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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.
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