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
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.
Towards A New Abolition
February 12, 2o12, 11:00 a.m.
Worship Leader: Rev. Colin Bossen Musicians: UUSC Choir, Barbara Boyd, Director, and Karin Tooley
As part of our month long series on Resilience we'll explore the idea of radical abolition and the place that the religious community can play in helping people survive and resist what Michelle Alexander has called the New Jim Crow. That is the network of laws and prisons that continue to oppress and marginalize people of color throughout the United States.
Upcoming Events
First Sunday Potluck
February 5, 2o12, 12:30 p.m.
First Sunday Potluck is after service on February 5th in the Fellowship Hall. If you don’t bring a dish, the cost is $3 per person or $5 per family. First time guests are free.
Surviving Failure: Young Adult Discussion (18-35)
February 7, 2o12, 7:30 p.m.
One of the challenges in life is to learn how to thrive when we fail. Join together with other friends and members of the Society to consider the Unitarian Universalist perspective on Tuesday, Feb. 7th at 7:30 p.m. at Stone Oven (2267 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights).
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.
Circle Suppers
February 11, 2012, 6:30 p.m.
Once a month we do semi-potlucks at members' homes. This month we said, "Nahh. We want to do something for an old friend who used to love Circle Suppers but can't come any more." So, 12 of us are bringing food and drink to Lois Ruskin's rehabilitation facility. Maybe she can't do a seat boogie to a rock band any more, but she'd love to see you! Sound interesting? Want to come and be one of the lucky 12? E-mail: father.nature@sbcglobal.net or call us at 216-470-7643.
Earth Centered Spirituality Group
February 12, 2012, 6:00 p.m.
The Earth Centered Spirituality Group will gather on Sunday, February 12th, to celebrate Imbolc at 6:00 p.m. in the basement of the Society. Imbolc, also known as the feast of Brigit, marks the beginning of spring...the quickening. Watch the Flame for more information, or contact Mary Schatzman at maryschatzman@sbcglobal.net or Peggy Lagodny at wytchywmn@sbcglobal.net.
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.