What's Up at UCG?
The United Church of Granville
August 26, 2015
The United Church of Granville
     
Coming Up at UCG...

 

You can always access a detailed calendar on the church website.  Click here & bookmark it if you'd like! 


Wednesday, Aug 26
Peace & Justice Discernment Groups, UCG Chapel, 7 PM

Thursday, Aug. 27

Property Group, 10 AM
Zazen in the Chapel, 6:30 for first-timers, 7-7:20 sitting

Friday, Aug 28
AA in the Annex, 7 PM

Saturday, August 29
Church Spruce-Up Day, 9AM - 2PM

 

Sunday, August 30                        

14th Sunday after Pentecost
Worship, 10 AM
Nursery, 11:30-12:15 

Tuesday, Sept. 1        

Pastor's River Road Office Hours, 1:30-3 PM   

 

Wednesday, Sept. 2

"The Breakfast Meeting," Sparta Restaurant, 6:30 AM 

 

Other Dates to Remember   

Sept 6 Sacredness of Labor Sunday
Sept 13 UCG Christian Ed Kickoff
Sept 20 Peace Sunday
Sept 25 Contra Dance in the Annex
Sept 25-26 ABC/RGR Annual Gathering in Rochester, NY
Sept 26 UCC Central Southeast Ohio Association Fall Meeting
Sept 27 All Ages Worship & Lunches on the Square
Oct 4 World Communion Sunday
Nov 1 All Saints Sunday
Nov 13-14 Women's Retreat planned by Patti Burkett and Sue Foster 
Nov. 22 Thanksgiving "Agape Meal" Worship in the Annex
Nov 29 Advent Begins
Dec 5 Candlelight Walking Tour 
Good Causes
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Lunches on the Square:
Increased Need
for Donations!  
 


"Every 4th Sunday we gather in the chapel to make sandwiches and bag lunches. The bagged lunches are delivered to 250 people residing in subsidized apartments in Newark.
 
The other part of the Lunches on the Square program is serving a meal in partnership with Trinity Episcopal Church in Newark.
 
Over the past year the number of people coming for the Sunday meal has continued to increase. In July, over 100 people came to eat. The fellowship hall at Trinity was full of families with young children, senior citizens, people who talked about being homeless, and individuals who were just hungry. We began serving food at 2:00. By 2:30 most of the food was gone.
 
Lunches on the Square is entirely supported by donations from both members of the United Church of Granville and friends of the program. The increased need has resulted in an increase in the amount of funds needed to support this program. The Mission and Social action Committee is seeking additional donations." Donations can be made directly to United Church of Granville (write LOS on the memo line) or online through the church website.
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The YES for Solar!

Silent Art (& Craft) Auction
Ends August 31

Drop by The Sparta Restaurant
and Coffee Shop, 16 W. Main St., Newark to see the art works in person and enter your bids. Bids may also be made by phone at  740.345.8869. The Sparta is open 7:00 - 2:00 p.m. M-Sa and 8:00 - 2:00 pm Sunday. This weekend the Sparta will have extended hours with a special limited menu on Friday, August 28 (Downtown Newark Association's Final Friday "Cruise Into Newark" 5 - 8 p.m.) and Saturday, August 29 ( Bluegrass on Main), until 9:00 pm. 

You can review a photo gallery of the items here.  Shown below are a selection of prints made by Dr. Joe Reczek's Denison undergraduate summer research students, who are investigating organic crystals that can be used for low-cost solar modules. Individual prints can be ordered for $20; bidding for a set of nine begins at $100.
Bidding ends on August 31, 2015 at 2 p.m.
This is is a unique opportunity to help fund the YES Club solar project and get a beautiful art piece made by local artists Allen Schwartz, Danielle Molden, Raynola St Clair, Mandie Gleckler, David Rouse, Joe Reczek, Oscar Evans, Tessa Wamer, Melissa Davis, and Cyndee Porter!

Thank you for your support of the YES Club and its groundbreaking solar installation project.
 
For more information about Yes for Solar, or to donate, click here!
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World Day of Prayer
for Creation Care --
September 1

Pope Francis, following his recently released encyclical on the environment, has called for a World Day of Prayer for Creation Care. The prayer day will be celebrated annually in the Catholic church on Sept. 1, in line with the Orthodox Church's day for the protection of the environment.

In this spirit, Ohio Interfaith Power and Light invites you to reflect on your vocation as a steward of God's creation and the care for the most vulnerable.

As Pope Francis says, this time can "become a powerful moment of prayer, reflection, conversion and the adoption of appropriate life styles."

If you haven't read Laudato Si': On Care for Our Common Home, take time on September 1st to read it. Click here for the full text. Click here for selected quotes.
Pray for creation, pray for the world and for specific climate-related situations.

"The climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all." - Pope Francis

Reflect on the Pope's concept of integral ecology. 

"A sense of deep communion with the rest of nature cannot be real if our hearts lack tenderness, compassion and concern for our fellow human beings." - Pope Francis

Watch for our upcoming news with ideas about how Ohio's faith community will support the Pope's historic visit to the United States in September and his call to "open a dialogue with all people about our common home."

In faith,
Sara Ward, OhIPL Director
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Labor Education Film Series, 2015-2016

Series films will be shown at 7 PM on the third Thurday of each month at GMP Local 244 Union Hall, each followed by discussion and refreshments.
Click here to see the flyer with film details.  Co-sponsored by the Freedom School of Licking County, GMP Local 244, and Licking Knox Central Labor Council.

Next film:
Food Chains
, Sept. 17th!



Why is it so hard to raise the wages of people harvesting tomatoes a penny a pound?  Food Chains explains why.
..
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Do you know of someone who may need some extra care in the congregation?

Contact   Louise Gemmell with details, and she can pass it along to appropriate staff and our Congregational Care group.  Thanks so much!
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Consider joining the Justice & Peace Action Network!
Did you know that the UCC has a Justice and Peace Action Network you can be a part of? 
to join and get news of ways you can speak your mind on issues of peace and justice to those in positions of leadership.
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Progressives for Social Justice in Licking County, Ohio Facebook Group
Feel free to send the church an e-mail if you'd like to join this closed Facebook group, and someone in the group can add you as a member.
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The Food Pantry
July & August are Canned Fruit & Tuna Months for the Food Pantry.  A donation basket is near the piano in the Chapel.  Remember that you may also give financially as well (envelopes are available by the donation basket). 
For more information, see
 
 
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!
115 W. Broadway
SW Corner of Broadway & Main
Granville, OH  43023
(740) 587-0336 
 
Electronic Giving
UCG now has a system in place which allows you to contribute by automatic deposit.  Click here to find out more or to sign up.  

And remember that you can always listen to past
sermons on our webpage!
Join Our Mailing List
Come join in this Sunday as we welcome new members, Pat Wanat and Beck and Stephanie Snyder, into the UCG church family! 

Stay and visit a bit after worship--there will be a reception to follow and a celebration cake...

Peace! 
Dwight

NEW Peace & Justice
Discernment Groups!  
 
Kicking off TONIGHT
Wednesday, Aug. 26th


Two large concerns face us and our society: Climate Change/Earth Care and Racism/Black Lives Matter. What do we as individuals know and need to know about each? What can individuals do about each concern? Can UCG play a role in responding to these concerns?
 
An important UCG tradition is to spend time in discernment about a pressing problem. Two discernment groups, one for each concern, will begin discussion tonight, August 26th, 7-8:30 pm, in the UCG Chapel . It is expected that each group will engage regularly over a period of time and that each group may call the congregation to participate in some expression of social action. 
 
If you are interested in being a part of either discernment group, please call or email Pastor Dwight and indicate which group you'd like to join (740-587-0336,   dwight@myucg.org).

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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. Participants may stay afterwards for 15 minutes or so of sharing if they'd like. 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 zafu/zabuton if you have a set--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
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Church Building & Ground Spruce-Up Day!
THIS Saturday, August 29, 9 AM - 2 PM
 
J oin in for all or part of the day!  We're going to do some fall cleaning and there will be jobs of all sorts, inside & out...  If you're willing to wash windows, bring some window cleaner and something to wipe with!  With many hands at work, we can get a lot done in one day! If you have a strong, filtered vacuum, please bring it along, too.

Some work we'll be doing:

In & around the Annex...
            Window cleaning
            Weeding flower beds
            Cleaning the sign out in the lawn
 
In & around the Main Building...
            Removing pew cushions in choir loft
            Removing extra pews in sanctuary
            Removing items from the dungeon
            Cleaning pews and floor under them
            Vacuuming carpeting with high-filter vacuum cleaners
            Cleaning exterior & interior doors    
            Weeding behind the building & the flower beds
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Louise Gemmell's Summer Office Hours
Just a reminder that through Labor Day, the church office will be closed Mondays, open 9-Noon Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays, and open 9-3 on Thursdays.
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This Sunday, August 30th
14th Sunday after
Pentecost

Worship, 10 AM, with a question to ponder:  "Given who I am, and where I'm at just now--what is first & foremost required of me?"   Our service will include the reception of Pat Wanat and Beck & Stephanie Snyder into membership at UCG.  Welcome!  Refreshments to follow.

 
Activities after worship --   
      Open Board Meeting after worship.  Just a reminder that UCG Board meetings are always open, meaning that anyone in the church may attend!
      Nursery Care until 12:15 
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Church Spruce-Up Day!
Saturday, August 29, 9 AM - 2 PM
 
J oin in for all or part of the day!  We're going to do some fall cleaning and there will be jobs of all sorts, inside & out...  If you're willing to wash windows, bring some window cleaner and something to wipe with!  With many hands at work, we can get a lot done in one day! If you have a strong, filtered vacuum, please bring it along, too.

Some work we'll be doing:

In & around the Annex...
            Window cleaning
            Weeding flower beds
            Removing hooks in entryway and Spark rooms
            Cleaning the sign out in the lawn
 
In & around the Main Building...
            Removing pew cushions in choir loft
            Removing extra pews in sanctuary
            Removing items from the dungeon
            Cleaning pews and floor under them
            Vacuuming carpeting with high-filter vacuum cleaners
     Cleaning exterior & interior doors    
     Weeding behind the building & the flower beds 
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Put in a book order?
Beginning in mid September, Dwight will be facilitating a small group discussion of Rev. Dr. Keith Ward's What the Bible Really Teaches: A Challenge to Fundamentalists on Sunday mornings from 11:30-12:15.  A six week reading & discussion group.  If you're interested, put in an order at a bookstore of your choice (there are UK and US editions: either is okay).  Anglican priest, Keith Ward was formerly Regius Professor of Divinity at Oxford and dean of Trinity Hall, Cambridge. 

Jack Shuler has also offered to lead a reading & discussion  group (probably on Wednesday nights) focusing on his latest book, The Thirteenth Turn: A History of the Noose (Public Affairs, 2014).  From The Boston Globe: "Richly researched and beautifully written, this is an essential history of our country, as seen through one homely, terrifying object." For those who may not know, Jack teaches American literature and Black Studies at Denison University.  A great opportunity!  Contact Jack or Dwight if you're interested, as Jack has access to books he can sell at cost.  Watch for more details!
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New Name, Same Breakfast
Starting NEXT WEEK, the gathering formerly known as "Men's Breakfast" (at the Sparta Restaurant in Newark on first Wednesdays of the month from 6:30-7:30 AM) is going to be called "The Breakfast Meeting."  We figured this was more inclusive...and as one person said, "we can tell our bosses we had a 'Breakfast Meeting' to attend."  All are welcome to join us for good food, good humor & conversation--next opportunity: NEXT WEDNESDAY, Sept. 2nd!
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Labor Sunday, Sept. 6
Each year, we join with "Economic Justice" UCC churches around the country in celebrating good work on Labor Day weekend.  All of the good effort of every single human being--at home, at a business, at school-- all of it is sacred and of value. 

FALL Christian Education Kick-off Sunday, Sept. 13th
A new season!  Beginning Sept. 13th, there will be a new slate of enrichment activities planned for folks of all ages from 11:30-12:15 on Sunday mornings.  Once again, this year, we'll be reserving the fourth Sunday of the month for working together in making sack lunches for the Lunches on the Square Program.

A special note from the Feminist class:
"The Feminist Class will have their first meeting of the fall on Kick-off Sunday, Sept. 13th in our newly envisioned classroom (in process!!). We will be catching up, doing some group building, and getting ready for an exciting study of the Divine Feminine
from the past cultures of the North and South American continents.. " - Barbara Klatt

Also coming up...

     Peace Sunday, Sept. 20th
     All Ages Worship/Green Justice Sunday, Sept. 27th
     World Communion Sunday, Oct. 4th

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Contra Dance! 
Friday, Sept. 25 in the Annex Gym

UCG will host a contra dance on Friday September 25 in the annex. Jan Philips is calling, to the music of the Three Rivers String Band (which includes Jennifer Kinsley on hammered dulcimer). This event is family friendly, and all dances will be taught. Admission is $8 per person, $4 per student, with a family maximum of $20. Break out your dancing shoes or come in sock feet or barefoot (no black soled shoes on the annex floor). If you're not familiar with contra dancing, google it for lots of great videos, or ask Tom Burkett.
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Jason & DeMarco Concert
First Congregational UCC, Mt. Vernon, OH
Sept. 27, 6:30 PM
Popular Christian and pop singers Jason and deMarco in concert in Mount Vernon!  Sunday, September 27 at 6:30 p.m. at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 200 North Main St. No ticket needed, no entry charge, just love offering. The duo are married fathers of twin sons and leaders in the LGBTQ Christian movement. They are also committed activists for homeless and foster youth and created the non-profit S.A.F.E. (Safe, Affirming, Family Environment) with a drop-in center for homeless youth.  Learn more about their work, their music & the concert in Mount Vernon by clicking here!
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United Church of Granville
Fall Women's Retreat
Friday 4 PM - Saturday 4 PM, Nov. 13-14
A retreat about Hope and Transformation
Fellowship Hill Cabins,
Brinkhaven, OH (1 hour drive)

Consider setting aside 24 hours (day option also available) for an opportunity to rest,regroup, refresh, renew and maybe even reset as we consider the theme: "I will make all things new"
There will be three sessions to develop our theme, as well as time for walks on the trails, knitting, relaxing, conversations by the fire, shared meals and deepening friendships.
Leaders:  Patti Burkett, spiritual director and Rev. Dr. Susan Foster, UCC pastor. Patti received her certificate in Spiritual Direction after completing the Wellstreams program in 2004. Sue has been a UCC pastor, retreat leader and chaplain in CT for almost 30 years. She recently completed her Doctor of Ministry degree at Hartford Seminary.  Her thesis focused on radical hospitality and ways to reach out to those who may not feel
included in Sunday morning worship.
Cost: Overnight accommodations (shared rooms with shared bathrooms) with three meals ($75), Sat. only, with breakfast and lunch ($25), Sat. only, with lunch ($20).  Some financial assistance may be available if the cost would keep you from coming.
Contact Patti Burkett ( phburkett@me.com or 740-334-9158)
Please register and make a $25 deposit by 9/15 to secure a spot and make sure we have enough cabins. Balance due by 10/25. Checks to UCG, please. 
Click here for the full flyer & registration!
 
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 Be Informed... 
These links are regularly updated! 
Check out the latest news from: 

Thought for the Day

"When God is going to do something wonderful, He or She always starts with a hardship; when God is going to do something amazing, He or She starts with an impossibility."

- Anne Lamott, from Plan B: Further Thoughts on Faith