University Congregational Church Calls Itself Wichita's Most Traditional Non-Traditional Church, and Streams Every Sunday at 10:30

University Congregational Church describes itself as the most traditional non-traditional church in Wichita, and the phrase fits. The congregation at 9209 East 29th Street North is progressive and inclusive, or affirming, and anchors its faith in tradition while leaving room for curiosity and honest conversation. It's a covenant congregation, which means members commit to one another rather than to an outside hierarchy.

That structure comes from the Congregational tradition, which traces its roots to the Mayflower Puritans. Each congregation governs itself through shared discernment, with no bishop, synod, or presbytery above it, and UCC's covenant and governance still reflect that heritage. The church's beliefs follow from it: every person has sacred worth regardless of race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic standing; scripture is engaged with both heart and mind and read in its historical and cultural context; the teachings of Jesus call for compassion, justice, and courage; and doubt and questions are part of the journey, not a problem to fix.

Worship is every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. The service blends scripture, prayer, choir leadership, and reflections that connect faith with daily life, in an atmosphere the church calls relaxed but reverent. Children are welcome in worship, nursery and toddler care is always provided, and the dress code is whatever is comfortable. Services are livestreamed and archived, so anyone can attend from home before visiting in person, and a sermon archive and the weekly bulletin are posted online.

Music is central. The Chancel Choir leads each service with classic and contemporary sacred music and is open to all skill levels, and the church supports choir scholarship students through its Choir Student Form. Music director Mike Mays knows the program from the inside. He sang in the choir for five years as a scholarship student and new Wichita State graduate, directs vocal music at Wichita Northwest High School, and founded Everybody Sings ICT, a volunteer community choir. His appointment was recommended by Senior Minister Rev. Paul Ellis Jackson and approved unanimously by the Church Council.

Beyond Sunday morning, the church runs children's programs through Kids Korner and Sunday school, missions and outreach at home and abroad, green initiatives that treat care for creation as part of its call, and weddings and events in its sanctuary and spaces. Rev. Ellis Jackson leads the congregation with what members describe as compassionate leadership, thoughtful preaching, and a strong commitment to mission.

University Congregational Church is located at 9209 East 29th St. North, Wichita, KS 67226. To ask about a visit, membership, programs, or a wedding, call (316) 634-0430 or visit ucchurch.org. Online giving runs through the church's Engage page.