Dear 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,…
DetailsDear UCG, The first thing I ever bought from UCG was a “Black Lives Matter” sign from our Racial Justice Committee, in the fall of 2020. Our Pride service that year was online only, but the afternoon featured a drive-through event, at which you could get communion, your BLM sign, an art kit for kids…
DetailsDear friends, As the last months of the year start to creep ever closer, I want to remind everyone that my position here is changing. However, I’m always happy to assist or point you to the right person for any inquires you may have. I would like to ask everyone to please remember to check with…
DetailsFrom the Board of Business – October 2024 Well, a lot has changed since I wrote my last article for the newsletter. The Board of Business had a first draft of our 2025 budget, and all was looking good. However, that was written in mid-August, and since then we’ve received the Pathfinder Subcommittee report with…
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