In a year where the world’s needs exceed our imagination, it is a balm for our souls to know we are a community of faith that does what we can with what we have, making the world brighter by sharing our bounty. Here is a brief list of the ways your family of faith has…
DetailsAs the months of physical distance from our beloved community continue, we are always looking for ways to maintain our connections to one another. With rising COVID numbers in our area, and the anticipation of more cases to come, we’ll be trying something different with our Virtch Church experience beginning on January 17th. Our Virtch…
DetailsIn spite of the restrictions imposed by the pandemic and especially because of those limitations, Kairos members have assisted our pastors in caring for the congregation. In the last few months, we have: Sent numerous cards and messages of encouragement, solace, and sometimes commendation, to those on the weekly prayer lists. Sent Christmas greetings to…
DetailsFood insecurity is still in our backyard. Ten years ago, UCG started the Food 4 Kids weekend backpack program to feed the neediest children in Gainesville. Sadly, as we begin our 11th year, nothing has changed for the children. Too many are hungry and dependent on their schools for daily meals. Can you imagine how…
DetailsHi Families, I hope you and your family found moments of joy during this Christmas season. I know many of your children brought so many tons of joy with their Christmas pageant performances and sweet videos! We kick off 2021 still socially distancing, but eagerly awaiting the day when we will be back together in…
DetailsMartin Luther King, Jr. Commission of Florida and the Alachua County Community Remembrance Project are working together to present an online panel discussion of the film Just Mercy on Sunday, January 10, 2021 at 4 PM. The event will be moderated by Assistant County Manager Carl Smart, and panelists will include Sheriff-elect Clovis Watson, Public…
DetailsThe UCG Sunday Seminar Committee is proud to announce a line-up of coming seminars we are certain you will enjoy. Join us every Sunday morning at 11:15, live on Zoom. Meeting ID: 829 6457 0385, Passcode: 1624 Jan 10 — COVID 2021 Update – Drs. Eric Nelson and Danielle Nelson will return to UCG and give…
DetailsOn Sunday, January 10, the LifeSouth BloodMobile will be at UCG from 9am – 1pm. They have many protocols in place to protect donors and keep them safe and healthy. Safety Protocols: Prospective blood donors are registered at the tent outside of the bus, set up for physical distancing. A donor services tech will take…
DetailsI love to watch the sunrise. On vacation, when most sensible people are staying in bed as long as possible, I often scamper out and run to the nearest horizon to witness the night give way to the day. Sunrises inspire hope in my heart and have a real-time reminder that THIS day is unique;…
DetailsEnlistment Update In November we officially ended our 2020 enlistment campaign, during which we asked members of our faith community to pledge their financial gifts to sustain the life and ministry of the United Church of Gainesville. A number of additional pledges have been received since and we are delighted to announce that in the…
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We remember the blessed life and passing of one of our finest writers, Nobel Laureate, Toni Morrison (February 18, 1931-August 5, 2019) by sharing one of her beautiful poems. Rest in peace, your words live on and guide and challenge us. Eve Remembering I tore from a limb fruit that had lost its green. My…
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Thank you all for the wonderful conversations and comments following my service last Sunday. While I never expect everyone to agree with me, and want to be careful not to tell you where to follow your conscience, I do hope that the conversation will continue. Many of you asked me what we could do and wanted more…
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