Come as you are.

Open hearts, open minds, open doors.

First United Methodist Church of Palo Alto

Sunday at 10:45 a.m


In-person and live-streamed

Wednesday 7:00 p.m (Zoom)

Upstream Contemporary Service

Location

625 Hamilton Ave. Palo Alto, CA 94301

Welcome!

Since 1894, First Palo Alto United Methodist Church has gathered faithfully in worship, song, prayer, and fellowship. Today, we continue to be a beacon of the spirit in Silicon Valley, bringing light to these sometimes dark and confusing times. We believe in a God of Love who is present in all things and in all places.

“Hello there! I am Reverend Burke Owens, senior pastor at First Palo Alto United Methodist Church in downtown Palo Alto. Since 1894, our church has been a faithful witness to many changes and developments in the SF Bay area. Yet, First Palo Alto Methodist has stayed faithful to God, placing our trust in the creator’s grace by keeping three things top of our heart and mind. Do no harm, Do good, Stay in love with God. By welcoming and practicing kindness…”

Senior Pastor Burke Owens

Who We Are

Worship

Sunday Worship at First Palo Alto is a time of prayer, scripture, music, inspirational sermons, and fellowship. Our services blend traditional and modern elements, opening our souls to the reality of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit.

Our Values

Values are a way of stating beliefs of who we are as a people of God. All are welcome here. This community believes that all of creation comes from a loving God, that Jesus came to Earth to teach humanity of this eternal truth, and that the Holy Spirit connects all the world through God’s grace.

Community

A faith community encourages its people to enter into deeper fellowship with one another in regular meetings. The purpose of gathering in a small group — a Bible study, a project or an interest group — is to get to know each other and learn together, recognizing how the Spirit deepens our connection through faith.

Want to learn more?

Learn More About Us

Your Generosity
Makes a Difference.

Contribute

Recent Worship Services

Here are some recent worship videos for you to watch, listen, or read. The sermon starts 20 to 22 minutes into the recording. Our weekly Sunday worship offers messages of hope and comfort, sharing the good news of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit at work in the world. Topics such as grace, or love, or Easter, or Advent, or the universal nature of all religions, and many others, can be found here.

View all Services

What’s Happening

View all Events
  • SF Chamber Orchestra: Nutcracker "Sweet"
    SF Chamber Orchestra: Nutcracker "Sweet"
    November 29, 2026, 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
    Oakland Fairyland’s beloved puppeteers team up with the SFCO for a delightful version of Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic. Designed for young audiences, this pr…
    Sanctuary, 625 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, California, 94301, US
  • Multifaith Thanksgiving Service
    Multifaith Thanksgiving Service
    November 25, 2026, 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
    Join Pastor Burke for a special worship to share world religion’s view of thankfulness and the divine. Scripture, prayers and sacred songs will be lifted in …
    Sanctuary, 625 Hamilton Ave, Palo Alto, California, 94301, US
  • Koinonia Fellowship Group "Jigsaw Puzzle Mania"
    Koinonia Fellowship Group "Jigsaw Puzzle Mania"
    November 14, 2026, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
    Hosted by Curt and Carol Gleason–work on a simple puzzle alone or join a team to finish a large puzzle! Snacks provided. Koinonia is a fellowship group welc…
    Kohlstedt Hall, 625 Hamilton Ave., Palo Alto, CA, 94301, United States