Happy New Year! As I write, we still haven’t started the twelve days of Christmas, much less rung in 2023. Closing the office the week between Christmas and New Year’s is thus not only such a wonderful gift to me (and the rest of the staff!) but also the occasion to write to our future…
DetailsThe Re-Mod Squad, otherwise known as the Buildings & Grounds Subcommittee (we have to have some fun!), is moving along in addressing maintenance and repair issues on our UCG campus. Erick Smith led a great group of volunteers for a work day in November to tackle the overgrowth in the east parking lot and on…
DetailsOur congregational process to consider whether the United Church of Gainesville will become a Creation Care, Climate Justice-oriented congregation continues, with great support from many of you and our boards and committees. Now that we have considered how we can incorporate care for creation into the works and decision-making processes as a church and as…
DetailsGreetings, UCG Donors! This is the time of year when we wrap up our current year’s commitments, and plan for next year’s donations. Some donors choose to pre-pay their future year commitment for tax purposes – fine by us! However you choose to give, please be sure to make it obvious where your donation is…
DetailsIn early December, Commissioner Chuck Chestnut hosted an appreciation dinner for many of the leaders of the Alachua County Community Remembrance Project. He spoke of the inception meeting, where Jackie Davis and then commissioner Hutchinson shared the powerful experience both had while on our first trip to the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for…
DetailsAs I write this, it looks like our budget for 2022 is going to end the year with income and expenditures balanced. A sincere “Thank You” to all who have helped us get to this point with your pledges and gifts. Without your faithful support, UCG could not exist. 2022 saw the beginning of the…
DetailsThe Building and Grounds Subcommittee, known as the Re-Mod Squad, hosted a Seminar on November 20th titled “Taking Care of Your Church Home”. They presented an update on the context, status and plan for addressing the substantial needs for repairs, renovations, replacements, and upgrades of our UCG campus. Committee member, Liz Harvey, gave a tongue in cheek synopsis of the UCG Campus…
DetailsOn New Year’s Eve, Saturday, December 31, 7:30 – 10:00 PM, people of all faiths are invited to participate in the Global Peace Dance sponsored by Dances of Universal Peace at the United Church of Gainesville, 1624 NW 5th Avenue. In a sacred & joyful candlelit atmosphere with live music, participatory singing & dancing bring the year to closure & welcome…
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Eat Local Grow Hope Global, our food security project, runs till May 2023. In October of 2019, UCG kicked off our first ever partnership with local farms to raise funds and awareness for a women’s gardening project in Guatemala. This was through the organization, Growing Hope Globally. Growing Hope Globally is committed to creating programs…
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We had tremendous Collection for the Gainesville Area AIDS Project’s “To Replenish Everyday Essentials (TREE)” program In October the Compassion in Action Committee partnered with UCG’s Open and Affirming Committee’s PRIDE Sunday celebration as well as the Friendship Group to make our congregation’s giving for the Gainesville Area AIDS Project’s TREE project the best ever! UCG…
DetailsThis month marks the end of UCG’s first year of participation in the Vinery, a program designed to connect congregations across the country who are seeking to re-imagine their engagement with their university neighbors. A vinery is a greenhouse for grape vines; and Christian ministry in particular is rife with images of fruit growing on…
DetailsStepping into the Legacy Museum in Montgomery, Alabama is an immediate, visceral experience. On the giant wall before you run the visually jarring imagery of waves, cresting and crashing first at your feet, then gradually, overwhelming your whole body. The few words that flash across the screen prepare your heart and mind for what you…
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