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.
Contributed by Loyce Ong’udi, founder
Celebrate the many Mwanzos (new beginnings) over the past ten years
No smiling women in Rabour in 2012
In 2012 as I worked to register Mwanzo as a nonprofit organization to address the ravages of HIV/AIDS on my family and childhood village of Rabuor, a friend asked me, “Loyce, looking back ten years from now, what would you like to see?” Seeing the hopelessness and knowing AIDS was incurable, my quick response was “song and dance,” but that was unthinkable at the time. Rabuor was once the happiest place a child could dream being raised in.
Dancing with joy in the classroom
“Mwanzo “means new beginning in Swahili. I turned to hope for new beginnings many times over these past ten years. On April 3 and April 24 at 1:00 pm we will celebrate these many “mwanzos.” Through stories and visuals, I’ll share with you now ten years later what my answers are to that question, “what would you like to see?” I invite you dear friends to join me on zoom to experience the amazing journey we have taken together in these 10 years.
I especially want to honor my father Wesley, mother Rosemell and my daughter Audrey (AJ) who were part of this journey. This work would not have happened if not for their extraordinary sacrifices. The loss of my brother Mathayo, my sister June and other close relatives to HIV/AIDS was turned to hope by my parents. They started a daycare for AIDS orphans and fed these children in their tiny home. Audrey’s sacrifice occurred during her early teenage years as I was away for many months traveling to Rabuor to build resources for a second chance at life.
I have not journeyed alone! New beginnings have happened because you have accompanied me, opened your heart and created a circle of love without boundary, and thus many “Mwanzos.” At the beginning, even smiling seemed wrong in this childhood village of mine. Now the village lives with rhythmic dance and songs of hope for our children, staff, Rabuor and her neighbors. My second home, Seattle/UCUCC has held me in the past ten years. I trust the next ten years will hold just as many surprises to ensure Hope continues to have a home in our work.
Join the celebrations on April 3 and April 24 at 1:00 pm. See weekly emails for details