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.

We would love to welcome you at our in-person service each Sunday at 10 am. A digital service is also offered on line on Sunday evening at 5 pm. Our service is streamed on YouTube and Facebook. You will find the links just below this section on our home page. The weekly 5 pm service is  available on line after it is initially presented on Sundays..

We strive to walk in the path of Jesus, and to offer an authentic welcome to everyone who walks through our door or joins us online. If you are new to us, we would love to get to know you and answer your questions about our church, even if we cannot greet you in person. A member of our Welcome Committee, or a pastor, would be happy to correspond on email or talk with you on the phone. Click here to arrange for a meeting.

Our in-person worship service starts at 10 am and includes hymns, prayers, scripture reading and a sermon. It usually lasts about an hour and fifteen minute.. 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."

Children are an important part of our community, and are welcome for all or part or the service.

UCUCC Parking Map

View for detailed Google Map.

Parking can be a challenge in the University District! Persistence, patience and an early start are keys to success.

UW has free parking on Sundays. Enter the main campus gate at NE 45th and 17th Ave NE and turn left past the toll booth. It's about a three-block walk to the church. The UW Meany Garage at 15th Ave. NE and NE 41st St. is a five-block walk.

The church also owns three parking lots - Lot A is across the street from the church on 16th Ave. E. Lot B is beneath Sortun Court, just north of the church on the east side of 16th Ave. E. (It closes at 2 p.m.) Lot C (for those with difficulty walking, young children and visitors) is at the corner of 15th NE and NE 45th St., next to the church.

If you need to be assured of a close parking spot, you can call the church office before noon on Friday to reserve one: 206-524-2322.

From time time we host lunches for people who are interested in learning more about our church and/or possibly becoming a member.  We are also happy to meet with you over coffee or at the church to explore and explain a range of topics about our church, from history, to theology, to membership. Click here to arrange a meeting with a Welcome Committee Volunteer or pastor or to set up a meeting and/or to learn when the next Welcome Lunch is planned.

Thank you for your interest in our church community.

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 or email Margaret Swanson, our Director of Children, Youth and Family Ministries..

Our programs for children and youth continue during this pandemic. Sign up at the bottom of the home page to receive our Children's Ministries and/or Youth Ministries newsletter.

Hearing Impaired: Our sanctuary has an induction loop system that uses the T-Coil mode of your hearing aids. You can get the necessary equipment just before entering the Sanctuary on the right or ask any usher.

Visually Impaired: We offer each Sunday's program in large print for easier readability.

Wheelchair Access: The front entry is wheelchair accessible as are the rest rooms. Please don't hesitate to ask for assistance.

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Bible Presentation – Letter to Families 2023

by | Sep 19, 2023 | Children’s Ministry

Dear Parents of 3 year olds and 1st graders,

Every year, the Children’s Ministry at University Congregational UCC gives a Bible to our 3-year-olds and 1st graders. We are excited for your child to receive their Bible. We plan to present these Bibles to your children during worship on Sunday, October 8th. Read through this letter for information about the Bibles.

Would you like your child to receive a Bible?

We have a quick online sign-up to help us plan for how many to purchase and inscriptions. We would appreciate you signing up by September 24th. Here is the link: https://bit.ly/Bibles23.

About the Bibles:

3 year olds will receive “My Very First?Bible” published by DK Children. This Bible re-tells 25 favorite Bible stories from the Old and New Testaments with a modern sensitivity for today’s children and their parents and grandparents. My Very First Bible begins with the Creation Story and Adam and Eve and culminates in the story of Christ’s resurrection. Interactive panels help even the youngest reader engage in the stories – for example, picking out animal pairs in Noah’s Ark. Here is a link to a video about this bible: https://bit.ly/MyVeryFirstBibleVideo

1st Grade children will receive the “I Wonder: Exploring God’s Grand Story”?Bible.?It is written by author Glenys Nellist. It contains fifteen stories from the Old Testament, and fifteen from the New Testament. This illustrated Bible invites children to wonder about our great God, and to ponder how they are part of God’s grand story… because they are. Following each story, you’ll find three open-ended questions that invite children to ponder. For example: I Wonder… if God still whispers. Or, I Wonder… how far God had to bend down to reach the dust. https://bit.ly/IWonderVideo

 

Personalizing:

For 3 year olds – once the child receives the Bible, we encourage the parents/caregivers to write a little inscription of your own in the Bible. Share a few words about how these stories, faith and God can be important in their lives.

For first graders – In addition to the Bible, your child will receive a letter from a congregation member who will share a favorite Bible passage and insights as to what scripture has meant to their lives. We also encourage you as a parent/grandparent/caregiver to offer a letter to your child to be presented along with the Bible. The letter can include your thoughts on scripture, your prayer for the place scripture will have in their life, and perhaps your favorite scripture verse and how scripture has inspired and informed your faith.

How to engage in the stories:

Keep it simple and engaging, establishing a ritual that works for your family. We also hope to have a few other resources to help your child and your family engage in scripture. Nurturing children in their faith life is such an important and special part of your life as a family, and for us a church community. We hope that part of this gifting and presentation offers your child the reminder that they are God’s beloved and helps them celebrate that they are a part of our community of faith at University Congregational United Church of Christ.

Please let me know if you have any questions. Again, please sign-up by September 24th. Here is the link: https://bit.ly/Bibles23.

Sincerely,

Margaret Irribarra Swanson

Director of Children, Youth & Family Ministries