IUCC is an proudly progressive congregation of the United Church of Christ. We strive to live out a Christian faith that proclaims inclusivity and justice for all, and as such we wear the following designations proudly:
PROGRESSIVE
CHRISTIANITY
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We welcome people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. Whoever you are, you are loved and valued here fully as you are. This is a community where everyone belongs, as beloved Children of God.
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We proclaim a public identity as a justice-making, peace-seeking church, grounded in the teachings of Jesus. We strive to love our neighbors, stand with the marginalized, and work for a world shaped by compassion, dignity, and hope.
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Our vision for ministry embraces the whole of creation. We believe God’s love knows no borders, and we seek meaningful connections with communities around the world through partnership, learning, and mutual care.
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We believe caring for the earth is a sacred calling. Seeking environmental justice, we honor all of creation while standing with communities most impacted by environmental harm, working for a world where both people and planet can thrive.
We’re collecting food, clothing, and hygiene kits for Housing Is A Human Right OC for distribution and deliver food to families and the Santa Ana Food Pantry. The Mission and Service ministry encourages you to bring bagged clothing, hygiene items, and food donations to IUCC
Click the image for what’s most in need!
Thank you for showing up with compassion in action!
🎭See a Great Show. Support IUCC! 💮
Original new drama, Mourning Sunset by Olio Theatre Works comes to the IUCC stage this August.
Mourning Sunset is a moving and deeply human story about family, loss, and the difficult path toward forgiveness. As James cares for his dying wife, his estranged parents unexpectedly arrive, forcing the family to confront decades of unresolved pain. Honest, heartfelt, and emotionally rich, the play explores whether love, grace, and reconciliation are still possible after years of silence and hurt.
Ticket proceeds will support both IUCC and local community theater! - Enter “IUCC” in the “How did you hear about us” section for proceeds to go to IUCC.
Dates: August 6–15, 7:30 PM
Location: Irvine United Congregational Church - 4915 Alton Parkway, Irvine
Tickets: $15 - Visit www.olioworks.art - When asked, enter "IUCC" in the "How did you hear about us?" field so your ticket proceeds will be donated back to our church.
Theatre has the power to open hearts, spark conversations, and remind us of our shared humanity. We hope you'll join us for an evening of exceptional local theatre. 💜
Elementary through higher schoolers are invited to a day and a half of learning and fun!
August 7 - 2pm - 7:30pm and August 8 - 10am - 6:00pm
Register here for Summer Spirit Days
Ready to be an accessibilities detective? - activities will align with the summer’s theme “Accessibility and Inclusion”. Along with dinner and dessert, we will watch a movie that emphasizes our theme. We are including time to reminisce on camp by playing camp games and singing camp songs!
Please fill out the registration form. We are asking for $10 per each child who attends. If finances are a barrier we have scholarships available. Please reach out to Pastor Rachel (rachel@iucc.org) for scholarships or any questions.
Our Summer Series Continues with … Jacob!
All are welcome, whoever you are and wherever you are on life’s journey.
We offer two Sunday services: a Traditional Service at 9:30 a.m. and a Contemporary Service at 11:15 a.m. Adult Sunday School is offered during the 11:15 a.m. service. The traditional service features our amazing Chancel Choir singing wonderful anthems tied to the morning’s theme. The contemporary service is more casual, led by an energetic praise group composed of our choral interns. We welcome you to come as you are and dress according to your personal style.
Sunday services typically include: information about church events, music, prayer, meditation, and a message from the pastor. We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month, and everyone is welcome to partake. Our services are also streamed live on Facebook.
What’s Happening at IUCC?
The July/August Double IUCC Newsletter is Here!
Discover what’s been happening at IUCC including Pride Sunday 🌈, our Spirited Congregational Meeting ✏️, and lots of events on the horizon to grow your mind, heart, and spiritual being alike. 🌎
Newsletter Highlights:
✨Pastor Sarah talks the summer season’s challenge to both grow and slow down, the joy of our June events, and the upcoming summer sermon series, "The Shady Ladies and Bad Boys of the Bible."
🎉A welcome message from our new Moderator, Martha Mecartney! Check out the outcomes from the June Congregational Meeting and the election of new church leadership.
🎭You are invited to the Falsettos show and the Welcome to Falsettoland Summer Gala! July 11 for the Gala’s night of elegance and music, July 23rd kicks off the Falsettos heartfelt and riveting show. IUCC members receive $10 off tickets with the code IUCC.
🌈The Spirit Moves with Pride! - See how IUCCers celebrated at Pride Sunday and Mission Viejo Pride
🎒Support local students in need through Mission & Service’s Back to School Drive benefiting Families Forward. Donations are accepted July 5–12.
🤝Looking to get involved? Learn more about joining the Woodbridge Children's School Committee, upcoming DEI workshops and Book Club, Bethania Kids Sunday, and opportunities to provide feedback as IUCC reviews and updates its bylaws.
📷Plus, enjoy ministry updates, photos from recent events, birthdays, volunteer celebrations, and much more!
The June IUCC Newsletter is Here! Highlights include:
IUCC welcomed summer with a season full of joy, connection, and spiritual growth. Pentecost brought a sea of red, new members, inspiring worship, and a beloved Pancakes for Pentecost breakfast, while Confirmation Sunday celebrated the faith journeys of two confirmands. Special musical guests, including the Peppermint Ridge Rejoicers and the Singers of Soul, filled the sanctuary with energy, inspiration, and community spirit.
June is Pride Month, and IUCC continues its commitment to radical welcome and affirmation. Join us as we celebrate Pride Sunday, table at Mission Viejo Pride, and gather for a special Pride-themed Sippin' Under the Sails potluck. From LGBTQ+ outreach to expanding accessibility through sensory-friendly spaces and restoration rooms, IUCC is working to ensure everyone feels seen, safe, and welcomed.
Experience a summer filled with creativity and inspiration. The IUCC Chancel Choir presents an uplifting concert celebrating community and connection, while The Gospel Project welcomes acclaimed artist Jason Chu for an evening exploring faith, race, identity, and storytelling through music and conversation. Looking ahead, The Wayward Artist's "Falsettos" gala offers fine dining, live performances, and exciting auction experiences in support of Orange County's vibrant theater community.
IUCC continues to put faith into action through service and advocacy. This month includes food, clothing, and hygiene drives supporting local families and neighbors experiencing hardship, as well as ongoing work with immigrant communities and refugee families. Members also reflected on community organizing efforts, advocacy for vulnerable populations, and the remarkable success stories emerging from refugee resettlement partnerships that continue to transform lives.
Opportunities for growth abound at IUCC. Weekly ESL conversation classes continue to expand, creating connections among learners from around the world. Young adults are finding community through book clubs, brunch gatherings, and social events, while youth celebrate milestones, leadership opportunities, and summer activities including Youth Sunday, family bowling, Pride events, and camp experiences.
As IUCC looks ahead, members are invited to help shape the church's future through the Spring Congregational Meeting, memorial garden legacy projects, planned giving opportunities, and volunteer ministries. Whether hosting Coffee Hour, supporting accessibility initiatives, honoring loved ones through engraved memorial bricks, or participating in church leadership, there are countless ways to invest in the life and mission of the congregation.
Read the full newsletter to catch up, connect, and celebrate all that’s happening at IUCC this June!
The May IUCC Newsletter is Here! Highlights include:
After a vibrant Easter season filled with music, celebration, and community, May begins with that same spirit of joy at IUCC. From meaningful worship moments to new friendships forming each week, our church continues to grow into a more diverse, welcoming, and life-giving community.
Through advocacy, partnerships, and direct support, IUCC stands alongside immigrants and refugees with compassion and courage. From ESL programs to court accompaniment and refugee support, we’re actively building a community where every story is honored and everyone belongs.
We’re actively creating new spaces to support accessibility and belonging, including sensory-friendly areas and calming environments for worship. This effort reflects our commitment to ensuring everyone feels safe, seen, and welcomed.
Join us May 30th for an unforgettable evening of music, spirit, and connection in the 5th installment of The Gospel Project. The dynamic Singers of Soul bring powerful harmonies and infectious energy in a performance that invites everyone to feel, participate, and celebrate together. Come for the free meal, stay for the music, and leave inspired.
Between all this and a bombastic night at Drag Disco Bingo Bash, a new DEI Book Club book, our annual Spring Chancel Choir concert, and our California Pizza Kitchen gathering and fundraiser, May is sure to be a busy month at IUCC!
Read the full newsletter to catch up, connect, and celebrate all that’s happening at IUCC this May!
The April IUCC Newsletter is Here! Highlights include:
Holy Week is here at IUCC. Join us for a reflective Maundy Thursday service and a joyful Easter celebration filled with music, community, and new life. From special choir performances to an Easter brunch, egg hunt, and scavenger hunt, there are meaningful and fun ways for all ages to celebrate the season together.
April begins in the heart of the Easter story. As we celebrate resurrection and hope, IUCC continues to live out its faith through community action, justice work, creativity, and compassion. From civic engagement to music, worship, and shared meals, our church continues to show up for one another and the wider world.
This April, IUCC hosts a bold theatrical experience: The Last Days of Judas Iscariot. Presented in partnership with local artists, the production explores grace, justice, and redemption through powerful storytelling. Enjoy dinner, conversation, and a thought-provoking performance that invites deeper reflection on faith and forgiveness.
Join us for a special Earth Day gathering featuring a “Song of the Earth” ceremony led by a Native Tribal Elder. This outdoor event invites our community to reflect on our connection to the planet and celebrate creation together through ceremony, learning, and fellowship.
From talent shows and concerts to youth programs and community gatherings, IUCC continues to celebrate the creativity and courage of its members. Recent events brought together people of all ages to share music, stories, humor, and joy in a spirit of belonging and encouragement.
IUCC is expanding its commitment to accessibility by creating new welcoming spaces for people with disabilities and sensory needs. From quiet rooms to regulation stations, these efforts help ensure everyone can participate fully in the life of our church community.
Our community continues to show up beyond our walls—supporting food drives, immigration ministries, climate advocacy, and service events like the Walk to Feed OC. These opportunities invite everyone to put faith into action and make a difference locally and globally.