Reaching Heights March 2026

Reaching Heights March 2026

Links to this month’s news:

WORSHIP AND STUDY

• Worship Themes for March

FROM THE STAFF

• Kate’s Cogitations

FROM THE BOARD 

• Moderators’ Minute
• Administration Team
• Worship Notes
• RenewalWorks program 3/1
• Training Center in Zambia
• Fellowship Ministry 
• Education Ministry
• Mission Ministry
• Thank You

OTHER NEWS

• Concert to benefit AMIS 
• We Are Many, We Are One — Freedom Rally for Prayer and Action 
• Resonance Project Concert
• Wednesdays Together with Plymouth
• Book Group and Meditative Arts Group
• Gift Cards
  
• Social Media
• Birthdays

See the Serving Schedule

 

Worship Themes March 2026

March 1             Second Sunday in Lent
    the good news is… great love for God and neighbor
            Focal scriptures Luke 7:36-50; Matthew 25:35-40
Simon and some Pharisees host a dinner for Jesus and an unexpected guest arrives: a woman from the city who kneels at Jesus’ feet and washes him with expensive perfume. Simon scoffs at this party foul, but Jesus reorients his focus, asking him to truly see the woman and recognize that she has shown “great love,” offering the tender hospitality he was not granted when he entered Simon’s home. The woman with the alabaster jar shows a shocking, extravagant love that exemplifies the Greatest Commandment: to love God with all your heart, soul, and mind and to love your neighbor as yourself. Will the other guests see that loving God goes hand in hand with loving neighbor? We’ve paired this story with Jesus’ words in Matthew 25. When we care for the hungry, the naked, the imprisoned—each of whom are created in the image of God—we are showing love for God, too.

Hospitality Hour follows the service, with a special program by our RenewalWorks Team. Plan to stay and participate!

March 8           Third Sunday in Lent
    The good news is… together, the impossible is possible
          Mark 6:32-44 (Feeding the 5,000)
Ephesians 3:20-21 (“By the power at work within us [God] is able to accomplish abundantly far more than all we can ask or imagine”)
As Jesus and his disciples head to a deserted place, perhaps seeking peace and quiet, many from the surrounding towns follow them. Instead of turning them away, Jesus expresses compassion and begins an impromptu teaching session.
As the day goes on, the disciples have logistics in mind and urge Jesus to send the people back into the villages so they can feed themselves. Instead, Jesus presents them with an impossible task: “You give them something to eat.”
Dumbfounded, the disciples can only fathom the limitations and financial constraints of Jesus’ suggestion. Yet when they “go and see,” their meager
provisions multiply so that thousands are fed.
This week we focus on building networks of collective care in order to meet people’s needs. Jesus models a way to be in community by coming together and sharing what we have, dispelling perceived impossibilities. The good news empowers us to believe in the miracles that can become possible through the power of community.

March 15       Fourth Sunday in Lent
           the good news is… protection & care for the vulnerable
           Matthew 19:13-15 (Jesus blesses the children)
Deuteronomy 24:17-22 (Care for the alien, the orphan, and the widow)
In many modern contexts, it may seem sweet that Jesus welcomed little children; however, in Jesus’ context, spending time with children would have seemed wasteful or useless. When Jesus blesses a crowd of children (after the disciples rebuke them and try to send them away), he once again reorients socially constructed hierarchies to center the vulnerable. Throughout his ministry, Jesus emphasized the last, the least, and the lost, building upon the mandates of the Hebrew Scriptures to care for the immigrant, widow, and orphan among you. Deuteronomy repeatedly reminds the Israelites, “you were once slaves in Egypt.” Their memory of oppression should impel them to provide for anyone under-resourced or cut off from the protection of a household. Similarly, Jesus uplifting children is a reminder that we were all once children and we have all been vulnerable at some point in our lives, relying on the protection and care of others. If we’re truly living out the good news, then anyone vulnerable will not only be protected from harm, but cared for so they have the chance to thrive.

Hospitality Hour follows the service – please contact Linda Durham if you can help host.

March 22     Fifth Sunday in Lent
          the good news is… rooted in justice, mercy, & faithfulness
         John 8:2-11 (Jesus refuses to condemn a woman caught in adultery)
Matthew 23:23 (“You have neglected the more important matters of the
law—justice, mercy, and faithfulness.”)
As we move toward Holy Week, we acknowledge the ways Jesus’ ministry
was increasingly at odds with the religious leaders who prioritized loyalty
to legality and perceived Jesus’ teachings as a threat. While Jesus is
teaching in the temple, some scribes and Pharisees interrupt to put both
him and a woman caught in adultery on trial. Their questioning intensifies
as they cite Mosaic Law and put the woman’s fate in Jesus’ hands. Instead
of focusing on punishment, Jesus flips the script and invites each person
to consider their own sin; Jesus defuses the spectacle by condemning no
one. Much of Jesus’ teachings were grounded in his understanding of the
Torah; however, many of his actions called for reinterpreting the law. As
we wrestle with our own rules, we should ask, “What is the most just,
merciful, and faithful interpretation?”

March 29         Palm Sunday
          the good news is… inspiring us to act |
          Mark 11:1-11 (Triumphal entry into Jerusalem)
Roman triumph usually occurred during the week of Passover as a show of
Rome’s might. The governor would have been surrounded by the wealthiest
and most powerful citizens. In contrast, Jesus’ march is for the people—all the
people: the hungry, the poor, the afraid. As Jesus enters Jerusalem, the crowd
responds to Jesus’ authenticity and humility. Perhaps they can see past the
pageantry of the Roman parade; in contrast, the goodness of Jesus’ leadership
shines through, mobilizing the crowds to take action by throwing cloaks in the
street and waving palm branches in the air. The energy is infectious, a climactic
moment in the grassroots movement of Jesus’ ministry. This week’s sub-theme intentionally places us in the crowd, inviting us to shout “Hosanna!,” to
throw our coats down, and to wave branches. What will the good news inspire
us to do? How will the gospel move us? As we head into Holy Week, how will
we put Jesus’ teachings into practice?

Hospitality Hour follows the service today (instead of April 5, which is Easter)
– please contact Linda Durham if you can help host.

Star Words for 2026

On January 4 we observed  Epiphany and heard the story of the magi following a star to pay homage to Jesus. We handed out “Star Words”  to every worshipper (in the Chapel and on Zoom) – and encouraged people to keep their Star Word close and consider it a guiding star for the 2026 year.

Do you know where your Star Word is? Do you think of it often? Here is a  prompt for reflection.  [ If you do not have a Star Word and would like one, please contact the church office and we will get one to you. ]

March: In this season of Lent, what repentance or self-examination has come from your star word so far?

 

 

 

Kate’s Cogitations

As I have been using the materials by A Sanctified Art for worship planning and personal devotion this Lent, I have been amazed by the wealth of resources. There’s visual art, poetry, commentary and words for worship, as well as new words for hymns, and prayers for daily use. Everything is created specifically in support of the scriptures and themes chosen by the group – it is an abundance of art, developed for our enjoyment and our nurture. There is no way we can make use of everything in worship, and there is plenty in the devotional booklet and daily devotion cards for personal or small group use.
            While we do pay something for the use of these resources, it still feels like such a gift to have access to original art and prayers for the season. Art can nurture our soul in ways we don’t often experience otherwise. Art has long been a part of church tradition, and it goes far beyond wanting the worship space to look fancy or pious – because art speaks to us in ways that mere regular words cannot.
So I encourage you to make the most of the resources we have. Enjoy them in worship, contemplate them at home, pray the words alone or with others, and share with a loved one. Let the art challenge and inspire you – allow yourself the gift of seeing things in a different way, hearing scripture with a new perspective, and praying with words written to heal and inspire. May your prayers bring you ever closer to God.

in peace,
Kate

 

 

 

Moderator’s Minute
There are many ways for us to give back for the many blessings that we have experienced in our lives. We are working towards completing another successful stewardship campaign that will support the operations and ministries of this congregation. As a congregation, we continue to be supportive of our immigrant community, participate actively in IGAH, support children in our local schools and offer support to a small village in Africa and those are but a sampling of what our church and congregation do as a collective and does not address the numerous ways members of this church give of themselves to support worthy causes that represent God’s love through them. There is always an opportunity to support the church financially but there are many ways you can be part of this church’s ministries. You can be a part of a committee or ministry. There are opportunities to participate in or lead an adult study or lead an Intergenerational Moment, contributing food to one of our events or helping with set up or clean up. Even attending church or an event can be an important contribution to the well-being of the church, the programs and the well-being of those that work hard to put on activities or events as well as to all of the participants.
If you have not yet been able to offer a financial commitment there is always time to do so and it is appreciated by our staff and ministries as it allows us to plan and create a budget that helps us to continue the work the Lord would have us do. Please also consider how you might support and be a part of the many programs and ministries that work to bring God’s light to us and the world around us. Thank you for all you do to make Heights Christian Church a loving and giving congregation. May God continue to bless our efforts in bringing God’s love to the world around us both near and far.
˜ Scott

PS: Thanks to our Administrative Team and all those that contributed to the development and implementation of this years Stewardship Campaign!

Administration Ministry

Worship Notes

The last Sunday in January was very snowy – we all worshiped together via zoom. Thanks to Dr. Kate, and Irwin and Levi who made it to the chapel that morning, along with Bobbi and Scott. It was great to be together to worship safely from home!  February continued to be cold and snowy, but many of us made it to the Chapel or on zoom. February 8^th was Commitment Sunday and pledges were dedicated and collected. Fifty-four folks attended that service!  Thanks again to Dr. Kate for all the coordination and planning for the combined worship with Plymouth for Ash Wednesday services at noon and at 7:30 p.m. The service was a very meaningful start to Lent. Both services were well attended. Sunday, Feb. 22 marked the first Sunday in Lent. Dr. Kate’s message was based on the scripture of the wedding at Cena. We will not forget Greg’s very creative marriage proposal to Kate!  Average attendance in person and on zoom for Feb. 1 – 22 was 46.

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.

Training Center in Zambia – construction begins!

At its January meeting, the Board of Trustees voted to contribute $1,000 from our non-local Mission Funds (set aside from investments each year) to assist in the building of a youth training center in Zambia. The request came from our friend and colleague (through Zoom) the Rev ,Osward Mwaanga and his congregation, who are building 2 classrooms to teach reading, writing, and tailoring skills. The church members have made the required 4,500 cinder blocks and have prepared the land for construction. We are blessed to be able to provide some support to Rev. Osward, his congregation, and their community! Osward sometimes join us via Zoom for worship, prayer group, and bible study.

Hospitality 

March is going to be a busy month for Hospitality and working as a team will make it more enjoyable for all of us.  There will be 3 (three) Hospitality Hours this month – March 1 (regular schedule), March 15 ( with Shontel Brown visiting), and March 29 (Palm Sunday).

A snack offering from you for one of the three Sundays in March will be appreciated, as it always is.  It can be a savory item (cheese, crackers, dip and chip, chacuterie items, meat, veggies etc.) or a sweet, (cupcakes, brownies, cookies, etc.).  Finger foods work the best to limit the need for utensils.

Any assistance with set-up and clean-up on these hospitality days, especially the 15^th, will be very helpful.  Many of you have already helped with these tasks and snacks and it is very much appreciated. Thank You!!  Working together promotes our fellowship.

A sign-up sheet will be at the back of the chapel for snacks and/or assistance.  Thank You!!!

Education

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  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 resumed on Tuesday February 24 with the Introduction and Chapter 1.

March 3    Chapter 2 — Grounded in Prayer (Matthew 6:5-15)

March 10  Chapter 3 — Traveling Unattached (Luke 9:1-6)

March 17  Chapter 4 — A New Allegiance (Mark 8:31-37)

March 24 Chapter 5 — Recentering Self (Mark 9:30-37)

March 31 Chapter 6 — On the Way to the Cross (Mark 11:1-16:8)

April 7  Chapter 7 — Easter: Back to the Beginning (Matthew 28:1-10)

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

Mission Ministry

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

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

Dear HCC members and friends,

We are so very grateful for the outpouring of support we received from our wonderful congregation during Roger’s final days and on his passing.  You sent delicious food, mailed cards with thoughtful notes, sent “check in” texts, and gave us warm phone calls and messages.  You prayed, and then prayed some more. You visited Roger and even made sure he had communion. You helped with transportation and childcare. You arranged and provided a lovely reception following his funeral service.  Your presence and caring made a very difficult time easier, and your ongoing support will make the future easier too. Our hearts are full…full of love for Roger and full of love and gratitude for all of you.  Thank you very much…for everything.
        – Debbie, Alex, Mark, Gunhild, Liam, Owen and Max 

 

 

 

Resonance Project Concert

Saturday, March 14 at 7:30 pm at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church

Chez Madame Singer: Portraits en Trio,  Poeima Trio

Purchase Tickets here…

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, March 4 – 1:00 pm in room 102 at Plymouth Church.  We will be discussing the book  By Any Other Name by Jodi Picoult.   In April we will be reading the book: Three Days in June by Ann Tyler.
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
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 or sign up in the Welcome Center, which is necessary for food preparation.  Reservations are due Sunday, March 15.

Mid-Week Meditations – Wednesday, March 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!

 

 

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

April
9 – Shirley Blackwell     13 – Max and Owen Osgood
23 – Bobbi Phelps     28 – Bill 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!