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.”
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.
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.
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?
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.
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!
![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]
March 31, 2019
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
Reflections on the lessons and gifts of interim ministry.
CLICK HERE FOR SERMON ONLY
March 31, 2019
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
Reflections on the lessons and gifts of interim ministry.
February 17, 2019
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
West Shore has made a commitment to be a force for racial justice in the life and communities of its people. But before anyone can change the world (or themselves), they must understand how things came to be the way they are. Some thoughts on being a white person, and telling the whole truth.
January 13, 2019
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
"Remember Those Who Forget," an article written by a Presbyterian elder, asks us to imagine how congregations might become more dementia-friendly. Why is this important to Unitarian Universalists? How might our own experiences with those who suffer from cognitive memory loss—those in our congregation, families and larger communities—transform us and move us to act on our values?
October 14, 2018
by Reverend Peter Newport and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
Loss of identity, not knowing who you are, is part of white supremacy culture—for white people, anyway. A personal look, this morning, from where one white person came from; some of the confusions that arose along the way; and the story of John Wampus.
_
September 23, 2018
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
In Unitarian Universalism, everything important is rooted in the covenant that members make with one another. Everyone is free to believe and practice their own faith—but even in that freedom, there is the mutual commitment to a vision and way of being together. (How does that work?)
_
August 26, 2018
by Reverend Patricia Hart with
The Ministerial Search Committee and
Marty Blachly-Cross
Worship Associate
West Shore has begun the search for the next Senior Minister who will be “called” to serve this church. How does that search happen, and what (who) is it for? What's the tradition and theology behind this long involved process? How is it changing in our time? How will West Shore approach this process? And, how can you get involved? Bring your questions and thoughts as Rev. Tricia and the Search Committee reflect together.
_
July 22, 2018
by Worship Associates
Maura Garin and Marty Blachy-Cross
Being hospitable as a congregation might take on different forms from the traditional view of what hospitality is. In today's world, what does hospitality look like: from our own congregation to how we relate to others in the global sense?
_
April 22, 2018
by Reverend Patricia Hart and
Martha Blanchly-Cross
Worship Associate
We will celebrate Earth Day with a charming and thought-provoking story service about this beautiful and fragile planet, and the role that human beings play in the great drama of life.
