Reaching Heights December 2024
Reaching Heights December 2024
Links to this month’s news:
- Worship Themes for Advent/Christmas
- Ecumenical Blue Christmas Service
- Kate’s Cogitations
- Community Engagement Opportunity
- Education Ministry
- Mission Ministry
- Concert recording available
- Wednesdays Together with Plymouth
- Book Group and Meditative Arts Group
- Gift Cards
- Social Media
- Birthdays
See the Serving Schedule
HCC Worship Themes for Advent/Christmas 2024
Our theme for this season is “Words for the Beginning,” and will use materials prepared by A Sanctified Art. Advent is a season of endings and beginnings. As the calendar year comes to a close, a new church year rushes in. Christ’s birth ushers us into new ways of living 
and loving – and yet, we feel the weight of many things coming to an end. What are the reminders we need in order to move faithfully through these thresholds? This series is filled with blessings and with the words we need to hear again and again as we begin a new season. You are invited to enter this Advent season as if you are entering a sacred new chapter, holding fast to the reminders that will bolster you for the journey ahead. No matter what you are facing, no matter what this new day brings, let love be your beginning.
December 1 First Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 43:1-7 “You Are a Blessing”
Hospitality with Advent crafts after worship
December 8 Second Sunday of Advent
Ruth 1 & Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 “We Can’t Go Alone”
December 15 Third Sunday of Advent
Luke 3:7-16 & Isaiah 58:9b-12
“Do the Good that Is Yours to Do”
December 22 Fourth Sunday of Advent Luke 1:46-55
“Hope Is Worth the Risk”
December 24 Christmas Eve Service at 7:30 p.m.
Luke 2:1-20 “Love Knows Your Name”
Join us for carols, candlelight, and communion as we recall the story of Christ’s birth, which makes the vastness of God personal. This birth is good news for everyone, especially those who are ignored or disenfranchised. On this night, God is born, and this God of love knows your name.
December 29 First Sunday after Christmas Luke 2:10, Matthew 2:10,
Isaiah 9:2-3, Psalm 148, Psalm 126:1-3, Isaiah 55:12-13
“Don’t Forget to Laugh” – a creative liturgy of Lessons & Laughter (modeled on Lessons and Carols) with brief scripture and song, interspersed with opportunities to engage.
January 5 Epiphany
Matthew 2:1-12 & Isaiah 43:6-21 “The Road Isn’t Straight” Hospitality after worship
Ecumenical Blue Christmas Service
Tuesday, Dec. 17 at 7 pm at Plymouth/HCC
This year we are again joining with Plymouth Church, Church of the Redeemer (UMC), Church of the Savior (UMC) and Fairmount Presbyterian offer a Blue Christmas service for our members and for the community. Subdued in nature, this service recognizes the complicated emotions many people experience during what is “supposed” to be a season of joy and cheer. Whether grieving the loss of a loved one, stressed by family obligations, concerned about the state of our country and world, or just looking for a glimmer of hope in the darkness, this service offers a chance for quiet reflection, acknowledgment of a variety of thoughts and feelings, and words of comfort and promise.
We hope you will join us and perhaps invite a friend.
Kate’s Cogitations December 2024
Pastors sometimes joke that they only have one message that they preach Sunday after Sunday, using different words. I know a retired priest who always preached “God Is Love,” one way or another. My mother-in-law used to complain that her horoscope in the daily paper (remember those?) always had the message that she should get back to work. And sure enough, over the years, I have joked that my “one message” is actually a two-fer: “God loves you, now get back to work!”
I think much of the Christian life is a balance between comfort and challenge, and I confess I don’t always know which to emphasize. This Advent we are again using materials developed by A Sanctified Art. The images, prayers, and lessons offered this season fit the theme: Words for the Beginning. The main image/motif is that of a quilt, and the artists were intentional about wanting this season of worship to feel warm and cozy. Perhaps they sensed we in the United States might need a big dose of comfort these days, given our political landscape and polarization. I don’t disagree. As the days grow colder, I find myself yearning to curl up on the couch with a cup of tea and a good book.
And…and I am hopeful that we won’t simply sink into self-pity and despair. For me, the message of “get back to work” is one that kindles hope. There are things we can do for the welfare of the world; we all have gifts to share and “good trouble” in which to engage. We don’t do it alone – we have each other, and the God of Love beside us and among us, providing what we need for the journey.
So, take comfort…and let’s get to work!
in peace,
Kate
Exciting Community Engagement Opportunity
As you will recall, last spring we identified a number of ways that HCC members could engage with the Shaker Heights Community in more “hands-on” activities. One idea that was acted upon was establishing a closer relationship with the faculty, staff, parents and children of Boulevard Elementary School, the school closest to our current location. Several volunteers helped at the Literacy Night help at Boulevard last spring and had a wonderful time meeting students, staff and parents.
Jill Damore, the Family and Community Engagement Liaison at Boulevard has reached out to HCC. Her message is included here. If you are interested in becoming a tutor at Boulevard, please reach out to Jane Troha for further information. Jane will have links to the sign-up sheet and the fingerprinting schedule. Times, days, area of interest, grade levels etc. are varied and flexible! Let’s see what we can do to assist our neighborhood school!
“Hello Heights Christian Church Parishioners!
We are reaching out from Boulevard School on Drexmore Road, a K-5
school, because we have an exciting opportunity for tutors who are
interested and willing to support our students!
Both Math and Reading tutors are needed for 1st – 5th grade
students. We need tutors who can volunteer on weekdays at
Boulevard during the school day (8:30-2:30). We also need a tutor to
support an ELL adult with obtaining English literacy after school
Tuesdays and/or Thursdays from 3-4:30 p.m.
One additional requirement would be to complete a free
fingerprinting background check. (You can schedule a time for that
at the Shaker Heights Main Library).
We welcome you to indicate your interest in volunteering on a short and simple sign-up sheet.
Thank you so much for your consideration”
Education
Adult Study in Advent
December 1, 8, 15, &22
Sunday mornings 9:30 – 10:30 in Chapel and on Zoom
A Postcolonial Exploration Familiar Texts of the Season
On sabbatical this past summer, Dr. Kate had the opportunity to take a class from Dr. Eric C. Smith, a Disciples pastor and biblical scholar who teaches at Iliff School of Theology. The class focused on a postcolonial approach to scripture and for the final project, Dr. Kate developed a curriculum to study the scripture texts of advent using this lens.
Postcolonial study offers a critique of the cultural, political and economic colonialism and imperialism reflected in scripture and in much interpretation of scripture. It reminds us that the very folks who were the authors and subjects of much of scripture lived under the oppression of imperialism, and that much of that focus has been erased by the institutional church over the centuries.
Join us as we peel back the layers of translation, editing, and interpretation to imagine the first audiences of scripture and as we glean new meaning for us in our time and place now. No book to purchase, just bring a readiness to read and hear scripture in new ways.
December 1 Luke 21:25-36 + Jeremiah 33:14-16
December 8 Luke 1:68-79 + Malachi 3:1-4
December 15 Luke 3:7-18 + Zephaniah 3:14-20
December 22 Luke 1:36b-55
Christian Education
In October, HCC presented Bibles to all our young people. We recently received an email from Bridget, who currently lives with her parents in the Netherlands. We have their permission to share it with the congregation. Enjoy!
Hi Ms. Kate,
It’s me Bridget and I got the Bible! It’s really fun to read and I didn’t type back because I was too busy reading it! I wanted to have some things planed out to talk about from the stories I read. My favorite story so far is called the Unmerciful Servant. In this story, a servant, I like to call him Bob, worked in a palace working for a king that was so kind, he paid his servants a massive amount of money. And he loaned money as well. But Bob asked for so much money that it was practically impossible for anyone to pay it back! But luckily Bob got forgiven and was sent off without debt. Later, Bob’s fellow servant, I like to call him Pickles, had to pay Bob five dollars, (I forgot what currency they used back then.) and Pickles couldn’t pay it back, but Bob wanted it then and there, so Bob had Pickles thrown into jail until Pickles could pay his dept.
Some other servants nearby herd what happened and went to tell the king. The king got Pickles out of jail and replaced him with Bob for his bad actions. The moral of this story is never stop forgiving someone no matter how many mistakes they make. And I will forever keep that in mind.
Remember to stay awesome (like I have to remind you),
Bridget D.
Calling All Angels
Midweek Bible Study for Advent
What would you do if you were not afraid?
Life can be daunting, filled with uncertainty and fears. It wasn’t any different two thousand years ago when Jesus was born. An aged priest is told he is about to become a father for the first time. A young woman is told she is going to give birth – outside the protection of marriage. A simple carpenter is asked to believe the impossible. A group of shepherds’ night on a hill is interrupted by a bright host of angels in the sky.
Yet, each of these encounters begins with the same refrain: do not be afraid.
Those words, though, are not just words of comfort; they are an invitation and a calling from God. The Midweek Bible Study will explore this theme as we read together the study and devotional book, Calling All Angels. It asks us to contemplate what would change in our relationships, vocations, congregations, and communities if we have the courage to overcome our fears like Mary, Joseph, Zechariah, and the Shepherds in the story.
Our four-session study will begin Tuesday, November 26th at 2:00 pm on zoom and continue on December 3rd, 10th and 17th. Jane Troha will lead the study. Let her know if you would like to order a copy of the book ($11.00 per copy). We know our congregation is filled with angels, so plan to join us for this timely Advent study!
Missions Ministry
We are helping our neighbors as follows:
We are still collecting egg cartons. The total from the start of this program many years ago until November 12, 2024, is over 10,983. It looks probable that we will have collected and delivered well over 11,000 by the end of the year! Keep up the good work! Help the environment and help the farmers!
We are collecting clothes for Lomond School. We have been asked to collect socks, gloves, scarves, hats, underwear and T-Shirts (sizes 6-8 and 10-12) for Lomond children (grades Kindergarten through fifth grade). Tissues (i.e., Kleenex, Puffs, etc.) are also needed for classroom use. The collection lasts through March. We are off to a slow start, but donations are picking up. Let’s help keep Lomond School children warm and dry!
Plymouth and Heights Christian Church are working together with a neighbor to rebuild and maintain the Little Free Pantry. Although we don’t know what the timetable will be, we are looking forward to a brand-new pantry! Keep the donations coming! When the pantry is being rebuilt there will be an overflow bin which will remain afterwards for donations which don’t fit in the pantry.
And now for some help for a far-away neighbor…. Most of you know by now that we were asked by Osward, a pastor in Zambia who sometimes worships with us, for help to feed his hungry congregation of mostly farmers whose corn crop failed due to severe drought in Southern Africa. We sent $1,800 to buy 150 bags of corn to Pastor Osward. The corn has been bought and delivered. Believe it or not, this amount of corn should feed about 600 people for a month. A very grateful Osward has sent me several thank you e-mails. Here is a sample:
I am truly grateful for your love and support; you have shown to us what it means to belong the body of Christ Jesus. The hymn writer says, ” I will weep when you are weeping, when you laugh, I will laugh with you, I will share your joy and sorrows”. In our sorrows of hunger, you have chosen to share with us. May the Lord Almighty God continue to bless you and your church.
We have also recently donated $1,000 to Shaker Heights Libraries for snacks for hungry children, youth, and adults, $500 to the Cleveland Christian Home and $200 to the local food bank. These monies came from a yearly amount set aside from our investments for local and national/global donations. If anyone has an idea of a charity they would like to see supported, make a suggestion. These suggestions are voted on by the Board of Trustees. There is another pot of money (Outreach Fun) which is a percentage of donations to our church and that money can be awarded through a grant. Again, if someone has a suggestion for a charity they would like to support through that account, they can ask the charity to submit a grant. Grant directions are on our website. The Outreach Committee evaluates these grants and decides how to respond.
Family Promise – The holidays can be a stressful time of the year for many, but especially for the population served by Family Promise in the shelter for a designated length of time. This year, Heights Christian hopes to provide a little holiday cheer to the parents and children they serve as well as follow up support for the families who have recently moved into a permanent home. Stay tuned for their Holiday Wish List and opportunities to purchase gifts for the residents of Family Promise. As information becomes available, we will share it at church and via Weekly Update emails. Thank you for your generosity!
Concert at Forest Hills
Good evening (or morning, depending on when you see this),
Since Ying directed this and Debbie and I sang with their choir, I thought our congregation might enjoy watching the recording, which I’ve linked below. The first piece is also one our chancel choir has done.
Roger Osgood
Forest Hill Church Presbyterian
Wednesday’s Together
Plymouth Church, UCC and Heights Christian Church are both blessed to call our building at 2860 Coventry Road home. This coming year, both congregations are looking forward to growing friendships between our members, as well as discerning what ministry opportunities and events we can embark on together! One way we are seeking to expand our relationship is through sharing “Wednesdays Together.” Each Wednesday of the month (except at holiday time), we will share in fellowship and formation with one another. We look forward to seeing many folks from HCC and Plymouth at each gathering!
On First Wednesdays, join us for Book Group. Come and be in conversation around a different chosen book each month. You’re welcome even if you haven’t read the book to enjoy the discussion together.
On Second Wednesdays, join us for Meditative Arts Group. We will provide projects, or you can bring your own. Everyone is invited to color, doodle, draw, paint, knit, sew – whatev8er fits your interest and provides soothing quiet for you. We will gather with fellowship, then listen to calm, soothing music while we break out our pens, crayons, colored pencils, and knitting needles.
On Third Wednesdays, join us for Lunch Club. We gather for a homemade meal and fellowship and then listen to a speaker from the community or one of our churches. We will occasionally take a field trip out to a destination in Northeast Ohio, so be on the lookout for where we will meet each month. There will be a suggested donation amount for lunch each month. RSVP to Pastor Dillon at dshipman@plymouthchurchucc.org, which is necessary for food preparation.
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On Fourth Wednesdays, join us for Mid-week Meditations in Herr Chapel.
The holiday season is upon us; therefore, we will come together again in January 2025. Enjoy your time with family and friends!
Book Group
The Book Group will meet in Room 102 at Plymouth Church on Wednesday the 4th. If you would like to have lunch before this meeting, bring your own and come at 12:30 pm. We will be sharing favorite poets and poems. All are welcome to join in at any time.
Meditative Arts Group
Our Meditative Arts group will begin our monthly gatherings on Wednesday the 11th. we will meet at 1:00 pm in the Atrium at Plymouth Church as we enjoy some quiet music and meditative artwork.
Please join us to draw, knit, stitch or work on your choice of relaxing projects.
This Month’s Lunch Club
Wednesday, December 18 at 12:30pm
Lunch Club in Fellowship Hall and Chapel @ Plymouth Church.
Join us for lunch and fellowship, as well as what has become a festive yearly tradition, Diane Julin Menges will present a holiday music concert in the Chapel following lunch and lead us all in singing in a few carols and Christmas standards. This year, she’ll be joined by Dillon Shipman at the piano. The suggested donation for lunch is $10. RSVP to Pastor Dillon at dshipman@plymouthchurchucc.org or the sign-up sheet at the Welcome Center (outside of the church office) which is necessary for food preparation. Deadline will be December 15.
Gift Cards
Remember gift cards are available on Sunday mornings and in the office every weekday during normal office hours.
Gift Cards for the Holidays in 2024
Christmas shopping has or will soon start. Retailers will advertise early sales in the hopes of earning your purchase dollars with good prices. But is that what your giftee wants?
Try gift cards! Gift Cards let you avoid the crowded stores and the post-season credit card bills. And your loved ones can spend the card(s) where you know they shop or eat. They are good in person and for internet buys. (I use them with Amazon and Panera’s all the time) Don’t know what store card to buy? Amazon and Target are easy choices. Grocery cards, like Heinen’s or Giant Eagle, can make the holidays brighter. Many restaurant cards, like Panera or Starbucks are available. And gas station and airline cards can help pay for family to join you for the holidays.
The earlier you shop for gift cards, the sooner you can sit back and relax. We have a Special-Order Form (available in the Chapel). This will be the last special order before Christmas.
Order your special gift cards by Sunday December 8th for delivery on December 15th or soon after (we will order these as a Rush shipment).
We can arrange delivery if needed. Don’t see what you want? Please ask – our vendor has Disney, airlines, restaurants, and other cards too numerous to mention.
Support Heights Christian Church while you shop. Get your shopping done early. And make your life less stressful. Gift cards are easy and appreciated. (Cash or check only, please)
Social Media outreach
HCC is on Facebook, Instagram, Linked-In, and You-Tube ! Our Sunday morning worship services are live-streamed on Zoom and FacebookLive. Several recordings of special worship services have been uploaded to our channel on 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!
December
1 – Lois Clark 3 – Andrena Jones-Sharp 7 – Val Sgro
10 – Bernadette LaGuardia 16 – Bridget Droszcz-Peterson
23 – Doug McWilliams 26 – Roger Osgood 27 – Aliyah Benson
29 – Lloyd Ackerman
January
23 – Nancy Newman 28 – Madison Durham 30 – Allen Harris
We are glad to share the birthdays we have on record each month and encourage members to reach out with greetings. We apologize if someone’s name has been omitted – please call Kese in the church office to share your birthday if we don’t have it in our list. We want to celebrate you!