University Christian Ministry at NU

UCM is a campus ministry of Northwestern undergraduate and graduate students who try to make faith relevant in daily life. UCM is an honest, safe, and inclusive community following the example of Jesus. We embrace openness, strive to love God, and serve others to the best of our ability.

Whatever your faith or doubts, you are welcome here.

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UCM is sponsored by the United Methodist Church and the Presbyterian Church U.S.A.

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OPEN HEARTS, OPEN MINDS

What does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God? -- Micah 6:8

At UCM, we keep our hearts open to the beauty of creation, to the ways God can work through us, and to the love of warm authentic community. We also keep our hearts open to the cries of the oppressed, to the places we are called to be peacemakers, and the struggles of our community.

We keep our minds open to intellect, reason, and science. We accept doubt as a part of faith and refuse to settle for easy answers. We keep our minds open to different opinions, and we love our neighbors of other faiths.

UCM is a queer inclusive community.

NEW STUDENTS

Welcome to UCM . . .

a place to belong
authentic, meaningful relationships
people from different backgrounds
a connection between faith and intellect
serving God and others
growing in faith and wisdom
working for renewal in society
discovering God’s call for your life
FUN!

"UCM brings people together who come from different faiths to give thanks and highlight what they have in common."

-- UCM Student

MINISTRY TEAM

Offering encouragement and mentoring as you explore your faith

Julie Windsor Mitchell, Campus Minister and Executive Director

revjulie@u.northwestern.edu

Julie has been the campus minister at UCM for 21 years because she loves college students so much! She is an ordained pastor in the United Church of Christ, has dual standing in the United Methodist and Presbyterian Churches, and is a graduate of Brown University and Harvard Divinity School. She loves to talk about life, love, spirituality, and social justice and she will jump right into all the hard questions. When she's not hanging out with UCM folks, you can probably find her traveling abroad (during non-pandemic times), camping with her husband and kids, riding her bike around Evanston or doing burpees.

Brian Lightner, Seminary Intern

Brian is a second year Master of Divinity Student at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. He is from a small town in southwestern Michigan and grew up on a small farm. He enjoys reading, walking, gardening, and is grateful for all of God's creation and creatures. He holds a B.S. in Political Science and a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan. Likewise, it is his hope to share joy and then pass it along one person at a time.

Ben Quint, Seminary Intern

Benjamin Quint is originally from Eastern Iowa on the Mississippi. He is a second year Master of Divinity student at Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. His undergraduate major from the University of Northern Iowa was the Academic Study of Religion with a minor in philosophy. He enjoys reading, watching movies, and playing tabletop role playing games. He looks forward to being a resource for UCM as he fills the role as one of the Seminary Interns.

Lucy McDermott

Lucy is a rising senior studying comparative literature. She has been involved with UCM since her freshman year and on the Leadership Team since spring quarter of 2020. She is looking forward to connecting with UCM students in new ways this fall. Outside of school, she enjoys knitting, talking with friends and going for long walks.

John McDermott

John is a Religious Studies major and member of the class of 2023. He is excited to serve on the UCM leadership team this year. As a member of the leadership team, he helps plan events, and is present at a range of UCM activities from worship to discussion to service and retreats and beyond. He is very much a people person. He loves building relationships with people, and while he tends to stay busy and move quickly, he always loves saying hi and having a quick chat whenever, so feel free to flag him down if you see him at UCM, on campus, or around the city. Outside of the classroom, he competes with the Northwestern Track & Field team, He is a pilot, on a Relay for Life committee, and the treasurer of the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity.

Alexis White

Alexis is a rising senior and an English major. She joined UCM during the spring of her sophomore year and loves the community it provides. Alexis has been part of the leadership team since Spring Quarter 2020. Her hobbies outside of school include reading, creative writing, baking, and gardening.

EVENTS & PROGRAMS

Sunday night informal worship--Due to Covid-19 dinners have been discontinued until further notice
Bible study and discussion
Retreats
Fellowship activities
Service projects
Speakers on social justice issues
Pastoral counseling and crisis intervention

UCM welcomes Northwestern students to join us for:

UCM GALLERY

"UCM is a ministry where Christ is present. Here students have a real passion to use their faith and God given abilities to change the world." -- UCM Student