Sacred Service Volunteering

 

Sacred Service banner

 

A positive spiritual lifestyle involves more than just attending weekly services. It is also about creating a community through loving service as we allow our inner light to shine. We build relationships based on our Unity teachings and principles by sharing our unique talents and gifts.

We have a dynamic Sacred Service program and would love to support you in finding your place as we build a vibrant and growing community.

Did you know that Sacred Service is an important part of our community at USC?

  • Unity's fifth Principle is "Through thoughts, words, and actions, we do our best by living the Truth we know."
  • One of USC’s Core Values is Service
  • USC's Vision Statement is "We are love in action, honoring the Divine within all."
  • USC's Membership Commitment is Service.

There are many opportunities for you to say “YES” to what is yours to do!  

Contact the Leader of the group you are interested in to learn how your special talents can serve USC. 

 

New Event Request Form!

Team Leads, please complete at least 6 weeks before your event.

Click on the link below:

https://unityspiritualcenterwestlake.breezechms.com/form/eventrequest

A confirmation will be sent to the email address you entered. 

 

2026 MINISTRIES, GROUPS, AND TEAMS (MGT)

 

PRAYER MINISTRIES

Director: Terri Brewer
Contact: terrimoorebrewer@gmail.com  (440) 281-5106

Mission: To be Love in Action, listening and praying in the sacred space of possibility, affirming that God is present and active in all.

Purpose: To provide prayer support for the congregation, both as a whole and individually. The support extends from participation in Sunday services, through prayer-related events to daily prayer with prayer requests, support of our virtual community, and support of the minister in pastoral care and sacred services.

Description: There are three elements of the Prayer Ministries. Each includes an oath of confidentiality and a one-year commitment.

Trained Prayer Chaplains engage in all activities, including being part of the Sunday service. The next year of chaplaincy begins February 28, 2027.

Prayer Panel Members receive prayer requests from a variety of sources and commit to praying with them daily. One may request to join at any time.

Associates to the Prayer Ministries support the many activities of the Ministries, particularly events such as the Lenten and Advent services, and World Day of Prayer. They may also support the ministries in providing content for the USC website and providing other support as requested. One may request to join at any time.

Participation in the Prayer Ministries also involves a deep commitment to one’s own spiritual journey, including daily meditation, prayer, and the study of Unity and spiritual topics of interest.

 

SUNDAYS

MEDITATION: (10:35 am – 10:50 am)
Led by Prayer Chaplains in the Garden Chapel
Purpose: To offer attendees a quiet respite before Sunday service.
Description: A short, guided meditation leading into silence.

PERSONAL PRAYER: (12:15 pm – 12:45 pm)
Purpose: To provide a safe space for confidential affirmative prayer
Description: Private prayer available in The Sanctuary after service. Chaplains are also available for one-on-one prayer at the foot of the platform after service.

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY:
Donna Foote: footenote73@gmail.com  440-570-3430
Vivian Baith: baithv@gmail.com  440-477-5770
Purpose: To provide a tangible reminder of the warmth and care that the prayer ministries hold for each person and the prayer that we share, seeing them wrapped in God’s loving embrace.
Description: We pray with and bless each one as they are being created, and welcome anyone who is willing to share their time and talent. Join us in the community room after Sunday Service on the first Sunday of the month to knit and crochet, and to learn more
 

 

BEYOND SUNDAYS

PASTORAL CARE MINISTRY:
Purpose: To support members in their spiritual lives beyond Sunday mornings.
Description: Team members facilitate member visits to homes, hospitals, and living facilities to offer prayer support.

PRAYER PANEL:
Purpose: To expand the unified affirmative prayer of the chaplains.
Description: Members agree to receive prayer requests and pray with them daily.
 

 

YOUTH AND FAMILY MINISTRY

Director: Sara Schlegel youth@unityspiritualcenter.com  216-644-0889

Purpose: Offer a vital opportunity for our young people to nurture and explore the spiritual aspects of their lives.

Description: Promote spiritual self-discovery, create an atmosphere of safety conducive to learning and growing, stimulate a stimulating curriculum and creative self-expression. Encourage friendships and supportive relationships.

 

SUNDAYS

YOUTH SERVICES (11:00 am)
Purpose: To provide vital opportunities for our young people to nurture and explore the spiritual aspects of their lives through age-appropriate education and activity.
Description: USC faculty provides age-appropriate education and activity for youth aged toddlers through 18 in an environment that is enjoyable, intentional, inclusive, respectful, and unwavering in its commitment to the safety of all. We use a living curriculum that highlights Unity principles, fosters reflection, promotes leadership, and instills confidence, using real-life as our palette.

 

 

WEDNESDAYS

TEEN PROGRAM: (6:30 pm – 8:00 pm)
Purpose: Provide a safe space for ages 11 – 18 to explore the spiritual aspects of their lives and to be reminded that they are inherently good.
Description: USC’s Uniteen/Y.O.U. program provides a deeper experience. While we still follow a living curriculum, we take our discussions further – opening to new possibilities and sharing alternative perspectives on situations our teens face. Greater engagement in matters of group business cultivates leadership skills for life, and the most important principle for teens, “God is good, so I am inherently good,” will always be spoken.

 

EARTH CARE MINISTRY

Director: Camden Locker: camdenlocker@gmail.com  440-454-2063

Mission: Earth Care Ministry exists to honor the sacredness of the Earth, to embody Unity’s spiritual principles through sustainable living, and to inspire the congregation to co-create a healthier, more compassionate world for all beings.

Core Functions: Spiritual Integration, Education & Awareness, Community Engagement, Sustainable Practices. Volunteer & Member Coordination, Fundraising & Resources, and Tracking and Reporting.

Description: The Earth Care Ministry serves as a vital extension of Unity's commitment to wholeness, interconnectedness, and stewardship. Through spiritual grounding, practical action, and community engagement, this ministry will help Unity Spiritual Center become a living example of conscious, sustainable, and loving connection with the Earth.

 

SMALL GROUP MINISTRY

Director: Rev. Richard Held; revrichard@unityspiritualcenter.com

Purpose: To deepen personal growth through deepening human relationships.

Description: USC’s Small Group Ministry provides varied opportunities for conversation, study, and common interest as facilitated by trained USC members.

COMMUNITY OUTREACH TEAM: (1st Sundays, 12:30 pm)
Corinne Patel: corinnepatel@netzero.net  216-385-0332
Russ Johnson:
Purpose: To demonstrate USC’s love and support by serving those in our greater community.
Description: Team members organize, plan meetings, research the needs of various community organizations, prepare marketing requests, and organize and deliver donations.

GROWING THROUGH GRIEF GROUP: (2nd Sundays, 12:30 pm)
Carol Mills: carol_mills2003@yahoo.com  330-714-5968
Purpose: Offer a nurturing environment to support you along your way through the grief process.
Description: Safe and understanding space where you can express and process your emotions without judgment. Connect with others who understand and empathize with your journey.

HEALING CIRCLE GROUP: (3rd Sundays, 12:30 pm) 
Vivian Baith baithv@gmail.com  440-477-5770
Purpose:  Offer sacred space and time for prayer, meditation, sound, and Reiki healing.
Description: The team is composed of at least six volunteer Reiki Masters and Healers. Most serve every third Sunday. Love offerings are donated to USC. Anyone trained in Reiki or other hands-on healing modalities is welcome to join the circle.

IN-REACH CARE MINISTRY
Linda Szulc: lbszulc@yahoo.com  910-689-8262
Purpose: To proactively contribute to a healthy and sustainable community by supporting individuals.
Description: Team members support those who consider USC a spiritual home through acts of connection and kindness. We see you! 

LUNCH AND LEARN: (3rd Tuesdays at 12:00 pm) 
Co-Leaders:
Kathy Lowery: kathleenlowery03@yahoo.com  440-897-0351
Linda Thunberg:  lmthunberg@gmail.com
Purpose: Provide a space for fellowship and learning.
Description: Offers learning, thought-stimulating topics from invited guest speakers, and a potluck whether homemade or store-bought), or a brown bag. Please register via the website or by telephone at 440-835-0400. Bring a friend! A freewill offering will be gratefully accepted. 

MEN’S GROUP: (1st Saturday, 9:30 – 11:00 am) in Spirit Room
Ted Brewer: brewer.ted@gmail.com  440-376-8019
Purpose: To provide a monthly opportunity for the men of our community to get together to form friendships.
Description: It is a casual conversation at a breakfast table. Participants check in first with what is current in our lives and then discuss a topic, whether chosen by the moderator or one that arises from the check-in.
*Please note that the purpose of the Men’s Group does not include group service projects.

METAPHYSICAL MUSINGS GROUP: (4TH Tuesdays, 1:00 – 3:00 pm)
Eileen Spada profei@aol.com  440-552-3395
Purpose: Share “beyond the norm” experiences
Description: Participants have the opportunity to share unusual experiences or find answers to questions regarding the paranormal in a loving, caring, nonjudgmental environment.

NEW THOUGHT CAFÉ’ GROUP: (Sundays, 9:30 am) in the Spirit Room
Ted Brewer brewer.ted@gmail.com  440-376-8019
Karen Kazsmer karenakaz@ymail.com  216-544-4840
Purpose: To nurture and appreciate the inner wisdom waiting to be expressed when offered the opportunity.
Description: This is a conversational, not instructional group. It is facilitated at tables in a breakfast café style. A short audio, video, or printed media presentation will introduce a topic for discussion. Moderators welcome topics suggested by participants. 

NOON MEDITATION GROUP: (Wednesdays at 12:00 pm) in Garden Chapel and on Zoom
Kathy Ginter: kapwg1946@yahoo.com  440-864-4082
Purpose: To provide a sacred space for our community to pray and meditate.
Description: Noon Meditation Group offers a reading from Unity’s Daily Word followed by a 30-minute meditation using the Silent Unity Prayer Service.  You can Zoom at Noon.

SPIRITUAL DISCUSSION GROUP: (Weekdays 10:00 am virtual)
Ellen Severson eseversonlisw@msn.com  216-849-6165
Purpose: Gather via Zoom in the community room to discuss spiritual practices based on various publications and how they apply to our lives.
Description: Connect with others through the power of love to share spiritual self-discovery, to support each person to learn and grow, to nurture and appreciate our inner wisdom.

WEEKDAY PRAYER CALL: (8:00 am)
Susan Armstrong srarm@sbcglobal.net  440-334-7362
Purpose: Provide a weekday avenue for affirmative community prayer via an 8 a.m. conference call.
Description: Weekly rotation of various prayer leaders using the Daily Word as the theme. The leader may offer insight or deeper meaning. There is space where the call opens for shared and community prayer, and closes with the participant's personal word or phrase to empower for the day.

YOUNG ADULTS MEETUP: (3rd Wednesdays from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm in the Spirit Room)
Co-Facilitators:
Camden Locker:  camdenlocker@gmail.com  440-454-2063
Austin Vitello: 440-667-60058
Purpose: Come together with other young adults, ages 18-30.
Description: Open conversation and connection with other spiritual seekers.

 

SUNDAY TEAMS

Director: Rev. Richard Held: revrichard@unityspiritualcenter.com  440-835-0400

VISUAL AND LIVESTREAM TEAM: (9:15 am to 12:15 pm) 
Marilyn Voelkerding Visuals: mvoelkerding@outlook.com  440-503-2062
Purpose: To ensure quality, visuals, media, and streaming services in support of the spiritual experience.
Description: Team members arrive at 9:15 to prepare for Sunday rehearsal, which starts promptly at 9:30 am. Each Sunday, one member runs two PowerPoint presentations, and another member operates the cameras for livestreaming on YouTube and Facebook. Training is provided.

CHOIR: (Sundays 9:30 am 12:15 pm)
Music Director: Matthew Wilson: music@unityspiritualcenter.com  440-835-0400
Purpose: To provide quality, inspiring music in support of the spiritual experience.
Description: Team members support our unwavering commitment to quality artistic inspiration for every Sunday Service! No experience is necessary – only open hearts and willing spirits.  All are welcome to join the first rehearsal without making any commitment! Try it! Please review all rehearsal schedules before committing. Full attendance is necessary. 

DAILY WORD READERS: (Sundays, 10:00 am – 12:15)
Office Manager: Matthew Wilson: unityinfo@unityspiritualcenter.com   440-835-0400
Purpose: To share the Daily Word during Sunday Services.
Description: If you like to read aloud and would enjoy participating in a small but meaningful way, this is the team for you. You may be scheduled as often as you like by signing up with Matthew. A copy of the Daily Word will be provided in advance. This assignment is subject to audition and approval.

FALL PROGRAM TEAM: (seasonal)
Kimberly Buehner: kimberlybuehner@sbcglobal.net  216-544-4539
Purpose: To develop and coordinate a 6-to-8-week book study typically held in the fall of each year for spiritual enrichment and fellowship.
Description: Group choice of book, create materials, meditations, prayers, bookmarks, and intention cards. Assist in signing up hosts and individuals.

WELCOMING TEAM: (USHERS/GREETERS) 
Lead: Michelle Van Eyck: mmvaneyck@gmail.com  425-931-6507
Purpose: To maximize the welcome, inclusion, and comfort of all USC guests.
Description: Team members support events and services through greeting, welcoming, and facilitating various logistical elements of services and events, including answering questions, facilitating tours, distributing welcome bags, assisting with name tags, and supporting those having emergent needs.
 

 

BEYOND SUNDAYS

BUILDING FACILITIES TEAM (as needed)
Lead: Eileen Spada: profei@aol.com  440-552-3395
Purpose: To maximize welcome by ensuring a safe, clean, and tidy environment.
Description: Team members lovingly maintain USC’s physical property by making repairs, cleaning, vacuuming, watering plants, and beyond.

CORRESPONDENCE TEAM: (2nd & 4th Thursdays as needed at 10:30 am)
Lead: Linda Szulc: lbszulc@yahoo.com  910-689-8262
Purpose: To awaken, strengthen, and foster a deeper sense of unity through personal, hand-written notes to individuals identified by the USC community. 
Description: Meet twice a month and process 10 to 40 notes each month, depending on the events and needs of our community.

FIRST VOICE TEAM: (Wednesday and Thursday)
Office Manager: Matthew Wilson: unityinfo@unityspiritualcenter.com  440-835-0400
Purpose: To assist in administrative projects that need secretarial and receptionist support.
Description: Team members perform varied administrative tasks as needed, in excellence, and with grace.

GRATEFUL GARDENERS TEAM:
Diane and Tom Spence dianefr@aol.com  216-347-1654
Purpose: Maintain and beautify the gardens and grounds of USC.
Description: We clean up the grounds in the spring, weed (by hand and weed whacker), prune, edge beds, thin out/divide perennials in overcrowded beds, create new beds, mulch, maintain the labyrinth and path, and any other creative endeavor.

KITCHEN ANGELS TEAM:
Mary Jo Allen: allenmjsolon@aol.com  440-724-1830
Purpose: To facilitate connection through food and drink after each Sunday Service.
Description: Team members experience and foster greater connection among people by making coffee, plating food, preparing tables, and cleaning up after the fellowship.

LABYRINTH TEAM:
Co-Leaders:
Sue Zagula: suezagula@gmail.com  440-708-6371
Catherine Mangan: willowmorning@hotmail.com  216-272-7501
Mission: To promote and facilitate the labyrinth as a sacred spiritual tool. Team participation includes planning and facilitating walks on the spring and autumn equinoxes and the summer and winter solstices, as well as on World Labyrinth Day in May.
Description: Our team encourages community building by offering short “walking the Labyrinth” presentations before the walks and refreshments for sharing afterward. Our committee offers members flexibility in their participation. Please consider joining our team; it’s spiritually rewarding and fun!

LOVING LIBRARIANS TEAM:
Lead: Jessie St. Christopher: laugheagle@outlook.com  216-304-8501
Purpose: to curate a collection of resources that support spiritual education and inspiration.
Description: Team members accept, organize, and manage books, magazines, and cd’s for lending and learning in a space of understanding, love, and acceptance.

MARKETING TEAM:
Shirley MacFarland shirleymac48@att.net  216-469-7848
Purpose: Responsible for marketing strategy and implementation. Communicate information for events, classes, workshops, and services at Unity Spiritual Center.
Description: Designing and maintaining the USC website, graphic design, copy, and production of marketing, public relations, and photography for the website, to name a few.

WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM: (as needed)
Cindy Christman: cagc59@gmail.com  216-695-0085
Purpose: to promote Unity in our community and beyond.
Description: We use Facebook, Instagram, and X to market and educate our community about our purpose and all the happenings at USC.

 

LEADERSHIP AND VOLUNTEERISM TEAMS

LEADERSHIP AND VOLUNTEERISM TEAM:
Donna Metzger: dmetzger@visn.net  216-924-7107
Susan Armstrong: srarm@sbcglobal.net  440-334-7362
Purpose: To identify, train, empower, and support leaders in support of the USC community.
Description: Participants meet quarterly to share information and receive training on facilitation and administration. Plan Sacred Service Fairs.