Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland

EngageGCC Planning Meeting
2024-04-25 19:00 - 20:30 (America/New_York)
Next EngageGCC Is April 25!We’re building momentum around the May 7th Pretrial Justice Action. EngageGCC is an important platform for getting the word out. That means our April 25th EngageGCC takes on particular importance.

We will meet Thursday, April 25th, at 7pm Lakewood Congregational Church, 1375 W Clifton BoulevardLakewood OH

Next Action: GCC’s Pre-Trial Justice Team is planning an action for May 7th at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church.

The 7pm action on May 7th will be in person and on Zoom.Turnout will be critically important. We want to send out a message of power to the community and its public officials!

Why are People in Jail Before Trial?Not for punishment because they have not been convicted. Most people are in jail before trial because:– They are too poor to pay bail.-They have mental health and/or addiction issues.-They were arrested for non-violent crimes.

What’s wrong with jail before trial?-It violates the rule of law – the presumption of innocence and the constitution’s prohibition against excessive bail.-It harms individuals and their communities, is costly, and does not protect public safety.

What are alternatives?-Providing pretrial services that:* Investigate and recommend alternatives to jail, such as diversion and supervised release.* Ensure that people come to court for scheduled dates.* Help people to keep and/or get jobs, housing, families, transportation, and other resources.* Protect public safety because people are less likely to re-offend.

Why Should You Attend this Public Hearing?-You will hear how the pretrial process currently works in our County and learn research-based, data-driven best practices for pretrial services and join other GCC and community members in publicly calling for a more just and effective pretrial system – to reduce jail before trial. You will learn how we can do better! Learn more here https://www.greaterclevelandcongregations.org/issues/pretrial-justice/;

Thank you!Your UUCC GCC Team

A Celebration of America's Indigenous People
2024-04-27 16:00 - 18:00
Join Native American descendant Robin Pease Saturday evening, April 27 at 4 p.m. Forest Hill Church 3031 Monticello Blvd. Cleveland Heights we will celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of America’s Indigenous People. The doors will open at 4 pm and the program will begin at 4:30. To sign up, email: racialequitybuddies@fhcpresb.org

This is both an artistic and educational program. Robin Pease is the Artistic Director of www.KULTUREKIDS.org and proud descendant of Indigenous Americans. Robin, with her rich theater background from the Boston Conservatory and Case Western Reserve University, brings Native music, stories, and traditions to life in an immersive performance. This will not be just a viewing experience; it’s an invitation to engage actively, culminating in a Q&A session that promises to deepen our collective understanding and connection to Indigenous culture.

Arguably, Native Americans are the most marginalized group in the history of America. Here is a 30-second Facebook clip that declares “Everyday Indigenous Peoples Day” and sums up why events like this are important. https://www.facebook.com/thisisindiancountry/videos/1404938513365700

Pride for All Ages April 2024
2024-04-28 11:30 - 13:00
Pride for All Ages, an intergenerational group for LGBTQ+ people, meets on Sunday, April 28th after the service at 11:30 in the Baker Room following the service. Read more about the group

Learning to Hate Democracy: The Rise of Right-Wing Organizations
2024-05-05 09:00 - 10:00
In person or on Zoom

Speaker: Matthew Lacombe, Alexander P. Lamis Associate Professor in U.S. Politics, CWRU.

Right-wing, MAGA-friendly “think tanks” such as the Claremont Institute, the Heritage Foundation and the Cato Institute think equality is an unnatural state and democracy is for weaklings. Their influence can be seen in all aspects of national, state, and local government.

In Ohio, the Buckeye Institute has been involved in many ultra-conservative initiatives such as promoting charter schools as a solution to high school drop-out rates. The Buckeye Institute is also an affiliate member of the State Policy Network (SPN). SPN is a web of right-wing think tanks and is the tip of the spear of far-right, nationally funded policy agenda in the states that support extremists in the Republican Party.

What is the wave of right-wing think tanks? What can those who love democracy do to support our institutions?

EgageGCC: Pretrial Justice Action
2024-05-07 19:00 - 20:30
GCC’s Pre-Trial Justice Team Action May 7th at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church.

The 7pm action on May 7th will be in person and on Zoom. Turnout will be critically important. We want to send out a message of power to the community and its public officials!

Why are People in Jail Before Trial?Not for punishment because they have not been convicted. Most people are in jail before trial because:– They are too poor to pay bail.-They have mental health and/or addiction issues.-They were arrested for non-violent crimes.

What’s wrong with jail before trial?-It violates the rule of law – the presumption of innocence and the constitution’s prohibition against excessive bail.-It harms individuals and their communities, is costly, and does not protect public safety.

What are alternatives?-Providing pretrial services that:* Investigate and recommend alternatives to jail, such as diversion and supervised release.* Ensure that people come to court for scheduled dates.* Help people to keep and/or get jobs, housing, families, transportation, and other resources.* Protect public safety because people are less likely to re-offend.

Why Should You Attend this Public Hearing?-You will hear how the pretrial process currently works in our County and learn research-based, data-driven best practices for pretrial services and join other GCC and community members in publicly calling for a more just and effective pretrial system – to reduce jail before trial. You will learn how we can do better! Learn more here https://www.greaterclevelandcongregations.org/issues/pretrial-justice

Thank you!UUCC GCC Team

Choosing Joy! DRUUMM Public Worship
2024-05-08 20:00 - 21:00
The Diverse and Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries is offering a public worship experience. Wednesday, May 8th at 8 PM. Our congregation is a sponsor, thanks to your contributions during a Sunday offering! They write: Our worship is grounded in the theme of Choosing Joy! Living with Intentionality and Purpose. Be with us as we explore sustaining joy amidst adversity, inspired by Proverbs 17:22. A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones. Discover how a joyful heart can be your sanctuary, even when spirits are tested. A celebration of resilience, purpose, and the healing power of joy. Rev. Carol Thomas Cissell is our liturgist.Choosing Joy! DRUUMM Public WorshipRev. Ali K.C. Bell, Guest PreacherSaunder Choi, Director of MusicRev. Carol Thomas Cissel, LiturgistWednesday, May 8, 20248:00 PM Eastern/5:00 PM PacificOPEN TO ALL: To register, go to https://www.druumm.org/events. This worship will be offered as a Zoom and Livestream event.

2nd Sunday Food & Fellowship May 2024
2024-05-12 11:30 - 13:00
April showers bring May flowers along with Harry’s Kitchen Crew to present another Sunday B-Lunch. Please come join us and your fellow UUCC friends for another delicious meal.

Our menu:

Tomato Bisque with Grillin’ Cheese w/micro Sammies

Honey Glaze Ham

Scalloped potatoes

Fresh salad

Fruit Compote

“Mission Impossible Dessert”

Beverages

Plus a take home table setting

There will be a Congregational Conversation following the meal when the Board will introduce a preliminary draft of the new strategic plan. Can’t make it? Don’t worry! The Board is planning to provide more opportunities for congregational involvement in the planning process over the summer.

Harry’s Kitchen Crew does enjoy in planning, preparing and serving on THIS Special Day as well as accepting donations. We look forward to seeing you on May 12th!

Explore GCC! GCC Introduction Power Workshop
2024-05-16 18:30 - 20:00
Are you curious about and interested in being more involved in Greater Cleveland Congregations (GCC)? Join your fellow GCCers on Thursday, May 16 from 6:30 to 8:00 pm for an Explore GCC: Introduction Power Workshop at Imani UCC: 1505 East 260th Street, Euclid, OH. This evening will be a great introduction to GCC, the issues it supports, and its team. Refreshments will be provided.

If you’re interested or planning on attending, please contact Laurie Albright at: ljalbright@hotmail.com.

FaCT Distinguished Speaker: Mining & Environmental Hazards
2024-05-17 19:00 - 21:00
FaCT has a tremendous Distinguished Speaker event planned for Friday Evening, May 17, 2024, 7 PM at West Shore UU Church in Rocky River.

They’ve known for 110 years but haven’t done a thing to stop it. Mining oil and gas involves bringing toxic and radioactive materials to the surface endangering water, wildlife, and human health.

Come and hear the complete dirty story that prize-winning journalist Justin Nobel has uncovered in all its ugly details.

Lead with Love! Community Sing with Melanie DeMore - free and open to the public!
2024-05-18 11:00 - 13:00
Join us for an amazing and free community event with multi Grammy-Award nominee Melanie DeMore! This community singing and social justice workshop is open to everyone who loves music, regardless of age or experience. The event will be from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Saturday, May 18th in the Fellowship Hall of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland, located at 21600 Shaker Boulevard in Shaker Heights, OH.

Melanie DeMore is a 3-time Grammy nominated singer/composer, choral conductor, music director, and vocal activist who believes in the power of voices raised together. In her fun and interactive presentations for community groups and choirs, DeMore beautifully brings her participants together through her music and commentary. Melanie DeMore is a featured presenter of SpeakOut! The Institute for Social and Cultural Change, the Master Teaching Artist for Music at UC Berkeley/ CalPerformances; works with everyone from Baptists to Buddhists, and was a founding member of the Grammy-nominated ensemble Linda Tillery and the Cultural Heritage Choir. She is the music director for Obeah Opera by Nicole Brooks and will be touring with the company to South Africa. She is a charter member of Threshold Choir founded by Kate Munger, a mentor to the Jerusalem Youth Chorus, and conducts song circles with an emphasis on the voice as a vessel for healing. In Melanie’s own words: “A song can hold you up when there seems to be no ground beneath you”.”

The Surprising Malcolm X
2024-05-18 16:00 - 18:30
UUCC will show the PBS documentary, “Malcolm X: Make It Plain” and serve as host to several other area congregations who are actively engaged in promoting anti-racist perspectives and practices. One of the most pivotal figures of our time, while Malcolm X articulated the global struggle against racism with profound clarity, he was also, surprisingly to many, the soul and vision of fundamental human rights. Transcending the conversation beyond civil rights, he promoted and demanded the recognition of our common humanity and the inherent worthiness and dignity of everyone, both locally and globally.

Come, be surprised, and engage with others who are doing their part to create more just and caring communities within their congregations and in society at large. There will be a brief intermission (with light refreshments) followed by a half hour of table discussion ending by 6:30.

Doors open at 3:30. The FILM STARTS PROMPTLY AT 4:00. Pre- registration is highly recommended at kgrochau@gmail.com

Sponsored by: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland; Community Church of Chesterland; Social Justice Ministry of Federated Church, Chagrin Falls; and Racial Equity Buddies

2024-25 Budget Proposal Meeting
2024-05-23 19:30 - 20:30
On Thursday May 23 there will be a meeting via Zoom regarding the UUCC budget for the church fiscal year 2024-25. Meeting time 7:30-8:30. Zoom link to come.

UUCC Night at the Theatre!
2024-05-24 19:30 - 21:30
Join your UUCC friends at Ensemble Theatre for The Prospect of Equality, the story of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Opening Night with Pay as you Can and scrumptious wine reception after on Friday, May 24th at 7:30 pm.

Pride for All Ages May 2024
2024-05-26 11:30 - 13:00
Pride for All Ages, an intergenerational group for LGBTQ+ people, meets the 4th Sunday of every month. Our next meeting is May 26 at 11:30 in the Baker Room. Join us! We socialize, talk about the theme of the service, plan activities and events, and build community. All LGBTQ+ people welcome!

May 2024 UUCC Board Meeting
2024-05-28 19:00 - 21:00
UUCC is governed by an elected Board of Trustees. The Board is responsible for determining and upholding the mission and vision of our congregation, as well as for making financial and legal decisions. The Board of Trustees meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month. All Congregation Members are welcome to attend Board meetings, except when an Executive Session has been called. Members may address the Board only by prior arrangement with the President.

To attend the Board meeting, send an email to board@uucleveland.org for the Zoom link.

Coffee & Treats before Cleveland Pride!
2024-06-01 09:00 - 09:30
Come by for coffee and donuts in the UUCC parking lot starting at 9 am on Saturday, June 1. The group will head to the Rapid at 9:30 am to line up for the March at Cleveland Pride. You don’t have to march to stop by for coffee and festivities and to wish the marchers well!

UUCC 2024 Annual Meeting
2024-06-02 11:30 - 12:30
The UUCC Annual Meeting will be held on Sunday, June 2, 2024, following the UUCC Sunday Worship Service. This service is our Flower Communion which will be held outdoors on the East Lawn, as will the annual meeting (both weather permitting).

All members are urged to attend. The membership list is posted on the Board bulletin board at the bottom of the main stairway leading to Fellowship Hall. All congregants, members or not, are welcome to attend, though only members of more than 90 days are eligible to vote at the meeting. If you are unsure of your membership status check the posted list, or email boardpresident@uucleveland.org by May 31.

If you prefer to attend via Zoom, please register via this link.

After our business is concluded, Harry’s Kitchen Crew will host a meal on the East Lawn (again, weather permitting).

All materials for the Annual Meeting are posted on the Board bulletin board outside of Fellowship Hall.

The agenda for the meeting is here. Other information related to the Annual Meeting was sent to the congregants on May 25 in an email from the Board of Trustees.

Official notice here

Congregational Picnic
2024-06-02 12:30 - 13:30
Celebrate the beginning of summer at UUCC by attending the annual picnic immediately following the UUCC Annual Meeting.

Harry’s Kitchen Crew is glad to help support and grillin’ the main Entrees for the All-Church Picnic following the Annual Meeting. HKC will grill burgers and brats for the church community and provide cold beverages.

This is will be a community effort with members of the UUCC will bring either a side dish or dessert (see below the assignment). Please drop off your dish in the Kitchen and please label your dish.

If your last name begins with the A to K…. please bring a side dish to share for eight-10 people.

If your last name begins with L to Z….please bring a dessert to share for eight-10 people.

We look forward to sharing a meal with you underneath the Sun and Shade. Please DO NOT forget your lawn chair and/or blanket.

Thank you again for the another fiscal year of fun, food and service by Harry’s Kitchen Crew. We will see again in the Fall of 2024.

Congregational Discussion with 2024 UUCC GA Delegates
2024-06-09 11:30 - 12:30
Join the 2024 UUCC GA Delegates for a discussion about General Assembly issues. This year’s General Assembly will be all-virtual.

Our Delegates are:

Laurie Albright

John Bacon

Carol Gay

Valerie McFadden

UU's Together presents: "Human Trafficking and YOU"
2024-06-10 19:00 - 20:30
Human Trafficking Is among the top 3 criminal enterprises in the World Why Should You Care?

The United States is among the world’s leading consumers of Trafficking and Ohio is among the top 4 States reporting incidents.

Learn What Human Trafficking is, Who is involved, and What YOU can do about it. UU’s Together present “Human Trafficking and YOU” via Zoom June 10, 2024,7-8:30PM

Contact: Laurie at sunnyskies2023@yahoo.com

Speaker Joan Clark is a Board Member of the Renee Jones Empowerment Center, and Volunteer at the Center for 9+ years. She has been a member of West Shore Unitarian Universalist Church Social Action Committee, Human Trafficking Focus, for over 12 years. Ms Clark has done many presentations over the years to groups both large and small, and of various ages.

FACTOhio Distinguished Speaker - Sat. June 15, 2024, 3 pm
2024-06-15 15:00 - 16:30
“What Owls Know” Author, Jennifer Ackerman, is the next FACTOhio Distinguished Speaker – Saturday, June 15, 2024, 3 pm, Zoom. Jennifer Ackerman illuminates the rich biology and natural history of owls and reveals remarkable new scientific discoveries about their brains and behavior. She joins scientists in the field and explores how researchers are using modern technology and tools to learn how owls communicate, hunt, court, mate, raise their young, and move about from season to season.Zoom Link Registration.

A Celebration of Allan Georgia
2024-06-16 11:30 - 13:00
It’s almost time! A celebration of Allan Georgia’s time as Director of Religious Education at UUCC will be held on June 16 following the service. All are invited. We’ll have cake, an open microphone for those who wish to share thoughts or stories about Allan, and who knows what else…

As Allan announced in February, he is preparing to leave UUCC to take up ministry work in United Methodist congregations in Parma.

You can participate in multiple ways:

We’ll have a “memory book” at a table during coffee hour following the Sunday service where you can share your best wishes and other sentiments with Allan

You can bring “finger food” (baked goods, fruit, etc.) on the 16th to share

You can make a cash donation for Allan’s Celebration gift — we’ll have a box in Fellowship Hall on Sundays after the service, you can use the Cash App, or you can drop a check in the upstairs safe or in the mail – just get it to us by June 10. Please note somewhere on your gift that it’s for Allan’s celebration.

NOTE: If you won’t be in the building during the next few weeks, you can still participate by emailing messages for Allan to Helen Gutin.

We’ll be outdoors for the Celebration of Allan, weather permitting; in case of inclement weather, we’ll be in Fellowship Hall.

Questions? Contact Helen.

Online Mindfulness Meditation Class
2024-06-18 19:00 - 20:00
Mindfulness is the practice of being present with awareness. The benefits of being in the present moment expand to cover all aspects of life. It increases one’s ability to cope with stress, to live life with ease and resilience. It improves physical and mental health. It increases joy and the sense of purpose inline.

This class will provide a discussion of the practice of insight meditation and offer a guided insight practice. All are welcome, beginning and advanced practitioners alike. It is offered through Zoom.

For information and to register contact: Cynthia Taylor at: cynthiataylor.md@gmail.com

Juneteenth: Shaker Building Closed
2024-06-19 00:00 - 23:59
The Shaker building will be closed on Wednesday, June 19 for the national Juneteenth holiday.

Unitarian Universalist Association General Assembly
2024-06-20 00:00 - 2024-06-23 23:59
Information about the 2024 General Assembly from the UUA

Provide feedback to UUCC GA Delegates

UUCC Article: How Delegates Vote at GA

UUCC Article: What is the UUA?

Summer Solstice Celebration & Labyrinth Walk
2024-06-20 19:00 - 20:30
The Earth Centered Spirituality Group will be holding a Summer Solstice gathering on Thursday, June 20th at 7:00 p.m. on the west lawn of UUCC. All are welcome to celebrate the turning of the Wheel and walk the Labyrinth. Please bring something to sit on.

Pride for All Ages June 2024
2024-06-23 11:30 - 13:00
Pride for All Ages, an intergenerational group for LGBTQ+ people, meets the 4th Sunday of every month. Our next meeting is June 23 at 11:30 in the Baker Room. Join us! We socialize, talk about the theme of the service, plan activities and events, and build community. All LGBTQ+ people welcome!

June 2024 UUCC Board Meeting
2024-06-25 19:00 - 21:00

Deadline: 2023-24 Expenses Due
2024-06-30 00:00 - 23:59
Our fiscal year end is June 30. We want to make sure that expenses incurred this year get accounted for this year. Besides it being appropriate accounting – it will save your 24-25 budget from being spent before the year begins.

If you are the chair of a committee or staff member that has a budget please make sure all of your expenses incurred this year to get paid this year.

For expenses paid for by an individual that need to be reimbursed, please submit an expense reimbursement for along with all receipts by June 20. Expense reimbursements need to be approved by the committee chair or staff member with the budget the reimbursement is coming from. The expense reimbursement form is in the vertical file to the right of the mailboxes in the 2nd floor elevator alcove or a printable version can be accessed here – https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cHjPrGzQ3VDev9egeoOrBRiYOFsmbv2P/view?usp=drive_link

If a bill hasn’t arrived for a good or service that will be received on or before June 30, please email our Bookkeeper, Sue Lencewicz to let her know what the expense is and how much it’s expected to be. This way an accrual can be made so that the expense lands in this fiscal year. Sue can be reached at bookkeeper@uucleveland.org

Come Walk the Labyrinth
2024-07-01 00:00 - 23:59
The Labyrinth is a form of walking meditation that is centuries old. It is used by many different faiths for spiritual centering, contemplation, and prayer. The Earth Centered Spirituality Group will be constructing a labyrinth on the west lawn of UUCC. It will be available from June 21st through June 30th. You are invited to experience this wonderful meditation.
