In the beginning:

This congregation was born from a desire to meet the needs of Stanford students and others living in what is now called the Silicon Valley. The building was hand-built by the members, which included a group of people from the (then-called) Redwood City Church of Christ. With an initial membership of 30 families, our new building was inaugurated February 1961.

The first minister was Dick Kornman, followed by many other capable leaders, including Doug Qualls, who with his wife Marge served this congregation for nearly 20 years. God led us onward, through a terribly damaging fire in 1983, and into various ministries.

Going Global:

We have helped several mission efforts to take abroad the good news of what Jesus has done for all humanity. Our prayer and monetary support have helped plan, start, or sustain works in Turkey, Hungary, Mozambique, Guinea, Brazil, Philippines, Russia, Kampala, and Mexico.

At Home:

In keeping with our intent to cater to Stanford students, over the years PACC members have provided on-campus Bible studies during the week, and a fun social gathering on Friday nights, and meals on Sundays.

In attending to the important needs of children, PACC has offered Sunday and Wednesday children's classes, a Joy Bus outreach program, a summer Vacation Bible School, and a yearly camp session in the Sierra mountains.

Besides meeting the needs of our own children, we've supported orphans and foster children through our monetary and Christmas involvement with Agape Villages, formerly called Sierra Children's Home. Poor children around the world received our Christmas care packages through the Magi Project sponsored by Manna International.

The homeless and poor of our own community have also benefited from long-term support by this congregation. Through various sponsoring ministries -- most particularly Urban Ministries of Palo Alto (UMPA) -- the church has contributed money, food, and clothing to those in dire need. For one month out of each year since 1990, we have housed and fed a small group of homeless people in our building in an UMPA program called Hotel De Zink.

For many years, PACC has served residents of a nearby nursing home. On the second Sunday of each month, a group drives to 911 Bryant St. to sing, pray, and visit with the residents.

Because we are so close to the Stanford and V.A. hospitals, we've been privileged to support those who have come for medical treatment by offering prayer, hospitality, and physical amenities.