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About Us

Who We Are

The Most Traditional Non-Traditional Church in Wichita

University Congregational Church is a progressive Christian church where faith is anchored in tradition and enlivened by curiosity, compassion and community. We gather people of diverse backgrounds, ages and perspectives who seek to follow Jesus in meaningful and practical ways. 

As a Congregational church, we emphasize freedom of thought, personal responsibility and collective decision-making. We value informed faith, honest conversation and active service. 

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what to expect

If you’re visiting for the first time, here’s what you’ll find:
A warm welcome at the door
A worship service that blends tradition with thoughtfulness
Music led by our Chancel Choir
A relaxed atmosphere — wear what's comfortable for you
Safe, caring spaces for children
A community that values authenticity over perfection
Whether you come with lifelong faith or lots of questions, there is room for you here.
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Our Beliefs

& Congregational Tradition

UCC is rooted in the historic Christian faith and the Congregational tradition, which affirms: 

  • God is love, and that love is for everyone 
  • Jesus teaches us compassion, justice, and courage 
  • Scripture is to be engaged with both heart and mind 
  • Each congregation governs itself through shared discernment 
  • Every person has gifts to offer God and the world 

We embrace open theological conversation and respectful differences as part of our identity. 

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Meet our staff

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Rev. Paul Ellis Jackson
Senior Minister — compassionate leadership, thoughtful preaching, strong commitment to local and global missions
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Heidi Brandenberger
Administrator
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Christy Banzet
Bookkeeper/Marketer
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Ryan Beeken
Music Director
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Helen Griffin
Pianist
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Laura Williams
Organist
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Emily Hurt
Sexton
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D’Angelo Talbot
Sound Technician
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Julia Gonzalez
Video Technician
Megan Lovely
Sunday School Teacher
Pamela Clarkson
Sunday School Teacher
Anna Duxler
Sunday School Teacher

Our history

Since its founding, UCC has been part of Wichita’s story — adapting, growing and responding to the needs of its people and community. From early education outreach to today’s missions, the congregation has long been known for generosity, thoughtfulness and community partnership. 

Member Testimonial

I have always believed that communion is not dessert.
It's not a reward for behaving a certain way or following a set list of rules.
It's a meal that you are invited to, a peanut butter sandwich to sustain you during a long day.
It's a warm "yes" to the question,
"Can I sit at this table?"
At University Congregational Church in Wichita, Kansas, you might be surprised when the [then] associate minister walks over to you and offers you communion. Even if you aren't a member there. Even if you are singing at the service and not sitting with the rest of the congregation. Even if you have been a member of so many different religions, you don't even remember all of them.
Paul Ellis Jackson will smile at you and invite you to be part of his
beautiful, kind church family.
He will offer it to you, and you might take the bread dipped in grape juice with a heavy heart because you yourself have been judgmental and did not expect this. Then you might think to yourself, maybe this man's God isn't so bad, and if his God isn't so bad, then others’ God might not be so bad, and before you know it, it feels like everyone could have a real and loving God, and we could all tolerate them together.
It starts with communion, doesn’t it?
With asking: does God demand payment for the peanut butter sandwich, or does He shout:
EVERYONE EATS.
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UCC Green Initiatives

Caring for creation is part of our call.

UCC Green includes:

  • Sustainable energy practices
  • Recycling programs
  • Eco-friendly event planning
  • Encouraging environmental stewardship through education
“We believe creation care is an act of worship.”