Who We Are
At Vine & Branch Fellowship, our identity is rooted in our unwavering focus on Jesus Christ. Each day, we earnestly invite the Holy Spirit to move within us and throughout our community. It is our belief that by immersing ourselves in the Word of God, we can find correction, healing, and boundless joy.
Our Roots
Vine & Branch Fellowship traces its origins back to 1988 when it was established as Foothill Community Church by Pastor David Mattson. In January 2023, we embraced a new name inspired by John 15:5, becoming Vine & Branch Fellowship.
“I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing.” – John 15:5
What this means for you?
At Vine & Branch Fellowship, everyone is welcome. Our primary goal is to transform lives through the teachings of scripture. We invite you to reach out, ask questions, or seek support whenever you’re in need.
What We Believe
At Vine & Branch Fellowship, our core belief is simple: we are committed to reaching the hurting and offering healing that can only be found through Jesus Christ and the Word of God.
We believe in one God, Creator of all things, infinitely perfect and eternally existing in three persons, Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
Genesis 1; Deuteronomy 6:4; Matthew 3:16-17; Matthew 28:19; John 10:30
We believe that Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man, having been conceived of the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. He died on the cross a sacrifice for our sins according to the Scriptures. Further, He arose bodily from the dead, ascended into Heaven, where at the right hand of the Majesty on High, He is now our High Priest and Advocate.
Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 53; Matthew 1:18-25; Matthew 28:6; Luke 24:38-39 & 50-53; John 19:30-34; Hebrews 7:24-28
The Holy Spirit is equal with the Father and the Son, which composes the Trinity. We believe that the ministry of the Holy Spirit is to glorify the Lord Jesus Christ, and during this age to convict men, regenerate the believing sinner, indwell, guide, instruct and empower the believer for godly living and service.
John 16:8-11; Romans 8:1-17 & 26-27; Titus 3:5; 2 Corinthians 3:17; Acts 1:8; John 14:15-17; John 14:26
We believe the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to be the inspired Word of God, without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for the salvation of men and the divine and final authority for the Christian faith and life.
Matthew 5:18; II Timothy 3:14-16; II Peter 1:19-21
The Scripture is sufficient in that it is the only inspired, inerrant, and therefore final authority for Christians for faith, godliness, marriage, raising children, and all things in life with all other authorities being subservient to Scripture.
II Timothy 3:16-17; I Peter 1:3; Heb 4:12; 2 Peter 1:21; Deuteronomy 4:2
People are the supreme object of God’s creation. We believe that man was created in the image of God but fell into sin and is therefore lost and only through regeneration by the Holy Spirit can salvation and spiritual life be obtained.
Genesis 1:26-27; Genesis 3; John 3:1-12; Romans 3:23; Romans 5:12-19
Salvation is found in Christ alone through faith alone. When we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts God raised him from the dead we will be saved. We are not saved by good works or merit of any kind. Salvation is a free gift of God to us so that no one may boast.
Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5-7
We believe that water baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances to be observed by the church during the present age. They are, however, not to be regarded as a means of salvation.
Matthew 28:19; John 6:53-58; Acts 2:38
We believe that the true church is composed of all such persons who through saving faith in Jesus Christ have been regenerated by the Holy Spirit and are united together in the body of Christ of which He is the head.
Matthew 16:15-18; Acts 2:38-41
We believe that only those who are members of the true church shall be eligible for membership in the local church.
Acts 2:37-41; Hebrews 10:23-25
We believe that Jesus Christ is the Lord and Head of the church, and that every the local church has the right under Christ, to decide and govern its own affairs.
Acts 6:1-6; Acts 14:23; Titus 1:5; I Peter 5:1-3
We believe in the coming again of our Lord Jesus Christ and that we will live with Him in eternity.
I Thessalonians 4:16; Titus 2:11-13; John 10:28-30; I John 2:17; I John 5:11; John 3:16; John 14:3; Hebrews 9:28
Marriage: Marriage has been instituted by God. This church defines marriage as the exclusive covenant union of a man and a woman. A civil government’s sanction of a union will be recognized as a legitimate marriage by the church only to the extent that it remains consistent with the definition of marriage found in these Articles. Matthew 19:4-6; Hebrews 13:4
Human Sexuality: Legitimate sexual relations are exercised solely within marriage. Hence, sexual relations outside of marriage (referred to in the New Testament as “porneia”– πορνεια) including but not limited to, adultery, premarital sex, homosexuality, and pedophilia are inconsistent with the teachings of the Bible and the Church. Further, lascivious conduct, transgender behavior, and the creation, distribution or viewing of pornography, are incompatible with the biblical witness.
I Timothy 1:8-11; I Corinthians 6:9-11; Leviticus 18:22-24
Every minister, board member, member, employee, or volunteer shall affirm their agreement with the Statement of Faith and shall conduct themselves in a manner that is consistent therewith. This shall be a prerequisite, and continual condition, for holding these positions.
Meet our Leaders
Chris Muetterties
Servant Pastor
Chris’s Journey
In 1998, Chris, an unsaved individual, walked into Foothill Community Church for the first time at the Angels Camp Veterans Hall location. A year later, in 1999, he accepted Jesus into his life, and from there, his journey of service and faith began.
Starting as a janitor, Chris quickly embraced various roles within the church community. He became an AWANA leader, actively participated in the Merry Martha outreach, engaged with the Men’s group, served on various committees, and eventually took on the role of Youth Pastor.
In August 2022, Chris’s dedication and commitment were affirmed when the congregation voted him in as the Servant Pastor, a role that reflects his heart for service and leadership within the church.
Chris and his wife, Carah, have shared 32 years of marriage and have raised three adult children, all of whom are now married. Their family has grown with the addition of two grandchildren and two French Bulldogs, Truman and Cowboy. Together, Chris and Carah cherish the opportunity to serve, embodying the spirit of Vine & Branch Fellowship.
Cristi Canepa, Connect Director
Cristi comes to us with over ten years of experience working in the non-profit world. She lives in Angels Camp with her husband, Craig, and their three dogs, three cats, a flock of chickens, and two guinea hens. Craig and Cristi share five adult children and have five granddaughters, who are the apples of their eyes.
Cristi’s deep-rooted passion for serving her community led her to the role of Connect Director at Vine & Branch Fellowship. Her love for the Lord and her desire to share the gospel’s good news is evident in her everyday life. Her favorite scripture verse, Psalm 25:5, encapsulates her faith: “Guide me in your truth, and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation. I wait for you all day long.”
