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
Just Another Word for Nothing Left to Lose
May 20, 2o12, 11:00 a.m.
Worship Leader: Rev. Colin Bossen Musician: Karin Tooley Guest Artists: Watotoe & Rafiki
This election year we will hear an awful lot about freedom. But what do we really mean by freedom? Are there different kinds of freedom? What is the relationship between the liberal religious community and freedom?
In Search of Certainty
May 27, 2o12, 11:00 a.m.
Worship Leader: John Gardner Musician: Karin Tooley
Unitarian Universalist's are generally comfortable with a certain level of ambiguity when it comes to religious questions. With the wider culture becoming ever more vocal in its certainty about such matters, where can we look for a similar level of confidence?"
Upcoming Events
The Doctrine of Discovery Session 2
May 17, 2012
On Thursday, May 17th, at 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. the second session of the UUA Doctrine of Discovery workshop series, “Native Voices on the Doctrine of Discovery and Immigration” will be held. We will focus on the stories of indigenous peoples as we question the impact on the United States’ laws and culture if there were to be a broad repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery. Rev. Bossen and Rina Shere will use readings, audio and video presentation to help us increase our understanding of this complex issue. A sign-up sheet is on the table in the back of the Sanctuary.
The Practice of Walking ~ A Special Day Long Walking Retreat
May 19, 2012
This event was originally scheduled in April but was canceled due to rain. It has been rescheduled to Saturday, May 19th at 11 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Join members and friends of the Society for a special day long walking retreat. We will explore the practices of walking meditation and pilgrimage by engaging them in our own neighborhood. Meet at the Society at 11:00 a.m. for an hour of reflection and orientation. Then as a part of a group or as an individual spend several hours walking through the area surrounding our congregation. Meet back at the Society at 5:00 p.m. for another hour of reflection. Brown bag your lunch! If it rains, a rain date will be selected for June. A sign-up sheet is on the table in the back of the Sanctuary.
Annual Congregational Meeting
May 20, 2012
The annual congregational meeting will be held on Sunday, May 20, at 12:30 p.m. Snacks will be available at coffee hour so you need not be hungry. Members and friends are invited to attend.
Resolution Repudiating the Doctrine of Discovery
One of the business items at the annual congregational meeting will be a resolution to repudiate the Doctrine of Discovery. The proposed resolution is available on the table in Fellowship Hall or click on this link to view.
Tea Time in the Nursery
May 23, 2012
Join Rina Shere, DRE, and other UUSC parents and tots in an informal play group hour in our nursery room at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 23rd. No need to call in advance, just drop in and relax.
"The Dao" ~ A New UUSC Study Group Starting June 7th
The Dao (literally, "The Path", Portuguese transliteration Tao) is the wordless essence of metaphysical exploration. We shall explore the Path on the first Thursday of each month at 7:30 PM at the Society. Bring your questions and your insights. We need not limit ourselves only to the Chinese manifestation of this ancient art form, but can apply the Dao to all manifestations worldwide, and to all mediums, verbal, sonic, visual. Starting June 7th at 7:30 PM. A sign-up sheet is on the table in the back of the Sanctuary. For more information contact Dietz Ziechmann at dietz.ziechmann@gmail.com.
Doctrine of Discovery Session 3
June 14, 2012.
The third and final session of the UUA Doctrine of Discovery workshop series, "How Are We Called to Respond", asks each of us to decide how to best respond to the Doctrine of Discovery. If the General Assembly votes to repudiate this document and the existing legal framework built upon the Doctrine, what does that really mean in practice for Unitarian Universalists? Join us on Tuesday, June 14th, at 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. A sign-up sheet is on the table in the back of the Sanctuary.
Unitarian Universalist Summer Camp
June 18-21 at 6:00 - 8:30 p.m.
Unitarian Universalist families are invited to attend a summer evening camp held at First Unitarian Church of Cleveland in June. UUSC’s Rina Shere will be co-leading children’s worship and classes along with staff from First Church and The Unitarian Universalist Church of North Olmstead. The camp theme is Immigration Stories, based on the new UUA curriculum. The camp is open to rising 1st graders through rising 6th graders. There are positions for teens to be volunteer counselors. Please contact Rina if you are interested in attending or volunteering.
Spread the JOY!
June 24, 2012
Carol Dombrose, Director of Angel House (http://angelhousestrongsville.com) and a teacher of the creative and healing arts, will lead us in a discussion of the importance of touching the heart source in you as a step in leading a more joyful life. Carol has a Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and 22 years’ experience in counseling and the Healing Arts.
Summer Institute 2012
July 8-14, 2012
What is Summer Institute? It is a vision of Unitarian Universalist community built with a sense of belonging and acceptance that gathers, learns from each other, worships together, and is inspired. A summer week retreat is organized within the Ohio-Meadville District to accomplish this vision. Summer Institute is family-friendly with programming for adults, young adults, youth and children. The theme is "Reboot Your Theology: Exploring UU Connections", and the speaker is Rev. Meg Riley. Join us July 8-14 at Kenyon College in Gambler, OH. Learn more and download the brochure at www.omdsi.org.