A Progressive Witness at the Heart of Vancouver
Vancouver United Church of Christ has stood at the intersection of justice and faith in Vancouver, Washington for more than a century. Originally organized in 1891 as "The Pilgrim Congregational Church" by a group of Vancouverites seeking a liberal church home, the congregation held its first service at the Knights of Pythian Hall on February 22, 1891. The church reorganized as First Congregational Church in November 1905, built its first sanctuary at 14th and Main Streets in 1910, and later adopted the name First Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) of Vancouver after joining the newly formed UCC denomination. In November 2023 the congregation officially became Vancouver United Church of Christ, the nickname it had carried informally for years.
The church building, designed in 1959 to gather the community in a cathedral-like setting, is iconic in the neighborhood. Some viewers see a dove in its shape; others see an ark. In the early morning hours of May 25, 2016, an arson fire consumed the western end of the building, destroying the roof's iconic stained glass window and the sacristy. The congregation worshipped in rented spaces and under a white tent on the property while the sanctuary was rebuilt. The refurbished space returned the church to a renewed sense of purpose, and the building remains a refuge where all people can worship without fear.
Sunday Mornings in the Sanctuary
Worship gathers every Sunday at 10:00 a.m. in the sanctuary at 1220 NE 68th Street. Visitors who cannot attend in person can join via Zoom. The service is rooted in Christian tradition but is described by the church as worship with "creativity and joy." Scripture readings typically use the New Revised Standard Version (Updated Edition), though sermons often draw on additional translations to illuminate texts from new angles.
Come dressed as you wish. The church invites anyone to wear whatever feels right - a suit and tie, a dress, or a T-shirt and shorts - because no one is paying attention to clothing when they are simply glad to see you. The congregation is intentionally casual and welcoming.
Music at the Heart of Worship
Music at Vancouver UCC centers on hymns, with a wide variety of special music threaded through the year that spans many genres. The church is blessed with a world-class organist and pianist, Dr. Christopher Schindler, whose virtuosity adds a rich texture to Sunday mornings. Music Director Tyler Martin - a composer, pianist, tenor, conductor, and teacher whose work often explores the queer experience in choral music - shapes the ensemble and writes for the choir. Anyone who has ever sung in a choir, or who wants to try it out, is invited to bring their vocal gifts to rehearsals on Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. or on Sunday mornings before worship.
Christian Education Across the Lifespan
Christian education is treated as central to becoming a better disciple. The church believes that learning keeps people connected to God, and the program reaches from infant to adult.
Children and youth gather for traditional Sunday school classes on Sunday mornings. Once they reach middle school, youth have the option to enroll in a confirmation course called Confirm Not Conform, a name that captures the congregation's willingness to question inherited assumptions. Older youth also have monthly opportunities for connection through fun outings and community service.
Adult education takes the form of book study groups several times a year. The studies cover a range of topics and are open to everyone. They are a way to spend an evening with friends while learning from voices that span time, traditions, backgrounds, and perspectives.
Justice and Welcome as Identity
Justice is woven into the identity of Vancouver UCC rather than tacked on as an addendum. The congregation has marched for marriage equality, supported local environmental and labor issues, and continually speaks up for those on the margins.
Open and Affirming
Vancouver UCC was the first church in the Central Pacific Conference of the United Church of Christ to become an Open and Affirming Church. The congregation's covenant, written in response to the 15th General Synod of the UCC in 1985, affirms the image of God in every person, celebrates single-parent and extended families, condemns discrimination and violence, and pledges to honor committed partnerships of gay, lesbian, and bisexual persons. The phrase "whoever you are, and wherever you are on life's journey, you are welcome here" is not a slogan at Vancouver UCC - it is how the community lives.
Just Peace
The church proudly proclaims that peace is inevitable and that care for all of creation stands at the heart of its stance that war is never justified. This Just Peace identity shapes how members think about conflict, community, and public witness.
Immigrant Welcoming
The congregation has declared itself an Immigrant Welcoming denomination, treating the immigrant as one of its own. Direct aid to organizations supporting immigrants and letter-writing campaigns are regular practices. The church's social justice work includes peaceful protests for those marginalized in society and sermons that frequently address how the teachings of Jesus Christ inform views on justice matters.
Climate and Care for Creation
In April 2024, Vancouver UCC held its first annual Environmental Awareness Summit, bringing climate activist Heidi Cody along with members Alona and Don Steinke to discuss how people can positively impact the health of the climate. Members have participated in numerous marches and grassroots campaigns to protect the environment. The church's belief statement names the Earth as a sacred place and calls its members to be caretakers of creation, so caring for the climate is treated as a matter of faith rather than politics.
Prayer, Shawls, and Small Groups
The Prayer Circle connects members to one another and lifts their joys, petitions, prayers of healing, and pressing concerns about local, national, and worldwide events. Anyone who wishes to participate or request prayer can reach the congregational care representative at care@vanucc.org.
The Prayer Shawl Group provides shawls to those who need comfort, serving church members, attendees, and their families and friends. All knitters and crocheters are welcome; meetings are also open to anyone who would like to visit, have coffee, and get to know one another better. The group meets at church on the second Thursday of each month at 10:00 a.m. Needles, yarn, and accessories are available. Judy Walter at info@vanucc.org can answer questions about joining.
Oasis groups are the congregation's way of building community around shared interests. They are designed for people who want to hang out with like-minded folks, meet new friends, and make lifelong relationships, whatever their hobbies or stage of life.
Pride as a Way of Life
Vancouver UCC is a safe place for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Pride is not just a one-month-a-year celebration at this church - it is a way of life. Members recognize, honor, and celebrate the diversity of God's children, and they acknowledge that many church spaces have not always done so for LGBTQIA+ siblings. The church is often found at events like Pride in the Park and others, letting people know that their gender identity, expression, and sexual orientation are how they were made - proudly, in the image of God.
Ministry Partners Beyond the Building
The building at 1220 NE 68th Street is home not only to Vancouver UCC but to other communities that share the space and the church's values.
The Plum Blossom Zendo, an outreach of the Zen Community of Oregon, is establishing a practice venue in Vancouver for sharing the Buddha Dharma in the lineage and tradition of Chozen and Hogen Bays and the White Plum Asanga. Everyone is welcome to sit with the sangha.
Martha's Pantry traces its origins to the early 1980s, when concerned individuals began buying and distributing food to people from the trunks of their cars during the AIDS crisis. The pantry now serves the wider community with a concern that goes beyond basic survival to include personal dignity and quality of life.
MCC of the Gentle Shepherd, a Metropolitan Community Church, is a congregation for all people regardless of age, race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, or religious background. The space is designed so differently-abled persons can join in worship, and the liturgy uses inclusive language for God and Scripture wherever possible.
The Sanctuary, the Labyrinth, and the Reception Hall
The building is more than a place of worship - it is a venue that opens its doors to the wider community. Newly remodeled in 2018, the 2,700-square-foot sanctuary features a sweeping ceiling, light-filled space, comfortable and flexible seating, and views of the surrounding trees. The audio system and acoustics produce cathedral-quality sound for ceremonies, concerts, and performances.
The reception hall includes a commercial kitchen and audio/visual capabilities, making it suitable for wedding receptions and memorial gatherings. Outside caterers are welcome, and licensed bartenders (not provided by the church) can serve beer, wine, and champagne by the glass.
Outdoors, a beautiful labyrinth with an attached glen is available for photos or smaller outdoor services. Anyone is welcome to walk the labyrinth at any time.
Rentals come with a dedicated building host who is on-site to help with questions or issues. Weddings, memorials, and meeting space are all part of the building's public ministry. Inquiries can be directed to the Building Coordinator through the rentals page on the church's site.
Meeting the Pastor and the Staff
The pastor is Rev. Steve King, a graduate of Claremont School of Theology with more than twenty years in ministry. Steve has served in music and art, Christian education, and ministerial roles, and he is passionate about seeing the social and spiritual vision of Jesus implemented in the present. He is the husband of Rebekah and the proud father of four children, and when he is not working he can be found reading or exploring the Northwest through scuba diving, hiking, camping, or cycling. His work week runs Sunday through Thursday, and appointments can be scheduled through his online calendar.
Dr. Christopher Schindler serves as organist and pianist, and Tyler Martin serves as Music Director. The office administrator role is currently filled, with a bio to come.
Giving and Staying Connected
The work of the church is entirely supported by the generous giving of members and friends. Donations can be made online, in person at the church office, or during Sunday morning services. Members who cannot afford financial giving are reminded that time and talents are equally valuable - calling the church connects willing helpers with ministry teams. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the church maintains an active blog, an Instagram feed, a Facebook page, and a YouTube channel for those who want to follow along between Sundays.
What Vancouver UCC Believes
The church's mission is to follow Christ in faith and lead the community by example, worshiping with creativity and joy, and being rooted in - but not root-bound by - Christian tradition. Members commit themselves to encourage spiritual growth and loving service to others, to reach out to people of all races, backgrounds, and affectional orientations, and to work for social justice and peace.
The beliefs run in a few simple lines. God is the creator of all things. Jesus Christ is the embodied example of God's love and forgiveness. The Holy Spirit is the abiding presence of God in the world. Each person is on a spiritual journey and at a different stage of that journey. The Earth is a sacred place, and humans are called to be its caretakers. Regardless of race, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, class, or creed, all people are beloved children of God.