| The University Church is an evangelical
house-church located in Athens, Georgia, standing for historic, reformational
Christianity. Founded in 1970 for the purpose of communicating Biblical
orthodoxy within the University community, University Church has grown
over the years, now ministering to many beyond these academic circles.
The church has had close ties to the Presbyterian Church in America and
to its predecessor, the Reformed Presbyterian Church. Its government
is modeled after historic Presbyterianism, and its worship seeks to be
reverent, tasteful and orderly in the fashion of its Reformed heritage.
Moreover, University Church stands in the twentieth century evangelical
line of serious Bible study and in the New Testament tradition of an organized
church life with elders, deacons and a definitive membership. The
vitality of University Church is dependent upon the graciousness of God
as evidenced in the commitment of its constituents, members and nonmembers
alike.
Teaching No small emphasis is
placed on Biblically-based theological instruction at University Church.
We believe that the teaching of the Scriptures is the only foundation for
a true knowledge of God, for sound experience, and for living a meaningful,
productive and stable Christian life. The Bible is the supreme authority
and the ultimate guide in all of our discussions and studies. We
place a strong emphasis on historic reformational interpretation of the
Scriptures, the sense of community which should characterize a church,
an informed use of the sacraments as unique means of God's grace, and the
believer's responsibility to society.
Worship The worship services are
conducted by leaders chosen from the congregation. Likewise, the
congregation is invited to join in voluntary expressions of thanksgiving
and petition, and in intercessory prayer. After the sermon individuals
may bring exhortations and reports of God's working in their lives.
Locale The University Church meets
in a large century-old house in a restoration district. The house-church
setting provides a personal environment conducive to community-minded Christian
fellowship. Sharing, mutual support and the living of lives in common
with fellow believers is therefore encouraged. To this end, a meal
is served on Sundays and a potluck is shared Wednesday evenings.
Typically, many of our constituents find time for one another during the
week. Because it meets in a house, the financial demands on the church
are minimized, enabling the fellowship to better direct its resources toward
ministry and missions. The house church concept finds its roots in
New Testament Christianity, and is practiced worldwide today. It
has proven a tremendous benefit to our fellowship.
Minister The minister of University
Church is Parker James, a 2007 graduate of Columbia Theological Seminary.
Parker had attended University Church and had lived in the house where
the church meets during his undergraduate studies in International Business
and Finance at the University of Georgia.
Visitors Though the church meets
in a house, a surprising number of visitors manage to find us from week
to week. We welcome our visitors, believers and nonbelievers, the
serious inquirer and the curious onlooker. We hope that they will
benefit from gathering with us in the name of the Lord, as we benefit from
their coming our way.
Schedule
Sunday mornings, we meet at 10:00 o'clock for worship. Following
the worship service is a time of fellowship and refreshments. The
discussion, study hour and children's Sunday School begin around 11:30.
Nursery is provided during both the worship and discussion hours.
Dinner is served around 12:30 for those who wish to stay and is prepared
by various members with the cost shared through a small contribution.
The sacrament of communion is celebrated the first Sunday of every month
during the worship service, and on each other Sunday in the parlor at 9:30
before the worship service. Believers are encouraged to participate
in this renewal of God's covenant.
Wednesday evenings, we meet at 6:30 for a potluck supper and fellowship.
Afterward a Bible study, an organized discussion group, or a prayer meeting
is often scheduled for those who are interested.
We welcome interested nonbelievers and those who are considering
the claims of Christ. We believe that the "communion of the saints,"
the fellowship of God's people, is a powerful means of grace drawing others
to consider the claims of the Gospel.
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