Our Understanding of the Faith Journey
We believe that every person is on a unique spiritual journey. For some, the goal is clear and the path easy to follow. Others may be less sure about where they are going and how to get there. Be assured that no matter where you are on your life’s journey, you are welcome here.
We are not a creed-based church. No one will tell you what you have to believe in order to be part of the UCG family. God truly is still speaking to each of us, and everyone is granted the elbow room to craft his or her own conversation.
Even as we encourage inquiry, engagement, growth and change, we do share some core values. We are committed to a vision of Christianity that is open, welcoming, and progressive. We are committed to exploring the Bible and the Christian tradition to discover ways to make this world a better place. We are committed to peace—peace with ourselves, amongst ourselves, and in the wider world. We’re committed to justice, standing up for those who have no political voice and speaking truth to power, whatever the consequences.
We are not a creed-based church. No one will tell you what you have to believe in order to be part of the UCG family. God truly is still speaking to each of us, and everyone is granted the elbow room to craft his or her own conversation.
Even as we encourage inquiry, engagement, growth and change, we do share some core values. We are committed to a vision of Christianity that is open, welcoming, and progressive. We are committed to exploring the Bible and the Christian tradition to discover ways to make this world a better place. We are committed to peace—peace with ourselves, amongst ourselves, and in the wider world. We’re committed to justice, standing up for those who have no political voice and speaking truth to power, whatever the consequences.
Our Church History
Pictures and Directory of Members and Friends
(password required, contact info@myucg.org)
Pictures and Directory of Members and Friends
(password required, contact info@myucg.org)
Our Staff
Cliff Houston, Interim Pastor
Pastor Cliff will lead the congregation through an interim period as we discern and prepare ourselves for a search for a new Pastor. Cliff Houston was born in a small town in Southern Georgia. He received his BA from the University of Georgia with a major in communications, Master of Divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary/Wake Forest, NC (1984) and his Doctor of Ministry from Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, GA (1999). He completed 95 contact hours to complete a program on transitional ministry with the Interim Ministry Network in Baltimore, MD in 2013.
He and his wife Karen moved to the Rochester, NY area in 1995. He has extensive experience as a pastor leading congregations in GA, England and Pittsford, NY and most recently as the Interim Minister at the First Baptist Church in Rochester, NY (2013-2015). 
Meghan Link, Assistant Pastor
Meghan Link is our Assistant Pastor. Meghan recently graduated from MTS and is on the path to Ordination
 Jackie Dawson, Accompanist
Jackie Dawson is our accompanist on both organ and piano and has enhanced our worship services since 1998? She also teaches piano and voice. You can reach her at music@myucg.org
Kate Merryman, Music Director
Kate Merryman is our music director at UCG and has a professional career as a soprano in various central ohio productions. She holds a degree from George Mason University and is originally from the northern VA, DC area. She holds an MA degree in Vocal Pedagogy from The Ohio State University with a Singing Health Specialization. In addition to her role as music director for the United Church of Granville, Kate currently teaches private voice and piano lessons in both Granville and Columbus. You can reach her at Kate@myucg.org.
Cassidy Husted, Director of Ministry to Children and Families
Cassidy Husted, as Director of Ministry to Children and Families, brings her expertise in education and experience. She graduated in May 2018 from Central Ohio Technical College with an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, and also works as a preschool teacher at Leads/Head Start in Newark. She joined UCG in April of 2017 and is now part of the church Board. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the gym, walking on trails, writing poetry, road trips, and cooking up new recipes. She also loves art, literature, sports, and museums!
Louise Gemmell, Office Administrator
Mathew McFarren, Property and Grounds Coordinator
Mathew McFarren was born in Wooster Ohio in 1957, Mathew graduated in 1980 from the Colorado Institute of Art. He maintains an art studio at the education building at UCG and works on and watches over our property and grounds. |