Location, location, location.

The soul can split the sky in two 
and let the face of God shine through. 
–Edna St. Vincent Millay


It’s usually the first thing people notice about Church in the Circle. In fact, it’s our (second) most popular nickname: The Holy Oilcan. That green spire guides my drive down Chester Avenue when it appears at E. 82nd, and if I’m coming down Cedar Hill from the east—there it is! Our steeple is one of the most distinctive features of the Cleveland skyline.

Churches and temples were often built atop a high hill. Even the Temple in Jerusalem is set far above the surrounding landscape. A church’s location is no accident, and high places were chosen for a number of reasons. Security is one; visibility is another. We want people to be drawn to worship God. But another reason a church adds a towering spire or steeple is to symbolically draw closer to the Holy One on his heavenly throne. Add some bells and music, and people will surely know we are here and come to worship God in this place! (Did you know? Synagogues have no bell towers, because to ring bells on the Sabbath would be work.)

Or maybe—maybe we are hoping God will also see our shining steeples and be drawn to dwell among us in this place. But in reality, God is always here, waiting for us to show up.

Whatever the reason, people do come—and from great distances. But it’s not the Holy Oilcan that keeps them coming back; it’s you. Your ability to welcome and love others, just as God first loved and welcomed you, is what makes this place holy ground. You are the Church. Thanks be to God!


Monday Pray today for a fresh set of eyes through which to view those whom you meet each day. Bravely invite God to reveal where you fall short in welcome and love. Genesis 1:27

Tuesday  Pray for the small groups that meet each week at Panera and Einstein’s. (Consider joining us.) Give thanks for UCUMC’s welcoming presence and the many ways we serve in our communities. Matthew 5:14-16

Wednesday Pray today for a neighbor or coworker with whom you would like a more authentic relationship. Give thanks for their presence in your life, and ask God to show you how you might serve them in Christ’s name. Hebrews 13:1

Thursday Pray for friends or family who may be travelling or escaping the grasp of winter. Ask God to keep and protect them until they return. Matthew 5:43-47

Friday Today, ask God to open your heart and mind to a fresh understanding of another’s point of view. Give thanks for a loving, creative God and the beautiful diversity of God’s children. Isaiah 55:8-12

Saturday As you pray for yourself today, invite a spirit of humility, civility and grace. Thank God for his work in your heart and in your life. Psalm 139:1-6

Sunday Pray for your preacher this morning. Greet someone in worship with whom you have not yet spoken. Welcome one another in Christian love. Matthew 25:35-40

God is not attracted to mountaintops or church steeples. God is drawn to suffering and the dark places it surfaces. –Keith Ablow


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