Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland

Rich Conversations
2024-10-27 19:15 (America/New_York)
Rich conversations are the best way to get to know other people, especially other members of our congregation. All are invited to join the Racial Justice Leadership Team on Thursday, October 24, at 7:15 for a guided experience of one-on-one conversations under the skilled leadership of Lisa Hong.

Laugh with UUs Together Monday October 28 virtually!
2024-10-28 19:00
UUs Together have planned a “gift” for you! In the heaviness of all the concerns about the climate, this election season, and so much more, we need a humor break! Come join us virtually on Monday evening October 28 from 7-8:30pm for a good time. Southwest UU, West Shore UU, and UUCC will each take a few minutes to describe/show what we do for fun in our congregations, and also have a few hilarious “commercials” along the way. Join us for a renewing, refreshing evening to fortify us for the week’s lead up to the November 5 election. We all need a break!!!! For the link, please email Laurie at sunnyskies2023@yahoo.com Laurie will also send a direct link to the good trouble list, the weekend before our gathering.

Needlers meet Saturday 11-2 at 10 am
2024-11-02 10:00
Our next meeting is on Saturday 11-2 at 10 am in the church library. Saturday will be the last day of daylight savings time. A reminder that winter is coming. It is a good time to start a new project or finish an old one. In a recent email Peggy suggested, if you are interested, donating scarves and hats as a service project. Let’s talk about it on Saturday. All are welcome ………………………….. Needlers : who are we Do you enjoy doing handwork with others? Want to learn a new skill, or get advice from others with more experience? Do you just want to gather with others, meet new people, have a lively conversation? We meet on the 1st Saturday of the month from 10 am to 12 pm in the UUCC library. This is an open group. We welcome UUCC members as well as people who just want to gather. Bring a friend.

Fall Flannel Fling
2024-11-02 15:00 - 17:00
Join your UUCC friends at the Fall Flannel Fling on November 2nd from 3-5pm.

Bring chairs for around the fire circle and if you like to share stories or songs, bring those too!

We will have cider and donuts, outdoor games, indoor fall crafts. This is a fun time for all ages!

And don’t forget to break out your flannel!

President or Monarch? Unpacking the Supreme Court Immunity Ruling
2024-11-03 09:00 - 10:00
Speaker: Jonathan Entin, JD, David L. Brennan Professor Emeritus of Law, Adjunct Political Science Professor, CWRU

Presidential powers are now elevated to those of a king, according to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, in her dissent of the recent Supreme Court ruling on Presidential immunity. She said the ruling could enable a President to misuse the Armed Forces against political opponents. Democracy may be hanging in the balance. What is the prognosis for this ruling?

Congregational Lasagna Mulch Party
2024-11-09 09:30 - 12:00
This is an opportunity to return to this congregation’s landscaping tradition:We could use your help.We will be preparing a community-wide flower bed at UUCC, we are offering coffee and independent bakery donuts in appreciation and for fuel.

The newly cleared strip of land underneath the back wall of the building requires soil-building and new pollinator perennials. On Saturday November 9th we will lay down cardboard, top soil, and mulch on our new refurbished bed. . Please save cardboard, the larger the better. In the meantime we are accepting cardboard which you can pile up in a designated pile behind the church. Arrive with work clothes and clearly marked shovels and rakes.

This project is sponsored by Ministry for Earth

2nd Sunday November 2024: Harry's Kitchen Crew November Feast
2024-11-10 11:30 - 13:00
No matter what was the outcome of the Election, just remember we live in the Land & Free and Home of the Brave. AND you are welcome to join your family/friends on Sunday, November 10th B-Lunch following the Sunday Service. The weather will still be crisp and fresh with Fall colors. This month’s dining theme is a play on wording of “from FARM to TABLE”…Harry’s Kitchen Crew will be providing the Main Entrees of Stuff Pork Tenderloin and Ratatouille (for the Vegans/Vegetarians/Gluten-free attendees) paired with a warm Apple-Cranberry Compote.

For November we’re hoping that you can bring to the TABLE some delights from the FARM according to this plan:

For November, members and friends with last names beginning with A-L will supply the dessert dish for 8 people

For November, members and friends with last names beginning with M-Z will supply the salad/side dish for 8 people

We rotate “congregation member shared dish” monthly.

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 10th.

Thanks!Harry’s Kitchen Crew

Post Election Reality: Let’s Talk It Over
2024-11-17 09:00 - 10:00
Post Election Reality: Let’s Talk It Over

This forum is a departure from our usual format. Audience members will participate and talk with each other, rather than having a formal speaker’s presentation. The questions we’ll ask: Can our democracy survive this election? What role did Artificial Intelligence, corporate money, party polarization, gerrymandering, voter suppression and media play in this election? Let’s share our thoughts on the impact of this election.

Facilitators: Laurie Albright and John Bacon, activists.

NOTE: This Forum was not recorded.

In person in Fellowship Hallor via Zoom: http://bit.ly/UUCCForumsFall2024

Legacy Creation Team Educational Workshop: Planning for Your Future (and Ours!)
2024-11-17 11:30
So, the thought about planning for your future flits through your mind on occasion, whatever your age, and you typically let the thought move away. After all, it’s not urgent — maybe you think you’re too young to consider such issues, maybe you’re older and the topic is morbid, depressing, too complicated, or all of those things… so you duck the issue, thinking, “This can wait for another time.”

Stop. We all know we’re just kidding ourselves when an issue of such significance is hanging out there and we just refuse to address it. But how do you even get started? There’s wills and powers of attorney and financial planning and goodness knows what else…

Ta da!! Your congregation’s Legacy Creation Team has just the thing for you. A one hour (yes, only an hour, promise) introductory Educational Workshop entitled, “Planning for Your Future (and Ours!)”, will be offered in Fellowship Hall following the service on Sunday, November 17. Our very own Meg Pauken, an expert on these matters, will be the presenter.

No, Meg is not going to speak for the entire hour. There will be plenty of time for discussion and questions following the presentation. And, yes, whether you’re 29 or 92, there’ll be plenty included in the presentation that will be relevant for your particular point in life.

No advance reservation needed, no obligations when it’s over. Just show up and, perhaps learn a thing or three. Hope to see you there! Contact any of us with questions.

The Legacy Creation Team – Ray Gonzalez, David Kantor, Meg Pauken, Lou Salza, Nancy King Smith, Melissa Vandergriff

Pretrial Support Team Needs Your Immediate help!
2024-11-23 10:30 - 14:00
Our UUCC Pretrial Support Team needs your help. One of our clients is facing jail time if she does not make progress on clearing out the illegal dumping in the yard of the vacant house that her deceased father previously owned and she now owns. This case has been going on for over a year with no progress because our client is unable to do the work herself due to multiple health problems and she has no money to pay anyone else to do it. We hope the fine people of UUCC can help her. We are planning a work day for Saturday, November 23rd to load up a dumpster and clear the property. We will have carpools leave the church at 10:30 and be back by 2 pm. Wear old clothes and work gloves. If you have a weed whacker, bring it too. The house is in Slavic Village. Please let us know if you can help or want more information. Contact Pat Dillard at patdillard13@gmail.com or 216-408-0132, or see me at coffee hour!”

Climate Justice Revival: Making Connections
2024-11-24 11:30
All are invited to join a conversation after the Sunday Service in Fellowship Hall

Climate Justice at the local level.

what are we doing at UUCC to further Climate Justice?

what are we doing that effects the people we touch?

What could we do better?

What more could we be doing?

We will meet after service for conversation, share our stories, our questions, our inspiration, while getting to know each other and sharing the Bread our congregants donated for Bread Communion

Pride for All Ages November 2024
2024-11-24 11:30 - 13:00
Pride for All Ages, an intergenerational group for LGBTQ+ people, meets the 4th Sunday of every month from 11:30-12:30 in the Baker Room. Our next meeting is Nov. 24. Join us!

Board Meeting Invitation - November 26 7 PM via Zoom
2024-11-26 19:00 - 21:00
Board Meeting Invitation – November 26 7 PM via Zoom Congregants are always welcome to attend board meetings as observers. Send a request for the Zoom meeting link to board@uucleveland.org. Please submit your request by 5:00 pm November 25 to allow time for processing. Meetings are usually held via Zoom from 7:00 – 9:00 PM on the fourth Tuesday.

There will be no meeting in December.

Holiday Bazaar
2024-12-01 11:30 - 13:00
Calling All Crafters and makers of all handcrafted items, including furniture, specialty foods, bath & body products, jewelry, candles, clothing, home decor, holiday decor, photography are and so much! Sell your wares at the UUCC Holiday Bazaar. If you would like to have a table to sell your wares, please contact Amy Collins at amymcollins@sbcglobal.net

UU's Together Monday December 2 7pm "after the election"
2024-12-02 19:00 - 20:30
Join UUs Together the Monday AFTER Thanksgiving (not before)

Many of us worked for voter turnout and education on Issue 1 and did NOT see the results we were hoping for. We know that, to move forward, we gain strength from each other in spirit. On Monday, December 2 at 7pm, UUs Together (SWUU, West Shore UU, and UUCC folx) will gather to share our successes, our disappointments, and learn what each congregation and other groups are planning as we face our future. We need time to rest, and we need time to fortify for our future actions. Join us!

Calling 7th-9th graders and family for Healthy Sexuality!
2024-12-04 19:00 - 21:00
The Youth Academy of UUCC is slightly modifying the OWL program in order to meet the requests of potential participants. The 7th-9th grades OWL program includes 26 workshops. This is a significant time commitment from teens who are often active in school and afterschool activities. We did not get enough youth to commit to the entire program for the 2024-2025 year. So we are adapting by offering a Healthy Sexuality program based on the Our Whole Lives curriculum on Sunday evenings. It will run from January 2025 through May of 2025. If you know any youth in your circles who may be interested in participating please pass the flyer onto them.

Adult Continuing Education: The History and Theology of Covenant
2024-12-05 11:30 - 2024-12-19 12:30

Needlers: Join Us! Meet 12-7 at 10 am
2024-12-07 10:00 - 12:00
Needlers: All are welcome!

Do you enjoy doing handwork with others? Want to learn a new skill, or get advice from others with more experience? Do you just want to gather with others, meet new people, have a lively conversation?

All are welcome!Join us on the first Saturday of the month in the UUCC Library. Our next meeting is Saturday December 7th in the UUCC library 10 am to 12 noon.

We are collecting hats or scarves to send to North Carolina. Please bring them to the meeting and Peggy will get them in the mail.

The Needlers in one of many Small Group Ministries at UUCC. To learn more about other Small Groups, Click Here or check out Small Groups on the website under Community. If you don’t see anything you like, maybe you want to start your own Small Group. Talk to Amy Collins and she can help get you started.

Click here goes to the Small Group Ministry page https://uucleveland.org/small-groups/

Seven courageous folx ventured out into 27 degree weather...!
2024-12-07 10:30 - 14:00
Seven courageous folx ventured out into 27 degree weather last Saturday to continue the cleanup and remove the old falling down fence from the property we began working on last Saturday. It really didn’t seem cold at all. This is a project of UUCC’s Pretrial Support Team, and we invite you to join us this Saturday, December 7th at 10:30 am to fill the dumpster the City of Cleveland is providing! Call Pat Dillard at 216-408-0132 for more details and the address or carpool info.

2nd Sunday Potluck December 2024
2024-12-08 11:30 - 13:00
The UU Congregation of Cleveland Second Sunday meal in December will be a potluck. Please bring your favorite dish to share: Main Dishes, Salads, Sides, or Desserts. Drop off your food in Fellowship Hall before the Service.

Everyone is welcome!

And If everyone plans to stick around and help a little bit with cleanup afterward, it will be quick and easy work.

Soul Matters Discussion Group
2024-12-15 11:30 - 13:00
This small group will provide an opportunity to explore questions and ideas that relate to the monthly worship theme in a deeper way. Please join us.

We meet the 3rd Sunday of the month after service in the Baker Room, from approximately 11:30 AM-12:45 PM. We have materials specifically designed to prompt discussion and may also find inspiration from the services to prompt lively discussion. Our next discussion is on Sunday December 15th.

The remaining themes for this Church year:December. -Presence,January-Story,February. -Inclusion,March. -Trust,April. -Joy,June-Freedom

Soul Matters is one of many Small Group Ministries at UUCC. To learn more about other Small Groups, , Click Here or check out Small Groups on the website under Community. If you don’t see anything you like maybe you want to start your own Small Group. Talk to Amy Collins and she can help get you started.

Winter Solstice Ceremony on Saturday, December 21
2024-12-21 17:00 - 20:00
UUCC’s Winter Solstice ceremony will begin around a firepit in the parking lot at sunset (5:00PM) on Saturday, December 21. You are invited to bring: Wood for the fire, something to burn – symbolizing something you are releasing or letting go of, and a drum or other portable percussion instrument.

Our ritual will include the inspiration of many voices in our community, singing together, releasing something to the fire, and processing into the Fellowship Hall where we’ll engage in some intention setting and circle dancing. Our evening will conclude with sharing of soup & bread.

If you want a head start on some of the songs we’ll be using, you can find a few of them here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEztYa9uqKYhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N-iZ7rvtYUEhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6XuvB6uiY1

Contact Rev. Randy at randy.partain@uucleveland.org if you want to assist with any preparations.

Christmas Eve Festivities 2024
2024-12-24 17:30 - 20:00
On December 24, UUCC will celebrate Christmas Eve together with an interactive service for all ages, with music and storytelling.

5:30 Preservice music

6:00 Multigenerational Worship

7:00-ish Holiday Treats and Fellowship

West Shore Film Series: "Eating Our Way to Extinction"
2025-01-11 19:00 - 20:30
What is the true cost of food? Who pays the price? Eating Our Way to Extinction explores the impact of industrial animal agriculture on the environment, human health, and animal welfare. This purposeful and well-researched documentary visits the Taiwanese mountains, the Mongolian desert, the Norwegian fjords and the Scottish Highlands in the hope of informing the audience on the various actions that can be taken in order to avoid complete environmental collapse. The film’s compelling message is backed up by powerful visuals and insights from leading experts, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in creating a more sustainable and compassionate world. Afterwards, we will be joined by Dr. Matthew Badgett, who will comment on the film and take questions from the audience.

Film Length: 82 minutes This film not yet rated Free Parking

Hosted by West Shore Social Action CommitteeCo-hosted by West Shore Veg Group

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

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

2nd Sunday Meal January 2025
2025-01-12 11:30 - 13:00
We are happy to be your host for the first shared meal of the 2025 year. You are welcome to join your family/friends on Sunday, January 12th B-Lunch following the Sunday Service. There will be a Chill in the Air.

This month’s dining theme is “we can do it together”…Harry’s Kitchen Crew will be providing the Main Entrees of Chicken Tetrazzini and Vegan-Veggie Tetrazzini.

For this MONTH…We are hoping that you can bring some of your delights to share:

For January, Members and Friends with last names beginning with A-L will supply the salad/side dish for 8 people

For January, Members and Friends with last names beginning with M-Z will supply the dessert 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, January 12th.

ThanksHarry’s Kitchen Crew

Inaugural Martin Luther King Jr. Shabbat Service
2025-01-17 18:00
Congregation Mishkan Or is honored to present its inaugural Martin Luther King, Jr. Shabbat service, continuing a cherished tradition from our temple’s legacy. On behalf of our community, I warmly invite you and your community members to join us on Friday, January 17, 2025, at 6:00 PM for a prayer service uplifting Dr. King’s philosophy of non-violence and its enduring call to create a just and equitable world.

Our service will feature Civil Rights Activist Maya Wiley, a renowned lawyer, professor, and advocate for racial and social justice.

If you can attend, please RSVP to Administrative Coordinator Jenny Marmaros at jmarmaros@mishkanor.org or by phone at (216) 831-3233 by Monday, January 13, 2025.

School Vouchers: What’s the Effect on Public and Private Education?
2025-01-19 09:00 - 10:00
Speaker(s): Dan Heintz, Cleveland Hts.-University Hts. School Board Member, Chardon Teacher, and Steering Committee Member of the Vouchers Hurt Ohio coalition; other speaker TBD

Since the late 1990’s Ohio’s voucher system has increased access to state-funded school scholarships. Previously, eligibility was primarily based on a family’s income or a school’s academic performance. Since 2023’s dramatic voucher expansion, most K-12 students are eligible for scholarship assistance to both private and parochial schools. Do these school choice programs create a competitive educational marketplace? Or are the school vouchers unconstitutional, given the use of public tax funds for private and religious education? Currently l/3 of Ohio’s public schools are financed by the school voucher program.

Pretrial Support Team Cohort #2 Training Overview
2025-01-19 11:30 - 14:00
Are you wondering if being a Pretrial Support Team Navigator would be rewarding for you?

Consider joining us on Sunday, January 19th after services at 11:30 in room 108 if you are interested in learning more about this important and meaningful work we love.

We are fortunate to have the amazing Jessica Ireland, our technical assistance advisor from the national organization Center for Effective Public Policy with us to talk about what the Pretrial Support Team is all about. You will be able to talk with experienced UUCC Navigators too. Light lunch, no obligation. We welcome you!

Please reach out to Pat Dillard (patdillard13@gmail.com, 216-408-0132) if you have any questions and let us know you are coming so we can have lunch ready for you!

For everyone who is interested in joining us for the year 2025 as “Cohort #2” and any volunteers who want a refresher on the original trainings, here is the complete schedule:

January 19th – 11:30-1:30 – Pretrial Overview (Jessica Ireland & Stephanie)January 26th – 11:30-12:30 – Public Defender Procedures (Stephanie & Louise)February 2nd – 11:30-1:30 – Compassion Training (Rev Rina & Stephanie)February 9th – 11:30-12:30 – Google Docs/Sheet Training (Stephanie) –Bring your computer or tablet if you are not familiar with Google and we will helpyou with the easy basics you will use to navigate our Google Drive for the project.

We will send calendar invites for each date. Let us know if you have any questions.

Stephanie (pretrial.support@uucleveland.org or 440-318-4365)

Civil Rights Workshop for Youth through UUCC's Youth Academy
2025-01-19 12:30 - 14:30
The Youth Academy of Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland in partnership with the Youth Advocacy and Leadership Coalition of Cuyahoga County present a dynamic workshop: “Teens have Rights! What are Civil Rights for You?”

Ages 12-18Sunday, January 19th, 12:30-2:30UUCC

Join youth from UUCC and the greater Cleveland area in exploring civil rights and democracy. What do they mean for you, your friends, and your community? Pizza lunch included. Invite your friends!

Fill out this interest form and the Youth Academy will follow up with you: https://forms.gle/8gMq1xNqusJ1PaUj8

GCC MLK Day event: “Where do we go from here?"
2025-01-20 10:00 - 12:00
Greater Cleveland Congregations (GCC) is hosting an MLK Day conversation and event on Monday, January 20th entitled, “Where do we go from here: Chaos or community?” This is an intergenerational event. There will be activities for elementary aged children, pre-teens, and teenagers. The event, “A GCC Prophetic Conversation,” take place at Olivet Institutional Baptist Church (8712 Quincy Avenue) from 10am until noon.

For more information on the event, click here: https://greaterclevelandcongregations.org/gcc-to-host-mlk-day-event-where-do-we-go-from-here-chaos-or-community/.

To RSVP, click here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe9ZjMw5C5ApdkAW9-HEB_YhfGEoMIf6xWsuGRzrhQ-l9WeLA/viewform?usp=sf_link.

If interested in carpooling, please contact Laurie Albright at: sunnyskies2023@yahoo.com.
