FORMED THROUGH PRACTICE
Some core practices.
We believe Christlike formation is a lifelong process that requires faithful practice.
Together, we anchor to four core practices that help us deepen our discipleship to Christ and our commitment to one another.
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We're committed to saying "yes" to regular fellowship within our church community, and being faithfully present in our university neighborhood. This means being welcoming, kind, and generous to everyone who crosses our path—whether they're longtime members of the community or someone walking through our doors for the first time. We believe there's something beautiful about putting down roots and really showing up for the people God brings around us.
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We're actively pursuing unity even when (especially when) so many of us come from different backgrounds and perspectives. We honor every person as someone made in God's image, and we stand alongside those who feel lonely, overlooked, or pushed to the margins. It's not always easy work, but we believe it's essential to who we're called to be as followers of Christ.
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We spend regular time together diving into the Bible and sharing personal stories of how we've experienced God's goodness and love in our lives. We're also finding fresh ways to connect with the rich traditions and practices that have shaped the Church throughout history. There's wisdom in these ancient rhythms that still speaks to us today—so we look for it, talk about it, and try to embody it.
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We're choosing to embrace the slower, more relational ways of Christ in every part of life. This means setting aside regular time for prayer, fasting, quiet reflection, sabbath rest, and yes—even play! We walk alongside each other in our growth, trusting the process and God's timeline for each person.
DAILY LIVING
Life with God, in community.
At UCC, there are several ways to engage:
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Since our founding in 1989, our mission has been centered on reaching the campus with the good news of Jesus. Our Campus Engagement Commission gathers monthly to shape and organize church-wide campus ministry efforts including prayer walks, student-led missional communities, meals for students, and other special happenings throughout the year.
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One of the primary ways our building serves the campus is through Rohs Street Cafe. What began as one student’s small seed of an idea—to create a monthly, pop-up coffee shop and concert venue in the basement of the church building—has grown through the years into a much more robust business operation. In 2022, UCC partnered with The 86 Ministries to help sustain Rohs Street's presence, and launch the shop into a new era of campus-focused ministry. Today, the cafe continues to operate seven-days a week, year-round, offering space for community and creativity to many.
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The faith formation of our children and teens is a vital part of our ministry at UCC. Whether it’s serving with the children on Sundays, or walking with teens on their journey with God throughout the week, there are a number of ways to participate in this part of the ministry—to help every child and young person know, love, and follow the Good Shepherd.
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Jesus calls us to care for the foreigner, the orphaned, the widowed—the ones who society deems “unclean” and “unworthy” of love. One of the ways we respond to this call is through our partnership with City Gospel Mission. On the fourth Wednesday of the month, we prepare and serve a meal together at the men’s shelter. All are invited to offer their presence and service, as we come alongside the more vulnerable here in our city.
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We gather every Sunday to lift up our hearts and voices in worship together. Our worship team, made up of volunteers from within the UCC body, leads us each week from the stage and behind the soundboard. It would be a blessing to the whole church to offer yourself in service with this team.
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Births. Deaths. Hospital stays. Other unforeseen events. There are plenty of times when folks from within the church (and those adjacent) could use a little extra support. Our “Loaves & Dishes” ministry team provides meals (or giftcards) for individuals/families when needs arise.
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God has blessed UCC with a building on an anchor corner in the heart of Cincinnati. Thank you, Jesus! And God knows, we use it! We are always looking for folks who are willing to help vacuum, dust, mop, weed, and take out trash—once a week, or once a month. Additionally, we’re often looking for skilled folks to join our building team and volunteer to support projects as needs arise.
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A number of small groups and bible studies—under the care of lay leaders and campus ministry partners—meet each week at the church building and in homes across the cities. These groups are designed to deepen our walk with Christ and with one another. The best way to stay abreast with current groups and schedules is to sign-up to receive our weekly email. Hop on over to the CONNECT page and drop us a line to sign-up!
All are invited to prayerfully discern ways they’re feeling led to participate in UCC’s mission—be that by joining an existing area of the ministry, or envisioning new ways we might share the love of Christ with our neighbors. To get connected with leaders entrusted to oversee the ministry areas above, send a note using the form on the CONNECT page and one of our pastors will follow-up with you very soon.
