services at University Church

Return to In-Person Worship - as we adjust to changing conditions under the COVID 19 pandemic, University Presbyterian Church has returned to a limited form of in-person worship.

• the service will take place at 11:00 a.m.  (10:00 a.m. from Memorial Day through Labor Day.) 
• masks are optional for those who are fully vaccinated, and are required for those who are not yet vaccinated..
• reservations are no longer necessary 
• limited congregational singing, while remaining masked if required, will be offered during the service.
• seating adjustments for social distancing will be maintained.
• for those remaining at home, the service will continue to be live-streamed on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/upcbuffalo.  To receive an e-mail each week with the program for Sunday morning's online service, contact the church office at office@upcbuffalo.org or (716) 836-7660. Weekly sermons may also be seen on the Preaching and Education page.

[Normally, services would be scheduled as follows:

9:00 a.m.          Worship Service (except in summer)* 

10:00 a.m.        Education Hour 

11:00 a.m.        Worship Service (except in summer)* 

12:00 noon       Fellowship/Coffee Hour] 

*During the summer months (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend), University Church holds one worship service at 10:00 a.m.  

*Communion is celebrated on the first Sunday of each month. 

University Church offers two Sunday morning services from fall though spring. During the summer months (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend), University Church holds one worship service at 10:00 a.m.

The 9:00 "Early Service" is an informal and more intimate worship experience. Many people think of it as a Bible study with worship. Worshipers sit in a circle of chairs in the sanctuary and share in the leadership of reading the scriptures and the litanies of prayer. The pastor's sermon is more conversational, inviting responses from those attending. Songs are chosen from a song book while the musician accompanies on the piano.

The 11:00 service, while more traditional in style, is marked by a warm and engaging atmosphere. Both the pipe organ and the piano are used to accompany the chancel choir, soloists, and congregational singing. Music includes hymns and songs from across the history of the Church, from ancient times through the twenty-first century, including music from around the globe that reflects the diversity of the Christian church and of our own church family. Worshippers offer particularly enthusiastic greetings during the Passing of the Peace. An opportunity is given for worshippers to share joys and concerns for the pastor to include in the pastoral prayer.  

Our communities are filled with violence and suffering.

Our personal pain and struggles can overwhelm us.

How do we respond?  How can we cope? 

University Presbyterian Church welcomes Christians from all traditions to unite in a special contemplative worship experience as we seek spiritual strength for the living of our days. Based on the style of worship practiced in the Taizé Christian community in France, these services offered on the First Friday of each month provide an oasis at the end of the week for all who are weary, troubled, or rushed. Special music from guest musicians, meditative songs, prayers, candles, and scripture readings allow each of us to find a quiet place of prayer and spiritual centering.

We invite you to join us on the first Friday of every month from 5:30 to 6:00 p.m.