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 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."
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 
Wheelchair Access: The front entry is wheelchair accessible as are the rest rooms. Please don't hesitate to ask for assistance.
Have you ever wondered how our worship services are created? In the model of team ministry, this is a very collaborative process. It begins with brainstorming around themes that could develop into sermon series. The worship team—Pastors Amy, Loren, and Steve, music director Benjamin, worship assistant Meighan, and video editor James—look at liturgical seasons, the ebb and flow of congregational life, past practices, and future hopes to move toward a sermon series. We engage the Creativity Council for Liturgical Arts and our artist in residence Nadine Santo Pietro to consider artistic elements. We start thinking about musicians we want engaged. We consider how to express ideas for worship at the Seattle campus and online.
Once the series is shaped, we start working on the details: weekly scriptures and themes; musical elements; spiritual practices. Sometimes efforts from the congregation shift the worship. The Land Acknowledgment moment didn’t originate with the worship team or committee and yet it has become an essential moment in decolonizing our worship. Other times suggestions start with the staff and flow outward. The worship team suggested a commitment in 2022 to include cultural observations throughout the year. The Worship and Music committee affirmed this decision as a reflection of how we live out our values. These moments highlight the learning we have through our Intercultural Development Inventory efforts and our ongoing work to be Open and Affirming and committed to racial justice.
With all these elements the team comes together each week to cultivate a flow between preaching, prayers, music, and liturgy. With all of these intentions, it becomes clearer what the apostle Paul meant when he said leaders are called to “be all things to all people” (1 Corinthians 9:19-23).
Our weekly meetings also include an evaluative process. We name what worked well, our pluses (+); and what things need changing, our delta points (?). We also look for feedback from the congregation. This is most helpful when it highlights affirmations and constructive changes (not just a negative reaction to something). Wider conversations also happen with the Worship and Music Committee are also an important part of our evaluation.