Welcome to MHCUCC

Where reflection meets response and affirmation becomes advocacy

What does welcome mean here?

Welcome means we’re glad you’re here, regardless of race, gender, sexual orientation, ability, or any other characteristic that makes us unique. We believe that diversity is a strength and we celebrate the many different ways that people express their faith and spirituality.

In our community, we strive to create a safe space where everyone feels valued and respected. We are committed to promoting equality and justice, and we actively work to dismantle any form of discrimination or oppression.

We believe that our differences bring us closer together and help us to better understand the many ways that God works in our lives. Together, we can build a more loving and compassionate world where all people are treated with dignity and respect.

Thank you for checking out our inclusive and progressive community. We look forward to sharing in your journey of faith and growth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is worship like?

We’ve got the stained glass windows, the pews, and the music of a traditional church, but not the stuffy, judgy people – we’re a friendly group! Expect an engaging message that might be uplifting, challenging, informative, or meditative – or all of the above!

Online: We livestream via Zoom, and we are working on ways to make that online experience just as welcoming as our onsite one. But other than not being able to hug or shake hands, we think you’ll find the online worship experience pretty close to an onsite one.

I have children. How does worship work for us?

Onsite: For our youngest attendees, infant through preschool, we have a bright and lively nursery staffed with a professional caregiver.

For children K-5, we have interactive programming for them on the 2nd and 4th Sundays with volunteers invested in their whole well-being. On 1st Sundays, which is when we take communion, we encourage families to stay in worship together for the entire service. When appropriate, kids will join the older youth on 3rd Sundays for community service projects. Otherwise, children are dismissed after the Children’s Message toward the beginning of the service.

Youth in grades 6-12 are currently spending their Sunday mornings at Breakfast Bunch on 1st Sundays, worshipping with their families on 2nd and 4th Sundays, and doing community service projects on 3rd Sundays.

Online: We no longer have specific virtual programming for children during our livestreamed worship beyond the Children’s Message in the service.

How should we dress for worship?

Onsite: Folks dress in the ways they feel most comfortable in which to worship. The most common style of outfit is probably business casual – slacks/skirt and sweater, button-down shirt, or polo – but jeans, dresses, suits, and even leggings and T-shirts are frequently worn.

Online: Anything goes, especially if your camera is turned off!

During Communion what should I do?

Communion is taken on the 1st Sunday of the month, and often during special worship services like Christmas Eve, Ash Wednesday, and Maundy Thursday.

Onsite: Come and participate! Or, if you have mobility issues, we can bring communion to you. We believe all people of faith are welcome at Christ’s table.

Online: We invite you to prepare a small cup of juice and a piece of bread or cracker ahead of the sacrament so you may participate along with us.

Do we need to give an offering? How does that work?

You are never obligated to give, especially as a new or newer guest. We do encourage our members and regular attenders to recognize the value of giving as a spiritual practice that supports the church in all of its work. How you give and what you give are completely at your discretion!

Onsite: As we move increasingly toward online giving, you’ll probably notice the plate passed a lot before someone has an offering. You’re free to write a check or put cash in an envelope (in the pew pockets in front of you), or you can give online via our donation portal (upper right corner of our website).

Online: Mailing in checks, or dropping them or cash off during open office hours, is one way. But we figure if you’re going to give and you’re online already, our donation portal at the top right of our website is likely more convenient.

How do people follow along with worship? Will I be able to keep up?

Onsite: When you enter the sanctuary, an usher will offer you a printed bulletin. You’ll also be able to see what’s going on via the screen on either side of the cross at the front of the sanctuary. Hymnals will be in pew pockets in front of you, if you enjoy reading music. The bulletin and the slides will let you know which hymnal (black or red) to use. Otherwise, the words will be on the slides as you sing. Responsive readings are not in the bulletin, but are on the screens.

Online: A PDF of the bulletin can be found on our Online Worship page. As we livestream via Zoom, the majority of your screen will be the slides whenever there is congregational singing or responsive reading. We encourage you to display your name while worshipping online, and to put your prayer concerns or joys into the chat.

Where should I park? How do I get to the worship area?

We have ample parking available, with plenty of handicap spaces. Sunday guests, there are spots just for you near our entrance! Just look for the signs near the fence and garage.

I'm nervous in new social situations. Will I have to talk to people?

Onsite: Yeah, we’re friendly. But we also have greeters trained to notice if someone prefers to be left alone. So if you don’t want to spend your social energy making small talk with strangers, just nod and keep walking. We’ll take the hint. Do know that we would love to connect with you – and we have a gift for guests – so please consider at least filling out a connect card.

Online: We don’t get terribly chatty in Zoom, but we might message you to say hi (or introduce ourselves if we don’t recognize the name). Feel free to let us know that you’d like to focus on the service and you might connect with us another time.

I have a disability. Can I still participate in worship?

Onsite: From the handicap spaces in our parking lot all the way into our sanctuary (with shorter pews toward the front to accommodate wheelchairs), it’s smooth sailing – no stairs to navigate. We also have a ramp from the pew level up to the chancel platform located on the right side of the sanctuary. At this time, our most accessible restrooms are located in the back hallway near the pastor’s office (we suggest the shortcut through the choir room at the back left of the sanctuary through to that hallway, then hanging a right). An elevator to access the second floor classrooms is located in the front hallway, just past the Nursery.

For the hearing impaired community, assistive listening devices are available (an usher can help you get one). We also have an ASL interpreter present during worship services. 

Online: At this time, our livestream is not close captioned. We are looking into ways to make this experience more accessible.

People like me aren't welcome at every church. What about yours?

“You are welcome here as you are” has no exceptions. You are not limited to sitting in a pew or giving your resources. All of you is welcome at every level in the life of this community. There is no bait and switch.

Are there ways we could be even more welcoming? Yes! And we are learning and implementing what we can all the time, with plans on doing more any time we are able.

If you are a registered sex offender concerned about complying with the law while also being a part of a faith community, we encourage you to reach out to our pastor to discuss possible solutions in confidentiality.

Middleburg Heights Community United Church of Christ