Reaching Heights March 2019
Reaching Heights
March 2019
Links to this month’s news:
Worship – What to look forward to in our weekly and special services
Lenten Study – Sunday morning and Tuesday afternoon
Along the Path – Thoughts from Pastor Roger
Movie Premiere – Conversations in Courage: The Visit
Spiritual Retreat – From the RenewalWorks Team
Devotionals for Lent
New Initiatives Retreat – follow up
Mission Ministry – Update
A Bet Away – recent happenings
Common Ground 2019
See the Serving Schedule
Go to the church calendar

Spring Ahead
Daylight Savings Time begins – March 10
Worship for Lent
March 6 – Ash Wednesday Dinner and Service
We will break bread and worship together with Disciples Christian Church (in their building – 3663 Mayfield Rd., Cleveland Heights)
6:00 pm Dinner
7:00 pm Worship
March 10 – 1st Sunday in Lent
Cultivating Trust; Letting Go of Temptation
Scripture reading, Luke 4:1-13
March 17 – 2nd Sunday in Lent
Cultivating Courage; Letting Go of Fear
Scripture reading, Luke 13:31-35
March 24 – 3rd Sunday in Lent – Healing Service
Cultivating Wholeness; Letting Go of Anxiety and Doubt
Scripture reading, Luke 13:1-9
March 31 – 4th Sunday in Lent – Family Fifth Service
Cultivating Grace; Letting Go of the Past
Scripture reading, Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32
Lenten Study:
Along the Path
As we move into the season of Lent I am reminded of the somewhat passe tradition of “giving something up” (like chocolate or meat). This year our worship will be centered on the more profound ideas of letting go of something that is holding you back and cultivating some trait or practice that will enrich your spirit and carry you into the future.
Given our full and busy lives it is important that we pair these two activities, because without letting go of something, we can easily find ourselves overwhelmed by the taking up of something new.
If you look over the worship information in this newsletter you’ll see some examples of things that you might cultivate and let go. I urge you to give some thought to what you might begin or expand that would deepen your spiritual life and what you could give up to make room for that.
Joining you on the journey, Pastor Roger
Conversations in Courage: The Visit Film Premiere
March 24 at Cuyahoga Community College – East Campus
On Sunday, March 24, 2019, MetroHealth System will present the premiere of the Shaker Arts Council’s documentary film, Conversations in Courage: The Visit. The film, directed by Marquette Williams, depicts the events surrounding Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s 1965 visit to Heights Christian Church and Shaker Heights and includes interviews with many of those involved, including several church members. The premiere will be held at. Tri-C East Simon and Rose Mandel Theatre, 4250 Richmond Road, Highland Hills, OH 44122.
The afternoon begins at 2:00 pm with a Director’s Reception attended by veteran Civil Rights activists including Edwina Moss, the Reverends Joan Campbell and Albert Pennybacker. The film begins at 3:00 pm followed by a panel conversation moderated by Dee Perry and an audience Q & A. Tickets for the pre-screening reception are $35 and include a ticket to the screening. General admission tickets are $5 for students and seniors and $10 for adults. For reservations and more information, call 216.916.9360. Tickets can also be purchased at www.shakerartscouncil.org.
Whispering in the Ear of God:
An Active Prayer Retreat
Devotionals Available
New Initiatives Retreat Update
Mission Ministry Update
On February 16 we hosted our first Community Meal – and it was a success! Plenty of people from HCC and the community gathered to prepare and enjoy lunch and conversation together. We are partnering with individuals and organizations in Shaker to put this meal on once a month (on the third Saturday) and welcome involvement and assistance from all directions. Feel free to join us if you want- our next meal is Saturday, March 16 from noon-2:00 pm.
Greetings All,
In October 2018, I wrote the following in response to a request for workshop proposals for the 16th Annual Ohio Conference on Problem Gambling (February 28-March 1, 2019). The theme of the conference is “Mitigating Harm: Maximizing Effectiveness.” In December, 2018 the awards were made and this was selected and I am listed as primary presenter in the conference materials. Faith-based solutions have not been explored in previous conferences. Looking forward to how the community responds.
FAITH BASED SOLUTIONS: HIGHER POWER NEEDED!
In northern Ohio, since August 2014, three casinos opened and are accessible from communities of every socio-economic stratum within 15 to 30 minutes. Before then, casino gambling was more than three-hours away and out of state. A major population being attracted is retired seniors, 55 years old and older. This group has constructively contributed to society, has considerable leisure time, and steady income. Their family traditions include weekly religious participation and leadership. If gambling became sufficiently problematic for them to call the gambling hotline; the first form of care would come from mental health providers. These seniors may have never had mental health issues which prevented them from gainful employment or positive social responsibilities.
It is time for Churches, Synagogues, Mosques and other faith institutions to create solutions to problem gambling which may be affecting seniors and others in their congregations. What can ordained and lay leaders provide to mitigate harm and maximize effective spiritual treatment and recovery for their members? Can faith be combined with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)? Can faith practices become the CBT? Bring your thoughts.
Rev. Michele L. Moreland is an Ordained Minister serving the Heights Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Shaker Heights, OH. She has a vision for ministries of congregational support groups dealing with inner healing and faith-building. She is a Member of the Problem Gambling Network of Ohio and the National Council on Problem Gambling.
Michele L. Moreland
Mark Your Calendars!
Common Ground returns June 30! Mark your calendars now for our third annual Common Ground Community Conversation. We hope to host people for a simple supper in the evening, and a conversation on the theme “My environment was…My environment is…My environment will be…” If you would like to help plan or host this event, please see Kate Gillooly.
Reminder
HCC is on Facebook, Instagram, 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!