Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland

100 Days In: A Town Hall on the Trump Administration
2025-05-04 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York)
Moderators: Laurie Albright and Mark Weber, Activists

Many Americans foresaw a catastrophic collapse of a lawfully governing democracy under a Trump administration, while a slightly larger percentage anticipated a golden age marked by the creative dismantling of dysfunctional governmental systems. So … how’s it going?

Is democracy holding up? How’s the economy? What’s the state of immigration, the environment, healthcare, and the social safety net? Is watchdog journalism continuing to decline?

How can we best support the priorities that are dear to us during the next four years? We’ll share our thoughts together.

In person in UUCC’s Fellowship Hall, 21600 Shaker Blvd in Shaker Hts.or via ZOOM

Due to technical difficulties with the recording, this forum is not aired on the UUCC YouTube channel.

2025 UUCC Freecycle - Postponed
2025-05-04 11:15 - 12:15
We understand the inconvenience this may cause, especially considering the effort and anticipation for this event. Please rest assured, this decision was not made lightly but deemed necessary to ensure the safety of all involved.

We are currently exploring all options to reschedule the event and will communicate the new date, time, and any other relevant details as soon as possible.

Remember: one person’s trash is another person’s treasure, so don’t throw it away, give it away and swap! From silverware to mobile homes, bring your used/worn items (nothing broken, torn or otherwise unusable) and put them on tables under the solar array in the UUCC Shaker building parking lot and SWAP . It’s a simple, economical, emotionally rewarding and morally sound practice that can literally help save the Earth. If you would like a table contact Sharon Edmond at sharon.edmond@uucleveland.org.

Set up 9 am – 9:45 am

“Shop” after Sunday Service from 11:15 pm to 12:15 pm

Volunteers welcome and needed for clean-up at 12:30 pm

All unclaimed items will be donated to Easter Seals.

Reminder: No items for freecycle will be accepted or stored at the church prior to May 4th.

Let's UU our Senators!
2025-05-04 11:30 - 12:30
You remember UU the Vote? Let’s UU our Senators! Join a statewide UU effort to let our US Senators know we expect them to uphold our value of democracy by exercising their role as legislators. We have prepared postcards for you to add your message, stamp and send this week. If you like this idea, let us know and we will prepare more postcards! See you in Fellowship Hall after the Sunday May 4 service, where you can pick up your postcards and learn more.

Why should I care? A learning circle
2025-05-04 14:00 - 16:00
The Youth Academy is working both in the community and in the church to engage youth in learning. One of the foundational tracks of the Youth Academy of Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland (UUCC) is Civic Engagement. We have offered programs on Civil Rights for Teens, and Undesigning the Redline in the hopes of inspiring teens to think about, discuss, and take action on civic issues. I’m excited to share that the LGBT Center of Cleveland and the Youth Academy of UUCC are joining together to create an opportunity for teens to learn about current LGBT issues, explore if these concerns are something they care about, and determine if they would like to take action. The LGBT Center Executive Director, Phyllis “Seven” Harris will facilitate a Learning Circle for teens ages 12-18. The Youth Academy of UUCC is a community outreach program. Please share the flyer with families in the community. Participants do need to register in advance by emailing Valerie Hura, Youth Academy Coordinator at valerie.hura@uucleveland.org

Why Should I Care? Learning Circle for teensMay 4, 20252:00-4:0021600 Shaker Blvd.

Save the dates for Additional programs on the topic of LGBT issues:

Taking Action Safely: preparing to participate in the Pride in the Cle March. (includes chill time for the teens)June 6, 2025, 6:00-9:00 pmUnitarian Universalist of Congregation of Cleveland21600 Shaker Hts. Blvd.

Participating in the Pride in the Cle March (Youth Academy is joining UUCC, Pride for all Ages, and UUCC Youth Group)June 7, 2025

Game Night: UUCC Small Group
2025-05-04 18:00 - 20:00
New small group open to new members.This group is for those who enjoy gathering to play board and card games. We will focus on games that can be played in 1-2 hours, ranging from 4-8 players, maybe dividing up and playing more than one at a time depending on the number of players. Teach a game, learn a new game, make new friends! Members will take turns hosting the fun. Jonathan and Kat will lead the first gathering May 4th 2025 in their home in Solon. Read More

UUCC Budget Presentation Invitation - May 8, 6:30 PM via Zoom
2025-05-08 18:30
UUCC Budget Presentation – May 8 at 6:30 pm via Zoom

The 2025-26 budget proposal will be presented to the Congregation via Zoom on May 8 at 6:30 pm. Please register in advance for this meeting:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/LoOWU6b2SeKzGSHTaq295w

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

West Shore's Social Action Film Series
2025-05-10 19:00
The film series is free and open to the public. Hosted by West Shore Social Action Committee.

Common Ground is the highly anticipated sequel to the juggernaut success documentary, Kiss the Ground, which touched over 1 billion people globally and inspired the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to put $20 billion toward soil health. By fusing journalistic expose’ with deeply personal stories from those on the front lines of the food movement, Common Ground unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. The film reveals how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colors are literally dying to feed us. The film profiles a hopeful and uplifting movement of white, black, and indigenous farmers who are using alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy – before it’s too late. Tom Rapini, President of the Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association’s Lake Effect Chapter will join us after the film for commentary and Q&A.

Link to film trailer: https://youtu.be/6-M4Hq0MKFA

(Film Length: 101 minutes This film rated PG Free Parking)

WHEN: Saturday, May 10th, 2025, at 7:00pm

WHERE: West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, 20401 Hilliard Blvd., Rocky River, Ohio 44116

COST: The film series is free and open to the public (donations gratefully accepted).

More information at: FaceBook; www.facebook.com/wssafs or https://wsuuc.org

CONTACT: email westshorefilmseries@gmail.com or call Bob Bemer at 440-333-2255

Hosted by West Shore Social Action Committee

2nd Sunday Potluck May 2025
2025-05-11 11:30 - 13:00
This is a full Potluck–bring your favorite dish to share. There will be clearly marked tables for Main Dishes, Salads, Sides, and Desserts in Fellowship Hall prior to the service. Consider labeling your food ingredients: vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc.

May Action – GCC’s Healthy Blocks Initiative!
2025-05-13 19:00 - 20:30
Want to join Greater Cleveland Congregations’ Upcoming Action? Greater Cleveland Congregations (GCC), a non-partisan coalition of faith communities and partner organizations in Cuyahoga County, is excited to invite you to a momentous event as its Healthy Blocks Initiative goes public! The Healthy Blocks Initiative is a potent movement that invests energy and resources into revitalizing neighborhoods. Join us on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, from 7pm to 8:30 pm at Lee Road Baptist Church (3970 Lee Road, Cleveland) to celebrate this milestone. This is an opportunity to come together and take action to strengthen our communities through access to healthcare, aging-in-place housing, and shared connections.

To participate in the Healthy Blocks Initiative on May 13, and to learn more about Greater Cleveland Congregations, look for your GCC Core team in Fellowship Hall following services on Sunday, April 13 and 20. Or please contact Laurie Albright at: Sunnyskies2023@yahoo.com.

Pretrial Training Session
2025-05-17 14:00
Our final training for Cohort #3 is this Saturday, 5/17 @ 2:00pm in Fellowship Hall. Please bring your laptop or tablet so we can go over our Case Management System.

If you missed any of the previous trainings, we can provide the presenations to you so you can catch up. Please contact the Director, Stephanie K. Thomas at pretrial.support@uucleveland.org or via text at 440-318-4365

2025 UUCC Freecycle - RAIN DATE
2025-05-18 11:15 - 12:15
Remember: one person’s trash is another person’s treasure, so don’t throw it away, give it away and swap! From silverware to mobile homes, bring your used/worn items (nothing broken, torn or otherwise unusable) and put them on tables under the solar array in the UUCC Shaker building parking lot and SWAP . It’s a simple, economical, emotionally rewarding and morally sound practice that can literally help save the Earth. If you would like a table contact Sharon Edmond at sharon.edmond@uucleveland.org.

Set up 9 am – 9:45 am

“Shop” after Sunday Service from 11:15 pm to 12:15 pm

Volunteers welcome and needed for clean-up at 12:30 pm

All unclaimed items will be donated to Easter Seals.

Reminder: No items for freecycle will be accepted or stored at the church prior to May 4th.

Tour of Rid-All Green Partnership
2025-05-24 13:00 | Fellowship Hall at the UU Congregation of Cleveland, 21600 Shaker Blvd., Shaker Height, OH, 44122, United States
See for yourself the wonderful regenerative farm and community builder that is the Rid-All Green Partnership in Cleveland’s “Forgotten Triangle.” UU Ministry for Earth is sponsoring a tour for UUCC folks, including families, on May 24 at 1 pm, 1971 East 66th St. or carpool from the church at 12:30. $10 per adult, free or donation for children. Register at nancykingsmith@mac.com. Can’t make the tour? View the excellent 35-minute film about Rid-All at https://ridall.org/soil-brothers-premiere-release-1-1-2025/.

Pride for All Ages May 2025
2025-05-25 11:30 - 13:00
Pride for All Ages is an intergenerational group that is open to all who identify as LGBTQ+. We meet the 4th Sunday of every month at 11:30 in the Baker Room.

We gather as a group for support, for friendship, for event planning, and as a resource to the congregation. All LGBTQ+ people welcome!

UUCC Board Meeting
2025-05-27 19:00
Board Meeting – May 27

The next Board meeting will be May 27 at 7:00 pm. To get the Zoom link email board@uucleveland.org. Please submit requests by 5:00 pm May 26 to allow time for processing.

Meetings are usually held via Zoom from 7:00 – 9:00 PM on the fourth Tuesday

Taking Action Safely: Preparing to March
2025-05-31 17:00 - 23:30
The Youth Academy of UUCC is joining with the Teen Youth Group of UUCC on Saturday May 31st to explore “Taking Action Safely”. In preparation for participation in the Pride in Cle March we will hear suggestions from past march participants, review march etiquette, and hear safety tips from the LGBT Center. Teens will have the opportunity to create slogans and posters to share during the March.

First though, from 5:00-6:30, teens will have an opportunity to get to know each other at a joint cookout. Then from 6:30-11:00 pm it is Late Night, PRIDE prep edition Taking Action Safely and fun, chill activities.

Youth Academy participants for this program include teens from the community ages 12-18. If you know a teen who may be interested in participating, please have their parents or guardians email Youth Academy Coordinator, Valerie Hura at valerie.hura@uucleveland.org. to register. The program is Free.

Double treat with Science Ambassador JD Stillwater
2025-06-01 10:00 - 12:30
Science Ambassador JD Stillwater will be leading worship on June1 followed by a presentation of “One Song: the Science of Oneness.” JD is a UU from Pennsylvania who will be joined by his local former band members, Doug and Jani McWilliams, to add some extra music to the multi-media presentation. It will be in Fellowship Hall, beginning at 11:30.

Join UUCC for Cleveland PRIDE June 7!
2025-06-07 09:00 - 16:00
Join UUCC members and friends in the Pride march on Saturday, June 7! We will meet in the UUCC parking lot and walk together down to the Rapid station across the street. Pride for All Ages will host coffee and donuts in the UUCC parking lot from 9-11 a.m. If you don’t want to march, you are welcome to come to UUCC for coffee and donuts and to cheer on the marchers. MARCHERS: We will be taking the 10:07 train, so meet at the UUCC parking lot early enough to get your coffee and treats and join the group! Step-off for the march is 11 a.m., if you prefer to meet us downtown.

EcoFest
2025-06-07 12:00 - 16:00
Heights EcoFest Returns: Bigger, Bolder, and More Impactful Than Ever

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH – After a year-long hiatus due to the Coventry PEACE Park remodel, Heights EcoFest is back—bigger and more impactful than ever. Hosted by the Cleveland Heights Green Team and Heights Libraries Coventry Village Branch, this festival connects Northeast Ohio residents with practical, sustainable alternatives to everyday choices, making it easier to live greener and healthier.

Now in its 4th year, EcoFest is set to be the largest yet, with over 40 exhibitors, 35% of them first-time participants, reflecting the growing momentum behind sustainable living.

Interactive Zones for All Ages

EcoFest is designed to be highly interactive, organized into four themed zones:  Eco Living – Sustainable home and lifestyle solutions

 Eco Health – Wellness and environmentally friendly health practices  Eco Kids – Engaging activities for young nature explorers

 Eco Fun – Music, movement, and creative expression

Attendees can enjoy yoga, cardio drumming, poetry writing, upcycle art making, a scavenger hunt, and a community gifting table, where neighbors can bring items to gift and take what they need, fostering a culture of sharing and sustainability.

A Celebration of Coventry’s Legacy

More than an environmental event, EcoFest is a community-building opportunity and a cultural catalyst for change. Coventry has long been Cleveland’s epicenter for counterculture, making it the perfect venue to celebrate ecological stewardship through community engagement.

Guests are encouraged to explore Coventry’s iconic establishments, including Tommy’s Restaurant, Mac’s Backs Books, Passport to Peru, and several of the best antique and secondhand shops on Cleveland’s east side.

A One-of-a-Kind Regional Event

EcoFest is more than an event—it is a vital platform for environmental advocacy, community resilience, and sustainability action. At a time when environmental deregulation has weakened protections for clean air, water, and climate policy, EcoFest stands as a firm commitment to responsible stewardship, community-driven solutions, and equity in sustainability.

This gathering brings together activists, educators, community organizations, faith communities, and families to advance collective action over division. EcoFest is not simply a celebration; it is a declaration that sustainability, environmental justice, and community empowerment must persist despite challenges. EcoFest promises to be a fun, engaging experience for the entire family. Bring a blanket to relax in the PEACE Park green space, explore the mini forest and new playground, and enjoy music, games, and artistic performances.

Event Details

Event Details June 7 12:00 PM – 4:00 PMCoventry PEACE Park, 2843 Washington Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118For complete details, directions, parking, and a list of partners, visit

For complete details, directions, parking, and a list of partners, visit

www.chgreenteam.org.

Flower Communion & Annual Meeting - June 8
2025-06-08 10:00 - 12:30
The Flower Communion Service will be June 8, 10:15 am followed by the Annual Congregational Meeting. The Annual Meeting includes approval of the Congregational budget and election of Trustees and Leadership Development Committee members.

Bring flowers to share and all that you are to our annual Flower Ceremony. We plan to be outside on the East Lawn (where the tent is), so please bring your most comfortable outdoor chair or blanket. Our Annual Meeting and a congregational picnic will follow this special service of connection.

Harry’s Kitchen Crew will bring to the main grillin’ entrees for both theomnivores and vegan/vegetarians as well a picnic beverages and Dessert.We ask that you, if you can, please bring the following to share: SALAD/SIDEdishes for 8 people.

Please remember that there may be some road closures near the church due to the Jacob Butze Memorial Run. Kindly let police at barricades know that you need to get to the UU church on Belvoir Oval and considerately share the roadway with walkers and runners, and all will be well.

UUCC Annual Meeting
2025-06-08 11:30
The UUCC Annual Meeting will be in person on June 8th following the UUCC Flower Communion service.

All members are urge to attend, but the meeting is open to all. The membership list has been posted on the Board of Trustees bulletin board. If you have questions about your membership status, email board@uucleveland.org

For those who can’t be there in person, there will be a zoom session. Registration is required, using this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/NUGWiYabQXWcGBbtXs5LwA

Meeting materials (including the agenda) will be shared next week.

The budget was presented via Zoom on May 8th. The recording is available at this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dctZWrkk3Hx9W7uAVb1j3YfC1eQZZgai/view?usp=sharing

Congregational Picnic
2025-06-08 12:00 - 13:30
Come enjoy the annual Congregational Picnic following the Sunday Service & Annual Meeting (about 12 noon).

Harry Kitchen Crew (HKC) will be grilling (there will be a vegetarian option).

Salads/Sides

Congregation members with last names beginning with A-L: bring a salad or side dish that serves 8 people

Desserts

Congregation member with last names beginning with M-Z: bring dessert that serves 8 people

Join U's Together Virtually Monday June 9th at 7pm!
2025-06-09 19:00
UUs Together meets virtually Monday June 9 at 7pm! (2 days after PRIDE march) Join us!We now have 5 congregations joining us!

Here’s our agenda:Part 1A Recap of the Pride MarchSome history of our congregations’ participationPictures of the UU marching participants from the different UU congregationsBrief testimonials stories from a few of the participantsPart 2Pending issues and concerns going forwardPending Senate BillsChristian NationalismDEI InitiativesOtherPart 3What More Can We Do? – Actions we Can TakeBuying and Boycotting Power (List of businesses that continue to support DEI)Letters / Postcards / Phone calls.

Please email Laurie at Sunnyskies2023@yahoo.com for the direct liink to the virtual meeting.

Architect's Report on UUCC Facilities
2025-06-18 19:00 - 20:00, 2025-06-21 13:00 - 14:00, 2025-06-23 19:00 - 20:00
The UUCC Future Facilities Task Force invites you to a virtual session to see ideas for our facilities based on feedback gathered over the past several months. Our architectural consultants will share concepts developed from UUCC member ideas.

Please register for one of the zoom sessions. All sessions are the same, and a follow-up survey will be shared after the meetings to get more input as we refine our priorities.

June 18 @ 7:00 pm

June 21 @ 1:00 pm

June 23 @ 7:00 pm

FaCT Distinguished Speaker June 21 - Jonathan Meiburg, author of A Most Remarkable Creature
2025-06-21 13:00
Saturday, June 21, 2025 1 PM ET via ZoomPlease Note: not the usual 3 PM timeVIA ZOOM: Jonathan Meiburg, author of A Most Remarkable Jonathan MeiburgThe Hidden Life and Epic Journeyof the World’s Smartest Birds of PreyIn 2021 Knopf published his first book, A Most Remarkable Creature: The Hidden Life of the World’s Smartest Bird of Prey, a journey through landscapes and wildlife of South America with the crow-like falcons called caracaras, their human companions, and the nineteenth-century naturalist William Henry Hudson.It was acclaimed as a thrilling hybrid of travel writing, natural history, and literary biography; “to call [it] a bird book,” wrote one reviewer, “is like calling Moby-Dick a whaling manual.” Meiburg is now at work on a sequel, The Secret Land, which will illuminate Antarctica’s pervasive and surprising influence on our planet’s past, present, and future. REGISTER

Hyde Park Service
2025-06-22 10:15
The upcoming Hyde Park Service on June 22nd is named after the tradition in London’s Hyde Park, where people literally stand on a soapbox and expound on topics about which they care deeply. If you would like to share your passions and opinions with the community at the UUCC for 3-4 minutes, please reserve one of the limited spots by calling or e-mailing Amy Collins. Provide a title and topic for your “rant.” This service, which was an annual traditional the UU Society for decades, celebrates our commitment to a “free and responsible search for truth and meaning.” Over the years we have covered political and social topics, geriatric pet care, the regulation of car exhaust, social media and news induced dopamine bursts, and other scintillating subjects. In recent years we have used the monthly worship theme as the focus. What’s on your mind? Contact Amy at amymcollins@sbcglobal.net if you would like to participate!

Pride for All Ages June 2025
2025-06-22 11:30 - 13:00
Pride for All Ages is an intergenerational group that is open to all who identify as LGBTQ+. We meet the 4th Sunday of every month at 11:30 in the Baker Room.

We gather as a group for support, for friendship, for event planning, and as a resource to the congregation. All LGBTQ+ people welcome!

The next meeting of Pride for All Ages is June 22. All LGBTQ+ people welcome!

Life's Toolbox for Pre-Teens: Connecting With Nature
2025-07-12 10:00 - 12:00
Over the past few months, the Youth Academy of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland (UUCC) has been building a “Life’s Toolbox” with pre-teens—filled with healthy, mindful practices to support well-being. Through movement, yoga, writing, games, and art, participants have explored tools such as personal space, feeling identification, yogic breathing, mindful doodling, and journaling.Our next session invites pre-teens to explore how connecting with nature can support a healthy and balanced life. Together, we’ll step outside, slow down, and build deeper awareness of the natural world.This free program is open to all youth ages 9–12, including UUCC members, friends, and anyone in the wider community.To reserve a spot, email valerie.hura@uucleveland.org with your pre-teen’s name.Valerie Hura, Youth Academy Coordinator, will follow up with more details.

Event flyer created by Astrid Burkle and Abs Burkle

UUCC Pretrial Support - Calling All Navigators
2025-07-14 17:00 - 18:30
The UUCC Pretrial Support Team is gathering for a special evening of connection, reflection, and recruitment. Whether you’re already a Navigator or curious about becoming one, we’d love to have you join us! Date: Monday, July 14Time: 5:00–6:30 PMLocation:Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland21600 Shaker Blvd., Shaker Heights, OH 44120Enjoy a light supper and hear from current Navigators as we share stories, challenges, and successes, and explore how to grow our impact.RSVP: patdillard13@gmail.comWe’re seeing increased demand for Navigator support, and we’ll be offering a short training soon for those ready to step in and help. Come learn how you can make a difference!
