A Note about
"What's Up
at UCG?"
We hope you find these e-mails informative and useful, but we also know that many of you have full in-boxes already! If you'd rather not receive these mid-week updates from UCG, you may unsubscribe by following the link at the bottom of this page. We'll be sad to see you go, but we understand!
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Electronic Giving
UCG has a system in place which allows you to contribute by automatic deposit. Click here to find out more or to sign up.
"If you have a question or would like some assistance setting up e-giving, Louise Gemmell (740-587-0336) or Jerry Griffin (749-403-6399) would be glad to help!"
And remember that you can always listen to past
sermons on our webpage!
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115 W. Broadway
SW Corner of Broadway & Main
Granville, OH 43023
(740) 587-0336
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I've noticed that as we approach May 1st ("May Day" and the traditional beginning of summer), many UCG folks have been posting nature photos online... Thanks for these beautiful reminders of our precious world!
This Sunday, we celebrate not only the coming of summer, but also International Worker's Day in worship. We're glad for organizations like
Interfaith Worker Justice that maintain the prophets' focus on
shalom (the peace that comes from right relationship) for all workers, and would-be workers. Follow this link for
"What Faith Groups Say about Worker Justice."
...and enjoy the beginnings of summer!
Shalom,
Dwight
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Thank you!
To all who provided food and hospitality last weekend at the memorial service for Sybil Robertson and/or at Sunday's Agape Gathering! Yet more examples of "holding the space" for community!
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POSTPONED!
Saturday's planned trip to the Noor Islamic Center in Dublin
Our trip planned for this Saturday is being postponed. Thanks to all who RSVP'ed
!
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Come this Sunday to hear more about the (14 or so?!) Circles that are starting up this summer! A new display with many of the
Circles' information is already in the sanctuary, and will be highlighted in this week's worship...
Upcoming circle opportunities:
Haiku Circle: Sunday, May 15th, 2:30 PM at Dawes Arboretum
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REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN
...for both students & volunteers!
Granville VBS June 6-10, 2016
Granville Ecumenical Vacation Bible School provides Christian programming, fellowship, and fun for children, preschool through sixth grade, utilizing teen and adult volunteers from the community. We strive to build relationships across congregational lines by focusing on our common beliefs.
Click here to register!
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Youth! It's BYC Registration time, too!
Every year, many of our youth (entering grades 7-12 and new graduates) enjoy a week of Baptist Youth Camp in the Blue Ridge Mountains of western North Carolina at the Laurel Ridge Camp, Conference & Retreat Center--this year, the camp dates are
June 26th-July 1st. This camp is put together by volunteers and youth workers from a coalition of progressive Baptist churches around the country, including our own Julie Reiswig and has always been a great experience.
Julie shares that Baptist Youth Camp registration forms are due by May 15.
Click here to download the forms!
You may drop them off at church, or send them directly to Julie at: 1325 Lundy's Lane, Newark, OH 43055.
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Staff & Office News...
Administrator Louise Gemmell will be on vacation from Monday, May 9 to Friday, May 13.
Also, from Pastor Dwight --
"Most of you know that last year I began a Doctor of Ministry program through Andover Newton Theological School in Newton (near Boston), Massachusetts. Some of you also know that this program--which could normally have be completed over the course of six years--is going to need to be compressed into two and a half years because of Andover's recent decision to sell its historic campus and to take a "bold new direction" (talks are underway about a potential merger with Yale's Divinity School, and students currently in degree programs need to be completed by May, 2018). Anyway, I thank you all for accomodating my trips to Boston this past school year so that I could take a number of required residential courses in quick order. The last on-site course will be coming up--in early June. Next school year will include (off-site) independent studies, with thesis-writing the year to follow. Thanks so much for your patience! And while we mainliners grieve the impending loss of Andover Newton's historic campus (it was the first graduate school in America, and America's first theogical seminary), we look forward with hope to a future of more cooperation between church institutions which share common vision, purpose and values."
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Personals
A
memorial celebration to commemorate the life of Janet Greene's brother, Kenneth Wells will take place on Friday, May 6 at 10 am at The Dawes Arboretum. The Rev. Gail Clark Adams will lead the event followed by refreshments and a walk led by the Arboretum staff. Come and share your memories of Kenneth. If there are enough contributions, we will be able to install a memorial plaque in his honor at a special tree.
Memorial contributions in honor of Kenneth may be made to The Dawes Arboretum Development Office, 7770 Jacksontown Road, Newark, Ohio, 43056 or by calling 1-800-DAWES.
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This Sunday at UCG
May 1st
Worship in the Sanctuary, 10 AM
In Sunday's "May Day/Worker's Day" Worship, we'll recognize and thank our Denison student interns who've served our kids this year, while the sermon, "Rat Race or God's Race?" will be based on the Gospel text, John 5:1-17.
Read it ahead of time, if you like! "What 'good news' is this particular healing story pointing towards?"
After worship:
- "Cuppa' Pride Refreshments" in the Sanctuary - all proceeds go to support our outreach work at the Columbus Pride Festival this June
- Nursery Care available until 12:15
- Kid's Club in the Annex, led by Grace Gilbert
- Middler's "Basics" Baptism/Confirmation Class in the Annex
- PeaceJam Youth in the Annex
- Feminist Class meets in the Choir Room, 11:30-12:15
- "Climate Solutions and Social Justice" Class in the Chapel, 11:30-12:15. This Green Justice group will meet for a check-in/review of the year's activity in our three levels of strategies, and for discussion of our possible county or state-wide focus. We'll also share recommendations for our summer meetings.
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"Thank you, UCG!"
Mark Meuser of Central College Presbyterian Church in Westerville would like to thank UCG for the sale of the practice organ that had been in our chapel for a number of years. They are very pleased with it, and have added a new case with faux pipes, as well as three additional ranks.
Mark shares that anyone who is interested is invited to attend the Organ Dedication which will be on May 22nd, 8 a.m. Central College Presbyterian Church, 975 S. Sunbury Road in Westerville.
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Other Opportunities to grow & connect this coming week...
 Thursday-night Sitting Zen (Zazen)
Every Thursday night in UCG's chapel. 6:30 PM for first-timers. Bell will ring at 7:00 for a 20 minute sitting.
Note that we
will
be meeting this week, but will NOT be meeting May 5th, due to set up in the Chapel for the Rummage Sale!
Click here for a good, short introduction to sitting from Fr. Ruben Habito's Maria Kannon Zen Center in Dallas. You may bring your own cushion if you have one--there are a number in the chapel as well. You may sit in a chair if it's more comfortable, too. This is free & open to anyone of any (or no) religious tradition. Peace.
- Dwight
"Chaplain's Table" this Friday
All are welcome at Denison's Slayter Dining Hall, from Noon to 1 PM for visiting and lunch together. Pastor Dwight, as well as other clergy from Granville, are considered Adjunct Chaplains at DU, and provide this service to students & the community once a week.
Monday Book Group & Meditation...
Monday's 3 PM spiritual life book group meets in the Martin library and Meditation/Contemplation follows, from 4:15-4:45. All are welcome! We are reading True Refuge, Finding Peace and Freedom in Your Own Awakened Heart, by Tara Brach. On May 2nd, come prepared to discuss Chapter 5.
Pastor's Granville River Road Coffee Hours Next Tuesday
1:30-3 PM. Come by and join us for a cup of coffee and a chat. No program, just a time for visiting and catching up.
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Community Forums at Holy Trinity Lutheran
592 W. Main St., Newark Coming up...
Tomorrow, April 28,
Dr. Janet Wells Greene, speaking on our local history
May 12, Chemist & teacher Denny Wegeman on "The Energy Game"
The forums are free and open to the public, with light refreshments served.
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May 15th - Pentecost Sunday 
Have you been baptized?
We're having baptistms on Sunday, May 15th this year. In the Baptist tradition, "adult baptism" by immersion is a beautiful way to symbolize a public confession of solidarity with all who are on the love & justice Way of Jesus. If you'd like to join those being baptized on this day, or if you have questions and would just like to find out more, speak with Pastor Dwight. PS folks will be joining the church officially on that day as well, so if you'd like to join that group, contact the
Pastor.
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Pledge for 2016!
There's always time to pledge for 2016! Your generous gifts go a long way to keeping our community programs thriving and UCG keeping its peace & justice mission alive!
To make a donation,
simply click here and/or contact Stewardship Chair,
Mark Uher regarding your intention.
Thanks in advance for your generosity!
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Be Informed...
These links are regularly updated!
Check out the latest news from:
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Thought for the Day
"Nearly one half of American workers in the private sector (nearly forty million workers) cannot take a sick day without losing a day's pay, or even possibly their job. This is true for nearly 80% of low wage workers.
Many, many more cannot take paid time off to care for a sick child or elderly parent in crisis."
- Interfaith Worker Justice
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Many of you know that we have hosted an AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meeting at UCG on Friday nights for many years. 
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Registration is now open for the Summer Conference (AKA "Peace Camp")! 