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.
Youth Ministry for Grades 6-12
We believe that every youth should have a place where they know they belong. University Congregational UCC walks with our youth on their faith journey through discussion, experiential learning, creative expression, mentoring relationships and prayer. All are welcome!
Our Vision
To grow a living faith we need
- To have trusting, deep, authentic relationships with those who have a living faith
- To have experiences of God
- To empower each other to live into our call and serve as disciples of Jesus
- To share in experiences of the risky, edgy, radical parts of faith—for on the edge we discover who we are and what our faith is.
Explore our programs
Youth ministry extends well beyond the walls of our church. Retreats, mission trips, service projects and classes give youth the opportunity to support one another in their journeys, as well as, opportunities to experience and share God’s love.
Sunday mornings at church
9 am Youth Group
Youth Group meets on Sunday morning at 9 am in the Pilgrim Room (ground floor, south end of the building). It is open to youth who are attending Middle School (grades 6-8) and High School (grades 9-12). Sunday morning programs are facilitated by lay leaders who serve as mentors and to help facilitate activities, conversation and reflection.
Youth Pews
At 10 am youth are invited to attend worship, either with other youth in the designated Youth Pews, or with their families. Youth offer their leadership in worship by reading liturgy, contributing music or giving the stewardship moment.
Fellowship nights and retreats
Fellowship nights
Fellowship nights include a dinner, games, activities and more. They are typically on Friday or Saturday night and are open to youth in grades 6-12.
Retreats
Retreats offer an opportunity for youth to explore their faith more deeply, connect with one another and take time for deep Sabbath. They are generally held at area camps or conference centers. We currently offer the following retreats:
- Girls Retreat for grades 6-12
- Boys Retreat for grades 6-12
- High School retreat for grades 9-12
Retreats for Our Whole Lives and Confirmation Classes are offered every other year. The next offering will be 2018-2019 program year.
Service opportunities
Teen Feed
The youth program takes responsibility for cooking and serving at Teen Feed on the fifth Wednesday of the month. Teen Feed provides a hot meal, warm shelter and friendly, non-judgmental conversation for homeless teens, many of whom live in the University District. This is a service opportunity the entire family is welcome to participate in.
Mission Trips
Two mission trips are offered each summer—one for Middle School youth and one for High School youth. The goal is to serve others with the understanding that we are called to better our whole world. Our service is not about taking God to others, but about experiencing God in the work we do and the people we meet. We often partner with other churches or nonprofit service organizations for our mission trips. Trips are financially supported by our “Moving Mountains” fundraiser each spring so that every young person who wants to attend is able to.
Classes---Our Whole Lives & Confirmation
Our Whole Lives, Sexuality and our Faith (OWL)
The Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education program is a progressive, comprehensive curriculum that deals with the totality of human sexuality in an age-appropriate manner. It is deeply rooted in the values of self worth, sexual health, justice and inclusivity, and responsibility. These values reflect the justice-oriented tradition of the United Church of Christ. We offer this class every year, alternating the age range that it is intended for (grades 7 & 8 or grades 10-12). It is taught by trained volunteers.
Confirmation Class (grades 8, 9 and beyond)
The confirmation class series offers youth the tools and opportunities to name and understand where they are in their faith journey at this time in their lives. This class series is offered every other year, in odd-numbered years.
For information on either of these classes, please contact the Director of Youth Ministries, Margaret Swanson.
Forms
Here are links to forms you will need to participate in Youth Ministry activities and/or retreats. Once you have filled out the forms, please return them to the Youth Ministry mailbox in the office.
Learn More
Our Director of Youth Ministries, Margaret Swanson, can answer your questions about youth in our church. Email Margaret, or call 206-524-2322. If you know you would like to be a part of our Youth Program fill out and return our >> registration form.
A place where we talk about things that matter, we do things that matter and we know that we belong
