Ray Meeks is Turning 70!
Ray Meeks had already been on death row for 8 years when I met him in 1980. He was 27. He stayed on Death Row until 2017 when his sentenced was commuted to life in prison. This June he’ll turn …
Continue readingBuildings and Grounds Update – June 2023
It seems like just yesterday that I gave this report – and indeed it was – at the Congregational Meeting, so if you were present there you can just skip this because nothing exciting has happened in the last 24 …
Continue readingSunday Seminars – June 2023
Join us this month for our Seminars each Sunday at 11:15 a.m. in Reimer Hall or on Zoom. Meeting ID: 829 6457 0385 Passcode: 1624. See the offerings below. June 4 – “Navigating Climate Challenges: Reflecting on Gainesville’s …
Continue readingBoard of Business – June 2023
For 2023 the Congregation approved an operating budget totaling $966,677. Revenue to support this amount comes from giving and income. Our giving represents a little over 90% of the budget either through our pledges or from weekly offerings received during …
Continue readingCamp UCG – All God’s Critters: Flying Animals Edition
C.A.M.P. UCG for children entering Rising K-6th Grade will be July 24-28, 2023! Our theme is “All God’s Critters: Flying Animals Edition.” There will be special guests, a water slide day, yummy snacks, spiritual exploration, and a visit from some …
Continue readingUCG Supper Club – May 2023
The last supper club of the season will be on Sunday, May 21 at 6:30 pm. Once again, Jim and Lisa McElwee-White are welcoming the entire group to their lovely home on Kanapaha Prairie and Barbecue King, Jim White, …
Continue readingMiddle School Together & Youth United Happenings for May 2023
The nearly 30-students in grades 6-9 who have spent the last nine months in Our Whole Lives (OWL) classes finished with a wonderful overnight on April 28-29. Many thanks to all our parents and facilitators, especially Jeremy Archer, Gade Duerkson, …
Continue readingUnited Tribes – May 2023
April was a full month for the children of UCG, especially in United Tribes. On Easter Sunday, they enjoyed an epic Egg Hunt, as well as many games and activities leftover from the Spring Fling and donated by the University …
Continue readingThe Vinery in the News
As our young adult group continues to meet, and our group of college and university faculty and staff continues to find its way, your Vinery lead team has been attending online learning sessions on “human-centered design thinking” and planning our …
Continue readingWelcome our Newest Staff!
We welcome our newest staff! Heather Dewar, Communications Strategy Specialist; Chad McGinnis, Worship and Music Coordinator; and Ellen Ribe, Pastoral Care Coordinator. Heather Dewar – Communications Strategy Specialist Heather Dewar is a native Floridian who grew up exploring Biscayne …
Continue readingTransitional Staff (and Volunteer) Updates!
When Andy announced his retirement in January, Talia and I began to look at past transition strategies at UCG, and to partner with Barb Gibbs, Jeremy Archer and others to imagine how to both continue our vital day-to-day ministries with …
Continue readingClergy Corner – May 2023
Sunday again reminded me of how lucky I am to have been called to serve as a pastor of the United Church of Gainesville. I’m still flying high after that incredible day. Thank you so much for coming out and …
Continue reading