Who is Pastor Kaloma Smith?

What came before ministry?

Kaloma Smith left a successful business career to answer a call to ministry. He was born in Jamaica and grew up in Mt. Vernon, New York.

For years he was Senior Managing Director of Home Theatre of Long Island, and his work there won awards. At the same time he was serving at Greater Centennial Church in Mt. Vernon, leading the young adult, family life, men's and communications ministries.

What called him to Palo Alto?

Then his spiritual father, Bishop W. Darin Moore, asked him to lead a small church in Palo Alto whose members were mostly in their seventies. Saying yes meant walking away from a career that was going well. He said yes. Bishop Moore ordained him a deacon in 2013 and an elder in 2015.

Why does it still matter?

That choice still shapes how he talks with young adults. Many of them are weighing a job, a city or a calling right now. He has made that kind of decision himself, and he takes theirs seriously.

Who is the congregation?

UAMEZ Church is now a young church, with an average age in the late twenties. When Pastor Kaloma arrived in 2013, the average member was in their mid seventies.

The congregation has changed in who it reaches, too. UAMEZ Church is now multicultural, with people of many backgrounds worshiping together. Its spaces have been redone for how families and young adults gather today.

What are recent milestones?

On September 14, 2025, the church relaunched under the name A New Day for Silicon Valley, A Place for U. Pastor Kaloma built it around helping people find real community in what he calls one of the loneliest places to live.

In February 2026, UAMEZ Church was one of 33 churches nationwide to receive a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Preserving Black Churches program. The $400,000 award supports planned building improvements so the church can serve families for decades to come. The church has received the first payment of the grant. Read about the preservation grant.

Pastor Kaloma is also leading the planned UAMEZ Clean Energy Hub with partner Dr. Anthony Kinslow II. The project would bring solar power and electric vehicle charging to the church campus, so the property serves the whole neighborhood and not only Sunday mornings. Explore the campus projects.

What are the roots on Middlefield Road?

The church has worshiped in Palo Alto since 1918 and on Middlefield Road since 1966. That long history is why families can trust it will still be here when their kids are grown. Read our history.

Where can I meet him on a Sunday?

The easiest way to meet Pastor Kaloma is to come on a Sunday. Sunday worship starts at 10:00 AM and ends at 11:30 AM. We meet at 3549 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, CA 94306. Parking is available in the church lot and on Christine Drive. Plan your visit.

What if I have kids?

If you have kids: Amazing Kids check-in opens at 9:45 AM for kindergarten through 6th grade. Younger children stay with you, and the Little House living room shows the service on a screen. Learn about Amazing Kids. For current Family Small Group seasons, schedules and childcare details, explore Small Groups or contact the church.

What if I am in my twenties?

If you are in your twenties or in college: find your place in our church community. Young adults are an integral part of UAMEZ, leading and serving across our ministries. We also have a young-adult small group. Contact the church for its current schedule and any transportation arrangements.

What if I need prayer?

If you need prayer: send a prayer request by text or email. You can also call the church office at (650) 272-6742. See contact details and office hours.