Bon Vivant Dinner – Saturday, Sept. 27 at 6:00pm 

Calling all new and longtime IUCCers alike! Get ready for another unforgettable Bon Vivant Dinner!  Debra & Wayne Banwell are opening their home for an evening of great food, laughter, and heartfelt community.  These dinners are the perfect way to share a meal and build friendships outside of Sunday worship. 

 Sign up on the patio after church OR email membership@iucc.org to reserve your spot. Don’t miss this chance to gather around the table and celebrate the joy of being together! 

🎶 PAAM JAAM 2025 – A Celebration of Music & Community! 🎶

Get ready for an unforgettable day of music, fellowship, and joy! Join the Pacific Islander & Asian American Ministries (PAAM) of the Southern California Nevada Conference for PAAM JAAM 2025—a lively gathering of singers, musicians, dancers, and friends.

✨ IUCC’s very own Dustin Nguyen will be performing!

 📅Saturday, September 27, 2025,

⌚ 10:00 AM

 📍Live Oak UCC, 300 E. Imperial Highway, Brea, CA 92821

🎼🌟Bring your musical gifts or simply come to enjoy the performances and connect with community. After the music, stay for warm fellowship and a light potluck.

🎤 All are welcome!

 RSVP with your musical info & lunch head count to lynnekmoto@gmail.com or text (626) 318-8739.

Queer & Disabled Game Night hosted by Joy Dorko is back! Board games will be provided and feel free to bring your own.

All are welcome regardless of sexuality, gender, or ability.

IUCC’s DEI Book & Film Club

Exploring Identity, Justice, and Community Through Story

September 23–October 28 - Tuesdays 9am-10:30am

We begin our fall book: Mother Emanuel: Two Centuries of Race, Resistance, and Forgiveness in Charleston Church by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Kevin Sack. (View on Amazon )

Hosted by IUCC’s DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Book & Film Club, which invites you into meaningful conversations at the intersection of race, gender, class, and belonging. Each month, we engage books, documentaries, and stories that challenge assumptions, amplify marginalized voices, and deepen our collective understanding.

Questions or ready to join in? - email deibookclub@iucc.org See you soon!

Youth Group is back !! Calling all middle school and high schoolers to join us for dinner. This will be a time to get to know one another better and reflect on what our hopes and dreams are for the year.

Questions? Contact Pastor Rachel (rachel@iucc.org)

Calling all supportive adults - parents, guardians, family members, and loving friends - of Rainbow Kids!

🏳️‍🌈🌟🏳️‍⚧️

OCEC has launched an LGBTQ+ Parent Support Group in partnership with Irvine United Congregational Church (IUCC), an open and affirming congregation for over 30 years. Although the group will meet on the IUCC campus, it is not a religious group.

This peer-led support group offers a space where parents can connect with others on similar parenting journeys. It's a place to share joys and frustrations, swap tips and resources, ask questions, and build a vibrant, supportive community.

We welcome all parents, guardians, family members, and loving friends. During meetings, we will also provide a dedicated space for kids, staffed by caring adults.
The group has chosen to meet regularly on the 3rd Sunday at 3pm of each month.   Our next meeting will be held on Sunday, Sept 21st. Please reach out to Myrna Bohan -myrnabohan@gmail.com for more information and to RSVP. 

Here at IUCC we value the relationships formed in small group settings. Through our Comma Groups, we journey together through monthly meetings. In September, the Parents Comma Group is enjoying a BBQ at Phillip's House! Pastor Rachel will stay on IUCC campus with the kids.

Ministries Fair this Sunday at IUCC!

Don’t miss this chance to connect, celebrate, and find your place in the vital work of our church community!

Head into the Meeting Rooms for IUCC’s annual Ministries Fair!

Come meet the amazing leaders and members of our many ministries, each with their own booth ready to share the important, life-changing work they’re doing. From outreach and service to music, care, and justice, this is your chance to explore the heartbeat of our church.

It’s fun. It’s engaging. It’s inspiring. And it’s the perfect way to discover how YOU can get involved in the vibrant ministry life of IUCC.

Ready to deepen your connection with our community? Ever wondered what all the different teams and ministries of IUCC are up to? Join in this Sunday!

Special Event - come learn about all the different ways to get involved with fellow IUCCers!

We offer two Sunday services: a Traditional Service at 9:30 a.m. and a Contemporary Service at 11:15 a.m. Adult Sunday School is offered during the 11:15 a.m. service. The traditional service features our amazing Chancel Choir singing wonderful anthems tied to the morning’s theme. The contemporary service is more casual, led by an energetic praise group composed of our choral interns. We welcome you to come as you are and dress according to your personal style.

Sunday services typically include: information about church events, music, prayer, meditation, and a message from the pastor. We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month, and everyone is welcome to partake. Our services are also streamed live on Facebook.

Ladera Pride- September 20th @ 3:00pm - 6:00pm

This all-ages event is free and open to everyone in the Valley around Ladera and beyond. Come enjoy live music, local vendors, food trucks community resources, and family-friendly activities -- all in support of LGBTQIA+ visibility and unity.

IUCC will have a booth at Ladera Pride. Please reach out to Dustin (dustin@iucc.org) if you would be interested in helping staff the booth.

Young Adults! Join us for brunch at the Irvine Spectrum where we will talk about what we want the young adult group to look like this year. Should we read a book? Should we do a service project? What events are you interested in? This will be a space for brainstorming where no idea is a bad idea!

September 20th @ 10:30am at Irvine Spectrum

For questions, please reach out to Pastor Rachel (rachel@iucc.org)

Learn to Square Dance with Golden State Squares!

Join us for an introductory square dance course—no experience needed! You’ll learn about 70 calls, giving you the skills to dance at the Mainstream level at clubs anywhere.

Open House Nights: Sept. 17 & Sept. 24 — free for new dancers! Afterward, classes continue weekly at $10 per session.

RSVP on Meetup: Golden State Squares Social Square Dancing

Casual dress, Please plan to attend regularly (new calls each week)

Golden State Squares, an LGBTQ+ inclusive club celebrating 39 years, welcomes everyone—singles, couples, LGBTQ+ and allies—in a fun, judgment-free space.

www.goldenstatesquares.org

All are Welcome!

We offer two Sunday services: a Traditional Service at 9:30 a.m. and a Contemporary Service at 11:15 a.m. Adult Sunday School is offered during the 11:15 a.m. service. The traditional service features our amazing Chancel Choir singing wonderful anthems tied to the morning’s theme. The contemporary service is more casual, led by an energetic praise group composed of our choral interns. We welcome you to come as you are and dress according to your personal style.

Sunday services typically include: information about church events, music, prayer, meditation, and a message from the pastor. We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month, and everyone is welcome to partake. Our services are also streamed live on Facebook.

Join us for a morning of fun, laughter, and imagination as the fabulous Queen Cucu Chanel brings stories to life!

She’ll be sharing inclusive and progressive children’s books that celebrate diversity, kindness, and creativity.

• Saturday, September 13, 2025 10:00 AM

• Irvine United Congregational Church in Plumer Hall

All are welcome—kids, families, and friends alike! Come ready to read, dance, and celebrate the joy of storytelling together.

Monthly Prayer Group – All Are Welcome

Join us on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:30 PM in the Peace Room for a time of shared reflection and spiritual practice. At IUCC, we believe in the power of prayer—and we recognize that it looks different for everyone. This group is open to all and offers a space to explore a variety of ways to pray, whether through silence, words, movement, or stillness. Together, we seek a deeper, conscious connection with the Sacred—something greater than ourselves.

No experience necessary. Just come with an open heart.

Calling all Young Adults! - The first Sunday of every month, YAs will be meeting at the Woodbridge Village Center for brunch as an extension of Communion.

Come chill and make connections in a fun and welcoming space!

Rally Day - September 7th @ After both services

Celebrate the end of summer by going down a water slide! Happening after both services, kids will be able to water slide during coffee hour and through second service. Make sure to bring water shoes and a towel!

Parents/guardians - we’ll have the QR code so you can do Sunday School registration for the year.

Stay tuned - we’ll also be announcing our Parables series, and have Youth Council Elections information!

It’s Rally Day - We’re kicking off the ministry year as we return from summer!

First Service - We’ll gather to celebrate the start of another season of ministry together as we welcome back our chancel choir!

Second Service Conversation - Second Service attendees are invited to gather for a conversation on the service immediately following worship.

Children and youth are in for a treat with a giant waterslide after church for both services!

All are welcome!

We offer two Sunday services: a Traditional Service at 9:30 a.m. and a Contemporary Service at 11:15 a.m. Adult Sunday School is offered during the 11:15 a.m. service. The traditional service features our amazing Chancel Choir singing wonderful anthems tied to the morning’s theme. The contemporary service is more casual, led by an energetic praise group composed of our choral interns. We welcome you to come as you are and dress according to your personal style.

Sunday services typically include: information about church events, music, prayer, meditation, and a message from the pastor. We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month, and everyone is welcome to partake. Our services are also streamed live on Facebook.

Voice Your Thoughts for the Future of our Plumer Hall space!

Sunday, August 31, 2025 • 12:30 PM at Plumer Hall

Now that the foundation repair is complete , we’re ready to start imagining the future of Plumer Hall together. This is not a design meeting—that work will be left to contractors. Instead, it’s a time for members, ministries, and community partners with an invested interest in the space to share ideas , needs, and dreams for how we use it long term.

The conversation will be facilitated by the Rev. Dr. Terry LePage and will focus on listening and documenting your input.

Some questions to think about before you come:

• What events do you hold in the building, and how often?

• What furniture (chairs, tables, etc.) do you regularly use?

• What items do you store in the building?

• With the carpet removed for floor repairs and the concrete polished as a first step, what else do you need to begin using the space again?

• What changes would you like to see in the coming years (for the 2026 capital budget and beyond)?

All are welcome!

We offer two Sunday services: a Traditional Service at 9:30 a.m. and a Contemporary Service at 11:15 a.m. Adult Sunday School is offered during the 11:15 a.m. service. The traditional service features our amazing Chancel Choir singing wonderful anthems tied to the morning’s theme. The contemporary service is more casual, led by an energetic praise group composed of our choral interns. We welcome you to come as you are and dress according to your personal style.

Sunday services typically include: information about church events, music, prayer, meditation, and a message from the pastor. We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month, and everyone is welcome to partake. Our services are also streamed live on Facebook.

Join us for an evening of fun, connection, and community at Queer & Disabled Game Night, hosted by Joy Dorko! Come as you are and enjoy games, laughter, snacks, and great company in a safe and welcoming space.

Bring your favorite game or just yourself—everyone is welcome. Let’s roll the dice, share some snacks, make new friends, and celebrate the joy of play together!

Field Trip to Hsi Lai Temple – Saturday, August 30

Join us for a serene and inspiring day at one of the largest Buddhist temples in the United States.

We’ll meet at IUCC at 11:30 a.m. to carpool, arriving in time to enjoy the temple’s popular $10 all-you-can-eat vegetarian buffet (11:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.) before taking a self-guided tour of the beautiful grounds, art gallery, and exhibits.

Admission to the temple is free, and complimentary tea or coffee is available at the information center.

Sign-ups will be available in class and in the IUCC email blast.

It’s a Birthday Bash Like No Other!

IUCC is proud to present BINGO BIRTHDAY BASH, hosted by the fabulous Cucu Chanel and her Drag Queen Divas! This special night is all about celebrating Cucu Chanel’s birthday in the most glamorous way — with fan favorites, dazzling numbers, and double the entertainers bringing the sparkle and show-stopping fun!

Friday, August 29, 2025 at 7:00 PM

4915 Alton Parkway, Irvine, CA 92604

$30 Entry Fee

Get ready for:

GREAT GAMES! SHOW-STOPPING PERFORMANCES! AMAZING FOOD & DRINKS — including a NACHO BAR!

Your entry fee grants access to both the Bingo games and the unforgettable drag show! (Dobbers, food, and beverages will be available for purchase.) Must be 18 or older to play.

Doors open at 6:30 PM — arrive early for a drink and the best seat in the house!

Limited capacity — don’t miss out!

Beach Baptisms August 24 @ Newport Dunes

You are invited to the most well-done event of the summer! Join us as we fire up the grill an dive into celebration, literally! Baptism is a celebration best done in community, and we want YOU to be a part of it! Fill out the sign up sheet and let us know if you want to be baptized or if you can bring something to the BBQ.

If you have any questions, email Pastor Rachel, at rachel@iucc.org

Join us for our Divine Disruptions: When God Breaks the Rules!

We offer two Sunday services: a Traditional Service at 9:30 a.m. and a Contemporary Service at 11:15 a.m. Adult Sunday School is offered during the 11:15 a.m. service. The traditional service features our amazing Chancel Choir singing wonderful anthems tied to the morning’s theme. The contemporary service is more casual, led by an energetic praise group composed of our choral interns. We welcome you to come as you are and dress according to your personal style.

Sunday services typically include: information about church events, music, prayer, meditation, and a message from the pastor. We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month, and everyone is welcome to partake. Our services are also streamed live on Facebook.

IUCC is proud to host and welcome The ANB Players!

Join us for a free staged reading of The Woolgatherer by William Mastrosimone, presented by The ANB Players—a passionate troupe led by veteran actor and educator Amy Nichole Baker. With over 35 years of experience onstage and off, Amy trained at South Coast Repertory’s acclaimed Professional Conservatory and now devotes her career to mentoring emerging artists and telling bold, character-driven stories.

The Woolgatherer follows two strangers—Rose, a shy, trauma-scarred dreamer, and Cliff, a blunt, exhausted trucker—through one chaotic evening in her small apartment. What begins as a chance encounter unfolds into a poignant, awkward, and sometimes absurd attempt at human connection.

Act Two flips the script with a gender-reversed version of the same scene, introducing Rob and Claire to reexamine the same dysfunction from a fresh angle—revealing how tenderness, swagger, insecurity, and longing can belong to any body.

Saturday, August 23 at 2:00 PM

Irvine United Congregational Church (IUCC) – 4915 Alton Pkwy, Irvine

Free and open to all!

Content Advisory: This performance includes adult themes and strong language. Not recommended for children.

 OCEC has launched an LGBTQ+ Parent Support Group in partnership with Irvine United Congregational Church (IUCC), an open and affirming congregation for over 30 years. Although the group will meet on the IUCC campus, it is not a religious group.

This peer-led support group offers a space where parents can connect with others on similar parenting journeys. It's a place to share joys and frustrations, swap tips and resources, ask questions, and build a vibrant, supportive community.

We welcome all parents, guardians, family members, and loving friends. During meetings, we will also provide a dedicated space for kids, staffed by caring adults.
The group has chosen to meet regularly on the 3rd Sunday at 3pm of each month.   Our next meeting will be held on Sunday, August 17th. Please reach out to Myrna Bohan -myrnabohan@gmail.com for more information and to RSVP. 

Soaking up the summer fun by playing together at the Laguna Nigel sprayground! Kids of all ages are encouraged to join!

 Church Joining Ceremony – Sunday, August 17, 2025 

Are you ready to make IUCC your church home? Our next Church Joining Ceremony will take place during worship on Sunday, August 17. It’s a special moment where we celebrate your “yes” to becoming part of this vibrant, justice-seeking, open and affirming congregation.

To participate, you must have attended a Newcomer Luncheon. If you’re unsure or would like more information, please email membership@iucc.org.

This is more than a formality — it’s a covenant. A shared commitment to grow together, support one another, and make God’s love believable in the world. 

We’d love to welcome you fully into the family!

Join us for our Divine Disruptions: When God Breaks the Rules!

We offer two Sunday services: a Traditional Service at 9:30 a.m. and a Contemporary Service at 11:15 a.m. Adult Sunday School is offered during the 11:15 a.m. service. The traditional service features our amazing Chancel Choir singing wonderful anthems tied to the morning’s theme. The contemporary service is more casual, led by an energetic praise group composed of our choral interns. We welcome you to come as you are and dress according to your personal style.

Sunday services typically include: information about church events, music, prayer, meditation, and a message from the pastor. We celebrate communion on the first Sunday of each month, and everyone is welcome to partake. Our services are also streamed live on Facebook.