We will begin a new worship theme this Sunday: “Pen Pals.” Rev. Talia will preach on the oldest witness to what would become Christianity, Paul’s letters. This will also be Rev. Dr. Donna Schaper’s first Sunday with us at UCG …
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The search process for our next UCG Associate Minister has begun. As per our UCG policies and procedures, the nominations for Search Committee members were contributed by the congregation, vetted for every possible representation, diversity, and availability by Council Exec, …
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I do this weird thing with wine and bread every once in a while. My wife Tracy busts me almost every time I do it, but still, I do it anyway. Often, gathered around our dinner table, I’ll take a …
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We are preparing for Gathering of Waters and it is a joyful time of reunion after a summer apart for many UCG’ers. As we gather this Sunday, may we hold in heart and in prayers those suffering because of the …
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My friend David Hackett stopped by the office today, to briefly ponder the modern day dilemma of chronic screen-time. And on his way out, he directed me to a youtube video I had to check out. Ironic, no? And yet, …
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Sabbath doesn’t always bring rest. And Easter doesn’t always remind me of resurrection. Sometimes, the message of Easter is simply, “endure.” Not the most hope-filled word, I know. But sometimes, it is all we can do. It was hard not …
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Like many of you, I’ve been heartbroken this week. It is hard to imagine Easter arriving by Sunday, but I was also reminded that heartbreak is our natural companion during Holy Week. Any words I could offer feel inadequate, but …
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In the fall we completed an All-Church Survey that helped to discern three priorities the congregation has for the direction of our life together over the next three years. Those priorities named by UCG respondents to the Survey had to …
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This past Sunday I preached about the greatest birthday gift I ever gave myself. It was when I turned 40 years old, and I knew I wanted to do something epic. So I asked all of my friends the whole …
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Over the past many months, artists from around the world have been transforming our city walls into giant works of art here in Gainesville, Florida. 352walls has transformed many of our downtown buildings into eye-catching, mind blowing and head scratching …
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Recently our church moderator, Nancy asked the gathered congregation to reflect upon some favorite moments at United Church of Gainesville that come to us with the arrival of the fall season. Lots of favorites came to mind: First Sunday back …
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Watch as we zoom right into the year 2015. 50 years after our very first year as a congregation we find ourselves at a crossroads. As a congregation we’ve experienced birth, growth, change and evolution. In honor of all this …
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