“UPCaM is a Christ-centered ministry welcoming all students into an open and caring community to connect, explore their faith, and make an impact on our world.”

UPCaM is a progressive Christian ministry for all students attending college in Cleveland. We serve students from many denominations including United Methodist, Presbyterian, United Church of Christ, Disciples Christian Church, American Baptist, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Episcopal, and more. UPCaM is currently in residence at Case Western Reserve University as a part of the Inter-religious Council. We also hope to build community and relationships with students at Tri-C Campuses and Cleveland State University. Weekly worship (and a meal) is Sunday evenings at 6:30pm at Church of the Covenant, 11205 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH. All are welcome!

We offer a drop in art studio at the Common Ground Studio Maker Space where students explore a myriad of creative outlets that connect them to Spirit. Pastoral care and individual meetings with Campus Minister, Amanda Powell are available. Throughout the semester we offer retreats and nature hikes as well as opportunities to serve the community through mission work and outreach. UPCaM is is LGBTQ+ affirming and celebrating. We work in conjunction with The Mather Women’s Center, The LGBTQ+ Center and many others on Case’s campus. Each semester UPCaM follows the direction of student leaders and participants in shaping mission work, community service, outings, and activities. UPCaM responds to student need, interest, local and global events to be a space for students to process, worship, express, question, and grow.

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Since 1951, UPCaM has proudly championed campus ministries for college students across greater Cleveland.  From our earliest days housed within the Salvation Army to our evolution into the United Christian Ministries, UPCaM has remained a progressive campus ministry proud to be a mission outreach serving young adults. UPCaM uplifts social justice, peace, and a spiritual openness for all human beings clearly exemplified in the ministry of Jesus.  

Throughout the years our program offerings and delivery models have changed, yet Jesus who calls us into these ventures remains the same -- yesterday, today and tomorrow. Today, our mission and ministry is a 501c3 not-for-profit made possible thanks to our many church partners: seven supporting denominations, many local congregations and generous friends of UPCaM.

UPCaM seeks to complement and supplement students' academic experience. Our aim is to be a witness for Christ's wider church as student’s learn and grow in leadership while on campus.

​This is UPCaM's 74th year! We remain grateful for all the trailblazers and advocates for their championing of this ecumenical campus ministry! We give God thanks for each of UPCaM’s former Executive Directors. Rev. Shelley Nelson-Bridger (2018-2024) Rev. Barbara Essex (2013-2018),  Rev. Donna Hughes (2009-2013), and Rev. Kim Hauenstein (1995-2008).