About Worship


UniLu has in-person worship services (masks are optional) and continues to stream services on Zoom or via YouTube Live.

Worship is central to our life in God and our life together. These things we do and say turn us and center us to live a different kind of life: a life that is focused on serving God and serving neighbor.

From the ELCA: "Connected with and central to everything we do, worship unites us in celebration, engages us in thoughtful dialogue and helps us grow in faith. It grounds us in our Christian and Lutheran roots, while demonstrating practical relevance for today’s world."

We celebrate the Eucharist (Holy Communion) every Sunday. Lutherans believe that Jesus Christ's true presence is "in, with, and under" the earthly elements of bread and wine. We welcome all to the Lord’s Table.

For those of you who might feel lost during worship or do not understand why we do what we do: do not hesitate to ask someone sitting near you or ask the pastor questions after worship. 

 

weekly worship times

Sundays + 10.30 AM. Join University Lutheran for our weekly worship service in-person (masks are optional) or streamed on Zoom or via YouTube Live. You also can call in by dialing 1-646-876-9923 and using Meeting ID: 923 3214 9063.

Tuesdays + 4.00 PM. All are invited to join us for Evening Prayer. Our theme is Lent: Love Outpoured. All are invited to join us for this casual service featuring scripture, song, prayer, reflection, and Holy Communion before our community meal, Feast Incarnate.

Thursdays + 6.00 PM. Join us during Lent (February 26, March 5, 12, 19, and 26) on Zoom to pray Holden Evening Prayer together and dive deeper into one of Sunday's texts through the practice of Visio Divina.

Accessibility

There are no stairs to enter the building or access UniLu’s sanctuary or bathrooms. Large-print bulletins are available near the sanctuary doors.

UniLu partners with Deaf Services Unlimited to offer Video Remote Interpreting for Sunday worshipers. To request this service, please complete this form by noon the Wednesday prior to the Sunday of your planned attendance. That Sunday morning, we will provide a link to a video of the interpreter joining UniLu's service via livestream, that you may access through your personal device (a mobile phone or tablet).

Video REmote Interpreting Request Form


UPCOMING SERVICES AND LECTIONARY

THE THREE DAYS

2 APRIL 2026 @ 7.00 PM (MAUNDY THURSDAY)

This evening our Lenten observance comes to an end, and we gather with Christians around the world to celebrate the Three Days of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Tonight we remember Christ’s last meal with his disciples, but the central focus is his commandment that we live out the promise embodied in this meal. As Jesus washed his disciples’ feet, so we are called to give and receive love in humble service to one another. Formed into a new body in Christ through this holy meal, we are transformed by the mercy we have received and carry it into the world. Departing worship in solemn silence, we anticipate the coming days.

3 APRIL 2026 @ 7.00 PM (GOOD FRIDAY)

Life and death stand side by side as we enter into Good Friday. In John’s passion account, Jesus reveals the power and glory of God, even as he is put on trial and sentenced to death. Standing with the disciples at the foot of the cross, we pray for the whole world in the ancient bidding prayer, as Christ’s death offers life to all. We gather in solemn devotion, but always with the promise that the tree around which we assemble is indeed a tree of life. We depart silently, and we anticipate the culmination of the Three Days in the Easter Vigil.

4 APRIL 2026 @ 9.00 PM (VIGIL OF EASTER)

Saturday is the night of salvation! At the Vigil of Easter, we gather around fire, word, water, bread, and wine, proclaiming through story and song that ours is a God who continuously brings life out of death. On this night we experience again the heart of God’s baptismal promise and the center of our faith: we are claimed and cleansed, renewed in the death and resurrection of Christ. We gather with all the saints of every time and place to celebrate the good news: Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia!

  • Join University Lutheran for worship in-person. This service is not live-streamed.

  • Service of Light, Service of the Word, Service of Baptism and Renewal of Baptismal Vows, and Service of the Eucharist

  • Romans 6:3-11; John 20:1-18

  • Noli me tangere, Gustave Lévy, Mid- 19th century (Philadelphia Museum of Art)

EASTER

5 APRIL 2026 (RESURRECTION OF OUR LORD / EASTER SUNDAY)

Sunday morning we continue to celebrate that this is the day the Lord has made! Christ is risen, and through him all creation is made new! Indeed, “God shows no partiality” (Acts 10:34): Christ’s resurrection truly brings life to everyone. We sing hymns of praise, gather around sacred words, and proclaim God’s faithfulness, power, and love in the feast of holy communion. With the women at the tomb, we are astonished, elated, and grateful. We depart with joy to proclaim the good news of God’s endless love.

  • Join University Lutheran for worship in-person or streamed on Zoom or via YouTube Live. You also can call in by dialing 1-646-876-9923 and using Meeting ID: 923 3214 906

  • Easter breakfast is at 9.30 AM, followed by Festival Worship at 10.30 AM

  • Music: Jesus Christ Is Risen Today ELW 365 | Christ Has Arisen, Alleluia ELW 364 | Now All the Vault of Heaven Resounds  ELW 367 | Good Christian Friends, Rejoice and Sing! ELW 385 | Thine Is the Glory ELW 376

  • Jeremiah 31:1-6; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 28:1-10

  • The Resurrection, Oslo Master, c. 1480 (Philadelphia Museum of Art)


SEASONS OF THE CHURCH YEAR

‍Advent: Nov. 27, 2025 – Dec. 23, 2025

‍Christmas‍: Dec. 24, 2025 – Jan. 6, 2026

‍Time after Epiphany‍: Jan. 6 – Feb. 17, 2026

‍Lent: February 18 – Apr. 1, 2026

‍The Three Days‍: Apr. 2 – Apr. 4, 2026

‍Easter‍: Apr. 5 – May 24, 2026

‍Time after Pentecost‍: May 25 – Nov. 25, 2026

We are an inclusive community, sharing Christ on campus and in the city. Welcome!