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.
November greets us with the conclusion of our fall worship series, Ubuntu: I am because we are. Our texts look at the expansiveness of God’s love – a call to be a house of prayer for all peoples, a declaration to the Ethiopian eunuch that God’s blessing is for all ethnic, religious, and gender non-conforming people, a reminder that Jesus tells us he has other sheep that we do not know. With these scriptures in mind, we start to see the ways our congregation is called to an interconnectedness and kinship throughout the community.
We have incredible preachers lined up for this month. Learn more about our visiting preachers. On November 6, Rev. Traci Blackmon (she/her), Associate General Minister of Justice and Local Church Ministries for the United Church of Christ, will preach for our service of Memory and Hope and Rev. Courtney Stange-Tregear (she/her), Acting Conference Minister for the Pacific Northwest Conference will be our presider.
On November 13, Rev. Paul Ortiz, pastor at University Gathering (formerly University Temple) will preach and we welcome Vania Bynum and Betsey Beckman to offer liturgical dance. November 20th concludes our Ubuntu series as our covenant partner Rev. Deb Jarvis preaches.
This month will also see the beginning of advent, our preparation for the joy of Christmastide. Our advent theme is Harambee!, a kiswahili word that is understood as let’s pull together! The word is on the coat of arms for Kenya and has been an important part of the political and cultural identity particularly since Kenyan independence in 1963. Within the USA, Harambee chants are part of many Kwanzaa celebrations. Learning from our Kenyan friends, we will spend this season pulling together in anticipation of a more just and vibrant world anticipated with the presence of Christ. Our first Sunday of Advent is November 27 and Katrina Fitzpatrick will be our preacher.
November 6 – Service of Memory and Hope
Ubuntu: A House of Prayer for All
Preacher: Rev. Traci Blackmon
Isaiah 56:1-8
November 13
Ubuntu: There are no Outsiders
Preacher: Rev. Paul Ortiz
Acts 8:26-40
November 20
Ubuntu: Open to All
Preacher: Rev. Deb Jarvis
John 10:14-16
November 27
Harambee! Let Justice Roll Down
Preacher: Katrina Fitzpatrick
Amos 5:18-24