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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.
Energy Futures Forum
This forum focuses on the probable consequences resulting from the peaking of worldwide petroleum supplies. We address what local communities can do to minimize the disruption to our lives and the lives of others through education, conservation, political action and the development of alternative energy sources.
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.
Grief Support Group
This group is for anyone who has lost a loved one to death.
Humanist Forum
Humanism is a progressive life stance that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead meaningful, ethical lives capable of adding to the greater good of humanity. To promote personal growth, speakers from outside and from within Sunnyhill are scheduled to speak on a variety of subjects. One half of the time is allotted for questions and discussion.
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 accordance with our values and draw on the many ritual-based expressions of our Pagan spirituality. Spiritways is an open and welcoming group, and is committed to every Earth-centered path, 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 and two moon rites.
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 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.
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 Quakers have 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!
Single Parents/Divorce Support Group
This group of people gathers monthly to discuss life issues and issues with their children such as divorce, separation and single issues. We offer support and friendship in a safe, caring and confidential environment. Babysitting is provided on request.
Young Adult Group
Members and friends who are 18-35 are invited to participate in this group.
In addition to discussing issues that are of interest to young adults
the group will also hold social activities. Most events will be child
friendly. Watch The Drummer for more information and activities.
Zen Meditation: Ksanti Sangha
Our Zen group, an affiliate of CloudWater Zendo in Cleveland,
meets at 7:00 P.M. on Wednesday evenings.
In addition to evening meditation, the group has a weekly service that includes chanting, walking
meditation, and a dharma talk. Ven. Shih Ying-fa, Abbot of the CloudWater Zendo and the primary
teacher of the Sangha, visits at least once a month and conducts a service. All are welcome.
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.
Singular Sunnyhill
Join in social activities with other "unattached" members
and friends of Sunnyhill. These get-togethers include concerts, plays, hiking,
and games nights. Watch The Drummer and sunnyhill.org for news of what's
coming
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.
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