Artwork by Grace Chikh, for a Burbank High School Animation Program project giving local students a creative outlet to respond in the aftermath of the Eaton fire.
In a time of grief and uncertainty, we give thanks for the generosity of covenantal partnerships that enable new hope and new life. When the Altadena Community Church property was consumed by the Eaton fire this January, it was a complicated experience of loss. Our hearts were broken to see the melted stained glass, the mangled organ, and the fallen steeple cross. No one wants to lose a beautiful sanctuary in such an awful way.
But at the same time, this congregation had already been courageously wondering about their future. With another beloved pastor’s retirement on the horizon, questions were bubbling up about the best use for the property and church resources.
After a long history of supporting only a part-time minister, members of the church had started to discern new possibilities for building use, community partnerships, and an expanded vision for justice and equity in Altadena. In the days immediately following the fire, the congregation found clarity: we do want to rebuild, and we want to remain at the same location. But we aren’t looking to replicate the past, in terms of property or ministry. Instead, there is a sense of openness and innovation about what the future might bring. The generous insurance support for rebuilding could enable even more community partnerships, as well as opportunities to think about climate resilience in the creation of a new facility.
However, we were also immediately able to name, that this cannot possibly be the work of a half-time pastor tending to a small congregation. It will take significant leadership resources to continue caring for and with the members of Altadena Community Church; while at the same time responding to a new set of objectives. We knew we would need a leader who could also participate in the growing network of grassroots partnerships committed to preserving Altadena’s unique racial and socioeconomic legacy; and to guide a small congregation along the huge journey of rebuilding as they navigate logistics of insurance, architects, contractors, and more.
To this end, the Board of Directors of the Southern California Nevada Conference has proposed a shared funding model with Altadena Community Church. For at least the next three years, we will commit to a $50,000 per year match of Altadena’s budget for a local church pastor. These funds come from Conference resources, not from the donations earmarked for disaster response.
In partnership with the Global H.O.P.E. Team of our national setting of the United Church of Christ, we will make up any difference in funding a full-time pastor (including all benefits according to Conference guidelines) using funds directed to the 2025 California Wildfire Aid Appeal. While most of the disaster funds will be directed to direct aid for rebuilding homes and helping families, we recognize that supporting strong leadership is also a key component to this recovery effort. The designated position may continue or be adapted beyond three years, with additional financial support; but in the face of so much uncertainty in these early days of disaster response, we’ve agreed to get started with a shorter-term beginning framework.
Even in the midst of overwhelming loss in Altadena, we are excited for what this partnership represents! It is a gift that reflects the heart of our UCC identity to be able to engage in this kind of covenantal vision together. It’s a source of hope for a future when Altadena will arise from the ashes to continue as a unique place of welcome and diversity. The local church leadership will oversee their own call process with advice from our Conference Minister, just as in any search. Our support comes from a place of partnership, and hope for a renewed congregation in this place, which must be built on respect for the foundational autonomy of the local church. We hope you will help us to spread the news about this full-time called ministry position so that Altadena can quickly find a pastor to lead them lovingly and faithfully into a new era.
CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE OPEN POSITION ON MINISTRIES OPPORTUNITIES WEBSITE