St. Paul’s Episcopal Church hosted 16 guests from two congregations in South Africa last month as part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen individual, congregational, cultural and spiritual relations. Both the Cleveland Heights and the South African contingents called the visit a pilgrimage instead of a tourist trip or mission trip because it was designed to “deepen one’s spirituality,” said Kate Gillooly, St. Paul’s minister for Christian formation and program. “The purpose of the pilgrimage was to strengthen the partnerships between the people of the three congregations: St. Paul’s …
Members of First Church of Christ, Scientist, decided in 2001 to sell their historic church building on Overlook Road due to declining membership and dwindling funds. It was impractical to hold on to the impressive Parthenon-like structure, when the congregation lacked the funds for its upkeep. The historic church now is home to Nottingham-Spirk Design Associates, which has adapted the interior to suit its needs. Similar circumstances led to the sale of Overlook Home, the Christian Science nursing facility across the street from the church. “We were sorry to see the institution close,” said …
When they are baptized, Greek Orthodox Christians take the name of a saint whose life was inspiring or spiritually meaningful. They call the feast day of that saint their personal “nameday” and celebrate it by sharing the saint’s story with others and through giving. “If you are out at a restaurant (on your nameday), you are expected to pay the bill,” said Father Stephen Callos, who has served Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Cleveland Heights since 1982. “It is common for celebrants to attend church and then go home, where friends come to visit you, and you treat them …
Once a month, Disciples Christian Church treats the public to a free home-cooked meal, friendly conversation and, upon request, prayer or counseling. The church at 3663 Mayfield Road, formerly known as Euclid Avenue Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), began hosting its “Meet the Neighbors” community meal in August 2008. “As the meal has grown, the meal has become a community event,” said the Rev. Kristine Eggert, Disciples Christian pastor since February 2007. “Very few people come and eat and leave. Most persons stay, and the conversations are lively. Tables are a mixture of church …
Richard Walker, president of Black Renaissance Ministries, presented problematic scenarios for 20 pastors and church leaders to consider at Saturday’s Pastors Roundtable at Central Bible Baptist Church. “Sister Jones is in a counseling session with Pastor Smith, when she confesses that she is attracted to the pastor,” Walker said. “What is the first action that the pastor should take?” Roundtable participants and the three pastors on the Black Renaissance panel —David Kinlow, Word of God Community Church, Canton; Eddie Hawkins, retired from Good Shepherd Baptist, Cleveland; and Henry Wallace…
Jonathan Ransom, who assumed the role of family life minister at Church of Christ at Forest Hill in January, has spent much of his 33 years exploring what he calls the mysteries of faith. His spiritual adventure began when he was a child in Youngstown, memorizing the Bible’s shortest verse, John 11:35: “Jesus wept.” “There’s a lot of talk in that chapter about Jesus and his power and his relationship to God.” Ransom said a few days ago from the church office. “Yet in that verse, it shows his human side as well. It’s one of the mysteries of faith —understanding the full divinity yet the full …
Any Christian who recites the Apostle’s Creed professes to believe in the communion of saints — the physical and spiritual fellowship of people with a shared belief and common purpose. When the congregations of St. Ann and St. Louis in Cleveland Heights merged with East Cleveland’s St. Philomena and Christ the King churches a year ago, the old congregations were required to come up with a new moniker for their newly formed parish. Parishioners chose to call their blended parish the Communion of Saints. “Everyone voted on it,” said Jean Gillet, a Cleveland Heights resident, who belonged to …
The Blind Side, the 2009 motion picture for which actress Sandra Bullock won an Academy Award, kicks off the 2011 season of the Faithful Lives Film Series at Fairmount Presbyterian Church at 6:45 p.m. Friday. The film tells the story of Michael Oher, a homeless teenager who became an offensive tackle for the Baltimore Ravens, and his relationship with Sean and Leigh Anne Tuohy, who adopted him. “We’re starting off with The Blind Side, a powerful story, a true story,” said Bryan Seekely, a cost and price analyst who will lead the post-movie discussion. Films shown have compelling messages …
