Previously, Henry “Buz” Bireline attended the Lutheran and Methodist Churches. He came to Gainesville to go to school, where he met and married Claudia Hardy. Jobs drew them out of town, but he says “the Gainesville vortex” pulled them back. Buz came to UCG seeking friendship and fellowship, and a church that accepts his trans nephew. He appreciates the beauty of the Sanctuary and the warm welcome from the community. He is a realtor for Bosshardt Realty Services and an outdoorsman who owns Kingfisher Kayak Adventures. Buz enjoys kayaking, fishing, outdoor recreation and is learning to play the guitar. In his family, nicknames starting with “B” are common. He was named after Buzz Aldrin as he was born just days after the first landing on the moon. Claudia Hardy grew up in Gainesville and previously attended the Unitarian church. In 1979, she visited UCG for a while and it left a lasting impact. After returning to Gainesville, she says she and Buz landed at UCG because it is a good fit for both of them and she enjoys the eclectic services and the sense of community. Claudia is also a realtor at Bosshardt and also owns Nest Obsessed Interior Design. Besides interior design, she enjoys reading, cooking, crossword puzzles, yoga, and loves cats!

Nancy Henry was raised Catholic and later attended a local presbyterian church for ten years. She joins UCG looking for something different and a place to be more active in social justice outreach and work to make the world a better place with like-minded people. She loves the activism and diversity UCG offers. Nancy is a retired investor but still works part-time as an administrator for Edward Jones. She runs the Adventure Club of Gainesville which keeps her busy. (Not pictured)

Barbara Kelleher grew up in the Catholic church but now identifies as an atheist. She attended the Unitarian church but was looking for something different. She is a friend of Maureen Killoran who told her about UCG. She really enjoys it here and joins seeking to get involved. She is a retired administrator first in Philadelphia and then in Florida.

Kim Kruse went to an Episcopal school grades 6-9, but otherwise grew up as an agnostic. She found UCG while divorcing in 2019, looking for fellowship and community. The first time she visited, it felt like home, and she loves the Open & Affirming mission and that UCG integrates other religions beyond Christianity. Kim has two kids, Jackson 9, and Ryan 7. She is a fundraiser for UF and also the producer of the GLAM craft show. She loves all things handmade, savoring delicious meals, weightlifting, and hanging out with her two boys.

Susan Bridges Niemann grew up in Gainesville and visited UCG occasionally as a child and then attended the Unitarian church in high school. She joins UCG seeking friendship and a lifelong community for her kids Anna Grace 13, and Owen 9. Susan appreciates the social action at UCG, the aesthetic of the Sanctuary, and loves the “However Known.” Susan owns Monster Press Screen Printing and when not making t-shirts and mugs, she enjoys camping, hiking, reading, and running.

Not Pictured – Susan Schneider and Andrew Pitcher