Reaching Heights July 2026

Links to this month’s news:

WORSHIP AND STUDY

Worship Themes for July

FROM THE STAFF

Kate’s Cogitations

FROM THE BOARD

Donation to H.O.P.E Campus
Newly elected Leadership for the coming year
Worship Notes
Peace Award Winner
Porch Talk 2026
Education Ministry
Mission Ministry
Thank You

OTHER NEWS

Shaker Arts Council — Heart of the Arts
Wednesdays Together with Plymouth
Gift Cards
Social Media
Birthdays

See the Serving Schedule

Worship Themes July 2026

July 5 A More Perfect Union Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
As we celebrate our country’s 250^th birthday, we reflect on
scripture’s call to love our neighbor and work to build a better future for all.

July 12 Curriculum of Love: Loving Your Self to be Fully Alive in Christ
John 10:10 and Isaiah 55:12-13
Learning to love ourselves fully and with humility empowers us to love others unconditionally. God invites us into an abundant life.

July 19 Rev. Dillon Shipman, Associate Minister with Plymouth UCC
will preach. Dr. Kate will be on vacation.
Curriculum of Love: “All You Need Is Love” 1 John 4:7-21 and Acts 8:26-40.

July 26 Curriculum of Love: Loving Our Neighbor without Reservation
Isaiah 55:6-9; Mark 10:17-22
We are called to love our neighbor and we try to, but so much can get in the way. How might God be calling us to a different Way? What could we lose? What will we gain?

Kate’s Cogitations

Ever since I was a teenager, I have loved large church gatherings. Whether at summer camp or retreat, or a regional gathering, or General Assembly, there is something powerful and uplifting about being with lots of other people, singing and sharing together. It feels good to worship with hundreds of people, and to have access to well-known scholars and practitioners, and to hear what’s happening in other communities.

This month our denomination will hold their General Assembly. But instead of meeting in person every two years, they have made the decision to hold it annually – two years online and the third year in person. This saves both the denomination and participants a lot of time and money. It allows people who can’t take a week off to travel out of town to instead participate over a weekend from their homes. It leverages technology to help build community and momentum while limiting the expense of in person meetings. Of course, being online isn’t the same as being in person. But meeting every year will bring some continuity, and doing so online is meant to increase participation.

Each congregation is invited to appoint 3 delegates to participate. (The plan is to stagger their terms so each person serves for 3 years allowing for everyone to experience one in-person assembly and two online gatherings. Since this is just starting, it may take a while to get roll out the plan.) HCC is delighted to appoint Carolyn Troha, Cindy Maxey, and Scott Phelps to participate this year (maybe longer for some of them). They will join me and hundreds of other people online July 10 + 11 to worship, learn, and conduct the business of the denomination (nominations, reports, resolutions). I hope they all experience the energy of gathering with other Disciples and come away with a deeper appreciation for the faithfulness and diversity of our wider church body. Please keep them and all who will gather in your prayers.

in peace,
Kate

FROM THE BOARD:

At its May meeting, the Board of Trustees received a request for a contribution to The H.O.P.E. Campus (formerly the Cleveland Christian Home, now part of The Centers). They are completely renovating, expanding, and enhancing both their campus and their support services for youth in crisis. The Board voted to send a donation of $500 towards the capital campaign, with the monies to be taken from our Local Mission Fund. HCC has been a longtime supporter of this critical ministry. Dr. Kate attended the groundbreaking for the final phase of this project in April 2025, along with Rev. Allen Harris, our Regional Minister, and several other Disciples members from area churches.

This facility had its start in 1900 when Rev. Henry Timme, a Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) pastor took in a family of abandoned children left on his doorstep. As word spread, he turned his residence into a safe haven for local youth in need. As demand grew, it moved from his home to a farm and later to a modern facility. In the 1960’s it shifted from an orphanage to a residential treatment center. Today, operated by The Centers as the H.O.P.E. Campus on Lorain Avenue, it provides trauma-informed care and support for youth in crisis.

A long‑held vision for the H.O.P.E. Campus is beginning to take shape, backed by significant state investment and strong community partnership. Planning and construction are moving forward on the Welcome Center, designed to provide immediate, trauma-informed support for youth and families. This 24/7 space will change how youth enter care, offering clarity, dignity, and connection from the start. This is just one piece of a visionary, comprehensive, plan for improvement and expansion.

In his letter thanking us for our contribution, Eric Morse, President and CEO wrote: “The Centers plays a vital role in our community by promoting health, family, work, and above all, hope. We are deeply grateful for your partnership in our mission to truly advocate for equity by healing, teaching, and inspiring individuals to reach their fullest potential.

Leadership for Heights Christian Church-2026-27

Worship Notes

After a busy Easter-tide season, we are settling into our summer schedule. Remember: During the summer months, worship begins at 11:15. June brought our Annual Meeting with our Peace Award winner, our worship time change to 11:15, and the beginning of our summer series: A Curriculum of Love. As we look forward to July, we are preparing a special service on July 5 to celebrate our country’s 250th birthday while acknowledging the gospel call to care for our neighbor and work for a better future.

July 19, Dr. Kate will be on vacation, and Rev. Dillon Shipman, Associate Minister with Plymouth UCC will be our preacher.

During July and August (through Labor Day weekend), Plymouth will hold their 10:00 am worship in the Chapel, with ours following directly after at 11:15. Please remember to enter the Chapel from the rear interior doors if you arrive before 11:00.

Looking even more ahead to August – Dr. Kate and Rev. Wooster will do a Pulpit Swap: On August 2, Rev. Wooster will preach for both Plymouth Church and HCC, and on August 9, Dr. Kate will do the same. We plan to worship outside on August 16.

Peace Award Winner

During our Annual Meeting, the congregation had the opportunity to meet this year’s Peace Award Winner, Bahji Jenkins and her family. Bahji just graduated from Shaker Heights High School and plans to major in Corporate Photography at Ohio University in the fall. She addressed the congregation, sharing her perspective of what it takes to be a peace-maker, and how she hopes to integrate her interest in art with her desire to connect with people and build community. Congratulations, Bahji! You are an inspiration to us all! We wish you the very best at college and beyond!

Porch Talks Flyer-3 Porch Talks Flyer 2026

Exciting news – our Porch Talk for Beloved Community has confirmed a speaker and a date for this year: Please mark Saturday, August 15 at 4:30 pm and head over to our old building on Van Aken Blvd. for a wonderful talk by immigration attorney, Margaret Wong. This event seeks to continue the call to justice that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. described when he visited Heights Christian in 1965 and spoke from our porch. It is now a collaborative effort with Heights Christian, Plymouth Church, and East View UCC, who now owns the building. This event is free and open to the public and ALL are welcome.

Education

Intergenerational Space
The Education Team is excited to invite worshipers to enjoy our new intergenerational space. Located at the rear of the Chapel on the pulpit side, you will find activities for all ages. Currently there is a jigsaw puzzle set up, as well as drawers with adult and children’s coloring pages, word searches and paper to draw. There are also art supplies and clipboards on the cart for people to use. Stop by before or during worship to find some activities to work on, just remember to return any unused supplies at the end of worship. Feel free to hang your art on the whiteboard so all can enjoy!

Intergenerational Event: Scavenger Hunt for Fruit of the Spirit at the Cleveland Museum of Art

On June 14 eleven of us went to the Cleveland Museum of Art for an Intergenerational Scavenger Hunt for the Fruit of the Spirit. We split into teams and used our handy checklist of the fruit mentioned in Paul’s letter to the Galatians. [ We also noted any depictions of actual fruit for extra credit!] We had a great time sharing our discoveries and discussing art from many different time periods, styles, and parts of the world. Many thanks to our Education Team Leaders, Carolyn and Jane Troha, for organizing this fun-filled event! Stay tuned for future events so you can join in the fun!

Mission Ministry

This is the beginning of our new church year. Many of the previous outreach activities will continue: Collection of items for the Wall of Love container in Narthex; Food for the Little Free Pantry located at the north end of parking lot at Plymouth; Connee’s ongoing collection of egg cartoons located in the Narthex area. More info to come in future newsletters.

IGAH (Interfaith Group Against Hate) where our Pastor Kate shares a lead role with three others. Cindy Maxey helps lead the Community + Engagement team of IGAH.

IGAH is a group of faith-based congregations from multiple religious traditions that joined together to challenge the movement of White Supremacy and all the hateful words and actions that come with it. We hope to provide a different vision for our society rooted in our common faith values, which promote peace, justice, and the basic human dignity of each person. We do this through research, education, community, action, and mutual aid.

SAVE the DATE: Cindy has already shared flyers for the IGAH Community picnic on July 19th at Denison Park. Make plans to attend to meet and greet those you know and those who are new to you.

The Blue Envelope. What is it? Do you know? More to come.

Voting!!!!!DO YOU HAVE A PLAN? It’s not too early to think about voting in the November election.

Call the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections to verify that you are a registered voter and/or to request a vote by mail application @216-443-3200

Heights Church Family and Friends,

It has been and is with deep gratitude that I accept all your expressions of care, compassion and prayers. In celebration and thanksgiving of God’s love and grace, I have turned the corner in this part of my medical adventure. I still have a way to go and am thanking you in advance for your continuing thoughts and prayers that buoy me in God’s Love and Care. I appreciate and thank each and all of you for being the faithful community of Christ who continues to undergird me with prayer for wellness.

Blessings and Peace,
Rev. Rosalind Powell

Donald King is a poet and storyteller whose work is shaped by a life of resilience and reflection. Raised in foster care after his father abandoned the family, King spent much of his youth navigating hardship and uncertainty. His life changed when his wife, Ellie encouraged him to write and share poetry. That encouragement sparked a lifelong passion for language and expression. now in his eighties, King continues to share poems drawn from his lived experiences – stories of struggle, perseverance, and humanity that resonate deeply with audiences.

Reserve Your Tickets Here:

https://shakerartscouncil.us12.list-manage.com/track/click?u=0a5b07734a7329020b0e19b75&id=1baba93234&e=cbb59dba31

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

Will resume in September

Meditative Arts Group

Will resume in September

Lunch Club

Will resume in September

Mid-Week Meditations

Will resume in September

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!

July
5 – Greg Gillooly 6 – Carson Crosby
13 – Christopher Crosby, Sr. 20 – Alicia Benson

August
2 – Lyubov Nikolenko 8 – Kellie Brown 11 – Tim Damon
11 – Alice McDonald 12 – Rosalind Powell 12 – Scott Phelps
16 – Terri Merhing 17 – Levi Horn 24 – Larry Watson
29 – Billy Dunn

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!