Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland

November 9 Congregational Conversation: McKimm Fund Update
2025-11-09 11:30 (America/New_York)
Next month’s Sunday brunch and Congregational Conversation will feature an update on the McKimm Fund initiatives. If you’ve been following along over the years, you know that this initiative was approved by the Board in late 2021 to solicit and make investments in a limited number of initiatives that further the mission, vision and strategic plan of UUCC.

Attend this session to learn more about what was funded, how they’ve proceeded, and the current status of the McKimm projects. The presentation will be made by members of the Strategic Investment Task Force (“SIT Force”), the group chartered by the Board to develop the process used and to oversee and support the funded initiatives. Members of the projects that are still in operation will be present to help answer questions.

November 2025 2nd Sunday Meal: Kitchen Crew + Potluck
2025-11-09 11:30 - 13:00
Now that we made it past Daylight Savings Time & the wonderful 2025 Auction Event, Harry’s Kitchen Crew is back to prepare another delicious lunch on Sunday, November 9 after the Sunday service.

This month’s dining theme is “KISS…. Keep It Simple Soup”

Harry’s Kitchen Crew will fill your “bowls” with … Chicken Noodle Soup, either Tomato Bisque or Butternut Soup, Black-Bean Soup and fresh GF bread and regular bread.

We ask that you, if you can, bring the following to share:The congregation member(s) with last name that begins with letter A thru K will supply the DESSERT dish for 8 people.ANDThe congregation member(s) with last name that begins with letter L thru Z will supply the SALAD dish for 8 people.

You can drop off your shared dish at the Kitchen Window and the Crew will tag & place them on the tables in the Fellowship Hall.

We all look forward to seeing you on Sunday, November 9th.

The “ZOUP” will be provided by the happy members of Harry’s Kitchen Crew.

This month also features a Congregational Conversation, sponsored by the Strategic Investment Team (AKA SIT Force, the sponsors of the McKimm Projects), where we’ll reflect together on the current status of the McKimm Projects.

Whether you bring a dish or just yourself, you are always welcome at the table. And if you’re able, please lend a hand afterward with putting away tables and chairs in Fellowship Hall—it makes a big difference!

FaCT Distinguished Speaker Series presents Sharon Kiesel
2025-11-15 15:00
Rev. Dr. Sharon KieselOn her new book, WE REACT TO EVERYTHING! A guide to avoid toxic triggers, manage chronic inflammation, and embrace healthy living.

Rev. Dr. Sharon Kiesel, an ordained Disciples of Christ minister and early FaCT member who turned full-time RV’er, has faced Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) head-on—and now she’s sharing her journey and that of many others like her. In her groundbreaking new book, Sharon reveals powerful coping strategies for the millions worldwide battling this condition, where the body’s mast cells overreact to perceived toxins, sparking chronic inflammation and social isolation. But this isn’t just a survival guide—it’s an inspiring call to action, showing readers how to reclaim their lives and embrace their full potential. Sharon also sounds the alarm on the urgent need to create a safer, healthier environment for all.REGISTER ONLINE NOW AT FACTSUSTAIN.ORG/DISTINGUISHEDNote: Event will be recorded

Confronting Authoritarianism
2025-11-16 09:00 - 10:00
Speaker: Cherie Strachan, PhD, Professor of Political Science and Director of the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics

History shows a familiar pattern: regimes weaken the press, universities and courts in the guise of protecting the public while amassing ever greater personal power. While some citizens are willing to trade freedom for promised security; others just feel helpless. But is that helplessness real? What power do we truly have, and what actions can drive real governmental change?

In person in Fellowship Hallor via Zoom https://bit.ly/UUCCForumsFall2025.

Learning, Leading & Loving It - LDC: Making Sense of the Google Suite at UUCC
2025-11-16 11:40 - 12:40
Learning, Leading and Loving It!The Google Suite at UUCCSunday, November 16, 11:40 amand Thursday, December 4, 7 pm on ZOOM

The Leadership Development Committee at UUCC is holding learning sessions for current and potential leaders in the congregation. Most will be held in-person following a Sunday Service. The sessions will last an hour and include some learnings presented by congregation leaders, followed by sharing amongst the participants.

Confused about Google Drive? Google Docs? Google Sheets? Google Groups? Lost? Need some help? Our November/December offering is a beginning session on the Google Universe at UUCC. We’ll talk why we use it, how to access it, how to navigate it, some about the different tools.

All leaders and congregants are welcome, we do ask you to register using https://forms.gle/zm9wHrRNfVXcpUNr5 so we know how many to plan for.

We currently have three sessions scheduled through January. We may add additional sessions in the new year if there is interest.Sunday offerings are in person following the Service

Sunday, November 16 – Google at UUCCThursday, December 4, 7 pm – Google at UUCC (via Zoom)Sunday, January 18 – Meetings with Meaning

Please send comments and questions to leadership.development@uucleveland.org

LGBTQ+ Youth and Youth Allies Night: Sketch Your Own Drag Show Persona
2025-11-21 18:30 - 22:00
The Youth Academy of UUCC is thrilled to partner with The LGBT Center of Cleveland to host an inclusive evening of exploration, expression and connection for LGBTQ+ youth and youth allies. This special event is designed to foster joy, growth, and a deep sense of belonging.

After we sketch out and share (if you choose to) our Drag Show personas, we’ll keep the good vibes going with a choose your own adventure night—complete with snacks, art, games, and a space to relax and connect.

Event Details:

What: Sketch your own Drag Show Persona

When: Friday, November 21st, 2025 | 6:30–10:00 PM

Who: LGBTQ+ Youth & Youth Allies (ages 12–18)

Where: 21600 Shaker Blvd, Shaker Heights, Ohio

How to Register: Email Valerie Hura, at valerie.hura@uucleveland.org

A flyer outlining the program details is attached below. Please feel free to share with Teens ages 12-18 who may be interested in joining us. Don’t forget to register your teen for the programming by emailing Valerie Hura.

UUs Together virtual November meeting- Pretrial Support!
2025-11-24 19:00 - 20:30
Join us for some inspiring initiatives! UUs Together November meeting. We all know the current pretrial system is harmful, especially to those with few resources. Join us for our last virtual meeting in 2025 to learn about 2 initiatives to disrupt the current pretrial system, to bring some dignity to those arrested by police but have not had their case resolved. We will learn about past and current Pretrial Justice Initiatives by Greater Cleveland Congregations, at both the local and statewide levels. AND we will learn about UUCC’s Pretrial Support program, which has trained over 40 volunteer navigators to accompany people in the Pretrial period. Join us to hear some good news! We will hear from Pat Dillard, who co-chairs the GCC Pre Pretrial Team and also leads the UUCC Pretrial Support team. Joining her will be fellow UUCC Pretrial Support team members Nan Middaugh and Louise Mosher. We meet Monday November 24 from 7-8:30pm. Please email Laurie at sunnyskies2023@yahoo.com for the link!

Lunch Bunch
2025-12-04 12:00 - 14:00
The Lunch Bunch meets monthly during the week for lunch. We have changed our meeting time to the 1st Thursday of the Month at 12 noon. Our next meeting is December 4th at 12 noon . We are eating at the Sweet Mango in Berea. Please contact Sharon Marrell 216-410-4885 if you are interested. Sitting is limited and reservation required. Want to learn more about The Lunch Bunch read more

Want to learn more about UUCC Small Group Ministries read more

UUCC Capital Campaign Kickoff Party
2025-12-05 18:00
oin Us for the Building Our Tomorrows Kickoff Event on December 5!

On December 5 at 6pm, UUCC is hosting the ultimate tailgate party! We’ll gather to celebrate the launch of our capital campaign, Building our Tomorrows. Join your fellow UUCCers for fellowship, food, fun, games, and more. All are welcome and childcare will be provided. This will be a moment to come together, share in our achievements, get updates on the Building our Tomorrows campaign and look forward to the bright future we’re building—together. No solicitations, just a good time! See you there!

Injustice to JUSTICE: A Community Forum
2025-12-06 12:00 - 16:00
With nearly two million people behind bars at any given time, the United States has the highest incarceration rate of any country in the world! WHY? And What You Can Do!

Join us, Saturday afternoon (noon – 4 pm), December 6, at the Cleveland Unitarian Universalist Congregation (21600 Shaker Blvd, Shaker Heights, OH 44122 ), when a coalition of groups will host a community forum on the criminal justice system.

Email racialequitybuddies@gmail.com to RSVP and reserve your seat.

– testimonials from individuals who have been wrongfully charged, incarcerated, and exonerated

– panel discussion exploring restorative justice

– panel discussion on present efforts to eliminate injustice

– Light Lunch provided

This event aims to promote meaningful dialogue and raise awareness about justice and equity issues in our society. Attendees can expect a panel of knowledgeable speakers, opportunities for open discussion, and resources for further engagement on these critical topics. Join us to learn, share, and collaborate towards building a more just community.The panelistChristina Swarns (pictured above ), the national director of the Innocence Project, is our featured speaker. Additionally, we are excited to welcome local and state activists who will contribute to this important discussion. Our speakers include: – Matthew Ahn, Esq (Beyond Guilt

Matthew Ahn | Ohio Justice & Policy Center) – Mark Chupp, professor at Case, who teaches restorative justice

Mark Chupp | Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences | Case Western Reserve University– Km Corral, Esq. (who represents wrongfully convicted individuals, as well as those who are poor and marginalized within the justice system)

Home | Law Office of Kimberly Kendall Corral

– Pat Dillard ( GCC’s Pretrial Justice Team and the birthing of the UUCC Pretrial Support Team) A Community Engaged – Advancing Pretrial Policy & Research (APPR)– LaToya Logan (Project Lift,

Meet Project LIFT CEO, Latoya Logan | Project LIFT)

We are also honored to have one of Kim’s clients, who was recently exonerated, who will share his harrowing experience of being falsely accused, wrongfully arrested, indicted, and convicted—before ultimately being exonerated.

Sponsors: ACLU, Pretrial Support Team, Unitarian Universalist of Cleveland, Racial Equity Buddies of Greater Cleveland, Social Justice Advocacy Ministry of Federated Church at Chagrin Falls, Undoing Oppressions Task Force of West Shore UU Church

Deck the Halls with UUCC Youth!
2025-12-13 15:00 - 17:00
Decorate, Snacks, and Crafts

The youth group will be getting an evergreen tree for the congregation on December 7th. So we need to get together to dress it up and create some holiday spirit!

Please reach out to Jenni to offer to help with the event. It’s simple AND needs some helping hands. jenni.papp@uucleveland.org

2025 December 2nd Sunday Meal: Potluck
2025-12-14 11:30 - 13:00
Join us after service for our 2nd Sunday Meal! Each month we gather in community to share food and fellowship.

This month’s meal is a true potluck—everyone is invited to bring a favorite dish to share.

This month also features a Congregational Conversation, sponsored by the Tending Covenant Team, where we’ll reflect together on “The Practice of Covenant.“

Whether you bring a dish or just yourself, you are always welcome at the table. And if you’re able, please lend a hand afterward with putting away tables and chairs in Fellowship Hall—it makes a big difference!

Annual Holiday Craft Show: Last Minute Market!
2025-12-21 11:30 - 13:00
Following the service head to Fellowship Hall to find treasures for yourself and all your favorite people! Enjoy coffee and refreshments while you shop guilt-free, supporting your crafty and talented fellow UUCC friends who will have a variety of gifts for sale. There will be fabric arts, needlework goodies, paper-crafts, jewelry, baked goods, and more! 10% of all proceeds will be donated to UUCC. If you would like to have a table to sell your creations or have questions, please contact Amy Collins at amymcollins@sbcglobal.net, or call/text 216-410-4985.
