Our theme this Lenten season is “Elemental.” Each week as we move closer to Easter, a story of life and love stronger than all things, we explore the ways in which we are connected to one another, to the earth, to the sky, to the sacred. Ash Wednesday: Dust February 21: Earth – Bromleigh McCleneghan…
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“By the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken; you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” -Genesis 3:19 This verse gets a lot of attention, or at least the last phrase does, as we approach Ash Wednesday and the…
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We miss attending church in person. I miss our Picnic in the Park Small Group and our Movie Group. Or, more accurately, I miss seeing UCG friends in those groups. So, although Kairos members continue to contact the home bound and send cards to those on the prayer concern lists, wouldn’t it be great if…
DetailsThe first set of survey results are here! As part of our newly-adopted Three Year Plan, we have committed to periodically checking in with each other to assess how well church programs are meeting our needs for spiritual nurture, connection, and accessibility. Over 100 UCG members gave input on church programs from July-October. Thank-you to…
DetailsThis 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…
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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…
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