Heights Christian Church (HCC), a Disciples of Christ congregation located in Shaker Heights, is excited to announce that Dr. Katherine J. Gillooly (Kate) has been named the church’s new Transitional Minister, beginning July 1, 2022.  Dr. Gillooly will be taking on the church leadership role as the current Senior Minister, Rev. Roger Osgood, retires on June 30, 2022, after over 15 years serving the congregation.

Dr. Gillooly has been the Director of Congregational Development at Heights Christian Church since 2016, with broad experience in lay leadership, Christian education, public speaking, and preaching. She has played an active role in many congregational initiatives, including the church’s recent move to “nest” within Plymouth Church on Coventry Road.

Dr. Gillooly holds a Doctor of Ministry (D.Min) in Congregational Development from Bexley Seabury Seminary.  She has a Master of Arts degree in Ministry from Ursuline College and a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Case Western Reserve University.  She has been an Adjunct Faculty member at both Bexley Seabury Seminary and Ursuline College since 2019.

Dr. Gillooly says, “I am excited about the possibilities before us as a congregation, and I believe this to be a call from God – for all of us to step forward in faith into our future together. There will be challenges, but our God is one who desires the best for us, who always equips those who respond to the call, and who walks with us each step of the way.”

Dr. Gillooly hopes to use her education and experience in community engagement and congregational vitality to guide the congregation’s discernment about how and where to be most faithful and effective. “HCC has a legacy of social justice work in general, and anti-racism work specifically. We are eager to continue to make a positive difference in the community, to work for justice and peace, and to get into some ‘good trouble’ as John Lewis would say.”

Sunday – May 1 
9:30 am – Adult Study – “Exploring Gospel Passages of the Easter Season”  John 21:1-19   Jesus Appears to Seven Disciples – Dr. Kate facilitating
11:00 am – Worship – Hybrid – in-person and online! – Life-Changing Acts – “Who are you Lord?” – Acts 9:1-6 – Pastor Roger preaching (www.heightscc.org/worship).
12:00 pm – Congregational Meeting
All members of HCC are asked to attend a special Congregational Meeting at Herr Chapel (Plymouth Church) and on Zoom Immediately following the May 1^st worship service (approx.. 12:00 p.m.).

HCC will be marching in the Shaker Heights Memorial Day Parade again on May 30 and we need to know how many people to register. This is a great opportunity to be visible and engaged in the community and have a lot of fun! Contact Kate Gillooly to indicate whether you want to walk, wear a giant puppet, or ride your bike or in a car for the event. We’re hoping for a big turnout!

We’re looking forward to a joyous celebration with the Cuyahoga Brass Quintet, our Choir singing, and Full to the Brim worship! ALL are welcome – in person or online!

We invite you to share reflections and images of abundance, inspired by different scripture verses  each week.
Read the scripture, pray on it, live with it for the week and then find something that represents your musings and capture it in a photograph. You might look in nature, in your home, you might draw, paint or color something. You might write a poem , prayer, song or meditation. Whatever and wherever it is, snap a picture and send it to Kate kate@heightscc.org for inclusion in our gallery.

MLK Day: Monday, January 17, 2022

Building a Beloved Community

There are many ways to honor the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. this year! Learn more about his 6 Steps for Nonviolent Social Change then reflect on what you can do to help build a beloved community right here in Shaker Heights.

10:00 a.m. – 12:00/noon  DONATIONS DRIVE

Help support our fellow neighbors by donating an item in need to family-focused service organizations in our community. Drive by the Shaker Heights Middle School to drop off your donations curbside to a volunteer. More details can be found atbit.ly/MLKDonationsDrive2022

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  IT STARTS WITH ME (virtual event)

You are invited to a viewing watch party from the comfort of your couch! Produced in partnership with the Shaker Schools Foundation and Shaker Schools Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Department, this short video will highlight Shaker students and community members to explore what it takes to build a beloved community every day of the year.  Tune in to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy and for local inspiration on how you can get involved! Link can be found at bit.ly/BelovedShaker2022

1. KING’s LIFE & LESSONS LEARNING GUIDE

Created by Shaker’s Student Group on Race Relations (SGORR), this learning guide will help you and your families learn more about Dr. King’s legacy. Plus, the additional book suggestions and online links included offer age appropriate ways to dig deeper into the content. To access your family’s copy of this digital learning guide visitbit.ly/MLKLearningGuide2022.

FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA FROM JANUARY 17 – 31 FOR MORE!

Facebook: Shaker Heights PTO Council, SGORR Community Classroom

Instagram: @shakerpto, @shakersgorr

We will be worshipping online only on January 9 and 16.  We are hoping to return to in person worship later in the month and will provide an update each week.  When we do return we will ask that anyone who not vaccinated, is feeling ill, believes they may have been exposed to someone with Covid, or is at increased risk of serious illness worship with us online.

Sunday – January 9 – First Sunday after Epiphany
11:00 am – Worship – online only! – “Chosen Home” – Luke 2:41-52 – Pastor Roger is preaching. (www.heightscc.org/worship)