Reaching Heights August 2022
Reaching Heights August 2022
Links to this month’s news:
- Worship – for August
- Mid-Week Bible Study
- Backpack Blessing
- Kate’s Cogitations
- From Missions
- Unity in Community Food Pantry
- Did You Know
- Porch Talks
- Covenant Project Town Hall
- 2022 Regional Assembly
- Book Group, Meditative Arts Group, and Plymouth Lunch Club – on break until September
- Gift Card Reminder
- Social Media
See the Serving Schedule
Worship and study
August 7, 2022 Luke 12:32-40
“Ready or Not…”
August 14, 2022 Luke 12:49-56
“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised”
August 21, 2022 Luke 13:10-17
“Set Free” – Backpack Blessing (see below)
August 28, 2022 Luke 14:1, 7-14
“Humility and Hospitality”
Reminder: Summer worship begins at 11:15 am and is hybrid (in the Chapel, and on Zoom + Facebook Live). With Plymouth Church worshipping in the Chapel at 10:00, we ask that you gather on the front lawn (weather permitting) or in the Fellowship Hall (lower level) for a time of fellowship before 11:00 am.
Backpack Blessing Sunday, August 21 at noon
Bring your backpack, book tote, or briefcase to church on Sunday, August 21 for our Annual Backpack Blessing! We will offer prayers for all returning to school or work after the summer holiday, and give thanks for the many ways we all continue to learn and grow. We will also be collecting basic school supplies for those who can’t afford to buy their own. So please pick some up and bring to church for that day. We will bless them also before distributing to their new homes.
Mid-Week Bible Study
Summer Offering, 2022
Hymns for Today
Come and join the Mid-Week Bible Study as we continue to explore Hymns for Today. This study will be based on Hymns written since the 1960’s and how they express themes of faith in new ways. We are examining broad themes and how music impacts us as we live out our Christian lives.
The study meets every Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 p.m. on Zoom. It is led by the Troha women, Carolyn and Jane. The last two scheduled themes are:
August 2nd – Worship
August 9th – Witness
Come examine some hymns with us! No singing required! Let’s see how “modern” hymns have added to and enriched church life!
From the staff
Kate’s Cogitations
I get a lot of emails based on items and events previously purchased. One group, Gathr Films, advertises films for which we can arrange a showing. Usually I scan it and delete it quickly. But a few weeks ago, they were advertising an online lecture by Professor Ori Soltes, who just happens to be my Old Testament professor from my freshman year at CWRU many years ago! I remembered that I loved his class, so I signed up to attend the virtual lecture. It was so fun to hear him explain the symbolism in great works of art, as interpreted by numerous faith traditions.
At the end of his lecture, I put a little note of appreciation in the online chat and went about the rest of my day. He sent me a follow up email thanking me for my comment and asking what I have been up to (in the last 39 years!). In crafting my response, I realized that his teaching style had been as influential for me as the content of his course, and had shaped my approach to scripture, study, and teaching. I’m grateful for the opportunity to express my gratitude after so many years.
I love Fall for many reasons, and am always happy for “Back to School” season. I love to learn, whether for a course or just to explore interesting subjects. I am currently auditing an online course on the History and Polity of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Part of the reason I love to teach is that I always learn something new. I hope you will embrace opportunities for learning and growth, and discover gratitude for all that life can teach us, in the classroom and beyond.
in peace,
Kate
from the Board and Ministry Teams
Missions Ministry
Reminder
August 2, 2022
Primary Election
Here are the remaining in person Early Voting Scheduled days: at the Board of Elections 2925 Euclid Ave. Cleveland
July 25-29th 8am-7pm
July 30th Saturday 8am-4pm
July 31st Sunday 1pm-5
August 1st Monday 8am-2pm
Did you know:
“knowledge is power”. We have heard this phrase many times. The following is information that we have heard before and in case you haven’t it just might be useful. Simple things we can do to help preserve God’s creation. I recall Debbie Osgood engaging us in the Disciples Green Chalice initiatives and Connee Choi providing some information during her Intergenerational Moment. If you aren’t already executing these, then you might consider giving them a try.
– use a watering can instead of a hose for your garden/flower pots
– take shorter showers (in the movie “Cheaper by the Dozen”,
I learned that five minutes or less is sufficient
– turn off faucet when you’re brushing your teeth
Unity in Community Food Pantry
The Unity in Community Emergency Food Pantry continues as an initiative of Shaker Heights congregations, neighborhood groups, and local residents of the city. Both volunteers and financial support are needed to sustain this pantry.
You can donate through HCC’s Givelify app or by visiting the secure giving site:
https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/1379088?widget=1
and select “Shaker Food Drive (Unity in Community)” as the fund.
Please contact the Pantry Director, Matt Mondry, at uiccoordinator1@gmail.com with any questions.
Did you know…
When we worked out the arrangements to nest at Plymouth, we appointed a Space Agreement Team which consists of 3 members each from HCC and Plymouth who agree to meet on a quarterly basis along with ministers from each congregation. Our members of this team are Val McMillan, Scott Phelps, and Jane Troha. We had a productive meeting in July and will meet again in October. In addition to sorting out any issues regarding the building, we also brainstormed some projects on which to collaborate. We hope to partner on some special worship services, service projects and educational and fellowship opportunities. One such project is a booklet of Advent Devotionals, written by members of each congregation. Would you like to write a brief reflection for this? Would you be able to help coordinate the HCC entries? If so, please let Dr. Kate know soon.
Porch Talks Return!
We are delighted to announce that our Porch Talks for a Beloved Community series is back! After a 2 year hiatus due to the pandemic, this year we will offer one event, from the porch of the Van Aken building, on Saturday, August 27 at 5:30 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr., Disciples of Christ minister and Executive Director of the Ohio Council of Churches, will be our speaker, and music will be provided by the Greater Cleveland Choral Chapter. A light reception follows the program. We are equally enthusiastic about our partnership with East View UCC and Plymouth UCC to make this happen! A planning group with representation from all three congregations, including Carl Cormany and Larry Watson from HCC, has been meeting regularly to coordinate the details. Please plan to attend and invite a friend. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, and prepare to be inspired to action!
The future of the church is more connected. The future of the church is in deeper conversation. The future of the church is a future with deeper covenant. The Covenant Project is the work of changing structures to be more just and relationships across the church to be more connected.
Covenant Project Town Hall meetings on Zoom
The Covenant Project is an initiative to change how we gather and how we make decisions as church so that more people are included in shaping the priorities of the church. You are invited participate in digital town hall meetings.
Register to Attend
You must register via the links below to receive a Zoom link to the digital town hall.
Once you have registered using the link below, Zoom will provide a link for you to attend.
Tuesday, August 2, 2022 – 1pm EDT | 12pm CDT | 10am PDT
Tuesday, August 9, 2022 – 8pm EDT | 7pm CDT | 5pm PDT (bilingual English/Spanish)
Wednesday, August 24, 2022 – 8pm EDT | 7pm CDT | 5pm PDT
Sunday, September 11, 2022 – 7pm EDT | 6pm CDT | 4pm PDT
Thursday, September 15, 2022 – 1pm EDT | 12pm CDT | 10am PDT
Learn more here: https://disciples.org/covenant-project/
2022 Regional Assembly
Are you wishing you could have a taste of Camp Christian? Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 24 for our Regional Assembly and Family Reunion! This year’s Assembly will be filled with worship, fun and games, a short business session, delicious meals, and wonderful fellowship with friends and colleagues from around the Christian Church in Ohio and beyond. Adults, youth, and children are invited to attend. The Assembly is designed for all ages, and there will also be child care for Children ages 4 to 12. More information will be shared closer to the date.
Gift Cards – Support HCC!
Remember gift cards are available on Sunday mornings and in the office every weekday during normal office hours.
Social Media outreach
HCC is on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and You-Tube! If you see something you like, share it on your page! This will increase our reach and may draw in our next visitor! Feel free to “check in” when you come to church, and visit (and like) our pages and posts often!