Reaching Heights January 2026-1
Reaching Heights January 2026-1
Links to this month’s news:
- Worship Themes for January
- Kate’s Cogitations
- Education Ministry
- Mission Ministry
- Wednesdays Together with Plymouth
- Book Group and Meditative Arts Group
- Gift Cards
- Social Media
- Birthdays
See the Serving Schedule
Worship Themes January 2026
January 4 Epiphany observed Matthew 2:1-12
“Fear Doesn’t Stop Us”
As we end this worship series for the season of Advent/Christmas, Herod is still in power. Christ is born, yet it feels as if the world has not changed. The temptation to give us is strong, e specially in the face of violence. But the Magi don’t let Herod’s demands stop them from honoring the newborn Christ or returning home by another way. They model for us what it looks like to be led by hope, moving through fear without letting it paralyze us. As this series ends and a new year begins, we proclaim: our journey continues, and fear won’t have the last word. **Star Words to guide us in the new year will be distributed.**
January 11 Acts 10:34-43
“The Ministry of Jesus Is Our Ministry”
As we consider the invitation to deepen our covenant with God, we witness the transformative power of the Story of God disrupting assumptions, queering boundaries, and reshaping identity and community. We learn to view the world’s possibilities from inside the Story of God and God’s people, but always looking outward to bring others in.
January 18 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Sunday Isaiah 49:1-7
“Called and Never Forgotten”
Praise be to our God who finds us in our desolation and resolves to call us by our name. Transformative divine power sees our strife and sets us on a new path to salvation. Cosmic Love neither demands nor orchestrates our suffering, but is moved to embrace and exalt the oppressed, offering consolation in the midst of pain and loss.
January 25 Kick-Off for our Stewardship Annual Campaign
“A Future with Hope”
Isaiah 9:1-4 Light Shines for Those in Darkness
Our annual stewardship campaign will run January 25-February 8 and explore the movements of exile to return to being sent out which are recorded throughout scripture. Using Jeremiah 29 as our main text on Commitment Sunday, Feb. 8, we’ll explore the ins and outs being God’s people in dark times as well as more promising times, how God remains faithful to us through it all, and how we might be moved to respond in kind. Join us as we consider our challenges in light of a God who promises to be with us and calls us out to serve our neighbors in God’s name.
Kate’s Cogitations January 2026
Many people have said to me something along the lines of “Good riddance to the year 2025! Let’s hope 2026 brings better news!” Some people are speaking from a place of personal challenge or loss. Others are making reference to the state of our country or world right now. For many, it’s both. I certainly share that sentiment.
And yet, as we’re kicking 2025 to the curb, I wonder if we might pause just long enough to see if there’s any wisdom to be gleaned from what we’ve experienced and how we’ve chosen to respond? We might want to ask ourselves, “Was it all terrible? Or were there some shining moments, however brief?”
I know plenty has happened that is just terrible, with little to no redeeming aspects. I know people have suffered. I don’t pretend to be able to lessen people’s anger and hurt. But we don’t need to get stuck there. The more we focus on the negative, the harder it is to see any good.
So sometime in the new month, I encourage you to reflect on the past year and imagine what you have gained through your experiences. And then, maybe be bold enough to name some hopes for this next year.
Wishing you joy and working for peace,
Kate
Administration Ministry
2026 Stewardship Campaign
As we prepare to enter a new year, our congregation will be invited to take part in our annual Stewardship Campaign, guided by the theme “A Future with Hope.”
This season offers each of us an opportunity to reflect on God’s blessings, renew our commitment to faithful giving and support the ministries that nurture and serve our church family and our community.
In the coming weeks 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. The campaign will begin January 25, with Commitment Sunday on February 8.
We trust that God is leading us as toward a bright future through all that we do. We appreciate your continued support in 2026 as we plan to step forward with gratitude, generosity, and hope.
Worship Notes
It was wonderful to welcome everyone in the Chapel and on Zoom to the Sunday morning worship services. There were five Sundays in November, beginning with All Saints Day and ending with the first Sunday in Advent. Worship attendance averaged 42 people., including those on Zoom and Facebook Live. We are so thankful that technology allows those who are not able to be in the Chapel to participate in the services. Eight to ten people join with us this way each Sunday.
On the afternoon of Nov. 23, we celebrated the shared ministry of Dr. Kate Gillooly and the congregation during the Covenant Service. It was a joy to have 59 folks including guests and participants filling the Chapel (and on Zoom) and then enjoying refreshments in the Parlor. It was truly a memorable service! On the last Sunday of November, Tim Damon joined the choir to sing during the service. Members of his family were in attendance to see him, as well as his caregiver. It too was a very moving service.
Education
Plan NOW for 2026 Summer Camps, Conferences, & Retreats!
^^^ Denotes Christian Church in Ohio Sponsored Camps
*** Denotes Heartland Conference Sponsored Camps
Please note, Campers may attend any of these events regardless of affiliation.
Help us prepare for Summer!
Saturday, May 9th – Camp Christian Work Day – ALL ARE WELCOME!
Tasks suited for a wide range of ages and abilities
Summer Programs – Camps, Conferences, & Retreats at Camp Christian
Friday, May 1st – Sunday, May 3rd – Camp Our Way ^^^
For anyone with Special Needs ages 7 and up and an Adult Companion to attend with them
Friday, May 22nd – Sunday, May 24th – Disciples Fellowship Retreat ^^^ – For All Ages
Sunday, June 7th – Tuesday, June 9th – Grandparents & Me Camp ^^^ (Concurrent Camp) For children completing Kindergarten, 1st or 2nd grade AND their Grandparent
Sunday, June 7th – Saturday, June 13th – Otter Camp ^^^ – Elementary (Concurrent Camp)
For children completing 5th grade & those completing 3rd & 4th grades ready for a full-week of camp
Wednesday, June 10th – Saturday, June 13th – Grands, Me & Family *** (Concurrent Camp) For children ages 4-13 with grandparent or parent
Sunday, June 14th – Saturday, June 20th – Chi Rho Camp Emmaus ^^^ – Junior High (Concurrent Camp) For youth completing 6th, 7th & 8th grades
Sunday, June 14th – Saturday, June 20th – CYF Conference #1 ^^^ – High School (Concurrent Camp) For youth completing 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th grades
Sunday, June 21st – Saturday, June 27th – Music, Mindfulness, Art, Dance, Drama / Camp OUT ***
(Concurrent Camp) Both Camps – For Children and Youth ages 8 to 18
Sunday, June 28th – Saturday, July 4th – SportsCamp ***
For Children and Youth ages 7 to 18
Wednesday, July 8th – Saturday, July 11th – Ribbit Camp ^^^ – Elementary
For children completing 2nd grade and/or 3rd and 4th graders whose parents want a shorter camp experience for their children
Sunday, July 12th – Saturday, July 18th – Chi Rho Camp Corinth ^^^ – Junior High For youth completing 6th, 7th & 8th grades
Sunday, July 19th – Saturday, July 25th – CYF Conference #2 ^^^ – High School For youth completing 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th grades
Sunday, July 26th – Sunday, August 2nd – Advance Conference ^^^ – Young Adults For all adults ages 19 to 30 (out of high school)
Friday, September 4th – Sunday, September 6th – Disciples Fellowship Retreat ^^^ – For All Ages
Missions Ministry
We are still collecting items for Lomond School. This collection will continue through March. The donations were delivered to Lomond Elementary yesterday. Ms. Billie was very happy and will put the items to good use. She also wanted to thank us. 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. 
Let’s support our young scholars.
News from the Interfaith Group Against Hate (IGAH) –
We had a very productive IGAH meeting on December 9th at Congregation Mishkan Or. This meeting was a continuation of the work on our Pause and Reflect initiative, with a focus on developing an Action Plan to guide us in future months. A major part of the evening was newly reconstituted committees. We now have four Working Groups: Research/Education, Action/Response, Community/Engagement, and Mutual Aid.
We encourage more people from member congregations to participate in these committees.
HCC is hosting the next Planning Meeting at 6:30 PM on Tuesday, January 27th in the Parlor. You are welcome to join us! We’ll bring refreshments for the meeting as well.
Future events in the planning stages include: a brunch to get to know IGAH members from other congregations in February, a trip to the Maltz Museum to see the American Dream exhibit in late January, and Strategic Action Training on Feb. 22 from 2-5 pm at Christ Episcopal Church in Shaker.
Saturday, January 17 and Sunday, January 18, Shaker Heights will celebrate Martin Luther King with a donation drive and community meal. The 17th, community volunteers will conduct a drive through donation at the Shaker Middle School on behalf of several organizations meeting human needs in the local area. On the 18th, we’ll hold a free community meal and discussion at St. Dominic’s cafeteria. The theme will be Building the Beloved Community for Such a Time as This. These events are sponsored by the Shaker Schools, the City of Shaker Heights, the library, the PTO, and the Schools Foundation. More information will be forthcoming.
Saturday, January 31, you are invited to the home of an IGAH Community Committee member in Orange Village for brunch and fellowship. Registration will be limited to 10 people. This will be an opportunity to get to know IGAH members from different congregations and religious traditions and to learn more about the mission and work of IGAH and the Community Committee. More information to follow about registration.
Dr. Kate, Irwin, Levi, Danielle, and Kese want to express their gratitude for the kind and generous expressions of affection and appreciation from the congregation. Thanks for an assortment of Christmas greetings and gifts from the congregation and Elders. It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to serve the members of Heights Christian Church.
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, January 7 – 1:00 pm in room 102 at Plymouth Church. We will be discussing the book Jackel’s Mistress by Chris Bohjalian. The book for February’s reading will be Long Island by Colm Toibin.
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 14th. 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
Wednesday, January 21 at 12:30pm
Lunch Club in in the Parlor @ Plymouth Church.
Join us for a homemade lunch and fellowship, as well as a time of discussion with those gathered. The suggested donation for lunch is $10. RSVP to Pastor Dillon at dshipman@plymouthchurchucc.org, which is necessary for food preparation. Reservations are due Sunday, January 18.
Mid-Week Meditations – Wednesday, January 28 – 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!
January
23 – Nancy Newman 28 – Madison Durham 30 – Allen Harris
February
3 – Don Troha 8 – Dell Bigham 12 – CD Clark 14 – David Blackwell
16 – Aaron Sharpley 20 – Jack Bigham
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!