Venturing out to a new church for the first time
can be a challenge. Will I be welcome there? Will I be comfortable?
With this "visitor's kit" we have tried to identify and answer most
of the questions that first time visitors might have. If this
doesn't answer all your questions, please call our
church office at 206 524-2322. We are eager to welcome you
and make your first visit with us a rewarding one!
Where is University Congregational United Church of Christ?
Our
church is located in Seattle's University District, near the
University of Washington Campus. Our address is 4515 16th Ave. NE. Specifically, our front door is located on 16th Ave.
NE, near the corner of NE 45th Street and 15th Ave. NE.
Click here for a printable map which shows how to find us.
What time are
the services?
Sunday
mornings include Christian Education (Sunday school) for all ages
(except in June, July and August),
and an intergenerational worship service. Christian Education begins
at 9 a.m. Worship begins at 10 a.m. Child care and
programs for kindergarteners and preschoolers are available year
round (see below).
How
long do services last?
Services
vary in length from just over an hour to an hour and 20 minutes,
depending on whether communion is served and whether there are
special events during the service such as baptisms or special music.
What
time should I plan to arrive?
If you
are joining us for the education hour, plan to arrive at 9 a.m.
There will be an easel in the church lobby telling you what is being
offered that day and where the classes are. If you are coming later
to attend worship only, plan to arrive about 9:45 in order to have
time to find a seat and get settled.
Where should I park?
There
are two main UCC church parking lots--one to the east of the
church which is accessed from 16th Ave. NE and one to the west of
the church which is accessed from 15th Ave. NE. We encourage those
with small children, or those who need to move more slowly to park
in these lots. Find more details here.
If you come at 9 a.m. for Christian Education, you will most
likely be able to find space in the church lots. There is also plentiful parking directly across 45th
Street near the Burke Museum.
To get to this parking, enter the University of Washington campus
through the main entrance at 17th Ave. NE and N.E.45th St., and turn
right after you pass the gatehouse. Parking here is free on Sundays.
If you are planning to arrive later (e.g. after 9:30 a.m.),
you may find parking more challenging. There are several churches in
the area and it can get busy. If you are unable to find a place in
the church lots right near the building, try parking on campus near
the Burke Museum. Or, turn left after the gate house, instead of right
and park in the free campus lots just east of 45th Street. The walk
from here is a little further (about 3 blocks), so you'll want to
allow a bit more time.
Download
our printer-friendly map to learn
more abut where to park.
What
about Sunday school for my children?
We are a
family-friendly church and we welcome families with children of all
ages. The Christian Education program begins at 9 a.m. Worship
begins at 10 a.m. Ask one of our volunteer greeters in the church narthex
(lobby) to help you locate the right program for your children.
Here's a summary of what we have to offer for children and youth
during the school year:
| Age group |
Type of program |
Location |
Infants and toddlers
(0 - 2 years old) |
Childcare is provided at no
charge.
It is available both during the Christian Education Hour (9
a.m.) and during Worship (10 .m.)
Some parents keep their babies with them in the service.
|
Childcare is located at the
north end of the building. We use the excellent facilities
which we share with the
UCUCC Child Learning and Care Center. |
Preschoolers
(Age 3 - 5, including kindergarten) |
Childcare is available
during the Christian Education Hour.
Our preschoolers generally join us for the beginning
of worship, and then they go to their classrooms. Many
of the families with preschoolers sit together at the front
of the church. |
Ask a volunteer (or another
family) for directions to classrooms - parents often
accompany their children to their classrooms, then rejoin
the congregation. |
| Elementary |
Elementary
school children attend age-appropriate classes during the
Christian Education Hour. Then, they join in worship until
the sermon begins. At this time, younger elementary children
go to a special children’s sermon time with one of the
pastors. They re-join the congregation after the sermon. |
Check the easel in the
narthex for information about the location of classes and
the special worship time for children. |
| Youth |
Middle School
and Sr. High classes meet at 9 am on Sundays. Youth
sometimes
participate in worship leadership. |
Check the easel in the
narthex for information about the location of classes. |
What
should I wear to church?
Dress
comfortably and casually. We care about who you are on the inside,
not what you are wearing. Feel free to wear your jeans and T-shirt,
or wear whatever you feel most comfortable in for church.
Any
other questions?
If we
haven't answered all your questions here, please call the church
office at
(206) 524-2322. Office hours are 9 - 4 on weekdays, and the office
is also open on Sunday mornings. Or e-mail us with your questions:
office@universityucc.org |
