Reaching Heights May 2026

Reaching Heights May 2026

Links to this month’s news:

WORSHIP AND STUDY

• Worship Themes for May

FROM THE STAFF

• Kate’s Cogitations

FROM THE BOARD 

• Administration Team
• Worship Notes 
• Education Ministry
• Mission Ministry

OTHER NEWS

• Little Free Pantry
• Wednesdays Together with Plymouth
• Book Group and Meditative Arts Group
• Gift Cards
  
• Social Media
• Birthdays

See the Serving Schedule

Worship Themes May 2026

May 3              1 Peter 2:2-10             “Living Stones”
With Jesus as our cornerstone,
we work together to build God’s kin-dom

May 10            Acts 17:22-28              “The Air We Breathe”
We live, move, and have our being in God’s freedom.
Dedication of Elliott Troha
Hospitality in the Parlor follows the service

May 17            Acts 1:6-14                  “Bearing Witness”
We are called to share the stories of what we’ve seen.  (Milestone Moments)

May 24            Acts 2:1-12                  “The Power of Communication”
God speaks in whatever language we need to hear.  (Minute for Mission)         We will take up a Special Pentecost offering for the increased mission of the church. We hope you will be moved to generosity as the Spirit continues to call us out into the world to witness to God’s love and to work together for healing and restoration in these fragmented times.

May 31            Matthew 28:16-20      “Making Disciples of Mercy”
An enlightened view of the Great Commission calls us all to acts of mercy

Kate’s Cogitations

As I am writing this, Northeast Ohio is still in the in-between time between Winter and Spring. The calendar suggests we should be in Spring by now, and yet there was yet another freeze warning last night. I often grow impatient with in-between times. Once I set out with a destination in mind, part of me just wants to be there already!

But there is value to the in-between. In between the dark of night and the light of morning we have the beauty of a sunrise, the chorus of birds as light begins to dawn. Each evening, as we enter the in-between of dusk, we have the gloriously painted sky of sunsets and even the sun seems to change color as it sinks behind the horizon.

In-betweens are incredibly important in our thoughts as well. Christian Nationalism insists on absolutes. Our faith tradition challenges us to ask questions, to wonder, and to entertain different perspectives. We take on the responsibility of thinking for ourselves, working out our own theology through prayer and study in community, discerning different meanings from the same scripture passages, and wrestling with the big questions, rather than settling for simplistic answers.

While sometimes uncomfortable, in-betweens can help us find where we fit, work out what we believe, and discern how to act on our faith. In-betweens can lead to deeper faith, a clearer vision, and a stronger sense of community. They can suggest alternatives, enlarge perspective, and open us to new possibility.

Where do you find yourself in-between two things?
How might that be a blessing?

FROM THE BOARD: 

Worship Notes

Holy Week began with Hosannas ringing out as palm branches were lifted in a Palm Sunday procession around the chapel. On Maundy Thursday evening Dr. Kate led worshippers through three stations for reflection and prayer. The chapel on Easter Sunday morning was glorious with tulips, daffodils and hydrangeas adorning the chancel. An uplifting sermon and beautiful music were hallmarks of the service. At the conclusion, the congregation was invited to join the choir in the singing the Hallelujah Chorus. It was magnificent! Many Thanks to Dr. Kate and all who helped to make Holy Week the very sacred time it was.  Attendance totaled one hundred thirteen people, on zoom and in the chapel, for these three services, with sixty-four on Easter.
On April 12 Dr. Carolyn Troha preached a wonderful message to the congregation on “Doubting…Faithfully?”. Thanks to Carolyn for sharing her insights with us all. April 19 saw Dr. Kate return to the pulpit and another post-resurrection account.  During these two weeks attendance averaged forty people, including those who faithfully follow on Zoom and Facebook. We continue to celebrate resurrection and new life throughout the Easter-tide season.

The whole church across the United States and Canada is invited to join this meaningful online gathering July 10-11, 2026. Rooted in Ephesians 3:14-21, our theme, BEYOND: Love Surpassing, calls us to be grounded in the limitless love of God, a love that reaches beyond barriers, deepens our relationships, and expands our shared ministry. Together, we are invited to set a bigger table, one that reflects the fullness of who we are called to be as the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

More than a series of meetings, General Assembly is a covenantal space for worship, learning, discussion, business, fellowship, and action. Gathering online allows more of us to participate, connect, and faithfully live into our call to be the church we say we are.

If you have never joined a General Assembly before, we extend a special invitation. There is a place for you at the table. Speak with Scott Phelps or Dr. Kate to indicate your interest. Plan to join us for this powerful time of connection, worship, and shared purpose. Be there. Be part of what’s Beyond.

For more information see the webpage at https://disciples.org/2026-general-assembly-schedule/ or contact Scott Phelps or Dr. Kate.

Administration Ministry

Education

Mid-Week Bible Study Resumes
What do you know about the Prophets?

What is a prophet? What is the difference between a “major prophet” and a “minor prophet”? How many of each are included in the Bible? Who are they? What is their message? Is it relevant for us today?

If you would like to learn more about the prophets, join the Mid-Week Bible Study group for a four- week session this spring! As usual, we will meet on Zoom on Tuesday afternoons at 2:00 p.m. starting on Tuesday, April 28^th and continuing through Tuesday, May 19^th. The study materials will be sent via e-mail each week, so there is no book to purchase.

We will address the following topics:

April 28^th = The Twelve Minor Prophets (overview and introduction)

May 5th   = Hosea, Amos, and Micah: Three Important Minor Prophets

May 12th = Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi

May 19th = The Three Major Prophets: Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel

The study will be led by Carolyn and Jane Troha. Let either of them know if you plan to participate and they will e-mail the first study guide to you. Hope to see you there! May it be a “prophet-able” study for all of us!

Joint Book Study with Plymouth Church:      For Such a Time as This: An Emergency Devotional by Hanna Reichel

Are you asking yourself what it means to live faithfully in these times? Where will we find the wisdom and courage to meet this moment? How will we support one another and look out for our neighbors?
Join a group of Plymouth and Heights Christian members for 4 Sunday afternoon discussions on this devotional guide to help us build our faith and discern our Christian witness in these perilous times. The guide is divided into four weeks of seven devotions each, arranged according to the liturgical order of a worship service. We encourage you to read a devotion (3-4 pages) each day of the week prior to the discussion. We’ll discuss the week’s devotions and our reactions and engage together in a related experiential activity, facilitated by Cindy Maxey, Kate Gillooly, and Dillon Shipman.
Each session will be at 12:15 pm (12:30 on 4/26) and include a light lunch.
April 12: “Prepare Yourself” or Gathering
April 19: “Hear the Word” or Listening and Responding
April 26: “Become What You Have Received” or Communion
May 3: “Go into the World” or Sending

IG Activity
Save the Date for Sunday June 14. The Education Team will be holding an intergenerational scavenger hunt at the Cleveland Museum of Art. More details in your June newsletter.

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!

Mission Ministry

Thanks to the many people who helped organize, gather, shop, and deliver needed food and hygiene supplies to a church serving immigrants threatened by ICE. While lots of people contributed, special thanks go to Connee Choi, Scott Phelps, Larry Watson, the Crosbys, and Lori Peterson.

Thanks also to everyone who contributed needed supplies to Boulevard and Lomond Elementary Schools. Because of your contributions (and Nikki’s shepherding of this project), children in our community have warm clothes, essential hygiene supplies, and the awareness that others in the community care for them.

Community members continue to work for the Kin-dom of God on earth in myriad ways.

Debbie Osgood and Cindy Maxey joined with our neighbors for democracy.

The Shaker Rapid Response Team is one of many organizing across the region to serve and protect our immigrant neighbors on very local basis. Please talk to Cindy if you want more information about the Shaker group or another one nearer you. Neighbors are needed for a variety of tasks, some of them very low risk and doable by people of different abilities.

Our congregation is part of the Interfaith Group Against Hate, a coalition of congregations from multiple faiths that have organized to counter White supremacy in all of its forms. IGAH has worked to counter anti-immigrant sentiment and violence along with other forms of hate and division. To that end, IGAH spun off a group specifically focused on addressing immigration, We Are Many, We Are One (WAMWOW) which includes religious groups and social service providers. WAMWOW held a rally and prayer vigil in March that several HCC members attended. That group is now developing four teams to serve immigrants and counter anti-immigrant violence: Advocacy (to public officials), Accompaniment (with immigrants going to court and to other appointments), Aid (direct assistance), and Action (coordinating trainings, actions, and prayer services). If you’re interested in connecting with this effort and joining one of these teams, sign up at https://bit.ly/4lPGDIE .

Meanwhile, IGAH will hold teach-ins on countering youth radicalization on Tuesday, April 28 and Wednesday, May 6. Youth in our community are being drawn online into racism, antisemitism, misogyny, homophobia, and Christian nationalism. Learn how to protect our young people from these pernicious influences. The first session will be held at Congregation Mishkan Or in Beachwood at 6:30 pm. The second session will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 3445 Warrensville Center Road, Shaker Heights, 44122 on Wednesday, May 6 at 6:30 pm. Register here: https://forms.gle/a4Nx3oowP6ek3hqx9

Hold the date: Ann Hill of AMIS (Americans Making Immigrants Safe) will speak to our congregation following worship on Sunday, May 17. In March, our congregation donated $1000 to this organization from our 3500/ 3500 funds. Come hear from Ann the work they are doing to advocate for and provide for newcomers in our community. Coffee, lemonade, and something sweet will be served.

You may recall IGAH held a series of wonderful book discussions last year on Black, LGBTQ+, Jewish, and Islamic books. We’re holding another book discussion Tuesday, May 19 on The Book of Unknown Americans by Cristina Henriquez. This is a beautiful novel about a group of Latine immigrants to the U.S. living and loving and hoping for a better life for their children (and yes, it’s heartbreaking). The book is available in a variety of formats from Clevnet libraries. Grab a copy, start reading, and register for the discussion (to be held  from 7-8:30 pm at Fairmount Presbyterian Church, 2757 Fairmount Boulevard, Cleveland Heights): https://bit.ly/4srTBif

Cindy Maxey, Ministry Team Leader

A note from one of our members abroad: 

Dear Pastor Kate,
I really appreciate the cards you gave me!  I love that you were thinking of me and my family, and that you were thinking of us even though we aren’t at church in person right now.  It made me feel special to open them.
We watched the Easter service online and it was amazing!  The music was great and the message was so good.  It almost made me feel like I was sitting right there in the seats.
Even though I was watching from home, I could still feel the joy of Easter.
I really miss being with you and seeing all the people that attend church.  I can’t wait until we can all be together again under one roof!
Thank you for being such an awesome Pastor.

The one and only,
Bridget

A Thank You for Easter flowers:

Dear Easter Plants Committee Chairperson:

Food Pantry Update

We are pleased to share that Karl Hansen, our Weymouth Road neighbor, reinstalled the food pantry doors last month.  Many thanks to him and Susan Vodrey for caring for this ministry and restoring the doors! We welcome your shelf-stable food contributions any time!  “Take What You Need ~ Give What You Can!” 

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, May 6 – 1:00 pm in room 102 at Plymouth Church.  We will be discussing the book, The Book Club for Troublesome Women by Marie Bostwick.  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 13th.  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 on May 20th.  Please plan to attend & invite a friend.
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, May 17

Mid-Week Meditations – Wednesday, May 27 – 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!

May
5 – Val McMillan     8 – Felix McDonald     15 – Cindy Maxey
15 – Brian McDonald     20 – Nancy Carpenter     22 – Autumn Mehring
25 – Claire Dunn     26 – Sylvia Farley     30 – Connee Choi

June
2 – Annette Sutherland     3 – Grace Loudenstein     6 – Mike Droszcz
17 – Sally Donald     27 – Donita Singerman
29 – Kate Gillooly     29 – Carolyn 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!