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Our programs of education, reflection and discussion for adults stand with our worship, our outreach to others, and our commitment to our children and youth as the cornerstones for the entire church life. We offer a variety of adult programs with different structures, leaders, and meeting times.
From late August through May, we offer several adult seminars each Sunday on a wide variety of topics. UCG members and community leaders share their interests and their experience in the areas of spiritual nurture and practice, environmental consciousness and action, political and social issues, the arts, and parenting as well as general family and life issues. These seminars, from 11am to noon, are open to everyone. Child care is provided.
To see this month's seminar offerings, click "Seminars" in the drop-down menu.
In the fall and in the winter/spring of each year, we offer a variety of small group experiences for adults: spiritual exploration, personal growth, meditation, the arts, fellowship, and recreation. Some meet on Sundays; some meet on week-day evenings. Some meet one time; some meet regularly for several weeks or months. All are led by UCG members or friends.
Participants must register in advance for these groups. Adult Small Group Brochures, with registration forms, are distributed in late August for the fall groups and early January for the winter/spring. You can also call the church office at any time to inquire about the groups.
To see this season's Adult Small Group offerings, click "Small Groups" in the drop-down menu.
UCG has a small group for teens and adults with special needs, that meets regularly, and is called the Friendship Group. These young adults meet twice a month for a variety of activities, such as crafts, music, Bible study, service projects, dancing, as well as trips out for lunch and bowling. The Friendship Group began in 2002 and is supported by a wonderful group of volunteers who help facilitate and schedule the meetings for this active group.
Check the newsletter each month for special fellowship events throughout the year. On the Gathering of Waters Sunday in August, there is a brunch. Our fall TGIF progressive evening happens in early October. After the evening Lessons and Carols service in December 9, there is a reception with wonderful desserts. Each year in January or February, we have an adult winter party. There is a brunch between all of the Easter services. And on the weekend closest to July 4, we have an evening service followed by an ice cream social.
Men’s and Women’s Lunch Groups – Every Friday, from noon to 1pm, Men’s Lunch Group meets in the Fellowship Hall and Women’s Lunch Group meets in the Library. These are drop-in groups; just show up and BYOL. Whether there are twenty people or four, on any given Friday, there is always someone to eat lunch with. Conversations range from the humorous to the poignant as we share about family, work, what’s happening in Gainesville, recommendations for carpet cleaners, social and political issues, movies, books, plays, and all the dimensions of life! In December, each group has a special Christmas lunch.
Parents – check out these links for additional family activities (links)
Overnights – Every season holds opportunities for small group overnights. This year, there is a Men’s Grouper Therapy Fishing Overnight in October, a Silent Retreat in November, and a Women’s Overnight on February 2 and 3rd. .
All Church Retreat – UCG has held an annual spring Retreat, for everyone from babies to elders, since 1968. This year, our Retreat is April 25 to 27th at Lake Yale Baptist Assembly near Leesburg, Florida, a little less than 2 hours from Gainesville. During the week-end, there are planned activities for every age group as well as terrific child care for babies and toddlers. There is worship, recreation, a Variety Show, and many opportunities for connections with other folks and for relaxation. All meals are provided. We usually have over 250 participants.
After March 1st, Click on "Overnights and Retreats" on the drop-down menu for more information about this year's retreat.
Workshops - Once a year we invite a major speaker to deliver a workshop at UCG. In the past speakers included Jeremy Taylor on Dreams, John Dominic Crossan on the Jesus Seminar, J. Philip Newell on Celtic Spirituality, and Walter Wink on Biblical Parables.