September 2023 UUCC Board Meeting
2023-09-26 19:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York)
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.

FaCT Speaker: Environmental Health and Communities of Color
2023-09-30 15:00 - 17:00
Yvonka Hall of NEO Black Health FaCT’s 2023 Keynote Speaker

FaCT ANNUAL MEETING

September 30 – 3 PM ET – Via Zoom Zoom REGISTRATION

Yvonka Hall, Executive Director of NEO Black Health Coalition, is a fearless advocate and thought leader in the Cuyahoga County area and surrounding communities fighting for communities of color that have a history of being impacted by industry and other environmental health factors.

FaCT is honored to welcome Yvonka to our virtual “stage” to help us learn more about the environmental health challenges faced by communities of color and the efforts of NEO Black Health Coalition in dealing with these challenges.

You can register for this Zoom event here and then a meeting link will be emailed to you: REGISTER

FaCT’s ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING WILL FOLLOW Yvonka Hall’s presentation.

Learn more about FaCT, Faith Communities Coming Together for a sustainable Future.Our Mission is to help empower communities to protect our air, water, and soil, and the health and safety of Ohio families as well as working to mitigate climate change.We Believe in the moral imperative of addressing climate change-engaging faith Communities and People of conscience in the interconnectedness and sacredness of the natural world and one another.

Does the U.S. Supreme Court Have Credibility?
2023-10-01 09:00 - 10:00
Join in person or via Zoom

Speaker(s): Cassandra Burke Robertson, JD, MA, MPA, Professor of Law and Director, Center for Professional Ethics School of Law at Case Western University; Shih-Chun Steven Chien, JSD, Assistant Professor of Law, Cleveland State University School of Law

Confidence in the U.S. Supreme Court was already sinking before extravagant unreported gifts to Justice Clarence Thomas became public. It begs the question: Does the highest court in the country have the lowest ethical standards? The Court has been challenged to adhere to the policies of the Judicial Conference of the United States, required of lower courts. While referencing ethics as an “issue of concern inside the court”, Chief Justice John Roberts has not committed to implement a Code of Ethics. How does this situation affect our judicial system, and the concept of justice in the United States?

Marvelous Ministry Fair
2023-10-01 11:30 - 12:30

October Food & Fellowship
2023-10-08 11:30 - 13:00
Fall is in the AIR.

The Leaves are TURNING.

And Harry’s Kitchen Crew is BACK for another year!

We are offering the following Menu: Butternut Squash Soup topped with Pumpkin Seed, Chopped Salad, Roasted (marinated) Chicken Thighs, Roasted Brussel Sprout, Simple Dessert, Apple Cider, Coffee and Ice Water.

So, UUs come stay a while after the Sunday Service for conversation, friendship and Fall fun.

Help support this team’s effort….Donations are always welcome.

The Fifth Estate: 21st Century Watchdogs
2023-10-15 09:00 - 10:00
Join in person or via Zoom

Speakers: Mark Naymik, Managing Editor, News, Signal Cleveland digital newsletter; Phil Trexler, Editor-in-Chief, The Marshall Project-Cleveland.

With financial constraints on print newspapers of the traditional Fourth Estate, society has seen the rise of a Fifth Estate – digital media. How do digital journalists ensure accountability as watchdogs? What are they reporting? How do they make a difference?

Circle Suppers October 21, 2023
2023-10-21 18:00 - 21:00
Circle Suppers are Coming – Saturday, October 21!Please join fellow UUCCers at a Circle Supper on Saturday, October 21! Circle Suppers are a meal at a congregant’s home with a small group of UUCCers – those who are new to UUCC, those who have been around forever, and those in between. It is a great opportunity to have good food and conversation and get to know your fellow congregants better.How’s this work?Congregants participate as a Host or a Guest. Hosts offer to house a Circle Supper in their home (or garden). They let us know how many seats at their table, and also coordinate guest food contributions. Guests bring a dish they agree to in advance and show up on the date and time to share dinner with the group.Sign-up to participate as either a host or a guest at this link sign up link by Tuesday, October 10.

We’ll let you know your dinner group and host by Friday, October 13. The host will contact guests and coordinate who is bringing what.Then all you need to do is show up at the host’s home on Saturday, October 21 at 6 pm.The Circle Supper Coordinator will keep a waiting list and forward folks to any openings.Questions? Contact Kristen van Kranenburgh, kvankran@gmail.com .

Pride for All Ages
2023-10-22 11:30 - 13:00, 2023-11-26 11:30 - 13:00
Pride for All Ages, an intergenerational group for LGBTQ+ people, meets on Sunday, October 22, 2023 in the Baker Room following the service. Read more about the group

Boundaries Workshop
2023-10-22 13:30 - 15:00
On Sunday, October 22, from 1:30-3:00PM, Rev. Randy Partain will facilitate a special virtual workshop focusing on boundaries in a congregational setting. The skills and insights can also apply to personal boundaries in other areas of life.

Boundaries define what we allow and what we create. In our personal lives, boundaries are in important way we connect healthily with other human beings. They allow us to tend to our needs and create clear expectations in relationship.

The same is true in congregations. Our covenant might be thought of as a set of positive boundaries about what we co-create. There might be other boundaries that enable us to establish safe and brave space with one another.

This 90-minute interactive experience will explore the healthy use of boundaries. It will also be a “train the trainers” event, especially directed at those who may want to facilitate this conversation at other points in the church year. All are welcome to participate, even if you don’t intend to facilitate the workshop in the future.

Register in advance for this event: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYqdOqppzIjHdLN8LaV5DSewa9adwdIoFpk

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

UUCC 2023 Auction Donation Deadline
2023-10-23 17:00
The UUCC Golden Ticket Auction will be on Saturday, November 4. Our annual auction fundraiser is not only a time-honored tradition but also a vital source of funding for our congregation’s programs and initiatives. It is through your generosity and support that we are able to continue making a positive impact in our community. This year, we are asking you to once again contribute by donating goods or services to the auction.

Click Here to Donate

Whether it’s a unique handmade craft, a special talent or skill you possess, a weekend getaway you can offer, or any other valuable item or service, your contributions will play a significant role in the success of our fundraiser.

Here’s how you can get involved:

Donate Goods: If you have items that you believe would be appealing to our congregation and the wider community, such as baked goods, jewelry, stained glass, or fabric art, please consider donating them.

Offer Services: Are you a talented chef, musician, handyman, or have any other skills that people might be interested in? Offering your services for auction can be a fantastic way to contribute.

Host an Event: Do you like to cook for others or gather with friends for a special movie or game? Offer a movie night, dinner party, or evening of games. You can co-host with friends and share the evening’s fun.

Spread the Word: Even if you can’t donate personally, you can still help by spreading the word about our fundraiser. Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to participate, donate, or attend the auction event.

If you have questions about making a donation, please contact the Auction Team at auctionteam@uucleveland.org. We will happily arrange for the collection or drop-off of your donations. If you need assistance, feel free to reach out at any time.

Our annual auction fundraiser is not only an opportunity for us to raise funds but also a chance for us to come together as a community, strengthen our bonds, and share in the joy of giving. Your contributions, no matter how big or small, will make a meaningful difference.

Thank you in advance for your generosity, and for being an integral part of our congregation’s mission to serve and support our community. Together, we can make this year’s auction fundraiser a resounding success.

With gratitude and blessings,The UUCC Auction Team

UUs Together: Bathroom bill & more
2023-10-23 19:00 - 20:30
Join UUs from West Shore UU, Southwest UU, as well as fellow UUCCers virtually Monday October 23 from 7-8:30pm. An important and urgent topic is LGBTQ+ rights, in particular the impact of right-wing hate speech and discriminatory state legislation now being directed at the transgender community and their families. We would like to gain more insight into how this culture war activity is affecting families with transgender members, and steps we can take to encourage safety for ALL of us.

People directly affected have graciously offered to share their perspectives, followed by a Q and A session. To request a link to the meeting, please email Laurie.

UU Together: Bathroom Bill and more
2023-10-23 19:00 - 20:30
Join UUs from West Shore UU, Southwest UU, as well as fellow UUCCers virtually Monday October 23 from 7-8:30pm. An important and urgent topic is LGBTQ+ rights, in particular the impact of right-wing hate speech and discriminatory state legislation now being directed at the transgender community and their families. We would like to gain more insight into how this culture war activity is affecting families with transgender members, and steps we can take to encourage safety for ALL of us.

People directly affected have graciously offered to share their perspectives, followed by a Q and A session. To request a link to the meeting, please email Laurie at sunnyskies2023@yahoo.com.

October 2023 UUCC Board Meeting
2023-10-24 19:00 - 21:00

GCC Launches Medical Debt Relief Campaign
2023-10-26 19:00 - 20:30 | B’nai Jeshurun Congregation, 27501 Fairmount Blvd,, Beachwood, Ohio, 44124, United States
EngageGCC Assembly Is Thursday, October 26 at 7pm B’nai Jeshurun Congregation27501 Fairmount Blvd, Cleveland, OH 44124

If you’re interested in attending, please sign up here: https://forms.gle/SeHrRzAZdkCPdgnz7At the September EngageGCC Assembly hosted by UUCC, medical debt as an action issue was discussed. RIP Medical Debt has been engaged to relieve unpaid medical debt in Cleveland. They have negotiated a deal to retire $6 million in debt for $40 thousand. RIP Medical Debt uses your donations to purchase bundled medical debt portfolios on the secondary debt market and then forgives that debt at pennies to the dollar. When debt relief recipients open the yellow envelope from RIP, they are told that their debt has been bought by a third party and erased with no strings attached. They owe nothing on the debt and face no tax penalty.

GCC is launching a medical debt relief campaign that is open to GCC member congregations and supporters to contribute toward a goal of eliminating millions of dollars of medical debt for persons in the city of Cleveland and throughout Cuyahoga County.

To learn more about how you and your congregation can donate to the medical debt relief campaign visit this website: https://ripmedicaldebt.org/campaign/gcc-color-of-health-campaign/

We can really make a difference! Thank you!

The next EngageGCC Assembly Is Thursday, October 26 at 7pm at B’nai Jeshurun Congregation on Fairmount Blvd. If you’re interested in attending, please sign up here: https://forms.gle/SeHrRzAZdkCPdgnz7

If you’re interested in finding out more about Greater Cleveland Congregations (GCC), please visit:Learn About Who GCC is at Greater Cleveland Congregations;orIf you would like to receive GCC’s email updates, please visit: Join our Mailing List the sign up sheet is located at the bottom of the page

Samhain Celebration
2023-10-29 18:00 - 19:30
The UUCC Earth-Centered Spirituality Group will be holding a Samhain celebration on Sunday,

Samhain is the Feast of the Ancestors. It is also the New Year in the Celtic tradition. We will honor our ancestors and spend time contemplating the turning of the Wheel into the new year.Where:Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland21600 Shaker BlvdShaker Heights, Ohio 44122

Weather permitting, we will meet outside. Weather not permitting, we will meet inside in Fellowship Hall.

What to bring:A small stick or piece of wood to add to our communal fireA picture or representation of a dearly departed person or petYour intention for the new yearSomething to sit on

Please contact Peggy with any questions. wytchywmn@sbcglobal.net

Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood (Zoom)
2023-10-30 19:30 - 21:00
Part 1 of 2-Part Special Forum Event

In a political moment in Ohio where adoption is often invoked as an abortion alternative, what can we learn from the experiences of women who have relinquished children for adoption? Adoption Network Cleveland is pleased to host sociologist Gretchen Sisson, Ph.D. for a special preview of her upcoming book, Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood (Macmillan, February 2024). Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland is proud to be a partner.

Monday, October 30, 7:30-9pmZoom Presentation with Gretchen Sisson, Ph.D. For more details and to register for this session, go to: Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood with Gretchen Sisson, Ph.D.: Adoption Network Cleveland Calendar of Events and Programs

Care Not Cages: Care Response 101
2023-11-02 18:30 - 20:00
Join us for a night on Care Response 101, with Josiah Quarles from REACH. Learn about non-police response for those experiencing a mental health crisis, and how this promising new approach to safety could work in Cleveland. Food and drinks will be provided! We’ll be at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland, 21600 Shaker Blvd.

The event is free and all are welcome – please RSVP so we know how much food to bring: https://tinyurl.com/care101Nov2

UUCC Golden Ticket Auction
2023-11-04 18:00 - 20:00

Make Your Home More Comfortable, Eco-Friendly, Affordable
2023-11-05 09:00 - 10:00
Join in person or via Zoom

Speakers: Alberto Alas, AIA, LEED Architect, Alas Consulting; Martin Berry, Certified Energy Auditor, President, Berry Insulation

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 is the most significant climate legislation in U.S. history, offering funding, programs and incentives to accelerate our urgent transition to a clean energy economy. It is intended to drive significant deployment of new clean electricity resources in all our homes and businesses. How will this law help make your home more comfortable, eco-friendly and affordable?

Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood (Discussion)
2023-11-05 11:30 - 13:00
Part 2 of 2-Part Special Forum Event

In a political moment in Ohio where adoption is often invoked as an abortion alternative, what can we learn from the experiences of women who have relinquished children for adoption? Adoption Network Cleveland is pleased to host sociologist Gretchen Sisson, Ph.D. for a special preview of her upcoming book, Relinquished: The Politics of Adoption and the Privilege of American Motherhood (Macmillan, February 2024). Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland is proud to be a partner.

Sunday, November 5, 11:30amIn-Person discussion led by Betsie Norris, Founder & Executive Director, Adoption Network Cleveland. At Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland, 21600 Shaker Blvd. at Belvoir Oval, Room 108. To register for the in-person discussion, email forums@uucleveland.org by Friday, November 3. Indicate when you register if you aren’t available to watch the Zoom October 30, and a link to the recording will be sent to you. It would be helpful but not mandatory to watch the program in advance.

November Listening Circle: Vision
2023-11-09 12:30 - 14:00
Thursday, November 9, from 12:30-2:00 PM over Zoom we’ll explore our hopes and vision for our congregation. Sign up for our November 9 Listening Circle here: https://bit.ly/NovemberVision

Exploring Restorative Justice for Cleveland
2023-11-09 18:00 - 20:30
Exploring Restorative Justice for ClevelandJoin Us!MOVIE NIGHT & COMMUNITY DIALOGUEAt The Urban Community SchoolThursday, November 9th, 20236:00-8:30PMFREE ADMISSIONDoors open at 6PM with Light Refreshments & PizzaIntroductory Short Video:“Why Do We Need Restorative Justice” from Brave New FilmsFeature Film:“Healing Justice” from World TrustHosted by the Restorative Justice Working Group with support from Neighborhood ConnectionsCommunity Co-Sponsors:Neighborhood Connections, Cleveland Peace Makers, Case Western Reserve University Schubert Center for Child Studies

Location & Public Transportation DirectionsThe Urban Community School4909 Lorain AvenueCleveland, OhioFree Parking off of West 50th, Use Back EntranceRTA 22 bus stop (2 min walk) / W.65 train stop (12 min walk)

Sponsored by:

November Potluck Food & Fellowship
2023-11-12 11:30 - 13:00

November Listening Circle: Values
2023-11-18 10:00 - 11:30
Saturday, November 18, from 10:00-11:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall, we’ll respond to the value of Generosity. Sign up for our November 18 Listening Circle here: https://bit.ly/NovemberValues

Helping Kids Understand Gender Diversity: Are There Consequences?
2023-11-19 09:00 - 10:00
Join in person or via Zoom

Speaker: Vanessa Jensen, PsyD, Psychologist, Director, Cleveland Clinics GUlDE program, which provides support for youth questioning gender identity.

While Americans are generally unified in regarding exposure to pornography as potentially harmful to youth, beyond that there are many opinions but little data. What are the benefits and harms, if any, of educating about diversity of gender identification and romantic attachments? Is this a social experiment whose outcome can only be predicted by politicians?

What is Our Connection to the Crisis in Israel/Palestine?"
2023-11-27 19:00 - 20:30
Join Mark Weber and Don Bryant virtually on Zoom with UUs from UUCC, West Shore, and SouthWest.

Three topics to be addressed:

Mar and Don will begin with, “How I got involved” ;

What is missing from the dominant narrative – historical perspective?

What local communities and organizations they have worked with.

For the link, please email Laurie at sunnyskies2023@yahoo.com. We look forward to seeing you!

November 2023 UUCC Board Meeting
2023-11-28 19:00 - 21:00

Fact Distinguished Speaker: "The Power of Scenery: Fredrick Law Olmsted and the Origin of National Parks"
2023-12-02 15:00 - 16:30
Next Distinguished Speaker via Zoom: Dennis Drabelle – December 2, 3 PM ET via Zoom

Register Here

Frederick Law Olmsted saw city parks as vital to the pursuit of happiness and wanted them to be established for all to enjoy. When he wrote down his philosophy for managing Yosemite, a new and different kind of park, one that preserves a great natural site in the wilds, he had no idea that he was creating a visionary blueprint for national parks to come.

Dennis Drabelle provides a history of the national park concept, adding to our understanding of American environmental thought and linking Olmsted with three of the country’s national treasures. The Power of Scenery tells the fascinating story of how the national park movement arose, evolved, and has spread around the world.

Participants in this Zoom event will be eligible to win a copy of The Power of Scenery.

Ohio Post-Election Analysis: Where Are We Now?
2023-12-03 09:00 - 10:00
Join in person or via Zoom

Speaker: J. Cherie Strachan, PhD, Director, Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, Political Science Professor, University of Akron.

History will mark the Fall 2023 Ohio elections as two of the most controversial in our state’s history. How did we get there and where will the results take us?
