February 1, 2021
East Shore Unitarian Universalist Church  10848 Chillicothe Rd. Kirtland, Ohio 44094
Church Building Remains Temporarily Closed
 
The church building will remain temporarily closed to all due to the Covid-19 pandemic until further notice; except church staff, facilities chair and vendors, Board members, the Assistant Treasurer, and those involved in the production of electronic Sunday services.
 
Exceptions by the Board of Trustees will be made on a "one off" basis for restrictive opening.
Rev's Reflections

Along with thousands of other Unitarian Universalist leaders, I just received the latest pastoral letter from Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association.  It was a letter about where we stand in the pandemic, reminding us that it’s still unsafe for us to gather in large numbers.
 
She doesn’t say so in her letter, but across the nation public health officials are clear about one thing:  while masks have proven to be more effective in stopping the spread of the virus than we ever thought possible a year ago, the least safe place we can be is indoors with a large group of people. As things start opening up and life returns to normal, it’s clear to me that the last places to get back to business as usual will be those where groups of 25 or more gather closely: arenas, theaters, and houses of worship. 
 
In her letter, she talks about the good that has been born during this near-year of physical distancing and online worshiping.
 
I have witnessed a remarkable blossoming in many of our UU communities during this pandemic. There is an increased focus on community care and interdependence in how we approach ministry within and across congregations. Because of how quickly we moved online, there is unprecedented access to our ministry. Leaders are asking innovative questions about membership and ongoing virtual community now that participation is not bound to buildings or physical location.
 
Notice she says that “innovative questions about membership and ongoing virtual community” are being asked.  All across our association of congregations, everyone is asking those questions, in every venue available, and I have yet to hear of anyone that has any concrete answers!
 
The truth is, we don’t know how things will be, because we aren’t there yet.  We don’t know how many of the people who have begun joining us online will drive out to Kirtland to meet us in person under the Beacon.  We don’t know how many long-term members will have developed different Sunday morning “habits of the heart” that keep them from returning.  We don’t know how many of us will prefer to stay home and watch the service online, even as others of us feel safe enough to return.
 
We also haven’t figured out exactly how to navigate all of the limitations of staffing and live-streamed online worship to create services that are equally engaging for folks gathered under the Beacon and folks watching at home.
 
Most of the time, when I think about all of these things, I get excited.  I love change.  I enjoy the challenge of coming up with thoughtful and creative solutions to real world problems.  I relish new traditions that are response to an ever-evolving understanding of humanity.
 
But I also know change is hard when we benefit from the ways we’ve always done things.  My hope for the future of East Shore and our Association of Congregations is that we may hold lovingly to the past as we imagine new ways of creating the Beloved Community we’ve always strived to be, as we protect the most vulnerable among us.
 
In Peace,
Rev Denis


Upcoming RE Events

 

CLASSES

February

  • Wednesday 3 – FWN 6:00 pm
  • Tuesday 2 – Project 1619 at 7:00 pm
  • Sunday 7 – Zoom class at 12 noon
  • Sunday 14 - Zoom class at 12 noon
  • Tuesday 16 – Project 1619 at 7:00 pm
  • Thursday 18 – Circle of Mom
  • Saturday 20 – Art of Spirituality
  • Sunday 21 – Zoom class at 12 noon
  • Tuesday 23 – Tuesday Theme Class at 7:00 pm
  • Sunday 28 – Zoom class at 12 noon
  • Sunday 28 – Developing Our Faith Team Meeting at 1 pm
Church Events – Everything will be on Zoom until future notice

SOCIAL JUSTICE PROJECTS

The foodbank at Old South Church needs volunteers.  Especially strong backs on Thursdays when deliveries happen.  If you would like to help, please contact Halcyon.

If you would like to participate in Geauga SOGI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity) Support Network, please contact Minna Zelch or email geaugasogi@gmail.com.  Geauga SOGI Support Network was started by a group of people including Minna and August Zelch.  Their mission statement is: Working together with individuals, families, friends, and the Geauga community to embrace Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity. We support each other through collaboration, education, and advocacy.  You do NOT have to live in Geauga to participate.  

GATHERINGS

FIRST WEDNESDAY NIGHT:
1st Wednesday every month 6:00pm on Zoom

CIRCLE OF MOM:
3rd Thursday every month 6:30pm on Zoom
I can’t supply the chocolate or the flowers, but we can still come together for conversation.  I will send everyone a link before the gathering each month. 
 
SPIRITUALITY OF ART:
3rd Saturday every month at noon on Zoom

Gather any art supplies, it can be as simple as a pen and a piece of paper, it could be what you are knitting, sewing, sculpting or whatever.  We will connect on Zoom and create art in our own space together.  We can still talk and share and listen to music or just share the moment in quiet.  I will send everyone a link before the gathering each month. 

THEME TUESDAY:
Last Tuesday of the month at 7:00-8:30 pm
This is an adult class 16 years and up.  We will be discussing that month’s theme and explore how it is a part of our spiritual lives. Please let Halcyon know you would like to participate so she can send any materials for each class. 

PERSONAL NOTE

Due to the radical changes in our world, I just want to let everyone know that if you need someone to talk to, give me a call.  I will listen if you need.  I will joke if you need.  I will share if you need.  My phone number is 440-708-4596.  -Halcyon
UPDATES FROM THE BOARD
 
Hi everyone!
 
I wanted to take a few minutes and provide some updates on what your East Shore board has been working on this month…
 
Lightning Strike
As you are most likely aware, East Shore was struck by lightning in October.  Thankfully, no one was injured, the damages were not as severe as they could have been, and our insurance has covered the repair/replacement costs.  Repairs are ongoing and will hopefully be completed soon.  A HUGE thank you to Shirley Hairston for heading up this entire ordeal.  She’s been a true rock star (and probably knows more about electrical systems and HVAC units than she ever wanted!) and we’re very lucky to have her.
 
Steinway Piano Donation
Thanks to our sister congregation, Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Cleveland (a/k/a Shaker Heights), East Shore is the proud recipient of a donated Steinway piano!  It is the source of that amazing music that is heard during our online Sunday services.  I can’t wait until we can gather back under the Beacon and be able to hear this beautiful instrument played in person.
 
American Red Cross Blood Drives
After the incredible success of our bi-monthly Ralph Friedman Memorial Blood Drives, the American Red Cross asked East Shore to host monthly drives.  After discussion, the board has decided to proceed with this request.  For those concerned, the American Red Cross has comprehensive liability insurance which covers these drives so there is no exposure to East Shore should someone be exposed to COVID or is hurt.  As they clean up after each blood drive, there isn’t an impact on our cost of “COVID cleaning” in the week after.  So, if you are able, please consider donating at any of these blood drives!
 
Journey Council/Restructuring
The Journey Council Core Group have been meeting regularly regarding the restructuring format for East Shore.  We have suggested that we not fully implement the transaction to the new structure until at least September 2021, as there are still a few teams that need more time to complete their restructure process.  The Journey Council Core Group and the Board will keep everyone posted on updates as they become available.
 
Ministerial Search
As everyone is aware, Rev. Denis’ contract ends 06/30/2021 and it has been decided to not be renewed.  A Developmental Ministerial Search Committee has been convened and is meeting regularly, to figure out the myriad needs of East Shore and working with UUA about finding a suitable candidate.  The committee will keep the congregation posted. 
 
Stewardship Campaign
Guess what’s coming up?  Yes, the annual East Shore Stewardship Campaign!  Please be on the lookout for information from Mary Mason, our board Vice Chair who is also the chair of the Stewardship Committee.
 
February 2021 Board Meeting
The next East Shore board meeting is scheduled for Sunday 02/14/2021 at 1:30pm via Zoom.  If you would like to attend, please email me (stewmcg@sbcglobal.net) and I will make sure you’re on the Zoom invite!
 
Hope everyone is staying healthy!
 
Happy January!
Mary Stewart-McGovern
Board Chair
ESUUC



Social Justice Zoom Café

 

Zoom Café to take up 1619 Project
 
Beginning in February, Black History Month, the East Shore Social Justice Zoom Café will be leading a Discussion Workshop on the 1619 Project.  The 1619 Project is a collection of historical and analytical articles as well as poetry, and photography documenting the lives of African-Americans from 1619 to the present.
 
1619 is the year the first Africans were brought to the American British colonies as slaves. 
 
The Workshop explores how African-American history, begun in slavery, has shaped the lives of generations up to the present and how African Americans have shaped life for ALL Americans, including how they have shaped and influenced our democracy.
 
Please consider joining this Zoom Café Workshop every first and third Tuesday of each month, from 7-8:30 p.m., beginning February 2.  If you are interested, please sign up by emailing Ron Prosek, Chair of the Social Justice Council @ rprosek@earthlink.net.  Materials will then be emailed to you in preparation for the workshops.
 
Black History Month is a good time for us to deepen our understanding of the African-American experience that impacts so much of contemporary American life.  Please join us in February.
 
BEVERAGES
 &
BANTER


 

February Gatherings

  • Thursday, Feb 4 @ 2:00 pm
  • Saturday, Feb 6 @ 10:00 am
  • Wednesday, Feb 10 @ 7:00 pm
  • Tuesday, Feb 16 @ 2:00 pm
  • Friday, Feb 19 @ 10:00 am
  • Wednesday, Feb 24 @ 4:00 pm
  • Saturday, Feb 27 @ 12:00 pm
The dates and times of Beverages and Banter gatherings via zoom are subject to change or cancellation.  We do the best we can to schedule in advance, but due to the limitations of our Zoom accounts, and the preference that must be given to committee work, changes may be necessary.
 
Links to the Zoom meetings will be sent out via email a few days prior and just before each gathering.  If you need a link, please contact Rev Denis, minister@eastshore.org

February Loose Offerings

UU SCHOLARSHIP FUND
 
Half of our loose offerings in February are shared with our Scholarship Fund, which supports participation in UU related programs and events. For instance, it could provide financial aid for pastoral care training or for facilitator training for Our Whole Lives/Sexuality and Our Faith (OWL). It can also provide help to attend national or regional events, including the UUA General Assembly in Rhode Island (June 24-28), and the Central East Region Summer Institute (July 12-18). Summer Institute is being held near Pittsburgh this year. It is a family friendly UU camp of more than 600 UUs from around the district and beyond.

East Shore Unitarian Universalist Church

10848 Chillicothe Rd.
Kirtland, Ohio 44094

Rev. Denis Letourneau Paul, Development Minister

We are a welcoming congregation!

Sunday service at 10:30 am
Please stay for our coffee hour right after the service. 

Quick Links: 

Calendar
RE Corner 
Birthdays 
Mission & Board 
 

Worship

 
Services @10:30 am,
unless noted
 
Sunday Worships
Facebook/EastShoreUUChurch

Wednesday Morning Prayer Circles
6:15 AM

Past services are now available at
 

Rev. Denis Letourneau Paul 

Office Hours: 

Tuesday:  12:00 – 4:00 pm

Church Office Hours:

Tuesday thru Friday
9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
 BEACON issue archive
Click
HERE 

To find out what's going on in our region, see the
Central East Region Website HERE.

Tues, Feb 2
7:00 pm The 1619 Project-Zoom

Wed, Feb 3
6:15 am Prayer Circle-Facebook
6:00 pm First Wednesday Night-Zoom


Thu, Feb 4
2:00 pm Beverages & Banter-Zoom

Sat, Feb 6
10:00 am Beverages & Banter-Zoom

Sun, Feb 7
10:30 am Sunday Service-Facebook
10:45 am Coffee Hour-Zoom

12:00 pm Faith Development, All ages-Zoom
2:30 pm Our Sisters' Keepers-Zoom


Mon, Feb 8
7:00 pm Men's Group-Zoom

Wed, Feb 10
6:15 am Prayer Circle-Facebook
6:30 pm Finance Committee Meeting-Zoom
6:30 pm COM Meeting-Zoom

7:00 pm Beverages & Banter-Zoom

Thu, Feb 11
7:30 pm Worship Arts Meeting-Zoom

Sun, Feb 14
10:30 am Sunday Service-Facebook
10:45 am Coffee Hour-Zoom

12:00 pm Faith Development, All ages-Zoom
1:30 pm Board Meeting-Zoom


Tues, Feb 16
2:00 pm Beverages & Banter-Zoom
7:00 pm The 1619 Project-Zoom

Wed, Feb 17
6:15 am Prayer Circle-Facebook

Thu, Feb 18
6:30 pm Circle of Mom-Zoom

Fri, Feb 19
10:00 am Beverages & Banter-Zoom

Sat, Feb 20
12:00 pm Spirituality of Art

Sun, Feb 21
10:30 am Sunday Service-Facebook
10:45 am Coffee Hour-Zoom

12:00 pm Faith Development, All ages-Zoom

Tue, Feb 23
7:00 pm Theme Tuesday

Wed, Feb 24
6:15 am Prayer Circle-Facebook
4:00 pm Beverages & Banter-Zoom

Sat, Feb 27
10:30 am Fourth Saturday Small Group
12:00 pm Beverages & Banter-Zoom

Sun, Feb 28
10:30 am Sunday Service-Facebook
10:45 am Coffee Hour-Zoom

12:00 pm Faith Development, All ages-Zoom
1:00 pm Faith Development Meeting-Zoom

Full Calendar

Happy Birthday!


February
 
  4 - Gayle Swaine
  5 - Florida Domanski
       Dale Luckwitz
10 - Ethan Guizlo
14 - Daniel Bond
17 - Diane Seifert
18 - Barbara Freed
22 - John Steinback  
24 - Audrey Waldman
  
Need a birthday added?
Email Linda: esuucoffice@gmail.com

Don't Forget!

Food Collection is on the First Sunday of each month
 
Odd months are donated to the Salvation Army in Painesville

Even months are donated to the Food Pantry at Old South Church in Kirtland

 
Cash donations are also accepted.
Clothing Donation Shed
is OPEN
Remember to use the clothing bin in the back parking lot.
 
Items Accepted:
Clothing, shoes, belts, purses, linens, pillowcases, blankets, curtains and stuffed animals.
East Shore receives funds based on these donations.

Prayer Circle

Currently online at
Facebook/EastShoreUUChurch 
Wednesday Mornings,
6:15 to 6:45 AM
.
Box Tops for Education 
 
Don’t forget to bring in your box tops and drop them in the convenient box in the Narthex.

All money earned goes to support RE programs.
Getting your news into the ESUUC BEACON

You can email your news to esuucoffice@gmail.com.  

Please include your text in the body of your email, OR attach a WORD document (.doc or .docx). 
If you have pictures you would like to include, attach them separately as .jpg /.png /.gif, etc. files.
Submit your news at least 3-4 days prior to publication (before the 1st & 15th of each month)
 
Have questions? Contact Church Secretary, Linda Work.
All BEACON submissions are subject to the Beacon Policy, which you can find here:  https://eastshore.org/members/beacon-policy/  

IT IS THE MISSION OF EAST SHORE UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH:

  • to offer a loving, joyful, accepting religious community where the right to freedom of belief is unfettered by any prescribed creed, and where our liberal religious tradition is made accessible to all;
  • to provide support for the individual in a free and disciplined search for religious and ethical values that enrich our lives;
  • to provide religious education for children and adults, which enables self-knowledge, respect for others, and awareness of the interdependent web of existence of which we are but a part;
  • to celebrate together rites of passage through the great and profound moments of life;
  • to affirm Unitarian Universalist principles by reaching out to the greater community to promote truth, justice, responsibility, and love in the world. 

Board of Trustees Members 

For a Complete list of all Committees and Chairs:  SEE HERE

The Covenant of the East Shore Unitarian Universalist Board of Trustees

UPDATED for 2019-20
We covenant to:                                  
Love, Revere, Discover and Connect
Facebook
Facebook
Twitter
Twitter
EastShore.org
EastShore.org
Email
Email
YouTube ESUUC
YouTube ESUUC
Copyright © 2021 East Shore Unitarian Universalist Church, All rights reserved.


Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp