Who We Are
How We Got Here
More than 60 years ago, a group of neighbors in Ladera gathered together and canvassed the neighborhood to determine if there was enough interest to launch a church program. Apparently there was. The first Ladera Community Church worship service was held on the patio of a local home on April 18, 1954.
Today the creative vision of a small group of neighbors has grown into a diverse and dynamic community, a sanctuary where any person may come to worship God and expand their understanding of the Christian tradition. At Ladera Community Church, our goal is to nurture the spiritual, moral, and intellectual growth of every person, uniting us in accepting full stewardship for our community and the world.
Join us and experience what this unique community is about.
Radical Inclusivity
Ladera Community Church, in accordance with the spirit and teaching of Jesus, seeks to be an inclusive fellowship welcoming and affirming people of every race, color, class, sexual orientation (LGBTQ+), and religious background.
The church calls upon its members as individuals to uphold the above declaration both in church activities and in daily life.
Where We’re Going
Our Mission
The mission of Ladera Community Church is to provide a sanctuary where anyone can come and experience the presence of God; to nurture the spiritual, moral, and intellectual growth of each person; to serve God with our talent, time, energy, and resources, accepting full stewardship for our community and world; and to welcome others to serve in our ministries.
Our Vision
Our vision for Ladera Community Church is to be an inviting, vibrant, and visible faith community that lives Jesus’ central teaching of love of God and neighbor. We value and celebrate our diversity, and offer a heartfelt welcome to all, including the LGBTQ+ community and anyone who feels marginalized. We are committed to making a positive impact, expressed through social, environmental and educational actions to promote justice, kindness and a healthier world. We seek to create a community that inspires, connects, and brings all closer to God.
Our Purpose
Seeking – We value questions as much as answers and recognize there is more to be discovered, understood, and enjoyed about our faith, each other, ourselves, and the world around us. We seek to pursue and practice our dynamic faith.
Serving – We feel a responsibility to act compassionately and boldly to alleviate suffering, address its root causes, and to care for our planet. We are committed to sharing our resources generously with the broader community to make a meaningful impact in the world.
Growing – We offer a safe and supportive place to grow spiritually and stronger in faith. We strive to be authentic, to appreciate and respect one another, and to grow our community. Together we endeavor to seek justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with our God.
Our Covenant
Our members covenant with each other in the following ways:
- to walk together in mutual love and respect,
- to rely upon the continued guidance of God’s Spirit to lead us into a deeper understanding of God’s presence,
- to follow the path revealed in the teachings of Jesus.
We acknowledge our responsibility to share in the work and fellowship of this church, both at home and throughout the world.
Denominational Affiliation
We are a congregation of the United Church of Christ, based on principles of the Congregational tradition, affiliated with the Northern California Nevada Conference UCC.