No matter who you are, or where you are on life's journey, you are welcome here at University Congregational United Church of Christ. Young, old, sure of your path, or still searching --- we invite you to join us in imagining love and justice - as Jesus did - in acting to change the world.
Our in-person worship service starts at 10 am and includes hymns, prayers, scripture reading and a sermon. It usually lasts about an hour. During the 10 am service we also offer live-streaming to a nearby room that offers those with compromised immune systems to be more isolated. We also offer a separate space for children, with supervised play and crafts during the 10 am service. Sections of the 10 am service are programed into the 5 pm digital service, which is offered as a "vespers."
We are an inter-generational church and strive to be family-friendly, with an active ministry for children and youth. All ages are welcome in worship. We also offer nursery and child-care, Younger children begin the 10 am service with us and usually leave after about 15 minutes. Older children have the option of leaving for a special sermon time. Junior high and high school youth meet at 9 am and then often sit together in worship. Give us a call at 206-524-2322 for more specifics.
Wheelchair Access: The front entry is wheelchair accessible as are the rest rooms. Please don't hesitate to ask for assistance.
Beloveds,
We write to you this week knowing you are likely tired and worried. Hearing the news about Catherine and several others contracting the virus even with the abundance of care and vigilance about vaccinations and masking, is disquieting. So far everyone’s vaccination or youth seems to be keeping the actual experience of the illness in a manageable state. And our prayer chain and Wednesday Prayer Circle are on the cases!
We also know the isolation, decision fatigue and living with constant risk assessment; the trauma of living in this time is wearing.
When this all began there were immediate questions about whether church was closed or what on earth we could even do if we couldn’t gather in our building. If we weren’t gathering in person on Sunday mornings who were we?? Pastor Amy got called on to do an interview with a local reporter wondering what we were doing and her response is one she goes back to again and again. She answered that being church means helping people connect to God and one another. That’s our purpose. Maybe everything about how we do that has to change but that purpose is now more important than ever.
And that’s what this congregation has been doing. That’s the through line between the before COVID and now. You are still letting us know what we can pray about. We’re still helping one another pray. We’re still listening for God’s presence. We’re still seeing God in all the ways you show up for one another.
We’re moving cautiously forward with our new schedule that will allow us to continue to offer both an in-person and online worship without doubling our staffing hours. We’re continuing to adapt and support one another. The hope that we will get through this in a month or two is long gone. In its place is the deep knowledge that we know how to live and love one another through this time.
Blessings,
Amy Roon
Steve Jerbi
Here is how to reach us:
Amy, aroon@universityucc.org (206) 605-6893
Catherine, cfoote@universityucc.org (206) 321-7604
Steve, sjerbi@universityucc.org (414) 238-7030