Year-by-Year History
1965
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Rev. Frank Jaggers became our first pastor on August 1, 1965 |
Stan Yumen - Head of the Sponsoring Committee |
- Almaden Valley United Church of Christ began in spring 1965 when a small group of families met in each other's homes.
- Northern California Conference of UCC recruited a sponsoring committee, drawn from Santa Clara County UCC churches, to form a new UCC congregation in the Valley. Several members of that committee eventually became AVUCC members, including Dale Weishaupt and Stan and Ethel Yumen.
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1966
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Rev. Frank Jaggers |
Dale Weishaupt |
- May 1966, the church was 80 members strong
- We moved into the Prune Shed on May 1, 1966 and thus began meeting in aformer fruit drying facility located near Crown Blvd. and Almaden Road.
- “Blest Be The Tie That Binds” was sung, and we began the tradition of holding hands while singing it together.
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1967
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Rev. Frank Jaggers |
William Whisler |
- AVUCC became a member in full standing in the SC Association of the Northern California Conference. Now we are considered a church and not a mission.
- Began to use lay persons in services – but only men and youth. Women came later.
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1968
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Rev. Frank Jaggers |
Roland Bell |
- Shared the Prune Shed with the Episcopal Church in Almaden.
- A Joint Venture agreement was drawn up for 2 years.
- In November, we had our first Joint Venture service.
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1969
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Rev. Frank Jaggers |
Paul Wormeli |
- Our present church building was completed!
- ECA moved in to share the building with us, and the Joint Venture Churches of Almaden was born.
- Started having problems with the pastor, which were creating divisions in the congregation.
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1970
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Rev. Frank Jaggers |
Don Lucas |
- Service times for both congregations was set.
- AVUCC’s softball teams received trophy for being the “hardest trying”!
- Rev. Frank Jaggers resigns, effective no later than September 1971.
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1971
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Rev. Frank Jaggers until mid-1971
Part Time interim pastors: Rev. Robert Edwards and Rev. John Carroll
Rev. Jack Takayanagi 1971 - 1983 |
Geoffrey Van Loucks |
- Final JV agreement and bylaws were ratified between the two churches.
- In interim, lay people preached, visited the sick, etc. Part time pastors simply preached on Sunday. Lay people became their own ministers.
- Choir got new robes.
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1972
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Rev. Jack Takayanagi 1971 - 1983 |
Bruce Hutchins |
- This was a year of many social “firsts”….
- JV finally approved by church's national offices
- Wednesday School as supplement to Sunday School began.
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1973
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Rev. Jack Takayanagi 1971 - 1983 |
Bruce Bush |
- JV picnic and special worship service at Mt. Madonna State Park
- Fred Hemeon drew a lithograph of the church, and it because our “official” picture.
- ECA’s founding vicar, Fr. John Buenz, leaves. Fa. Mike Creighton replaces him in August.
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1974
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Rev. Jack Takayanagi 1971 - 1983 |
Mary Lou Doodokyan |
- Second set of stairs into the sanctuary was built
- First woman moderator
- “Layperson” was substituted for “Layman” in JV Bylaws.
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1975
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Rev. Jack Takayanagi 1971 - 1983 |
Dave Harris |
- Decision by congregation to keep service at 9:00 AM.
- Improvements made on grounds and parking lot
- Ministry of Membership – minister to each other constantly
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1976
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Rev. Jack Takayanagi 1971 - 1983 |
Cal Tewart |
- AVUCC held a 10th birthday party!
- Worship attendees wrote a commitment on paper; papers were burned, and their ashes were placed in a hole where a blossoming cherry tree was planted.
- Heifer Project became an organization of significance to AVUCC. Rev. Jack helped take a planeload of animals to South Korea. The congregation raised money for them to stop in Japan and Hawaii on the way home.
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1977
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Rev. Jack Takayanagi 1971 - 1983 |
Bill Allfrey |
- AVUCC explored having women ushers.
- AVUCC supported the first west coast chapter of Habitat for Humanity.
- Rev. Jack’s “Thought for the Week” were collected and put in a book. All proceeds went to Habitat for Humanity.
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1978
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Rev. Jack Takayanagi 1971 - 1983 |
Dave Eastis |
- 12 members of AVUCC formed Habitat West of Habitat of Humanity.
- First annual AVUCC Christmas Caroling party. Held at the home of Roger and Mary Bemis
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1979
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Rev. Jack Takayanagi 1971 - 1983 |
Bob Thomas |
- Building Committee formed to talk about more space.
- ECA achieved Parish status.
- Children’s choir, directed by Debbie Bemis, was started.
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1980
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Rev. Jack Takayanagi 1971 - 1983 |
Bob Green |
- JV helped start the Almaden Valley Youth Counseling Service (AVYCS)
- Both churches made the decision to hire a JV Youth Coordinator – Carolyn Weir
- JV sponsored the Luu family from Vietnam.
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1981
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Rev. Jack Takayanagi 1971 - 1983 |
Don Jones |
- 15th Anniversary party was held at St. Edwards Episcopal Church
- Rev. Jack invited to preach in Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.’s former church, Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama.
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1982
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Rev. Jack Takayanagi 1971 - 1983 |
Don Jones |
Choir director: Bonnie Rogers
Christian Ed Director: Wanda Seydel
JV Youth Coordinator: Carolyn Weir |
- Don Jones elected to a second term as moderator.
- JV garage sale benefitted Habitat West
- Pretzel and Tea booth at the Almaden Valley Wine and Art Festival was started and continued for many years.
- JV 10 year celebration!
- JV purchased new organ for the sanctuary
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1983
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Rev. Jack Takayanagi 1971 - 1983
Rev. Char Burch, Interim |
Bob Dando |
Choir director: Bonnie Rogers
Christian Ed Director: Wanda Seydel
JV Youth Coordinator: Carolyn Weir |
- Our interim minister was a woman! A first for our church!
- Youth Group members worked with Los Ninos in Tijuana. They worked with children, and later, some walked from Santa Barbara to Tijuana for a fund raiser for Los Ninos.
- Began to raise money for building addition, which included choir loft addition.
- Octoberfest!
- Autoharp purchased for Celebration Children’s Choir
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1984
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Rev. Char Burch, Interim
Rev. Michael Jackson mid 1984 until 1986 |
Bert Hardcastle |
Choir director: Bonnie Rogers
Christian Ed Director: Wanda Seydel, until September
JV Youth Coordinator: Carolyn Weir, until September - then Nancy Romer |
- Raised money to help Geoff Van Loucks as part of Conference Delegation to Russia.
- Started having problems with the new pastor, which were creating division among members.
- JV Square Dance
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1985
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Rev. Michael Jackson |
Pat Dando |
Choir director: Bonnie Rogers
Christian Ed Director:
JV Youth Coordinator: |
- Survey to membership regarding the ministry and church needs
- Rev. Michael Jackson resigns.
- “Beyond War” meetings held at church
- Helped start Habitat For Humanity home building projects.
- Building addition completed
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1986
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Rev. Michael Jackson
Rev. Virginia Bergfalk, Interim |
Dennis Widman |
- Ground breaking for the new addition…. Bonds sold
- AVUCC hired a paid choir director for the first time.
- AVUCC hired a Sunday School/Christian Ed Director for youth.
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1987
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Rev. Virginia Bergfalk, Interim
Rev. Win Gould
1987 - 1997 |
Dolores Van Loucks |
- Assembled a Policies and Procedures Manual for Council
- JV Women’s Guild with TLC began
- Caring Ministry served its first meal at Julian Street Inn.
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1988
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Rev. Win Gould
1987 - 1997 |
Bruce Bush |
Music director: Marilyn Keever
Christian Ed Director: Annita Livingstone
JV Youth Coordinator: Nancy Romer |
- Congregational production of “Our Town”, directed by Alma Helms, was presented in the sanctuary. Rev Win Gould played the Stage Manager.
- First pictorial directory was put together.
- JV Handbell Choir was formed.
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1989
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Rev. Win Gould
1987 - 1997 |
Dave Harris |
Music director: Marilyn Keever
Christian Ed Director: Carolyn Dingman and Jan Basakar
JV Youth Coordinator: Nancy Romer |
- Meg Self taken “In Care” by Conference and Association as she prepares for the ministry
- Loma Prieta earthquake… AVUCC raised $4,963 for earthquake relief.
- Budget Booster Auction held at AVUCC
- AVUCC Square Dance
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1990
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Rev. Win Gould
1987 - 1997 |
Meg Self |
Music director: Marilyn Keever
Christian Ed Director: Jan Wolski and Janey Sanders
JV Youth Coordinator: Nancy Romer |
- Carla Gerber completed a special Walk for Habitat for Humanity’s blitz-building in San Diego/Tijuana.
- “Bell” put up in front of the church
- “What do you know about the UCC?” classes held at church
- Dedication of new handbells purchased (3 more octaves) with concert by the JV Ringers
- Family choir formed for a one time summer performance
- AVUCC celebrates 25 years!
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1991
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Rev. Win Gould
1987 - 1997 |
Dave Skilling |
Music director: Marilyn Keever
Christian Ed Director: Karen Lemes
JV Youth Coordinator: Ginger Redman |
- Portions of “Godspell” performed during special worship service in June.
- Automatic sprinkler system put in (JV)
- Wine Tasting and Gourmet Appetizer party
- Family Pasta and Bingo Night
- Mystery Dinner
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1992
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Rev. Win Gould
1987 - 1997 |
Dottie Allfrey |
Music director: Marilyn Keever
Christian Ed Director: Karen Lemes
JV Youth Coordinator: Ginger Redman |
- Handbells play concert at St. Joseph Cathedral
- Carol Haywood recommended for “In Care” to Committee on Ministry
- First study design team set up to discuss Open and Affirming (ONA)
- “Joy, Inc.” performs in worship on Palm Sunday
- Church office remodeled (JV)
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1993
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Rev. Win Gould
1987 - 1997 |
Dave Pullen |
Music director:
Christian Ed Director: Karen Lemes until summer then Carolyn Dingman
JV Youth Coordinator: Ginger Redman |
- AVUCC received Mayor’s commendation for efforts to place a Homework Center at Steinbeck MS.
- SCRIP fundraising program begun
- St Patricks Dinner and Bunco Night
- “Wednesday Night Live” series begun
- “Heart of a Butterfly”, written by Win Gould, performed during worship service
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1994
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Rev. Win Gould
1987 - 1997 |
Bob Elo |
Music Director: Matthew Dirst, hired by JV, begins in September
Christian Ed Director: Carolyn Dingman
JV Youth Coordinator: Ginger Redman |
- Wine and Cheese event at church
- Fundraising dinner with Shanachie World Folk Singers at chruch
- New freezer bought for pantry (JV)
- “Walking in the Light”, written by Win Gould, performed during worship service
- Church decides to take no position on Open and Affirming
- UCC and ECA library merge to become JV library
- Family Whale Watching trip
- ECA and UCC vote to hire music director for both churches, creating JV Music Director position
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1995
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Rev. Win Gould
1987 - 1997 |
Tom Rose |
Choir director: Matthew Dirst
Christian Ed Director: Carolyn Dingman
JV Youth Coordinator: Ginger Redman |
- Purchased the New Century Hymnals
- Mystery Dinner performed at church as a fundraiser.
- JV develops Rose Garden on perimeter of overflow parking lot.
- AVUCC celebrated 30 years!
- JV Ringers performs at Christmas in the Park
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1996
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Rev. Win Gould until August then Seminary Intern, Vicki Kreiger |
Dick Galanis |
JV music director: Matthew Dirst until August then Margaret Kvamme
Christian Ed Director: June Schubert
JV Youth Coordinator: Ginger Redman, until June |
- Dedication of the Rose Garden
- New playground equipment was installed outside
- Margaret Kvamme was hired as new JV organist/choir director
- Ginger Redman, JV Youth Coordinator, resigns in June.
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1997
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Rev. Alfred Williams, Interim |
Jack Sardegna |
JV Music Director: Margaret Kvamme
JV Christian Ed Director: June Schubert JV Youth Coordinator: |
- Gazebo built out in the Rose Garden by Dave Pullen
- Handbell choir was started once again
- Joint Venture Christian Ed program began
- Murder Mystery dinner at church
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1998
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Rev. Al Williams, Interim |
Ross Williams |
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- “I See Sunshine”, words and music by Rev. Al Willimas, was performed in the sanctuary.
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1999
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Rev. Al Williams, Interim until mid-1999
Rev. Julianne Stokstad 1999 until 2004
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Mary Lou Doodokyan |
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2000
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Rev. Julianne Stokstad |
Sandy Baldwin |
- JV and Holy Spirit Church support the Atah Akue family who fled from Togo to Benin
- New organ purchased and special concerts were planned.
- 35th anniversary party was a huge success
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2001
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Rev. Julianne Stokstad |
Bruce Bush |
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- Almaden Adventures in the Arts was started and brought music from other sources to AVUCC
- Church library was revamped
- JV building committee continues to meet
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2002
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Rev. Julianne Stokstad |
Ross Hemeon |
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- “Dancing Before God”, writings by Pastor Julianne and illustrations by Rosse Hemeon, was published. Proceeds went towards the new Chalice Hymnals.
- Opera “Dido and Aeneas” was performed.
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2003
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Rev. Julianne Stokstad |
Marcia Bush |
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- St. Patrick’s Dinner and Auction
- John Leslie was hired as the JV organist/choir director
- Alternative Christmas supported Habitat for Humanity, Friends Outside, Heifer Project, The Giving Tree, Sacred Heart Community Service, Santa Maria Urban Mission, and African Team Ministries
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2004
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Rev. Julianne Stokstad until April
Interim Pastor beginning May: Rev. Paul Smith-Telfer |
Dick Specht |
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- “South Pacific” performed in sanctuary – first musical put on by both congregations under the direction of John Leslie, music director
- Tabard Theatre uses sanctuary for their 2004-2005 season of shows
- New carpeting installed in sanctuary
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2005
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Interim Pastor: Rev. Paul Smith-Telfer
Rev. Kevin Smith called in mid-2005 until 2011 |
Melanie Click Weiner |
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- “Fiddler on the Roof” performed in sanctuary by both congregations
- “I DO! I DO!” performed in the sanctuary by John Leslie and Gwen Hacker (please note CHANGE from 2007 as reported previously)
- “A Little Bit of Italy” dinner at church
- Youth Group mission trip to Montana
- 40th Anniversary of AVUCC!
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2006
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Rev. Kevin Smith |
Steve Coutinho |
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- “Anything Goes” performed in the fellowship hall by both congregations (note change in location from what was previously reported)
- Fire Suppression classes taught by SJ Prepared! – attended by members of both churches
- “A Taste of New Orleans” fundraiser dinner
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2007
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Rev. Kevin Smith |
Kelly Yaminishi |
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- “Well Did You Evah? – A Cole Porter Review” performed in the sanctuary by both congregations (note change of musical from what was previously reported)
- FM Sound System installed in sanctuary
- “Irish Fare and Frivolity” fundraising dinner
- Relay for Life team from CCAV established to support American Cancer Society
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2008
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Rev. Kevin Smith |
Melanie Click (currently Melanie Weiner) |
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- “The Sound of Music”, our last musical, performed in the sanctuary by both congregations and directed by John Leslie.
- AVUCC votes to become Open and Affirming in October.
- New alter table, designed by Dennis Moran, is set up in sanctuary.
- JV Music director, John Leslie resigns. Asa Stern hired as new JV music director
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2009
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Rev. Kevin Smith |
Chuck Smith |
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- “Connection Circles” begun at AVUCC
- Congregation is struggling after the ONA vote, as many members chose to leave – but we are slowly starting to rebuild ourselves and re-establish our covenant with each other.
- “Phun Stuff” established and officially set up throughout the year.
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2010
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Rev. Kevin Smith until December 2010 |
Sue Scaff |
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- Name officially changed from AVUCC to CCAV-UCC. Now Congregational Church of Almaden Valley, UCC
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2011
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Interim Pastor: Rev. Rodney Yee |
Kathryn McAbee |
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- CCAV shifts to part time pastoral leadership
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2012
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Rev. Rodney Yee, Interim Pastor
Rev. Dr. Ann Michele Rogers Brigham begins service on December 1, 2012 |
Kathryn McAbee |
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- JV Music director, Asa Stern resigns. Dr. Kristal Kim hired as JV Music Director.
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2013
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Rev. Dr. Ann Michele Rogers Brigham |
Connie Moore |
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- Christian Ed/Youth Center upgraded
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2014
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Rev. Dr. Ann Michele Rogers Brigham |
Connie Moore |
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2015
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Rev. Dr. Ann Michele Rogers Brigham |
Debbie Bemis |
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- Headlight Polishing clinic continues
- 50th Aniversary of CCAV!
- New flooring put in fellowship hall, kitchen, and choir room.
- Pastor Jaegan Lee establishes Korean church in JV church building
- InnVision Homelessness Conference hosted by JV churches
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