About Us
We are a Just Peace, Open and Affirming, Caring for Creation, Immigrant Welcoming, Sanctuary Supporting, congregation.
Visitor Information
We often say to visitors at Union that, “We are better because you are here.” We aim to make visiting easy and comfortable.
You are welcome regardless of where you are in your spiritual journey. Children are welcome in the worship services and we have intergenerational activities that enable everyone to grow their faith during worship. All activities at Union are open to visitors and friends of the church.
We look forward to meeting you. Worship services are on Sunday mornings at 9:30 am. A video of each week’s service is available on the home page. All are welcome to join in fellowship after the service for coffee, juice, and treats.
Parking is available on the streets around the church and in the lot that is accessed from Oxford Street.
History
Union Congregational traces its history to 1870, the oldest church in St. Louis Park. In 1870 Sunday services were held at Pratt School near the intersection of Excelsior and Wooddale. In 1878, Clarke Chapel, a branch of Minneapolis’ Plymouth Church in the City of Minneapolis, was built near that location and became the first church in Minneapolis Township (now part of St. Louis Park).
In 1883 the congregation was renamed Union Congregational Church of Minneapolis, and the name of the building itself was changed from Clarke Chapel to Union Church. There were 17 charter members. In 1893 Joseph Hamilton donated land at the corner of Oxford and Alabama, and at his urging the church building was moved to the new site.
In May 1941, the congregation broke ground on the current church sanctuary, which was dedicated in September of that year. The education building was built in 1952. A narthex now then joined the two buildings.
In the Fall of 2023, we broke ground on the Union Park Flats. Union Park Flats is an affordable housing apartment complex expected to open in early 2025. Look for updates on our Union Park Flats Construction page.
Union Congregational operates in a covenant with the United Church of Christ. You can learn more about the United Church of Christ on their website: https://www.ucc.org/who-we-are/about/history/
Our Staff
The Rev. Dr. Elizabeth Mahan
Rev Dr Elizabeth “Liz” Mahan is excited to begin serving as the Designated Minister at Union Congregational UCC. She recently celebrated her 25th Anniversary of ordained ministry. Currently, she is completing an intentional interim ministry position at First Congregational UCC of Mankato. Pastor Liz has served as a board certified healthcare chaplain in long term care centers, hospitals and cancer clinics in urban, suburban, and rural Minnesota. Prior to entering seminary, she worked for a large insurance company in Minneapolis, near the St Louis Park border. Pastor Liz’s interests include gardening, making music with her five instruments, learning Swedish, knitting, and attending as many live performances as possible. She lives in South Minneapolis with her husband and two cats. Pastor Liz will begin her ministry at Union Congregational UCC on September 1, 2023.
Katrina Holthus
Katrina Holthus serves as Financial Secretary and handles all aspects of the Church’s finances from paying bills, recording income and creating financial reports. She has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from the University of Minnesota. She worked in the telecommunications industry for over 30 years in various roles and is now enjoying semi-retirement and loves serving her church as Financial Secretary, singing in the choir and playing hand bells. In her spare time she loves to travel, read books and play video games.
Luke Foster
Luke is our organist, pianist, and accompianist. Luke grew up playing organ at his hometown Methodist church in Traer, Iowa. He graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a Bachelor of Arts in piano and organ. During dental school in Iowa, he studied collaborative music and performed recitals with students and faculty at the University. Luke has extensive experience playing for churches, performing solo recitals, and accompanying for a variety of soloists and students. He especially enjoys bringing energy to worship through sacred and classical works and accompanying his wife’s violin, students, and his own children.
Sarah Foster
Sarah is our Choir Director. Sarah grew up in Robbinsdale, MN. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies. She currently is a Strings Teacher at Blake School in Hopkins, a Contractor of Orchestral Musicians with the Valley Chamber Chorale in Stillwater, and a Violinist with the Cavatina String Quartet in Minneapolis. She previously was the Music Director and Choir Director at Vista Lutheran Church in St. Louis Park. She is thrilled to be called to lead people in musical worship.