About Worship
UniLu has in-person worship services (masks are optional) and continues to stream services on Zoom or via YouTube Live.
Worship is central to our life in God and our life together. These things we do and say turn us and center us to live a different kind of life: a life that is focused on serving God and serving neighbor.
From the ELCA: "Connected with and central to everything we do, worship unites us in celebration, engages us in thoughtful dialogue and helps us grow in faith. It grounds us in our Christian and Lutheran roots, while demonstrating practical relevance for today’s world."
We celebrate the Eucharist (Holy Communion) every Sunday. Lutherans believe that Jesus Christ's true presence is "in, with, and under" the earthly elements of bread and wine. We welcome all to the Lord’s Table.
For those of you who might feel lost during worship or do not understand why we do what we do: do not hesitate to ask someone sitting near you or ask the pastor questions after worship.
weekly worship times
Sundays + 10.30 AM. Join University Lutheran for our weekly worship service in-person (masks are optional) or streamed on Zoom or via YouTube Live. You also can call in by dialing 1-646-876-9923 and using Meeting ID: 923 3214 9063.
Tuesdays + 4.00 PM. This Advent season we will gather once again around the font (and the manger) for Evening Prayer. All are invited to join us for this casual service before our community meal, Feast incarnate, using an Advent series from Sundays & Seasons, which notes that:
In his Christmas sermons, Luther encouraged his congregation to care for the Christ child in their midst. If we could imagine traveling back in time to offer support to Mary, what would we say? How can we offer that kind of unconditional love and care to one another and our neighbors facing unexpected difficulties? Each Advent, we consider anew how to welcome God incarnate.
Thursdays + 6.00 PM. Advent Vespers will be on Thursdays, December 4, 11, and 18 on Zoom. This year we'll gather again with our siblings from the Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, singing along to Holden Evening Prayer and exploring Advent texts through the meditative practice of Visio Divina (“divine seeing”) around this year's theme: What do you Fear? Insisting on Hope this Advent.
Accessibility
There are no stairs to enter the building or access UniLu’s sanctuary or bathrooms. Large-print bulletins are available near the sanctuary doors.
UniLu partners with Deaf Services Unlimited to offer Video Remote Interpreting for Sunday worshipers. To request this service, please complete this form by noon the Wednesday prior to the Sunday of your planned attendance. That Sunday morning, we will provide a link to a video of the interpreter joining UniLu's service via livestream, that you may access through your personal device (a mobile phone or tablet).
UPCOMING SERVICES AND LECTIONARY
TIME AFTER PENTECOST
ADVENT
14 DECEMBER 2025 (THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT)
A note of joyful expectation marks today’s worship. Isaiah announces that the desert shall rejoice and blossom, and Jesus points to the unexpected and transforming signs of God’s reign. We wait with patience for the coming of the Lord, even as we rejoice at his presence among us this day: in word and holy supper, in church and in our homes, in silent reflection and in works of justice and love. We pray that God would open our eyes and ears to the wonders of Christ’s advent among us.
Join University Lutheran for worship in-person or streamed on Zoom or via YouTube Live. You also can call in by dialing 1-646-876-9923 and using Meeting ID: 923 3214 9063
Music: Awake! Awake, and Greet the New Morn ELW 242 | Christ, Be Our Light ELW 715 | Hark! A Thrilling Voice Is Sounding! ELW 246 | He Comes to Us as One Unknown ELW 737 | People, Look East ELW 248
Saint John the Baptist, Antonio Orsini (Master of the Carminati Coronation), c. 1425 (Philadelphia Art Museum)
On Jordan's Bank the Baptist's Cry, Norwich Cathedral Choir
21 DECEMBER 2025 (FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT)
Join University Lutheran for worship in-person or streamed on Zoom or via YouTube Live. You also can call in by dialing 1-646-876-9923 and using Meeting ID: 923 3214 9063
San José y el Cristo Niño, José Campeche y Jordán, ca. 1794 (Smithsonian American Art Museum)
O Come, O Come Emmanuel, St Catherine's Girls' Choir
24 DECEMBER 2025 (NATIVITY OF OUR LORD / CHRISTMAS EVE)
7.00 PM Worship Service with Candles & Carols
Join University Lutheran for worship in-person or streamed on Zoom or via YouTube Live. You also can call in by dialing 1-646-876-9923 and using Meeting ID: 923 3214 9063
Nativity, Artist/maker unknown, c. 1900 (Philadelphia Art Museum)
Angels We Have Heard on High, Soundiva Classical Choir
28 DECEMBER 2025 (FIRST SUNDAY OF CHRISTMAS)
Join University Lutheran for worship in-person or streamed on Zoom or via YouTube Live. You also can call in by dialing 1-646-876-9923 and using Meeting ID: 923 3214 9063
Flight into Egypt, Henry Ossawa Tanner, ca. 1916-1922 (Smithsonian American Art Museum)
Of the Father's Love Begotten, traditional a capella choir
SEASONS OF THE CHURCH YEAR
Advent: Nov. 27, 2025 – Dec. 23, 2025
Christmas: Dec. 24, 2025 – Jan. 6, 2026
Time after Epiphany: Jan. 6 – Feb. 17, 2026
Lent: February 18 – Apr. 1, 2026
The Three Days: Apr. 2 – Apr. 4, 2026
Easter: Apr. 5 – May 24, 2026
Time after Pentecost: May 25 – Nov. 25, 2026