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!
✨🌈Church family - come witness and celebrate Pastor Craig for this sacred moment! 🕊️
On Sunday, October 25 at 3:00 p.m., Irvine United Congregational Church will host Craig’s Ecclesiastical Council, one of the final steps in the UCC ordination process. Pastor Craig will share his journey where the Council will listen, ask questions so they may decide to affirm that person for ordination.
3:00pm - the association meets
3:30pm - suggested arrival if primary concern is to see Pastor Craig
✨A reception will follow the Council!🥂
We hope you will join this special moment in Pastor Craig’s journey toward ordained ministry in the United Church of Christ.
Join with the DEI Book and Film Club in discussing - "Tell Them We Are Rising" | The Story of Black Colleges and Universities (2018)
The rich history of America’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) began before the end of slavery, flourished in the 20th century, and profoundly influenced the course of the nation for over 150 years — yet remains largely unknown.
Tell Them We Are Rising captures this important history to tell the dynamic story of Americans who refused to be denied a higher education and — in their resistance — created a set of institutions that would influence and shape the landscape of the country for centuries to come.
Watch the documentary and jump onto zoom with us! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FscDlqZg5dk
Ready to join in? Email deibookclub@iucc.org for zoom link.
ESL (English as a Second Language) Conversation classes at Irvine UCC - Learners and Volunteers wanted!
Every Wednesday morning from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Free!
Click Here to Sign Up!
We are offering weekly classes where English learners can improve their English skills by having real-life conversations in a caring and supportive environment.
Anyone who’s interested in coming to the FREE class can sign up online using the QR code or click here to sign up. To access the flyer in your preferred language click the following:
Flyer Versions (with QR code):
English
Want to learn more or volunteer? - Esl@iucc.org
🎃👻IT’S HALLOWEEN BINGO! 👻🎃
Hosted by the fabulous Cucu Chanel and her Drag Queen Divas with Irvine UCC! 👑✨
📅Friday, October 30, 2026 at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:30pm!)
📍4915 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92604
🎟️$30 Entry Fee (includes Bingo games & unforgettable drag show, dobber, food, & drink available for purchase)
⚠️Must be 18 or older to play Bingo
🧛♂️Bonus Costume Contest! - cash prize for best costume of the night. So go big, get creative, and come ready to slay!
PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS HERE:
Your Frightfully Fabulous Night Awaits -
🖊️GREAT BINGO GAMES | 🎤SHOW-STOPPING DRAG PERFORMANCES |🎃HALLOWEEN FUN | 🍔🍹FOOD & DRINKS |🏆CASH PRIZE FOR BEST COSTUME |
Don’t wait to reserve your spot - limited capacity. Come early to pick your seat.
❓ Questions? Email Pastor Craig at iucc@iucc.org.
🎃✨Grab your costume, bring your friends, and join us for a Halloween night that’s going to be absolutely BOO-tiful! 🌈👑👻
Joy Dorko is hosting Queer & Disabled Game Night! 🎲
Board games will be provided, but feel free to bring your own - we always love learning new games.
All are welcome regardless of sexuality, gender, or ability.
All Saints Day with Pastor Jerri - When the Door Closes
Pastor Jerri preaches “When the Door Closes”, reflecting on how we live after the door has closed behind those we love. What made them saints to us? Though we may no longer see them in the flesh, their love, wisdom, generosity, and very essence continue to live through us.
All are welcome!
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.
All are invited to our second All Church Budget Forum
November 1 from 10:30-11:15 in Plumer Hall
With our stewardship campaign in progress, we will present details on the aspirational draft budget and answer questions to partner with IUCC members in our future goals.
All are invited to attend! 🌱
Calling all Young Adults for Sacred Sunday: Brunch & Belonging
November 1 at 12:30pm
We usually meet on the first Sunday of the month at the Woodbridge Village Center for brunch as an extension of Communion. Come chill and make connections in a fun and welcoming space!
Questions? - MYP@iucc.org or Rachel@iucc.org
What’s Happening at IUCC?
You can read October’s full newsletter here, or access all our newsletters from 2024 onward here!
The October IUCC Newsletter is Here! - A Love Supreme
Chock full of updates (Here’s a preview - click to read more and to perhaps find out about today’s headline 😊)
🌈Open Doors! - Special message from Pastor Craig and the Fund Development Committee about our Stewardship Season and Making a Pledge today to keep our doors open wide for all!
💲Check in on the State of the Finances - IUCC’s - Finances, with special articles from our Treasurer, the Admin Board, Moderator, and Stewardship Team!
🧺Recaps - with lots of photos from the Ministries Fair, Picnic, Blessing of the Animals, MYP Kick Off events,
💬🗨️What’s this about English Conversations Classes? - We’ve got a report on our teachers and students and the
📅Mark your calendars! - Pastor Craig’s Ecclesiastical Council and Reception, Pride OC, Halloween Bingo, Events with University Synagogue, a Ballot forum (to talk about those many statewide propositions), Diversity Dinner with Burmese cuisine, Arts for Activism, Mission: Joy, Book Club, Trunk or Treat, and more!
🩹Opportunities to Help! - Food and Necessities drive for our Neighbors, Bethania Kids,
The September IUCC Newsletter is Here!
Dig in to the life of IUCC as we recap Summer and strive into Fall!
Find out about how IUCC leaders are living out “Leading Together - Reflections of the Heart”, how to see meeting minutes from the Admin Board, or see what’s been going on in and around IUCC.
We’ve also got special messages from Pastor Sarah, our Moderator, Admin Board Chair, Child Care Committee Chair, Music, Hospitality, and more! Want to learn more about a cool book about Dolly Parton, ponder on thriving through disappointment, or a thank you for the Seekers?
Want to learn more about the English Conversation Class hosted by IUCC? - We’ve got a full report about what goes on!
Mark your calendars! - We’re jam packed with many ways to foster and grow including the return of Arts for Activism, book and film opportunities from DEI, a CPK Fundraiser Lunch Social, the Gospel Project asking us about when the Stranger calls, Budget Forums and beyond!
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!