What Events and Ministries Does Bridgeport United Church of Christ Offer?
Updated
Bridgeport United Church of Christ (621 NE 76th Avenue, Portland, OR) hosts a mix of worship, arts, justice, and community-building programs. Its recurring and signature events include an annual Drag Brunch, monthly Candlelight Prayer services with Taizé-style music, and ministry teams focused on justice and the arts. The church also supports community initiatives such as Beacon Village PDX and the Bridgeport Community Garden. Below is what the church's own site says about each, so you can decide what fits your interest.
Worship and Candlelight Prayer
The church meets for worship in person and on Zoom each week at 10:30 AM PST. Masks are no longer required in the building, but they are provided for those who wish to wear them. On-site childcare and a nursery are available during service.
A separate monthly offering is the Candlelight Prayer service, described as designed for those who love Taizé:
- Format: Repetitive, simple songs intended to quiet the mind; the service combines meditation and music.
- Leadership: Designed and given by Artist-in-Residence Stephanie Lynne Smith.
- Schedule (as listed): The next service is Friday, Oct 30th. Choir and instruments rehearse at 6 PM; the service begins at 7 PM.
- Who it's for: Explicitly open to everyone, not just the Bridgeport UCC community.
- Contact: [email protected] for more information.
Annual Drag Brunch
The Drag Brunch is the church's headline community event, now in its 4th annual edition. The site frames it around the message "We celebrate the 'T' in LGBT!" and lists the date as Oct 10th. Tickets are available through a link on the church's page ("Get tickets to the DRAG BRUNCH Here").
If you're planning around it, note that the page presents the date and ticket link together, so confirm current details on the site before making plans.
Ministry Teams
Two named ministry teams appear in the church's navigation:
| Ministry Team | Focus implied by name |
|---|---|
| Justice & Witness Ministry Team | Justice and public witness work |
| Worship & The Arts Ministry Team | Worship life and artistic expression |
The site lists these as standing teams rather than one-off events, which suggests they are ongoing ways to get involved beyond attending a service.
Community Initiatives
Beyond its own programming, the church highlights two community-facing projects:
- Beacon Village PDX Community — a community initiative listed alongside the church's ministries.
- Bridgeport Community Garden — a garden project connected to the church.
The site also references Junk In the Trunk, described as an event that recently completed its 2026 edition, with thanks to everyone who participated.
Who This Community Is For
The church describes itself as "an LGBTQ affirming, authentic community working for peace, justice and the integrity of creation." It states it stands against racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, Islamophobia, and anti-Semitism, and identifies as an Anti-Racist, Open & Affirming, Just Peace, Immigrant Welcoming Congregation. It adds that it is "intentionally inclusive of those who are LGBTQAI+" and welcomes people with their questions, doubts, and curiosities.
Quick Reference
| Offering | When / Status | How to engage |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly worship | 10:30 AM PST, in person and Zoom | Join in person or via the Zoom link on the site |
| Candlelight Prayer | Monthly; next listed Oct 30th, 7 PM | Open to all; contact [email protected] |
| Drag Brunch | Annual; 4th annual, listed Oct 10th | Ticket link on the church's page |
| Justice & Witness Ministry Team | Ongoing | Listed as a ministry team |
| Worship & The Arts Ministry Team | Ongoing | Listed as a ministry team |
| Beacon Village PDX | Community initiative | Listed on the site |
| Bridgeport Community Garden | Community initiative | Listed on the site |
| Junk In the Trunk | 2026 event completed | Watch for the next edition |
For current dates, ticket availability, and Zoom access, check the church's site directly, since event details and links are updated there.