Posts
All Comments
Children, tweens and teens alike (K-12) are invited to build and decorate their very own Gingerbread House, just in time for the holidays.
All materials – gingerbread, candy and frosting – will be provided, but RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED by DECEMBER 9th! Contact Amy Wheatley at 4wheatleys@sbcglobal.net or call the church at 216.421.1200.
Take advantage of this opportunity to meet the 56th Mayor of Cleveland, Frank Jackson, who will speak about his years in office and answer questions. He appears as part of our MENS group's Community Forum – a series of presentations featuring high-profile members of the Greater Cleveland community.
Mr. Jackson began his tenure as Mayor of Cleveland in January, 2006. His focus is on ensuring that the city offers an excellent quality of life for every resident, business and visitor. Plan now to attend this informative session.
What better way to experience the music and message of Christmas than with traditional carols, shared meals and candlelight services! This Advent season our church offers a variety of meaningful activities for individuals and families alike.
Dec.
2: A SPIRITUAL SUNDAY — Worship features the spiritual, “Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning,” with our Liturgical Dancers.
5: A SERVICE OF HEALING AND WHOLENESS — In the midst of all the holiday hype, take time to step into a quiet, safe setting, where words of promise and hope help heal the hurts that the holidays often bring to the surface. We gather at 7:00pm.
9: A FAMILY POTLUCK — Join us in the Great Hall following Sunday worship for an all-church potluck and carol sing. Make this a wonderful opportunity to enjoy food, song and fellowship with family and friends. There will be Christmas surprises for children and the “young at heart” alike! Click HERE for more information.
16: A NATIVITY SUNDAY AND MUSEUM TOUR — Save this Sunday for a very special Advent experience. Enjoy various nativity sets on display before and after church, as members share why each setting holds such meaning for them.
Following worship, spend an enlightening afternoon at the Cleveland Museum of Art, where we view “Art of the Nativity.” Museum-goers can enjoy lunch at church following worship, then walk or carpool to the museum where we gather at 1:30 p.m. to begin our tour, led two museum docents who are members of our congregation. Dr. Chalker will accompany us, providing Biblical commentary and insight. Reservations for lunch and the tour are required. RSVP to Heather Howard at 216-421-1200 or hhoward@churchinthecircle.com.
23: A CANTATA — Sunday worship includes the cantata, “Come Ye Faithful: A Service of Carols” by Hal H. Hopson. This lesson in carols is based on the theme, Witnesses to the Nativity, and includes nine familiar carols. Our Chancel Choir is joined in performance by pipe organ, flute, string quartet and percussion.
But now, quietly, Upper Chester is stirring.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development recently signaled that it is willing to change those deed restrictions, making a project possible. And a developer says the time is right with strikingly low interest rates and other financing that might dry up in a year.
City officials express a similar sense of urgency. They're vetting a proposal from the Finch Group, the Florida developer that has been chasing Upper Chester for half a decade. The company's plans, for the $94 million first phase of the project, call for 295 apartments, a grocery store and senior housing.
"Now is a good time to move on this," said Chris Warren, chief of regional development for Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson. "We would not want to delay this two years, because who knows what the climate will be two years from now."
The Finch Group, which owns the nearby Park Lane Villa apartments, is targeting 38 acres of Upper Chester, bounded by East 93rd and East 101st streets and stretching north from Chester toward Hough Avenue. The city of Cleveland owns much of the land, once occupied by houses and low-income apartments.
Following worship this Sunday, Dr. Chalker and many members of our congregation leave for Lakeside, Ohio to participate in our denomination’s Annual Conference which begins on Monday and ends on Thursday, June 21. Some of the week’s activities will be available to you through the Internet:
9:30a Mon. June 18 Commemoration & Communion Service 4:00p Mon. June 18 State of the Conference Presentation 7:30p Mon. June 18 Retirement Service 8:00a Tues. June 19 Worship Service 11:00a Tues. June 19 Episcopal/Cabinet address 7:30p Tues. June 19 Service of Commissioning & Ordination 8:00a Wed. June 20 Worship Service 8:00a Thurs. June 21 Worship ServiceYou also can access the live stream feed from the conference home page, www.eocumc.com and daily recaps, features and photos will also be posted on this website. If that isn’t enough, this year for the first time, you can even follow Conference events on Twitter at #eoac12.Maybe President Barack Obama's motivation for "coming out" and affirming his support for same-sex marriage was politically calculated. Perhaps the president's statement, as hard as it may be to imagine, had nothing to do with politics. Maybe the president's statement supporting an opportunity for a lesbian or gay couple to enter into a legally recognized, binding, civil, marriage covenant and contract was an expression of his true conviction.
But whatever his motivation, Obama's statement of support for same-sex marriage is far more genuine than the unholy response of opposition his statement has received from too many clergy. Ordained pastors thundering their opposition based on their view that God, through the Bible, teaches that marriage is between one man and one woman are just wrong.
Such a view is at best shoddy, biblical scholarship. At worst, it is a very cruel lie.
The Christian Bible contains remembered stories, teachings, written memories of historical events and settings which -- in some places in the text -- had their origin in traditions that were over 4,000 years old by the time of Jesus' birth. In all that time, the rules of engagement as well as the definition and practice of marriage changed a number of times.
So, to assert that the Bible reveals an unchanging and unchanged definition and practice of marriage is a monstrous fabrication. Then, to go on and claim in the very same breath that the Bible advocates the civil practices of marriage as understood and defined by Western culture in the 21st century is just plain holy smoke.
For the most part, marriage in the ancient world of Palestine and in the days of Jesus' physical presence on earth was all about ownership of property, lines of inheritance and the recognized status of the landed, ruling class of a carefully defined economic and religious class of men. It had nothing to do -- unless by happy, unintended consequences -- with a relationship of mutual love and emotional support.
In terms of legal status, spiritual value and sexual behavior, women were not valued or protected in the same way as men. It is why Jesus challenged this spiritual and civil discrepancy by, among other things, intervening in the stoning of the woman "caught" in the act of adultery, (government in the bedroom again) challenging the way in which divorce was practiced and by embracing children not as property but as being the best living example of the nature of the kingdom of God.
The Bible does not teach marriage as being between one man and one woman in a covenant of exclusive, spiritual and legal mutuality as well as an expectation of sexual fidelity. This is why Jesus was so clear in challenging the excessive and repressive practices of civil marriage that abused women and which were sanctioned by the all-male priesthood.
What is of greater importance to various writers of the 39 books of the Hebrew Bible and the 27 books of the Christian New Testament than a definition of marriage is the value and integrity of committed relationships. In regard to this critically important teaching, we still struggle in getting it right. And if anything, perhaps too many of us clergy, as well as many others, are not practicing what the Bible actually teaches.
One more time and for the record: Clergy preaching that the Bible, in the name of God, defines marriage as between one man and one woman are wrong. Further, the hostility, self-righteous bigotry and condemnation of gay and lesbian couples that their "priestly" comments enflame are examples of the very same religious bigotry that Jesus challenged 2,000 years ago.
What the Bible really teaches is the importance of a loving, committed relationship that liberates the heart and soul from the power of hate, loneliness and despair.
Are we not all entitled to have such a relationship recognized and protected by law? I believe such a relationship is already blessed under heaven.
The Rev. Kenneth W. Chalker is the senior pastor of University Circle United Methodist Church in Cleveland.
The publication is one of just five new books to date, heralding the beginning of a new national “Legendary Locals” series by Arcadia Publishing of Columbia, S.C., publishers of the widely-known “Images of America” series.
“There are probably two hundred or more notable Bereans, living and deceased,” in the book, Mote said, explaining that Arcadia “wanted at least a third of the people in it to be contemporaries.”
William “Bill” Allman, founder and director of the Berea Summer Theatre; Cleveland Browns football legend Lou “The Toe” Groza; former Mayor John “Jack” Kafer and his wife, Joan; the Revs. John Garrity and Leroy McCreary; local historian Betsy Menzel; former Baldwin-Wallace College President Alfred Bryan “A.B.” Bonds and his wife, Georgianne; Dr. Ed White; and the late John Michael Tebelak, of “Godspell” fame, are among those appearing in the book.
Barbara Snyder, President of Case Western Reserve University, is our MENS Group Forum Speaker next Sunday, May 6, at 9:30am.
Ms. Snyder holds a bachelor's degree in sociology from The Ohio State University and a law degree from the University of Chicago. Before becoming President of CWRU in 2007, she was the Executive Vice-President and Provost of The Ohio State University. During her tenure as President of CWRU, the university has overcome a $20 million budget deficit, increased fundraising by nearly $60 million, and increased research dollars by more than $15 million.
University Circle United Methodist Church
1919 E. 107th Street at Chester
We will welcome Bishop Sally Dyck and Sarah Ehrman to UCUMC on Sunday. They are the authors of A Hopeful Earth: Faith, Science, and the Message of Jesus, which focuses on questions of faith, science and responsibility in our relationship to God’s creation.
Join us at 9:30 a.m. in the Yoder Room as Bishop Dyck and Ms. Ehrman ask us to consider “Would Jesus Bless This Food?” We acknowledge the importance of food in our biblical faith but would Jesus bless the food that we are producing and eating?
Join us for worship at 11:00 a.m., when Bishop Dyck will share the morning message, “Practicing Resurrection.” The morning’s scripture is John 20:19-31.
Sally Dyck is a Bishop of the Minnesota Conference of the United Methodist Church. Prior to her election as Bishop in 2004, she served the faith communities of Church of the Redeemer and Garfield Memorial United Methodist Church. Sarah Ehrman is an educator specializing in environmental science with high school students in Napa, CA. She is Sally’s niece and the daughter of UMUMC members Jane and Jim Ehrman.
Palm/Passion Sunday – April 1, 11am. Commemorate Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem amid waving palm branches and shouts of "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord." And then, before the end of this service, listen for the distant shouts of "Crucify him!"
Maundy Thursday – April 5, 7:30pm. This contemplative Maundy Thursday communion service of Impending Shadows remembers Jesus' Last Supper with his disciples. "Maundy" comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning "commandment" and referring to the new commandment Jesus gave his disciples at the Last Supper…to love one another as he had loved them (John 13:34).
Good Friday – April 6, 7:30pm. Christians around the world set aside time on this Good Friday to contemplate Christ's suffering and death on the cross. Our evening service is one of solemnity, prayer and meditation.
Easter Sunday – April 8.
8:30am – "Son-rise in the Circle" – a brief service on our south lawn.
9-10:30am – Pancake breakfast in our Great Hall.
11:00am – Alleluia! Christ is Risen! After the solemnity and sacrifice of Lent and the passion of Holy Week, join us as we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the fulfillment of his promise of life everlasting.
March Thrift Drive—Three Sundays, March 11-25
We are collecting items for Norma Herr Women's Center and the Vietnam Veterans.
For the Women's Shelter:
small toiletries (hotel-size shampoos, conditioners, lotions, soaps)
socks, flip flops
laundry soaps and cleaning supplies
diapers
And, for the Vietnam Veterans:
jewelry and eyeglasses
arts and craft supplies
cameras, clocks and radios
clothing (all styles, sizes and accessories), purses and backpacks
The Norma Herr Women's Center (NHWC) houses the largest shelter for homeless women and women with children in Cuyahoga County. Services at the NHWC are available 24/7, 365 days per year. Formerly known as the Community Women's Shelter, the NHWC recently changed its name to honor Norma Herr, a long-time resident of the shelter. Norma was an elderly woman whose courage in the face of homelessness and mental illness served as an inspiration to other residents and to staff. The NHWC also offers onsite homeless prevention services.
The Center can accommodate up to 125 women, but averages about 85 women per night. In addition to beds, the shelter provides meeting spaces, a kitchen and dining area, showers and laundry facilities and a place to access needed community resources. NHWC Program Specialists work with residents to help them achieve self sufficiency, employment, access to alcohol and other drug treatment, assistance with benefits and personal finances and ultimately access to permanent housing.
Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA) is the only congressionally chartered national Vietnam veterans service organization. Over the years, VVA has been the primary organization insisting that the U.S. Government hold up its obligation to all veterans.
The VVA is a critical support service for our returning veterans. VVA became a membership organization in 1979 and set to work on the issues it remains committed to today:
• Improving the general welfare and hospital care of all veterans, especially homeless and disabled veterans
• Assisting veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and other disabilities
• Working closely with veterans of other conflicts
• Taking the lead on women and minority veterans' issues
In order to raise much-needed funds in support of their various facilities and services to veterans and their families, VVA sells donations in bulk to various operators across the country. Your donations might be purchased by thrift operators and resold in second hand stores or shipped to developing nations to provide affordable clothing for others.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Vatican has overruled the shuttering of 13 Northeast Ohio parishes by the Cleveland Catholic Diocese, according to the Associated Press, quoting a lawyer who fought the closings.
The news service reported that attorney Peter Borre said the Vatican's Congregation of the Clergy ruled last week that Cleveland Bishop Richard Lennon had failed to follow procedure in the closings that were announced in March 2009.
The ambitious proposal would fill a gap in a market that, though flush with hospitals, museums and schools, lacks modern office buildings to house multiple tenants and enough places for visitors and residents to park.
Named Intesa -- an Italian word meaning "understanding," "agreement" or "accord" -- the development would be one of the largest in University Circle, where construction has flourished despite a rocky economy.
"We're the first to admit that in the Cleveland marketplace, the aspiration of this - it's a significant aspiration," said Chris Ronayne, president of University Circle Inc., the nonprofit group that owns most of the project site. "But we're being aspirational here. We think this is a one-of-a-kind site that has tremendous potential as a tech center."
"Red Tails" Movie Night for All Youth: On Saturday, January 28, 5:30-10pm, both Middle School and High School youth will see "Red Tails", a movie about the Tuskegee Airmen. Our beloved Art Saunders was an honored member of the Tuskegee Airmen. Seeing this movie is an opportunity to honor him and others who served the country in this way. Because the movie is rated PG-13 (for some sequences of war violence), any youth under the age of 13 must bring a signed permission slip in order to attend (see Pastor Sharon for permission slips). Those who are uncomfortable with the movie rating have the option to remain at the Garners' to view a different movie. Youth can be dropped off at the Garners' at 5:30 for pizza before we leave to view the movie at Crocker Park Cinema. After the movie there will be an opportunity for discussion before the youth are picked up from the Garners' at 10pm. Tickets are $10.50 per person. Please RSVP to Pastor Sharon or Dawn McElrath so that we can better plan for pizza and transportation.
Confirmation Update: If you are in 8th or 9th grade and are interested in being confirmed this May, please contact Pastor Sharon ASAP.
Middle School Youth Retreat: All 6th-8th Graders are encouraged to attend the winter retreat at Camp Aldersgate, February 24-26. Details are available from Pastor Sharon. Permission slip deadline is February 5.
Middle School Youth Calendar Updates:
Jan 28 - Red Tails Movie Night, 5:30-10pm, at the Garners' and Crocker Park Cinema
Jan 29 - Youth Group during worship, Neighborhood Lunch after worship
Feb 4 - Art Saunders' Memorial Service, 11am (all youth are encouraged to attend)
Feb 5 - Attend worship with your families; Deadline for retreat registration
Feb 12 - Youth Group during worship
Feb 19 - Youth Group during worship
Confirmand & Mentor Luncheon following worship
Feb 24-26 Confirmation Retreat at Camp Aldersgate
At a potluck following our 11am worship on Sunday, February 5, learn about the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) – the global humanitarian aid organization of the United Methodist Church. UMCOR is working in more than 80 countries worldwide, including the United States, to alleviate human suffering—whether caused by war, conflict or natural disaster. During this potluck event sponsored by the United Methodist Women of our church, we'll also hear about Sager Brown in Louisiana, the headquarters for UMCOR's relief supply operations which ships more than $4 million in supplies annually throughout the world with the help of more than 2,000 volunteers.
NEXT SUNDAY, JANUARY 29TH AT 9:30am – COME IN EARLY
What are the "3 simple life changes" you can make that will give you more energy, improve your mood, lighten your heart, put some bounce in your step and a smile on your face? Jane Ehrman will tell us! Come and find out - in the Yoder Room.
Top 3 Ways to Powerfully Improve Your Health – Make 2012 the year you take action with 3 simple life changes. Whether you have challenging health issues or you want to avoid health issues for as long as possible, learn how simple, small changes can make all the difference in your life. Jane Ehrman, M.Ed, lead behavioral health specialist in the Lifestyle Medicine department at the Cleveland Clinic, looks forward to helping you understand how you can make this year even better than you expect.
The often glibly spoken thought is that "we all worship the same God." This is just not true. The God who would willingly send pain, suffering and death on his/her children as a test of our loyalty, a punishment for a lack of obedience, or some twisted notion to teach us a lesson or to stick with a divine plan for us is just the product of unfortunate human thinking. It is, among other things, an effort to secure power and authority for institutional religious systems.
At age 90, Saunders still walked a few blocks daily along Superior Ave. from his apartment to his office. He died Tuesday, Dec. 27, at the Stokes VA Medical Center, at 91.
In 2007, he told The Plain Dealer about his military career and could have been talking about his civilian one, too: "The hardest part was overcoming the prejudice. There was a great effort to make it difficult for us by creating unnecessary problems, with the intent of making us fail."
The slim six-footer said he was the first African-American architect with the state of Ohio as a client. He also designed the first home for an African-American family in Shaker Heights, starting the suburb toward national leadership in voluntary integration. He created more than 20 Cleveland churches, including Mt. Pleasant Church of Christ, and many multi-unit complexes, including Rockefeller Park Towers and the Eliza Bryant Home.
Memorial service: 11 a.m. Feb. 4 at University Circle United Methodist Church, 1919 E. 107th St., Cleveland.
University Circle, Cleveland, Ohio
With a symphony orchestra, an art museum, a natural history museum and planetarium, and a botanical garden, Cleveland’s University Circle offers a wide and exciting array of ways to pass the time, enjoy some high-end food, or consume world-class culture, all within a walkable area of town that features three notable colleges. “People from the neighborhood kick off summer with Parade the Circle, a cool mishmash of people wearing artfully made costumes and paper-mache masks,” says Williams. “It is beautiful any time of year, but I was there last October, and the fall color was astounding.”
We couldn't agree more and UCUMC is happy to be a part of it.
