About Us
At University AME Zion Church, we believe that life is better when we walk together. In the heart of Silicon Valley — where innovation moves fast but human connection can feel rare — we are a place to pause, be known, and belong. Our mission is to create a space where every story matters, every background is valued, and every person can experience God’s love.
Our Mission & Vision
Mission
We are an inclusive Christian church in Palo Alto, serving the Bay Area by helping people experience the life-changing love of Jesus. We create space for belonging, authentic relationships, and spiritual growth.
Vision
We envision a joyful, diverse community where every person feels at home, finds hope, and grows in faith together in Silicon Valley.
Our Core Values
God’s Presence – authentic worship that inspires and transforms.
Community – life-giving relationships in Palo Alto & beyond.
Inclusivity & Diversity – welcoming all backgrounds and stories.
Authenticity – living with honesty, grace, and faith.
Creativity – innovative ministry in a fast-changing world.
Discipleship & Service – growing in faith and serving the Bay Area.
Excellence, Reframed – striving for quality without burnout.
History
For more than a century, University AME Zion Church has been a place of belonging in Palo Alto and the Bay Area. Founded in 1918 by African American families seeking a spiritual refuge during segregation, our church quickly became both a house of worship and a hub for community.
We are part of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, also known as “The Freedom Church” — a denomination with roots in New York City in 1796. From the very beginning, AME Zion has stood for freedom, equality, and justice, counting leaders such as Harriet Tubman, Frederick Douglass, and Sojourner Truth among its members. That legacy of courage and faith still shapes us today.
Our Story
In Palo Alto, our story has been one of resilience and renewal. From early gatherings in homes to building our own sanctuary, from marching for civil rights to serving families across Silicon Valley, we’ve remained committed to love, justice, and connection. Through the decades — even as the city and culture changed — our congregation has stayed rooted in God’s call to be a welcoming community for all people.
In 2013, Rev. Kaloma Smith joined as pastor and brought fresh energy to our mission, revitalizing ministries, engaging youth, and nurturing a diverse and multicultural community. Today, as we celebrate our 2025 relaunch, we are leaning into the next chapter: expanding our digital reach, strengthening our neighborhood partnerships, and renewing our commitment to be a church where every story matters and every person belongs.
Our Beliefs
At University AME Zion Church, our faith is rooted in the Bible, the love of Jesus Christ, and the Wesleyan tradition of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.
We believe in one God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We believe that Jesus Christ died and rose again to bring salvation and new life to all.
We believe the Bible is God’s Word, guiding our faith and daily living.
We believe in the power of the Holy Spirit, who strengthens us to follow Christ and serve others.
We believe the Church is a family—a community where everyone belongs, worships, grows, and serves together.
These beliefs shape how we live: authentic worship, real community, and service that brings hope to the Bay Area.
Meet Our Pastor
Rev. Kaloma Smith
Rev. Kaloma Smith serves as the senior pastor of University AME Zion Church. Known for his heartfelt approach to preaching, Pastor Kaloma blends Biblical truth with real-world application, speaking to both the mind and the heart.
His sermons often weave together scripture, personal stories, and a deep understanding of the challenges and hopes of life in the Bay Area. Whether you’re a lifelong believer or exploring faith for the first time, his teaching style invites you to engage, reflect, and grow.
Pastor Kaloma leads alongside his wife, First Lady Larin, and their 2 children, who are also active members of the UAMEZ family. Together, they model a life of service, hospitality, and genuine care for people from all walks of life.
Meet Team Amazing
Behind every great church is a great team. At UAMEZ, we call ours Team Amazing—a group of leaders and servants dedicated to guiding our church family, stewarding resources faithfully, and helping every person feel at home. From worship to communications to administration, our staff is committed to excellence and care.
