Programs and Activities

In keeping with our fourth UU principle, A free and responsible search for truth and meaning, the UUCSH sponsors many different affinity groups, activities and social settings. New arrivals at Sunnyhill often comment that participating in one or more of these activities is the best way to get to know current members and to feel like part of our extended family. The paragraphs that follow will give you a taste of several of these groups and activities.

Common Interest Groups

Book Group

Our reading varies widely, from best sellers to classics, but mostly fiction. We pick our books by consensus.

Chalice Circles

Chalice Circles are ongoing groups of 8-10 people that meet bi-monthly in a facilitator's home, if possible, if not, the group may meet at Sunnyhill. The groups are to begin in September and continue thru May. These small groups are for people who want to deepen connections with others who may also be exploring the mysteries, dreams, and ideas of the human heart, mind, and soul..

Current Events

We are a group that welcomes all people wishing to exchange views on any and all topics arising in the news. Personal views may be stated without fear of censorship. A pollis taken at each meeting to see which topics are of greatest interest to the greatest number of participants.

Emerson Group

This group discusses topics of current interest, philosophy, some theology, moral/ethical subjects, religious history, and important modern thinkers. The group often chooses topics for future meetings, and members can prepare for discussion by rading a magazine or journal article emailed and posted in advnace.

First Friday Discussion Group

First Friday of every month unless that Friday is a holiday weekend, then it is on 2nd Friday It is held at the church. Watch the Drummer and Website for topics.

Fourth Friday Film Group

This group of film buffs meets to screen and discuss independent, foreign and controversial films. We meet at 7:00 in order to give time to both viewing and discussion. Attendees BYOB and snacks to share.

Interweave

Interweave is dedicated to the task of “weaving” threads of connection to foster understanding, acceptance & support among those of differing sexual orientations (gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and straight) in the Sunnyhill congregation and community. The group explores issues relating to eliminating oppression of GLBTs; develops ways of connecting with others in the congregation; works with other Interweave groups; and volunteers for community events supporting GLBT causes.

Pagan Spirituality - Spiritways, CUUPS

A vibrant, loving, and supportive group, Spiritways CUUPS is dedicated to the principles of Unitarian Universalism. We gather together with people in sympathy and accordance with our values and draw on the many ritual-based expressions of our Pagan spirituality. Spiritways is an open and welcoming group committed to all Pagan paths and to the inclusion of all rituals and traditions of those paths. Spiritways is welcoming to people of every race, gender, transgender, and sexual orientation. We assemble for rituals at Sunnyhill for the eight Earth Wheel Sabbats, one Full moon and one Dark moon rite each calendar year. Spiritways also hosts classes and workshops during Sunday Morning LifeCraft time and other special occasions.

Because rituals are attended by people of every level of exposure to Paganism, we carve out a portion of our gatherings to discuss and to share knowledge with all present. We are further committed to share our traditions and to offer insight into Pagan liturgy with members of Sunnyhill, our church. In doing this, we pledge to reclaim and reintegrate Earth-based spirituality and Paganism so that they may be restored to their rightful place of dignity among the family of religious traditions. Spiritways CUUPS always meets at Sunnyhill.

For more information visit our website: http://groups.sunnyhill.org/cuups. For inquiries or to be added to Spiritways' email list please send an email to spiritways@gmail.com

Poetry Corner

If you like poetry, please come and share some of your favorite poems and poets with us. Some of our meetings are organized by subject and others are dedicated to the work of specific poets. We have only two ironclad rules: We ready all poems aloud, and we read only good poetry. We espcially welcome poetry written by members of the group.

Quaker Worship Group

Some of these monthly UU/Quaker meetings for worship at Sunnyhill remain completely silent. On occasion a member or members will feel called by the Spirit to speak. The Quakershave faith in the "Inner Light", suggesting that there is a spark of the Divine in everyone, which explains this sense of shared ministry.

Schweitzer Group

As a chapter of the national animal advocacy organization UFETA, our goal is to increase awareness by educating ourselves and others about animal suffering, to encourage appreciation for the role animals play in our personal lives, to re-connect with and inspire reverence for the natural world, and to realize the far-reaching consequences of our daily choices and actions. We provide support to those who've lost companion animals, work in close association with the Green Sanctuary program to promote sound environmental choices, support the monthly Vegetarian Group potluck dinners and cooking classes, and provide literature in the Sunnyhill library. We invite everyone to join the dialogue, and participate in inter-chapter on-line discussions at http://lists.uua.org/mailman/listinfo/ufeta.

Science & Spirituality

Explore technical and scientific topics and discuss possible relationships between spirituality and evolving scientific knowledge.

Simplicity Circle

For a growing number of families, "simple living" has become a path to more deeply experience the joys in life. By stripping away the clutter (both mental and physical) that modern society tends to heap upon us, perhaps we too can become more open to exhilaration, spirit, and fullness. By exploring our lives and sharing information, we hope to help one another figure out how to live more simply and - hopefully - more happily!

Social Activities

Downtowners Lunch Group

Work downtown? Come join us on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 11:45 am. for lunch and conversation. Lunches are usually held at the Bigelow Grille in the new Doubletree Hotel near the Mellon Arena. Holiday schedules and locations vary; check the calendar for specifics.

"8 at 8" Cooperative Dinners

Each "couple" (group of two people) gets to host once providing the main course and beverages. Guests provide one dish, coordinated with the host, usually an appetizer, vegetable, salad, or dessert. These are AWESOME ways to have good food, great drinks, and fun conversation with the finest folks in the area. Sign up by contacting Dennis Sweeney from the Sunnyhill directory.

Men's Group

All Sunnyhill men are welcome to attend. We usually meet on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at 7:30 pm. We also scheule a variety of outdoors activities including golf, attendance at sporting events, biking, etc.

Vegetarian Dinner Group

Third Friday of the month, 7:30 pm to 9:00 PM Both adults and children are welcome at this monthly potluck dinner at Sunnyhill. Bring a vegetarian dish for 8 to 10 people. Please RSVP by signing the sheet posted in the dining room at Sunnyhill.

Community Groups Meeting Here

The following groups meet at Sunnyhill and we are happy to share our space with them. The UUCSH does not officially sponsor or endorse these activities but many of our members participate.

Interfaith Meditation Fellowship (IMF)

IMF is a meditation group dedicated to creating a time and place where people from different faith traditions might join in meditation. Our session typically includes silent and guided meditation, as well as reflection on topics relevant to meditation practice. In addition, IMF provides the opportunity for the group to listen, share, and enjoy one another. Attendees include both novice and experienced meditators and you are welcomed to join us regardless of your level of experience. We typically meet the 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month, 7:00-9:00 PM. The session facilitator is Brenda Cole, a licensed psychologist and researcher on meditation at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. For more information and date confirmation, call Brenda at (412) 913-3815 or see our web site at www.interfaithMeditationFellowship.org.

Evening Yoga

Yoga has been shown to improve strength and flexibility, coordination and balance. It helps lower stress, anxiety, and blood pressure while stimulating the glandular system, boosting the immune system, and improving the quality of sleep. Come join us on Thursday evenings and reap the many benefits of yoga. Come to class with a yoga mat and comfortable clothes. Our class meets every Thursday in the main room from 7:30-9:00 pm.

Cost is $10/class when purchasing a yoga card. A yoga card contains four classes for $40 and is valid for eight weeks. The walk-in rate is $15. Pre-registration not required. Just come when you can. See Sunnyhill member and yogini Margaret Hamstead for a personal recommendation or more information.

Piano Tots

The Piano Tots program is designed to inspire and nurture the aspiring musician in children aged 3.5 to 6 in preparation for formal piano instruction. Classes provide an introduction to the keyboard and allow children to experience important musical elements including steady beat, pitch, tempo, articulation, dynamics, and many more. Each lesson centers on a developmentally appropriate and meaningful theme and includes activities such as singing, active listening, creative movement, keyboard and instrumental performance, and cooperative play.

Piano Tots classes provide a sturdy musical foundation for young musicians preparing to begin formal piano instruction while piquing their interest in the world of music. For more information visit the Piano Tots website.