Foothills Congregational Church

A United Church of Christ congregation -- Los Altos, CA

Foothills Church is driven by members working closely with our pastors. We make most of our own decisions about how our church runs. Many members take an active role in the workings of the Church. In addition to the elected officers, members serve on Committees that are coordinated through the Executive Council.

Executive Council

Executive Council is the principal governing and policy-making body of the Church. It consists of the Moderator, Vice Moderator, Clerk, members-at-large, the chairs of each Committee, and the ministers as ex officio members. Although the Executive Council acts for the church membership there are certain matters that are referred to the Congregation for decision, including calling a minister, deciding on any major financial program including approval of the annual budget, and other matters that the Executive Council deems important enough to require a vote of the Congregation.

Executive Committee

Executive Committee consists of the Moderator, Vice Moderator, and Finance Committee Chair. Its purpose is to be ready, when needed, to make a significant decision, usually financial, when waiting for the monthly Executive Council meeting would be problematic.

Our other committees are listed alphabetically below

Communications Committee

Communications Committee partners with church leadership on a unified communications strategy for the church.  Responsibilities include managing the look, feel, and content of the church’s internal and external communications, website, and signage.

Congregational Care Committee

In 2023, Foothills will launch the UCC-developed Called to Care program by which Foothills will develop a caregiving program, train caregivers, and continue to deliver and support the program and the caregivers.

The Diaconate

The Diaconate collaborates with the Minister(s) to provide spiritual leadership for the congregation. This has many aspects, including:

  • supporting worship services on Sunday mornings a well as Christmas Eve, Maundy Thursday, and Thanksgiving:
    • preparing the sanctuary for worship
    • arranging for Greeters, Ushers and Deacons
    • assisting with emergencies during services
  • coordinating spiritual care
    • contacting, visiting, and helping those in need
    • referring to the minister(s) those in need of a pastoral call or visit
    • supporting prayer: managing the prayer circle, Sunday service prayer requests

Faith Development Committee

Faith Development Committee helps create and manage age-appropriate opportunities to learn about and practice Christian faith in every stage of life.  The Committee

  • drives Children’s & Youth activities:  Sunday morning Program, music program, camps, classes, and retreats
  • drives the Adult Education program
  • offers special events for children and youth
  • manages staff and volunteers who carry out the Committee’s work, and makes recommendations regarding staff vacancies

Fellowship Committee

Fellowship Committee fosters community throughout the life of the church by

  • providing weekly after-church coffee service
  • planning and organizing the Annual Meeting lunch or dinner
  • providing food support for other activities not covered by other boards and committees

Finance Committee

Finance Committee provides education, support, advice, and oversight to Executive Council and church staff on matters related to budget and finance.  The Treasurer and Financial Secretary are members of this Committee and Executive Council.  Finance Committee duties include:

  • managing and monitoring overall financial status of the church
  • directing the activities of the Treasurer and the Financial Secretary
  • budget preparation, for review at the annual congregational meeting

Music Committee

Music Committee responsibilities include

  • guide and support the Music Director and Bell Choir Director, and provide input for their reviews
  • provide refreshments for musicians on Easter morning
  • coordinate and lead choir and musician appreciation on Music Appreciation Sunday, provide cake for after the service
  • assist in identifying guest musicians for August worship services while Music Director is on vacation
  • schedule maintenance of pipe organ and four pianos

New Member Growth Committee

The New Member Growth Committee works closely with our Sr. Minister on activities that welcome and attract guests and ultimately result in new members.  Specific responsibilities include:

  • In collaboration with the Communications Committee and the Web, Social Media & Graphics Manager: plan, create, and manage a marketing program to attract guests to the church.
  • Staff the Welcome Table in the courtyard on Sunday mornings
  • Manage our banners to publicize our status as an Open and Affirming church.
  • Assist Sr. Minister in following up with guests, including offering Foothills 101, our Intro to Foothills class.

Outreach Committee

The Outreach Committee seeks to express the Congregation’s social concerns by supervising and managing the outreach plans of the Church, making recommendations for the distribution of funds to several agencies, and educating the congregation about the agencies and their activities. Approval of the recommendations is voted by the church membership at the Annual Finance Meeting prior to the Annual Meeting.

Property Management Committee

The Property Management Committee is responsible for all physical aspects of the Church and Parsonage.

Volunteer Activities Committee

The Volunteer Activities Committee is responsible for planning, communicating, and championing action-oriented volunteering for and by our church community. Committee members identify and facilitate volunteer opportunities that bring members together for meaningful work that supports local communities and aligns with our church values.  In coordination with the Outreach Committee, provides volunteer support for the agencies our church supports.