Reaching Heights September 2025
Reaching Heights September 2025
Links to this month’s news:
- Worship Themes for September
- Kate’s Cogitations
- Moderator’s Minute
- Road Trip
- Ministry Team Leaders, Assistant Team Leaders, & Officers 2025-26
- IGAH Book Events
- Finding Joy in Troubling Times
- Education Ministry
- Mission Ministry
- Hospitality Ministry
- Little Free Pantry Dedication
- Wednesdays Together with Plymouth
- Gift Cards
- Social Media
- Birthdays
See the Serving Schedule
HCC Worship Themes for September 2025
“Balanced Narrative Lectionary” (developed by Siri Strommen)
September 7: “God’s Good Creation” Kick–Off Sunday
Return to 11:00 am start
Genesis 1:1—2:4a Creation
Theme: A poetic rendition of God’s loving creation of all things and our relationship with the earth and creation.
Hospitality after worship, with “Finding Joy in Troubling Times” activity
September 14: Genesis 18:1-15 Trusting the Messengers
Theme: Often God speaks to us through the visitation of others.
Installation of Officers
September 21: Genesis 28:10-17 Jacob’s dream
Theme: Mystic revelation reminds us that reality
and God are bigger than the human drama.
Milestone Moments
September 28: Exodus 3:1-15 God’s name is revealed to Moses
Theme: God is knowable, but undefinable.
Minute for Mission
Kate’s Cogitations
On September 14, we will install our new officers and Board of Trustees during our worship service. We do this every year, and every year it is an opportunity to give thanks to those who have stepped forward to accept responsibility for the life of the congregation and our mission. Year after year people of good faith agree to do their best in guiding and facilitating our programs and ministries. Like many small churches, we see familiar faces, and have made jokes about “trading hats” – if someone is the Team Leader for one ministry this year, the next year they may be asked to switch and be the assistant team leader, or perhaps they’ll be asked to be team leader for a different ministry instead.
This year, thanks to the creative vision of the Nominating Committee, we have new faces in many positions. We have also increased the number of assistant team leaders, and created smaller positions for specific tasks and events . Perhaps more than ever, people who want to be involved can find their place and their desired level of commitment. Some people prefer not to serve on the Board, but are happy to take on special projects. Others don’t have the time or energy for large commitments but still want to be involved. I’m pleased that we can increase the opportunities for volunteers and have that we have such a strong Board ready to serve.
I believe we are ready to start the program year with vision and energy, and I hope each of you can find ways to be deeply involved in the work of HCC, as we praise, learn, and serve together.
The Moderator Minute
By the time you receive this Heights Christian Church Newsletter. Trustees will have met, and the program year and schedule initiated. Much work goes into preparation and plans for the projects and ways we could individually and collectively work to do Christ’s work in our community and the world around us. That work and effort is most successful when we get much participation. As the projects and programs begin to be shared, take some time to see how you can contribute to making the world a better place. It can be as simple as collecting of egg cartons for Connee’s Cartons, glass jars for the Big-Hearted Blooms Program, attending Church, Bible Study or prayer group or focusing on IGAH. Perhaps you have a way to share the love we get from Christ and need support in that effort. Please reach out if you have an idea or need more information on the activities suggested or keep your eye on these monthly Newsletters and the weekly updates that are sent out for even more opportunities.
May we be blessed in these efforts to make the world a better place!
Scott Phelps,
Moderator
A Road Trip
As many of you know Anita and I lost our beloved Pepper Watson, last November. He was over 14 years old. Anita was ready for a new dog much sooner than I was. As she had done with Pepper she had selected the breed – Cavapoo, the color – apricot and his name – Rory, long before we found a new puppy. On the other hand I had been on several breeders’ websites, just looking. One breeder I found was in Jasper, Indiana which is about 430 miles, one way, from Reminderville and more than a 6 ½ hours, one way drive. That breeder sent me pictures of pups that she then had available early in the morning on Wednesday, July 16th. I took one look at the picture of one of the pups and knew he was the one. I awakened Anita and got her approval. I then text the breeder and confirmed our selection and the fact that I would be in Jasper the next day to pick up our selection.
The point of my telling you all of this is that I had an overwhelming feeling of the presence of God with me on this one day trip, especially on the return portion. I mentioned this at our Weekly Prayer Meeting and it was suggested that I share my experience with you. I know that there have been other times, over the course of my life, when I have felt God’s presence. In this instance, however, it was powerful, yet calming, strengthening and assuring. As the miles and hours rolled on I had no doubt that Rory and I would make it home safely. We are often ask, did you see God today or where or when was the last time you saw God? To actually feel the presence of God is, I now believe, something different and on a higher level. So I thank God for the safe travels and for adding Rory to our family.
Larry Watson,
Vice Moderator
2025-2026
HCC Officers
Moderator Scott Phelps
Vice Moderator Larry Watson
Secretary Bobbi Phelps
Treasurer Mike Singerman
Assistant Treasurers Neil Chase, Connee Choi
Ministry Teams
Mission Team Leader Cindy Maxey
Mission Team Assistants Nikki Crosby, Connee Choi
Education Team Leader Carolyn Troha
Education Team Assistant Jane Troha
Worship Team Leader Lynda Ackerman
Worship Team Assistants Donita Singerman, Bobbi Phelps
Fellowship Team Leader Linda Durham
Fellowship Team Assistant Anita Watson
Administration Team Leader Shirley Blackwell
Administration Team Assistant Jefferson Troha
Invested Funds Team Leader Neil Chase
Invested Funds Team Assistant Dan Clements
Chair of Elders Valencia McMillan
Dr. Kate Gillooly HCC’s Settled Pastor
Interfaith Group Against Hate (IGAH) Book Discussion
Thursday, September 4 – 7:00 pm
Olivet Institutional Baptist Church in Cleveland. Democracy in Black: how race still enslaves the American soul by Eddie S. Glaude, Jr. Registration is required – Link to register: http://bit.ly/3UxTlPp
IGAH Literary Cleveland Collaboration!
Burn Bright: Inspirational Read and Write In
Literary Cleveland Office 13002 Larchmere Road
Sunday, September 7 at 5:00-7:00pm
You’re invited to share stories that have “lit” their way through darkness and to craft writing that lights new paths forward. Come with a favorite book and leave with a new piece of writing. Be inspired by the gathered community and be the light for someone else as we engage questions of how we remain encouraged in the face of struggle. This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required — go to http://inkubator.litcleveland.org/ and register for the free Incubator Conference and then in “check-out” select the “Burn Bright” option under “In-person Community Events.” Questions: Michelle Smith, msmith@litcleveland.org.
Interfaith Group Against Hate (IGAH) Book Discussion
Monday, September 8 – 7:00 pm — Chagrin Valley Islamic Center in Solon
Islam: a short history by Karen Armstrong. Registration is required – Link to register: http://bit.ly/45LYfO1 Book are available in area libraries, most in print and online, as well as in bookstores.
Finding Joy In Troubling Times
A RenewalWorks Invitation
The RenewalWorks Team works on providing opportunities for the spiritual growth and development of the congregation, as well as maintaining contact with those who are not able to be with us regularly. This fall we are kicking off a series of spiritual growth sessions that will be combined with HCC’s regularly scheduled hospitality hours.
The first of these events will take place on Sunday, September 7th, Kick-Off Sunday for the new program year. We will explore the theme, “Finding Joy in Troubling Times”, by viewing and discussing together photographs taken by HCC members and friends.
Be sure to put September 7th on your calendars – plan to stay a little longer at hospitality that morning! Food, art, prayer, song, fellowship – what could be better! Let’s “Find Joy in Troubling Times” together!
Education Ministry
Adult Study Resumes September 21st!
The Bible With and Without Jesus
It’s time to resume our Sunday morning adult studies and we are excited to announce that our opening study will be based on the thought-provoking book The Bible With and Without Jesus by Amy-Jill Levine and Marc Zvi Brettler.
How we understand the Bible depends greatly on what we bring to it. Learning how people with different experiences, assumptions, and convictions read the Bible can open up new ways of seeing the text and encountering God in it.
In this Bible study, our authors explore some of the Hebrew Bible passages that figure prominently in the New Testament, discussing the original context of these passages as well as how Jews and Christians have understood them throughout history.
The six sessions will cover:
The Creation account in Genesis Isaiah’s Suffering Servant
Adam and Eve The Book of Jonah
Isaiah’s Emmanuel prophecy Jesus’ words from the cross from Psalm 22
A team of leaders including, Dr. Kate Gillooly, Lynda Ackerman, Connee Choi, Cindy Maxey and Jane Troha will shepherd us through this study, using a DVD and other study materials. You don’t need anything except curiosity and the willingness to examine these scriptures together!
Join us Sunday mornings at 9:30 a.m. in the Chapel beginning September 21st and continuing through October 26th! We are looking forward to seeing you there!
Missions Ministry
- On Sunday August 16, the Mission Team met to get organized. Cindy Maxey will be the Mission Team leader with lots of help from assistant team leaders Connee Choi and Nikki Crosby.
- We are gathering food and personal supplies for an urgent need through September 7. Please bring ONLY the following supplies to the church as you are able. Bulk supplies or large containers are most welcome. White rice, beans (canned or dried), masa harina or farina, tomato sauce or paste, canned corn, pigeon peas, or mixed vegetables, canned tuna or chicken, vegetable or canola oil, adobo or sazon seasoning, instant coffee or tea bags, diapers, and menstrual pads. There is a large bucket outside the chapel for these items.
- The Interfaith Group Against Hate (IGAH) is holding several book discussions at area congregations during September and October. All the books are available at area libraries and many through Hoopla (with your library card). Of course, bookstores carry the books too. These are terrific books (says, Cindy-the-Librarian) and books and book discussions have been shown repeatedly to develop understanding, empathy, and community between people of different identities. A list of the books is below. Please register in advance for any of the six remaining discussions at http://bit.ly/3Umb2Bi.
- Thursday, Sept. 4, 7 pm: Democracy in Black: how race still enslaves the American soul by Eddie Glaude, Jr. (You may have seen him as a commentator on NBC)/ Olivet Institutional Baptist Church
- Monday, Sept. 8, 7 pm: Islam: a short history by Karen Armstrong/ Chagrin Valley Islamic Center
- Sunday, Sept.14, 2 pm: 3 charming picture books: And Tango Makes Three by Justin Richardson; My Shadow is Pink by Scott Stuart; Love is Love: an important LGBTQ pride book for kids about gay parents and diverse families by Michael Genhart/ Temple Emman El. You can hear and see these books read to you on YouTube. Cindy Maxey will speak about efforts and resistance to book banning in Ohio and beyond as part of this discussion.
- Sunday, Sept. 28, 2:30 pm: Moments of Reprieve by Primo Levi/ Congregation Mishkan Orr. There is also an art show opening at the synagogue’s museum this afternoon. More details will be shared later.
- Sunday, October 5, 2:30 pm: Snow in August by Peter Hamill/ right here at Heights Church!
- Tuesday, October 21, 7 pm: Woodworking by Emily St. James/ Fairmount Presbyterian Church
- On Sunday, September 7, from 5-7 pm, IGAH with LitCleveland is inviting people from all religious traditions, neighborhoods and arts to share stories and books that have “lit” their way through darkness and to craft writing that lights new paths forward into better and brighter days. The event is free and open to the public. Registration is required – go to https://inkubator.litcleveland.org/ and register for the free Inkubator Conference and then in “check-out” select the “Burn Bright option under “In-person Community Events.
Come with a favorite inspirational book and leave with a new piece of writing. Be inspired by the gathered community and others’ words of wisdom and be the light for someone else as we engage questions of how we remain unified and encouraged in the face of struggle and change.
- If you have any challenge in registering for any of the book discussions or the Inkubator event above, Cindy is happy to help you register. maxey@gmail.com.
Hospitality
First Monthly Sunday Hospitality Hour will begin on Sunday September 7, 2025. If you would like to contribute to the snacks please contact Linda Durham or Anita Watson.
Little Free Pantry Blessing
On Sunday, Aug. 17, together with Plymouth Church we dedicated our new Little Free Pantry with a special service of blessing. We are grateful to provide access to non-perishable food and personal care items for those who need it. Our LFP sees many visitors daily, so donations of non-perishable food and personal care items are always needed. Popular items are hearty soups, shelf-stable protein/dairy, cereals/oatmeal, pasta/grains, canned fruits/vegetables, baby food, and personal care items. Donations are welcomed daily – feel free to bring something by anytime you are near the church.
Wednesdays 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 – First Wednesday
The Book Group will meet on Wednesday, September 3rd-12:30 pm in Room 102 at Plymouth Church. We will be discussing the book, A Visit from the Goon Squad” by Jennifer Egan. All are welcome to join at any time.
Meditative Arts Group – Second Wednesday
Our Meditative Arts group will begin our monthly gatherings on Wednesday the 10th. 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, the 17th at 12:30 pm – Third Wednesday
Lunch Club in Fellowship Hall
Join us for a homemade lunch and fellowship, as well as a time of discussion with those gathered. Dr. Kate Gillooly will share a program called “Life as Pilgrimage: Wisdom from Our Journey.” She will talk about the stages of a pilgrimage, talk about her time on the Camino de Santiago in 2024, and help us explore how we can view our spiritual journeys as pilgrimage. 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, September 14.
Mid-week Meditations – Wednesday, the 24 – 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.
We have a supply of Arby’s ($10), Walmart ($25) and Target ($25) cards, in addition to Amazon ($100 & $25),
Wendy’s ($25) and Burger King ($10) cards. We brought in a few Meijer’s cards ($100 & $25) to see if there is a demand.
Giant Eagle $25 cards are back in stock, as are Subway ($10) and Starbucks ($10). We will order Heinen’s $25 cards shortly.
Support Heights Christian Church while you shop. Make your life less stressful. Gift cards are easy. (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!
September
6 – Ed Hill 12 – Martha Cubberley 12 – Sandy Jones
22 – Henry Mullen 23 – Mike Singerman
23 – Kimberly Taylor 26 – Alex Nikolenko
October
1 – Lynda Ackerman 3 – Anita Watson 3 – Ann Weisheimer
4 – Debbie Osgood 5 – Linda Durhan 18 – Amber Sharpley
19 – Florence Chase 30 – Tommy 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 in our list. We want to celebrate you!