Worship Services at University Presbyterian Church

A Welcoming and Vibrant Worship Experience

At University Presbyterian Church (UPC), located on the edge of Louisiana State University’s campus in Baton Rouge, our worship services are a cornerstone of our faith community, blending the rich traditions of the Presbyterian Church (USA) with a warm, inclusive, and creative atmosphere. We invite everyone—LSU students, faculty, staff, families, and Baton Rouge residents—to join us for worship, whether in person in our beautiful, accessible sanctuary or virtually through our live stream. Our services offer a meaningful opportunity to connect with God, grow in faith, and find community in a welcoming environment.

Sunday Worship Services

When: Sundays at 11:00 a.m. (fall and spring) or 10:00 a.m. (summer)
Where: UPC Sanctuary, in person or live streamed on our Facebook page or website
Details:
Our Sunday worship services are a time to gather as a faith community to celebrate God’s love, reflect on scripture, and respond with gratitude and service. Rooted in the reformed tradition, our services feature:

• Inspiring Music: Led by our Adult Choir (fall through spring) or soloists and instrumentalists (summer), with hymns, anthems, and occasional guest musicians, creating a diverse and uplifting musical experience.

• Scripture and Sermon: Thoughtful sermons grounded in biblical texts, offering insights that connect faith to everyday life.

• Prayers and Creeds: Corporate prayers, including shared joys and concerns, and affirmations of faith through historic creeds, uniting us in worship.

• Communion: Celebrated regularly, inviting all to participate in this sacred act of grace.

Note: Our services are live streamed on our Facebook page. If you attend in person, please be aware that your image may appear online. We strive to create a worship environment that is both reverent and approachable, welcoming all to participate.

Special Worship Services

UPC celebrates the Christian calendar with special services that deepen our faith and mark significant moments in the church year:

• Ash Wednesday: A reflective service to begin Lent, featuring the imposition of ashes and a call to repentance and renewal. Held at 6:00 p.m. in the sanctuary, with details on our Holy Week page.

• Maundy Thursday: A contemplative service commemorating the Last Supper, with Communion and Taizé-style music. Held at 6:00 p.m. during Holy Week.

• Good Friday: A solemn service remembering Christ’s crucifixion, featuring scripture, music, and prayer. Held at 6:00 p.m. during Holy Week.

• Christmas Eve: A joyous candlelit service celebrating Christ’s birth, with carols, readings, and a message of hope. Details shared closer to the date on our Worship page.

• Lent and Advent Programs: During these sacred seasons, we offer additional worship opportunities, such as Taizé Prayer Services on Wednesdays at 6:00 p.m., fostering reflection and spiritual growth. Learn more about Taizé at www.taize.fr or our Taizé Prayer page.

Baptisms at UPC

Baptism is a sacred moment in the life of our faith community, welcoming infants, children, or adults into the covenant of God’s grace. At UPC, baptisms are scheduled during Sunday worship services to celebrate this milestone with the congregation. To arrange a baptism:

• Contact one of our pastors or the church office at 225-383-0345.

• Meet with a pastor to discuss the significance of baptism and prepare for the service.

• Learn more about our baptism process on our Worship page.

Children in Worship

At UPC, we believe children are a vital part of our worship community, bringing unique gifts and perspectives that enrich our services. Children of all ages are warmly welcomed to participate in worship, whether by singing, sharing in prayers, or simply being present. We encourage their involvement, recognizing that corporate worship nurtures their faith and strengthens our community. For families with young children:

• Nursery Care: Available for infants through kindergarten during Sunday worship and Christian Education (9:30–10:45 a.m.), providing a safe and caring environment for little ones who may not be able to participate for the full service.

• Children’s Participation: Children are invited to engage in worship through readings, prayers, or special moments like Christian Education Sunday, where they showcase their learning.

Why Worship at UPC?

Our worship services offer:

• Spiritual Depth: Experience a blend of reformed tradition, scripture-centered preaching, and meaningful rituals that deepen your faith.

• Inclusive Community: Join a warm, welcoming congregation where all—children, students, and adults—are invited to participate.

• Creative Expression: Enjoy diverse music, special services, and creative prayers that reflect the movement of God’s Spirit.

• Accessible Worship: Our sanctuary is fully accessible with a handicap-accessible ramp, elevator, and designated parking, ensuring everyone can join us comfortably.

Join Us Today!

We invite you to join us for worship at UPC, whether in person or online. Experience the warmth and joy of our faith community as we gather to worship God together.  Whether you’re an LSU Tiger, a Baton Rouge resident, or a visitor exploring faith, UPC welcomes you to our worship services. Come join us and discover a spiritual home where faith, community, and joy come together!

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