This year Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of the Lenten season, falls on February 17. We won’t be gathering for in-person worship, given that traditionally, our primary ritual act for the day involves touching the faces of others. This day, however, is rife with meaning, and is a favorite for your ministers. There’s something…
DetailsThe CIA Committee invites you to another “drive-by” donation event! Valentine Gift Bags to brighten the lives of those experiencing homelessness in Gainesville will be accepted from 11am-1pm on Sunday, February 14 at UCG. Volunteers will transfer your donations to colorful handmade drawstring cloth bags which will be delivered to our neighbors at Grace Marketplace…
Details2020 Budget Our church accountant, Catherine Cake, is ready to finalize the 2020 December Budget Report, as we don’t expect any major changes to what was reported in the January newsletter and then at the January 24th Congregational Meeting. Overall income for the year was at 89.7% of what had been budgeted, and overall expenses…
DetailsLenten Contemplative Prayer – Wednesday evenings, February 24, March 3, 10, 17 and 24 – from 6 to 7pm. Sandy Reimer will lead this group via Zoom from the UCG Sanctuary. Contemplative Prayer provides the opportunity for silence, meditation, a reading from the Psalms, as well as reflection and prayers. Following the UCG of Lenten…
Details
Hello Tribes Families! Check out our upcoming events: 2/7 – Activity Time Zoom at 10a.m., children’s story during service with Bromleigh, and a Virtch Church lesson delivered to your email that includes the children’s story and other family activities and prayers. 2/14 – Activity Time Zoom at 10a.m., children’s story during service with Andy, and…
DetailsMany UCG members participated in the bus trip (or traveled on their own) to Montgomery, AL to visit the National Memorial to Peace and Justice, and the Legacy Museum. There we viewed jars of soil collected from the sites of victims of lynching, collected to honor and remember them. The Alachua County Community Remembrance Project…
DetailsYour Family Promise committee has been busy the last few months bringing some holiday cheer and financial assistance to families and individuals experiencing homelessness with Family Promise of Gainesville and Grace Marketplace. Here’s what we’ve been doing: For Halloween, thirteen of our UCG Youth packed up 120 bags of Halloween candy and battery operated tea…
DetailsIn 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…
Details