Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland

Setting the Record Straight: Don't Believe the Hype — Hip Hop @ 50.
2024-02-23 10:00 - 2024-02-24 14:30 (America/New_York)
Setting the Record Straight: Don’t Believe the Hype — Hip Hop @ 50. Read More about this programThe events are free. However you must register. Click on the link above for information on the two day program and the link to register found on the website and/or below for in-person or virtual.

The hybrid virtual and in-person conference will take place Friday, February 23rd and Saturday, February 24th from 10:00am to 2:30pm.

This two-day conference will examine the contemporary challenges African Americans face, highlighting the obstacles that have been overcome while identifying those that remain. The conference will examine the contributions, contradictions, and complexities of Hip Hop at its 50th anniversary as it coalesces with the structural and institutional burdens of misinformation and distortions in America’s present-day social and political discourse.

Please join the Diversity Institute and member organizations of the Project 400 Collaborative for our fifth annual conference which is part of our ongoing calendar of activities. Participants will gain a unique opportunity to connect to the ongoing conversation about race as the foundation of systemic inequities and ways in which we might address them.

In person registration: https://levin.csuohio.edu/di/project-400-2024-conference-in-person-registration-form

Virtual registration: https://csuohio.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_3n-LlLc9TSOlTx-SLohjaw#/registration

Where and WhenDate: Friday, February 23 and Saturday, February 24, 2024Time: 10:00am-2:30pm (Both Days)Location: Cleveland State University Student Center Ballroom, 3rd Floor, 2121 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44115

February Listening Circle: Values
2024-02-24 10:00 - 11:30
Our February Values Listening Circle will be in-person in the Baker Room (Room 213). We’ll respond to the proposed revision of how we frame our values, focusing on Equity. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/Feb2024Values

UUs Together features the Poor People's Campaign!
2024-02-26 19:00 - 20:30
UUs and the Poor People’s campaign have a long history of working together. Join us virtually to learn more. Bonus: you will meet UUs from 2 other local congregations- Southwest and West Shore!!

The Ohio Poor People’s Campaign is mobilizing for the Mass Poor People’s and Low-wage Workers’ State House Assemblies and To the Polls! Hundreds of Ohioans will converge at the Ohio State House in coordination with 30+ other state actions for the Poor People’s Campaign Mobilization on March 2, 2024, 10AM to noon.

UUs Together has invited Ohio Poor People’s Campaign Tri-Chair David Guran to present at our next Zoom meeting on Monday February 26, 2024, 7-8:30pm. Dave will give an action overview and talk about how we can join or support the mass mobilization. Join us on Zoom. Email Laurie at sunnyskies2023@yahoo.com for the link.

February 2024 UUCC Board Meeting
2024-02-27 19:00 - 21:00
UUCC is governed by an elected Board of Trustees. The Board is responsible for determining and upholding the mission and vision of our congregation, as well as for making financial and legal decisions. The Board of Trustees meets on the 4th Tuesday of the month. All Congregation Members are welcome to attend Board meetings, except when an Executive Session has been called. Members may address the Board only by prior arrangement with the President.

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

February Listening Circle: Vision
2024-02-29 17:30 - 19:00
Our February Vision Listening Circle will be held over Zoom. We’ll explore our hopes and vision for the congregation. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/Feb2024Vision

Why Is It So Expensive to Be Poor?
2024-03-03 09:00 - 10:00
Speakers: Emily Campbell, President & CEO, Center for Community Solutions; Chris Knestrick, Executive Director, Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH).

In the past 50 years there have been dramatic accomplishments in science, medicine and IT. Yet nearly 10% of the U.S. population continues to live in poverty. The line curves slightly up and down through Democratic and Republican administrations. Why is poverty so unrelenting and what can be done to reduce it?

After Service: Meet and Learn for potential LDC and Board members
2024-03-03 11:15 - 12:30
Meet & Learn for Potential Board and LDC CandidatesIn order to care for our congregation, the Leadership Development Committee is seeking candidates to serve as a UUCC Board of Trustees member (3), and Leadership Development Committee member (2). We are offering in-person and virtual opportunities to learn more about these roles.

On Sunday March 3, we will be in Fellowship Hall after our worship service

Another chance on via Zoom March 4 @ 7:30 pm – 8:30 pmOn Monday March 4, we will hold a virtual “Meet and Learn” from 7:30-8:30pm. Click here to join the Zoom meetingWe encourage you to complete this form if you are interested in nominating yourself, another person, or want more information.

Meet & Learn for Potential Board and LDC Candidates
2024-03-04 19:30 - 20:30
In order to care for our congregation, the Leadership Development Committee is seeking candidates to serve as a UUCC Board of Trustees member (3), and Leadership Development Committee member (2). We are offering in-person and virtual opportunities to learn more about these roles.

On Sunday March 3, we will be in Fellowship Hall after our worship service

On Monday March 4, we will hold a virtual “Meet and Learn” from 7:30-8:30pm. Click here to join the Zoom meeting

We encourage you to complete this form if you are interested in nominating yourself, another person, or want more information.

March Food & Fellowship: Potluck
2024-03-10 11:15 - 13:00
Our second Sunday Congregational Meal on March 10 will be a potluck! Everyone is welcome!

Please plan to bring your favorite dish to share. We will have clearly marked tables for Main Dishes, Salads, Sides, and Desserts in the Fellowship Hall prior to the service. Consider labeling your food ingredients: vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc. .

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

Making End of Life Decisions: What are the Options in Ohio?
2024-03-17 09:00 - 10:00
Speakers: Lisa Vigil Schattinger, MSN, RN, founder of Ohio End of Life Options (OELO); Ann Rowland, retired Assistant US Attorney, board member, OELO.

Several states have statutes permitting Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) for competent adults who are terminally ill. The speakers will review the laws nationwide and legislative efforts in Ohio. Without a MAID law in Ohio, what are the options for the terminally ill? The speakers will discuss Voluntarily Stopping Eating and Drinking (VSED), advance directives with dementia provisions, and hospice care. They will also discuss their thoughts about navigating end of life decision-making with loved ones based on their personal experiences.

Engage GCC: meeting in person
2024-03-21 19:00 - 20:30
All are invited to the next Engage GCC meeting which will be IN PERSONWhere:Forest Hills Presbyterian Church on Monticello3031 Monticello Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118

Time:7-8:30pm.

Questions? Ask a Core Team member: Laurie Albright, Bev Austin, Pat Dillard, Greg Nosan, Brandon Ruud, Bob Staib, Mark Weber, and Randy Partain.

Greater Cleveland Congregations Read More

"Citizens not Politicians" Petition Signature Gathering Training
2024-03-24 11:30 - 12:30
GCC has committed to do our part in signature gathering for the proposed Ohio Constitutional Amendment to create a “Citizens not Politicians” method of re-districting by collecting 20,000 signatures by mid May toward the statewide goal of 700,000.

Your UUCC GCC Core team has set a goal of gathering at least 400 signatures. One dozen of your fellow congregants have taken the training and signed out petition books. We have arranged for a convenient training for you after worship service on Sunday March 24 from 11:30-12:30 in rooms 106-108.

This will be our kick-off for our current Good Trouble campaign. Plan to attend the training, sign out a petition book, and collect signatures. We will have a list of public events you can collect signatures at, or you can simply collect from neighbors, friends, and family. Each signature is as important as any other!! Help us meet our goal and create more justice in Ohio.Also: All are invited to the next Engage GCC meeting which will be IN PERSON at Forest Hills Presbyterian Church on Monticello on Thursday March 21 from 7-8:30pm. Questions? Ask a Core Team member: Laurie Albright, Bev Austin, Pat Dillard, Greg Nosan, Brandon Ruud, Bob Staib, Mark Weber, and Randy Partain.

Pride for All Ages
2024-03-24 11:30 - 13:00
Pride for All Ages, an intergenerational group for LGBTQ+ people, meets on Sunday, March 24 after the service at 11:30 in the Baker Room following the service. Read more about the group

UUs Together: Fair Wage Campaign OHIO!! virtual meeting
2024-03-25 19:00 - 20:30
Join UUs Together virtually this month to learn about the Fair Wage campaign in Ohio. Haven’t heard of it? All the more reason to join us. This is a proposed constitutional amendment, currently gathering signatures (the same process as the anti-gerrymanding/fair districts campaign). Learn about this movement to raise the minimum wage (note: if the minimum wage had kept pace with inflation and increased worker productivity since 1968, it would be over $24 an hour), and abolish the tipped wage, among other things.

We will view a small portion of a very informative video, and hear from Mariah Ross, organizer for the Fair Wage campaign, and Grace Heffernan, Northeast Ohio Worker Center, which partners with Collaborate Cleveland on the Pay Equity campaign.

See you on Monday March 25 from 7-8:30pm virtually!Bring your questions!

Topic: UUs Together February meetingTime: Mar 25, 2024 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meetinghttps://us02web.zoom.us/j/86037193106?pwd=[REDACTED]

Meeting ID: 860 3719 3106Passcode: [REDACTED]

March 2024 UUCC Board Meeting
2024-03-26 19:00 - 21:00

Free concert in our sanctuary- Classical Guitar with Suvan Agarwal
2024-03-28 19:00 - 20:00
Join us in the UUCC Sanctuary on Thursday, March 28th at 7:00 p.m. for a free concert with classical guitarist Suvan Agarwal, who is currently a graduate student at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Suvan will perform works of Robert Schumann and Johann Sebastian Bach. Suvan Agarwal is an American guitarist with international experience. He has won numerous prizes at the Columbus Guitar Symposium Competition, Oberlin Conservatory Bach Competition, Louisville Guitar Competition, Guitar Foundation of America International Ensemble Competition, and Tuesday Musical competition, where in addition to first prize in the guitar category he won the audience prize in the final round, open to winners from all instrument categories. He has performed in both the United States and Japan.

Needlers meet in Library
2024-04-04 10:00 - 12:00
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. (During the warm summer days we meet outside if the weather cooperates in the shade of the Permaculture Garden.) Contact Debbie Wright (cell 715-308-4739) with questions or sign up HERE.

We have been meeting the first Saturday of the month at 10 am since 2019. Has this group run its course or are we into continuing into 2024 and beyond?

Bring a friend and your ideas of what we want from this group.

Immigrants: Burden, Blessing, Duty?
2024-04-07 09:00 - 10:00
Speakers: James Nichols, and Dana Beveridge, both Staff Attorneys, Migration and Refugee Services, Cleveland Catholic Charities.

Major religions affirm a duty to the displaced. Our economy needs willing workers, and we need the earnings of young workers to support our aging population. Yet the media focuses on the menace of unwelcome immigrants, and support systems are overwhelmed by surges, mostly from Latin America. It is not feasible for all those who’d like to move to America to do so. How should we respond?

Easter Egg Hunt
2024-04-07 11:30 - 12:30
Easter Egg Hunt! Many folks are out of town on Easter Sunday, so we’re going to do an Egg Hunt on April 7th! During the end of the service, our middle and high school youth will help with the hiding, and then during YRE on 4/7 we’ll gather to hunt! We’ll have eggs to find and a special NY Times style crossword puzzle for adults to enjoy, created by our amazing youth!

Exploring Restorative Justice for Cleveland: Movie and Discussion
2024-04-11 18:00 - 20:30
MOVIE NIGHT AND COMMUNITY DISCUSSIONJOIN US!Thursday, April 11, 6:00-8:30 pmDoors Open at 6:00 pm for Light Refreshments and PizzaFeaturing short video: “Why Do We Need Restorative Justice?” from Brave New FilmsFeaturing film: “Healing Justice” from World TrustCOLLINWOOD RESOURCE AND RECREATION CENTER16300 Lakeshore Blvd.Cleveland OH 44110Plenty of free adjacent parkingChild Care providedHosted by the Restorative Justice Working Groupwith support from the following Community Partners

UUCC Racial Justice Leadership Team

April Food & Fellowship
2024-04-14 11:30 - 13:00
TBD

Are you Considering Membership at UUCC?
2024-04-17 19:00 - 20:30
On Wednesday, April 17th at 7 pam, we are offering our Considering Membership class. This is for anyone – new or old – who would like to learn more about UUCC, and membership at UUCC. The 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. Childcare is available.

You are invited (and encouraged) to attend the Wednesday Night Community Dinner the hour before the session.

Can’t make it this time? No worries, we try to offer these sessions quarterly.

If you have any questions, please contact Carol Gay (carolcgay75@gmail.com).

Please, please, please let us know you are coming! We want to be able to have adequate materials and chairs and food at dinner.

Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSczADtzxHSVwcpnFKaISwoZ3wCmnrP1cXRsKKnnEFzZS7aGPw/viewform?usp=sf_link.

Cross Racial Women's Social Trust Retreat
2024-04-18 16:00 - 2024-04-20 12:30
Build Solidarity with women across race in an interactive 3 day workshop in April.

The Bridging, Bonding, and Building Women’s Social Trust RetreatProvided by Getting to We

Join in a transformative, competency-building, fun experience designed to enhance social trust as a foundational aspect of a strong coalition of women invested in gender solidarity to advance racial equity. Any woman identifying person may attend. This conference is based on the nuanced racial identity work of Dr. Deborah Plummer, author of Some of My Friends Are.: The Daunting Challenges and Untapped Benefits of Cross-Racial Friendships and the play “to My White Friends Who Know Me” .

When:We will begin on Thursday, April 18th at 4PM ET and end on Saturday, April 20th at 12:30PM ET4/18 4-7:30 PM includes dinner4/19 8 Am to 5 PM4/20 8 Am- 12:30 PM

Where:Sessions will take place at Corporate College East 4400 Richmond Road Cleveland, OH 44128. Participants are responsible for their own lodging. Corporate College’s physical address is in Warrensville Heights, OH yet it is closer to Orange Village and Orange Ohio.

Registration information

Registration fee is $750 due by March 29, 2024.

Early registration is $675 due by March 1, 2024.

Draft Agenda linkFrequently Asked Questions Link

They are seeking between 50 and 100 participants. Let’s show up!

Wacky, Wise and Wonderful Women of UUCC: Punderson State Park Retreat
2024-04-19 16:00 - 2024-04-22 10:00
All who identify as a woman are invited to join us at Punderson State Park! Where11755 Kinsman Rd, Newbury Township, OH 44065WhenThe dates are 4/19 starting at 4:00 pm through 4/21 ending at 10:00 am. Stay 1 night, 2 nights or just one day.

This is a great way to bond with each other and make new friends. Activities include hiking, eating and games. Please sign uponline at: https://zfrmz.com/PlxQobmvjUVgqSXI8INq orIn Person. There will be sign up forms will be available during coffee hour after church.

We are looking forward to having an amazing time with each other. Questions call Lisa Van Cleef 440-655-0272

Living with Dementia: A True Story
2024-04-21 09:00 - 10:00
Moderator: Alexandra Ritt, MSSA, LSW, Alzheimer’s Association, Cleveland Chapter; Speakers to be introduced at Forum.

Dementia affects more than 50 million people worldwide, with a new case of dementia occurring somewhere in the world every 3 seconds. Dementia can also sometimes affect people who are under the age of 65. Dementia is an umbrella term for a collection of symptoms that are caused by disorders affecting the brain and impact on memory, thinking, behavior and emotion. The most common is Alzheimer’s disease, which affects 50-60% of people with dementia. Other types of dementia include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia and fronto-temporal dementia. What’s it like to live with dementia? What’s involved with being a caregiver?

Join UUs Together on Earth Day evening virtually
2024-04-22 19:00 - 20:30
Join UUs Together for our Earth Day (Monday April 22) evening 7-8:30pm virtually! We have 3 guests to help us care for Mother Earth in our yards/homes, in our congregations, and in our communities. Gary Davenport, a UU from Youngstown, will share pros and cons of No Mow May, and information about native plants. Here is a link to one of his workshops so you can get your questions ready: https://www.facebook.com/events/1389912301647992/?ref_source

Our second guest is Nancy King Smith, UUMFE member at UUCC. She will share information about our Through the Roof initiative, which has gathered up local congregations to encourage members to conduct an energy audit of their home and followup with personalized recommendations.

Our third guest is Destinee Burse, Executive Director of Community Life Collaborative. Among other items, she will share information about their Tree of Life Initiative.

As usual , there will be time for Q and A. Join your fellow UUs from Southwest UU, UUCC, and West Shore UU. For the zoom link, please email Laurie at sunnyskies2023@yahoo.com

April 2024 UUCC Board Meeting
2024-04-23 19:00 - 21:00

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Thank you!Your UUCC GCC Team

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

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

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

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