Meet the Rector

September 14

For our first forum, join us for a great opportunity to get to know our wonderful new rector, Rev’d T.J. Freeman, hear some of his thoughts about Belonging, and ask questions. 

Presented by the Rev’d T.J. Freeman

Belonging: A Community Conversation

September 28

Through this year’s theme of Belonging, we discover a richness of opportunities to explore the importance of our relationships in community with each other, with the church, and with God; to form meaningful connections.  What does belonging mean to you? Come share your thoughts and ground yourself in this compelling topic and its value.

Presented by the Rev. Patricia Rose and Kirsten Radivoyevitch

Invite, Welcome, Connect

October 5

“Invite, Welcome, Connect” is a powerful ministry of transformation that teaches congregations to more fully and joyfully welcome visitors and cultivate a sense of belonging among the entire congregation. Mary developed these valuable tools and has presented about them in 70+ dioceses of The Episcopal Church, as well as in Canada and Europe. Mary will also be preaching at all three services, and on, Saturday, October 4, she will be presenting a free workshop at St. Paul’s. Be inspired and uplifted by learning creative ways to nourish a sense of belonging and hospitality at St. Paul’s.

Presented by Mary Parmer

Choir Pilgrimage

October 19

The trip was fabulous and its many gifts live on in the choir. Learn first-hand about the tremendous joys and blessings, including some insights on Belonging, that the choir brought home from their incredible, life-changing journey.

Presented by Kevin Jones and Senior Choir Members

Beyond the Welcome Mat

October 26

We will play a fast-paced board game to gain an understanding of the roles and responsibilities we each have in creating a sense of welcome and connection at St. Paul’s. Will your group be the first to progress their player from the first step to the last? Let’s find out together!

Presented by Kirsten Radivoyevitch

Can I Still Belong Here If I Have Doubts?

November 23

Do you have serious doubts and questions about your faith? Some of us may wonder if we even belong in a traditional faith community. Be assured, you are in good company, and all are welcome! Join Bill Hobbs, Spiritual Director and Director of the Jesuit Retreat Center for a thought-provoking discussion about belonging and doubt.

Presented by Bill Hobbs

Youth Pilgrimage

November 30

Our youth shared stories and reflections from their summer mission trip to Boys Home of Virginia. Hear how service, community, and friendship deepened their sense of belonging with each other and with God.

Presented by Lauren Dockery and the Youth Group

Strangers in a Strange Land: 16th – 18th Century Refugee Art of Northern Europe

December 7

Soon after the birth of Jesus, the Holy Family became refugees, facing disorientation and the loss of a sense of belonging as they fled to Egypt to escape King Herod’s persecution. Their journey is significant as we grapple with the plight of refugees today and throughout human history. What does it tell us about our faith and our humanity? Join us for a deeply thought-provoking reflection through the medium of compelling artwork.

Presented by Catherine Scallen

True Belonging

December 14

We intimately belong to life. We are held powerfully and unconditionally in the love of God, no exceptions. Reflect on this as we prepare to celebrate the incarnation of Christ, whose life calls us to know this true belonging in our hearts.

Presented by Rev. Patricia Rose

Belonging to Christ’s Church

January 18

Part of “belonging” is knowing that we are part of a long history of a church that only relatively recently has sprouted many branches. Watch the lively, interactive presentation on the deep connection between the Roman Catholic and Anglican communions. We focused on dialogue over the past 60+ years, especially modern-day contexts from Popes Leo and Francis to present-day local collaboration.

Presented by Dr. Edward Hahnenberg, Ph.D, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, John Carroll University.

Episcopal and Anglican Identity

February 1

A particular gift of The Episcopal Church and the Anglican Community is that it strives to both stay true to the core teachings and traditions of Christianity, while also being responsive and adaptive to diverse contexts and fresh insights. 

This is not easy. Learn about particular spiritual practices of our tradition. Reflect on your own sense of belonging in this tradition and on what the Episcopal Church might offer to a troubled and hungry world in these times. Led by Jason Grimes, Timothy Wutrich, and Rev. Patricia.

Storytelling in Community

February 8

Telling the stories of our lived experiences is a core pathway for human connection and communication. Storytelling fosters empathy and understanding which form the foundations of belonging and community. Chaplain Jim Kulma will present two models for sharing our personal life and spiritual landscape.

Jim Kulma, M.Div., is a Lutheran pastor and chaplain (ELCA). He has served in healthcare chaplaincy for 33 years and is a long-time member of the Network of Biblical Storytellers, Int. (nbsint.org).

Eucharist as the Sacrament of Belonging

February 22

On the first Sunday in Lent, we begin our Lenten Forum Series, “Deep Hunger. Sacred Meals. Nourishing Belonging.” with a look at the Eucharist in the early church. Dr. Natalie Kertesz Weaver (Professor of Religious Studies and Theological & Pastoral Studies at Ursuline College) will reflect on what the Eucharist meant to the earliest Christians and what that means for us today.

Working To Address Hunger in Northeast Ohio

March 1

Studies reveal that chronic hunger is often detrimental to a sense of belonging, generating feelings of alienation and shame. Join us as Ron Carleton discusses the work of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. He will also address what we can do to alleviate hunger in our communities and help our neighbors get the food they need to live active, healthy lives.

Fasting and Feasting: Sacred Meals and Belonging in Various Traditions

March 8

Why do we starve ourselves to feel full? From the austere silence of a Lenten fast to the vibrant joy of an Eid feast, the way we eat and don’t eat defines who we are. Join religious scholar Dr. Semiha Topal for an exploration of how sacred meals create a sense of belonging that transcends the individual. We will look at how different religious traditions use the “fast and feast” to map out the sacred calendar and strengthen the soul of the community.

Service as the Sacred Gathering of Friends

March 15

The ministry of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Cleveland is deeply rooted in the neighborhood and focused on meeting people’s physical and spiritual needs. One way they live this out is through vibrant meal and food ministries grounded in love, joy, and the dignity of all.

Lex Sierra (St. Luke’s previous Senior Warden) and The Rev. Dan Hinde (Deacon) join us to share how their service builds community and belonging for everyone, blurring the line of who is giving and who is receiving into one joyous, sacred gathering of friends.

Instructed Eucharist: What We Do & Why

March 22

Have you ever wondered about the meaning behind the prayers, gestures, and objects used at the table? In this forum, we’ll focus on some of the key basics that guide our worship.  Whether you’re new or have been coming to church for decades, this is an opportunity to enrich and deepen your understanding of the heart of our liturgy. The Rev. Patricia Rose will lead this Forum.

Everyone Belongs

April 26

More info soon!

Belonging & Creation – Bellwether Farm

May 3

Bellwether Farm is a ministry of the Diocese of Ohio: a regenerative camp, retreat, and education center. We’ll hear from Bellwether Farm staff about their ministry, which is rooted in the belief that wholeness affirms our connection to nature and all of creation.