Catherine and Sanford Berg are two of our longest-tenured members of the United Church of Gainesville. They joined UCG in 1971- while we were still worshipping at the Presbyterian Student Center on University Avenue. Since then, they have been loyal and loving members and have seen us through many shifts, turns, transitions, and triumphs. They are preparing to move (part-time) to North Carolina, and though they promise they will remain members and friends forever, this is still a significant transition. So please join me in wishing them the best and thanking them for their love and service to UCG.
Catherine was a member of the search committee that called Larry Reimer to be our minister in 1974. Sanford was their tour guide, tasked with driving Larry and Sandy around Gainesville to show them all the beautiful things our community had in store for them. The friendship they struck up that day is still going strong.
Catherine and Sanford have been essential leaders and important voices to the many transitions our church has undergone, from purchasing our current property to the building of our offices, education wing, and Sanctuary. They have supported us through our discussions and decision to be an Open and Affirming Congregation. They have both served on numerous boards and committees, including serving as moderators of our church, and have been active supporters and pioneers as our program offerings grew. Catherine was also the coordinator of our Children’s Programs for a time. Both have been generous supporters of our music ministry as well. Not only do they share their gifts of creativity and music, but it was they who donated both of our beautiful pianos to the church.
Catherine has played for dozens of memorial services, special services, Sunday services, and it was her rendition of “Finlandia” on my interview weekend that I attribute to a grace-filled whisper from God that this is the place for me. And if you’ve ever come to one of our Christmas Eve services, chances are good you have heard her moving rendition of, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” which sets the perfect tone for a candlelight Christmas Eve service; contemplative, hopeful and beautiful.
Sanford has been a loyal supporter of both the choir and the Hogtown Strutters, holding down the woodwind section since the Strutters’ inception. Sanford has also led in other church areas, like when he played Moses for our children’s first experiential Exodus experience, or when he and Stan Smith and Larry Reimer recount the mythical inception of the Squirrel Pie Christmas Gathering for the Men’s Lunch Group every year.
With Sanford and Catherine departing to North Carolina, an important part of our shared history goes with them. But they will not be forgotten and will always be welcomed back as our friends, mentors, and companions on the journey. This is not goodbye- this is simply farewell for now until we meet again.
Blessings to you, Catherine and Sanford, and thank you for all you have done and continue to do for our United Church of Gainesville. You will be missed.
Andy Bachmann
Thank you for being founding members of our community and for all you’ve done for UCG. I’ve admired you both from afar and wish you well! Kari
Catherine and Sanford,
We will miss you both. Catherine, I will miss your beautiful music and your quiet wisdom. Sanford, your gentle presence mixed with that sprinkle of “I’m up for anything” is delightful. I wish you much joy at this next phase of life’s journey. And I look forward to hearing all your news when you return to us. You are forever part of our UCG family! ✨?✨
Your contributions to UCG are probably the greatest of all our laity. I have personally witnessed your kindnesses to many. Thank you for serving as role models. Thanks you for all you have given. I’m so glad you will be back for winters.
Thank you Catherine and Sanford for your lengthy contributions here and enjoy those breathtaking Fall vistas
that will soon become so much a part of your lives!
Coming home to UCG won’t be the same without you! We’ve lived through so much together and I treasure your friendship. On my desk is a folder of important sayings and notes that I read from time to time. In that folder is the note your wrote to me in October, 2001, when I left Gainesville. Thank you.
Dear Catherine and Sanford: You will be missed by so many and I will miss you in my heart because my physical presence is not at the church! How have we known each other? Let me count the ways! Our lives have been intertwined since you arrived here and I believe your were expecting Ellen, although I may have time mixed up! I know you will enjoy being so close to your kids (and their kids!) Soak up all that majesty from the Duke Chapel and we’ll have at least one chat during the summer! Love and Musical Wishes – Beth
Dear Catherine and Sanford,
You have both been such strong leaders at UCG and wonderful mentors to us all. I am glad to have known you these past 27 years.
I wish you joy in your next phase of life’s adventure!
Fondly, Lesley LeBaron
Catherine and I became friends when she invited me to be part of a UCG small group to study spiritual writings. We met bi weekly for about 4 years. Along the way we shared our life learnings, both of us having a keen interest in the intersection of psychology and spirituality. Fly, my friend, to the next unknown. North Carolina is lucky to get you two!
Both of you are deeply woven into my memories of UCG over these many years. So many wonderful memories of music and more. I console myself that you intend to return to UCG and Gainesville every now and then. No final goodbyes!!
Love,
Star
Catherine and Sanford,
From Kristin: I met you both through Contemplative Prayer (not sure if it was Advent or Lenten, probably both!). You have been wonderfully supportive of my journey as a professor and administrator at UF and my spiritual journey here at UCG. Our church has been phenomenally lucky to have you both as such dedicated members for all of these years. The gifts of your talents and love for UCG will continue as will warm memories we will carry in our hearts. Please do come back when you can and all the best as you begin this new chapter in your lives.
From Glenn: I’ll echo Kristin’s thanks to both of you. Sanford, I really appreciate your kind concerns for me as I’ve been going through chemo this past year. We look forward to seeing both of you when you come back during the year and that will be a wonderful treat.
The Bergs have always been there for the church. They are good friends and will be missed, even though they have promised to be here when they can.
We look forward for new possibilities.
I have enjoyed the Bergs’ musical presence at UCG. I am hoping they enjoy North Carolina and stay in tune for when they return to us!
You are, individually and as a couple, simply indispensable.
I have enjoyed both of you and remember the lovely musical contributions you have made. Your sincere helping nature is a blessing. Thanks for being a friend.