The Racial Justice Committee is a unique committee as it works closely with organizations in the community as well as supporting education and participation in racial justice initiatives for UCG. Recently, many of our members attended and supported two community roadside markers for lynching victims Tom Williams in Archer, Florida and Moses Smith in the…
DetailsIt has been a challenging year at UCG. This time last year we had hopes of calling a third minister. We weren’t able to do that. However, significant changes to our office staffing have enhanced our management of operations, communications, programming and future fundraising. I’m happy to report that so far, church finances have not…
DetailsHello All, For the past few months, I haven’t had any significant updates to share in my Moderator Minute. This month, I have some important updates on potential work with a Church Consultant. Please read on for more information. Like a lot of you, I’m reeling from the election results. Although it feels like many…
DetailsDear Friends, We find ourselves in transition here at UCG. Whether this feels like we are “once again” or “still” in transition may depend upon your individual perspective. As a congregation, we have been having some important and difficult conversations recently, one centered on hiring an outside consultant to help us heal, grow, and face…
DetailsDear UCG, Between the election results and the knowledge that my time as your minister is drawing to a close, I am feeling a bit more melancholy than usual this time of year. There’s so much that is unknown – and as Lindsey notes below – a growing conviction that whatever comes might be bad.…
DetailsNovember is here and with it comes a season of merriment, gratitude, and introspection. I invite everyone to submit materials to the advent devotional booklet and to participate in the many events that we have coming up in November and December. Thank you to all of you for taking the time to submit your events…
DetailsHappy November, UCG! As we enter the season of gratitude, I first want to say that I could not be more thankful for the opportunity to join Shanna and Ligia as a full-time staff member. I’ve been a member of UCG for more than 12 years and have served as Youth Coordinator part-time since 2021.…
DetailsDear friends, November is here! UCG had a spiritual filled summer and then we kissed the last days of summer goodbye and welcomed the fall season with small group registrations, powerful pride events, climate and creation events, banned books month, putting our youth to work in our seminar rooms, hosting the new Kids Night Out…
DetailsAs you know, the Pathfinder Committee spent this summer examining our church life and structure, and discerning recommendations for moving forward as a congregation. Their final report produced a comprehensive list of recommended actions. The Church Council subsequently approved these recommendations with a few modifications (click here to read the final recommendations). While the Congregation Ministry…
DetailsThe Racial Justice Committee invites you to join us at the Monteocha Historical Marker Unveiling Ceremony. Moses Smith, a victim of racial terror will be remembered. The Alachua County City Remembrance Project and Equal Justice Initiative have inspired this project. Dawn Beachy, UCG Racial Justice member, has been the mentor for remembrance quilts created by…
DetailsNovember Moderator’s Minute (2024) Hello friends! The weather is finally turning a bit cooler. I’m taking advantage of the Fall weather that seems to regularly occur now – at least between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. – when I can wear my sweaters. I am anxiously awaiting a socially appropriate time to…
DetailsDear UCG, You have likely heard this news already, as it has trickled through congregational meetings and Board of Business reports, but the church leadership and I have had to complete several steps before making it “official.” So now, belatedly and hopefully no longer as a surprise to anyone, I offer my resignation from UCG,…
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