Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland

2nd Sunday Potluck December 2024
2024-12-08 11:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York)
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.

Considering Membership Class January 2025
2025-01-25 10:00 - 11:45
On Saturday, January 25 at 10 am we are offering our Considering Membership class. This session covers a little UU background and a lot about what goes on at UUCC and how you might get involved. It’s very participatory – we’ll try our best to help you get the information you are interested in. Those who feel they are ready will be invited to join by signing the membership book (no pressure!).

The session will run 90-120 minutes – If you are interested in attending and need child care please let us know by noon on [Sunday, January 19] to allow us time to arrange for that.

If you have any questions – or need childcare – please contact membership@uucleveland.org.

Please, please, please let us know you are coming! We want to be able to have adequate materials and chairs and food. Click here to sign-up for Considering Membership 1/25 @ 10 am.

We hold these sessions once each quarter. If you’re unable to attend this session additional dates can be found in the sign-up link above.

We hope you’re able to join us for this or a future session!

In fellowship,Carol GayMembership Chair

Pride for All Ages January 2025
2025-01-26 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 January 26. Join us!

UUs Together January: Countering an unstoppable narrative
2025-01-27 19:00 - 20:30
Join UUs Together January meeting: How do we counter a narrative that seems unstoppable?

With the incoming administration promoting policies and actions that strongly conflict with our values and will harm many people, it is seductive to feel paralyzed. Yet we know we have personal and group agency, and can be mobilized to put out narratives that reflect our values and care. Please join us virtually Monday evening January 27th from 7-8:30pm. We will share ideas for promoting our narratives, supporting each other in the process. Please send an email to Laurie at sunnyskies2023@yahoo.com for the zoom link.

Antisemitism: What Gave it Birth? What Sustains It? How To Eliminate It?
2025-02-02 09:00 - 10:00
Speaker: Rabbi Roger Klein, Congregation Mishkan Or, a new synagogue community of The Temple-Tifereth Israel and Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple.

While the origins of antisemitism lie in factors as diverse as the crucifixion of Jesus and rules restricting occupations and land ownership, today’s prejudices are fueled by different factors. What sustains these toxic attitudes, and what strategies may mitigate them?

This forum does not focus on the Israel/Palestine conflict, but rather an old animus that seems to have re-emerged at a time many of us had thought it ending.

Note: This is rescheduled from the canceled December 15 program.

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

Youth Academy Pop-Up
2025-02-02 11:30 - 12:30
The Youth Academy program will be holding a pop-up booth in Fellowship Hall during coffee hour this Sunday, Feb 2. Stop by to learn about upcoming programs for youth and chat about the many ways to get involved in this exciting McKimm-funded initiative!

Resistance Fair 2025
2025-02-08 13:30 - 15:30
The Resistance Fair is a gathering of organizations and groups working every day to bring our values to life – protecting our democracy, targeted communities, our environment, Immigration, reproductive rights, and the work of many non-profit organizations who serve us in meaningful ways. As we look toward the next four years of attacks on all we hold sacred and meaningful, now is the time to unify, organize and act……together. It’s important for all of us to know what is happening locally and what actions we can take proactively in a positive, strategic way.

Location: Cleveland Heights High School, 13263 Cedar Rd. Cleveland Heights 44118.

if you are a UUCC member planning to attend this Resistance Fair event, please be mindful of opportunities for our congregation to partner with organizations beyond inviting individual volunteerism. Consider asking questions like, “What does your organization need from community partners?”

And if the answer is that they just need more volunteers, ask what specific commitments would be helpful. Do they need people to build houses, send postcards, or teach skills? The more you can bring back about the needs of organizations that impress you and align with our congregation’s values, the more easily we can discern where fruitful relationships might be nurtured.

2nd Sunday Meal February 2025
2025-02-09 11:30 - 13:00
Harry’s Kitchen Crew is “super” glad to be your host for this month’s shared meal. AND you are welcome to join your family/friends on Sunday, February 9th B-Lunch following the Sunday Service for fine dining and conversation about our facility.

This month’s dining theme is “Souper Bowl”…

Harry’s Kitchen Crew will be providing the Main Entrees of 3 to 4 soups that “warms up” everyone’s taste buds along with warm Bread.

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

For February, Members and Friends with last names beginning with A-L will supply the dessert dish for 8 people

For February, Members and Friends with last names beginning with M-Z will supply the salad/side 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, February 9th.

ThanksHarry’s Kitchen Crew

Congregational Conversation: The Future of Our Facilities
2025-02-09 11:30 - 13:30
Community Engagement Meeting Led by the Architects and the Future Facilities Task Force

Introductions

HD+S (architecture firm) PowerPoint Presentation

About HD+S: Overview of Assessment and feasibility Study Process

Review work completed to date and initial observation.

Table questions

Facilitated table questions and discussion.

Reports from table reps

Open forum comments/questions?

Conclusion and next steps

The Board’s goal is to have a plan for the Congregation to vote on at the June 8 Annual Meeting, so things will be moving quickly. Over the next few months our consultant will be meeting with numerous groups to get input, but this is the only gathering planned with the full congregation, so please attend if you can.

Meal is Poltuck+: Soup will be provided by Harry’s Kitchen Crew and other dishes contributed by Members and Friends.

Youth Academy presents "Life's Toolbox for Pre-teens"
2025-02-15 10:00 - 12:00
Youth Academy presents “Life’s Toolbox for Pre-teens”. Youth ages 9-12 are invited to explore a Social Emotional Wellness Toolbox with Youth Academy Coordinator, Valerie Hura. Using movement, yoga, art, writing, games, videos, books, and more we wil discover what tools you have in your toolbox to deal with life.First look into the toolbox will be Saturday February 15th, 2025, from 10:00 am till noon at UUCC. The program is free and open to all who are interested (UUCC members, friends, and the greater community) To reserve a spot for your pre-teen email valerie.hura@uucleveland.org with the name of your youth. Valerie will get back to you with more details.

Presidential Voting Systems: Is the Electoral College the Best Method?
2025-02-16 09:00 - 10:00
Speaker: Robert Alexander, PhD, Political Science, Founding Director, Bowling Green State University Democracy and Public Policy Research Network

The US Constitution dictates the Electoral College must determine the President and Vice President. Thus, each state has the same number of electors as members of Congress. In 2000 and 2016, the Presidential Election produced a winner via Electoral College votes but not popular votes. There is, however, a variation in determining state electors. Maine and Nebraska use a strategic population-based method to determine their electoral votes in each congressional district. Can their strategy be used in other states to create election winners based on the popular vote? Are there other possibilities?

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

3rd Sunday Soul Matters
2025-02-16 11:30 - 12:45
This small group will provide an opportunity to explore questions and ideas that relate to the monthly worship theme in a deeper way. The remaining themes for this year: , Feb.-Inclusion, Mar. -Trust, Apr.-Joy, May-Imagination, June-Freedom This group meets the 3rd Sunday of the month after service in the Baker Room, 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 meeting is February 16th

This group meets monthly to discuss the monthly Soul Matters topic. Discussion is facilitated by Amy Collins. Please join us. We are welcoming new members. Please sign up to join this group https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44AFA62CA5FAC43-monthly1or drop in and check us out.

There is Still Time to Join the Pretrial Support Team
2025-02-16 11:30 - 13:30
You still have time to join the Pretrial Support Team! The fourth and final Cohort 2 training session for the Pretrial Support Team Navigators will be Sunday, February 16th at 11:30 am in Room 108. Light lunch will be served.

Be sure to bring your laptop or tablet. You will learn how to use google docs to enter your contacts with and for your clients. This is important to keep you organized and to help us maintain data to show our work and successes.

You will also have the opportunity to get answers to your questions about any and all areas of starting as a Navigator. Congratulations!

If you have not been able to attend the training sessions in person yet, don’t despair. We have slides and videos from the previous sessions to bring you up to speed. And individualized help to get you started.Welcome to the Pretrial Support Team!

FaCT Distinguished Speaker Series presents Professor Oday Salim,
2025-02-18 20:00
Register for link Here

Future of Environmental Justice Under Trump 2.0Professor Salim will help us understand what we have to face and how we can confront the challenges that will be involved.

Build Trans Justice and Safety
2025-02-23 11:30 - 12:30
Facilitators: Jenni Papp and others tba

Dates: February 23, March 2 & 16

Room 207

Contact: jenni.papp@uucleveland.org to register by February 9

This 3-session offering is based upon a webinar that is provided by the Transforming Hearts Collective to equip Unitarian Universalists to understand the current politically motivated attacks on transgender people, gain tools to advocate for trans rights, and ensure that their congregations are welcoming and safe spaces for trans/nonbinary people and our families in this moment.

We will watch the webinar in parts and curiously explore our understanding of what is needed from us and consider steps and actions both personally and in our areas of influence at UUCC. There will be an opportunity to explore what we are doing now and what other UU congregations are doing that we might learn from or adapt to our own circumstances. There will be room for small group reflection, discussion, and intentions.

Support Vulnerable Communities- UUs Together
2025-02-24 19:00 - 20:30
UU’s Together will continue our conversation and networking to support vulnerable communities under the current administration’s attacks on human rights here and abroad. When undocumented immigrants, asylum seekers, LGBTQ+ associates, indigenous, and People of Color are under attack, we are called to surround each person with a network of support by speaking up, escorting, rallying, and other efforts. In addition to discussion, joining us is Maryam Sy, with Ohio Immigrant Alliance and the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants in NE Ohio. Please email Laurie for the Zoom link at Sunnyskies2023@yahoo.com.

UUCC Board Meeting
2025-02-25 19:00
Fellowship Hall

Congregants are always welcome to attend board meetings as observers. This month the Financial Sustainability Task Force will be sharing 5-year projections for three scenarios – Likely, Best and Worst.

The meeting will be in person with no Zoom option.

Premiere of "The Black Church in Cleveland"
2025-02-27 19:00 - 20:00
Virtually on Zoom as a Webinar

We are excited to announce the public premiere of a 30-minute video, about the history and cultural heritage of the Black Church in Cleveland.

This webinar will be led by Dr. Aaron Fountain, who has been working with Cleveland Restoration Society to compile and produce a written history detailing the impact of Black churches in Cleveland. The script for this video, produced by Dr. Fountain, is based upon his narrative which will be released by Cleveland Restoration Society later this year. The video will feature a curated collection of archival images from many churches across the city. Afterwards, there will be time for questions and a discussion about the history and cultural heritage of Cleveland’s historic Black churches.

Cleveland Restoration Society (CRS) is leading a community effort to document, preserve, and share the stories of Cleveland’s historic Black churches, highlighting their significance to African American cultural heritage and to larger American contemporary culture. The overarching goal of this project is to preserve the history and cultural heritage of Cleveland’s historic Black churches by documenting and sharing their history and stories.

Register here: Webinar Registration – Zoom

FaCT Distinguished Speaker Series presents Kevin Anderson :"Climate Uncensored: The Unvarnished Truth"
2025-03-01 15:00
Kevin AndersonSat. March 1 @ 3 PM ET on Zoom “Climate Uncensored: The Unvarnished Truth”We are beginning to see that predictions of serious climate disruptions are coming true — far sooner than had been forecast. WHY? What factors had scientists under appreciated? Climate scientist Kevin Anderson will delve into the many factors shaping climate change and bringing it to the world far sooner than expected. There may be no going back from or correction of some important underlying factorsKevin Anderson is Professor of Energy and Climate Change, holding a joint chair in the School of Engineering at the University of Manchester (UK), the Centre for Sustainability and the Environment (CEMUS) at Uppsala University (Sweden) and the Centre for Climate and Energy Transformation (CET) at Bergen University (Norway).In 2016 he began a two year fellowship as the Zennström Professor of Climate Change Leadership in Uppsala, where he continues to work today, and has previously been both Deputy Director and Director of the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research.Prof. Anderson has been a contributor to many climate conferences, including the 4 Degrees and Beyond International Climate Conference in 2009. A video of his presentation is available online.You may visit the Climate Uncensored website at: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcodO-vpzMrHtDWjk_iSSMD5bIxYR0N0BldTELLING IT AS IT ISREGISTER

Women Changemakers: Shaping the Political Landscape
2025-03-02 09:00 - 10:00
Speakers: Katie Paris, Founder, Red Wine & Blue; Sue Dean Dyke, Founder, Mobilize the Vote NEO

Red Wine & Blue and Mobilize the Vote are driving transformative change, from the ground up. Starting in the Cleveland area In 2019, Red Wine & Blue mobilized suburban women to engage in politics. It now includes locations across the country. Mobilize the Vote NEO empowers voters via voter registration, canvassing and petition circulating. These groups amplify underrepresented voices and advocate for progressive policies. What are their plans for 2025’s challenges?

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