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
Defending "Faith"
July 20, 2014, 11:00 a.m.
Service Leader: Amy Collins, CLL Musician: Karin Tooley
Amy will explore and challenge definitions of "Faith" and "Belief" that may be different than how we customarily think of these concepts. Alan Watts wrote about the distinction between "Belief" and "Faith" in his book The Wisdom of Insecurity. Some of his ideas have inspired this reflection.
What's Your Congregation DNA?
July 27, 2014, 11:00 a.m.
Guest Speaker: Rev. Samuel Prince Musician: Karin Tooley
All congregations want to thrive and grow, but knowing the DNA of your congregation is at the heart for growth and healthy congregations. What's UUSC DNA?
Upcoming Events
Rev. Joseph Cherry
Approved by a 97% vote on Sunday, May 4th, Rev. Joe has accepted the position of Settled Minister at the UU Society of Cleveland. He will start his ministry on August 1st. In the meantime, Rev. Joe and his partner, Rev. Denis Paul, have purchased a home in Cleveland Heights and will be settling in.
Read all about Rev. Joe here.
In other news: Rev. Denis Paul, has accepted the position as Developmental Minster at East Shore UU Church in Kirtland, Ohio, and we look forward to future collaboration between our two congregations.
A lot of work went into this ministerial search, which spanned almost two years. Huge thanks go to the people who served on the Board of Trustees over the past two years; the Negotiating Teams who served two different search years; and especially the people who served on our two Ministerial Search Committees: Dana Bjorklund, Steve Doell, Amy Harmon, Mary Schatzman, Kathy Weise, Pat Dillard, MIchael Hugill, KC Slack, Pat Solomon, and Rachel Webb.
OMD Summer Institute at Oberlin
July 13 - July 20, 2014
Many folks for our congregation will be attending the week-long family friendly camp. We wish you a great week of learning, laughter and relaxation.
Circle Supper
July 19, 2014, 6:30 p.m.
Circle Supper will be Saturday, July 19th at 6:30 p.m. The host is Claire Brugnoletti. See the directory for the address and phone, and RSVP to find out what to bring.
Music Jam
July 27, 2014, 12:30 p.m.
Join us on Sunday, July 27th, for a UUSC music jam immediately following service. Bring your voices, stringed, vocal, or other instruments to the music jam along with easy songs with both cords and words. We’d really like to have some drums!
Movie Night
July 27, 2014, 5:00 p.m.
Movie Night is Sunday, July 27th at 5:00 p.m. in the sanctuary. The movie will be "The Rabbitproof Fence". It is about Australia and race relations with the "Aboriginals". There will be pizza.
First Sunday Potluck
August 3, 2014, 12:30 p.m.
First Sunday Potluck is August 3rd 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.
Contributors Needed for Hyde Park Service on August 10, 2014, 11:00 a.m.
The service for August 10th is a "Hyde Park". This refers to a tradition in London's Hyde Park of people getting up and speaking on a subject of importance to them. For our service, we will have a sign-up ahead of time, a 3- 5-minute time limit, and some parameters (eg: must follow UU Society's congregational covenant). Are your friends and family tired of hearing about it? Tell us! For more information, or to sign up, communicate with Amy Collins at amymcollins@sbcglobal.net.
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.
Worship Associate Program
We Are Now Accepting Applications! Deadline to Apply July 20, 2014
We are now accepting applications for the worship associate program for the term beginning in August. Are you passionate about the importance of meaningful worship as a central part of the UUSC experience? Are you looking for ways to deepen your experience and understanding of being a Unitarian Universalist? The year ahead will provide an exciting opportunity to work with our new minister, learning and growing in ways we can’t yet even imagine! To apply, please complete an application and turn it in to Amy Collins, CLL. Click here for more information and an application.
UUA H-UULTI Leadership Training Program
The Unitarian Universalist Association has developed a leadership training program, H-UULTI, that consists of on-demand webinars, live, web-based "process circles, and 3 in-person Saturdays. This training is open to all church leaders and starts in the Fall of 2014. the Society has leadership development funds to cover the cost of participation for those who are interested. If you are interested in attending, a sign-up sheet has been placed on the back table at the Society in the sanctuary. For more information click here.
Cleveland Peace Action Event
August 6, 2014, 7:30 p.m.
Cleveland Peace Action Education Fund presents the 2014 PAND Concert, "Brahms Not Bombs," 7:30 pm, August 6th, at Nighttown, 12387 Cedar Rd., Cleveland Heights. Tickets $20.00 advance, $25.00 at the door. An evening of Brahms, performed by the areas brightest and most accomplished musical talents (including members of the Cleveland Orchestra) - Brahms String Quartet #2, Horn Trio and Songs for Soprano and Piano - plus Hungarian folk music, the poetry of Daniel Thompson and the message that nuclear weapons must never again be used.