Belong first.
Serve second.

We meet every Sunday at 10:00 AM at 3549 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306. We're located at the corner of Middlefield and Christine. You'll easily identify us by the UAMEZ flags near the entrance.CALL (650) 272-6742 or EMAIL info@uamez.com with any questions before you come.

Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. Some people wear a suit, some people wear jeans, and both are welcomed. Nobody is checking.

About 90 minutes. We start at 10:00 AM and we're done at 11:30 AM.Two Sundays a month run a little past that. The first Sunday is Communion. The second Sunday we usually have baptisms. Either one puts us closer to 11:45 AM.

Every sermon focuses on a passage of scripture, and we connect it to what's actually going on in everyday life.Can't wait until Sunday? Start here:

1. ArrivalUpon arrival, you'll see a parking lot and a courtyard. Our lot holds about 50 cars. If the main lot is full, you may be directed to street parking right around the corner at Christine Rd.2. Walk up to the Welcome CenterAs soon as you reach the Welcome Center (the navy booth in the courtyard), our greeters will welcome you with a hug and a smile. They'll assist you wherever you need to go. 3. Check in your kidsOur team will walk you to the Amazing Kids counter so your kids can be checked in. It takes about five minutes the first time. You'll get a printed tag, which you'll need to pick your kids up.4. To the sanctuaryFrom the Welcome Center, the sanctuary entrance is on your right. There are no reserved seats and no assigned pews. Walking in a few minutes late is fine too.5. WorshipHere's what our service looks like: - Welcome and opening prayer - Two songs - The Apostles' Creed, said together - Meet-and-greet - Announcements - Offering - Time for personal prayer - A hymn, and one more song - The message, about thirty minutes - Invitation and blessingAll the words, including song lyrics, Creed, everything, are displayed on the screen. You won't need to know anything in advance.6. AfterwardPeople gather and hang out after service. There's also Next Steps, a program for getting to know yourself, your gifts, and your purpose. We meet in the Little House about 10 minutes after we finish. Come to a Sunday or two first, then join whenever you're ready.

That describes a lot of people here on a Sunday. The Bay Area is a hard place to make friends, we know it. Come once, sit in the back, and see how it feels.

UAMEZ Church stands for University African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and has been in Palo Alto since 1918. Our Middlefield campus was built in 1965, and our congregation moved here in 1966. We are African Methodist Episcopal Zion, historically Black and multicultural, with a lot of families, kids, and young adults. Rev. Kaloma A. Smith has been the pastor since 2013.

Then you're in the right place. People come to UAMEZ Church from every direction. Some grew up in church, some left it, some have never been. You don't have to have it all figured out when you come.

No. There are two moments when people come forwards, and both times you're free to stay right where you are. The first is during prayer. Most people come up to the altar; plenty pray from their seats. Either one is normal.The other is what we call the invitation, when we ask whether anyone wants to accept Christ, join the church, or recommit to their faith. If that's you, come on up. If it isn't, stay seated.

Yes. The 21 bus stops at Middlefield and Meadow, a 3-minute walk from our door. From Caltrain, it's about 11 minutes by bike from the California Avenue station, and there's a rack out front to lock up. And if someone drops you off, pull right up to the pathway into the courtyard.

Yes, almost entirely. There are no steps anywhere on the way in. The parking lot, courtyard, and sanctuary are all flat. Seating for wheelchairs and walkers is at the front, and you don't need to arrange it ahead of time. If you're being dropped off, someone from our Guest Experience team will meet you at the courtyard pathway and walk you to your seat.The exception is our restrooms, which aren't fully accessible yet. We're working on it.If there's anything you need before Sunday, call (650) 272-6742 and we'll have it ready.

Our Amazing Kids program runs during the 10:00 AM service, split into Little Lambs for kindergarten through 2nd grade and Promised Kids for 3rd through 6th. We have a dedicated safe and encouraging space for your kids to learn and grow. There's singing, arts and crafts, and Bible stories, often with a hands-on experiment. You'll find the check-in counter in the courtyard, beside the main entrance.

Yes. Every Amazing Kids volunteer is background-checked. No exceptions. At check-in we'll hand you a printed tag, and you'll show it when you come to pick up your child.

That's totally okay! We're a church with a lot of young families, so we understand. If you'd like a quieter spot, the Little House is right across the courtyard, set up like a living room with the service live-streamed on an 80-inch screen. You won't miss anything, and you can walk back in whenever you're ready.

Yes, plenty of families do. Your little ones are welcome to sit with you.

Yes. The Little House, right across the courtyard from the sanctuary, is a living-room-style space with the service live-streamed on a screen, and there's a changing table available.

Yes. The Little House across the courtyard is a quieter space where you and your family can take in the service, and you can use it for as much of the morning as you need.

First Impressions Matter From the curb to the sanctuary, our hospitality team creates a warm and welcoming environment. Whether greeting at the door, guiding guests to seats, serving refreshments, or setting up and tearing down, this team makes sure everyone feels at home.

Lead the Sound of Worship Our music team leads the congregation into God’s presence through Spirit-filled singing and instrumental worship. If you have a heart for music, this is your place to inspire and uplift others through song.

Powering the Worship Experience Behind the scenes, our production team makes worship possible through sound, lighting, visuals, and livestream. Every click and cue helps create an atmosphere where people can connect with God.

This team extends our church beyond the walls. From livestream operators to online moderators and content creators, they help build a vibrant digital community where people can worship and grow in faith no matter where they are.

Design the Message. Tell the Story. Our creative team shapes the way our church communicates. Through graphics, video, photography, web, and social media, they tell stories of faith, create engaging content, and design meaningful worship experiences.

We believe in raising up the next generation of faith. From toddlers to teens, our Kids & Youth leaders create safe, fun, and faith-filled environments where children can learn about Jesus and grow in community.

Building Belonging The People Team helps guests and members take their next steps in faith. Whether following up with new guests, hosting Next Steps, or mentoring others, this team is all about connection and belonging.

Ministering to Hearts Through prayer, encouragement, and compassionate care, this team supports people in every season of life. They lift up needs before God, visit those who need encouragement, and bring hope through practical acts of love.

Serving Beyond the Walls Our mission goes beyond Sunday services. This team represents UAMEZ in the community through festivals, service projects, care packages, and partnerships with local organizations.

Strong ministry requires strong support. From office administration to facilities, volunteer coordination, and board leadership, this team keeps the church organized, accountable, and mission-focused.

Cultivating Deeper Community Life change happens best in circles, not rows. This team hosts and facilitates small groups where people can connect, grow spiritually, and build authentic relationships.