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.
Practicing the presence of God… contemplative Christian worship
Christianity has a long history of contemplative prayer and meditation. Beginning with Jesus’ 40 days of solitude in the wilderness, Christians have often sought to be closer to the presence of God through silence and prayer. At University Congregational UCC, we come together once a week on Monday evenings to practice quieting our minds and listening for the still, small voice within us that is God’s own yearning to make God’s sacred presence known to each of us.
We meet in Harrington Chapel (just off the church Narthex) from 7 pm until 8:30 on most Mondays. You do not have to be a frequent church attender or an experienced meditator to join us. In fact, folks who are interested in meditation but are not otherwise involved in this church are regularly joining us. We are all beginners on this journey. We know that not everyone can join us every week. That’s fine. You are always welcome to attend when it works for you.
Leadership
Our gathering is led by Rev, Michael Ellick. In addition to being an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ, Michael has studied and practiced meditation for more than 25 years. His meditation experience spans many traditions, from anciet Bhuddist practices to modern Christian Centering Prayer. He shares the belief that, “The path to Spirit has many useful branches.” Our gatherings are generally led by Pastor Michael. However, other clergy and lay people experienced in meditation also help lead sessions occasionally.
What to expect
This contemplative gathering alternates between teaching, conversation, and various forms of silent prayer, meditation, and assorted spiritual practices. We’ll also be maintaining an altar practice. Each week at 7p we’ll “dress” the altar in Harrington Chapel as a shared container for our time together. All are invited to bring an object or picture that is sacred or meaningful to you to place on the altar during practice (and then remember to take it home again when we break things down at the end).
We take a very open approach to contemplative practice. One Monday in late November we celebrated Dios de los Muertos, when we honored loved ones who have departed. We hosted a group of Tibetan Buddhist nuns for a week while they constructed a sand mandala in the chapel. We have celebrated with music and song. Our intention is to be an open space where we can explore many aspects of our faith.
When you arrive
The main church doors at the corner of 6th Ave. and 45th St are the best way to enter. You may also use the automatic double doors further north on 16th Ave. if you have a card key. You are welcome to come by 6:30p in case you want more time to sit in the chapel in silence. Please note: while you are welcome to talk and make noise throughout the building (being respectful to other space users of course) please maintain mindful silence when you enter the chapel. Part of our practice is setting aside a dedicated space and time for quiet reflection. Though we may end up talking as a part of the practice, let’s enter the space in respectful silent prayer. Most people leave their shoes outside in the chancel as they enter.
What else might be helpful?
Let us know if there are better ways to accommodate you practicing with us. Childcare is not set up yet – would that help?! If so, what ages? How many? Likewise if there are other ways we can anticipate your needs and make a plan for them, just reach out to Pastor Michael.
Resources on YouTube
Videos of several of these services are published on UCUCC YouTube. We are also anticipating that several videos explaining the basics of meditation will soon be available on our YouTube channel.
What some inspired meditation teachers have passed along to us
Perhaps some of the quotations below will pique your interest in learning more. Each quote will stay on the screen for 30 seconds and then fade to the next quote. You can use the arrows on the left and right to move manually between quotes.
Be still and know that I am God.
– Psalm 46:10
Upcoming events
April 19
A morning with Tibetan Buddhist Yangsi Rinpoche
Join fellow UCC friends and members of the local Dharma Friendship Foundation for a talk on “Compassion and Wisdom for Uncertain Times.”
You’ll find details here.
Interested in joining us?
Pastor Michael maintains an email list of people interested in this practice. He will send occasional emails with updates and information on special services.
Email him here to be included on that list: mellick@universityucc.org
