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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115 W. Broadway
SW Corner of Broadway & Main
Granville, OH 43023
(740) 587-0336
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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
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Thought for the Day
"Mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses are the prime reason that the U.S. prison population has ballooned since the 1980s to over 2.5 million people, a nearly 300% increase. We now lock up one out of every hundred adults, far more than any other country."
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Piper Kerman,
who spoke at Denison last night on the American prison system and on her experiences which led to the writing of
Orange is the New Black: My Year in a Women's Prison
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Thanks to all of you who were able to come out to our showing of "The Armor of Light" last Saturday night.
This coming Sunday, we continue a focus on gun violence prevention--this time with our kids.
Ceciel Shaw explains,
"For the next two weeks the focus of Children's Church will be Start With Hello, a curriculum developed by Sandy Hook Promise, a nonprofit committed to preventing gun violence before it happens.
Using video, conversation and games we'll tackle the topic of social isolation and teach our children how to reach out and include others who may be dealing with chronic social isolation.
We're joining hundreds of schools and youth organizations across the country who are also participating in Start With Hello Week."
And additionally this Sunday --
Parents' Coffee!
We're hoping to get parents (of young or older children) together for coffee once a month, for some hellos of our own. This month, we'll debrief about the film, "The Armor of Light" and listen to a brief NPR story, "Two Sides Come Together on Gun Research Funding."
May peace prevail,
Dwight
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Personals
For those who may not have heard, we regret to share that Sybil Robertson passed away Thursday evening at Chestnut House in Newark. Sybil was born on May 12, 1922 and was baptised in this church in 1935. One of the brightest spirits in our church and in our community--she was known for her kindness, good humor, and (along with husband, Neil) her faithfulness to, and her laboring for this church through thick and thin. She will be sorely missed by family and friends.
Let's keep Mike and Lyn Robertson and their family members in our thoughts and prayers as they make plans for the memorial service.
Let us also hold Steve Matheny & Christine Ramsey in our thoughts and prayers this week. Steve's father passed away last Sunday morning, January 31st.
"Dear UCG Friends,
I so appreciated all of the kind words, hugs, cards and prayers at the time of my sister's passing. Thank you all so much for your care and concern through this most difficult time." - Louise
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PlayCafé has begun!
Come get the winter wiggles out at UCG's PlayCafé.
o Riding toys, balls, train tracks, trikes and more.
o Perfect for preschool and elementary age kids!
o Free and welcome to all.
Every Tuesday from 3:30-5:00 PM
Located in the United Church of Granville's Annex (119 West Broadway--the building next to the church; we're the big grey church on the corner of Broadway and Main). Email
[email protected]
for more info!
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YOUTH!
For about a month, the high schoolers and middlers are joining together at the 11:30 hour on Sundays to do some preparing for Baptist Youth Camp (June 26-July 1). The combined group is being lead by Julie Reiswig, Cheryl McFarren & Lou Jaquish.
Also.. We're getting ready for the Great Lakes PeaceJam Conference, March 19-20th! Our PeaceJam project will be a documentary film dealing with the rise in evictions and what this new reality has to teach us.
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Stay tuned for... "Circles!"
During the month of January, we collected a whole table full of great circle ideas! We're taking these back to a small group which will sort through for "doubles" and we'll soon hold a "Circle Fair"--a chance for you to indicate which Circles you might like to be a part of...
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This Sunday at UCG, Feb. 7th 
Transfiguration Sunday
"Re-Reading the Story"
Texts: Psalm 99; Luke 9:28-36
Dwight Davidson preaching, with Christine Ramsey leading worship
After worship:
Nursery care until 12:15
Cuppa' Pride Refreshments
Kid's Club in the Annex
BYC Youth in the Basement
Parents' Coffee in the Sanctuary
"Climate Solutions" (see below)
The Feminist Class in the Choir Room
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Opportunities to grow & connect...
- New Info! -
"Climate Solutions & Social Justice," Sundays, 11:30-12:15
The first formal meeting of the new discussion class "Climate Solutions and Social Justice" will be in the Chapel promptly at 11:30 a.m.and end at 12:15 p.m. (Please respect the time of our outside guests as well as fellow classmates by being prepared to begin and end promptly, and if you choose to remain in the sanctuary for conversation, please move away from the doors to keep the noise down...)
The goals of the
course as a whole (which might run for 6 or so Sundays) are to explore the links between climate change and social justice (two passions of UCG that could seem disconnected or in tension), and to explore specific actions that we can do as individuals, households, larger groups, communities, etc.
We are trying to educate ourselves and identify specific actions, with the goals of giving us hope, breaking through paralysis, and helping give direction and meaning to our actions amidst problems that often seem overwhelming and disconnected.
For the
first group session (this coming Sunday) though, we have invited representatives of local social justice communities such as the Newark Think Tank on Poverty and Friends of the Sparta as well as those working in various efforts to combat and ameliorate the effects of climate change, such as sustainability and local foods) to serve as resource people. We will explore the intersections and possible synergies of climate change solutions and social justice. We are not asking our guests or us to come prepared with answers, but to serve as local, informed resources as we explore possible tensions and synergies between two of UCG's main interests.
Our discussion focus for this particular session will be on exploring how these issues play out in our local landscape, and
not on coming up with specific actions.
Monday Book Group & Meditation...
Monday's 3 PM spiritual life book group meets in the Martin library.
In mid-January, we will be reading Pema Chodron's Practicing Peace in Times of War. Join us when you can. Please enter through the "Office" door. Meditation/Contemplation will follow, from 4:15-4:45. All are welcome!
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
"Chaplain's Table" this Friday
in Denison University's Slayter Dining Hall
The pastors of our four corner churches in Granville (& Msgr. Enke of St. Edward's) are considered adjunct chaplains at Denison. Pastor Dwight hosts "Chaplain's Table" every Friday when DU is in session from 12 noon to 1 PM up in Slayter. Come by and share lunch or just stop to say hello. All are welcome--"town & gown."
Pastor's River Road Coffee Hours
Most Tuesdays, 1:30-3 PM (check
the web before heading out! If "Pastor's River Road Coffee Hours" is not listed, that means I'm otherwise occupied on that afternoon!) Come by to chat or to share a cup of coffee. No program--just conversation!
Parent's Coffee after worship on First Sundays of the Month! Join us THIS SUNDAY -- February 7th!
"What better way to 
celebrate Valentine's Day?"
Join us on Saturday, February 13th
for an Old Fashioned Barn Dance!
7 to 10 pm in the Annex
Come single or as a couple...
Join us for an evening of casual social dancing. Instruction will be provided in dances including: Traditional squares, Contra, Country Western, Partner dances, Line dances, The Waltz, The Virginia Reel, The Spanish Waltz and Mixers. Come, enjoy the music, and meet some new people!
All ages are welcome and no experience is necessary...beginners are encouraged to join the fun!
The cost is $5.00 per person at the door. Light refreshments provided.
Growing Old Together (GOT)
"There will be no meeting of the Growing Older Together (GOT) group in February. Our next meeting will be the third Tuesday of March (3/22) at 7:00 p.m. in the UCG Chapel. The program will feature Susan Vivyan, "Changing Roles, Changing Lives" (as our lives change our roles often change as well). Susan is an art therapist by profession, so you may expect that art supplies will be involved. Kitty Leatham will facilitate the meeting." - Judith Thomas
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Ash Wednesday Soup & Bread Meal & Service
in the Chapel, Feb. 10th, 6 PM
Come enjoy chili and/or vegetable soup & bread (prepared by Pat Wanat and Kitty Leatham) with friends next Wednesday night. A brief, informal service will follow: composed of a reading of scripture, imposition of ashes for those who are interested in receiving this symbol on the forehead or arm, followed by a final blessing.
LENT: A Season To
Remember - Return - Renew
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Also coming up...
"Exploring Celtic Spirituality"
held in association with St. Luke's Episcopal Church
During Lent, we're anticipating a cooperative three-part series: in UCG's Chapel on Wednesday nights,
March 2nd, 9th & 16th.
Dinner at 6 PM, to be followed by a presentation & discussion led by Dr. Jack Bowers of St. Luke's Church.
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"Gifts in the Dark Wood"
~ 2016 Lenten Services ~
Ash Wednesday Meal & Service, 6 PM, Feb. 10th
1st Lent, Sunday, Feb. 14th -"The Gift of Struggle"
National Preach-In on Global Warming
2nd Lent, Sunday, Feb. 21st - "The Gift of Uncertainty"
3rd Lent, Sunday, Feb. 28th - "The Gift of Getting Lost"
4th Lent, Sunday, March 6th - "The Gift of Emptiness"
5th Lent, Sunday March 13th - "The Gift of Temptation"
Palm Sunday, March 20th - "The Gift of Misfits"
Good Friday Service, 7 PM, March 25th
Easter Sunday, March 27th - "The Gift of Life"
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"The Basics!" (A Confirmation/Baptism class)
on Sundays at 11:30 for Middlers (6th-8th graders)
Lent-Pentecost, 2016 (Feb 14-May 15)
What are some progressive Christian understands of the Bible, God, Jesus, "salvation," heaven & hell & other contentious doctrines... How do we envision "the good life" on Jesus' Way? We'll be taking field trips to a few other places of worship during this period, including a mosque and a synagogue! Classes will be led by Pastor Dwight & Amanda Hunt. Participants will be able to participate in a Pentecost service of baptism or reaffirmation of faith ("confirmation") at the end of our sessions. Contact Pastor Dwight for details.
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Spiritual Tools from the Ancient Maya Indians
for Transforming Our Lives
With John Kralovec & Nancy O'Donohue
Saturday, February 20, 2016
9:00 am to 5:00 pm Tuition: $50
United Church of Granville, Granville, Ohio
Please contact John Kralovec to reserve a space in the Workshop (
[email protected]). For more information on the Workshop,
click here for the flyer. You may also read more at
www.pathwaystothedivine.org
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Be Informed...
These links are regularly updated!
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