January 19, 2020
by Reverend Anthony Makar and
Jeff Modzelewski, Worship Associate
When we lose touch with our heroes’ stories, we lose touch with our own powers and potentialities. We hear a call to leadership, but our response can be, Who, me? Yet the message of the life of every hero who has ever gone before us, or who may be in our midst right now, is that you don’t need to be perfect to have a dream. Today, we explore some of Dr. King’s story and how it speaks powerfully to our own today.
January 12, 2020
by Reverend Anthony Makar and
Ryan Rosu, Worship Associate
Hearts hunger to be a part of Beloved Community, which is a place where people feel enlivened and vital and loved. So what’s involved in creating Beloved Community, and then sustaining it? How might you help?
January 5, 2020
by Reverend Chris Long and
Judy Montgomery, Worship Associate
West Shore is known throughout Greater Cleveland for its justice-making. The work that our congregational Task Forces and our Social Action Committee continues to do, with a few highly dedicated members and friends of the congregation, is astounding. We will reflect on our individual and collective journey over the last year with our justice efforts at West Shore and beyond. Rev. Long will also share some of his experiences with our Interfaith Community Partners and other organizations in Cleveland. He will also include details regarding his faithful journey with our denominational efforts in becoming a living tradition striving to become an “anti-racist, anti-oppressive, multicultural” faith movement as we lean into 2020. This holy work needs more of us in it!
Music: I am Resilient by Rising Appalachia, sung by Margaret Gardner and Ally Jagoda
December 29, 2019
by Martha Blachly-Cross and Ryan Rosu, Worship Leaders
Vicki Warden, Worship Associate
For the shortest, darkest weeks of the year, human beings have, from the beginnings of time, created festivals of light to brighten their days. Christmas, Hanukkah, Epiphany—each anticipates the longed-for return to spring, each has its rites, symbols and above all stories. For the holidays, then, a reading list. Chaucer urged, “To read and drive the night away.”
December 22, 2019
by Reverend Anthony Makar and
Gerry Meader, Worship Associate
The Christmas Story involves any number of fascinating figures: Joseph and Mary, the wise men, the animals in the stable, the angels, King Herod, and so on. There’s more to each than meets the eye. This year, I will share my personal letter to Mary.
December 8, 2019
by Reverend Anthony Makar and
Vicki Warden, Worship Associate
What do spirituality and money have to do with each other? Everything! Come and find out about how we might relate to money (and talk about it!) in healthier ways.
December 1, 2019
by Reverend Anthony Makar and
Michael Miller, Worship Associates
Religions around the world honor the gift of tears and have found ways to ritualize it. During the Passover Seder, when Jews remember their escape from Egypt, they bring salt water to their lips to symbolize the tears of bondage. In ancient times, when a person died, mourners put their tears in bottles and sometimes even wore them around their necks. Over the ages, the weeping of tears has been a sign of the mystical experiences of saints and repentant sinners. These transcendent moments go beyond what the mind can comprehend; tears are a response of the heart. Today, we explore the role that tears might play in our Unitarian Universalist faith life.
All songs are played in their entirety at the end of the service
November 24, 2019
by Reverend Anthony Makar,
Judy Montgomery and
Ryan Rosu, Worship Associates
In this time of unprecedented migration all around the world, what does it mean to find home? This Sunday we invite people of all ages to experience a powerful Thanksgiving service centered around Eve Bunting’s story, “How Many Days to America?” While acknowledging that some will show up to this holiday time with celebration in their hearts, others will be feeling emotions that are decidedly mixed. Come to a service that makes room for all of this and will send you out into the world inspired and hopeful.
November 17, 2019
by Reverend Michelle Ma and
Gerry Meader, Worship Associate
Unitarian Universalists talk a lot about "living our values" and "building a beloved community.” West Shore strives to be a radically inclusive, multicultural, anti-oppressive community, and so does Denison UCC. We are two very different churches with different ministries and very similar goals. Affiliated Community Minister Michelle Ma will talk about her work with Denison UCC and how and why West Shore should get involved.
November 10, 2019
by Reverend Anthony Makar and
Ryan Rosu, Worship Associate
This past September, Jonathan Franzen wrote an article in The New Yorker entitled, “What If We Stopped Pretending?” His essential argument was that the destruction of the plan-et by human-induced climate change is inevitable and that environmentalists and climate change activists are delusion-al for trying to stop it. This is just one example of defeatism about the environment, and defeatism these days is pervasive. But is defeatism truly reasonable? Is it possible to affirm hopefulness as a more rational position?
November 3, 2019
by Reverend Anthony Makar and
Worship Leader Elizabeth Gerenscer
Wonder Woman is a comic book superhero whose story inspires people of all ages. An essential part of this story is her struggle to come into her power and to be powerfully herself against the efforts of others to keep her small. In his personal letter to Wonder Woman, Rev. Makar explores this and the challenge all of us face to be wonderful in our own unique way.
October 25, 2019
by Reverend Anthony Makar and
Jeff Modzelewski
Worship Associate
This is the third and last sermon in a series entitled “Our Universalist Heritage." What if I said that Paradise is not lost but already here and now? And that spirituality is about entering it in this life, through a renewal and restoration of one’s mind and senses? Three hundred fifty years ago, that’s what Universalist Jane Leade preached, and her vision has been taken up in our time by Unitarian Universalist minister the Rev. Rebecca Ann Parker. Let’s take a closer look.
October 20, 2019
by Kathy Strawser and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
The Very Reverend Tracey Lind and
Emily Ingalls
Guest Speakers
In 2017, the Very Reverend Tracey Lind stepped down as Dean of Cleveland's Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, following a diagnosis of early-onset dementia. What changes did this bring to her personal life, her activism, her ministry and her spiritual life? We welcome Rev. Lind and her wife Emily Ingalls to our pulpit to share their learnings and a message about what it means to be human.
October 13, 2019
by Reverend Anthony Makar and
Jeff Modzelewski
Worship Associate
Love, we say, is of transcendent worth. We affirm our Seven Unitarian Universalist Principles and in this way affirm the ultimacy of love. But often with our actions, we fall short. Often, we don’t walk the talk. So what does that mean? Does it mean we are hopeless hypocrites? Or is there a way to be a people who proclaim Love’s worth with integrity? Today’s sermon is the second in a series entitled “Our Universalist Heritage.”
Guest Musician: Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout
October 6, 2019
by Reverend Anthony Makar and
Judy Montgomery
Worship Associate
Universalism represents one side of our amazing historical heritage. Come explore Universalism's essential wisdom of "loving the hell out of the world" and its guidance on what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist today.
September 29, 2019
by Reverend Chris Long, and
Elizabeth Gerencser
Worship Associate
A special thank you to Jodith Janes and Tom Williams who purchased a sermon topic of their choice at this year’s Service Auction. As we all know, death is a part of life and living, and there comes a time when it happens to us all. What is less clear is what we as Unitarian Universalists or friends of this vibrant faith community do or discuss regarding what happens to us after we die? What theological, scientific, spiritual, and/or religious beliefs help us to navigate such times? What aspects of our faith sustain us individually and collectively during such transitions? We will share our experiences with the subject through some theological touchpoints, reflections, curiosity and song.
September 22, 2019
by Reverend Anthony Makar and
Ryan Rosu
Worship Associate
In the historical Buddha’s very first sermon, he presented the fundamental principles of his teaching, which have since become known as “The Four Noble Truths.” Come hear Rev. Makar’s contemporary Unitarian Universalist take on these profound insights that the Buddha gave to the world.
September 15, 2019
by Reverend Anthony Makar with
Reverend Chris Long,
Layne Richard-Hammock
Director of Lifespan Faith Development and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
Today, we begin a new year of religious education classes, and that means we begin again the powerful work of supporting the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual growth of our children and youth. But what does it mean to grow? Rev. Makar shares a story about his Baba (that’s Ukranian for “grandmother”) and, through it, explores three dimensions of the growing journey as it impacts all ages.
![Making the World More Beautiful]()
September 8, 2019
by Reverend Anthony Makar and
Reverend Chris Long
Gerry Meader
Worship Associate
Now that school has started again, and we have returned from summer travels away or “staycations” in Cleveland, we come home to West Shore and begin a new program year. Our multigenerational service draws from the classic story “Miss Rumphius” by Barbara Cooney. Here’s a short excerpt: In the evening Alice sat on her grandfather’s knee and listened to his stories of faraway places. When he had finished, Alice would say, “When I grow up, I too will go to faraway places, and when I am old, I too will live beside the sea.” “That is all very well, little Alice,” said her grandfather, “but there is a third thing you must do.” “What is that?” asked Alice. “You must do something to make the world more beautiful,” said her grandfather. “All right,” said Alice. But she didn’t know what that could be. What might you do to make the world more beautiful? Let’s explore this together as we usher in a new program year at West Shore
September 1, 2019
by Christine Salontay and
Vicky Warden
Worship Associates
“I can’t stop thinking.” “Am I doing this right?” “There is no way I can sit still that long” “This is boring.” We spend most of our lives lost in thoughts. And although there is a growing body of scientific evidence that strongly suggests meditation is another important pillar of wellness, why is it so hard to get ourselves to spend a few minutes each day meditating? This Sunday, explore why meditation can be so difficult but how sticking with a meditation practice can have life long benefits.
August 25, 2019
by Reverend Anthony Makar and
Michael Miller
Worship Associate
Worldwide, there are approximately 50 million people with Alzheimer’s, and the ripple effects of this mean that millions of more lives of family, friends, and others have been impacted. It’s a difficult journey, but one that contains many lessons for UUs of all ages about human dignity, the nature of caregiving, and the depths of human devotion and love.
August 18, 2019
by Reverend Anthony Makar
Author, poet, and civil rights activist Maya Angelou once said, “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” We explore some of these changes in Maya Angelou’s amazing life, across a span of almost 90 years
August 11, 2019
by Reverend Anthony Makar
Life is full of challenge and change, and it can wear down even the strongest person. Today, join Reverend Makar for an exploration of ways we can proactively nourish our hearts and spirits. Our Unitarian Universalist spiritual way wants all people to stay refreshed and renewed for the journey of life!
August 8, 2019
by Intern Minister Michelle Ma and
Elizabeth Gerencser
Worship Associate
Time has sure flown during my internship, and I’ve learned so much! Now it’s time for me to reflect back some of what I’ve learned; maybe you’ll learn something about yourselves.
July 28, 2019
by Rev. Chris Long & Michelle Ma, Worship Leaders
Justice work isn’t just about transforming the world: it’s about transforming ourselves. Transformation leads to transformation.
July 21, 2019
by Marty Blachly-Cross, Worship Leader
As civil discourse becomes more uncivil, what are the guidelines for respectful interactions, and does our Covenant with each other support this?
July 14, 2019
by Worship Associate Gerry Meader
We will explore mindfulness and some of the ways in which we accept ideas without the benefit of any serious intellectual rigor. How do we come to accept “truth” when real evidence doesn’t exist, or when the “evidence” is misleading? And how might these precarious beliefs affect our commitment to social justice or our world view?
CLICK HERE FOR SERMON ONLY
July 14, 2019
by Worship Associate Gerry Meader
We will explore mindfulness and some of the ways in which we accept ideas without the benefit of any serious intellectual rigor. How do we come to accept “truth” when real evidence doesn’t exist, or when the “evidence” is misleading? And how might these precarious beliefs affect our commitment to social justice or our world view?
July 7, 2019
by Maura Garin, Worship Leader and
Elizabeth Gerencser
Worship Associate
We learn and remember from stories our elders have told us. What will we leave behind for those who follow?
June 30, 2019
by Intern Minister Michelle Ma and
Worship Associate Maura Garin
Intersex people “do not fit the typical definitions for male or female bodies” and were–and still are–subject to stigma and discrimination. What do intersex people have to teach Unitarian Universalists about science, gender, and ambiguity?
CLICK HERE FOR SERMON ONLY
June 30, 2019
by Intern Minister Michelle Ma and
Worship Associate Maura Garin
Intersex people “do not fit the typical definitions for male or female bodies” and were–and still are–subject to stigma and discrimination. What do intersex people have to teach Unitarian Universalists about science, gender, and ambiguity?
June 16, 2019
by Reverend Patricia Hart
The very best way to get ready for a wonderful new beginning is to pay attention to the ending of what came before. Thoughts on the gifts and losses of transitions in our lives, on Rev. Tricia Hart’s last Sunday worship service at West Shore.
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June 16, 2019
by Reverend Patricia Hart
The very best way to get ready for a wonderful new beginning is to pay attention to the ending of what came before. Thoughts on the gifts and losses of transitions in our lives, on Rev. Tricia Hart’s last Sunday worship service at West Shore.
June 9, 2019
by Reverend Chris Long,
Guest Speaker Jessica York
Director of Congregational Life at the Unitarian Universalist Association and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
Jessica York will share a sermon grounded in themes and ideas related to dance, specifically dancing in partnerships, in our work toward racial and social justice. She will also share how our efforts here at West Shore are connected to the racial and social justice mission of Unitarian Universalism. We will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Rev Chris’ Ordination as a UU Minister, as well as the “bridging” of West Shore high school graduates into young adulthood.
CLICK HERE FOR SERMON ONLY
June 9, 2019
by Reverend Chris Long,
Guest Speaker Jessica York
Director of Congregational Life at the Unitarian Universalist Association and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
Jessica York will share a sermon grounded in themes and ideas related to dance, specifically dancing in partnerships, in our work toward racial and social justice. She will also share how our efforts here at West Shore are connected to the racial and social justice mission of Unitarian Universalism. We will celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Rev Chris’ Ordination as a UU Minister, as well as the “bridging” of West Shore high school graduates into young adulthood.
June 2, 2019
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Reverend Chris Long with
Michael Miller
Worship Associate
The theme for this all-ages Pride service is Sanctuary, focusing on how the Unitarian Universalist faith and West Shore embraces and creates a safe space and culture of all. Especially youth! We will recognize all those who served this year as West Shore’s Religious Education teachers. Children of all ages are welcome to stay for the entire service.
May 26, 2019
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Maura Garin
Worship Associate
On this Memorial Day Sunday, we will tell stories of communities living out their promises to remember the gifts of those who have died, long into the future. The service ceremony will conclude with a brief dedication of the now-complete Memorial Garden and a reception in the Courtyard for everyone.
CLICK HERE FOR SERMON ONLY
May 26, 2019
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Maura Garin
Worship Associate
On this Memorial Day Sunday, we will tell stories of communities living out their promises to remember the gifts of those who have died, long into the future. The service ceremony will conclude with a brief dedication of the now-complete Memorial Garden and a reception in the Courtyard for everyone.
May 19, 2019
Reverend Anthony David Makar and
Michael Miller
Worship Associate
Unitarian Universalists speak of their faith as a “living tradition.” We see that language on what might be the most popular and used book in our congregations, our hymnal entitled, “ Singing the Living Tradition.” But what is the story of our Tradition that Lives? Join Rev. Makar for an inspiring and uplifting message about who we are in the world and who we aspire to be. Immediately following the service, please plan to attend the Congregational Meeting. This will be a two-part meeting. The first part will be our Annual Meeting to elect the new Board of Trustees and Nominating Committee members. The second part will be a special congregational meeting on calling Rev. Anthony Makar as our NEW Senior Minister.
May 12, 2019
by Reverend Anthony Makar and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
Each of us has a story about how we discovered Unitarian Universalism and why we have chosen it as our religious path. It reflects a unique combination of people, circumstances, and personal needs and hopes. Timing is also important. West Shore's Candidate for Senior Minister, Rev. Makar, shares some of the stories of why he’s a Unitarian Universalist, what it means to him, why he's so grateful for it. Come see how his story might speak to your own!
CLICK HERE FOR SERMON ONLY
May 12, 2019
by Reverend Anthony Makar and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
Each of us has a story about how we discovered Unitarian Universalism and why we have chosen it as our religious path. It reflects a unique combination of people, circumstances, and personal needs and hopes. Timing is also important. West Shore's Candidate for Senior Minister, Rev. Makar, shares some of the stories of why he’s a Unitarian Universalist, what it means to him, why he's so grateful for it. Come see how his story might speak to your own!
May 5, 2019
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Gerry Meader
Worship Associate
“Rebellion against tyrants is obedience to God.” These words, spoken by Benjamin Franklin, speak volumes about the political ideas that shaped our country and the religious convictions that would become Unitarianism. There are many points in history when those two movements converged. To some extent, they still do.
CLICK HERE FOR SERMON ONLY
May 5, 2019
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Gerry Meader
Worship Associate
“Rebellion against tyrants is obedience to God.” These words, spoken by Benjamin Franklin, speak volumes about the political ideas that shaped our country and the religious convictions that would become Unitarianism. There are many points in history when those two movements converged. To some extent, they still do.
![What We Owe to Each Other]()
April 28, 2019
by Intern Minister Michelle Ma and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
We are whole beings, each and every one of us, with inherent worth and dignity. It's easy to say those words out loud and agree; another thing to put it into practice. How do we hold each other accountable for our actions in this world while still treating one another with compassion and kindness?
CLICK HERE FOR SERMON ONLY
Seven Principles (from Wikipedia)
Adopted in 1960, the Principles, Purposes and Sources can be found in the Bylaws of the Unitarian Universalist Association.[50] The Principles are expressed,
We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person;[51]
- Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;[52]
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;[53]
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;[54]
- The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;[55]
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;[56]
- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.[57]
![What We Owe to Each Other - sermon only]()
April 28, 2019
by Intern Minister Michelle Ma and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
We are whole beings, each and every one of us, with inherent worth and dignity. It's easy to say those words out loud and agree; another thing to put it into practice. How do we hold each other accountable for our actions in this world while still treating one another with compassion and kindness?
Seven Principles (from Wikipedia)
Adopted in 1960, the Principles, Purposes and Sources can be found in the Bylaws of the Unitarian Universalist Association.[50] The Principles are expressed,
We, the member congregations of the Unitarian Universalist Association, covenant to affirm and promote:
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person;[51]
- Justice, equity and compassion in human relations;[52]
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;[53]
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;[54]
- The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;[55]
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;[56]
- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part.[57]
April 21, 2019
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Maura Garin
Worship Associate
Easter is a complicated celebration for Unitarian Universalists of any theological disposition. The stories in the Bible are unclear as to what happens and why...so much so that Christians have been debating what it all means for millennia. Is there a place for you in the mystery? What is the work of joy in our lives? Erin Gyomber, who won this service in the 2018 Auction, wonders if joy shows up to remind us to look up from the tedium and disappointment that surround us, and find beauty again--and hope.
CLICK HERE FOR SERMON ONLY
April 21, 2019
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Maura Garin
Worship Associate
Easter is a complicated celebration for Unitarian Universalists of any theological disposition. The stories in the Bible are unclear as to what happens and why...so much so that Christians have been debating what it all means for millennia. Is there a place for you in the mystery? What is the work of joy in our lives? Erin Gyomber, who won this service in the 2018 Auction, wonders if joy shows up to remind us to look up from the tedium and disappointment that surround us, and find beauty again--and hope.
