Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Interactive Zones for All Ages

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

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

 Eco Fun – Music, movement, and creative expression

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

A Celebration of Coventry’s Legacy

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

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

A One-of-a-Kind Regional Event

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

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

Event Details

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

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

www.chgreenteam.org.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Salads/Sides

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

Desserts

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

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

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

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

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

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

June 18 @ 7:00 pm

June 21 @ 1:00 pm

June 23 @ 7:00 pm

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

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

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

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

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

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

Event flyer created by Astrid Burkle and Abs Burkle

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

Invitation for all Navigators and Navigators-to-be!
2025-07-15 17:00 - 18:30
The UUCC Pretrial Support Team is coming together to share our rewarding experiences, challenges and successes. All our amazing Navigators are invited, as well as people who are interested in learning more about being a future Navigator.

When: Monday, July 14, 5:00-6:30 pm

Where: Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland, 12600 Shaker Blvd., Shaker Hts.

Light supper provided RSVP: patdillard13@gmail.com

We are connecting with many more people who want our services, and we need more Navigators.

We will have a short Navigator training class soon to bring more Navigators on board.

UUCC One-Pager (1) (1)Download

Zine and Adventure Night for LGBTQ+ Youth and Youth Allies
2025-07-18 18:30 - 22:00
Zine Adventure Night: A Creative Celebration for LGBTQ+ Youth & Allies! 🎨🌈The Youth Academy of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland, in partnership with Lake Erie Ink, is thrilled to present Zine Adventure Night — an evening of self-expression, creativity, and community.Open to LGBTQ+ youth and youth allies ages 12-18, this event offers a chance to create personal zines and share your story in a supportive, affirming space. The night continues with a Choose Your Own Adventure Afterparty, featuring a variety of fun options — from movies and games to arts & crafts and, of course, pizza!Date: Friday, July 18, 2025 Time: 6:30–10:00 PMLocation: UUCC Fellowship HallRegister by contacting Youth Academy Coordinator, Valerie Hura valerie.hura@uucleveland.orgCome make something amazing, connect with new friends, and celebrate who you are!

80th Annual Obon Festival
2025-07-20 12:00 - 15:00

UU Justice Ohio Convo: "UUs and Allies"
2025-07-20 15:30 - 16:30
UUJO (UU Justice Ohio) Community Conversations (CONVOs) on Zoom. Sunday, July 20th, 3:30 pm– 4:30, “UUs and Allies,” the first of this third Sunday discussion series will include sharing what congregations have been doing in ongoing community demonstrations and strategies of working across denominations. RSVP here to obtain the Zoom link

Silent Peace Walk Planning Meeting
2025-07-25 19:30
This August marks the 80th Anniversary of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Please consider joining our spiritual community partners, Cleveland Buddhist Temple, as well as other groups for a Silent Peace Walk on August 6, 2025. This Peace Walk is intended to commemorate this unprecedented violence and the horror of Atomic warfare and to remind ourselves of “Never Again.” The Silent Peace Walk will proceed from downtown Cleveland on E. 9th St. to Lake Erie, and you are invited be among eighty people dressed in white, the color of mourning in Japan, to solemnly and meditatively proceed to the Lake as the Hibakusha, the “bomb-affected people,” walked and sought water to ease their suffering.

Their next planning meeting is Wednesday, July 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM EDT. Contact John Barnes at barnesjohn51405@gmail.com for the Zoom link if you would like to participate.

Small Group Ministry Workshop
2025-07-26 13:00 - 16:00
The Small Group Ministry Team invites you to participate in workshop on July 26th 1:00-4:00 PM at UUCC, facilitated by Rev. Randy and Amy Collins, CLM. This gathering is for facilitators, for those who are open to learning about exploring facilitation in the future, and for those that just want to deepen their understanding of and participation in Small Groups. There are no prerequisites! Come hang out with awesome folks, share small group successes and challenges, and gain tools for meaningful and effective participation in small groups.

We believe the in-person version of this workshop will be the most beneficial way to experience it, but if you know you are not available on the 26th, please let us know if you are interested in participating in a follow-up Zoom version soon after the in-person meeting date. You’ll have to provide your own snacks for that one! Please confirm your participation/interest by emailing Amy @ amymcollins@sbcglobal.net.

Pride for All Ages July 2025
2025-07-27 11:30 - 13:00

Tuesday Readers: Virtual
2025-08-05 19:00
Meets 1st Tuesday at 7:00 PM by Zoom.

Always looking for more readers, open to all!

We will choose books to read, and each month have a discussion about the current book. Fiction or non-fiction, informative 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 if you want to join this Small Group and get our regualar email announcements.

August 5th at 7pm we will be discussing:The Island of Sea Women by Lisa Seelink to author information about the Book: https://lisasee.com/step-inside/island-of-the-sea-women/

September 2nd at 7pm we will be discussing At the Edge of Empire: A Family’s Reckoning with China by Edward Wong

please join us!

Play Reading Group: 1st Meeting
2025-08-10 00:30 - 13:30
New Small group, just getting started.Open to all

We are having our 1st organization meeting on August 10th at 12:30 in the Baker Room.If you are interested in this group, please bring your iPad, tablet or phone if possible.

A play reading group is a gathering of people who come together to read plays aloud. Get together with new friends for a fun time, to read a play, take on a character and perhaps sip a little wine. To get this group started we need a minimum of 5 people. We plan to meet regularly, maybe monthly. It’s a fun way to get together with others and enjoy plays.

All we need is interested, committed people. We will meet at UUCC, possibly in homes, it depends on what the group decides. Access to scripts would be helpful. If this interests you, or if you have questions contact Felicia Anthony felisatalk@yahoo.com. This group is open to all, you don’t need to be a member of UUCC, bring a friend.

If interested please sign up here

The trans teen experience shared through American Teenagers
2025-08-12 18:00 - 20:30
Teens are invited join author Nico Lang to hear about the book American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era. The author, Nico Lang, will do readings from the book (so you don’t have to have read the book) and facilitate a discussion around the experiences shared by trans kids.

What: Readings by the Author Nico Lang, discussion and Q & AWhen: Tuesday August 12th 6:00-8:15Where: Christ Episcopal Church, 3445 Warrensville Center Rd. Shaker HeightsWho: Youth ages 12:18How: E-mail Youth Academy Coordinator at valerie.hura@uucleveland.org, she will email with reservation confirmation and additional details of the program.Program Host, Christ Episcopal Church has a brief form to fill out to allow them to plan accordingly. https://partiful.com/e/kyad1s3UFPjRZTcck3Yf

The Youth Academy teens will be meeting prior to the program at 6:00 to do a check in and will gather from 8:00-8:15 for a closing.

A link to the book is included below as well as flyers for the program. Please feel free to pass this email on to any youth ages 12-18 who you think may be interested in attending. Youth Academy welcomes new participants.

https://www.amazon.com/American-Teenager-Surviving-Finding-Turbulent/dp/1419773828

Girl's Night Out
2025-08-14 17:00
Women meet for eats, drinks, (alcohol optional) and conversation at different restaurants during the year. We meet the 2nd Thursday every month at 5 PM. We have opening for a few women who want to have fun. If you have questions please contact Jane Winik cell# 440-785-4116 or email: jane.winik@gmail.com. If this group becomes full we can start another group.

Sign Up Here: Girls Night Out

FaCT Distinguished Speaker Series August 16, 2025 - 3 PM
2025-08-16 15:00

UU Justice Ohio Convo: "Lobbying for Justice"
2025-08-17 15:30 - 16:30
UUJO (UU Justice Ohio) Community Conversations (CONVOs) on Zoom. Sunday, August 17th, 3:30 pm– 4:30, “Lobbying for Justice”

Details coming

Youth Academy of UUCC takes the lake
2025-08-23 10:00 - 15:00
Hey Youth Academy, have you ever wanted to try kayaking? Now is your chance!!! Youth Academy Partner, Doan Brook Watershed Partnership is hosting Take To The Lake. They have reserved 12 learn to kayak lessons for the Youth Academy. If you are between the ages of 9-18 years in age join us in learning to kayak, hiking, exploring environmental topics, and of course eating.

What: Take to the Lake, Kayaking, hiking, exploring environmental topics, picnicWhen: August 23, 2025 10:00-3:00Where: lower Shaker LakeWho: Youth ages 9-18 years of ageHow: email Youth Academy Coordinator, Valerie.Hura@uucleveland.org to register.

Registration will be taken in the order received through email. Once the 12 spots have been filled we will create a wait list in case there are any cancellations. Valerie will respond to emails within a couple of days to let you know details.
