The Union Church of Rio (UC Rio) is an Oasis for English Speakders in the city of Rio.
Located in the Beautiful neighborhood of Barra, Union celebrates a one-hundred and thirty-year history, and rich diversity, being made up of people from many nationalities.
What unites us though, is not only that we speak English, but that we love Jesus.
We are Gospel-Centered, Disciple-Making, and Church-Planting.
Our vision is to give every English Speaker in Rio an opportunity to know and worship Jesus, and to follow Him, with us, discovering your purpose and mission.
Whether you’re seeking an oasis of renewal or a launchpad of opportunity, to share the hope of Christ, we have a place for you.
I invite you to join us on Sunday Mornings, at 10 o’clock for worship and fellowship at the Union Church.
Our full Children’s ministry will help you enjoy the experience knowing that your child is being well cared for and learning about Jesus.
I am certain you and the whole family will be blessed.
2 Tim 3 :16,17
16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
2 Corinthians 9:6-8.
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Acts 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished, and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
Colossians 3:9-13
9 Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices 10 and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator.11 Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another
Pastor Craig Weyandt is originally from the United States growing up in a variety of small towns and big cities, mostly in the North East. However, he came to know Jesus in a Chicago Suburb and graduated from Taylor University with a BA in Psychology and a Minor in Communications. He did his theological studies at Gordon- Conwell Theological Seminary and graduated in 1990. Pastor Craig is ordained by the Evangelical Free Church of America (EFCA) and has served with EFCA Reach Global in Rio de Janeiro for the past 19 years. His passion for the local church, making disciples and pastoral ministry began when he was an adolescent as a result of coming to know Jesus in a personal way and “bowing the knee” to Him as his Lord and Savior. God used the legacy of his parent’s faith, deep friendships in the local Church and Gifted Pastors teaching the Word of God, as catalysts to respond to Jesus’ gracious call to follow him and fish for people. More recently Pastor Craig’s spiritual and cultural journey has been greatly enhanced by walking alongside of brave disciples, church-planters, and missionaries working in the poor and dangerous neighborhoods of Rio. Working in Partnership towards Gospel Endeavors that leads to transformed lives among the humble and meek has been his greatest privilege as a cross-cultural missionary. Craig is married to Alessandra and father of Alyssia. Sports, Fishing and Outdoor activities for many years had been his hobbies, but today what he enjoys most on his time off is date-night in Zona Sul with Alessandra and drawing pictures of Mermaids and Princesses (and sometimes Tigers) with his 5-year-old daughter, Alyssia. The following is an invitation to come visit UC by Pastor Craig.
Our 10.00am Sunday services are informal with contemporary worship, prayer and the preaching of God’s Word. There is no dress code at the church, so come smart or casual as you feel is most comfortable for Rio’s weather.
During the service we provide an opportunity for our church family to give financially towards the work of the church. As a guest, please do not feel obliged to participate in the offering unless you want to.
Before the preaching begins, the children (2 ½ -12) leave for their own activities. If your child is younger you may like to consider using the supervised crèche that is available the whole meeting.
On the first Sunday of the month we have the Lord’s Supper together to celebrate Jesus’ death and resurrection. If you are a Christian, you are welcome to join us in this meal. If you would not consider yourself a Christian, feel free not to participate – no offense taken.
Every Sunday we serve drinks and snacks straight after the morning meeting and on the first Sunday of the month, we enjoy lunch together. As you will see, doing church together doesn’t stop when the meeting finishes – it carries on!
My soul is weary with sorrow; strengthen me according to your Word.
© Copyright 2021 Union Church of Rio de Janeiro
Av. Prefeito Dulcídio Cardoso 4351- Barra da Tijuca, Rio de Janeiro.
