Living our faith in concern for all people.

The United Church of Gainesville is an Open and Affirming (ONA) Congregation, which means we welcome people of all sexual orientations and gender identities and expressions into every aspect of church life and leadership. See more information about the history of our Open and Affirming congregation in the video below:

Being Open and Affirming is not just a statement we make, but a value we live out every day and through these and other programs:

Pride in the Park, Service, and Seminar

We have a special service and seminar for Pride every year.  Look for our booth at Gainesville Pride.  We also have an Open and Affirming Sunday Social every month. Come get to know members of United Church of Gainesville (UCG) in a fun and inclusive environment, hosted by Open and Affirming Committee (ONA). We meet on the Second Sunday of the month in the afternoon or evening.

“Together is Better” T-Shirts

Show your ONA support by purchasing a Together is Better tee shirt (designed by Cai Husband) and wear it with Pride! 

Unisex adult shirts (S-4XL) are $20 and youth sizes (S-L) are $15. In addition to the black, white T-shirts will be available and can be tie-dyed at our Pride event. Our t shirts are available for purchase in the Courtyard on Sundays in October and November.

Proceeds from shirt sales are given to local LBGTQ+ support organizations. Past recipients have included; Transgender Day of Remembrance, Interface Youth Shelter and the Pride Community Center of North Central Florida.

Submit your organization for ONA support by contacting the United Church of Gainesville office.

Transgender Day of Remembrance

Our congregation participates annually in the Transgender Day of Remembrance, marking the lives of trans people lost to violence in the previous year and advocating for justice and protection for the trans community.

Lobby Days

UCG advocates for legislation around LGBTQ+ justice issues as part of Equality Florida’s annual Lobby Days event. We meet with representatives from around the state to demand equality and legal protections for all Floridians.

Join the Fight

For more information on how you can join the UCG ONA committee, please contact Brandon Telg or Mary Fukuyama.