Business Details
Welcome to Union Avenue Christian Church
Union Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is a St. Louis, Missouri-based faith community dedicated to fostering justice, stewardship, artistic expression, and hospitality. Established with a vision to grow in these core values, we welcome all individuals to Christ's table, offering worship, education, and outreach programs that reflect our commitment to serving God and embracing His word. Our church follows Christ's example by reaching out to the community through healing, compassion, and transformative outreach initiatives. We prioritize lifelong religious education, encouraging individual study and interpretation of scripture while engaging in contemporary discussions about faith and daily life. Our arts programs, including the Gretchen Brigham Gallery and Union Avenue Opera, provide cultural enrichment and opportunities to encounter the sacred through creative expression.Through partnerships like the Urban Mission Inn, we offer cross-cultural experiences and hands-on mission opportunities for youth and adults. Our congregation is committed to restorative justice, resource stewardship, and informal acts of kindness that strengthen community bonds. We provide accessible worship services, Sunday school, and a welcoming environment for all, including wheelchair accessibility and nursery facilities. Our outreach extends to local and global communities, addressing crises, mental health, and social justice while nurturing spiritual growth. With a history of service spanning decades, we invite you to join us in celebrating faith, beauty, and justice in our daily lives.
Services
Worship Services
Religious Education
Arts Programs
Community Outreach
Mission Partnerships
Highlights and features
- We offer inclusive worship services open to all individuals.
- Our outreach programs address local and global community needs.
- We provide lifelong religious education for all age groups.
- Our arts initiatives include a gallery and opera collaborations.
- We host cross-cultural mission opportunities through Urban Mission Inn.
What people say
Inclusive community
Vibrant arts programs
Meaningful outreach
Engaging worship
Historic building
Services
Worship Services
Our in-person and streamed worship services include Holy Communion, scripture readings, and music. Held Sundays at 11:00 a.m., these gatherings emphasize community, spiritual growth, and inclusive participation. Choir rehearsals occur Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m.
Religious Education
Faith Formation programs include adult Bible study, women's groups, and children's worship. Classes explore scripture through modern interpretations, current events, and interactive storytelling for ages 3-12 during second and fourth Sundays each month.
Arts Programs
The Gretchen Brigham Gallery hosts rotating visual art exhibits and receptions. Union Avenue Opera presents summer theatrical performances in our sanctuary. These programs connect artistic expression with spiritual reflection through community collaborations and educational workshops.
Community Outreach
Outreach initiatives include Urban Mission Inn partnerships, providing housing and service opportunities for mission groups. We support local and global causes through volunteer programs, crisis resources, and advocacy for social justice and restorative practices.
Mission Partnerships
Urban Mission Inn offers cross-cultural experiences for youth and adults through hands-on service projects. This program has contributed over 50,000 volunteer hours locally while fostering spiritual growth and connections with advocacy organizations across St. Louis.
People
Rev. LaVetta J. Ross
Pastor
Rev. LaVetta J. Ross leads worship services and spiritual programming at Union Avenue Christian Church. She oversees the six-week lunch series exploring contemplative living and guides the congregation in its mission to demonstrate Christ's love through community service.
Warren Gibson
Church Administrator
Warren Gibson manages church operations and coordinates gallery events at the Gretchen Brigham Gallery. He serves as primary contact for visitor inquiries, facility scheduling, and administrative support for all church ministries.
Scott Schoonover
Music Director
Scott Schoonover directs musical programming at Union Avenue Christian Church and founded Union Avenue Opera. He leads choir rehearsals and oversees the annual summer opera season that transforms our sanctuary into a theatrical performance venue.
Questions
What are your worship service times?
In-person worship occurs Sundays at 11:00 a.m. with Sunday School options at 9:00 a.m. Services stream live on YouTube.
Do you offer religious education for children?
Children's Worship & Wonder meets during worship on second and fourth Sundays for ages 3-12, featuring storytelling, ritual, and fellowship activities.
How can I participate in arts programs?
Visit the Gretchen Brigham Gallery during weekday hours or attend opera performances. Artists may contact us about exhibition opportunities through AGUA.
What outreach programs do you provide?
Our Urban Mission Inn partnership offers mission experiences, while other initiatives address local needs through volunteer opportunities and crisis resource referrals.
Is the church accessible for visitors with disabilities?
Yes, our building features wheelchair accessibility and designated parking spaces in the rear lot accessible from Enright Avenue.
