Is your congregation near a college or university? Do you feel called to start, expand or revitalize your university ministry? Does participating with other PC(USA) congregations from across the country through a proven program of support and guidance excite you? Then the PC(USA)/UKirk Vinery Cohort might be right for you!
Starting with an in-person gathering at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simon’s Island January 25-28, 2026, each team of 3 people will gather with their cohort during monthly virtual meetings and also receive individual coaching to support your congregation’s journey. The cost of the cohort is $1,500 a year for two years and the cost of travel to the annual in-person gathering for your team. All other expenses will be paid by a generous grant by the Lilly Endowment.
The Vinery is the perfect opportunity for congregation’s with active college ministries, those who are revisiting what it means to live into their calling as university churches, and even those who are discerning for the first time how God is calling you to connect with your neighboring university. If you feel you are not quite ready for the 2-year experience, there is also a Readiness Pathway where your church can receive both coaching and a curriculum guide to help you take the next steps.
You can find out more information via this The Vinery UKirk Partnership infographic, by watching this video about The Vinery’s work supporting university proximate churches, or by reading UKIRK The Vinery_ What to Know (2026).
You can also reach out to Rev. Maggie Proshek, Program Director of The Vinery, Rimes McElveen, Executive Director, or Rev. Dr. Gini Norris-Lane, UKirk Executive Director to ask questions or find out more information.
Ready to go? Fill out this application by Monday, November 24th.
“I think the Vinery has done an excellent job of providing us the space and resources and time necessary to reflect deeply on how we might show up for our university neighbors. As a young campus ministry shared between two congregations, the space for reflection, dreaming, and planning has been quite invaluable.”
-The Rev. Josh Huber, Calvary Episcopal Church, Columbia, Missouri