Reaching Heights September 2026
Reaching Heights September 2026
Links to this month’s news:
- Worship Themes for September
- Notice of Called Special Meeting of the Congregation
- Chasing Wonder
- Kate’s Cogitations
- Porch Talk for a Beloved Community
- Martha Cubberley’s Farewell
- A Word from the Board
- Education Ministry
- Mission Ministry
- Food Drive
- Fellowship Ministry
- Thank You
- Apple Picking!
- Lay Preaching Academy
- Thriving Church Book Discussion
- Shaker Heights Youth Center Thrive After School Program Fall
- Path of Miracles Concert
- REGIONAL ASSEMBLY: Listening for God in a Noisy World
- Wednesdays Together with Plymouth
- Gift Cards
- Social Media
- Birthdays
See the Serving Schedule
Worship Themes September 2026
Series Title: Drawn In: Living Out the Creative Life with God
adapted from a Worship series by Worship Design Studio/Marcia McFee
We spend too much time being “driven” rather than “drawn in.” We focus on what we “should” do rather than what we feel excited and compelled to do in our lives, in this world.
During this series, we will connect with our inherent creativity and nurture this foundational aspect of being human, giving us renewed energy for passionate work, delightful play, and creative problem solving to make this world a better place for all.
September 6 “Hover” Luke 4:1-13
Hovering is the creative posture of taking a moment to see the “big picture.” In a world of quick fixes and instant gratification, we sometimes want to skip the step of paying attention to this question: “what one thing do we need to focus on now?” Giving ourselves space and time to think may feel like a luxury, but taking reflective time is an important part of the creative process. If you didn’t feel as if you have to do or fix everything, what one thing would you pay attention to at this point in your life? What do you feel drawn to?
September 13 “Dream” Luke 4:13-21 WORSHIP RETURNS TO 11:00 AM
Kick-Off Sunday – the beginning of our program year!
All creation began with the dream of God, the will and intention for life to exist, All our actions are born out of desire, out of a dream and vision for the future. We were created to imagine, to dream, to create. What moves your soul and brings you alive? What you create out of that is your gift to the world and the way in which you are part of God’s ongoing creative dream.
♦ Installation of Officers during worship
♦ Brief congregational meeting after worship
♦ Hospitality in the Parlor following the congregational meeting
September 20 “Risk” Matthew 25: 24-30
To create is to assert ourselves in a way that is risky, that invites stepping into the unknown. Jesus told a story about people who did different things with the “talents” given to them. Sometimes “risk” doesn’t look like we think it will. What are you able to risk in order to expand love and grace in the world? *Milestone Moments
September 27 Guest Preacher: Rev. Julie Cory, retired DoC pastor, Chair of Team Two of the Commission on Ministry (Christian Church in Ohio). (Dr. Kate will be away on vacation.) *Minute for Mission
Notice of Called Special Meeting of the Congregation
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE CONGREGATION WILL BE HELD ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2026, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING SUNDAY MORNING WORSHIP SERVICE.
The purpose of this Meeting will be to amend HCC’s Constitution by the adoption of a revised MISSION STATEMENT for HCC. The Mission Statement is contained in the Constitution. As announced at the Annual Meeting on June 7, 2026 the Board of Trustees has approved the revised statement. The revised statement reads as follows:
“At Heights Christian Church everyone is invited to worship and serve God wherever they are on their faith journey. We serve God in partnership with others by serving our neighbors and working together for a more just community and world.”
This September our worship will focus on “Drawn In” and invite us to re-connect with our innate creativity. As we “Hover” and “Dream” and “Risk,” we might want some specific ways to approach the world with wonder and joy. Introducing: “Chasing Wonder” a Photo Bingo Challenge for the month of September. Grab your phone (or camera!) and start chasing the beauty and joy and justice you find in the world around you! You can aim for a row or 4 corners, or complete the whole board! Send your photos to Kese@heightscc.org with a memo saying: Chasing Wonder” your name, and the square you’ve covered. We gather them all together to share with the congregation!
Kate’s Cogitations
One of the blessings of using someone else’s worship planning materials is that I am exposed to language and ideas that I wouldn’t have thought up on my own. This fall we’ll use “Drawn In,” a worship series created by Dr. Marcia McFee and Worship Design Studio. We will adapt them significantly, because they are designed for congregations of any denomination, size, or demographic.
The session we’ll explore together on September 6 is called “Hover.” Never once in all my 39 years of church ministry have I considered preaching on the theme of “hover.” I guess there’s a first time for everything! The whole series is designed to explore creativity and what we can do to increase it (and joy and purpose) in our lives and faith. And we’ll begin with a theme that will stretch my imagination as I put words to paper for liturgy, prayer and preaching. It feels like a perfect example of how we all will be invited into trying on new ways of being faithful.
Dr. McFee is an “outside the box” kind of thinker, and I’m hoping that will be a blessing for us all. It is easy to get stuck in our routines and ruts, so this will be an opportunity to be stretched a little as we consider familiar words in new ways and explore the God-given gift of creativity together.
May God be with us in our creativity and stretching!
in peace,
Kate
What a beautiful afternoon—and perfect weather—for the 2026 Porch Talk for a Beloved Community! 
We are grateful to partner with East View UCC and Plymouth Church UCC as we continue the work inspired by the legacy and vision of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. We were blessed by the reflections of immigration attorney Margaret Wong, wonderful music from the Greater Cleveland Choral Chapter Youth and Young Adult Choir, and the presence of our Shaker Heights 
Mayor, Police Chief, and the city’s new communications professional. Their presence was a wonderful reminder of the importance of bringing church and community together in the work of building the Beloved Community. Many thanks to those who served the planning team and to all who came out in support of our efforts! This was our 8th event since we began in 2019!
FROM THE BOARD:
A word from the Board of Trustees on our participation and support in the community and beyond:
Close to home in Shaker Heights – Christ Episcopal Church and the Shaker Youth Center are working together to create a new after-school youth program due to the lack of after-school activities for high school students. To fund this initiative, the two organizations are launching a fund raiser, Legacy of Light Gala, to be held on December 12, to raise $70,000. At our 8/18/2026 Board meeting, we authorized that $500 be donated to the Gala fund raiser. The Board also authorized funding for Dr. Kate (Pastor) and Greg and Scott (Moderator) and Bobbi to attend this very worthy event representing HCC.
Education
Sunday Morning Fall Study on Christian Nationalism
Have you wondered about all the buzz around the term Christian Nationalism? Have you wondered what it actually means and why it is so significant in the USA? Would you like the opportunity to gain greater understanding of how it impacts our lives as progressive Christians? If you are curious about this topic, plan to join us starting Sunday morning, September 20th as we undertake a study of the book, The Bible According to Christian Nationalists: Exploiting Scripture for Political Power by Brian Kaylor.
This six-week study will be led by Jane Troha, Dr. Kate and Carolyn Troha. It will be based on the book but will also include materials from the group, Christians Against Christian Nationalism. There is no book to purchase, although you can get a copy from Chalice Press if you want one.
Come and join us for this timely study. The book blurb says,
“ Across America sacred scripture is being twisted to serve a political agenda. Christian Nationalists misuse the Bible to justify power grabs, confuse patriotism with discipleship, and even promote policies that contradict the core of Jesus’ teachings. It’s not just bad theology. It’s a betrayal of the Gospel – and a threat to democracy.”
Join us as we unpack this topic together. Study sessions will run from 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. starting Sunday, September 20th. Hope to see you there!
Tuesday Bible Study Announces Fall Topic:
Staying at the Table: Being the Church We Say We Are
The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) is blessed to be currently led by our General Minister and President, the Reverend Terri Hord Owens. Her recent book, Staying at the Table: Being the Church We Say We Are, challenges us to find strength in our deeply held beliefs and also helps us discover how the church can be a force for change, healing and hope in our challenging times.
The Tuesday Bible Study group will kick off the program year by reading together and discussing this book. Each member is encouraged to contact Jane Troha, who will lead the study, to let her know if you want to purchase a copy for the study (cost $10.00). She will place a group order in early September.
The sessions will begin on Tuesday, September 29th at 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. and will continue for seven sessions. Note the change in meeting time has moved up one hour! Hope you’ll be joining us for this meaningful offering!
Mission Ministry
We have engaged in new opportunities since we move to nesting at Plymouth five years ago. Let us continue throughout this coming church year and every year. (Isaiah 43:19 See I am doing a new thing! ……..do you not perceive it?
Starting July 1, 2026 we have chosen new leaders working to provide for this congregation, the local and world community as they discern what it is God wants us to do.
Vacations are ending and it is back to school we go. It is a new beginning for our year’s church life. Volunteering to do the work in the community that we are called to do; to meet what God wants of us. Ready, set, here we go.
The Little Free Pantry is located at the north end of parking lot at Plymouth Church. There is always a need from community members for assistance of food. At anytime you may put non-perishables in the cabinet. Just pick up a can or two or maybe a box of noodles as you leave for worship on Sunday to contribute to this cause.
Connee continues to collect egg cartons to give to farmers at the North Union Farmer’s Market and keeps them out of landfills. This service contributes to a better environment. Connee has been dedicated to this giving service for several years. Her dedication has spread beyond Heights Christian members so that others in the community contribute egg cartons.
Community + Engagement Committee of IGAH (Interfaith Group Against Hate)invites everyone to meet monthly at the Nervous Dog cafe for discussions relative to peace and justice issues. It is a way to get to know each other better and share thoughts of what we might do to support the community at large in times like these. Come join us on the first Saturday of each month 2pm -3pm at La Place mall in Beachwood. If there are changes, please pay attention to our weekly update or Sunday bulletin.
Vote! Vote! Vote! It is your right. In particular, many women and people of color have shouted out and often died to make sure voting is your right.
GET INTO GOOD TROUBLE FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR UPCOMING GENERATIONS.
National Voter Registration Day September 16th
Registration to vote at the Shaker Heights main library every third Tuesday of the month 10-12pm with League of Women Voters
Food Collection for our Hungry Newcomer Neighbors. We will run a food drive for our neighbors until October 11
Grains and Legumes
-White rice -Beans-Canned or Bagged
-Masaharina (corn flour) or farina
Canned Goods
-Tomato Sauce or Paste -Canned corn, Pigeon peas
-Canned tuna or chicken -Canned Armour Chicken Vienna Sausage
-Chicken Broth
-Nido Fortificada Dry Whole Milk Powder
with Vitamins A, C, D, Iron and Calcium*
Cooking Essentials
-Vegetable or Canola Oil
Spiced seasoning
-Adobo seasoning -Sazon packets
-Instant coffee
-Klass Aguas Frescas Horchata with vitamin C,
multiserve, powdered drink mix*
-Klass Aguas Frescas Hibiscus with vitamin C,
multiserve, powdered drink mix*
Diapers
-Newborn and sizes 6 and 7
Other Items
-Paper Towels – single roll – any brand
-Toilet Paper – single roll – any brand
-Liquid Dish Soap – 28 oz. – Ajax -Liquid-Hand-Soap-28-fl-oz
-Liquid Hand Soap – 7.5oz. – Dial -Liquid-Hand-Soap-28-fl-oz
-Laundry Detergent – 40 oz. – Ajax or any brand
Fragrance-Laundry-Detergent-Original-40-oz-25-Loads
-Body Bar Soap – Individual – any brand
-Toothbrush – packs of 4 or more – any brand
-Toothpaste – Large any brand
Fellowship Ministry
A huge “Thank You” to all who brought in backpacks and school supplies to be donated to students in need! Our first round went to Shaker’s Family and Community Engagement team for distribution at Shaker’s Back to School BBQ in early August. The second batch will be taken to the Mound Stem School, part of Cleveland Metropolitan School District, along with Plymouth’s contributions. Plymouth has had a relationship with the Mound School for many years and we’re glad to contribute supplies for the students there.
HCC has always placed a high value on children and youth and education, so it is no surprise we’re generous in word and deed. It feels good knowing we’re helping many nearby students get the most out of their education, without worrying whether they have the needed notebook or pencil. Thank you for your “Love In Action.”
Apple picking
After church on Sunday, September 27 
Lay Preaching Academy
PURPOSE: To provide some tools to assist laypersons in researching and writing a sermon. Led by Rev. Philip Hunt, a pastor of 47 years in the Disciples of Christ and has had standing in the UCC. Rev. Hunt serves as a Regional Elder for the Christian Church in Ohio.
WHEN: Saturday, September 12th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
WHERE: Central Christian Church (Disciples of Christ and UCC) 731 Main Street, Coshocton, Ohio
REGISTRATION: By September 5th
Email your name, congregation and phone # to Rev. Hunt atphunt3@roadrunner.com
The event itself is FREE. Lunch will be provided and there will be a free-will offering to help cover the cost.
PREPARATION: Read Matthew 18:21-35, the Gospel lectionary lesson for September 13th. Some resources will be provided to assist small groups to write a brief sermon by the end of the day.
Regional Book Study continues
Our Regional Minister, Rev. Allen Harris, will continue to convene a monthly discussion of the book Thriving Church: What We Can Learn from Thriving Congregations by Rev. Dr. Erin Cash and Rev. Dr. Kory Wilcoxson. Members of Disciples congregations all around the region of Ohio gather monthly on Zoom for a stimulating conversation about a chapter in the book. On August 27 at 7 pm we discussed how Thriving Churches are Generous; and on September 24, we’ll discuss how Thriving Churches are Flexible. You’re invited to join one or all the monthly discussions. Contact Allen Harris for the link.
THRIVE Fall 2026 Sign Up for Information Program Overview
PATH OF MIRACLES September 25-27, 2026 A shared journey of fortitude, reflection, and transformation.
On September 25–27, 2026, the choir will present Path of Miracles, Joby Talbot’s 2005 semi-staged contemporary choral work tracing the Camino de Santiago. Drawing on medieval texts, Catholic liturgy, and sung in seven languages, the piece weaves global musical influences into a moving meditation on endurance and unity, creating a shared journey of fortitude, reflection, and transformation.
Inspired by themes of pilgrimage and search for connection, a portion of all pay what you wish ticket funds will be directed to the Interfaith Group Against Hate. IGAH is a group of faith-based congregations from multiple religious traditions who have joined together to combat rising hate and White Supremacy through research, education, building of relationships across barriers, mutual aid and action. A pre-concert talk will be given 30 minutes prior to each performance. Reserve pay what you wish tickets at this link: https://clevelandchamberchoir.org/path-of-miracles-september-25-27-2026/ or by emailing info@clevelandchamberchoir.org.
- Friday, Sept. 25, 7:30pm, First Lutheran Church, 1019 W. 5th St., Lorain
- Saturday, Sept. 26, 7:30pm, Trinity Cathedral, 2230 Euclid Ave., Cleveland
- Sunday, Sept. 27, 4:00pm, Christ Presbyterian Church, 530 Tuscarawas St. W., Canton
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, September 2 – 1:00 pm in room 102 at Plymouth Church. We will discuss the book, Snow in August by Pete Hamill. In October we will be discussing the book Eleanor of Avignon by Elizabeth DeLosier. 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. Please contact Nancy Carpenter for more information.
Meditative Arts Group
Because of travel plans, we will be meeting on the fifth Wednesday – September 30th, and we will meet in the Atrium at Plymouth Church from 1:00-3:00. Everyone is welcome to join us for a relaxing afternoon and enjoy some meditative music. A Zentangle project will be provided for those who enjoy drawing and coloring, but you are also welcome to bring another quiet activity of your choice – knitting, crocheting, painting, sketching, etc. Come join us for a quiet, meditative time of fellowship and relaxation.
Lunch Club
Wednesday, September 16 at 12:30pm
Lunch Club in Fellowship Hall
Join us for a homemade lunch and fellowship, as well as a discussion around data centers. We will watch a video that powerfully shows one community’s struggle against a giant polluting data center, and learn about how we can be involved in advocating for vulnerable communities. The suggested donation for lunch is $10. RSVP to Pastor Dillon at dshipman@plymouthchurchucc.org or the sign-up sheet in the Welcome Center by September 13, which is necessary for food preparation. [Note: This program will be repeated after worship on Sept. 20. ]
Mid-Week Meditations
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!
September
6 – Ed Hill 12 – Martha Cubberley 12 – Sandy Jones
15 – Roger Careaga 17 – Donna Mattox 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 Durham 14 – Alex Osgood
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 on our list. We want to celebrate you!