Welcome! We are so glad you found us.
At New Bridges UMC, we believe our purpose is embedded right in our name. Just as Alameda, the 'City of Bridges,' uses its structures to connect neighbors to one another and the wider world, our church is called to be a spiritual lifeline-a place of connection, healing, and reconciliation in a fractured world. We celebrate God's gift of diversity and value the wholeness made possible when all are equally shared and shepherded in community. We welcome and affirm people of every gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation, who are also of every age, race, ethnicity, physical and mental ability, level of education, and family structure, and of every economic, immigration, marital, and social status. You are loved and you belong here. As followers of Jesus, we commit ourselves to the pursuit of justice. We pledge to journey in solidarity with all who are marginalized and oppressed, believing that the love of Christ is the ultimate force for healing and connecting people. Whether you are seeking faith, grappling with doubt, or looking for a community that actively works to build understanding, we invite you to cross the threshold. Come and help us build new bridges!
Our faith tradition
The United Methodist Church is a global denomination that opens hearts, opens minds and opens doors through active engagement with our world. The mission of The United Methodist Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.
MEET OUR TEAM
Anne Aldridge
Pianist/Organist
David Davis
Custodian
170 years of history
Rooted in Alameda
Our community is built on a foundation of faith that spans over 170 years. While our name is new, our roots run deep in the island's soil. The church we are today is the result of faithful communities merging to serve God and neighbor more effectively.
1853-1974
The First Methodist Church
Founded in 1853 when twelve people gathered in a tent to form the first congregation, growing alongside the city of Alameda.
Our history begins with the First Methodist Church, founded on September 11, 1853, when twelve people gathered in a tent to form the first congregation. As the oldest organized house of worship in Alameda, the church grew alongside the city. In 1908, the congregation moved to the corner of Central and Oak Street, where the iconic "Twin Towers" building was erected. Despite a spectacular fire in 1923 that left only the walls standing, the community rebuilt and rededicated the sanctuary in 1924, preserving the historic memorial windows that still stand today.
1885-1974
The Santa Clara Methodist Church
Formed to serve a growing population, this congregation became a spiritual home for many, especially Navy families arriving in the 1940s.
In 1885, a second congregation, the Santa Clara Methodist Church, was formed to serve the growing population. Dedicated in 1886 at Santa Clara Avenue and Eighth Street, this church became a spiritual home for many, especially Navy families arriving in the 1940s. In September 1972, a tragic fire destroyed the Santa Clara building. In a display of Christian unity, the congregation was invited to worship in the First Methodist Church's gymnasium, bringing the two communities together under one roof.
1974-2023
Twin Towers United Methodist Church
Following a fire, the two historic congregations merged, sparking a new era of community service, including the Alameda Food Bank.
Following the fire, the two congregations officially merged in 1974 to form Twin Towers United Methodist Church. This union sparked a new era of community service. In 1977, the Alameda Food Bank began in a closet within the church, growing into a vital resource for the city. The church also established the "Bay-Eagle Community Garden" on the former Santa Clara church lot. In 2013, Twin Towers became a Reconciling Ministry, formally welcoming people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
2012-2023
Embrace Church
A modern church plant for "wanderers and wonderers" that brought fresh vitality and new energy when they moved onto the campus.
Our story also flows through Embrace Church, which began in March 2012 as the "East Bay Small Group" meeting at Lake Merritt. Officially designated as a church plant in July 2015, Embrace grew as a community of "wanderers and wonderers". After worshipping in various locations, including Blueprint and Chapter 510, the congregation moved into the Twin Towers facility in February 2017. This move brought new energy to the campus, leading to the hiring of dedicated staff for worship and NextGen ministries, and setting the stage for a deep partnership between the two congregations.
Present Day
New Bridges UMC
Combining 170 years of Alameda roots with the vitality of a modern church plant to build bridges of relationship, healing, and justice.
Recognizing that we are better together, Twin Towers and Embrace formally united to become New Bridges United Methodist Church. This union beautifully combines over 170 years of deep Alameda roots with the fresh, innovative vitality of a modern church plant.
Today, New Bridges UMC is a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-looking community. We honor our legacy by continuing essential local ministries-such as our enduring support for the Alameda Food Bank and the Bay-Eagle Community Garden-while embracing new ways to connect and worship in the modern age. As a proud Reconciling Congregation, we fully welcome, affirm, and celebrate people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
We stand today as a community dedicated to building bridges of relationship, healing, and justice. Whether you are a lifelong Methodist, a "wanderer and wonderer," or simply looking for a safe community to ask questions and grow, there is a place for you here. We honor the legacy of those who came before us by looking forward with hope, and we invite you to be a part of the next chapter of our story.