IUCC EVENTS
Scout Sunday
On Scout Sunday, we will be recognizing anyone who participated in some sort of youth development program growing up. If you were part of any of the organizations listed below, please contact Myrna Bohan so your named can be included as part of worship.
Girl Scouts
Boy Scouts
CampFire
4-H
Outward Bound
YMCA Indian Guides, Indian Princesses, Adventure Guides or Leaders Club
Frontier Girls
Quest Clubs
DeMolay
Young Americans
Other
Boots & Bingo Drag Wild West
IUCC is proud to present Boots & Bingo: Drag Wild West hosted by Cucu Chanel and her Drag Queen Divas. Who wants a little Patsy Cline, Carrie Underwood, Shania Twain delivered through amazing drag performances? Who wants to win cash prizes as high as $200 playing bingo? What wants come delicious county comfort food? If yes, this is the event for you. Feel free to wear your best plaid, boots, and country attire. All cowboys and cowgirls are welcome!
Limited capacity!
Youth Group Escape Room
Escape Room
Sunday, April 21st, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Peace Room
You and your friends are teen scientists who have been invited to the laboratory of the esteemed Professor Alcott, a renowned inventor and explorer. However, upon arriving at the laboratory, you find it deserted and discover a letter from the professor stating that he has left on an urgent expedition and won't return for several days. In the letter, he explains that he has left behind a series of puzzles and challenges to test your intellect and problem-solving skills. He promises a valuable reward for those who can successfully navigate through his laboratory and unlock its secrets.
Family Movie Night
Family Movie Night
Saturday April 20th, 7:00-9:00 PM
Plumer Hall
Grab your blankets and join us under the stars for a delightful Family Movie Night! Enjoy a cozy evening filled with laughter, love, and your favorite film_ The Lego Movie. Bring your families favorite movie snack to share for a memorable cinematic experience surrounded with friends and community. See you at the movies!
Earth Summit
The UCC will be holding its second annual Earth Summit on April 20th.
The UCC's second annual Earth Summit will feature celebrated author and activist Bill McKibben delivering the Jim Antal Keynote Lecture with the title, "Energy from Heaven or Energy from Hell?" Additionally, the following panel of award-winning activists will speak about the multi-national struggle against the pollution of Formosa Plastics, one of the world's largest plastics producers. Both Sharon Lavigne and Diane Wilson have won the Goldman Prize which is often referred to as the “green” Nobel Prize. They will be joined on the panel by Nancy Bui from the International Monitor Formosa Alliance and Justice for Formosa Victims.
Even if you cannot make the event on April 20th at 1 pm ET, still sign-up, and a recording will be sent to you. Register now!
Bards and Dragons
Bards and Dragons
Friday, April 19th, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Peace Room
Hark, ye young adults of IUCC! In celebration of Shakespeare's birthday, we're going to party like it's 1597 by playing a Shakespeare-inspired, Dungeons and Dragons one-off adventure. Whether you're a seasoned D&D enthusiast or lover of the Bard's prose, "Bards and Dragons" offers an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, intrigue, and of course... drama!
Creativity Sunday
Creativity Sunday at IUCC
We’re having a very special event during the coffee hour. Recognizing that God the Creator imbued our world with creativity, we will have table displays of various creative endeavors by members and visitors for both viewing and purchase. We invite you to share your creative endeavor. Do you bake, paint, make jewelry, write, carve or do woodwork, knit, sew, throw pots, take photos, design cards, make pot gardens? Something else?
Easter Flowers
On Easter Sunday, we extend a warm invitation to bring your flowers to church. Join us in a cherished tradition as we collectively decorate the cross with a tapestry of colors, symbolizing the resurrection and the promise of new beginnings.
Whether it's a single bloom or a bouquet, your flowers will serve as a beautiful reflection of the joy and hope that Easter represents. Together, we can transform the cross into a living testimony of the love and renewal we celebrate on this special day.
Your floral contributions will not only add a touch of nature's elegance but also symbolize the collective beauty and diversity within our community. Let's unite in creating a visual masterpiece that echoes the vibrant spirit of Easter.
We look forward to your participation in this joyful expression of faith and community, as we come together to adorn the cross with the blossoms of our shared celebration. Witness the cross come alive with the colors of your Easter joy!
Easter Sunday
As we gather, we honor the sacred traditions of Maundy Thursday, embracing the spirit of unity and service exemplified by Jesus. Experience a deeply meaningful ceremony that invites reflection, communion, and a sense of shared humanity. Through inclusive language and thoughtful interpretation, we explore the timeless messages of love, compassion, and humility.
And mark your calendars for Easter Sunday, where our celebration continues with joyous festivities! Join us for special music, indulge in delicious crepes during coffee hour, and be uplifted by the angelic voices of our amazing choir as we rejoice in the resurrection and the promise of new beginnings.
All are welcome to join us in fellowship and worship as we embrace the rich tapestry of faith, community, and love. We look forward to sharing these sacred moments with you.
High School Movie Night
High School Movie Night
March 24th, 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Peace Room
Get ready for an exhilarating movie night adventure, high schoolers! Join us at IUCC for a special screening of Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle – a thrilling ride packed with action, humor, and epic challenges. Embark on a journey into the heart of the jungle with four high schoolers who find themselves trapped in the world of Jumanji, where they must survive and beat the game to return to the real world—or be stuck there forever. Gather your friends and get ready for a night of laughter, excitement, and camaraderie. We'll even have sandwiches, popcorn, and drinks to keep you fueled throughout the adventure.
Young Adult Paint and Sip
YA Paint and Sip
March 24th, 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Plumer Hall
Dive into an egg-citing world of color and creativity at our Paint and Sip soirée, tailored exclusively for young adults, in which we'll be stuffing and decorating Easter eggs in preparation for the Easter egg hunt! Whether you're a seasoned artist or a total novice, our event offers a welcoming environment to experiment, socialize, and discover your inner artist. With a mimosa in one hand and a paint marker in the other, let your creativity take flight. Don't miss out on this egg-stravagant opportunity to unleash your inner artist and create stunning Easter eggs that the kids will be sure to love!
Women's Retreat Sign Up
Sign ups for the 2024 IUCC Women’s Retreat at Pilgrim Pines begin Sunday, March 24, and continue through April 12, on the IUCC patio between services. Spaces are limited so early registration is recommended.
The Rev. Terry LePage will guide the weekend with the theme “Living as if Earth matters” in three sessions: Nurturing Deep Roots (what sustains us), Courageous Composting (facing and transforming the hard stuff, including grief at the state of the world) and Planting Seeds (faith-based action.)
The retreat will be the first weekend in May, May 3-5. The cost is $170 and includes two nights of comfortable beds, five meals, snacks and Sunday morning worship.
In addition to the weekend’s three themed workshops, participants will be able to choose among additional workshops, discussion groups, nature hikes and crafts. There’s also plenty to time for fellowship with IUCC members and friends.
More information is available by contacting members of the retreat committee: Laura Long, Lorraine Fox, Jerri Davenport, Pat Sauter, Marilyn Smith and Cindy O’Dell.
Jr. Youth Drama Day
The stage awaits! Are your kids bursting with theatrical flair? Jr. Youth Drama Day for ages 9-12 provides a safe and nurturing space for young talent to thrive. Through theatre games, character exploration, and storytelling, they’ll discover the joy of self-expression and build self-confidence. It’s time for their imagination to take center stage!
MYP Art Exhibit
Unleash the power of young creativity at our Children's Art Auction! Explore a vibrant showcase of imagination and talent, where each masterpiece tells a unique story. Bid, support, and bring home a piece of joy!
IUCC Chili Cook-off & Talent Show
Please put March 9th on your calendar. This is going to be a fun IUCC event. We are combining our annual chili cookoff with an old but not forgotten IUCC talent show. Prizes and trophies are available to our participants and winners. Do you have talent? Do you make awesome chili? Do you just want to come to share in the fun? If the answer is yes, this is your event! ANY TALENT WILL QUALIFY! ALL ARE ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE!
Nerd Theology: Pokémon
Are you the best that no one ever was? To celebrate Pokémon Day, Pokémon Master Dustin will lead a vibrant discussion on the religious themes present in the Pokémon franchise and the lessons it has to teach us. Bring your most unapologetically nerdy self (and some friends) as we deep dive into the animé and video games!
Queer & Disabled Game Night
🌈✨ Get ready for a night of fun, laughter, and celebration at our Queer & Disabled Game Night on February 24th from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm! Bring your favorite games, a joyful spirit, and join us for an evening filled with excitement. Snacks are on us, so all you need to bring is your game face! 🎲🎉 Feel free to showcase your talents with presentations and performance art – we welcome all forms of creative expression. 🎨🎤 Plus, it's a double celebration as we'll be ringing in Alex Ingal's birthday! 🎂🥳 Hosted by the fabulous Joy Dorko, it's going to be a night of love, joy, and good vibes. Save the date, and let's make it a memorable evening together! 🌟🎈
Safety & Security Training
Dear IUCC community, in response to the evolving global landscape and concerns about safety, we are taking proactive measures to enhance our preparedness. Following discussions with Assistant Pastor Craig, we are pleased to announce a tabletop exercise led by Officer Rick Gramer from the Irvine PD. This event, scheduled for Wednesday, February 21st, from 10 am to noon in the Peace Room, offers us a unique opportunity to collectively discuss and refine our response strategies to simulated emergencies. Officer Gramer will guide us in identifying and activating our safety and security systems, addressing any vulnerabilities we may identify. Your participation is crucial in ensuring the success of this exercise and ultimately fortifying the safety of our IUCC community. Let's come together to strengthen our preparedness and response capabilities for the well-being of all.
Broken Heart Bingo
IUCC is proud to present Broken Hearts Bingo hosted by Cucu Chanel and her Drag Queen Divas. Who needs a Valentine when you have performances celebrating music's greatest stories of heartbreak? Feel free to wear your best Valentine RED and come have some fun!
Friday, February 16 at 7:00pm at Irvine United Congregational Church:
4915 Alton Parkway, Irvine CA 92604 in Plumer Hall
$ 25 Entry Fee (tickets can be purchased on the patio or online)
GREAT PRIZES! GREAT PERFORMANCES! GREAT FOOD & DRINK
The entry fee gains you access to the games and show. Dobbers, food, and beverages will be available for purchase. Must be 18 years old or older to play. Costumes are encouraged but not required!
Limited capacity!
Doors open at 6:30pm
Questions? Please email Pastor Craig at iucc@iucc.org
Ash Wednesday
Kindly join us for a distinctive amalgamation of solemnity and celebration this Ash Wednesday, marking the commencement of Lent amidst the love-infused ambiance of Valentine's Day. At IUCC, we warmly welcome the opulence of our traditions, joyfully acknowledging the intersection of these two significant occasions.
Collectively, we shall embark upon a journey of introspection and renewal, while receiving the imposition of ashes. Let us wholeheartedly embrace the duality of this day, acknowledging both the fragility of our human existence and the limitless love that envelops us.
Pastor Sarah will be administering 'drive-through' ashes from 12 PM to 1 PM, in addition to the congregational gathering at 7 PM. Your presence would be greatly appreciated as we observe this meaningful occasion together.
Souper Bowl
Join us in making a difference! On February 11th, MYP is collecting canned goods to support local communities in need. Your simple act of donating cans can make a significant impact on those facing food insecurity. Let's come together and fill pantries with hope and nourishment.
Family Art Day
🎨✨ Family Art Day - Feb 3, 2024, 10 am - 1 pm! 🌈👨👩👧👦
Kickstart your masterpiece for MYP's March Art Show! 🚀✨ All supplies provided. Bring the family and join us for a day of creativity. Artwork stays for the show! 🌟🖼️
Email Tristen for details. 📧 Let's make art and memories together! 🌈👩👧👦💕
Pizza and Game Night
🍕🎮 Pizza & Game Night - Jan 28th, 5-7 pm! 🌟👫
Calling all middle and high schoolers! 📣 Join us for the ultimate hangout – a pizza party and game night combo! 🍕🎉 Swing by, grab a slice, and let's make memories with awesome food and even better company! 🤗🍕🎲
Bring your friends for a blast! 🎉👫 Email Dustin for questions and to RSVP. 📧 Let the good times roll! 🍕🎮✨
Stop Anti-Asian Hate Talk
Please join us for an important discussion on stopping anti-Asian hate. Irvine United Congregational Church is honored to host the Filipino Migrant Center (FMC) and Groundswell to raise awareness about this topic. Romeo Hebron, Executive Director of FMC, will talk about the violent attacks on two Filipino families — the Roques and the Arriola-Ochengcos — highlighting their experiences in the legal system and their transformation as community activists to end anti-Asian hate. Don Han, Director of Community Partnerships for Groundswell (the new name of OC Human Relations) will share the increase in hate crimes and incidents reported in Orange County that were motivated by race, ethnicity, and/or national origin bias. This significant dialogue is not to be missed! We can all be part of the solution to stop anti-Asian hate.
Winter Congregational Meeting
Our annual congregational meeting is scheduled for Sunday, January 28 at 10:30am following first service. This is a hybrid meeting with a zoom option for those not attending first service. Please be sure you have the date on your calendar. The congregation will be voting to approve the annual budget.
Parents Night out
Parents Night Out: A Fun-filled Evening for the Kids!
Mark your calendars for January 26th from 7 to 10 pm, as we host a Parents Night Out! Give yourself a well-deserved break while your kids enjoy an evening of snacks, games, and laughter. For just $25 per child, our event promises a safe and entertaining environment, allowing you to unwind worry-free. Don't miss out on this opportunity for both you and your children to enjoy a memorable night out!
Progressive Parenting: How to Support our LGBTQ+ Youth in School
An event dedicated to having conversations in a safe space on how to support our LGBTQ+ youth in schools! Our goal is to empower parents, youth, and allies in this difficult time. Listen to educators, advocates, parents, and more share their ideas, views, and supports! We will have additional community partners there to discover if you have further questions or are seeking support in more ways after this event! Let’s celebrate diversity, build community, and make sure that every youth feels supported! This is open to high school age youth and up!
Helping our Unhoused Friends
🌟🤝 Jr. Youth Service Project - Jan 21! 🌈👦👧
Join us for a special service project on Jan 21! 🎁❤️ We'll be creating care packages with essentials for our unhoused neighbors in OC. Let's spread hope and show our IUCC community cares! 🏠💖 Contact Dustin for details. 📧 #YouthInAction #CommunityCares 🌈👦👧💕
Congregational Winter Party
Congregational Winter Party!
Tickets Now on Sale!
🌟 The IUCC and Fellowship Committee invite you to break free from the digital world and step into a night of pure, analog joy at our Annual Winter Party: "Snowman Square Dance and Barnyard Ball"! 🌟 Escape the virtual realm and embrace the rustic charm of our snow-kissed hoedown celebration!
📅 Date & Time: Saturday, January 20, 2024, starting at 6:30 PM
📍 Location: Woodbridge Village Association
🎉 Event Highlights:
🍖 Delicious BBQ: Indulge in the warmth of delightful barbecue flavors.
👢 Square Dance Lessons: Kick up your heels with professional square dance callers guiding the way.
🎟️ Ticket Sales: Grab your tickets during coffee hour and secure your spot for this memorable night.
👢 Dress Code: No pixels, just pure charm! Feel free to express your inner cowboy or cowgirl—flannel is encouraged but entirely optional.
This isn't your typical winter party; it's a chance to unplug, unwind, and revel in the simplicity of good company and classic fun. Mark your calendar, invite your friends, and join us for an evening where the only thing digital is the fun we're bound to have.
See you at the Snowman Square Dance and Barnyard Ball! 🤠❄️
#IUCCWinterParty #SnowmanSquareDance #BarnyardBall
Orange County: A Personal History
DEI TUESDAY BOOK CLUB
Join us on January 9, 2024, as we begin reading and discussing Orange County: A Personal History by Gustavo Arellano.
Nationally bestselling author, syndicated columnist, and the voice of the Mexican-American community, Gustavo Arellano delivers the hilarious and poignant book about Orange County. This book not only weaves Gustavo's family story with the history of Orange County and the modern Mexican-immigrant experience but also offers sharp insights into a wide range of political, cultural, and social issues.
Copies of this book are on the DEI shelf in Plumer Hall.
Orange County: A Personal History
Star Words
Join us at Irvine United Congregational Church for "Star Words" on Epiphany Sunday, January 7th, either in person at IUCC or online. Discover the words that will light up your year and serve as your guiding stars for the journey ahead. Whether you choose to attend in the sanctuary or virtually, let these words inspire and lead you as you embark on a new year filled with hope, purpose, and meaning. Don't miss this opportunity to set the course for a year filled with wisdom and inspiration.
Christmas Eve Service
🎄 Join Us for Christmas Eve Services at Irvine United Congregational Church! 🎄
As the joyous season of Christmas approaches, Irvine United Congregational Church warmly invites you to join us for our special Christmas Eve services. Embrace the warmth and meaning of this festive occasion with our church community.
🕯️ Christmas Eve Services Schedule:
Sunday, December 24th:
🕤 9:30 am - Morning Service
🕦 11:15 am - Midday Service
🕖 7:00 pm - Special Evening Service
At all three services, experience the magic of:
Lighting of the Christ Candle: Witness the symbolic illumination, signifying the presence of Christ in our hearts and homes.
"Silent Night" Sing-along: Embrace the magic of the season with a heartwarming rendition of this timeless Christmas carol.
Reflect on the True Meaning of Christmas: Let us come together in a moment of reflection and gratitude as we remember the birth of Jesus.
🎉 Note: There will be no services on Christmas Day.
Come, be part of a magical evening filled with love, joy, and the spirit of Christmas. Let us unite as a community to celebrate the birth of Jesus and embrace the true essence of this wonderful season.
We look forward to sharing this special time with you and your loved ones.
Wishing you a blessed and Merry Christmas!