As noted by UU Justice Ohio, Ohio bill HB6 “subsidizes nuclear power plants, guts clean air standards, and cuts support for renewable energy standards and production in Ohio.”

On Monday, June 17, a rally and people’s hearing was held in Stanbery Park in protest against HB6. Heritage member Rebecca Pace was there to show her opposition to the bill. Rebecca said, “The people who work at these plants, and work in the coal industry, are experiencing real pain from job loss. But the future of energy production is with solar and wind power. We need long-term support and job-training for those who have lost these jobs. Solar and wind power are creating jobs.”

2019.

The April 2019 Members’ Art Exhibit had the walls and halls of Heritage filled with evidence of the creative spirits of many folks. Disciplines represented were watercolors, acrylics, batik, embroidery, photography, wire and textiles (quilted and knitted).

The display included the work of Ainsleigh Arick and Lucy Castle, the youngest exhibitors. Adult participants included Forrest Brandt, Jackie Drake, Sherry Everitt (Dene), Feriel Feldman and Vicki Freimuth. Andrew Gosmeyer, Elie Lamb, Maggie Lamb, Molly McTighe and Julia Sandman also showed their art. Tamara Smith, Beth Staggenborg, and Kathy Wade added to the successful event with their contributions. Helpers included Elie Lamb, Denise Martinez and Steph Tacy. Congregational appreciation is sent to each participant and helper.

Future exhibits will feature individual artists from within and outside the Heritage congregation. To indicate an interest as a participant or to suggest local artists, contact Chris Burroughs at:

On Sunday, January 27, Heritage UU Church welcomed back its Assistant Minister for Religious Education, Rev. Leslie Woodward. Welcome back Rev. Leslie!

2019.

Heritage Church owns approximately an acre of land beyond and behind our rear parking lot. This slightly sloped, triangular-shaped area has become very overgrown by weeds, honeysuckle, and other invasive species in recent years – and last month (September 2018), a group of Heritage volunteers began the task of clearing it, so we can eventually make use of it as a beautiful, natural space for reflection, picnics, events, even religious education activities.

Many thanks to Terry Planitzer and Bob Staggenborg (coordinator and visionary), as well as Bob Drake, Bob Lamb, Bill Gupton, Jennifer Sanders, Patrick Sanders, Dave Small, and Garry and Stephanie Wilson (and any others whom we may have inadvertently left off this list) for their “sweat equity” on a series of hot, humid days. Much work went into just beginning the clearing process (as you can see from these photos). More work days will be announced later this month.

October 2018.

On August 30, 2018, two members of Heritage UU Church attended the Dedication and Blessing of the Sanctuary Space at Clifton United Methodist Church (UMC). This space is being added to expand the capabilities of the Cincinnati Sanctuary Congregation Coalition, of which Heritage Church is a supporting member.

The Coalition exists to help a person or family take sanctuary in a place of worship, in order to avoid deportation. The Coalition’s criteria are that the person or family must have a case pending with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), must be at risk of being deported before their case is heard, and must be willing to be public about taking sanctuary.

To create the needed living space for sanctuary, Clifton UMC has contracted with a “second chance” contractor to do the remodeling for $18,000. A “second chance” contractor works with ex-offenders (often people who have completed a prison sentence). These workers are not always efficient, so the work takes longer. Clifton UMC had expected the work to be done by now, but it is not completed.

The living space is on two levels. The kitchen is upstairs, and not directly connected to the rest of the living space, but is separate from the church kitchen. This was required by code.

The future residents have a “private entrance” where they can receive visitors without coming through the main church and hallways.

The primary living space is in the basement. The church has two large rooms, with new weather efficient windows. One room is expected to be daytime living space, and the other will be the sleeping rooms. There is a small laundry area attached to the sleeping area. The bathroom is split, with the shower in one space and the sink and toilet in another.

Clifton UMC needs volunteers to finish and decorate the space—window treatments, paint and wall coverings. They are hoping different churches will sponsor this part. Eventually, they will need furniture, but they don’t want the furniture until the renovations are complete.

At the celebration, the space dedication was lovely and there was a lot of enthusiasm among the visitors and guests.

Pictures from the event are shown below.