Reaching Heights February 2026

Reaching Heights February 2026

Links to this month’s news:

WORSHIP AND STUDY

• Worship Themes for February
  

FROM THE STAFF

• Kate’s Cogitations

FROM THE BOARD 

• Administration Team
• Worship Notes
• Education Ministry
• Mission Ministry
• Events with Plymouth Church 

OTHER NEWS

• Qin and Strings: A Century of Chinese Music
• Plymouth Immigration Sessions
• RenewalWorks Event
• Wednesdays Together with Plymouth
• Book Group and Meditative Arts Group
• Gift Cards
  
• Social Media
• Birthdays

See the Serving Schedule

 

Worship Themes February 2026

Stewardship Annual Campaign 2026:
A Future with Hope

This year’s campaign will begin January 25,
with Commitment Sunday on February 8.

 During the campaign you will receive stewardship materials, hear messages of hope through God’s word, and be encouraged to prayerfully consider how God is calling us to stewardship, as a congregation and individually, through our time, talents, and financial gifts.   We appreciate your continued support in 2026 as we step forward together with gratitude, generosity, and hope.

January 25         “A Future with Hope: Light Shines for Those in Darkness”
Isaiah 9:1-4

February 1          “A Future with Hope: The Promise of Restoration”
Jeremiah 29:10-14

February 8         “A Future with Hope: We’re Sent to Serve”
Mark 6:7-13
* This week is Commitment Sunday (ingathering of pledge cards)                               * Hospitality after worship

February 15     “A New Way: Showing Up for Each Other”
Mark 2:1-5

February 18     Ash Wednesday
Joint worship with Plymouth Church at Noon and 7:30 pm in the Chapel

February 22     First Sunday in Lent
“The Good News is… so good it catches us by surprise”
John 2:1-11 and Matthew 13:31-32
This week we focus on the subversive and playful nature of the good news. The kin-dom of heaven is so good it should catch us by surprise! Like a mustard seed, the good news can grow from the smallest seed into the tallest tree. Like an unruly weed, or fine wine saved for last, the good news is abundant and cannot be contained. As we sink into Jesus’ teachings throughout the season, we may not always be comfortable, but we can trust that these teachings are good, rooted in love, and worthy of celebration.

About our Lenten Series with A Sanctified Art:
“Tell Me Something Good: Grounding Ourselves in the Good News this Lent”

Lent was originally a season for new converts to learn and prepare for their baptism on Easter. During that time they would study what was central to Christianity. The series creators asked” what are the core, foundational concepts of Jesus’ life and ministry? What makes them Good News? We hope this series will provide fertile ground for conversation and worship, rooting our hearts and lives sin the expansive goodness of God. This Lent, may the teachings of Jesus lead us forward. Let the good news ground us. And let that good news inspire us to take action in a world desperate to hear, see, and taste what is good.

Epiphany Star Words for 2026 Follow Up Questions for Reflection 

What thoughts, impressions, and prayers do you have for your star word?
Have you had any challenges, hesitation or discomfort with your star word?

 

 

 

 

Kate’s Cogitations

As I listened to remarks and remembrances at the Celebration of Life for Rev. Roger Osgood, I was reminded of a simple but profound notion: the ways that Love can be shown simply by showing up. We show up for people and causes that we care about, and we show up in lots of different ways. We might bring food to someone, advocate on their behalf, pray with and for them, or simply sit with them. We attend sports events, recitals and plays to show support. We visit people in their homes or in the hospital to be with them in good times and bad. We travel across the country to be with loved ones at holidays and for special events like weddings and funerals, or to meet our new grandchild or niece or brother-in-law. Showing up matters.

It matters for people beyond our loved ones – it matters for people we may never meet. We show up through our works for justice and equity, through our prayers and actions for peace and wholeness, and on behalf of communities that are being attacked, abused, or oppressed. We contribute money and supplies, write our elected representatives, make public statements calling for peace and justice. We can show up by entering into relationship with people with different life experiences. Partner organizations like the Interfaith Group Against Hate, the Shaker Youth Center, and Family Promise help us do just that.

Showing up is a way to show love – our love and God’s love. How fortunate we are to be able to do just that!

Wishing you joy and working for peace,
Kate

 

 

 

Administration Ministry

Worship Notes

Thanks to everyone who pitched in and helped to decorate the Chapel for Christmas. This warm and inviting space was the setting for our Advent worship activities. Thanks to everyone who lit the Advent candles as we marked the weeks until Christmas. In December the average attendance was 39 people, including from 6 – 15 on Zoom and Facebook Live. Christmas Eve was attended by 55 folks including many visitors and those on Zoom. Everyone listened to the ancient story, sang carols and held their candles high. We shared Christmas hugs and greetings with friends and visitors after the service. Thanks also to everyone who helped put away the decorations when the Christmas season ended.

During the 3 January Sundays (Jan 5-18) attendance averaged 41 people, including those on Zoom.  The windy wintry weather did not deter folks from worshipping. On January 19 we gathered for the Celebration of Life service for Rev. Roger Osgood, our former Pastor and friend.  The Chapel overflowed with approximately 180 people whose lives he had touched. The service was carried on Zoom for those who could not attend. His kindness, his faith, his love for his family, and his commitment to caring for people and working for justice were highlighted by his sons. Presided over by Dr. Kate Gillooly, it was a beautiful and heart felt service.  Everyone then joined the family in the parlor for light refreshments. Our thanks to all who helped celebrate Roger’s wonderful life and ministry – through prayer and song, by greeting or helping with the reception, and with your presence. Our prayers for Roger’s family continue.

Education

Adult Study  2 Sunday mornings in February:   Join us in the Chapel or on Zoom on Sundays Feb. 1 and 15 at 9:30 am for the Witness of Saints Before Us. On February 1 we will look at the witness of André and Magda Trocmé and the people of Le Chambon. On February 15 we’ll learn about Frank Laubach. What can we learn from those who went before us in the faith? All are welcome and no preparation is needed. ~Led by Cindy Maxey

Lenten Studies
The Education Team is looking forward to offering two studies this Lent.

Sunday morning we will be studying parables and stories Jesus told at the table in a DVD study from Will Willimon called “The Last Supper – Conversations That Led to the Cross.” This study will help us experience how these table stories—about searching shepherds, welcoming hosts, prodigal sons, and rejected invitations—illuminate the deeper meaning of the Last Supper and Christ’s sacrifice. Through engaging biblical exploration and Willimon’s characteristic storytelling wisdom, readers will:

• Discover how Jesus used meals to reveal the surprising nature of God’s kingdom
• Explore how stories of mercy, invitation, and radical hospitality prepare us for Holy Week
• Understand why sharing bread and wine became the central ritual of Christian faith
• Experience Maundy Thursday’s profound significance in fresh, meaningful ways

We look forward to interesting discussions led by a variety of different leaders from the congregation. No book is needed for participation, just come at 9:30am before service starting February 22 for what should be a thoughtful study. A preview video is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVt-0CPdj6Q

Midweek Bible Study will take a walk with Jesus this Lent by studying the book “Meeting Jesus on the Road” by Rev. Dr. Cynthia Campbell and Rev. Christine Coy Fohr. We are invited to journey alongside Christ through the Gospel stories that define his earthly path. This Lenten study offers a meaningful way to engage the season through Scripture, reflection and walking. Throughout, participants will learn that faith is not a sedentary thing, but a relationship with God that grows and changes over a lifetime. Meditative walking will be encouraged but not required. A Preview for the book can be found at https://www.wjkbooks.com/bookproduct/0664268854-meeting-jesus-on-the-road/

Talk to Jane Troha to get a copy of the book. We request a donation of $10 to help with the book expense. Midweek Bible Study will resume on Tuesday February 24.

For any questions about our Lenten offerings please reach out to Carolyn Troha (cetroha@gmail.com

Bee an HCC Valentine!

As Valentine’s Day approaches, join the Education Ministry Team in sending Valentine’s wishes and gift cards to our college age youth. Let’s let them know how much we cherish them and miss them while they are away!

You can help in two ways:
First, the Education Team will have an assortment of Valentine cards on a table at the rear of the Chapel on the two Sundays before Valentine’s Day, Sunday February 1^st and 8^th. Please stop by the table and sign a card for each of our youth. We will have lots of cards to shower them with our love and good wishes!
Second, if you want you may make a financial donation to be used to purchase gift cards for food treats for each young person. Please don’t bring treats as we will not be mailing packages to them this year. Instead, we will provide gift cards that they can use as they wish.

Let’s join together to make this a special Valentine’s Day for our young adults! We want to bring smiles to their faces in the midst of the long, cold winter!

Missions Ministry

The Interfaith Group Against Hate is holding a small group brunch on Sunday, February 15. The brunch is an opportunity for members of congregations who have had limited or no personal involvement with IGAH to learn about our work and to get to know people from the other congregations. The brunch will be held at 1:30 pm at a home in Orange Village. If you’d like to attend, please let Cindy know at cindy.maxey@gmail.com.

Another opportunity to meet and enjoy the company of members of several IGAH conversations is at coffee at the Nervous Dog Coffee Shop in Beachwood on March 7 at 2 pm. The coffee shop is in the LaPlace Mall. We always have interesting and warm discussions at these coffees.

Save the Date! Sunday, April 12 IGAH will celebrate our work responding to the book burning last spring with a party at Temple Emmanu El in Orange. We’re planning food, music, and friends while we celebrate our wildly successful press conference, three pop-up book sales, seven book discussions, hundreds of books donated and distributed to community libraries, and a $10,000 gift to Cuyahoga County Libraries to replace the burned books several times over! Watch for details coming soon.

We’re continuing to gather much needed items for children at two nearby Shaker elementary schools. All items can be dropped off in bins outside the chapel.

For the Wall of Love at Lomond Elementary
Child-sized hats & scarves          Child-sized underwear & socks
Child-sizes mittens or gloves     Tissues

For the Care Closet at Boulevard Elementary
Child-sized sweatshirts & sweatpants
Child-sized t-shirts and socks
Shelf stable snacks e.g. granola bars, pretzels, etc.
Hygiene products e.g. deodorant, toothpaste/brushes, shampoo, lotions, chapstick

Thanks to Heights members who attended the Shaker Community Martin Luther King Celebration, Building the Beloved Community for Such a Time as This on January 18. Spotted in the crowd were Connee Choi, Mary Beth Rowland, Kimberly Taylor, Donna Mattox, and Kate Giloolly. As part of the library, I was part of the organizing team that included the City Office of Culture & Engagement, The School’s Office of Inclusive Excellence & Engagement, School’s Foundation, PTO, and of course the Shaker Library. We got huge help from St. Dominic’s parishioners. Participants discussed how to contribute to a beloved community in Shaker, a place where all are truly welcome and cared for.

One of the things we need, especially in ‘such a time as this,’ as we work to build the beloved community is bravery. Inspired by Episcopalian Bishop Mariann Budde’s book, How We Learn to Be Brave, a group in her diocese created a workshop to teach bravery. The workshop is online and free of cost. I attended one in December and found it very encouraging. I highly recommend this. There are many dates and times to choose on the website.

I come across many opportunities for workshops and responses to injustice, but most of those come up very quickly. I can’t get them in the newsletter or even in the weekly newsletter. If you’d like me to pass these opportunities and responses on to you, please let me know in person or by emailing me at cindy.maxey@gmail.com .

On behalf of the Mission Team,
Cindy Maxey, Team Leader

February 22nd 2-5 PM IGAH  (Interfaith Group Against Hate)  Strategic Action Training at Christ Episcopal Church, Shaker Heights. With our friends at the Ohio Democracy Project, we will be hosting a three hour training to support IGAH members in building their strategic collective action muscle. We will explore how power works, especially in a backsliding democracy, and be better prepared to utilize a wide range of strategic nonviolent action methods to push back on institutional hate and repression. We will be providing more information as the date gets closer.

Our denomination’s special offering for Week of Compassion will be collected on Sunday, February 22. A NEW WAY, the theme for  Week of Compassion 2026 Special Offering, explores the ways Disciples are transforming suffering into hope in the U.S. and around the world, through innovative partnerships and deeply committed local leadership. This is one way we “show up” for others. 

To the HCC Congregation, 

We’re Invited to Join Plymouth . . .

Mardi Gras Brunch – Join us on February 15 for a special brunch following worship on the last Sunday before Lent. We will also be burning palm leaves as we prepare for Ash Wednesday and the Lenten season. Sign-up in the Welcome Center.

Ash Wednesday Services February 18, Noon and 7:30 pm – Our journey through Lent begins with worship services shared with Heights Christian Church and Plymouth UCC, including the imposition of ashes. The evening service will be available online as well.

 

Ash Wednesday Lunch and Dinner – A congregational lunch (after the noon service) and dinner (at 6:15 pm, before the evening service) will be offered on Ash Wednesday. The suggested donation is $10/person or $25/family. Sign-up in the Welcome Center.

 

 

The congregation was saddened to learn of former member Hunter Morrison’s death in December. A Celebration of Life was held at the City Club of Cleveland on January 17 and several HCC members were in attendance.

Plymouth AFL Immigration Sessions

Immigration Workshops – Adult Faith & Life is offering you four opportunities to engage with local immigration. An interactive art exhibit will be installed for the month of February. On February 1, 8, & 22, a series of workshops will be held. On the 1^st, two staff members from AMIS will share about their organization and how you can help. On the 8^th, participants from the pilgrimage will share what they learned on their trip. On the 22^nd, an immigration lawyer will lead a Know Your Rights training. Lunch and childcare will be provided. Please sign up for each session in the Welcome Center by the Church office.

RenewalWorks event Sunday, March 1st 12:30 – 1:15 pm in the Parlor

We’re looking forward to seeing you at the Hospitality Time after worship on March 1 and offering some Lenten activities during the second part of our fellowship time. After everyone has had a chance to get some food and drink and catch up with each other, the RenewalWorks Team will present some opportunities for spiritual reflection and renewal. We’re calling this: “Grounding Ourselves in the Good News” in connection with our “Tell Me Something Good” worship series during Lent. There will be a variety of activities to consider the good news of God’s love and how we can experience and share that Love with others. We hope this time together will be meaningful and nurturing for your spirit. If you have questions, reach out to Lynda Ackerman, Valencia McMillan, Jane Troha, or Dr. Kate.

Wednesday’s Together

Plymouth Church, UCC and Heights Christian Church are both blessed to call our building at 2860 Coventry Road home . Every Wednesday of the program year, we will share in fellowship and formation with one another and we seek to deepen our relationships. We look forward to seeing many folks from HCC and Plymouth at each gathering!

Book Group

The Book Group will meet on Wednesday, February 4 – 1:00 pm in room 102 at Plymouth Church.  We will be discussing the book Long Island by Colm Toibin.  In March we will be reading the book: By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult.
If you would like to have lunch before this meeting, bring your own and come at 12:30 pm.  All are welcome to join 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.

Lunch Club
Lunch Club falls on Ash Wednesday this year February 18! An early worship service will take place at noon, with lunch to follow at 1:00pm. There will be discussion on Lenten disciplines and what that means for all of us. The suggested donation for lunch is $10. RSVP to Pastor Dillon at dshipman@plymouthchurchucc.org or sign up in the Welcome Center, which is necessary for food preparation.  Reservations are due Sunday, February 15.

Mid-Week Meditations – Wednesday, February 25 – Fourth Wednesday

Mid-Week Meditations in Herr Chapel.  This simple service will center on prayer, study, song, meditation on scripture, and devotions to take with you for the week ahead.  Just bring an open heart to deepening your spiritual journey with God and your fellow pilgrims!

Gift Cards

Remember gift cards are available on Sunday mornings and in the office every weekday during normal office hours.   Support Height Christian Church while you shop.  (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!

 

 

February
3 – Don Troha     8 – Dell Bigham     12 – CD Clark     14 – David Blackwell
16 – Aaron Sharpley     20 – Jack Bigham

March
1 – Victor Mullen     3 – Avery Dunn     5 – Neil Chase     9 – Jani McWilliams
12 – Vel Scott     15 – Rev. Michele Moreland     16 – Danielle McDonald
18 – Nikki Crosby     20 – Daniel Chase     24 – Kese Webb     30 – Jane Troha

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 on our list. We want to celebrate you!