Join us on Christmas Eve at 5:30 PM that celebrates the kindle sparked by the Christ child. We will gather in the glow of music, candlelight, and community. 🎄

🎶 Our Chancel Choir will offer stirring carols that lift the spirit. We are delighted to welcome guest harpist Brian Noel, whose music will bring a shimmering, sacred warmth to the night.

🕯️We will light our candles and share the story of Christ’s birth, and remember that love still enters the world in humble, hopeful ways.

🌟This service is a gentle pause in a busy season—a chance to breathe, listen, and welcome the light that continues to guide us.

It’s a heartfelt way to celebrate the holiday, and we would be honored to share it with you. 💛

The Christmas Fund - together we can offer hope and practical support to those who have dedicated their lives to ministry.

Every gift provides direct financial assistance to retired and active UCC ministers, church workers, and their families. Each gift is a reminder of God’s presence and the Church’s love.

Our 2025 theme speaks to the heart of the season:

“When they saw the star, they were filled with joy.” — Matthew 2:10

If you would like to participate, you can:

• Drop something in the plate on December 21,

• Mail a check to the church (please write Christmas Fund in the memo), or

• Make a gift online and select Christmas Fund as your designation.

May the same joy that guided the Magi fill our congregation as we support those who have served the Church so faithfully.

We honor love as the fourth Sunday of Advent

This week is our Christmas Pageant where the children, youth, and other adults will share the message “Where is Hope?”

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.

Where is Hope?

Intergenerational Christmas Pageant

December 21st @ both services

It is that time of year -- time for our annual IUCC Christmas Pageant! Youth of all ages (and young at heart) are welcome to participate! We have both speaking and non-speaking roles. The title of this year's pageant is "Where is hope?" The pageant will be preformed during both services on Sunday, December 21st.

Please contact Pastor Rachel or Myrna if your child/children would like to participate. Once Myrna has everyone's names, she will send out the pageant script and role assignments. Please also include if your child/children would like a speaking or non-speaking role.

Pastor Rachel (rachel@iucc.org), Myrna (myp@iucc.org)

Young Adults! - Please join us for a Christmas party where we will trade mugs white elephant style and then use our mugs to enjoy a hot chocolate and cider bar!

🕯️ Candlelight Christmas Cabaret 🎶

Step into the glow of the season at our second annual Candlelight Christmas Cabaret—an enchanting evening of music, laughter, and holiday cheer!

📅Friday, December 19, 2024 | 7:00 PM

📍Plumer Hall, Irvine United Congregational Church

🎟️ Buy your tickets HERE!

Plumer Hall will be transformed into a warm, candlelit gala filled with festive spirit and joy. 🌟🍷

🍽️Enjoy a delicious four-course dinner (with vegetarian options available) and experience the incredible voices of Joey Miranda—“Jesus” from Godspell—and the original cast, returning for one unforgettable night!

🎼The evening also features performances by Yuyoung Jeong and special guests from IUCC, plus a spectacular silent auction benefitting IUCC’s General Fund.

Dress for the season and come ready for joy, community, and a touch of Christmas magic.✨

When purchasing tickets, please choose the pricing level that best fits your budget.

If cost is a concern, complimentary tickets are available by contacting Pastor Craig at iucc@iucc.org.

Come for an unforgettable night of music and magic!

Calling all parents and guardians! The Parents Comma Group is meeting on 2nd Sundays and sharing a meal together over lunch.

Childcare is provided at IUCC!

Adults - meet at the tables at the Woodbridge Village Center

Christmas Pageant Rehearsal - Dec 7th@ 10:30am

We are excited to continue IUCC's annual Christmas Pageant tradition! If you are in the pageant, make sure to be at this rehearsal. Myrna wrote a great script and we are excited to answer the question, "Where is hope?"

Email myp@iucc.org to sign up for the pageant - all levels and interests!

Beautiful handcrafted items available for purchase while supporting a good cause!

Dec 14th - after both services

Support fair trade, global justice, and compassionate activism while picking up meaningful Christmas gifts at Concern America’s craft table.

This nonprofit organization works with communities around the world to develop health care, clean water systems, education, and economic opportunity. Rather than providing short term aid, they equip local leaders with skills and tools that create lasting self sufficiency.

Stop by the table, find an item, meet representatives from the organization, and learn more about the difference their work is making in communities across the globe.

We celebrate JOY as the next Sunday of Advent

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.

🍪Kids and teens - our Christmas bake off is back! 🎄

Kids will be broken off into teams to create and decorate Christmas related desserts.

Be on the look out for a list of materials we need for this event. Other questions or suggestions - MYP@iucc.org

Chrismukkah: A Holiday Fellowship between IUCC and University Synagogue 💐🤝

Join us for a special evening of connection and community between the women of Irvine United Congregational Church (IUCC) and University Synagogue!

📅Monday, December 8 at 5:30 PM

📍Brio Italian Grille, Irvine Spectrum, $40 per person

🕯️This beautiful annual tradition invites us to share stories, laughter, and friendship as we celebrate the season together.

🍽️Enjoy delicious food , meaningful conversation, and the spirit of sisterhood that unites us. 💬

📨 RSVP: Tricia Aynes at tricia_aynes@yahoo.com

All women are warmly welcome! 🌷👯‍♀️

🎄Here We Come A-Caroling! 🎶

IUCC Chancel Choir Christmas Concert

Sunday, December 7 at 7:00 PM | Irvine United Congregational Church

Ring in the season with an evening of music, joy, and community! Under the direction of our amazing Dr. Chris Peterson, the IUCC Chancel Choir—joined by the incomparable Yuyoung Jeong on piano and our talented interns—will lift your spirits with beloved carols and fresh new holiday favorites.

Come celebrate the warmth and wonder of Christmas through song. Admission is free, and a freewill offering will benefit IUCC’s General Fund.

Let the music of the season fill your heart and remind you of the joy we share when we sing together.

Calling all Young Adults for Sacred Sunday: Brunch & Belonging

Dec 7th at 12:30pm

The first Sunday of every month, YAs will be meeting at the Woodbridge Village Center for brunch as an extension of Communion. Come chill and make connections in a fun and welcoming space!

Christmas Pageant Rehearsal - Dec 7th@ 10:30am

We are excited to continue IUCC's annual Christmas Pageant tradition! If you are in the pageant, make sure to be at this rehearsal. Myrna wrote a great script and we are excited to answer the question, "Where is hope?"

Email myp@iucc.org to sign up for the pageant - all levels and interests!

🌟Advent Festival - Join us for a joyful, hands-on celebration to welcome the season! ☕

https://www.iucc.org/adventfestival

Adults and youth will gather for Advent wreath-making, ornament crafting, cookie decorating, and seasonal art stations. There will be music in the background, warm conversation at the tables, and plenty of moments that remind us why this season matters.

❄️Crafts - Including wood and felt ornaments, ⛄snow buddies, 🍊orange clove pomanders, Christmas babies, candles, 🌲Cookie Decorating, and more!

📷Photo Booth

☕Hot Cocoa Bar

🧥Cold Weather Coat Drive - we are also collecting coats, gloves, scarves, and other warm clothing

It’s a simple, spirited way to step into Advent with hope and joy — creating, laughing, and preparing our hearts for Christmas as one community.

Warm Clothing Donation Drive for Neighbors in Need

Check your closets! Bring used or new clothes for people in need. We’ll be collecting them at our Advent Workshop to help us prepare for the season and remember the importance of each person.

10:30am-12:30pm

It is Peace Sunday - as the 2nd Sunday of Advent!

We welcome the Advent season, which invites us to look inward with honesty and walk forward with courage.

This Sunday - Get a sneak peek of our choir before tonight’s Choral Concert at 7pm!

Right after church we are hosting our Advent Festival! All ages come together to enjoy crafts, community, and a bit of merriment.

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.

Pageant Rehearsal Begins!

November 30th @ 10:30am

We are excited to continue IUCC's annual Christmas Pageant tradition! If you are in the pageant, make sure to be at this rehearsal. Our own Mrs. Myrna wrote a great script and we are excited to answer the question, "Where is hope?"

Email myp@iucc.org to sign up for the pageant - all levels and interests!

It’s the First Sunday of Advent - where we center on HOPE

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.

It’s Thanksgiving Sunday and Stephen Ministry Sunday!

We come in gratitude and also invite anyone who could use a listening ear to connect with the Stephen Ministry

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.

🍲Join us for a cozy evening of food, friendship, and fun at our Friendsgiving Potluck! 🍽️

😋Bring your favorite dish to share and enjoy a round (or three!) of bingo with prizes and laughter for all ages.

After we fill our plates and our hearts, we invite everyone to stay for a special performance of The Wayward Artist's The Christians, a powerful and thought-provoking play happening right here at IUCC that same evening, and directed by our very own Craig Tyrl! 

📅Saturday, November 22
🍴Dinner starts at 5:30pm in Plumer Hall
🎭The Christians starts at 7:30pm

RSVP to fellowship@iucc.org and we will send you the link to sign-up for the potluck.

Get tickets to The Christians here. 

Come for the food and games—stay for the theater and community. Let’s celebrate gratitude, connection, and good company together! 😊

✨Interfaith Thanksgiving Service – A Celebration of Gratitude and Community 🍂

Join University Synagogue and Irvine United Congregational Church (IUCC) for a special Thanksgiving Service on Friday, November 21 at 7:00 PM, hosted at University Synagogue.

This cherished annual tradition brings our two faith communities together in a spirit of unity, gratitude, and shared abundance. It’s a beautiful opportunity to welcome Rabbi George Wielechowski, share in fellowship , and give thanks for the blessings that bind us together.

Enjoy inspiring music from both choirs and an evening filled with reflection, warmth, and connection as we begin the holiday season together.

All are welcome—come celebrate the sacred gift of community and gratitude!

IUCC’s DEI Book & Film Club

Exploring Identity, Justice, and Community Through Story

Tuesdays, Beginning Nov 18th (9am-10:30am)

Separation of Church and Hate: A Sane Person's Guide to Taking Back the Bible from Fundamentalists, Fascists, and Flock-Fleecing Frauds by John Fugelsang (Order online)

Three copies are on the way (arriving November 12). Please read the Introduction and Chapter 1 for our first discussion on November 18. A full reading schedule will follow once the books arrive.

Bring your thoughts, questions, and reflections — I look forward to our time together in community and conversation.

Hosted by IUCC’s DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Book & Film Club, which invites you into meaningful conversations at the intersection of race, gender, class, and belonging. Each month, we engage books, documentaries, and stories that challenge assumptions, amplify marginalized voices, and deepen our collective understanding.

💬Questions or ready to join in? - emaildeibookclub@iucc.org See you soon!

🎳Calling all middle schoolers and high schoolers to hit the lanes and go bowling! Let's create lasting memories as we share strikes, spares, and laughter together.

RSVP to myp@iucc.org

The Young Adults Comma Group will meet on third Sundays where they will read an article and discuss it! The article will discuss the overlap of theology and... some cool deep topic every month.

November topic is TBD

Questions? Want to learn more? - Rachel@iucc.org

It’s The Christians Wayward Sunday!

Special questions, conversation, and performances based on The Wayward Artist’s show The Christians

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.

Calling all supportive adults - parents, guardians, family members, and loving friends - of Rainbow Kids!

🏳️‍🌈🌟🏳️‍⚧️

OCEC has launched an LGBTQ+ Parent Support Group in partnership with Irvine United Congregational Church (IUCC), an open and affirming congregation for over 30 years. Although the group will meet on the IUCC campus, it is not a religious group.

This peer-led support group offers a space where parents can connect with others on similar parenting journeys. It's a place to share joys and frustrations, swap tips and resources, ask questions, and build a vibrant, supportive community.

We welcome all parents, guardians, family members, and loving friends. During meetings, we will also provide a dedicated space for kids, staffed by caring adults.
The group meets regularly on the 3rd Sunday at 3pm of each month.   Please reach out to Myrna Bohan -myrnabohan@gmail.com to RSVP and for meeting time and location. 

Monthly Prayer Group – All Are Welcome

Join us on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM in the Peace Room for a time of shared reflection and spiritual practice. At IUCC, we believe in the power of prayer—and we recognize that it looks different for everyone. This group is open to all and offers a space to explore a variety of ways to pray, whether through silence, words, movement, or stillness. Together, we seek a deeper, conscious connection with the Sacred—something greater than ourselves.

No experience necessary. Just come with an open heart.