Town Hall Session Feedback

Thank you to all those who attended the Town Hall sessions on March 3 and 4, for asking some great questions, and for providing fantastic input as we think about our next steps as a congregation. If you were unable to attend either session, contact the church office to request a link to view the recording.

Following up, we need your input in order to make the best decision about our next steps.

TRANSITIONAL MINISTRY FEEDBACK FORM – The feedback form is at https://tinyurl.com/bddvya5vand will be open until March 18. It includes the following sections:
  • Ministerial Attributes – These are the attributes upon which we evaluate both our congregation and our ministers. All of them are important, but we would like your input on which are highest priority as we look towards our next phase in ministry. We ask that you rank them accordingly.
  • Transitional Ministry Preference – Please indicate your perspective on each potential ministry type, and also rank by preference.
  • Open-ended Feedback on Budget and Transitional Ministry – Please share as much or as little perspective here as you deem important.

ANNUAL GENEROSITY CAMPAIGN – Please submit your Annual Generosity Campaign pledge cards as soon as possible so we know what our budget parameters will be for the next fiscal year. The campaign closes on March 23, but we would be incredibly grateful if you were able to submit by March 20.

We are grateful for a community of engaged, thoughtful members and friends, and look forward to continuing to build a bright future together!

Kara Kramer
UUCK Board Moderator

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e-nUUs: February 28, 2024

CLICK HERE to read this week’s announcements.

Topics included:

March Town Hall Sessions – March 3 and 4, 2024

Messages from the Board

  • Town Hall Preread
  • Short-term Ministerial Coverage Plan
  • Our  Future
  • Our Church Building

Pastoral Care

Community Within

  • UUYJ Italian Luncheon Fundraiser – March 3, 2024
  • Peace in the Middle East, Part 2 – March 5, 2024
  • Journey of Belonging Series – March 12, 2024
  • Hobbs Hall Rental Volunteers Needed
  • Quiet Time with Hal
  • Knitting, Crochet, and Needle Point- Every Wednesday
  • Coffee Volunteers Needed to support Social Hour

Income Generation

  • Annual Church Pledge Drive – beginsMarch 3, 2024
  • Portage DD Grant Application
  • Grocery Cards

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Sunday Morning
  • Hobbs Hall
  • Social Justice

Worship and Music

  • Sunday, March 3, 2024
    • 9:15 AM In-Person All Ages Worship in the Sanctuary – A Song in My Heart 
    • 10:00 AM Lifespan Religious Exploration
    • 10:00 to 11:15 AM Community Cafe
    • 11:00 AM Multi-platform Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary and on Zoom – Voices that Transform
  • Sunday, March 10, 2024
    • 9:15 AM In-Person All Ages Worship in the Sanctuary – A Story in My Soul
    • 10:00 AM Lifespan Religious Exploration
    • 10:00 to 11:15 AM Community Cafe
    • 11:00 AM Multi-platform Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary and on Zoom –Self Compassion
  • Sunday, March 17, 2024
    • 9:15 AM In-Person All Ages Worship in the Sanctuary – The Alchemy of Ancestors 
    • 10:00 AM Lifespan Religious Exploration
    • 10:00 to 11:15 AM Community Cafe
    • 11:00 AM Multi-platform Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary and on Zoom – Not The Saint You’re Thinking Of Today
  • Multi-platform services at 11:00 AM only
  • Sunday Greeters Needed
  • Community Sing – New Days and Times

Social Justice and Community Outreach

  • Special Collection for March is the Portage Animal Protective League (how to donate) 
  • UUYJ Community Meal – Sunday, March 3, 2024
  • Middle School Free Store  

Lifespan Learning

  • Religious Exploration for Sunday, March 3, 2024

UU, Interfaith and Community 

  • Become a Happy Hour Hero – March 6,2024
  • Grey Wolves in Continental North America – March 9, 2024
  • UUA General Assembly Annual Meeting – June 20-23, 2024
  • CERSI July 7-13, 2024
  • Poll Workers Needed
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Town Hall Sessions – March 3 and 4

The Board and the Finance Committee will be hosting two Town Hall Sessions to provide the congregation with an overview of our transitional ministry options and related FY25 budget implications, and to begin to collect your feedback as to our future priorities.  These Town Hall sessions are aligned with the Pledge Campaign Kickoff and will provide important context as you consider your pledge level for the next fiscal year.

  • March 3rd, in person in the Sanctuary, after second service 
  • Monday, March 4th at 7PM via Zoom

The Board of Trustees encourages everyone to read the March Town Hall Preread prior to the sessions on March 3th and 4th.

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Order your 2024 spring flowers for Easter!

Help decorate the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent’s Sanctuary for Easter Sunday and support the UUYJ Community Meal.

Spring flowers (various colors) come 6” pots and are $10 each.  Available flowers are: Easter Lily, Daffodil, Mini Daffodil, Hyacinth, and Tulips.

Flowers will be available to take home on Sunday, March 31 following the 11 AM service.

CLICK HERE to print the order form. 

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Who Are Our Leaders?

During this time of transition, it may be helpful for folks to know who our official leaders are, and what areas they cover.

We have a Board of Trustees, led by Moderator Kara Kramer. The board members are our elected leaders and have been given the authority by us to make decisions about the future (with opportunities for members to give input).

We also have a Ministry Executive Team (MET) which includes our Administrator MaryBeth Hannan, our volunteer treasurer Lois Weir, and two other former board members, Diana D. Watt and Kathie Slater. The MET oversees our day-to-day operations and collaborates with our ministry teams.

Our Committee on Shared Ministry, led by Commissioned Lay Minister Lori Mirkin-McGee, helps us to live into our covenant by practicing faithful communication and gentleness with one another.

Our Worship Arts team plans the 11:00am traditional service and is led by Commissioned Lay Minister Kathy Kerns. Our Director of Religious Exploration Colleen Haines Thoele oversees the 9:15 all ages service and Sunday morning religious exploration, with assistance from Affiliated Community Minister Rev. Renée Ruchotzke.

Our parish minister serves as a member of all of the above leadership groups and provides a lot of the communication/coordination. In times when we don’t have a minister, the various groups make adjustments so that communication is maintained. Please give them all extra grace during the next several weeks as they make those adjustments.

Rev. Christie Anderson and Rev. Renée Ruchotzke are affiliated community ministers, and fill in as volunteers in partnership with–and are accountable to–the above leaders.

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Sad and Difficult News

We are saddened to share the news that our beloved minister, Reverend Steven, died Monday evening in the hospital following an unrelated complication, after surgery.  We know this is shocking news and we are all processing it and holding each other in love and care as we face this time of difficulty and uncertainty.  Please take a few moments to care for yourself as you receive this news. 

His obituary is available on the Bissler Funeral Home website.

We have scheduled a time for members and friends to come together on Friday night at 7PM in the sanctuary for anyone who wants to be in community as we hold each other in love and grief.  Music for gathering will begin at 6:45pm.

We know that news like this takes a long time to feel real.  We currently have plans for ministerial coverage for the short term, but also know that your staff, Board, and ministry teams are in alignment and will be ready for the next steps when that time comes.  What we do know for sure is that we are a strong and resilient community that has made it through tough times in the past. 

We love you.

There is a love holding us. 
There is a love holding all that we love. 
There is a love holding all.
We rest in this love.

If you are feeling the need to talk with someone for some personal pastoral care, please reach out to the church office, 330-673-4247 or [email protected] and we’ll connect you with someone.

In peace and love,
Kara Kramer, Board Moderator
MaryBeth, Colleen, and Emily, UUCK Staff
Rev. Renee and Rev. Christie, UUCK Affliated Community Ministers

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e-nUUs: January 31, 2024

CLICK HERE to read this week’s announcements.

Topics included:

Information for church closing due to winter weather.

e-nUUs Information

New Sunday Service Schedule

From Rev. Steven

  • Pastoral Care During Rev. Steven’s Sick Leave

Community Within

  • Adult Religious Exploration – Peace in the Middle East  – February 12, 2024
  • Small Group Facilitator Training – February 6, 2024
  • Drum Circle – February 9, 2024
  • All Church Potluck Dinner – February 25, 2024
  • Town Hall Sessions – March 3 and 4, 2024
  • Knitting, Crochet, and Needle Point- Every Wednesday
  • Coffee Volunteers Needed to support Social Hour

Income Generation

  • February Auction events with seats available
  • NEW DATE Dinner and Live Auction – May 4, 2024
  • Grocery Cards Update
  • Acme Community Cash Back Fundraiser

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Volunteer Plastics Collector

Worship and Music

  • Sunday, February 4, 2024
    • 9:15 AM Do Unto Others... All Ages Worship in the Sanctuary
    • 10:00 AM Lifespan Learning Opportunity
    • 11:00 AM But What About…? Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary and on Zoom
  • Sunday, February 11, 2024
    • 9:15 AM Be Kind to Yourself – All Ages Worship in the Sanctuary
    • 10:00 AM Lifespan Religious Exploration
    • 11:00 AM Rest as Resistance to “Grind Culture” – Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary and on Zoom
  • Multi-platform services at 11:00 AM only
  • What’s That Rug Doing in the Sanctuary? 
  • Sunday Greeters Needed

Social Justice and Community Outreach

  • Special Collection for February – ACLU Ohio (how to donate) 
  • Happy Birthday to the Free Store!  

Lifespan Learning

  • RE Classes begin at 10:00 AM this Sunday
  • Religious Education Committee Looking for New Members

UU, Interfaith and Community 

  • Postponed– Gray Wolves in Continental North America 
  • Winter Institute 2024 – February 16-19,2024
  • CERSI July 7-13, 2024
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e-nUUs: January 24, 2024

CLICK HERE to read this week’s announcements.

Topics included:

Winter weather church/program cancellations.

e-nUUs Information

New Sunday Service Schedule

From Rev. Steven

  • Pastoral Care During Rev. Steven’s Sick Leave

Community Within

  • All Church Potluck Dinner – February 25, 2024
  • Town Hall Sessions – March 3 and 4, 2024
  • Board Games Afternoon – January 27, 2024
  • Small Group Facilitator Training – January 29, 2024 or February 6, 2024
  • Drum Circle – February 9, 2024
  • Knitting, Crochet, and Needle Point- Every Wednesday
  • Adult Religious Exploration
  • Coffee Volunteers Needed to support Social Hour

Income Generation

  • February Auction events with seats available
  • NEW DATE Dinner and Live Auction – May 4, 2024
  • Grocery Cards Update
  • Acme Community Cash Back Fundraiser

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Volunteer Opportunities
  • Volunteer Plastics Collector

Worship & Music

  • Seeds for the New Year – Sunday, January 28, 2024                         
  • Multi-platform services
  • What’s That Rug Doing in the Sanctuary? 
  • Sunday Greeters Needed

Social Justice and Community Outreach

  • Special Collection for January (how to donate) 
  • Happy Birthday to the Free Store!  

Lifespan Learning

  • Justice January Intersession concludes this Sunday
  • Religious Education Committee Looking for New Members

UU, Interfaith and Community

  • Conversation on the Hidden Voices in our Community – January 28, 2024
  • Gray Wolves in Continental North America – February 4, 2024
  • Winter Institute 2024 – February 16-19,2024
  • CERSI July 7-13, 2024
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New Sunday Morning Schedule Offers Something for Everyone!

Starting on February 4, 2024 we will be piloting a new Sunday morning schedule and format that includes a return to two services, but with different formats meeting different needs.

Our “traditional” hour-long worship service format, with readings, hymns, special music, and a sermon/homily will be offered at 11:00am (late sleepers, rejoice!).

We are adding an “all ages” 45-minute service starting at 9:15am, followed at 10:00 am by a 45-minute “all ages” time for religious exploration, with children and youth in age-appropriate classes, and adults in facilitated small discussion groups in Hobbs Hall (with coffee/tea). Occasionally, we will offer opportunities for multi-generational activities during this time.

At 10:00am, we will also have our “Community Café” in Hobbs Hall, a time to meet and greet others and with other opportunities for connection.

Our nursery will be staffed during the all ages religious exploration (10:00-10:45am in the Hobbs Hall building) and the during the traditional service (11:00am-12:00pm in the church building). The nursery room in the church building will also be open during the all ages service for parents/guardians who need a quieter spot during the all ages service.

What Is The Difference Between The Two Services?

The  9:15am “all ages” service might be described as both “scruffy and wiggly.” We welcome babies and anyone who is neuro-divergent. It is shorter, followed by an opportunity for discussion and reflection. The “all ages” service is only offered in person — there is no Zoom option. It provides many opportunities for lay involvement (in leading service elements as worship host or offering a short lay reflection), several consistent ritual elements, and music that leans toward participation rather than performance. We hope that, over time, those who worship with us regularly at the early service will have a repertoire of songs, poems, and prayers that they can access “in their pocket” from memory when needed in daily life.

The 11:00am service is “multi-platform,” i.e. there is a Zoom option. It includes more varied elements, including readings and a sermon or homily. It also includes offerings from our robust music ministry, including choral pieces, special musical guests, small group ensembles, and performances by our tone chime choir.

Tell Me More About All Ages Religious Exploration

We have been using a monthly “theme-based” ministry model for worship and religious exploration for our children and youth for several years using the Soul Matters curriculum. As part of this transition to two services and adding a Sunday morning option for adults, we will be leaning more deeply into our monthly themes:

2024 Themes:
February: JUSTICE & EQUITY
March: TRANSFORMATION
April: INTERDEPENDENCE
May: PLURALISM
June: RENEWAL

Children and Youth (Teens)

Our children and youth have already been using the Soul Matters themes and their teachers will continue to use materials and activities to compliment the monthly theme.

Adults

Religious exploration is an important part of our ministry, which often happens in small-group theological and ethical discussions on our monthly themes It is a wonderful opportunity for our members and friends to have deep, pragmatic conversations about how we can live into our Unitarian Universalist values. Trained facilitators help keep the group focused and the sharing equitable. Learn more…

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e-nUUs: January 3, 2024

CLICK HERE to read this week’s announcements.

Topics included:

Winter weather and Church closing information

e-nUUs Information

Pastoral Care

  • Middle School-led Free Story

Community Within

  • Adopt a Poinsettia
  • Adult Religious Education
  • Coffee Volunteers Needed to support Social Hour

Income Generation

  • Auction News – January Seats Available
  • Auction News – Volunteers Needed
  • Grocery Cards Update
  • Acme Community Cash Back Fundraiser

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Volunteer Opportunities

Worship & Music

  • A Liberating Love  – Sunday, January 7, 2024                                   
  • Multi-platform services
  • Music Update from Emily
  • Sunday Greeters Needed

Social Justice and Community Outreach

  • Special Collection for January (how to donate)
  • Community Meal – Sunday, January 7, 2024
  • UU Youth for Justice (UUYJ) Service Project
  • Please Donate to the Free Store 

Lifespan Learning

  • Justice January Intersession
  • Religious Education Committee Looking for New Members

UU, Interfaith and Community

  • Winter Institute 2024
  • CERSI 2024
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e-nUUs — December 20, 2023

CLICK HERE to read this week’s announcements.

Topics included:

Christmas Eve Services – 6:30 & 8:30 PM

Holiday break – Church Office closed 12/25 – 1/2

e-nUUs Information

From Rev. Steven

  • Rev. Steven’s Schedule

Pastoral Care

  • Kevin Kerns Memorial Service Today
  • Middle School-led Free Story

Community Within

  • Cookies or Finger Foods Needed for Christmas Eve Services
  • FY2025 Budget Requests
  • New Safety Team Volunteers Needed
  • Adult Religious Education
  • Coffee Volunteers Needed to support Social Hour

Income Generation

  • Auction News – Seats Available
  • Grocery Cards
  • Acme Community Cash Back Fundraiser

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Volunteer Opportunities

Worship & Music

  • Community Christmas – Sunday, December 24, 2023 at 10 AM in Hobbs Hall
  • Christmas Eve Services – The Mystery, the Magic, and the Music   – Sunday, December 24, 2023, 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM  in the Church Sanctuary
  • New Year, New Intention – Sunday, December 31, 2023     
  • Multi-platform services
  • Community Sing
  • Sunday Greeters Needed

Social Justice and Community Outreach

  • Special Collection for December – Church’s Minister’s Discretionary Fund (how to donate)
  • UU Youth for Justice (UUYJ) Service Project
  • Please Donate to the Free Store 

Lifespan Learning

  • RE is on break until after New Years
  • December RE Events
  • Religious Education Committee Looking for New Members

UU, Interfaith and Community

  • Peer Led Support Group
  • Vision Board Workshop 
  • CERSI 2024
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e-nUUs – December 13, 2023

CLICK HERE to read this week’s announcements.

Topic included:

e-nUUs Information

Holiday Break: Church Office closing

Pastoral Care

  • Kevin Kerns Memorial Service
  • Middle School-led Free Story

Community Within

  • Cookies or Finger Foods Needed for Christmas Eve Services
  • FY2025 Budget Requests
  • New Safety Team Volunteers Needed
  • Adult Religious Education
  • Coffee Volunteers Needed to support Social Hour

Income Generation

  • Auction News – Seats Available
  • Grocery Cards
  • Acme Community Cash Back Fundraiser

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Volunteer Opportunities

Worship & Music

  • Blue Christmas – Wednesday, December 13, 2023
  • The Tree That Was Meant to Be! – Children’s Holiday Pageant – Sunday, December 17, 2023 
  • Community Christmas – Sunday, December 24, 2023 at 10 AM in Hobbs Hall
  • Christmas Eve Services – The Mystery, the Magic, and the Music   – Sunday, December 24, 2023, 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM  in the Church Sanctuary
  • New Year, New Intention – Sunday, December 31, 2023     
  • Multi-platform services
  • Community Sing
  • Sunday Greeters Needed

Social Justice and Community Outreach

  • Special Collection for December – Church’s Minister’s Discretionary Fund (how to donate)
  • UU Youth for Justice (UUYJ) Service Project
  • Please Donate to the Free Store 

Lifespan Learning

  • Pageant Sunday – No RE Classes – Sunday, December 17, 2023 
  • Children’s Holiday Pageant Rehearsal 
  • December RE Events
  • Religious Education Committee Looking for New Members
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e-nUUs – December 6, 2023

CLICK HERE to read this week’s announcements.

Topics Included:

e-nUUs Information

Winter weather happens – info for church closing and program cancellation.

Pastoral Care

  • Kevin Kerns

Community Within

  • Cookies or Finger Foods Needed for Christmas Eve Services
  • FY2025 Budget Requests
  • New Safety Team Volunteers Needed
  • Adult Religious Education
  • Journey of Belonging Class
  • Coffee Volunteers Needed to support Social Hour

Income Generation

  • Auction News – Seats Available
  • Grocery Cards
  • Acme Community Cash Back Fundraiser

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Volunteer Opportunities

Worship & Music

  • Worship Cafe – Sunday, December 10, 2023
  • Live in the Mystery – Sunday,December 10, 2023
  • Blue Christmas – Wednesday, December 13, 2023
  • The Tree That Was Meant to Be! – Children’s Holiday Pageant – Sunday, December 17, 2023 
  • The Mystery, the Magic, and the Music   – Sunday, December 24, 2023, 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM  
  • New Year, New Intention – Sunday, December 31, 2023     
  • Multi-platform services
  • Community Sing
  • Sunday Greeters Needed

Social Justice and Community Outreach

  • Special Collection for December – Church’s Minister’s Discretionary Fund (how to donate)
  • Lord’s Lunch Congregate Meal
  • Please Donate to the Free Store 

Lifespan Learning

  • Teachers for Sunday, December 10, 2023
  • Children’s Holiday Pageant Rehearsal Sunday, December 10, 2023
  • December RE Events
  • Religious Education Committee Looking for New Members

UU, Interfaith and Community Connections

  • Madrigal Dinner. – Kent Roosevelt High School – December 8 and 9, 2023
  • Hope for the Holidays
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e-nUUs – November 30, 2023

CLICK HERE to read this week’s announcements.

Topic included:

e-nUUs Information

From Rev. Steven

  • Sharing Memories

Pastoral Care

  • With sadness

Community Within

  • Shared Ministries Council – December 3, 2023
  • FY2025 Budget Requests
  • New Safety Team Volunteers Needed
  • Adult Religious Education
  • Journey of Belonging Class
  • Coffee Hour Bulletin
  • Coffee Volunteers Needed to support Social Hour

Income Generation

  • Auction News – Seats Available
  • Grocery Cards
  • Acme Community Cash Back Fundraiser

Volunteer Opportunities

  • Volunteer Opportunities

Worship & Music

  • We Bless This Space – Sunday, December 3, 2023
  • Live in the Mystery – Sunday,December 10, 2023
  • Blue Christmas – Wednesday, December 13, 2023
  • The Tree That Was Meant to Be! – Children’s Holiday Pageant – Sunday, December 17, 2023 
  • The Mystery, the Magic, and the Music   – Sunday, December 24, 2023, 6:30 PM and 8:30 PM       
  • Multi-platform services
  • Community Sing
  • Sunday Greeters Needed

Social Justice and Community Outreach

  • Special Collection for December – Church’s Minister’s Discretionary Fund (how to donate)
  • UUYJ Community Meal – Sunday, December 3, 2023
  • Lord’s Lunch Congregate Meal – December 2, 2023
  • Angel Tree Gifts for Children due Sunday, December 3, 2023
  • Please Donate to the Free Store 

Lifespan Learning

  • Pajama Party Friday, December 1, 2023
  • Teachers for Sunday, December 3, 2023
  • Children’s Holiday Pageant Rehearsal Sunday, December 3, 2023
  • December RE Events
  • Religious Education Committee Looking for New Members

UU, Interfaith and Community Connections

  • Update on Article II Revisions
  • bUUk Fair – West Shore UU Church – December 1, 2, and 3, 2023
  • Madrigal Dinner. – Kent Roosevelt High School – December 8 and 9, 2023
  • Hope for the Holidays
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