Worship at University Presbyterian Church

A Vibrant Blend of Tradition, Warmth, and Creativity

At University Presbyterian Church (UPC), located on the edge of Louisiana State University’s campus in Baton Rouge, worship is a sacred and joyful experience that reflects our identity as part of the Presbyterian Church (USA). Our services are deeply rooted in the reformed tradition, yet they are casual and warm, and always creative and open to God’s Spirit. This unique blend creates a worship environment that is both reverent and welcoming, inviting everyone—LSU students, faculty, staff, families, and Baton Rouge residents—to encounter God in a meaningful way. Whether you join us in person in our accessible sanctuary or virtually via our Facebook live stream, you’ll find a community that celebrates faith with depth, inclusivity, and joy.

What does it mean to worship at UPC? Below, we explore the three pillars of our worship experience: reformed and traditional, casual and warm, and creative and open to God’s Spirit.

Reformed and Traditional

As a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (USA), UPC is grounded in the reformed tradition, which emphasizes God’s sovereignty, the centrality of scripture, and the grace-filled life of faith. Our worship services reflect this heritage through a thoughtful and structured approach that connects us to the historic practices of the church while remaining relevant to today’s world. Key elements include:

• Order of Service: Our worship follows a intentional structure rooted in Presbyterian tradition, including gathering, confession, proclamation of the Word, response, and sending. This flow guides worshippers through a journey of reflection, renewal, and commitment to living out faith. View a sample order of service on our Worship page.

• Organ and Hymnbook: Music is central to our worship, with our organ and traditional hymnbook providing a foundation for congregational singing. The Adult Choir leads worship from fall through spring, while soloists and instrumentalists enhance summer services, blending classic hymns with meaningful anthems.

• Creeds and Confessions: We affirm historic creeds (e.g., Apostles’ Creed) and confessions of the Presbyterian Church (USA), grounding our worship in shared beliefs that connect us to the global church. These statements unite us in faith and purpose.

• Biblical Text and Sermon: Scripture is at the heart of our worship, with sermons that explore biblical texts in ways that inspire, challenge, and guide our daily lives. Our pastors offer thoughtful, relevant messages that connect faith to contemporary issues.

• Confession: Each service includes a time of corporate confession, where we acknowledge our shortcomings and receive God’s grace, fostering humility and renewal.

• Gratitude and Grace: Our worship emphasizes gratitude for God’s love and grace, expressed through prayers, offerings (like the One Great Hour of Sharing on Easter), and acts of response that reflect our commitment to live as disciples.

This reformed framework provides a rich and meaningful structure, ensuring worship is both reverent and deeply rooted in our faith tradition.

Casual and Warm

While grounded in tradition, UPC’s worship is also casual and warm, creating an inviting atmosphere where everyone feels at home. We strive to make worship accessible and inclusive, welcoming people from all walks of life—LSU students, families, seniors, and visitors alike. Here’s what makes our worship warm and approachable:

• Comfortable Dress: Come as you are! Whether in jeans, casual attire, or Sunday best, you’ll find a welcoming congregation focused on connection, not formality.

• Friendly Community: Our congregation is known for its warmth, greeting newcomers and longtime members alike with genuine hospitality. After worship, join us at the Welcome Center for coffee, snacks, and conversation to experience our friendly spirit.

• Inclusive Participation: Everyone is invited to participate, from children to adults. Children often share in readings or prayers, and all ages are encouraged to engage in worship through singing, sharing joys and concerns, or volunteering in roles like greeter or liturgist.

• Sharing Concerns Aloud: We create space during worship to share joys and concerns aloud, fostering a sense of community as we pray for one another’s needs and celebrations.

• Laughter and Joy: Worship at UPC is filled with moments of joy, including lighthearted reflections and shared laughter, reminding us that faith is a celebration of God’s love.

Our accessible facilities, with a handicap-accessible ramp, elevator, and designated parking, ensure that everyone can join us comfortably.

Creative and Open to God’s Spirit

UPC’s worship is also creative and open to God’s Spirit, embracing diverse expressions of faith and welcoming the movement of the Holy Spirit in our midst. We believe worship should be dynamic, inclusive, and open to new ideas, reflecting the diversity of our community. This creativity manifests in several ways:

• Musical Variety: Beyond traditional hymns, our worship includes a variety of music, from gospel to contemporary pieces, often featuring instrumentalists like violinists, pianists, or guitarists. Contact our Choir Director, Ross Cawthon, at rcawthon@upcbr.org to explore musical opportunities.

• Special Services: During significant church seasons like Advent, Lent, and Easter, we offer special services, such as Taizé Prayer Services on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m., Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday worship. These services incorporate unique elements like candlelit ambiance and meditative music.

• Creative Prayers and Poetry: Our worship often includes original prayers, poetry, or litanies written by members or pastors, adding a personal and artistic touch to our services.

• Openness to Diversity: At UPC, we recognize that not everyone who worships with us agrees on every issue. This diversity of thought enriches our community, fostering open dialogue and a shared commitment to seeking God’s guidance together.

Join Us for Worship

We invite you to experience worship at UPC, where tradition, warmth, and creativity come together to create a vibrant and meaningful encounter with God. Join us:

• When: Sundays at 11:00 a.m. (fall/spring) or 10:00 a.m. (summer), with special services during Advent, Lent, and other seasons.

• Where: UPC Sanctuary, in person or via our Facebook live stream or website.

• Who: Everyone is welcome—LSU students, families, visitors, and those exploring faith.

Get Involved Today!

We warmly invite you to join us for worship and experience the unique blend of tradition, warmth, and creativity at UPC. Whether you’re an LSU Tiger or a Baton Rouge resident, UPC is a place where you can grow in faith, find community, and celebrate God’s love. We look forward to worshipping with you!

UPC MINISTRIES

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