Unitarian Church of Cleveland
E-Blast and
RE-Connect
August 30, 2015
As our continued quest to be good stewards of the earth, we have begun sending electronic versions of the Monthly Newsletter,  The Unitarian.  The document enclosed in this email is the weekly e-Blast, which relates only the information that is pertinent to the next 2 weeks, or so.  

Take a few minutes to peruse, sign up, and learn more! Remember that any word that is underlined and in teal is a link, either to another website or to an email address. Happy reading!

Now that school is back in session, turn your attention to your child's inner growth and development! Register for  Youth Religious Education today!  We ask that families register in advance in order to best serve you and your family. 
Don't put it off any longer!   REGISTER HERE!  

Sunday Service
AUGUST 30
11:00 AM

"Side By Side"
Mark Weber
Kathie Kitchingham Retiring 
After working at our church for 46 years (a member now for 56), Kathie Kitchingham is retiring as our Membership Coordinator.  Her last working Sunday will be August 30.  As per Kathie's request to keep things low-key, we will have a celebratory cake at Coffee Hour and present her with a Memory Book.   Join us to celebrate Kathie's work for our congregation!
Chancel Flowers
If you would like to donate flowers to decorate the Chancel on a particular Sunday beginning in  September, contact Julie Short at 216-409-0240 or abbey216@aol.com.  When using email please 
indicate "chancel flowers" in the subject line. 
 
Dedications can be in memory of a loved one or to celebrate a happy event.  Flowers are $65.
Fall Building Hours
RESUME AUGUST 24

Beginning Monday, August 24 the building hours will be:
Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 9:00 pm
Saturday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Sunday   9:00 am - 3:00 pm
UU Ohio Justice Assembly 
SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14 
10:00 am - 3:00 pm 
First UU Church, Columbus

Working Together for Justice:
Lunch D iscussion for Peacemakers interest group.
Keynote:  Rev. Susan Richie. Love is the Doctrine:  A Theological History of UU Social Action in the Buckeye State
Workshops    Racial Justice; Environmental Justice;  Economic Justice; Reproductive Justice;  Skills for Organizing; Corporate Personhood, Social Justice + Elections.
Walk to Stop Executions
OCTOBER 4-10, 2015 

Abolitionists from Ohio and beyond will walk from the Lucasville prison where death row inmates are executed to the Statehouse in Columbus. The 7-day, 83-mile walk will feature evening programs in Portsmouth, Chillicothe, Circleville, and Columbus for walkers to engage local communities in conversations about ending capital punishment.

Those unable to participate in the full walk can join the final 2.5-mile leg, 10 am at 1500 South 4th St. on  Saturday October 10 , the World Day Against the Death Penalty, or attend the  12 noon rally at Trinity Episcopal  Church, 125 E. Broad St.  across from the Capitol.

For more information about the schedule, walking route, programs, endorsement or registration, click here.
Don't Hide That Talent Under a Bushel!
If you have the ability to sing or play an instrument, we would love to have you share that talent with the congregation. Or maybe you know a friend or family member who is "ready for prime time". Either way, our new music director Mike Carney is on the lookout for musicians of all types...whether you've performed at church before, and whether you're into Berlioz or The Beatles, Charlie Daniels or Charlie Parker, Soundgarden or Sondheim, we will find a way for you to make music at First Church! Just get in touch with Mike at 216-751-2320, ext 23 or email Mike@firstunitariancleveland.org to get the ball rolling. We can't wait to hear what you've got!
COA Mentor Orientation is DELAYED
AUGUST 29
2:00 PM

We are still confirming Coming of Age mentors and thus finalizing the last details of this year's program. We want all of our mentors to start off on the same foot, at the same time, so we will not have Mentor Orientation this Saturday. We will be reaching out to the mentors individually to make final arrangements.
Teacher Orientation, This Saturday!

SATURDAY, AUGUST 29
9:15 AM - 1:00 PM

9:15 am - 10 :00 am: Breakfast (come any time)
10:00 pm - 12:30: Program
12:30 pm- 1:00 pm: Breakout Groups with Teaching Teams

All volunteer teachers are asked to attend an important orientation at 9:15 am on Saturday, August 29. The YRE Committee will provide bagels and coffee at 9:15 am in Fellowship Hall.  
 
We will hand out curriculum, review classroom procedure and also allow time for teaching teams to meet and create teaching schedules.  Child care will be provided in Room 108.
YRE Pizza Kick-Off
SEPTEMBER 20TH
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

The annual YRE Pizza Kick-Off will be in the evening this year to satisfy the request of many of you for a pizza and game night event. What better way to deepen our ties within the YRE community? Please join us!  Registration is not required, but a head count is appreciated. Email Sarah to add your name here.  Please include "YRE Pizza Kick-Off Count" in the subject line.
Closed Labor Day
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

The Church will be closed on Monday, September 7 in observance of Labor Day.
Ingathering
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 13

Come together with Rev. Daniel Budd as we begin another Church year with music on the portico at 10:30 am. Join us to reunite and renew ourselves in the midst of our liberal religious community. This is a service for all ages. More information in the September issue of The Unitarian.
Summer Pledges
During the carefree months of summer don't forget about the church. Please be sure to send in your July and August pledges as we need to keep things running throughout the summer.  Thank you!
Choir News
Our choir practices on Wednesday evenings at 7:30.- all are welcome! If you have any questions, call music director Mike Carney at 216-751-2320, ext 23 or email  Mike@firstunitariancleveland.org   .
Meet our Killam Intern and New Music Director!
SEPTEMBER 13, INGATHERING
COFFEE HOUR

We know you will want to be at Ingathering Sunday, Sept. 13, as our new Music Director, Mike Carney, begins his tenure with us. But that's not all! We will also be welcoming our first Killam Intern, Valerie Freseman, during the service and at Coffee Hour following. The welcome reception is being planned by her Intern Committee: Roland Moore & Jean Ellsworth Wolk, co-facillitators, Mark Weber, Betty Root, Tracy Segall, and the Rev. Patricia Shelden (ministerial consultant).

Have  you been too busy to sign you kids up for Youth Religious Education? We don't put it off any longer! We ask you to register so that we can provide the very best for you and your family. 
First Day of Classes
SEPTEMBER 20
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM

Youth Religious Education (YRE) will begin on September 20th. Please begin in the Sanctuary, the teachers will collect the students and take them to their respective classrooms after a 20 minute inter-generational service. 
Contact Us
First Unitarian Church of Cleveland

Sneak Peek 
YRE CALENDAR
September 13: Ingathering
September 19: COA Student/Parent orientation, 10:00 AM
September 20: 1st Day of RE, 11:00 AM in Sanctuary, 11:20 AM brought to classrooms
September 20: Meet the Teachers, 10:35 am - 10:50 am; 12:00 pm - 12:15 pm
September 26: COA Overnight and Parent Small Group Ministry, 3:30 pm
September 27: RE Classes