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University Congregational Church held its first informal meeting in April of 1983, and officially organized soon thereafter.  This is a covenant church in which the congregation vows, in the love of truth, and in the name and spirit of Jesus Christ, (to) join with one another to worship and to live so that peace, justice and brotherhood may prevail in the world. University Congregational Church has no national affiliation.

 The church’s name stems from the fact that the first pastor also was a professor at Wichita State University as were a number of its charter members.  Wichita State University has a Congregational heritage, with its first four presidents being Congregational pastors.  It is the largest university in the nation stemming from Congregational roots.  

Church membership consists of 341 households, which translates to 607 individuals.  This represents a professionally and philosophically diverse membership.  The church keeps membership records current, so there is no inflation in these numbers.  The church holds one Sunday worship service, with attendance averaging 300.

From 1983 to 2001 the pastor of University Congregational Church was Robert R. Meyers.

	In addition to his seminary degree, Dr Meyers received a Ph.D. in English Literature and during his long campus tenure often taught University classes on the Bible.  An Associate Minister was added in 1997.
	Gary Cox, a graduate of Phillips Seminary who also earned a D.Min. from the Chicago Theological Seminary became Senior Minister in 2001.  Dr Cox died in August of 2006, at the age of 51.

Dr. Meyers and Dr. Cox, accomplished speakers and writers, used scholarship to increase the congregation’s knowledge and appreciation of the Gospel message.  The church embraces their inclusive philosophy, believing that a variety of approaches are welcome in considering the life and teachings of Jesus.  This academic orientation must be underpinned by a strong personal faith. 

A recent church survey conveyed the importance to which the congregation values both the substance and style of preaching, as the pulpit is the primary vehicle for pastoral influence.  Members also expressed their preference for a pastor who will be compassionate and approachable.  A good sense of humor found its way into the top characteristics desired.  

The church is housed in a New England Colonial-style structure built in 1987 with a Fellowship Hall added in 1991.  The church has no mortgage and members of the congregation have kept the building and its environs in excellent condition.  Visitors often comment on the beauty of the church.  A full-time Administrative Executive carries out the conduct of church business.

Christian Education comprises 85 young people at the present time, 70 through middle school, and 15 high school students, with average Sunday attendance between 40 and 50.  Sunday school runs concurrently with regular church services.  A full-time director is responsible for the program and is supported by a Board of Christian Education.  There also is an active adult class that meets just prior to regular Sunday services.  This area of the life of the church also was cited to be of major importance in the recent survey.  

Music is outstanding by any measure. A volunteer choir is anchored by paid section leaders and each year 8-10 college students from Friends University and/or Wichita State University receive scholarships for their participation.
	The choir generally has 40 or more singers. The chancel area contains a Schlicker organ, Yamaha grand piano, and a full size harpsichord.

The Outreach Board provided $52,000 to individuals and agencies in Wichita from the operating budget of the church(2006) and occasional goodwill offerings add to that total.

An Endowment  Board oversees a growing fund that will shortly approximate a million dollars.  In a new by-law(10/01/06) the Board will allocate 5% of its holdings to the church based on a three-year rolling average.

A  Board of Deacons is a support group for the Senior Minister and focuses on church worship and fellowship. 

The church has always benefited from an effective  Women’s Guild.  It performs a number of important functions including raising funds for charitable projects in the Wichita community. 

The church is located in the northeast quadrant of Wichita.  The nearby area includes a population of over 40,000 with a median resident age of about 40 years.  Per capita income exceeds $40,000 with household incomes in the range of $90,000-100,000.  Some 81 percent of these are white collar employees.  About a third of those employed are in professional and related organizations. 

Wichita has three accredited universities (Wichita State, Friends and Newman) as well as 15+ branch institutions of state and national type (e.g. Phoenix, Webster, University of Kansas School of Medicine).  Two excellent community colleges are within easy drives from Wichita and there are a number of private colleges in the area.  K-12 educational opportunities are numerous including public, religious, and proprietary schools.  

The metropolitan area of 500,000 boasts an excellent symphony, opera, music theatre, dinner theatre, and a variety of cultural activities.  There are two art museums and a number of specialty museums, a botanical garden, and a 247-acre zoo.  A 17,000-seat sports arena has been approved by the community and soon will be under construction.  The metro area has 18 public golf courses.  Recreational sports facilities are numerous and generally of high quality.  Sports activities for young people are easily located and extensively used.  Restaurants are numerous and affordable. There are three major hospitals in the metropolitan area.   In brief, Wichita has amenities that compare with larger cities, and exceeds many of comparable size.  It has from time to time been designated as an All-American city.