Worship
Worshiping together is important part of The United Church of Granville experience. Gathering to worship, we open ourselves to God’s leading, drawing strength from one another, and reflecting on how we might work out God’s compassion in the world.
We worship in an historic sanctuary, dedicated in 1883, that also served as the chapel of Denison University, housing worship, Commencement ceremonies, and other special events, until the completion of Swasey Chapel on campus in 1924. During the COVID 19 pandemic, we added worship options on Zoom. These options remain since they are helpful to many. Join us here.
There’s a good amount of informality in our worship. Congregants share joys and concerns freely with one another during worship, services often include non-traditional elements, and our congregation is happy with children being both seen and heard. We usually have a Children’s Conversation, a special time for children during the service. Some of us come to church in “dress clothes”; others come in blue jeans. We don’t care because God doesn’t care.
We worship in an historic sanctuary, dedicated in 1883, that also served as the chapel of Denison University, housing worship, Commencement ceremonies, and other special events, until the completion of Swasey Chapel on campus in 1924. During the COVID 19 pandemic, we added worship options on Zoom. These options remain since they are helpful to many. Join us here.
There’s a good amount of informality in our worship. Congregants share joys and concerns freely with one another during worship, services often include non-traditional elements, and our congregation is happy with children being both seen and heard. We usually have a Children’s Conversation, a special time for children during the service. Some of us come to church in “dress clothes”; others come in blue jeans. We don’t care because God doesn’t care.
Adult Classes
Adult Classes
Adult groups and classes meet at various times. Many meet on Sundays from 11:15—12:15 p.m. All classes & groups are open to new members at any time. Most of these classes have been suspended during the pandemic, but here is an example of what can be offered when we return fully:
The Feminist Class studies a variety of writings by feminist scholars and writers; group members share in planning and leading the discussion. See the online church calendar for meeting times and places.
Circles are other ways people are encouraged to connect & deepen relationships. Though active Circles change from time to time, we now have a Dinner Circle, Haiku Circle, GOT (Growing Older Together) Circle, an LGBT Support & Advocacy Circle, and a Growing Food Circle. Circles are envisioned and led by members of the congregation, and new Circles are always welcome to form as interest arises.
Seasonally, we often participate with neighboring churches to host a series of forums or classes on topics of interest. During Lent (the 40 days before Easter), for instance, we've recently partnered with St. Luke’s Episcopal Church to offer series on topics such as Celtic Spirituality and Embracing Spiritual Awakening. A weekday night, inter-church discussion group active recently has been entitled, Discussions on Progressive Christianity.
The Feminist Class studies a variety of writings by feminist scholars and writers; group members share in planning and leading the discussion. See the online church calendar for meeting times and places.
Circles are other ways people are encouraged to connect & deepen relationships. Though active Circles change from time to time, we now have a Dinner Circle, Haiku Circle, GOT (Growing Older Together) Circle, an LGBT Support & Advocacy Circle, and a Growing Food Circle. Circles are envisioned and led by members of the congregation, and new Circles are always welcome to form as interest arises.
Seasonally, we often participate with neighboring churches to host a series of forums or classes on topics of interest. During Lent (the 40 days before Easter), for instance, we've recently partnered with St. Luke’s Episcopal Church to offer series on topics such as Celtic Spirituality and Embracing Spiritual Awakening. A weekday night, inter-church discussion group active recently has been entitled, Discussions on Progressive Christianity.
Meditation Opportunities
Meditation: We cooperate with Denison’s Office of Religious and Spiritual life to offer—at The Open House (204 N. Mulberry St.), to provide space for Zazen (sitting Zen) every Tuesday and Thursday nights at 7 pm. During the school year, sitting is at the Open House, during Denison's breaks, sitting is in the UCG Chapel. Beginners are welome. This is open to both the Denison and local communities, and anyone—of any or no religious persuasion—is welcome to participate.
Links to Study Materials (coming soon)