Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland

Premiere of "The Black Church in Cleveland"
2025-02-27 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York)
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

Build Trans Justice and Safety
2025-03-02 11:30 - 12:30
Facilitators: Jenni Papp and others tba

Dates: February 23 and 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.

Mardi Gras Celebration -Fairmount Presbyterian Church
2025-03-04 17:30 - 19:30
Fairmount is hosting our annual Mardi Gras celebration on Tuesday, March 4 from 5:30-7:30pm. We’ll have live music, art, dinner (gumbo and chicken+waffles), and a magic show. And YOU are invited!

This is an intergenerational, interfaith community gathering. In other words, everyone is invited—people of all faiths, all ages, all everything.

The one difference this year is that we’re branding the gathering as part of our “No Strangers Club.” We’re asking all guests to either leave their phones and other digital devices at home, or to safely leave them at our secure “phone check” when they enter (and receive them back whenever they’re ready to leave). Because we believe the most meaningful connection happens when we put aside our biggest distraction.

You are receiving this invitation as a representative of your congregation/organization, but please feel free to invite others to join as well! Everyone can register here.

Tuesday Readers - Virtual
2025-03-04 19:00 - 20:00
Tuesday Readers is looking for new members. On March 4th meet us on Zoom and we will choose books to read, for the next year, or at least the next few months. Monthly we have a discussion about the current book. Fiction or non-fiction, informative and/or enjoyable, current or classic. Choices will be accessible either in print or e-readers, preferably available through the public libraries. Our choices of books reflect a desire to inform ourselves on a wide variety of issues. The discussions keep us grounded.

if you want more information about the group or if you want the zoom link to our next meeting please contact Mary Schatzman by email maryschatzman@sbcglobal.net

Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44AFA62CA5FAC43-tuesday

Cancer Survivor Support Group
2025-03-06 19:00 - 20:30
Cancer Survivor Support Group is a UUCC small group that provides a safe space for those diagnosed with cancer to share their journey, struggles, and victories with each other. Whether you are newly diagnosed or a long-term survivor, this gathering will give you insight, connection, understanding, and support. We meet in person every 6 weeks. Our next group is at 7 pm on March 6th in the Baker Room. If you have questions, please email or text me. Dennis Grossman 216 346 5740 or abbey216@aol.com.

Cancer Survivor Support Group
2025-03-06 19:00 - 20:30
Cancer survivor small group is a safe space for those diagnosed with cancer to share their journey, struggles, and victories with each other. Whether you are newly diagnosed or a long-term survivor, this gathering will give you insight, connection, understanding, and support. We meet in person every 6 weeks. Our next group is at 7 pm on March 6th in the Baker Room. If you have questions, please email or text me. Dennis Grossman 216 346 5740 or abbey216@aol.com.

Indoor Picnic Fun Night
2025-03-08 17:00 - 19:30
We will picnic in the Fellowship Hall, bring your picnic basket with your plates and utensils, a blanket to sit on (or folding chairs) and a dish to share. Drinks are provided. We will have games, music (perhaps spontaneous dancing, and food to share. As we always do when picnicking we will clean up and pack out our stuff, leaving things just as we found them! Bring a game, fun group toy, or puzzle to share! Who has cornhole, no mid-western picnic would be complete without it!

2nd Sunday Potluck March 2025
2025-03-09 11:30 - 13:00
After the Sunday Service. All are welcome!

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.

Life’s Toolbox for Pre-Teens
2025-03-15 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 to discover what tools you have in your toolbox to deal with life.

The First look into the toolbox we explored the tool of yogic breathing. The next workshop will focus on personal space. Join us March 15th, 2025 from 10:00 am till noon at Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland (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. Save the dates for future Life’s Toolbox workshops on Saturdays April 12th and May 3rd, 2025 from 10:00 am- 12:00 noon.

Immigration: Net Drain or Net Gain? Effects of Illegal Immigration on America
2025-03-16 09:00 - 10:00
Speakers:

Brian Hoffman, Attorney, Founding Executive Director, Ohio Center for Strategic Immigration,Litigation & Outreach (OCSILIO); Anne Hill, President, Americans Making Immigrants Safe (AMIS).

We have heard about the perils and hardships that people fleeing war-torn and famine-stricken areas endure in order to travel to the U.S. and seek better lives for themselves and their families, albeit without legal status. What are the effects of this current wave of immigration on our social and economic structure, including medical, educational, infrastructure, and housing coffers? What do the data actually show us? In light of the 2024 election, what will be the impact of their leaving our country? What actions can we take?

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

UU's Together: Leading with Love! Saturday March 22nd 10am-4pm Join us!
2025-03-22 10:00 - 16:00
UUs Together is delighted that our local leaders (including Rev Randy) are gathering us up right here at UUCC for “Leading with Love” on Saturday March 22 from 10am-4pm. We need each other in these fraught times, and our leadership has structured a “whole person” gathering so we can draw sustenance and build power. Here’s the description of the day:Community Day facilitated by your local CER/UUA staff from 10am – 4pm.Lots of connection with your UU neighbors facing the same world you are.Agenda:

Worship with local UUs, led by CER staff.

Learn More about Our Shared Values: What UU touchstones can we bring to these times? What parts of our theology do we need to explore and grow?

Lunch and Connect: Nourish your body while connecting with folks from neighboring congregations.

Two Workshops to Choose From: What are these times asking of us as UUs, and what skills and practices will we as leaders need to respond? How do we (re)build communities of joy that help ground us?

Theological reflection time in small groups: Which of our shared values is your congregation wrestling with? What can you share and learn from your neighbors?

Framing for Next Steps: Staying centered and connected as we move together into the future.Everyone is welcome! Board and committee leaders, parents, children, youth, young adults, staff members, religious professionals, ministers, and any committed and engaged folks who love Unitarian Universalism and might not have formal roles. Childcare will be available (register by March 8!), with some light, playful programming to help connect UU children and youth with one another and with the wider community.Registration deadline is March 15. Don’t leave registration for the last minute! Timely registration is important to ensure that our event can take place as planned.

Use this link to register: https://uua.wufoo.com/forms/q1pm44521kw7rmr/

The registration is confusing. When you get to this spot, click on the In Person button, and a drop down will appear, so you can register for March 22

Our next UUs Together meeting will followup on this important experience, and extend our connections and our values into the future. Join us virtually on Monday March 31st at 7pm for UUs Together.

Compelling panels and skills trainings for justice
2025-03-22 11:00 - 17:00
Mark the date. Click here to read about the compelling panels and skills trainings at IRTF’s annual Social Justice Teach-In on March 22 at Cleveland State University. Save your spot today!

2025 Liberation Lab: Chaos or Community

SATURDAY, MARCH 22 2024, 11am–4pm

Cleveland State University College of Law

1801 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115

Info and registration: tinyrurl.com/irtf25lab

The InterReligious Task Force on Central America (irtfcleveland.org) is pleased to announce that this year’s Liberation Lab (aka Social Justice Teach-In) will be held at the Cleveland State University College of Law with a day of plenaries and skill shares hosted by IRTF and CPAC (Cleveland Palestine Advocacy Community). Each year for the past 25 years, this event has been an informative and educational teach-in for northeast Ohio’s students and justice-minded community members, thanks to the generosity of our event co-sponsors. (Many thanks to the organizations and individuals listed below.)

LOCATION

Cleveland State University College of Law

1801 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44115

SCHEDULE and PANELS

11am….check-in and welcome

11:30….Choosing Liberation over Nationalism

1:00……Embodied Sanctuary

2:30……Wisdom from the Future: Student Organizers

SKILLS TRAINING (runs simultaneously 1:00-2:15pm)

De-escalation training

This 75-minute session will train community members in how to de-escalate conflicts they face in the community and as they stand in solidarity with others. Participants will learn specific techniques to use and will practice these techniques in role plays based on real life situations. Presenter: Cleveland Mediation Center

SKILLS TRAININGS (run simultaneously 2:30-3:30)

Know Your Rights

Educating people who attend direct actions about their legal rights to protest and the limits of those rights so that they may make educated decisions about when and how to exercise those rights. Covering issues around planning a protest, preparing for a protest, and attending a protest.

Legal Observer training

National Lawyers Guild (NLG) Legal Observers (LOs) document police misconduct and First Amendment violations at protests and direct actions. LOs are not part of the demonstration. LOs observe and document interactions between law enforcement and demonstrators in anticipation of future civil or criminal litigation under the direction of NLG attorneys. NLG Legal Observers do not negotiate with law enforcement, provide legal advice, or serve as peace marshals. Though NLG Legal Observers are typically law students, legal workers, and lawyers, trainings are open to everyone—EXCEPT those working for or with government or law enforcement agencies. Legal Observer trainings are also closed to the media. Presenter: Cleveland State University College of Law NLG.

PANEL DESCRIPTIONS

Choosing Liberation over Nationalism

Choosing Liberation over Nationalism

In our current national struggle, we seek to uproot the root of religious nationalism.

What are appropriate ways to bring our faith into our activism?

We can look to many historical examples, from the role of Liberation Theology in Latin America to Mohandas Gandhi in the liberation of India. Christians and Jews are calling for an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories and the liberation of the Palestinian people.

Panelists will present historical contexts to better understand current political events. They will reflect on their own experiences.

Presenters: Akshai Singh (Hindu nationalism), Sara Fadlalla (Cleveland Palestine Advocacy Community and Cleveland Sudan Network), Tommy Airey (former evangelical Christian now committed to radical discipleship), Rev. Reegie Bunch (Senior Pastor of Fifth Christian Church), Mara Layne (Jewish Voice for Peace).

Embodied Sanctuary

What does sanctuary mean to you? How do we create a sanctuary for ourselves to stay grounded, sustained, nourished and rested as our most authentic and beautiful self? What does it mean to embody the work of liberation? How can that help us be sanctuary people for one another?

When we say: “We keep each other safe,” or, “We take care of ourselves,” what does that mean? How does that become tangible?

How do we assess our risks AND continue to take brave and courageous actions? What does this mean individually and as a collective of interdependent beings?

What would it mean to rid the self of the need to dominate, “be right,” or “to win”?

How are we meeting this moment and refusing to allow each other to go uncared for in the face of these death machines?

What is our relationship to land/reparations? How does this relate to our bodily autonomy?

Presenters: Paul Edward Montgomery Ramirez (Committee of 500 Years of Dignity and Resistance), Dara Adkison (TransOhio), Suncere Shakur (Mutual Aid Disaster Relief), Tori Hamilton (immigration attorney)

Wisdom from the Future: Lessons from Student Organizers

How are today’s students making the interconnections of struggles? What organizing tactics are students using today? What new things are being brought to the movement? What concrete obstacles do they face at their institutions? What repressive experiences are they having? How are they transforming this trauma? Is there any silver lining to the repression and oppression they are experiencing? How can community residents become better allies?

Presenters: to be announced

LUNCH (included with registration fee): vegetarian and vegan. To minimize trash that goes to the landfill, we will use compostable cutlery, cups and plates. Thank you to Rust Belt Riders for helping us out!

RESOURCE TABLES

FAIR TRADE SALES support collectively-owned and democratically-managed cooperatives in Latin America, providing vital income to artisan and farming families.

Pride for All Ages March 2025
2025-03-23 11:30 - 13:00
Pride for All Ages will meet Sunday, March 23 at 11:30 a.m. 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!

Join GCC’s LISTENING SESSION and be part of the change!
2025-03-30 11:30
Greater Cleveland Congregations (GCC) seeks your input! Please join your fellow congregants and UUCC’s GCC Core Team after Sunday service on March 30th in Fellowship Hall for a Listening Session. This is an opportunity to brainstorm and let the leadership of GCC know what ideas and issues are important in effectively standing up for democracy. We will collect your thoughts and share them with other GCC leaders and member congregations. Whether you are just hearing about GCC for the first time or have been active for years, this is a fantastic way to have your voice heard. Let’s design some Good Trouble!!

For more information, please contact Laurie Albright at: ljalbright@hotmail.com.

Cleveland Film Festival & FaCT present Out of Plain Sight
2025-03-30 17:00 - 2025-03-31 17:00
Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF) is one of the largest film festivals in the United States, showcasing movies that educate, entertain, and help to build a broad and inclusive community. https://www.clevelandfilm.org/films/out-of-plain-sight-2025

This year, FaCT will serve as Community Partner for two screenings of Out of Plain Sight on

Sunday March 30 at 7:40 and Monday, March 31 at 5:10.

The Festival will be held again this year at the beautiful and historic Playhouse Square. Filmmakers will be available for a Q&A after both screenings.

Following the Monday screening and Q&A, you are invited to a Panel Discussion with:Dr. Ted Auch, Midwest Program Director of FracTracker and President of FaCTDr. Randi Pokladnik, Chemist, Environmental Engineer, EducatorDr. Michael Melampy, Professor Emeritus of Biology at Baldwin Wallace UniversityDrink Local Drink TapOut of Plain Sight documents the devastating effects of toxic waste that was dumped into the ocean off the coast of California 80 years ago. Journalist Rosanna Xia and researcher David Valentine piece together the events that have created an outbreak of disease and cancers in sea mammals and possibly in us. The devastating consequences of throwing our waste into the ocean continue to haunt the world today.Please join us for the screening of Out of Plain Sight, a conversation with filmmakers, and a panel discussion. Use the discount code: FACT to show your support for FaCT and for our film. https://www.clevelandfilm.org/films/out-of-plain-sight-2025

Join UUs Together Monday March 31 to explore our 6 values!
2025-03-31 19:00
Join UUs Together, on Monday March 31 virtually at 7pm to dive into the excellent workshop last Saturday at UUCC. Join us to see how Love and Accountability can help us explore our 6 values!Wow, what a great workshop on Saturday March 22 at UUCC! Happily we had 7 people from UUCC there. If you saw the service on Sunday, you got a hint of what was shared. I especially appreciated the frame that Renee Ruchotske offered. She took the two (perhaps) most controversial terms in our new Article II, and used them to help us think about our 6 values (Justice, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Interdependence, and Generosity). Attendees were from Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Youngstown, Akron, East Shore, SWUU, and more.Here are three lines (17-19) from the meaty section on Values and Covenant. I have highlighted the terms:Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love.UUs Together, meeting virtually on Monday March 31st from 7-8:30pm will dive into the Saturday workshop with you! In addition to the stalwart people from SouthWest UU, West Shore UU, and UUCC, we may also have a few folks from East Shore and Akron, who also attended the workshop.Those of us who attended look forward to sharing this, as well as some great poetry that was created by a group process, and other reflections. Please join us!Send an email to Laurie at sunnyskies2023@yahoo.com for the link.

Join UUs Together Monday March 31 to explore our 6 values!
2025-03-31 19:00
Join UUs Together, on Monday March 31 virtually at 7pm to dive into the excellent workshop last Saturday at UUCC. Join us to see how Love and Accountability can help us explore our 6 values!Wow, what a great workshop on Saturday March 22 at UUCC! Happily we had 7 people from UUCC there. If you saw the service on Sunday, you got a hint of what was shared. I especially appreciated the frame that Renee Ruchotske offered. She took the two (perhaps) most controversial terms in our new Article II, and used them to help us think about our 6 values (Justice, Equity, Transformation, Pluralism, Interdependence, and Generosity). Attendees were from Pittsburgh, West Virginia, Youngstown, Akron, East Shore, SWUU, and more.

Here are three lines (17-19) from the meaty section on Values and Covenant. I have highlighted the terms:Love is the power that holds us together and is at the center of our shared values. We are accountable to one another for doing the work of living our shared values through the spiritual discipline of Love.UUs Together, meeting virtually on Monday March 31st from 7-8:30pm will dive into the Saturday workshop with you! In addition to the stalwart people from SouthWest UU, West Shore UU, and UUCC, we may also have a few folks from East Shore and Akron, who also attended the workshop.Those of us who attended look forward to sharing this, as well as some great poetry that was created by a group process, and other reflections. Please join us!

Send an email to Laurie at sunnyskies2023@yahoo.com for the link.

Reclaiming the Legacy of MLK
2025-04-05 10:00 - 13:00
Join Racial Equity Buddies, the UUCC Pretrial Support team and Racial Justice Leadership Team for Reclaiming The Legacy, Strategies & Actions Of MLK: A Community Forum, April 5, 10 am – 1 pm It promises to be a powerful community gathering honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through music, discussion, and action. The program includes live gospel music, a panel on Dr. King’s unfinished work, interactive breakout sessions, and a closing drum circle to inspire collective action. The date is significant: Dr. King was assassinated on April 4, 1968. It will be held at North Church, 4501 Superior Ave.

Youth Academy of UUCC attends Southeast Teen Summit
2025-04-05 10:30 - 15:30
The Youth Academy of UUCC has been invited to attend MyCom’s Teen Summit, “Know Your Worth” on Saturday April 5, 2025. It will take place at the Warrensville Hts. Library from 10:30-3:30. The program is for youth 12-18 years, includes food and is FREE!

MyCom is a partner of the Youth Academy, and the teen summit is focusing on Social Emotional Wellness. Community organizations Queen I AM and 2nd ACT will be facilitating workshops for the teens. Authors and public speakers, William Aden and Leon Walker will be presenting “Bound by Resilience”. If your teen is interested in attending with the Youth Academy please reach out to Valerie Hura, Youth Academy Coordinator, at valerie.hura@uucleveland.org for more details and to register for the event.Save these Dates for Future Youth Academy programs: “Lifes Toolbox for Preteens” April 12th 10:00- 12noon, “Our Power, Our Planet” Earth Day program for teens 12-18 with Lake Erie Ink, April 12th 1:00-2:30, and “Earth Day Stream Sweep” with Doan Brook Watershed Partnership April 19th 10:00-12noon for ages 9-18.

Route to a Cleaner Energy Ohio
2025-04-06 09:00 - 10:00
Speaker: Grant Goodrich, Executive Director, CWRU Great Lakes Energy Institute will provide an overview of the state of clean energy in Ohio, and discuss innovative technologies and strategies that are creating new opportunities for Ohioans to consider.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, Ohio is among the top 10 states for total energy consumption; however, Ohio ranks 40th out of 50 states in the race toward renewable energy progress. In 2021, just 4% of the state’s electricity was supplied by renewables, leaving plenty of room for growth. What is being done to explore new opportunities such as community solar, better heat pumps, improvements to the electric grid, and innovative technologies?

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

Mock Jury Needed
2025-04-11 09:00 - 16:00
Special opportunity for 8 people to help train our wonderful Public Defenders!What: UUCC has been invited to participate in the mock jury selection so the PD attorneys can practice their skills

When: Friday, April 11, morning (9am-12pm) or afternoon (1-4 pm)

Where: Public Defenders Office, 310 West Lakeside Ave, Cleveland (carpool from UUCC if desired)

Bonuses: Snacks and beverages, free parking in the PD lot, fun, education, and the knowledge that you are helping justice in our community

Reserve your spot by April 8th by emailing patdillard13@gmail.com

Buddhism Goes to the Movies series at the Cinematheque
2025-04-11 18:30 - 2025-04-25 18:30
FYI: Our series BUDDHISM GOES TO THE MOVIES begins Friday at the Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque, 11610 Euclid Ave. Tickets for each film are $12; $9 for CIA/CSU I.D. holders, Cinematheque members, and those age 25 & under. Please spread the word!

BUDDHISM GOES TO THE MOVIESApril 11-25 (3 films)Rich emanations of Buddhist teachings and practices inspired cinematic expressions beyond those traditionally labeled as “films about Buddhism.” This three-film series delves into the lively expressions of being Buddhist, “doing Buddhism,” or just thinking along Buddhist lines across the cinematic world. Curated and co-hosted by Jue Liang, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and Severance Professor in the History of Religion at Case Western Reserve University.

FRI 4/11 6:45 PM UNCLE BOONMEE WHO CAN RECALL HIS PAST LIVESTHU 4/17 6:45 PM LITTLE BUDDHAFRI 4/25 7:00 PM THE MONK AND THE GUN filmmaker Pawo Choyning Dorji in person

See our film schedule for details. https://cinematheque.cia.edu/film-series/buddhism/As a reminder, filmgoers can park for free in Lot 73 and in the Institute’s annex lot, and should enter CIA via nearby Entrance C.Friday, April 11, 6:45 pmBuddhism Goes to the MoviesUNCLE BOONMEE WHO CAN RECALL HIS PAST LIVESThailand, 2010, Apichatpong WeerasethakulSuffering from acute kidney failure, Boonmee has chosen to spend his final days surrounded by his loved ones in the countryside. Surprisingly, the ghost of his deceased wife appears to care for him, and his long-lost son returns home in a non-human form. Contemplating the reasons for his illness, Boonmee treks through the jungle with his family to a mysterious hilltop cave—the birthplace of his first life. The film blends realism and the supernatural, exploring karma and the interconnectedness of life and death in a visually stunning and emotionally resonant Palme d’Or winner. Subtitles. 114 min. Introduced and curated by Jue Liang, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and Severance Professor in the History of Religion at Case Western Reserve University.

Thursday, April 17, 6:45 pmBuddhism Goes to the MoviesNew 4K RestorationLITTLE BUDDHAFrance/Liechtenstein/UK, 1993, Bernardo BertolucciAfter the death of Lama Dorje, Tibetan Buddhist monks find three children — one American and two Nepalese — who may be the rebirth of their great teacher. Bertolucci’s spiritual drama interweaves the story of Siddhartha Gautama with a contemporary narrative of a young American boy. Keanu Reeves stars as Siddhartha in this visually stunning exploration of Buddhist philosophy. 141 min. Introduced and curated by Jue Liang, Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and Severance Professor in the History of Religion at Case Western Reserve University.

Friday, April 25, 7:00 pmBuddhism Goes to the MoviesFilmmaker In PersonTHE MONK AND THE GUNBhutan/Taiwan/France/United States/Hong Kong, 2023, Pawo Choyning DorjiThe Monk and the Gun captures the wonder and disruption as Bhutan becomes one of the world’s youngest democracies. In 2006, as Bhutan prepares to hold its democratic election, Bhutanese government stages a mock election as a training exercise. In the town of Ura, an old lama instructs young monk Tashi to procure some firearms by way of preparation for the impending upheaval. Meanwhile, American visitor Ron Coleman arrives in the country to acquire for a weapons collector an antique rifle – which by chance falls into the monk’s hands. A charming, authentic, and timely political satire. Filmmaker Pawo Choyning Dorji (Hildegarde and Elbert Baker Visiting Visiting Scholar) will be present for a Q&A. Subtitles. 107 min.

Life's Toolbox for Pre-Teens: this Saturday!
2025-04-12 10:00 - 12:00
Youth ages 9-12 are invited to explore a Social Emotional Wellness Toolbox with Youth Academy Coordinator, Valerie Hura from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon. We will review the current tools in the toolbox of yogic breathing and personal space awareness. We will then explore a new tool (youth need to attend to discover what it is 🙂) 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 and favorite type of pizza. Valerie will get back to you with more details.

MyCom is a partner of the Youth Academy, and the teen summit is focusing on Social Emotional Wellness. Community organizations Queen I AM and 2nd ACT will be facilitating workshops for the teens. Authors and public speakers, William Aden and Leon Walker will be presenting “Bound by Resilience”. If your teen is interested in attending with the Youth Academy please reach out to Valerie Hura, Youth Academy Coordinator, at valerie.hura@uucleveland.org for more details and to register for the event.Save these Dates for Future Youth Academy programs: “Lifes Toolbox for Preteens” April 12th 10:00- 12noon, “Our Power, Our Planet” Earth Day program for teens 12-18 with Lake Erie Ink, April 12th 1:00-2:30, and “Earth Day Stream Sweep” with Doan Brook Watershed Partnership April 19th 10:00-12noon for ages 9-18.

FaCT Distinguished Speaker April 12 - Adam Hanieh
2025-04-12 15:00
Saturday, April 12, 2025 – 3PM ET via ZOOM Distinguished Speaker via Zoom: Adam HaniehBook: Crude Capitalism:Crude Capitalism: Oil, Corporate Power, and the Making of the WorldA groundbreaking history of oil and its importance to US politics, finance, militarism and consumerism from an award-winning author and scholarThis expansive history traces the hidden connections between oil and capitalism from the late 1800s to the current climate crisis.REGISTER

Training for Pretrial Team #3
2025-04-13 11:30
We continue to be encouraged with the results of our Pretrial Support Team efforts. To date, none of our clients have missed a hearing date which is one of our key measurements.

Training for Cohort #3 will start April 13th 11:30am in Room 108 of the UUCC at 21600 Shaker Blvd.

To our new volunteers who signed up at the Resistance Fair, you will receive calendar invites to all the training in the coming days.

Anyone in need of additional information, please contact the Project Manager, Stephanie K. Thomas at pretrial.support@uucleveland.org or via text at 440-318-4365.

2nd Sunday Meal April 2025
2025-04-13 11:30 - 13:00
It’s Spring….

April showers may bring May flowers. Whatever! The showers do bring the members of Harry’s Kitchen Crew out of the “dugout” and organize another delicious lunch on Sunday, April 13th after the Sunday service.

This month’s dining theme is “It’s Spring, so let’s play BALL!”

Harry’s Kitchen Crew will bring to the “plate”… lunch entrees for both the omnivores and vegan/vegetarians. We ask that you, if you can, bring the following to share:

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

For April, Members and Friends with last names beginning with M-Z will supply the desser 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.

Your TV/Radio broadcasters are the happy members of Harry’s Kitchen Crew.

We all look forward to seeing you on Sunday, April 13th.

ThanksHarry’s Kitchen Crew

Pretrial Support Team Join Us!
2025-04-13 14:00 - 15:30
You are invited to join us for our third UUCC Pretrial Support Team training cohort!

What is the problem and what do we do?Many people standing trial in Cuyahoga County end up back in jail just for missing a court date, an unnecessary burden on them and the taxpayer-funded system.

The non-profit Pretrial Support Team offers free, one-on-one assistance— personal calls, transportation, and community resources—to guide clients successfully through pretrial.

With support, our clients show up and stay in the community during trial, keeping their jobs and families intact.

You as a volunteer Navigator are the heart of our project to provide support to people. Our current Navigators have been doing a great job in keeping people out of jail. Now that our caseload is expanding, we need more Navigators. Join us!

Our first session will be Sunday April 13th in UUCC Fellowship Hall from 2-3:30.

The 4-session schedule is:Sunday 4/13 in FH 2-3:30 pm Introduction: What we do and how we do itMonday 4/21 online at 12 pm Conversation with The Public Defender’s OfficeSat 5/10 in FH 2pm – 3:30 pm Boundaries and Compassion TrainingSat 5/17 in FH 2pm-3:30 pm How to document what we do

Refreshments will be served.Please let us know if you want to join the team:Stephanie Thomas, Project Manager: pretrial.support@uucleveland.orgPat Dillard, Steering Committee: patdillard13@gmail.com

Do you want to go organic with your lawn?
2025-04-14 19:00 - 20:30
Free Monday: Organic Lawn Care📅 Dates: Monday April 14th⏰ Time: 7:00 PM📍 Location: 2520 Noble Rd Cleveland Heights, Oh 44121Home Repair Resource Center

If you are interested in learning about organic lawn care then this workshop is for you! An expert from Good Nature Organic Lawn Care will be on hand to guide you through the process of caring for your lawn in an environmentally safe manner.We will be covering the following:Why consider going organic… is it actually better?How to replace those chemical applications with natural products and practices.How to make sure it’s truly organic.Tips to improve your lawn and spend less money.Fee: Free
