Rev. Janice Steele is Growing Imani Community UCC

Six years ago a group of Same-gender-loving {SGL} African-Americans moved to Sacramento and the surrounding areas in search of affordable housing. Most of us lived in the bay area and could not realize the dream of homeownership due to the increase in real estate and the dot.com boom which also yielded an unstable and unpredictable rental market. The Central Valley was not our first choice, but an option, nevertheless. We did not realize, at the time, that God had a bigger plan. Relocating was not just about buying homes, but building communities and changing the landscape of a rather conservative political environment.

As our numbers increased, most of us settled in the Natomas area and faced the grim reality that affordable housing was certainly available but the local job market was not as desirable. Long commutes, back and forth to work, church and social activities became a way of life until our bodies and cars could no longer handle the endless hours on the road.

After settling into new communities, it was apparent that a church was needed to address the needs of SGL brothers and sisters that were transplants to the of cocktails, food and conversation for 8 women. That number grew in one year to 30. We named the group, “the SacSistahood.” The need to socialize and support one another grew into conversations about politics, family, relationships, church and faith. This was actually the beginning of a house church and we just didn’t know it.

We were aware of the ongoing work of UCC congregations in the area, such as Pioneer and Parkside United Church of Christ. While the mission was familiar, the worship style was not. After years of running and trying to avoid the path that would lead to fulfilling the purpose and call of God, Imani Community Church was born in June 2007. A handful of us met and decided on the core values of the church and eventually the name of the church. As we grew, the mission and vision was verbalized and the desire to affiliate with the UCC and the Fellowship, under the leadership of Bishop Flunder, was determined. We began to build a relationship with Pastor Kathi MacShane and the 1st UMC, which led to a covenant and leasing agreement for the use of the Chapel and classroom space. Our first weekly Bible Study was in August 2007 and our first public worship service was September 9, 2007.

Since that time Imani, which means Faith in Swahili, has established relationships and partnerships with several churches and CBO in the Sacramento Area and beyond. Including the following:

Center for Spiritual Awareness
Trinity Cathedral Episcopal Church
Pioneer UCC
Parkside UCC
Sierra Arden UCC
MCC
Good Shepherd Parish
Loomis UCC
Auburn UCC
Elk Grove UCC
Table of Grace DOC
Cottage Christian DOC
First Christian DOC
A Church For ALL
City of Refuge UCC
Pacific School of Religion
Gay & Lesbian Center
NAACP
Lambda Letters
WEAVE
Habitat For Humanity
SN&R
Outword Magazine
AM Gospel Radio Station in Sacramento