A Brief History of SFC

What Does "Federated" Mean?

Saratoga Federated Church was founded in 1920 with the merger of the Congregational church and the Christian church (Disciples of Christ), two local churches whose roots went back to the 1870's. This "federation" came about because many felt that there were too many Protestant churches for the small village of Saratoga at that time. The Rev. Roscoe D. Douglass (for whom the Church's Douglass Hall is named) became pastor of the new church.

An Interdenominational Church

Since the church's founding in 1920, the leadership of Saratoga Federated has continually sought to conform the church to the Biblical model with features that characterized the early Church. SFC is truly an interdenominational church, welcoming members from all denominations and providing a re-entry point for people who have drifted from established churches to rediscover the joys of Christian community.

Our Congregation Today

Today, SFC is home to over 1400 members of all ages and backgrounds. Our services and ministries reflect the diversity of our membership that includes members that previously attended Baptist, Methodist, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Catholic and other churches. Each Sunday, SFC offers both traditional and contemporary worship services as well a variety of adult and children's Sunday School programs. SFC has ministerial programs for children, youth, college, adults, seniors and more. Most of our congregation are also involved in one or more Bible study and small group activities

Pastors and Staff

In March 1999, Keith Potter began his ministry as our senior pastor. Keith has effectively served as senior pastor for two other California churches, in Paradise and in San Diego. In both locations the congregations have grown in the vitality of their worship and service to God. 

Our three associate pastors, Arvin Engleson who joined SFC in 1978, Tim Galleher who joined in 1997, and Bill Allison who joined in 2008, serve the church with responsibilities for community care, student ministries, music, child ministries and worship. They are joined in leadership by Sally Bryant, Jerry Bruce and Ruthie Koch, who serve as directors in areas of adult education & discipleship, administration and children's ministries.

Outlook and Outreach

At SFC, we find ourselves in a promising time and place – positioned strategically in the heart of the Silicon Valley where the vast majority of the population are unchurched and spiritually hungry for deeper meanings and values. At this time, we continue to pray for our faithful engagement with our members and community and we delight in each other's company as we worship and serve the Lord.