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'll us join as we strive to create a diverse, spiritually-uplifting, life-affirming and justice-centered community.
Upcoming Services
Next America, Next Religion?
January 29, 2o12, 11:00 a.m.
Worship Leader: Rev. Colin Bossen Musician: Karin Tooley
How will the country change in the next fifty years? What will these changes mean for liberal religious communities like ours?
Changing the Story
February 5, 2o12, 11:00 a.m.
Worship Leader: Rev. Colin Bossen Musician: Karin Tooley
Our lives and our world are frequently filled with traumas. These vary from the personal to the social and the ecological. In this service, we will consider the impacts and intersections of different kinds of traumas in our lives and how we can survive them.
Upcoming Events
Unitarian Universalist Family Night
January 25, 2012
Families will gather for pizza, salad and fellowship from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. From 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. there will be childcare and craft activities for the children. Rina Shere, Director of Religious Education, will highlight some Unitarian Universalist curricula that can be offered at the Society. A sampling of educational opportunities includes Our Wholes Lives for kindergarten and first graders and Tending the Flame: The Art of Unitarian Universalist Parenting.
Lay Pastoral Care Associates Training
January 28, 2012
The Unitarian Universalist Society of Cleveland and Southwest Unitarian Universalist Church will host a training session for new and continuing Lay Pastoral Care Associates, facilitated by Rev. Mary Grigolia. The training session will be held at the Society on Saturday, January 28th, at 9 a.m.—5 p.m. There is a $7 fee for lunch and a $15 fee for participants who are not affiliated with UUSC or Southwest. To register, contact the Society at office@uucleveland.org or 216-932-1898.
Living and Losing: Coping with Life Transitions
January 29, 2012
Rina Shere, Director of Religious Education, will facilitate a discussion to help participants explore various types of loss and learn how to understand and draw strength from them. Be a part of the discussion on Sunday, January 29th, at 12:30—1:30 p.m. at the Society.
Standing on the Side of Love: 30 Days of Love
February 9, 2012
Join Rev. Colin and Rina Shere, DRE, to learn more about the Standing on the Side of Love campaign and celebrate the current 30 Days of Love. We will gather on Thursday, February 9th, at 7:30 p.m. to share stories about people we have met who have taught us, through words and actions, how to exemplify the values of inclusion, diversity, community and equality in our daily interactions with all we meet.
Ohio Meadville District Stewardship Training
February 11, 2012
“If I Had A Million Dollars” is the topic for a stewardship training session to be held on Saturday, February 11, at 10 a.m.—3 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Akron. The focus will be on fundraising and the importance of legacy giving. A $20 fee covers meals and snacks. Go to http://www.ohiomeadville.org/omdevents/362-stewardshipconf for more information and to register.
Community Update
February 19, 2012
On Sunday, February 19th at 1 – 2 p.m., Kasey Greer, Executive Director of the Heights Community Congress will be at the Society. Ms. Greer will be speaking about local events involving youth and community engagement. Specifically, she will be addressing the recent shooting and providing follow-up information from the summer 2011 Coventry Street Fair incident.
Congregational Event: Unitarian Universalist Common Book Read Discussion
March 11, 2012, 1:00 - 2:00 p.m.
The Unitarian Universalist common book read choice this year is Acts of Faith by Eboo Patel. Patel is founder and executive director of the Interfaith Youth Core, a Chicago-based international nonprofit building the interfaith youth movement. Acts of Faith is a remarkable account of growing up Muslim in America and coming to believe in the positive power of religious pluralism.
Copies of Acts of Faith will be available for purchase at Mac’sBacks on Coventry by January 15th. The price is $13.
*If there is enough interest Rina Shere, Director of Religious Education, will also host a discussion group on an evening in March.
The Leading Edge: Igniting Social Justice Through Worship and the Arts
April 21-24, 2012
Registration is open for The Leading Edge Conference that will be held on April 21-24 in New York, NY. Congregational leaders will explore both a theology of worship and the arts and practical tools employed in a multiracial/multicultural context. Rev. Bossen and Rina Shere, Director of Religious Education, will be attending and would welcome other members and friends to participate. Visit their website for more information and to take advantage of early registration: www.middleproject.org/2012conference.