Welcome
The Unitarian Universalist Society of Cleveland is a joyful, welcoming, religious community. We strive to be a sanctuary for all who enter, to reflect the diversity of the local community, and to work toward a more just and sustainable society. We are located in the Coventry neighborhood of Cleveland Heights and are a member of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations.
As a Unitarian Universalist congregation we are a non-creedal community. We do not require anyone to subscribe to a specific set of beliefs to be a member of the Society. Instead we live by a covenant that encourages ethical behavior, affirms democracy, celebrates the worth of each individual and unites us in a search for meaning and in reverence for the great mystery that is life.
We are a welcoming congregation and all persons are warmly invited to participate in the life and activities of our community, regardless of color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental abilities or economic status.
We hope that you will join us as we strive to create a diverse, spiritually-uplifting, life-affirming and justice-centered community.
Upcoming Services
"Revisiting Old, Old Stories, Easter"
April 20, 2014, 11:00 a.m.
Worship Leader: The Rev. Douglas Wadkins Musician: Karin Tooley
Easter is one version of a very ancient and meaningful story. It is an invitation to imagine life and possibility in a certain way. Join us as we honor this story and envision ways to encounter powerful old stories with a new perspective.
"There's Always Hope"
April 27, 2014, 11:00 a.m.
Worship Leader: The Rev. Joe Cherry Musician: John Thompson
This morning we meet the Rev. Joe Cherry, candidate to be our new settled minister. Join us today to get to know a little about Rev. Joe’s theology, and his path to becoming an ordained minister. Join us as we begin a week of getting to know Rev. Joe, culminating in a congregational vote next Sunday.
Upcoming Events
English Country Dance
April 18, 2014, 7:30 - 11:00 p.m.
Join Wes Senseman and friends on the third Friday of every month for English Country Dance at 7:30-11:00 p.m. at the Society. Remember to bring those first-time dancers! Pick them up; bring them with you! They will thank you in the end!
Circle Supper
April 19, 2014, 6:30 p.m.
Circle Supper for April is Saturday, April 19th, at 6:30 p.m. at the Schatzmans'. Circle Suppers are potlucks in either homes or at the Society, and are open to members and friends, and are a good way to meet people and have an enjoyable meal. Contact Mary Schatzman to get an idea of what to bring.
Young Adult/Adult Our Whole Lives
April 26, 2014, 10:00 a.m.
Join us on Saturday, April 26th at 10:00 a.m.—12:00 p.m. for Session 7 which focuses on LOVE. Remaining OWL workshop dates for 2014 are: Saturday, May 3rd from 10:00 – a.m. 12:00 p.m. If you need childcare please send your request to rinashere@yahoo.com by Wednesday, April 23rd. Sign-up sheets are located in the Fellowship Hall on the large bulletin board. The OWL program is an intentional, covenantal group open to UUSC members and long-term friends. If you have any questions about the program or who may participate, contact Rina Shere, Director of Lifespan Faith Development at rinashere@yahoo.com.
Movie Night
April 27, 2014, 5:00 p.m.
Our next movie night is Sunday, April 27th, at 5:00 p.m. We will venture five hundred years into the future where the Old West meets Space travel in "Firefly". The crew of the Firefly class vessel, Serenity, are mostly outlaws who will take on almost any job to keep their ship flying and their bellies full. Along the way they take on the totalitarian Alliance regime and flesh-eating Reavers - adventures you don't want to miss. "Firefly" was a short-lived TV series created by Joss Whedon. After watching just one episode, you'll wonder what the execs were thinking when they canceled the show and understand why it is now a cult classic.
UUA Common Read Book Discussion
May 1, 2014 and May 25, 2014
On Thursday, May 1st at 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. the UUA Common Read Book discussion will be held in the UUSC sanctuary. For those of you who may not be familiar with the program, each year folks from the Unitarian Universalist Association choose a book that focuses on a current social justice topic, and suggest this book for UUs around the globe to read. Our first year we read Eboo Patel’s book: Acts of Faith which detailed the work of the Interfaith Youth Corps. Last year we read Michele Alexander’s The New Jim Crow: Color Blindness in the Age of Mass Incarceration. This year the book focuses on the topic of working conditions for restaurant workers. Behind the Kitchen Door by Saru Jayaraman is available at our local public libraries and on Kindle. The Society has one copy that can be borrowed for up to two weeks. So far several individuals have borrowed it and we should have some great conversations around this burning issue. If you can’t make the May 1st date, a second book discussion will take place on Sunday, May 25th from 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. I invite you to read the book and join us for one of the discussions.
Young Adult/Adult Our Whole Lives
May 3, 2014, 10:00 a.m.
On Saturday, May 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. our final Young Adult/Adult OWL session will be held on Sexuality and Aging. If you need childcare please send your request to rinashere@yahoo.com by Wednesday, April 30th. Sign-up sheets are located in the Fellowship Hall on the large bulletin board. The OWL program is an intentional, covenantal group open to UUSC members and long-term friends. If you have any questions about the program or who may participate, contact Rina Shere, Director of Lifespan Faith Development at rinashere@yahoo.com.
First Sunday Potluck
May 4, 2014, 12:30 p.m.
First Sunday Potluck is May 4th in the Fellowship Hall immediately following service. If you don’t bring a dish, the cost is $3 per person or $5 per family. First time guests are free.
Shine and Shadow Group
May 4, 2014, 12:30 p.m.
On Sunday, May 4th, the Shine and Shadow group will meet directly after the Congregational meeting in the UUSC library. All are welcome.
Introduction to Shamanism
May 4, 2014, 4:00 p.m.
The second introductory session of an Introduction to Shamanism and Shamanic Journeying will be held at the Society on May 4th at 4:00 - 5:30ish p.m. This session is being offered to briefly introduce Society members and community friends to Shamanism and the Shamanic Journey. For the introductory sessions, donations are optional for Society members. Additional circles will be offered later for ongoing exploration of Journeying as a personal tool for meditation, self-healing and personal or spiritual development. Shamanism has been called the first spiritual practice of humanity. Each session will be led by Neal Szpatura and Michelle Gilbert. Class size is limited so your RSVP is required. Please contact Neal at 216-371-3433 or email nealdragon@aol.com. For a printer friendly flyer click here.
OPUS 2014! Hands To Work, Hearts To Faith
August 13 - August 17, 2014
Attention Young Adults! OPUS is a 5 day spiritual retreat and summer camp experience for Unitarian Universalist young adults, age 18-35. It's held at one location for a year or two, and then moves to another part of the US or Canada. This year it's in OHIO on August 13 - August 17th. To learn more click here for a link to the website, and click here for a printer friendly flyer.