Our Mission

University Lutheran is both the Lutheran Campus Ministry of Philadelphia and a parish congregation of families and single adults.

about unilu

University Lutheran (UniLu for short) is located at 37th and Chestnut Streets in the University City District of Philadelphia. Our Sunday worship service begins at 10.30 AM. If you're planning to join us for the first time, find out what to expect on our Visitor Information page.

Our congregation is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA), which is the largest Lutheran denomination in the United States. The reformation of the Church, led by Martin Luther, gave us our name. We need to hear again and again of God's deep love at the heart of all things, a love for all people and a longing for reciprocal love. In Jesus's life we see this love, encouraging us to value not the prizes of the world but rather the opportunity to live in relationship with God. Learn more about the Lutheran denomination by visiting Living Lutheran. 

Our mission statement, "An inclusive community, sharing Christ on campus and in the city. Welcome!" expresses the ideals we try to achieve. We welcome everyone into our community as shown by our Affirmation of Welcome. 

Our members are students, professionals, working class, singles, couples, families, retired people, life-long Lutherans, and transfers from other faiths—or no faith. We are a Reconciling in Christ congregation and welcome all people, regardless of sexual orientation and gender presentation. 

We are an ELCA Campus Ministry. Our students come from University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University, Temple University, and many other schools throughout Philadelphia. Many students join the congregation, both Lutheran and other denominations, and we encourage students to take an active leadership role here. If you're a student check out our Campus Ministry page to learn more.