Congregational Picnic
2025-06-08 12:00 - 13:30 (America/New_York)
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.

Porch Talk for a Beloved community
2025-08-23 17:00 - 18:30
East View United Church of Christ, 17300 Van Aken Blvd. Shaker Heights

This event celebrates the 60 Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s visit. The Rev. Dr. Velda R. Love will speak on porch where the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke in 1965, and continue the call for justice and equity. Dr. Love serves the National Ministries of the United Church of Christ as the Minister for Racial Justice and Lead for its Join the Movement Toward Racial Justice initiative. Porch Talk will be held outdoors (weather permitting). Bring a lawn chair or blanket to sit on. In the event of rain, we will move into the church’s sanctuary. Music provided by The Greater Cleveland Choral Chapter (Youth/Young Adult Choir) along with the Combined Choir from all 3 sponsor congregations. A light reception will follow the program. Free and open to the public.

The Next Engage GCC Meeting is Thursday, August 28!
2025-08-28 19:00 - 20:30
Were you inspired to get involved and act after the August 3 worship service, “Organizing as a Spiritual Practice? Then join your fellow UUCC members for the next EngageGCC meeting! Greater Cleveland Congregations (GCC) is a non-partisan coalition of faith communities and partner organizations in Cuyahoga County with its stated mission to be “a powerful force for change, creating justice and opportunity in Greater Cleveland by uniting our faith communities and civic partners across lines of race, class, and religion.” The August EngageGCC will shape the next chapter of the movement. You’ll learn more about GCC’s upcoming strategies and frontline organizing, including Pretrial Justice and preparations for Fall meetings with judicial candidates; GCC’s Battle for Democracy, its ward map training and potential fall action planning; the Healthy Blocks Initiative and future plans for Lee-Harvard; Institutional Development and Leadership trainings; Medicaid organizing, grant strategy, and long-term vision; and strengthening systems, outreach, and reporting.

August 28 at 7:00 PM at Forest Hill Church Presbyterian | 3031 Monticello Blvd, Cleveland Heights, OH

Bring your voice. Let’s move forward—together. RSVP here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSewtp7bV-q_ebjz9elOXMWD1ni4qQAESsp5_dcC0vgn-aTJoA/viewform

OR please contact Laurie Albright for further details or if you’re interested in carpooling from UUCC: ljalbright@hotmail.com.

Lunch Bunch
2025-09-03 11:30
Join a new Small Group, Lunch Bunch, launching September 3rd.This is a group for anyone who enjoys eating out at local restaurants for lunch during the week. We welcome all adults, any age, gender, single, partnered, etc. Each person must register separately. This group will gather on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 11:30, beginning September 3rd. Feel free to suggest locations when you sign up! The group will come up with a list of restaurants to enjoy together at the first outing. For information, contact Sharon Marrell by text or phone call at 216-410-4885.

To sign up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0C44AFA62CA5FAC43-57575416-lunch

The Power of the Press
2025-09-05 11:30 - 13:00
As part of our ‘Democracy Dialogues’ Series, please come join us for a luncheon at Munson Township Hall on September 5. 2025 for an enlightening discussion on the crucial role that local news plays in upholding our democracy.

Join our panel of local media professionals from Ideastream Public Media, Signal Cleveland, Chagrin Valley Times and our moderator from the Kent State University School of Journalism for a discussion about the role of local news in building and sustaining an informed citizenry, and the impact the loss of local news outlets has on candidates, policy and voters.

Panelists – Abbey Marshall, Ideastream; Mark Naymik, Signal CLE; Ken Douthit, C V Times. Moderator Prof. Gretchen Hoak of Kent St Schl of Journalism.

Munson Township Hall, 12210 Auburn Rd., Chardon, Oh.

Obtain tickets, $25.00, at LWV Geauga web site Here

Protecting Democracy
2025-09-06 09:30 - 13:30
Protecting Democracy, Sept. 6 from 9:30-1:30 at Pilgrim Congregational Church, will be an opportunity to join the larger community in seeking to rally all progressive individuals and organizations to collaborate in developing a comprehensive strategy to combat America’s growing authoritarianism. Regardless of your specific social justice passion—whether it’s criminal justice reform, voting rights, fair housing, policing, poverty alleviation, racism, immigration issues, reproductive rights, education, LGBTQ+ rights, or other social justice concerns—this forum will provide us the opportunity to devise a united approach to counter creeping fascism and promote democracy. Racial Equity Buddies of Cleveland is the organizer and UUCC is one of many sponsoring organizations. Registration and more info at http://bit.ly/Sept6Forum

Living your authentic self - UUCC Pretrial Support Team training!
2025-09-07 11:30
Last Sunday, Randy talked about authenticity. After the service, I walked up to front of the church and looked at our Seven Principles. Each principle was reflected in what our congregation is trying to do with our UUCC Pretrial Support Team. We are living our authentic selves, one person at a time.

If you are interested in what we are doing, please come to our meeting this Sunday, September 7th at 11:30 am to1 pm to learn more. Lunch will be provided. No obligation, just the joy of being with friends.
