Get Nourished, Supported, and Experience Growth at Union Avenue Christian Church!

Union Avenue Christian Church is not just a place, and it is much more than a building. It is a caring community of people who desire an intimate relationship with God. There are some who desire to know God better and still others who have just begun their search for a relationship with God.

After more than two years of the COVID-19 pandemic that has reached into all aspects of our lives, we are now seeing a “new normal” emerge thanks to the increasing number of vaccinations and continued mitigation strategies. The Official Board of Union Avenue voted unanimously on Sunday, April 3, to approve the recommendation of the Reopen Task Force to make masking optional while in the building. We encourage everyone to use good judgment and common sense and make the best decision for themselves and those around them. We are extremely fortunate to have large, open spaces within our building, and because of that we are able to be generous in social distancing and respecting private space when interacting. Adult Sunday School classes can now choose where and when to meet, including in the building in person. You can read the full recommendation here.

We continue to gather for Sunday school on Sunday mornings from 9:00 – 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. Additionally, an online worship video is posted to Facebook Sunday morning for those who wish to participate online. (In the near future, this will become a mid-week online worship service.)

As the nation’s response to the pandemic continues to evolve, Union Avenue will continue to follow the science, evaluate its programming, and make changes accordingly.

We are a community of diverse people that gathers to worship God, to serve, to learn from the Bible, to pray, to laugh, and to help each other. Shared vision and core values have shaped this community of faith. We believe that together we can build a community that celebrates possibility and the promise of God. Our challenge is to engage the heart, mind and soul in order to enhance the quality of life for ourselves and others. We believe we can do this, we invite you to read on to learn more about our mission and the community of mutual respect we are building at Union Avenue Christian.

What is the mission of Union Avenue Christian Church?

In recognition of our openness to God’s will in the life of our congregation, we have stated our mission as: Where diverse hearts and minds come together to worship God and to become Biblically informed, socially responsible, artistically alive, and to demonstrate Christ’s love.

What are the core values that hold this faith community together?

We are committed to worshiping God in a caring Christian community. We are committed to the study and open discussion of Jesus Christ and his teachings. We are committed to welcoming diversity in every way. We are committed to providing a Disciples of Christ church and witness in an urban location. We are committed to music

and the arts as a way to praise God and involve our community in the life of our church. We are committed to reaching out to people throughout the St. Louis metro area, as well as extending our reach to global missions. Our ministry flows from the belief that Jesus is the Christ, the son of the living God, the Lord and Savior of the world. Proclaiming that message is at the heart of all that we do.

As an Open and Affirming Disciples congregation, we are striving to become a people of grace and welcome to all God’s children regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, nationality, ethnicity, marital status, physical or mental ability, political stance or theological perspective; and we affirm the faith, baptism, and spiritual gifts of all Christians regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, for neither is grounds for exclusion from fellowship or service within the church.

What is the worship style of Union Avenue Christian Church?

Although classic in style, worship allows for informality and expression in various ways. A choir of renowned musical excellence deepens each service. Children have their own quiet corner in the sanctuary, and young children are offered opportunity to be together in our educational space during a portion of the worship service. Celebrating communion is a weekly focus of our worship. Everyone is invited to participate.

Our Interim Senior Minister, David Greenhaw, embraces a leadership style that focuses on building community, collaboration, honoring God’s creation, and sharing God's love.

Is the congregation diverse?

The congregation is diverse in age, race, gender, sexual orientation, and political inclination. We celebrate and honor that diversity and welcome the struggle necessary to maintain it.

How should I dress to feel comfortable in your worship service?

The diversity of our congregation is exemplified in the comfort of our various dress styles. Often, there is someone in a suit seated near another person in casual clothing, including shorts. You should wear clothing in which you feel comfortable.

Are you accessible to those who have special needs?

Our building, while more than a century old, is wheelchair accessible. Our educational ministry accommodates the special needs of children and adults alike.

What is the heritage of Union Avenue Christian Church?

Union Avenue Christian Church is part of the religious movement known as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). This movement began on American shores shortly after the American Revolution in 1809. The movement arose as a protest against the sectarianism of the nineteenth century that had divided and weakened the universal church. Our early leaders, led by Barton W. Stone and Thomas and Alexander Campbell, presented a plea and a plan for Christian unity on the basis of the restoration of New Testament Christianity. It was their hope to restore the spirit of Christ as authority in the church instead of demanding submission to councils, creeds, or ecclesiastical hierarchies.The denomination continues to be influenced by its founding ideals of informality, openness and diversity.

SUNDAY OPPORTUNTIES

Sunday school – 9 a.m.
Morning worship – 11 a.m.
Nursery care is now available!

SUNDAY SCHOOL OPTIONS

Children and Youth*
Faith & Daily Life Class**
Second-Floor Class**

Interim Rev. Dr. David Greenhaw is offering Several Adult Educational Opportunities. Please see the Educational page for more information.

USEFUL INFORMATION

733 Union Boulevard
St. Louis, Missouri63108-1037

(314) 361-8844

Our well-lighted parking lot is located directly behind (west) our building, which is located at the corner of Union Boulevard and Enright Avenue.

Our building is wheelchair accessible.

STAFF

Rev. Dr. David Greenhaw, Interim Minister

Heather Buckley-Wilson, Church Administrator

Scott Schoonover, music director

UNION AVENUE IS HOME TO

National Benevolent Association
Union Avenue Opera
Church Women United
West End Players Guild
The Gretchen Brigham Gallery
Pure Catering

VIEW FROM THE PEW

The approved minutes of the Official Board of Union Avenue are here.

The reports from the previous meeting of the Official Board of Union Avenue:
Justice & Outreach Team
Investments Team
Plant & Property Team
Stewardship Team
Arts Group of Union Avenue, and here are the approved minutes of that meeting.