Winter Small

Groups

Welcome to the Small Group Programfor Winter 2019-20!

UCG's Small Group Program is an unusually diverse and rich set of offerings that strengthens our community through shared experiences. It continues to thrive only through the thoughtful engagement of both leaders and participants. We hope that you will find within these pages some offerings that fit your interests and schedule this Spring. Registering for a small group signals your firm commitment to attend all sessions, thereby honoring the strong offering of time and energy made by each leader. If you cannot commit to the full duration of a certain group, please refrain from registering and allow someone else to take your place. And if you have ideas for future groups, or are moved to lead one yourself, by all means let the Small Group Committee know! Let’s keep growing this program together.

Spiritual Exploration

Morning PrayerIf you long for a time of quiet reflection, in the company of kindred souls, join us for Friday morning prayer. We gather in the Chapel in silence, followed by a reading from scripture and a resonating poem. We break into small groups to share our thoughts and to pray for one another. Following a short blessing and singing “Alleluia” together, we end promptly at 8:45. The leadership is shared by participants who volunteer. Open to anyone. Walk-ins welcome!

Leader: Sandy ReimerDates: Fridays, ongoingTime: 8:00am – 9:00amPlace: UCG Chapel

Live Oak SanghaA Sangha is a community that lives and practices in harmony and awareness. We are guided, supported, and encouraged by the Dharma teachings of the Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh. Our practice is the cultivation of mindfulness, out of which arises understanding, joy, compassion, and transformation. As a Sangha, our practice is made up of many elements such as listening to the bell, walking meditation, smiling, embracing our suffering, mindful breathing, sitting meditation, chanting, and singing. If you would like to join us on Wednesday evenings, all that we ask is that you have some familiarity with Thich Nhat Hanh (perhaps have read one of his many books) and be truly interested in mindfulness practice. If you decide to join us, we hope you will come to find and enjoy safe refuge in this humble and noble Sangha.

Leaders: Mark Burlingame, Cindy Bergbower, and Tom BergbowerDates: Wednesdays, ongoingTime: 7:00pm - 9:00pmPlace: UCG SanctuaryLimit: This is an ongoing group which has been meeting for several years with limited space available for new members. The group leader will contact all those interested in participating.

Swamp SanghaSwamp Sangha is an independent mindfulness meditation group that meets weekly in the UCG Chapel. Join us for 30 minutes of meditation followed by a short reading and discussion and/or some mindful movement (qi gong, breathing exercises, or gentle "street clothes" yoga.) On the first Friday of each month, instruction and practice tips are the focus of the meeting. The sangha is free and all are welcome.“I enter a swamp as a sacred place, a sanctum sanctorum… I seemed to have reached a new world, so wild a place…far away from human society. What’s the need of visiting far-off mountains and bogs, if a half-hour’s walk will carry me into such wildness and novelty.” – Henry David Thoreau

Co-Leaders: Nancy Wright, Anne Seraphine, Nancy Lasseter, and Darrell HartmanDates: Fridays, ongoingTime: 12:00pm - 1:00pmPlace: UCG Chapel

Advent Contemplative Prayer “Advent,” says Frederick Buechner, “is like the hush in a theater just before the curtain rises.” During December's busy-ness, this hour each week offers the opportunity to experience that spiritual hush, a moment of respite for your soul. In the beauty of our candlelit Sanctuary, we will reflect on three components of the Advent journey through silence, readings and scripture, and prayer, including your own breath prayer. Toward the end of the hour, we will gather in small groups to listen and share, and to pray for one another.

Participants are asked to commit to at least two of the three sessions. Note that the registration deadline for this group is Sunday, November 24. When you register, please indicate which sessions you are able to attend.

Leader: Sandy ReimerDate: Wednesdays, December 4, 11 and 18Time: 6:00pm – 7:00pmPlace: UCG Sanctuary

Personal Growth

Sacred Sound Symphony In the years I have been playing the bowls, I have come to feel their presence as a beautiful choir. Stress is relieved, and the body/system receives a full internal massage. This is an incredible gift to give yourself, preparing you to be the best you can be for the upcoming events of the week. Come as often as you are able. Thank you for your presence.

Leader: Sapphira (Cindy Bergbower)Dates: 2nd Sunday of the month, ongoingTime: 7:00pm - 8:00pm Place: UCG Sanctuary

Alzheimer’s and Dementia Support GroupThis support group for caregivers and family of those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia will offer information, resources, opportunities for sharing, and a network of support. This is an ongoing support group, open to the public as well.

Leaders: Tom Summers, Dar Mikula, Leigh Baker and Norma BergerDates: 3rd Tuesdays of the month, ongoingTime: 7:00pm - 8:00pmPlace: UCG Library

Health Promoting Occupations: Choices to High level WellnessDiscuss what "health-promoting occupations" are and learn how our choices, decision, roles and activities--of everyday life-- can help lead us to high level wellness. Sherrilene Classen is an occupational therapist, health care professional, and professor of occupational therapy at the University of Florida.

Leader: Sherrilene ClassenDate: Sunday, January 26Time: 12:30pm Place: UCG Seminar B Limit: 12

Mindful EatingEating Mindfully is a way to increase the enjoyment of what you choose to eat, it also can help with the choices that you make. The focus of this group will be on individualized goal setting.

Leader: Tricia GregoryDate: Thursday, January 9thTime: 3:30pm - 5:00pmPlace: UCG Library Limit: 15

Grief Support Group Have you lost someone you love recently and find you're having difficulty adjusting to the loss? Everyone's grief is unique, but grief can make you feel alone and out of sync with the rest of the world around you. It can be helpful to talk and share with others who are also grieving and be wrapped in compassion. We will talk about what is normal with the grief process and how you can best take care of yourself as you move through it. The group is limited so that members can better connect with each other and share their experiences of transitioning through difficult changes.

Leader: Liz Harvey and Janet MarchDates: Mondays; December 2, 16, and 30; January 13 and 27 and February 10 and 24Time: 6:30pm - 8:00pmPlace: UCG ChapelLimit: 8

Eating to Live: Re-Membering Ourselves as Part of NatureAustralian Agroecologist Charles Massey reminds us that we are not separate from Nature, and calls us to “once more become the nurturers, the lovers of a self-organizing and regenerative earth.” Industrial agriculture has separated us from that consciousness, but Climate crisis tells us it’s time to go Home, and the quickest way is through food system citizenship.

Leader: Nancy DerenDates: Sunday, January 12Times: 12:30pm – 2:00pmPlace: UCG West WingLimit: 30

2020 Truth & Reconciliation Bus Trip to Montgomery & Selma, Alabama The Racial Justice Committee will sponsor a 2020 trip to continue our journey of truth and reconciliation begun in 2018. This is an on-going process with the City of Gainesville and Alachua Country Commission to acknowledge Alachua County’s racial history. Departure time will be Thursday afternoon, February 13, returning Saturday evening, February 15. We will spend two nights at the Hampton Inn Downtown Montgomery with a day trip to Selma on Friday. In Selma we will participate in the Footsteps to Freedom Tour of the National Voting Rights, Civil War History Museums, and a walk across the historic Edmund Pettus Bridge. On Saturday in Montgomery we will visit the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, the nation’s first memorial dedicated to the legacy of enslaved Black people terrorized by lynching, racial segregation and Jim Crow, and the contemporary presumptions of guilt and police violence toward African-Americans.For more information please check websites for: Equal Justice Initiative, The Legacy Museum, The National Memorial for Justice and Peace, and The National Voting Rights Museum. The Legacy Museum advises ages 12 and up for that experience. Cost of the trip is $280.00 per person (double occupancy room) payable upon registration. This includes 2 nights hotel, bus transportation, museum tickets, and t-shirts. Free breakfast provided at the hotel. Participants are responsible for two lunches and three dinners. The bus capacity is 56 people. We are partnering with the Visionaires for the trip and hope to have a racially diverse group.UCG registration will be on Sundays, November 24, December 1, and December 8 in the UCG courtyard. You will be committed to attend an orientation meeting on Wednesday, February 5 and a memorial/debriefing gathering on Tuesday, February 25. Both meetings are integral to the experience of the truth and reconciliation process.Full payment at time of registration. All registrations in person on Sundays at UCG as noted above. You can pay with check or cash. Credit card payment available in church office with extra $5.00 credit card fee added. NO ONLINE REGISTRATION AVAILABLE.

Leader: Racial Justice Chair - Flo Turcotte & Committee MembersDate: Thursday February 13 - Saturday February 15, 2020Location: Montgomery & Selma, Alabama

A Retirement Check-UpSince I retired 3 years ago, I have noticed that it is more of a journey than a destination. I wonder if others have noticed that there are phases or unanticipated nuances to this life stage. Let’s get together to compare notes and offer each other support for meeting challenges and making lifestyle changes. Bring some snacks and we can meet immediately following the second service. We can decide then if folks want to do further follow-up meetings.

Leader: Mary FukuyamaDates: Sunday, December 15Times: 12:15pmPlace: UCG Seminar BLimit: 8

Service Groups

Dinner at St. Francis HouseWe will prepare and serve dinner to 35 people at St. Francis house one weeknight in October, November and December. We will need 6 to 8 volunteers each month to prepare and serve the meal.

Leader: Dennis Comfort & Compassion In Action CommitteeDates: Friday, December 6Times: 5:00pm – 6:45pmPlace: Dinner at St. Francis HouseLimit: 8

Rawlings Christmas Angel Gift MarketHave you ever purchased a Christmas Angel gift for the Rawlings gift market and wondered what actually happens to it? Come and join the members of CIA and assist with the gift market. We have three time slots open where we can use help. We will organize and price the gifts after the second service on December 15. On Thursday, December 19 at 3 pm we load the gifts into cars and drive over to Rawlings and set up the tables and gifts, finishing by 4:30. We also need help from 6-7:30 selling the gifts, cleaning up and taking the tables back to UCG.

Leader: Anne CasellaDate and Time: Sunday, December 15 at 12:15pm, Thursday, December 19 at 3:00pm (UCG) and at 6:00pm (Rawlings)Place: UCG Seminar C and Rawlings Elementary School

Habitat for Humanity Tour For over 30 years, Alachua Habitat for Humanity has helped area families gain strength, stability, and self-reliance through affordable shelter. Join Scott Winzeler, Chief Outreach Officer for Alachua Habitat, for a tour of current home building projects in our community. Step inside a home under construction and learn about the energy efficiencies and aging in place features of each. You'll also learn about Habitat's other programs including Critical Home Repair, Neighborhood Revitalization in Greater Duval, Affordable Housing Advocacy, and ReStore. Scott will drive the seminar in a rented van for the tour leaving from the UCG courtyard. A $10 contribution to Alachua Habitat for Humanity is requested to defray the cost of the van rental. 

Leader: Scott WinzelerDate: Sunday, December 1 or Sunday, January 5Time: 1:30pmPlace: Meet in the UCG CourtyardLimit: 13Cost: $10 contribution

Holiday Decorating Take-Down Help us take down the Holiday decorations at UCG inside and out! The Board of Parish Ministry will need at least 5-6 people (the more the merrier) to help us take down the tree, wreaths, garland and lights after the second service on January 5th. If you can help, please register today or sign-up outside the church office.

Leader: Board of Parish MinistryDate: Sunday, January 5Time: 12:15pm Place: UCG Campus

Arts, Fellowship & Recreation

Ukulele Club of GainesvilleThe Ukulele Club of Gainesville is an ongoing, year-round group that is open and welcoming, happy to have new members of every skill level at any time of the year. Beginners meet separately to learn the chords and strumming patterns before joining the main group in the sanctuary. We enjoy several opportunities to play for the congregation and the wider community during the year, and regularly share information about other ukulele-related local events. Like us on Facebook to see our photos and news!

Leader: Mary Fukuyama and Vic HarrellDates: 1st and 3rd Mondays, ongoingTime: 7:00pm - 8:30pmPlace: UCG Sanctuary

Mobile MakingBring out the Alexander Calder in you. Make a stick and string mobile that will dance in the wind. Appropriate for any kid between the ages of 8 and 98.

Leaders: Glenn TerryDates: Tuesday, December 10Time: 7:00pm Place: UCG Reimer Hall

Sunday Afternoon at the HIPPLet’s go to the Hippodrome on Sunday afternoon and watch a film together. After, we’ll have dinner at Liquid Ginger for fellowship and a chance to talk about the film. Participating in this group requires some flexibility. The title of the film will probably not be confirmed until a week before our scheduled date. The show time will not be confirmed until the Tuesday preceding our Sunday gathering, at the earliest.

Leader: Carol SariskyDates: Sundays, December 15, January 12, and February 9Time: Sunday afternoon matinees (time varies)Place: Hippodrome Theater Cinema, Liquid GingerCost: Members will pay for their own film tickets and dinners.

UCG Good Men Drinking Beer (GMDB) This group is open to all UCG men who are interested in meeting with other UCG men to socialize and drink beer or non-alcoholic beverages at a local brew pub. We meet on the first Friday of each month. To join the e-mail listserv that announces each meeting, send an e-mail to Tim Martin (tamartin@ufl.edu.)

Leader: Tim MartinDate: First Friday of each monthTime: 4:30pmPlace: Local Brewery, TBA each month

Make Your Own DidgeridooAre you a fan of the "dijge," the ancient aboriginal wind instrument? You need not go to Australia to create one. You can make your own out of PVC pipe and decorate it appropriately. There is a $15 cash fee to cover materials. Appropriate for anyone over ten years of age.

Leader: Glenn TerryDate: Saturday, January 4, 2020Time: 1:00pm - 3:00pmPlace: UCG West WingLimit: 8Cost: $15.00 for materials

Dances of Universal PeaceSimple and much beloved dances celebrating sacred chants and songs from many faiths & traditions. Dances are from 3:00 – 5:00pm followed by a potluck till 6:30pm. Live music always! Beginners welcomed. Bring friends!

Leader: Nurallah Eleanor BrisenoDate: 2nd Saturdays of the month, ongoing Time: 3:00pm - 6:30pmPlace: West Wing

UCG Drum CircleExpress your inner rhythm with the UCG drum circle. Drumming is a great way to relieve stress, reduce anxiety, and build community.All are welcome to join this ongoing group. We meet to drum, learn new rhythms, and improvise as a group. No experience is needed. Please bring a drum. If you do not have access to a drum, that’s OK too, just contact Leigh (352-804-6030) and she will provide a drum for you. Drop in anytime. The UCG drum circle meets on the first and third Thursdays from 6:30 to 7:30.

Leader: Leigh Baker and Mary FukuyamaDate: First and third Thursdays of each month, ongoingTime: 6:30pm - 7:30pmPlace: UCG Reimer Hall

Burning Man 101Many have heard but few have gone. If you'd like to know more about the Burning Man desert festival that takes place in north west Nevada every year, sign up for this group. The leader has been a "burner" for several years and is one of its many participating artists. He will happily share stories and photos of his magical experiences.

Leader: Glenn TerryDate: Tuesday, January 14 Time: 7:00pm – 8:30pmPlace: UCG Youth RoomLimit: 20

Friends & Family Tabletop Gaming Night*Bring your friends and family for a gaming night of EPIC proportions! Board games aren't just limited to Sorry, Monopoly, or Yahtzee anymore. Come out and learn how to play all types of games from fun cards or dice games; like Sushi Go!, Exploding Kittens, 3 Dragon Ante, and Tenzi to nontraditional board games like Betrayal at House on the Hill, Pandemic, and even a giant sized Jenga and so much more! This is a group for ages 6 and up. If you would like to bring a game to share, please do! *You do not need to sign up again if you signed up in the fall.

Leader: Shanna SwiersDate: Friday, December 6

Time: 7:00pm - 9:30pmPlace: UCG Reimer Hall Picnic in the ParkIf you couldn't join us in the fall, be brave and join us for the winter (however known.) Some days are glorious, and if it is too cold, we'll come up with an alternative. We plan to enjoy nature in a different park each month. After picnicking we may go for a short walk or just enjoy visiting with each other. The food (potluck) and the company are always delightful.

Leader: Judy MunselleDate: Sundays, January 5 and February 2Time: 12:30pmPlace: Local parks, TBA

A Boxing Day Custom: Games NightGather with fellow UCGers to share a Canadian custom of board games, snacks and silliness on Boxing Day. Apples to Apples, Mexican Train, and possibly Balderdash will be on offer, and rumor has it a Jenga may also be set up. Bring your favorite finger foods (leftovers especially welcome) to share. Soft drinks, tea and wine will be available. Adults and older teens welcome. There will be at least two parking spaces in our driveway, and street parking may be limited. Carpooling would be great if you can manage it.

Leader: Maureen Killoran & Peter HyattDate: Thursday, December 26 (Boxing Day)Time: 6:30pmPlace: Maureen & Peter’s home in the Sorrento neighborhood of NW GainesvilleLimit: 12

Thank God It’s Friday PartyUCG Adults: Another week has passed and it’s Friday! Bring a small dish to share and whatever you want to drink. Let’s “let down” and have a party!

Leader: Kimberly and Andy McColloughDate: Friday, January 24Time: 6:00pm - 9:00pmPlace: The McCollough’s house 7606 NW 44 Place, Gainesville, FL

Solstice Sunset at Sweetwater Wetlands*According to The Farmers' Almanac, the Winter Solstice this year is on Saturday December 21st. Sunset is at 5:34 p.m. The park closes at sunset and the entry gate closes thirty minutes before that. We can gather at 4:30 as daylight wanes and see the big sky at Sweetwater Wetlands at sunset. Especially if there are scattered clouds, it should be beautiful. In case of total sun-blocking clouds or rain, we will re-schedule. A lovely way to mark the change of seasons. You can bring snacks to share, if you are so moved. $5.00 admission per vehicle. *You do not need to sign up again if you signed up in the fall.

Leader: Susan CaryDate: Saturday, December 21Time: 4:30pmPlace: Sweetwater Wetlands ParkPrice: $5.00 admission per vehicle

SAVE THE DATE: UCG Women’s Overnight Save this week-end for the wonderful annual women’s gathering: time to laugh and reflect, to walk and talk, to sing and be silent, to breathe and to pray as we connect with one another and a sense of the gifts of our own lives. Come to be nurtured by the beauty of nature and sacred space, comfortable facilities, and the company of kindred spirits. Additional program details to follow!

Leader: Laura RobertsonDate: Friday, January 31 - Sunday, February 2Place: Episcopal Conference Center in Live Oak, Florida

Book Groups

Friday Morning Book GroupThis group selects books once a year from suggestions of members of the group. We meet the first Friday of every month from 10:30am to Noon in the church Library.

Leader: Jim ArcherDates: 1st Fridays, ongoingTime: 10:30am - 12:00pmLocation: UCG LibraryLimit: Up to 2 new members

Dinner and a Good Book (full)Mostly Fiction (full)Food for Thought (full)Love a Good Mystery Book Club (full)

While many ongoing book groups are full, we’d love to help you start a new one! If you are interested in participating in a book group,

please sign up and we will match you with other interested folks to create one of your own.

Do you have a small group idea that you’d like to lead or would like some help with? Let us know! Our next edition of

UCG Small Groups will be released in February 2020. Watch the bulletins, weekly emails and monthly

newsletters for more information! Join us!

Thanks to the Small Groups Committeefor all their hard work!

Registration for Small Groupsis online!

Please go to this link to sign-uphttp://bit.ly/winter1920

or scan the QR Code Below

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – PLEASE READ:

After you complete the online form you will receive an email confirming receipt of your registration.This does not guarantee you have a spot in the group, only that your registration has been received.

During the late week of December 2, you will receive an email confirming which group(s) you are in; the group leader will then contact participants directly. If small group occurs before registration closes, you will be notified in advance.

Please check your calendar to assure that you are available for each session.

If there is a cost associated with a group, your registration is not complete until payment has been submitted.

Members of UCG, official friends, and actively participating visitors have priority.

Registration deadline isSunday, December 1

If you need any additional information,please contact the church office at info@ucgainesville.org