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Recent Services
Sunday, July 13, 10:30 am
That Vision Thing!
Presented by Susan Richmond
A couple of Webster dictionary definitions of the word 'vision' - vivid picture created by the imagination...wisdom in foreseeing what is going to happen...
Sunnyhill is 43 years young. We have seen a lot of change during the past 43 years. But Sunnyhill has also maintained a core of consisten facets. What are those core themes? And how might those core facets help us focus our power of imagination in order to wisely and joyfully shape Sunnyhill's future?
Sunday, July 5, 10:30 am
Four Vows, Endless Applications
Presented by Ven. Shih Ying-Fa
The Four Bodhisattva Vows of Mahayana Buddhism speak to people of all religious and spiritual traditions because they represent the essence of enlightened behavior. Ven. Shih Ying-Fa, Abbot of CloudWater Zendo, the Zen Center of Cleveland, will explain the Four Bodhisattva vows and how they relate to us as 21st century seekers after truth.
Sunday, June 29, 10:30 am
Living in a Slumping Economy: There is Hope for Post-Industrial America!
Presented by Maurice Zeldman
U.S. Industry cannot compete with the cost of manufactured products from China and India. We are in the same position that Europe was after WWII. Most of our production workers cannot find employment in manufacturing jobs that were stable for 60 years. However, fields are evolving that will employ highly trained professionals, and will provide opportunities through training new workers, and re-training people who filled the vanished jobs, thereby supporting the development of America's future.
Sunday, June 22, 10:30 am
Language Matters
Presented by Louise Machinist
This program will examine ideas presented in the recent book, The Stuff of Thought by Steven Pinker, which covers topics related to language and cognition, and the ways in which language relates to identity, and the ways in which language affects thought.
Sunday, June 22, 10:30 am
Language Matters
Presented by Louise Machinist
A wide-ranging assault on language from multiple perspectives: from Gullah cultrue to Squad Helps Dog Bite Victim (Cooper) to The Stuff of Thought (pinker). How do language choices convey or obscure meaning? clarify or confuse communication? Identify who we are? Eclectic format with (warning!) audience Participation.
Yes, there are two listings. They are different, but the program is the same. Which do you want to attend? Which do you want to attend? Which do you want to skip? Language matters.
Sunday, June 15, 10:30 am
Songs for UU's
Presented by Janette Schafer
Fanette Schafer, soprano, will be giving a concert of songs that exemplify what it is to be a Unitarian Universalist. Also, at this year's service auction, Janette placed up for bid two songs to be chosen specifically for this service. See what the winning bidders picked for her to sing! Enjoy a wonderful service filled with thought-provoking music.
Sunday, June 8, 10:30 am
Summer Institute: Relax, Renew, Rejoice
Presented by Amy Kent
Curious about Summer Institue, a week-long "church camp" for UU's? Let Amy, last year's chair, let you know what really goes on there. This is an intergenerational service; there will be no RE today.
Sunday, June 1, 10:30 am
Youth Group Service
Presented by The Youth Group
Come join us for our annual youth group service. This service is organized and presented by our youth group (9th-12th graders) and promises to be interesting and inspirinng. As is our tradition, we will be celebrating our graduating high school seniors during this service. We are extremely fortunate to have a wonderful group of active youth in our church and this is your chance to catch up with their thoughts and feelings expressed through this annual service.
Sunday, May 25, 10:30 am
Humor
Presented by Garth & Janette Schafer
This service signals Sunnyhill's switch to summer hours. Please join us for the annual Memorial Day Picnic at 11:30, after the service.
Sunday, May 18, 9:00 and 11:30 am
Flower Communion and Good-bye
Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
Lynn M. Acquafondata, minister, will lead one final service before she departs. The service will include a UU flower communion, the Sunnyhill choir, a children's story and a reflection. All ages are encouraged to attend.
Sunday, May 11, 9:00 and 11:30 am
Expectations
Presented by Susan Richmond
Newsletter deadlines, fundraising goals, physical plant issues ... the list goes on and on. Indeed, we are often so overwhelmed by the daily needs of running our congregations that we neglect taking the time to focus on why we feel the need to be a part of a UU congregation in the first place. To be a member of a liberal religious faith - what does that mean? What do we expect from our faith? What does our faith expect from us? This exploration will be enlivened with excerpts from the book, Being Liberal in an Illiberal Age, written by a UU minister, Jack Mendelsohn.
Sunday, May 4, 9:00 and 11:30 am
Coming of Age
Presented by the Coming of Age Class
Our eighth grade students will present the service and share their statements of belief as they formally step onto the journey towards adulthood in this coming of Age service. This year's COA class includes: Anna Berch-Norton, Sully Dunn, Jesse English, Vinnie Fazio, Sean Sullivan and Max Swartwout.
Sunday, April 20, 9:00 and 11:30 am
The Consistency of Change
Presented by Rev. Joan Van Becelaere
Sunday, April 13, 9:00 and 11:30 am
Circles of Connection
Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
This fishbowl style service will give an inside view into the workings of a chalice circle and a glimpse into the hearts and minds of some of your fellow Sunnyhillers. The service will be organized and led by the minister, Lynn M. Acquafondata.
Sunday, April 6, 9:00 and 11:30 am
Freedom's Plow
Coordinated by Carol Karl and Dean Hazelton
Please join the Sunnyhill Choir for a service of singing and readings, inspired by the works of Langston Hughes, one of our great African American poets. Coordinated by Carol Karl and Dean Hazelton.
Sunday, March 30, 9:00 and 11:30 am
The Power of Place
Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
This service will explore the concept of sacred space and locations which facilitate spiritual connection. During the month of March, Lynn invites you to share pictures and/or descriptions with her of places that have spiritual power for you.
Sunday, March 23, 9:0, 10:15 and 11:30 am
Easter Service
Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
The 9am service will be intergenerational, and the 11:30 service will be geared towards an older crowd. There will be no RE this Sunday
10:30-11:15 Easter Communion Service - Lynn will lead our annual bread and wine communion service honoring the life and death of Jesus from a Unitarian Universalist Christian perspective. All ages are welcome to attend.
Sunday, March 16, 9:00 and 11:30 am
CUUPS
Presented by the Spiritways CUPPS chapter
The Spiritways CUUPS chapter is beginning its fifth year at Sunnyhill. We have participated in many Sunday services over these years adding aspects of our rituals to them. We would like to spend a Sunday morning with the congregation sharing our experiences of being both UU and Pagan. This service will focus on how our spiritual pathways have successfully merged these two surprisingly similar aspects of our lives. We will also reflect on how beneficial having a CUUPS chapter at Sunnyhill has been to this merger.
Sunday, March 9, 9:00 and 11:30 am
Politics, Healing and Religion
Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
This service will look at the influence of one of our Universalist forebears, Benjamin Rush, an innovative physician and social reformer, who played an important role in the formation of our government.
Sunday, March 2, 9:00 and 11:30 am
The RE Puzzle
Coordinated by Catherine Palmer
Once again, it's time for the RE students to show you what they do while you're attending services. Each class will do something to show off their curriculum.
Sunday, February 24, 9:00 and 11:30 am
True as Fiction
Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
Stories have played a central role in human culture since the beginning of time. The medium and forms change, but humans keep on spinning tales. The service will explore the truth which sometimes speaks more clearly through fiction than fact.
Sunday, February 10, 9:00 and 11:30 am
Electing Democracy
Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
During election season it's easy to focus on what's wrong with politics in America. We certainly do have many challenges as a nation. But looking around the world to Kenya and Pakistan and other places it's clear a lot could be much worse. What can we celebrate about our political system and why does it matter that we take the time to do that?
Sunday, February 3, 9:00 and 11:30 am
It's the Constitution Stupid. America's Secular Mandate.
Presented by Bob Lee
The creation of a state religion or a theocracy by its very nature alienates those that are not of the same belief. By our failure to combat the chipping away at the wall that separated Church and State built by our founders we have allowed the creation of a theocratic division between the United States and most of the Middle East, China, Africa or nearly two thirds of the population of the world. Not to mention the fastest growing group related to religion in the United States, those who have no religious preference. It was the recognition of the effect religion has on governance that was one of the original compromises agreed on by the founders of the constitution. Of the framers of the constitution it was the unitarian and Universalist beliefs of the framers that allowed consensus to be built. These were all men of faith, but faith in the traits of their fellow man is what brought brought the wisdom to build a wall between church and state.
Sunday, January 27, 9:00 and 11:30am
Turning Inward
Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
A reflective service with readings, meditations and music.
Sunday, January 20, 9:00 and 11:30am
Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata & Jerry Sattinger
Care Giving
This service addressing the challenges of care giving is prepared by Lynn M. Acquafondata, minister and Jerry Sattinger, lay pastoral care giver. A caregiver can be defined as anyone who provides care to someone who is chronically ill, disables or terminally ill. The care can be given in whatever environment a person calls home or may be provided long distance.
Sunday, January 13, 9:00 & 11:30 am
The Road to Peace
Can military action lead to peace? How do we take a stand that fits our values as Unitarian Universalists? Lynn Acquafondata, minister, will present the service with assistance from members of the youth group. The youth group is discussing this topic as part of their current curriculum.
Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
Sunday, January 6, 9:00 and 11:30am
| Experience, Strength and Hope |
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In today's service we will hear personal stories of addiction and recovery, and offer each other the support and love of a healing community. Please join the Addiction & Recovery Council and guest speakers to hear and learn more.
Presented by The Sunnyhill Addiction & Recovery Council
Sunday, December 30, 10:30 am
| The Turning of the Year
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This is Sunnyhill's traditional New Year's service, when we will write haiku and cinquain and share our poems with each other. Please come and join us for reflection and poetry.
Presented by Dean Hazelton
Sunday, December 23, 9:00 & 11:30 am
The Longest Night: Winter Solstice
Sunnyhill's annual Winter Solstice service draws from the wisdom of earth centered traditions as we mark the longest night of the year and the beginning of the return of the sun. This service will be appropriate for all ages.
Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
Sunday, December 16
| Poetry |
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Presented by Lynn Chandhok
Lynn is the daughter of Vijay and Shelly Chandhok and was a part of
Sunnyhill from age 3. She reads from her first book of poems,
which won the 2006 Philip Levine Prize, and talks about writing,
religion, motherhood, memory, politics and history.
Sunday, December 9
| Beyond the Possible |
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Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
This service of endurance and hope will be led by Lynn M. Acquafondata, minister
and draws from the wisdom of Chanukah.
Sunday, December 2
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In the Midst of Life
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Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
Holidays and dates to celebrate come year after year into the midst of the joys
and sorrows of life. Many of us strive to carry on traditions and yet life
changes. Today's service led by Lynn M. Acquafondata, minister, will reflect
on the meaning and purpose of holidays, celebrations and ritual
Sunday, November 25
| A Chosen Faith |
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Presented by Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray
Throughout history, what has made Unitarian Universalism unique
is its exphasis on inquiry and critical thinking towards relgion
rather than acccepting inherited or handed down beliefs.
What does this foundation mean for our faith today?
This service will be presented by Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray,
minister of First unitarian Universalist Church of Youngstown, Ohio.
Sunday, November 18
| Giving Thanks Around the World |
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Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
This Thanksgiving service for all ages will explore traditions of giving thanks in various cultures and religions. The service will be led by Lynn M. Acquafondata, minister and Patricia Loverich Bernard, director of religious education. The offering at this service will be given to our partner church in Kopec, Transylvania/Romania.
Sunday, November 11
| Veterans Don't Have Just One Day |
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Presented by Bob Lee
Our last declared war was World War II. But the sacrifice of people for their ideals and fellow American doesn't know a constitutional mandate. Service to others is the cornerstone of a military career, and the willingness to give that final meansure is a common virtue. Come and celebrate the service of our veterans on this day.
Sunday, November 4
Celebrating Sunnyhill
Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
Come celebrate what makes Sunnyhill the special community it has been for 42 years. The service will be led by Rev. Lynn M. Acquafondata with help from Gloria Snyder and Shelly Chandhok. At 11:30 we will dedicate the newest addition to Sunnyhill, 4 month old Piper Presley Sharp.
Sunday, October 28
All Souls
Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
At this traditional Sunnyhill service, we light candles as we remember and honor our loved ones who have died. If you would like to have a deceased friend or relative remembered in the order of service please contact Elizabeth Mortimer or fill out a form in the dining room by Oct 18. All are invited to bring memorial items to place on table up front for example: a picture, an object which reminds you of your loved one, a favorite food ... All items will be returned.
Sunday, October 21
| Growing in Association |
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Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
The Unitarian Universalist Association exists to serve its member congregations
and to grow Unitarian Universalism. This year the UUA is leading an exciting
campaign to grow our liberal religious movement through national advertising, funding
positions for racially diverse ministers and funding local growth initiatives.
Join UU congregations around the country this month in this initiative to raise
money to spread the message of our religion.
UU on YouTube! Watch Voices of a Liberal Faith, the UUA's new outreach video,
which was featured in this service.
Sunday,October 14
| Mystery of the Passacaglia: Chaconne a son gout |
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Presented by Dennis Sweeney
This is a discussion of this rare musical form and a free association on its meaning. Audience participation will be mandatory.
Sunday, October 7
| Power & Authority |
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Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
Sometimes in UU circles, these seem like dirty words. Our freedom of belief, our deep respect for the uniqueness of each person and our acceptance of individual's journeys are a strength of Unitarian Universalism. They have also brought with them a discomfort with leadership and authority. How can we get the best of both worlds?
Text of Lynn's installation ceremony (referenced in the sermon)
Sunday,September 30
Covenant
Presented by Susan Richmond
Our Principles begin with the statement: "We, the member congregations of the unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote..." The Webster dictionary defines covenant as, "a formal, binding agreement." How does the concept of covenant resonate with the everyday workings of our Sunnyhill community? In turn, how does covenant influence another key aspect of the our community - the dynamic process of building consensus. This topic was purchased by the Luffs at this year's Service Auction.
Sunday,September 23
| Forgiveness |
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Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
At this time of the Fall Equinox and in honor of the Jewish holiday, Yom Kippur, today's service will address the subject of forgiveness. New members will be welcomed at both services.
Sunday, September 16
Instant Fixes
Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
Today's service will focus on addiction, replapse and family systems.
Sunday, September 9
| Gathering of the Waters |
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Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
This traditional Unitarian Universalist service celebrates community and all that connects us to Sunnyhill. Please bring a sample of water that represents your summer to pour into our common bowl. Children will join us at the end of the service.
Sunday, September 2
| According to Garrison |
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Presented by Mary Beth Thakar
Unitarians are the butt of a many a joke on Prairie Home Companion. Are we funny - or are we misunderstood?
Sunday, August 26
| The Bible at Public School |
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Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
Does teaching the Bible always go against the separation of church and state? Do we need to introduce the Bible as a historical document in public schools? Lynn M. Acquafondata explored this subject in her sermon. The service generated such a passionate response that we arranged an impromptu after service discussion. The topic was chosen by Robert Williams who purchased it at this year's service auction.
Sunday, August 19
Awake at Work
Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
How can you engage in spiritual practice in the midst of a typical workday? Lynn M. Acquafondata gave a sermon drawing from the book Awake At Work: 35 Practical Buddhist Principles for Discovering Clarity and Balance in the Midst of Worl's Chaos, by Michale Carrol.
Sunday, August 5
| Service in Our Lives |
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Presented by Stephanie Miller
Doing service involves more than just helping others.
Service is a way of living life. By connecting us to the rest of
the world in a meaningful way, it becomes a spiritual practice,
helping us to make sense our lives and the world around us.
Stephanie Miller has just returned from the UUA's Summer of
Spirituality and Service, a six-week program for young adults.
Sunday, July 29
Why Me?
Presented by Ven. Shih Ying-Fa
Why do bad things happen to good people, and vice-versa? How does understanding this process help those of us living in this modern age? How does this knowledge help us to deal with the sometimes mystifying occurrences of everyday life?
Ven. Shih Ying-Fa is the abbot of CloudWater Zendo and the founder of the Zen Society of Cleveland. He is also the theme speaker at this year's OMD Summer Institute.
Sunday, July 22
Gifts of the Muse
Presented by Annabelle Clippinger
The arts are capable of bringing us to a state of profound inquiry or mystery that mirrors-- and can even be said to provide-- a spiritual experience. Through an exploration of the literary, musical and visual arts, we may start to weave a fabric of meaning, revealing the beauty and depth that so many of us crave in our lives.
Annabelle Clippinger, poet and professor, is also the Director of PITT ARTS at the University of Pittsburgh.
Sunday, May 27
| What Do You Expect? |
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Presented by Julie Ann Sullivan
How often do expectations alter your perceptions and experience of life everyday?
We will take a journey that includes recognizing how expectations have changed our lives and how we can more fully enjoy life taking each moment as it comes.
Sunday, May 13
| Mothering Out of Poverty |
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Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata, Louise Machinist, and Karen Bush
Extend your celebration of Mother's Day to millions of mothers around the world who are the poorest of the poor. Today we launch our second microcredit program to form village banks in Haiti.
Sunday, May 6
Coming of Age Service
Presented by the Coming of Age students
Join the eighth grade Sunnyhillers in this "rite of passage." We will acknowledge and celebrate their growth from childhood to adolescence, and their growing responsibilities in the world. The students will lead the service which promises to be unique and special!
Sunday, April 22
Blue Boat Home: Earth Day
Presented by Connie Barlow
Science writer Connie Barlow, a popular UU speaker, is a leader in the growing movement that celebrates mainstream science as our shared "cosmic creation story." Today she will lead a special celebration of Earth Day.
Connie Barlow and her husband, Rev. Michael Dowd, have presented programs at more than 250 UU churches and fellowships. Their "evolutionary evangelism" is a featured article in the spring 2006 issue of UU World.
Sunday, April 8
| Was Jesus a Unitarian Universalist? |
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Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
Sunday, April 1
Where Does Music Begin?
Presented by Hal Walker
Now you can learn one of the great secrets of Summer Institute. Hal Walker, music director at the UU Church of Kent, Ohio, and choir director at SI, will lead the service, and share music and celebration, featuring the Sunnyhill choir. Hal is an exciting performer and also collects unusual instruments. He is the composer/lyricist of "Promise of Peace" and "Unitarian Universalism". Hal will share with us his spiritual journey through Unitarian Universalism, music and community.
Sunday, March 11
"I Won't Attend THIS"
Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
Do you skim through the service topics to decide which weeks to attend? Or do you come to Sunnyhill for other reasons: community, music, to be challendged, to be comforted, for religious education and development of you or your child etc.? Do the choices you make at Sunnyhill relate to how you choose and prioritize your participation in the happenings and possibilities of every day left? Lynn M. Acquafondata, minster will explore this topic at today's service, of course leaving much time for discussion.
Sunday, Feb 11
| Success |
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Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
In a society full of pressures to achieve, we will stop to relect on who determines what is considered successful, what really is success and how do we attain it. The topic of today's service was chosen by the youth group.
Sunday, Jan 21, 9 & 11:30 am
Interfaith Dialogue
Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
Drawing from the wisdom of moderate Muslims, Rev. Lynn M. Acquafondata will give a sermon on the pressing importance of interfaith dialogue amid the tensions of our world. Can we as Unitarian Universalists lead the way to healing?
Sunday, Nov 12, 9 am and 11:30 am
| Are There Exceptions? |
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Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
Our first UU principle is to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Are there any exceptions?
Sunday, Nov 5, 9 am and 11:30 am/p>
Our Future
Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
As the season turns chilly, Rev. Lynn M. Acquafondata will turn attention to our future and the subject of global warming.
The service will begin with a Child dedication/naming ceremony. This Unitarian Universalist rite of passage honors children and welcomes them into our community. It is apropriate for babies through elementary age children. If you are interested in having your child dedicated contact Lynn no later than Nov. 1.
Sunday, Oct 22, 9 am and 11:30 am
Speaking With Your Money
Presented by Rev. Lynn Acquafondata
All of us make difficult choices about how to spend money. Many of us send money to causes we value. It's easy to become overwhelmed by the choices. How can you speak effectively with your money? We will welcome new members at both services. If you are interested in joining the church please call Anita Hagar at 724-310-3402.
Sunday, Oct 15, 9 am and 11:30 am
Liberal Religion: Our 2500 Year Tradition
Presented by Randy Bellamy
From the "Axial Age" to the present age we have been the inheritors and guardians of an ancient and honorable tradition. We'll take a look at some essential elements of liberal religious thought in the western world by tracing its historical arc from the Upanishads through Buddhism, Taoism, the "Golden Age" of Greece and early Christianity and through the ages of St. Augustine, Origen, Schleiermacher, Kierkegaard and Tillich.
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