Who we are

At St. Clare’s Episcopal Church, we believe in a loving, liberating, and life-giving God. We are committed to a spirit of inclusion, aspiring to exemplify God’s love for every human being. In the Episcopal Church, both women and men serve as bishops, priests, and deacons. Laypeople and clergy cooperate as leaders at all levels of our church. Leadership is a gift from God and can be expressed by all people in our church, regardless of sexual identity or orientation. We believe that God loves you – no exceptions.

Our Clergy

Our longtime rector, the Rev. Ronald Culmer, has retired and St. Clare’s is in a period of transition while we search for a new rector. If you have any special needs or questions, contact the church office at [email protected] or call at 925-462-4802. The church office is open Monday-Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

 

Our Music Director

Nicolas Ford

Nic previously served as music director at Alum Rock Christian Church in San Jose for 12 years, and began his service at St Clare’s in 2025. He has accompanied Judy Collins, sang backup with Foreigner, and was principal pianist for Heather Stokes from the 1994 Broadway Revival cast of Grease. You will also find him managing Stanley’s Sports Bar and Grill at Sharks Ice Fremont. He is excited to bring his talents and his musical connections to make a joyful noise unto the LORD. Amen and Amen!

What We Believe

At Baptism, Episcopalians promise to seek and serve Christ in all people, love our neighbors as ourselves, strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being. That’s what we at St. Clare’s are committed to practicing every day, both in our church and in our community. Know that whoever you are, whomever you love, and where ever you are in your journey of faith, you are welcome as a beloved part of our church family.

Our former Presiding Bishop, Michael Curry, spoke eloquently on our identity as the “Episcopal branch of the Jesus Movement:” https://www.episcopalchurch.org/library/video/jesus-movement

Our History:

In 1971, when Pleasanton was a quiet town of just 18,500 people, about 60 residents began meeting at a small storefront chapel on Rose Avenue in Pleasanton for Episcopal worship services. In the intervening years, Pleasanton has grown, and is now home to over 75,000 people with diverse ethnic and social backgrounds. St. Clare’s Episcopal Church has grown too. We built our church and preschool on Hopyard road in the 1980s, and renovated the sanctuary in 2007. Today our congregation is a rich mix of people from all over the Tri-Valley, the country, and the world. We strive to support one another, reach out to the community we live in, raise up those in need, and extend our helping hands across barriers and borders. We don’t think we have all the answers, and we don’t expect to always agree, but we worship, love, laugh, eat, serve, and seek answers together. Join us!