Oakland church

Who We Are

In the late 1960s, Skyline’s founders literally walked from door to door, inviting their neighbors to meet with them and found a church. Skyline thus began its life as a neighborhood church, and remains that way. All who wished to be part of an inclusive, diverse church community were – and are – actively welcome at Skyline. At Skyline, “family” includes both traditional and non-traditional families. Family is a matter of attitude, not legal definition. Our church congregation models a way that people from different backgrounds, ethnicity, sexual orientation and faith traditions can come together as a family and deal lovingly with differences through their sharing of a love for God and God’s creation.

We are part of the United Church of Christ (UCC) and support its “God is Still Speaking” Campaign.

We are a Congregational Church which means we are our own independent, self-governing body with an active lay leadership team and high volunteerism among our members. While independent, we maintain fellowship with other UCC churches.

Our vision is to be a strong voice for Progressive Christianity in Alameda County to build a beloved community and to lead in championing social justice  and environmental justice for all.

We are a green congregation – we reduce waste, use native water wise planting, educate ourselves on environmental issues, put on an annual Earth Day service, reduce exposure to toxic chemicals, and advocate for local and global earth and climate issues.

We are an Open and Affirming (ONA) congregation. This is a UCC designation which means that we affirm the full inclusion of all sexual orientations, gender identities and gender expressions into SKYLINE’s life and ministry.

We are a sanctuary church.

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UCC Firsts

We invite you to go deeper…

  • Learn about our Guiding Principles that represent what we affirm here at SKYLINE. More explicit than values, they serve to govern our actions.
  • Meet our staff. Led by our ministers, our staff dedicates itself to bringing expertise and enthusiasm to our work within Skyline, our local community and beyond.
  • Discover our beautiful campus that includes a Sanctuary, a labyrinth, and meditation for reflection, prayer and honoring of loved ones. Host your wedding or event at Skyline.
  • Look at our many environmental and social justice partner organizations. Together, we can make a difference.

2022-2024 Council Members

Sentho Kilgore Moderator (voting)
Karen Erenprais-Pierce Treasurer (voting)
Catherine Kessler Green Team (voting)
Jim Schubert Justice and Witness (voting)
Karl Pflasterer At Large (voting)
Pastor Laurie Minister (non voting)

OTHER COMMITTEES & OFFICERS
Sheila Helms Financial Secretary
Sentho, Karen Erenprais-Pierce, Pastor Laurie Personnel Committee
Paula Byrens, Carolyn Noble Pastor Laurie Nominating Committee
Pastor Laurie and Carolyn Noble Preschool Liaison
Dave Byrens and Philippia Pegram Pastoral Relations
Sentho, Karen Erenprais-Pierce Pastor Laurie Finance Committee