University Lutheran Church of Hope (ULCH) is a Christian congregation in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) and a part of Minneapolis Area Synod. ULCH is also a “Reconciling in Christ” (RIC) congregation welcoming into the life and leadership of the congregation people of all sexual orientations and gender identities.
We believe all are created in the image of God and called to be God’s beloved community.
Our Christian belief is in the one, triune God, creator and parent of us all and still creating; God’s son, Jesus Christ, by whose example we live and through whose death and resurrection we receive forgiveness and fullness of life; and the Holy Spirit, ever sustaining and inspiring.
We believe the Bible, God’s living word, speaks to us today and that we are called to be as Christ to one another. The sacraments of baptism and holy communion shape our life.
Some of the core values that motivate our commitment to Christ, our community, and the diversity of our neighborhood include:
- social justice and peace-making
- grace
- hospitality and abundance
- the rich and colorful diversity of the body of Christ
- the Holy Spirit’s reconciling power
- many varied ways that all are called to serve one another and creation
- a desire to be a life-giving community rooted in Christ
Mission:
University Lutheran Church of Hope is a dynamic, welcoming community of faith, centered in God’s grace and called to demonstrate God’s love for the world.
Values:
Inspiring worship: We celebrate our Lutheran heritage through liturgy, challenging preaching and vibrant music reflecting many traditions.
Nurturing community: We are an urban spiritual center in a changing university neighborhood, opening our facilities and ministry to groups and individuals outside the congregation.
Relationships: We are a diverse community empowered by the love of Christ to care for and support one another as we grow in faith lives.
Challenging study: We are thoughtful believers dedicated to faith formation and mindful inquiry expanding our understanding of how God is at work in our lives.
Life-changing service: We commit ourselves to Christ’s command to love our neighbor through life-changing service to others.
Vision:
Our vision goals help us better understand and connect with God’s mission for the world, and more specifically our Marcy-Holmes and Dinkytown neighborhood. You can read our three vision goals here.
Affirmation of Welcome:
University Lutheran Church of Hope, believing that the gospel is God’s gift to all people, seeks to continue to be a welcoming community.
As a community of faith, we know that the world is often an unloving place and that the experience of alienation is all too common.
We rejoice in the manner in which diversity has enriched, nurtured and challenged the life and ministry we share in Christ and regret actions and attitudes which may have inhibited or prevented access to Word and Sacrament because of age, race, socioeconomic or marital status, physical or mental capabilities, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
To those who have felt excluded, we extend a particular invitation to share in God’s reconciling activity among us.
To the stranger we offer hospitality.
To all, we extend a most heartfelt welcome and wish them continued joy and peace in the Lord
Learn more about our history here. or view the document below.