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We take church seriously while having fun.
Worship reflects the community here at University Church. We are a wonderfully diverse place and our Sunday 10:30 AM service reflects our many colors, styles and traditions. ALL are invited. ALL are welcome. Jesus refused no one; neither do we.
WE LOVE THE ARTS. On a typical Sunday…well, there IS no typical Sunday! You’ll hear anthems and jazz, spirituals and gospel, all the way to hip-hop!
WE LISTEN TO EACH OTHER. Our Prayers of the People is a time for us to listen and speak to one another and to our God.
WE FEED MANY GENERATIONS. We worship together in the sanctuary until Prayers of the People, when youth go to address their own questions and needs in “Sacred Circles.”
WE BREAK BREAD TOGETHER. We take communion together every Sunday, where ALL are welcome to the table, regardless of age, beliefs, or religious background.
WE FELLOWSHIP. After service, we move into the fellowship hall for coffee, tea, snacks and conversation.
Worship with us Sundays at 10:30 AM in person at 5655 South University Avenue, or on YouTube.
we LOVE THE ARTS
On a typical Sunday…well, there IS no typical Sunday! You will hear anthems and Jazz, Spirituals and Gospel, all the way to Hip-Hop! We also have an amazing Dance Choir, which ministers during the liturgical year.
We Break bread together
We take communion together as a congregation every Sunday, where ALL are welcome to the table, regardless of age, beliefs, or religious background.
We listen to each other
Our “Prayers of the People” is a time for us to listen and speak to one another and our God, all in a spirit of prayer.
we fellowship
After service, we move into the fellowship hall for social hour – coffee, tea, snacks, and conversation. It’s a good time to meet someone or catch up.
we feed many generations
We worship together in the sanctuary until “Prayers of the People,” when the youth go to address their own questions and needs in “Sacred Circles” (traditionally known as “Junior Church”). These are separated into age groups, each teaching and practicing faith at appropriate levels of development. We hope to have a nursery attendant for babies and toddlers through age 2 by fall 2023.
Space Use
Need meeting space? A beautiful sanctuary for your wedding? A small theater for your performance? Check us out!
monthly resale shop
If you need clothing or household items at bargain rates, come to our monthly re-sale shop. Get information on hours and how to donate.
History
We’ve been around in some way or another for over 125 years! Learn more about where we came from, where we are now, and how we got here.
Upcoming Events:
Worship Service
Worship with us in person or live stream on YouTube. All are welcome at the communion table each Sunday. Join us after the service for a time of fellowship over light snacks in the dining room.
Board Meeting
The board meets monthly in the library. The moderator will send the Zoom link to board members prior to each meeting for those who cannot meet in person.
Scouting/USA Troop 599
Scout groups meet Monday evenings in the library. For more information, email troop599chicago@gmail.com.
Pathfinders Toastmasters Club (Virtual only)
Thrive With New Confidence Since 1924, Toastmasters International has transformed nearly eight million lives through a simple, yet powerful, mission: empowering individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders. Imagine walking into your next presentation...
God Talk
God Talk is open to all who are inquisitive, curious, uncertain, and always wondering about all things spiritual and biblical. Click here for the Zoom link.
Community Resilient Qigong
Community Resilient Qigong is a gentle, accessible practice of movement, breath, and awareness that strengthens personal vitality and community resilience. Led by Charlie Havens. Join us on Wednesdays from 10–11 AM in the University Church dining room for a practice...
Worship Service
Worship with us in person or live stream on YouTube. All are welcome at the communion table each Sunday. Join us after the service for a time of fellowship over light snacks in the dining room.
Remove blog entries below? Label “Pastor’s Corner”? Create separate page/link for pastor’s reflections?
Should we have the denominational affiliations listed on the green footer below, along with the copyright date? OR maybe make it part of the regular footer? OR put it somewhere else? Add denominational logos?
Pastor’s Corner
Below are occasional meditations and musings written by pastor Julian. Click on each one to read the full blog.
Wonder at the More that Is Unfolding
by Denise Hill I always find myself returning every so often to a commencement address Alice Walker gave in 2002. It’s entitled “All Praises to the Pause; the Universal Moment of Reflection.” In it she describes the fullness and the gift of taking a moment after...
Tools
Some time ago my uncle had a house in Gary, Indiana that needed major rehabbing. Though he tapped me — a lazy teenager — to help with these renovations, I still believe my uncle is a decent man. There is nothing on Earth lazier than I was at 13 years old: if it didn’t...
Writing Spiritual Autobiographies
—by Julian DeShazier After talking about the power of stories, it is time to craft our own “spiritual autobiographies” – stories of the development of our faith. While we are doing this as a congregation during our 9am Bible Study time, you can follow this page for...