October 2023 UUCC Board Meeting
2023-10-24 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.

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?

Pride for All Ages
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

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?

December Potluck Food & Fellowship
2023-12-10 11:30 - 13:00

Recognizing and Resisting Fascism as People of Faith
2023-12-12 20:00 - 21:30
Zoom Presentation Register Here:Rev. Cecilia Kingman has been studying authoritarian systems for most of her life and is currently doing doctoral work at the Pacific School of Religion on the responses of faith communities to fascist and totalitarian regimes. After the collapse of the communist dictatorship in Romania, she spent two decades working with the Unitarians of Transylvania to strengthen civil society and support sustainable agricultural and community development.

Please join UUs for Social Justice on December 12 at 8:00 PM ET, when Rev. Kingman will share her thoughts on how to recognize the less well-known characteristics of rising fascism, as well as her conviction that our faith as Unitarian Universalists compels us to resist it in all its forms. Several of us from UUCC have already attended a presentation of hers and it was excellent.

Where: Via ZoomCost: FREE or purchase a ticket as a donation to UUSJRegister Here

The Rev. Cecilia Kingman has been studying authoritarian systems for most of her life and is currently doing doctoral work at the Pacific School of Religion on the responses of faith communities to fascist and totalitarian regimes. After the collapse of the communist dictatorship in Romania, she spent two decades working with the Unitarians of Transylvania to strengthen civil society and support sustainable agricultural and community development.

Cecilia is a 2003 graduate of Starr King School for the Ministry and has served congregations in Oregon and Washington, most recently serving as the Minister for Faith and Justice at the Edmonds Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Edmonds, Washington until last year. Cecilia lives in the greater Seattle area, where she is active in interfaith organizing. She is the mother of four children, two of whom are still in school. Cecilia nourishes her spirit by caring for a number of animals and a very large vegetable garden.

Wednesday Night Community Dinner
2023-12-13 18:00 - 20:30, 2023-12-20 18:00 - 20:30
Come and enjoy a meal on Wednesday evenings at 6pm. Requested donations are there to help defray costs. Childcare is available, making it a great time for small groups and others to gather. If you’d like to help provide a meal or help with setup and clean up, volunteers are needed. Sign up here

Signature Drive to Help End Partisan Ohio Gerrymandering
2023-12-16 10:00 - 13:00
As a congregation, UUCC has experience serving as a staging site for petitions to protect democracy and individual worth and dignity.

Now another proposed constitutional amendment regarding fundamental fairness in the democratic process is underway. Volunteer with UUCC, Citizens Not Politicians and Fair Districts Ohio to create a more fair redistricting process in our state.

UUCC will again serve as a staging site for petition pickup and drop off:

Wednesday from noon to 3 pm

Saturdays from 9 am to 12 pm

We will also be a site for a couple of Drive through signature events. The first will be this Saturday December 16 from 10am to 1pm. Consider showing up during this time to help collect signatures!

For more information, email Laurie at sunnyskies2023@yahoo.com

Values Amendment Info Available at Coffee Hour
2023-12-17 11:30 - 12:30
UUCC has been asked to support amendments to the proposed revisions of the UU Purposes and Principles in Article II, one adding a “Peace” value (text here) and one modifying the Equity Value (text here). Stop by at Coffee Hour to learn more.

December Listening Circle: Vision
2023-12-17 11:30 - 13:00
We’ll meet in the Library to explore our hopes and vision for our congregation. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/DecemberVision

December Listening Circle: Values
2023-12-17 18:00 - 19:30
We’ll meet over Zoom where we’ll respond to the proposed revision of how we frame our values. Sign up here: https://bit.ly/DecCircle

Values Amendment Info Zoom Session
2023-12-18 16:00 - 17:00
UUCC has been asked to support amendments to the proposed revisions of the UU Purposes and Principles in Article II, one adding a “Peace” value (text here) and one modifying the Equity Value (text here). We need to decide together whether our congregation should support these proposals for consideration at GA in June. Information and discussion sessions will be followed by an online congregational survey. Join a Zoom Session to learn more: Click here to join Zoom

Winter Solstice Celebration
2023-12-21 19:00 - 21:00
Join us for a Winter Solstice Celebration All are Welcome!The Earth Centered Spirituality group is hosting a ceremony for all ages. Bring a small stick for our communal fire and something to sit on. We are planning to hold the ritual outside! Please dress warmly.

Ceremony in the UUCC Parking lot21600 Shaker BoulevardShaker Heights OH 44122

UUCC Shaker Building Closed
2023-12-25 00:00 - 2023-12-30 23:59

December 2023 UUCC Board Meeting
2023-12-26 19:00 - 21:00
