Special Building Project at ULC
In July 2020, the members of ULC concluded a facilitated long-range planning process and implemented ULC’s 2020 Vision Plan. This new 5-year plan brought new intentionality to the congregation’s ministry in the University District neighborhood and the UW academic community. Despite the congregation’s century-long history, it framed ULC as a new “start-up congregation” in a new mission field. Viewing the U. District as a fresh mission field is not a stretch – the neighborhood will experience profound growth for the foreseeable future, transforming into one of Seattle’s most populous and eclectic urban neighborhoods.
Our Phase Two Accessibility Addition seizes the opportunity to more deliberately extend hospitality to the wider community, becoming more open, more visible and more welcoming in a very public way. The priority is put on connection, and making it easier for guests to discover us and navigate access. And it creates a special gathering space for our partners in mission, UW Lutheran Campus Ministry.
On Sunday 06/23/24, the ULC congregation learned that ULC had been chosen to receive a $7,000,000 gift from an unknown benefactor, administered by the Seattle Foundation. This restricted gift is specifically designated for the Accessibility Addition along with other associated building improvements.
For more than a century, University Lutheran Church has creatively employed its building resources to serve its mission in Seattle. That mission has evolved as the community has evolved, but has always sought to respond to the community’s most urgent needs. At present, a new university community is emerging, catalyzed by tremendous growth and social transformation. ULC is poised and ready to respond to this new mission field, always seeking to live into one great, overarching question: What does beloved community look like?
At ULC, we celebrate people of all sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, affirm that Black Lives Matter, and champion the liberation of all. ULC strives to make our liturgical worship approachable and relevant. This is a safe place to be curious, ask questions, doubt, and find fellow seekers. Rather than remain static, we are poised on a threshold, ready and eager to creatively try new and innovative ways for mission and ministry. While we do not know where this will lead us, we trust with all our being that God is already there and is drawing us to join in the parade. We do so with excitement and joy because… We Choose Love!
