation classes, engaging youth programs, and joining the Sonoma County Sanctuary Coalition to work for justice, safety and equity for those who are marginalized.
DEEPLY INVOLVED IN OUR COMMUNITY...
- In 1942, youth from our congregation (Pilgrim Fellowship) maintained a 24/7 vigil to protect Sebastopol’s Enmanji Buddhist Temple from arsonists
- Called the first woman pastor (1983) and LGBTQ pastor (2001) to any church in Sebastopol
- Hosted Rotary Club of Sebastopol weekly meetings for over 40 years
- Ceres Project got its start in our commercial kitchen in 2007
- Graton Day Labor Center, organized and supported in part by Community Church members, began by meeting in our facility in 2007
- Founded the Inter Church Food Pantry in 1983
- Burbank Heights (1975) and Burbank Orchards (1987) housing for low income seniors were founded and developed by Community Church in partnership with Sebastopol UMC
- Founding member of the North Bay Organizing Project
- Worked with Burbank Housing and the Faith Based Organizing Project to develop the Bodega Hills affordable housing project in Sebastopol
- Community Band founded at Community Church and continues to rehearse in our Music Room
- From 2002 – 2019, the Community Thanksgiving Dinner was hosted in our Memorial Hall
- For decades, we have hosted as many as 35 weekly 12-Step groups (AA, Al-Anon, OA, ACA)
- Among the original sponsors of Rebuilding Together Sebastopol
- Hosted the first Alzheimer’s Respite program in Sebastopol
- Joined the Sonoma County Sanctuary Coalition and voted to become a Sanctuary Congregation
Interested in joining our church community?
You are welcome to participate in our church whether you are a member or not for as long as you’d like. And if it’s a fit, we’d love to have you join us as a member. Here’s how you do that…
STEP 1: Attend Worship
Attend our Sunday worship and see if you would like to become an active member of the Community Church of Sebastopol.
Step 2: Attend an Inquirers’ Class
Inquirers’ Classes are held every few months. Contact the office to find out when the next orientation will be held.
Step 3: Participate in the Life of the Church
We welcome your full participation as a member in the life of our church. As members, we commit to:
- Attend Sunday services as regularly as life allows
- Deepen spiritually by participating in one church program
- Serve faithfully with the church in the wider community
- Share our financial resources so the church may thrive
- Aspire to a leadership or volunteer role
- Tell others about our church & why it means so much to us
Frequently asked questions
What if I can’t make it to the next Inquirers’ Class?
There will be another orientation in a few months, so you can attend the next one.
What if I can’t make it to the joining ceremony?
We will have you join in absentia, then introduce you on a subsequent Sunday.
Do my kids join with me?
While all baptized people, including infants, are members of the Body of Christ, local church membership is for anyone over confirmation age (14 or so). Children are invited to join us in the Inquirers’ Class if they like, and we would love for them to be with you during the joining ceremony.
What if I still have questions after the Inquirers Class?
Our pastor can be available during the week, in person or over the phone, to continue in conversation.
Contact Us
707.823.2484
office@uccseb.org
