The Unitarian Church of Edmonton
is a Welcoming
Congregation, which
means our community is open to all, without regard to sexual orientation,
race,
gender,
age,
ability, or income. It's nice to have you with us.
The Edmonton Unitarian
Vol 45. No. 4
Published Monthly by the
Unitarian Church Of Edmonton
12530 - 110 Avenue
Edmonton AB T5M 2L5
Tel (780) 454-8073
Fax (780) 452-1641
Email chadmin@uce.ca
Web Site www.uce.ca
SUNDAY SERVICES at the Unitarian Church of Edmonton
Spring Forward: Remember to dial your clocks
ahead one hour before the April 4 service!
April 4, 9:30 or 11:15 a.m. Larry
Graham
"The Divine Margin"
In this service we will explore the idea of being open to mystery
and surprise in the midst of our busy lives ... "the divine
margin in all attainments." Our guest speaker this morning
is also the keynote speaker at this weekend's conference of
the Diversity
Conference of Alberta Society. Larry Graham is Professor of
Pastoral Theology and Care at Iliff School of Theology in Denver,
Colorado.
He has written a number of texts including: Discovering Images
of God: Narratives of Care with Lesbians and Gays.
April 9, Friday 3:00 p.m.
Rev. Brian J. Kiely
"Good Friday Observance"
A quiet, intimate and reflective service reflecting the somber mood
of this special day in the Christian tradition.
April 11 10:30 a.m. Rev. Brian
J. Kiely
"Easter"
April 18, 10:30 a.m. Rev. Meg
Roberts
Meg is the minister at the Unitarian Church
of Calgary. She is completing the second half of a pulpit exchange
with Brian.
April 25, 10:30 a.m. Rev. Brian
J. Kiely
" For the Earth Forever Turning"
To mark Earth Day some thoughts about our the challenging relationship
between the human species and its home planet.
SATURDAY SERVICES at The Church of the Renovation
Come to our new building at 10810 119 Street on Saturdays at
9:30 a.m. for a 20 minute service before work begins. Everyone
is most welcome whether you are part of the Sweat Equity team
or not.
April 3, 9:30 a.m. Gwyneth-Foster Newell
" Spring, Sprang, Sprung"
April 10, 9:30 a.m. Brian Kiely
" Musing on Limbo"
April 17, 10:30 a.m. Marg Roche (Note
time change!)
"Do Clothes Make the Person?"
A barbeque celebrating the completion of the Design 21 remodel will follow
the service. Everyone welcome.
Thanks to all who attended our Fellowship Dinner on March 20th.
It seems like it was a tremendous success. People enjoyed
each other's company and the
good meal offered by the Chateau Louis. And afterwards, people
danced till closing.
There were three highlights for me that night
that stood out. The first was
the awarding of the W.H. Alexander Award for volunteerism to
Stan Calder. Stan has been a member here for 32 years and has
done just about everything. But
for many the real gift from Stan has been the model of his own life,
having the courage to come out so many years a go and take
a leadership role in Gay,
Lesbian, Bi and Transgender issues, supported by Rob Brownlie and others.
As I looked at the wonderful variety of couples around the
room that night and
saw the easy mingling of gay and straight couples, I thought that alone
was tribute enough for his work at helping us become truly
a Welcoming Congregation.
Along those lines, a second special moment came watching a
straight man and a transgender woman having a dance together.
It was just too cool!
Several
people remarked how proud they were to belong to a community where
that was okay.
And the third moment was more personal. I had
my first ever dance with my
sweet little girl, Lily.
2. And later that night
It was only the
second time in almost 17 years that I missed a scheduled Sunday
Service. I hated that! For those of you who weren't present on Canvass
Sunday, March 21, neither was I.
I awoke about 3 a.m. the night
before with a growing pain in my belly.
"It's probably just gas," I thought, but I sure began
to understand why it makes babies like Lily cry. I was a little
ticked too, because
I had been a good boy at the party. I hadn't drank at all and ate moderately.
No
fair!
By 6 a.m. the discomfort had grown enough to lead me to two conclusions:
first, I wasn't going to be in the pulpit that morning. Second, it just
might be serious.
Well, thanks to Audrey Brooks for stepping in and reading my
sermon at the last minute and thanks to Teilya for getting
it to her.
I toddled off over
to Emergency and sat for a few hours waiting to see a doc.
I slowly began to feel better. Turns out it was just gas. Not
surprising
for a preacher, eh?
We spent four fun-filled weeks
preparing a play based on a Ugandan folk tale. The play examined
Unitarian Universalism's first two principles: recognizing the
worth and dignity of every individual and treating everyone kindly
and
fairly. We learned about Ugandan life and discussed how UU principles
can be demonstrated in life, no matter where on the globe. Then
we let our creative juices flow! We made masks, created characters,
composed music, and built props. We performed the play at the
March
21 service. The kids had a great time and the adults were a very
appreciative audience.
My thanks go to Corinne Jackson for creating the script, providing
reference material and directing, Michelle VanderMolen for making
the costumes and directing, Bob Steen for providing authentic Ugandan
music which inspired us, and Tasha Ellis for being a creative wonder
and much appreciated extra hands. I also want to thank the parents
and children for their regular attendance and enthusiasm which really
made this project a success.
... and grub and games...
Following the March 21 service, we had
a pizza lunch and games for all ages. The pizza was great. Unfortunately,
the time for games was cut short due to a mix up in rental agreements.
Perhaps we'll have to try it again later this spring. Thanks to
Marlo Miles for being a wonderful pizza chef!
... and mysterious mail...
The mystery buddy mailboxes continued
to be filled with notes, small gifts, and the hands of very curious
recipients! The level of sneakiness in our congregation never ceases
to amaze me! ?
...and new people to meet...
Our snack-time visitor program started
this month. This program helps the children meet adults in our
congregation. So far, Jolien Pauw has shared stories of living
in Africa and Gwyneth
Foster-Newell told us the story of how she got her name and how
she is learning to rollerblade. If you would like to visit, please
sign
up on the sheet in the lounge or give me a call.
April promises to be revealing
Mysteries will be solved...
The Mystery Buddy Find Out
Celebration is on April 4 at 12:30 p.m. We'll have a 50's style
party with fancy sandwiches, rock 'n' roll, photos, and games.
If you are
a mystery buddy and can't attend the party, please let me know
right away (454-5816 or dre@uce.ca).
Eggs will be found...
Following the service on April 11, all
children are invited to take part in an egg hunt.
Nature will be uncovered...
We will start a four week unit on nature,
using the Connecting with the Earth and Our Mother Earth curricula.
John Pater, Michelle Van Der Molen, Erin Paniga,
Nathan Malektoo
While this talented, creative and affectionate family were deciding
whether to embrace our church community, one would never have
suspected that they were not
officially members. In every way, they participated wholeheartedly in the
activities of U.C.E. John attended services, directed his family
in a Harry Potter service,
sang in the choir and visited with congregants. Last year he was the emcee
for our Friendship Dinner. He has shared his beliefs with us
in Sunday sermons, the
most recent "Exploring Our Spiritual and Theological Diversity". He
spoke about the core spiritual values behind our diverse needs and expectations.
Michelle played the piano and taught countless Sunday School sessions. She says
she has always taken part in Sunday School. She prefers to be a "backbencher".
That may be, but we all have felt her quiet presence. These folks truly feel
that you get from an experience what you contribute to it.
John and Michelle have belonged to churches all their lives. John
grew up going to a Christian Reformed church and attended Christian
schools. Michelle
was
a Presbyterian where she attended Sunday School and became its director
as well
as that of adult affairs. When she married John she joined his church.
Having a liberal arts education made for a questioning of beliefs.
Finally, their
radical ideas caused a rift which resulted in their excommunication from
the Christian
Reformed Church. The next two years were spent "in the wilderness" while
they explored their options. When John first visited our church the sermon
that day was on Monty Python. Happily, their explorations have ended with
their recent
official membership. Michelle's devotion for the Church School surfaced
again when John received her rose at the ceremony while she carried on
her activities
with the children.
John has had an interesting career in broadcasting. It has taken him to various
parts of the world. We have all heard his distinctive voice reading the news
on CBC radio. He spent a number of years in Iqaluit. Guyana was also his
home. Michelle joined him. She now works part-time in pharmacies. She also
works
as an inspector of stores across Alberta for the Pharmaceutical Association.
The
latter takes her away from home at times and John has learned to be a house
husband.
Maurice and I spent a pleasant evening with this young family. We found a
great deal to talk about. Erin and Nathan are charming -- good conversationalists,
avid readers and students at the Victoria School for the Performing arts.
You
may have noticed that each has an Inuit second name. Though conceived in
Guyana and Iqaluit respectively, they were both born in Edmonton. Their parents
spend
a lot of quality time with them. It shows. On the day of our visit they had
planned to go to the water park at West Edmonton Mall. When faced with the
crowds they
returned home. You may remember their participation in the Harry Potter service
when they invited Krista Manning, a classmate, to join them.
If you have not yet met John and Michelle, be sure to introduce yourselves.
Your life will be enriched by knowing them as our congregation is enriched
by their
being part of it.
It is with sadness that we note the death of longtime member Joyce
Ratcliffe in the middle of March. There will be a memorial service
for Joyce on Good
Friday, April 9 at 7:00 p.m. Brian Kiely will lead the service. All are welcome.
WE ARE THE NEW PIONEERS: CUC CONFERENCE AND MEETING FAST APPROACHING
Excitement builds as registrations for the Canadian Unitarian Council
Annual Conference and Meeting are pouring in to the CUC office. If
you register before
the end of March, you will be able to get the early bird rate. The Canadian
Unitarian has a registration form as does the CUC
website at http://cuc.ca/conference/2004.htm. The conference runs from May 21
to 24, 2004.
Our Edmonton congregations were highlighted in an
article in the last issue of The Canadian Unitarian. We expect 300
adult Unitarian*Universalists
and
100 youth
from across the country to flock to Edmonton for the event. There will also
be childcare for peregistered children from toddler to age six as well as
a Young
Fun program for 6-12 year olds.
And won't it be great to show off our new
church! We are hoping to have the Sunday morning service as a hard
hat style event at our new space.
We have had a committee of over 20 people working on planning this
conference. Now we are asking for more help during the event
itself. We need help with
the following:
Drivers for ferrying some youth and
advisors to and from UCE (where they will be staying) to and
from the Delta South. If you could
be available even for a half day during the weekend, it would
be helpful. We will have bus transportation for most of the youth,
but
there will always be need for some backup.
A crew on Saturday afternoon to assemble
bag lunches for youth Sunday lunch.
Help with supper setup and/or
cleanup for
the youth on Saturday and Sunday nights (this will be at the
church).
Help with registration at the hotel Friday
afternoon, Saturday and Sunday mornings.
On Sunday morning, we will
need people
outside to greet and direct traffic at the new church.
Be a host on Saturday night at your favorite
restaurant.
Help drive people to and from the airport.
If you can help with
any part of the above, we would very much appreciate your help.
Some of these tasks can be done
by those who are also attending the conference,
but some may be done by those who cannot take part in the whole
weekend. All of your help will be appreciated.
If you have any queries, contact me at 453-2097 or
email at janjimmc@telus.net.
The membership committee needs more writers to do new member profiles
for the Newsletter. These monthly features are one of the ways
new members are introduced to us and it is an opportunity for
us to become more familiar with the people who come to enrich
our
church community. The task is fun and not at all onerous. After
a personal interview, write up the profile and then share the
draft with the new member for review, then simply e-mail the
final copy
to Linda Stolee for the next Newsletter. If you would like more
information or are willing to give it a try, phone Denise at
455-5777.
Spring Yoga classes, taught by JULIA KENDAL, an experienced, certified
yoga instructor, begin April 6. The 12 week course will offer Hatha
Yoga, a gentle form of yoga
that allows students to stretch and relax, in order to release stress and correct
minor back problems. Classes end with a meditation. The classes will be on
Tuesday, at 5:30 or 7:15. Cost: 90.00 Please bring a blanket or a
mat and wear loose clothing.
To register: Call 423-0380.
Child care people are needed for the CUC Conference on May 22 -
24. If you are 18 or older and can spend time with some great kids
from toddler to age six, please let me know (454-5816 or dre@uce.ca).
We need two caregivers at all times and want to provide care at the
Delta South hotel from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on the Saturday and
Sunday and from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Monday. The more people we have,
the shorter the shifts can be. These are paid positions.
There are no set forms for Unitarian services of worship. There
is instead a coming together of people to acknowledge what they
share together, to celebrate
their differences, and to search for the elusive truth. As U*Us, we have an
opportunity to share our diverse perspectives and personal truths
by taking on the role of
lay service leader.
Brian Kiely and Beth Jenkins will present a workshop on finding
resources and putting them together to create a worship service.
We' ll develop
and participate
in a brief worship service as a final activity.
This will be a useful workshop
for UCE members who might be thinking about "doing" a
summer Sunday service, or a Saturday service at the "Church of the
Renovation".
Westwood members are most welcome to participate, as well
Time 7 - 9 pm, Wednesday April 7 and April 14, 2004. For information,
please contact either Brian or Beth.
Our Chalice Circles are now meeting regularly and we are getting
to know each other better. Already a sense of caring and sharing
is developing among members, and we invite the rest of the congregation
to join us in our circle of belonging. We follow the church year
and groups will run till May. If there is enough interest a drop
in group will meet during the summer on an informal basis. We will
start meeting again in the fall.
Circle Times:
Tuesday 7-9 p.m. — Two circles meet on this
night and there is room available for people to join
Wednesday 7-9 p.m. — This is a good circle for someone
who prefers a small group
Thursday 7-9 p.m.
Thursday 10 a.m. -12 noon
Friday 7-9 p.m. — This is a pagan group
Sunday 4-7 p.m. — This is a monthly group with a family focus
Groups
meet every two weeks except for the Sunday group which meets
monthly.
For more info contact Jolien Pauw, 460-7737.
New to the church? Wondering what it's all about? Thinking of becoming
a member? Join Brian Kiely and the folks from the membership Committee
for two orientation sessions on Sundays April 18 and 25 from 11:45
until 1:30 p.m. The
membership Committee provides a free lunch. We'll offer some information,
try to answer your questions and hopefully help people get to know
one another better. Please sign up at the information table.
Can
only make one session? No problem. Everyone is welcome.
For more information call Brian at 455-9797 or stop by the Membership
Desk on Sunday.
Saturday, April 24
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Clinician: Trent Worthington
Trent is a sought-after local musician
with an international reputation. He is the assistant conductor
of Pro Coro Canada, music director
of the St. Albert
Alliance Church, a composer, and tenor extraordinaire. He has chosen some
fabulous music for our day together.
$20 dollars gets you a full
day of professionally-accompanied singing with an expert director,
three juice and snack breaks,
and a full lunch. You do
not have
to be a member of a choir. All you have to bring is your voice and your
enthusiasm. Child care will be provided if requested. All singers
are also invited to
sing at the UCE service the next morning (10:30 a.m.).
To register or find out more, contact Karen Mills at 432-0826 or
akmills@misc.ca. Please register by April 10 so we know how much
music and food to order.
Mayor Tadatoshi Akiba is President of Mayors for Peace, an organization
of 562 mayors in 108 countries that seeks to demand the abolition
of nuclear weapons. He served as a member of the Japanese House of
Representatives from 1990 until 1999 when he was elected Mayor of
Hiroshima. You are invited to a public meeting to be addressed by
Mayor Akiba at Edmonton City Hall Wednesday, April 21 from 7-8:30
p.m.
Delegates are elected at our Annual General meeting on April 25/04.
We are allocated six delegates and six alternates.
Delegates are expected
to attend and vote at the 3 sessions of the formal annual meeting
at 1:30 on May 22, 23 and 10:45 on May 24. Alternates should be
available to replace a delegate who is unable to attend.
There is no funding available for registration, but a cheque exchange
can be made with B. Keeler to generate a tax receipt.
Members who wish to be delegates or alternates should submit a
short resume of their involvement in the Church to Maurice Bourgoinmobo@shaw.ca
or place
in the
Denominational Affairs mailbox by April 11, 2004.
Nobel Peace Prize Winner and Author Elie Wiesel will be live on
satellite on Thursday, April 1 at 6 p.m. at the Provincial Museum.
His topic is "Exile and Redemption" The one hour broadcast
will be followed by an interfaith panel discussion including Brian
Kiely. Doors open at 5:30 pm, broadcast starts at 6 sharp. Tickets
are $20 (students $15-or $15.00 for groups of 5 or more. Sign up
on sheet) available at Tickets on the Square, 420-1757 or www.tixonthesquare.ca.
Can you billet a religious educator or volunteer (or two?) in your
home Wednesday, May 19 and Thursday, May 20? You would be hosting
the participants attending the Worship for all Ages Renaissance Module
at Westwood on Thursday May 20 and Friday May 21. If you can host,
please sign up on the sheet in the lounge or call Karen Mills (454-5816).
Those who offer home hospitality need to:
Understand
that they are helping reduce the costs for the participants,
many who have travelled long distances to get
to this leadership
development opportunity.
Be aware of any special needs of guests
and be willing to accommodate those (pets, allergies) (we ask
this information during registration
and then pass it along).
Understand that their guest may arrive quite late both nights,
although some may arrive earlier in the day, depending
on flights on Wednesday and may appreciate an opportunity to dine
with
their hosts Wednesday evening.
Know they are to provide breakfast in the mornings.
Provide written directions and a map to their home, plus an
address and phone number where they can be reached.
Understand that their guest may be quite exhausted
and may want privacy in the evenings - or just to head straight
to
sleep.
A few Renaissance participants may also need home hospitality
to keep their costs down for the whole time they
are in Edmonton (until May 24). If any hosts are willing
to offer
this generosity,
please let me know (dre@uce.ca or 454-5816).
Let's celebrate the completion of Stage 1 and the settling in of
our tenant Design 21. Volunteers, supporters and friends come to
a BBQ at the Church of the Renovation on April 17, 2004. A brief
service will take place at 10:30 a.m. It will be followed by a brief
ceremony
of presentations, followed by FOOD, glorious food, shared with wonderful
company. Hip, hip, hooray! We're on our way!
Sasamat Lake Family Camp
Coquitlam B.C.
May 14 - 17, 2004
Info: Greg Nutchey gnutchey@shaw.ca
CUC Annual Meeting & Conference:
" We Are the New Pioneers"
Edmonton, AB
May 21 - 24, 2004
Info: Mary Bennett mary@cuc.ca
Workshop: Facilitation Skills
Edmonton, AB
May 21, 2004
Info: Linda Thomson linda@cuc.ca
Workshop: Renaissance, Worship for All Ages
Edmonton, AB
May 20,21 2004
Info: Sylvia Bass West sylvia@cuc.ca
Workshop: OWL for Adults
Edmonton, AB
May 22, 23 2004
Info: Sylvia Bass West sylvia@cuc.ca
CanUUdle Youth Conference
Edmonton, AB
May 21 - 24
Info: canuudle@cuc.ca
Workshop: "Church Transitions from Pastoral
to Program"
with Rev. Anne Heller & Peter Luton
Victoria, BC
June 4,5 2004
Info: Sara McEwan sara@cuc.ca
Western Region Women's Retreat:
" Change. Since we can't avoid it, we might as well Celebrate"
Lumsden SK
July 2 - 4, 2004
Info: Denise Wenzel denisew@nait.ab.ca
Eliot Institute: "Spirit in Nature"
with Sharon Butala
Naramata, BC
June 26 - July 3, 2004
Info: www.eliotinstitute.org
Canadian U*U Leadership (CUUL) School St Catherines, ON
July 15 - 18 2004
Info: Cheryl Jewell cuul@cuc.ca
Vancouver Island Unitarian Camp
Shawnigan Lake B. C.
August 13, 14, 15 2004
Info: John Taylor j_f_taylor@telus.net
Sorrento Unitarian Retreat
on Shuswap Lake, Sorrento, BC
September 25 & 26, 2004
Info: Brian Short bshort@urban-systems.com
Western Region Fall Gathering
Winnipeg, MB
October 1 - 3, 2004
Info: sara@cuc.ca
Island Women's Retreat
Nanaimo, BC
October 22 - 24, 2004
Info: tjhocking@shaw.ca
B.C. Region Fall Gathering
Nanaimo, BC
November 6 & 7, 2004
Info: sara@cuc.ca
Vacancy: Part-time Ministry (1/4 time)
Comox Unitarian Fellowship
Comox, BC
Info: Joy Johnston joyhaben@telus.net
Vacancy: Part-time Ministry (1/2 time)
South Fraser Unitarian Congregation
Surrey, BC
Info: JoanofArt@telus.net
Peace Resolutions will be voted on at the Canadian
Unitarian Council's May meeting. To see a copy of the four resolutions
go to http://www.cuc.ca/social_responsibility/peace_issues.htm. Copies
have been sent to your congregation in the CUC's monthly mailing.
The final version will be sent out in mid-April, but of course may
be amended on the floor of the Annual Meeting. If you are coming
as a delegate, you might want to join the email group to discuss
these resolutions with the Study Group who have spent the past two
years preparing them. Just send a blank email message to cuc-peace-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
CUC Annual Conference and Meeting-Bigger Than Ever!
The number of workshops and programs scheduled for the May 21-24
weekend in Edmonton is the largest we've ever had! And there's
something for everyone! Our Director of Lifespan Learning, Sylvia
Bass West,
is ensuring that the conference is family-friendly. There is
child care, Young Fun and the 4th annual Youth program-CanUUdle.
Early
bird registration deadline is April 1 (no joke!) www.cuc.ca for
more information. We expect around 400 people of all ages.
What Unitarians and Universalists Believe
A revision of Rev. Charles Eddis' pamphlet, previously titled
What Unitarians Affirm, is now available for purchase at $25/100.
If you
want to read (before buying?) go to: http://www.cuc.ca/who_we_are/whoweare.htm
UUA General Assembly - Long Beach, California
Canadians are still more than welcome to come to GA! Even if
your congregation has formally withdrawn from the UUA, there
is lots
to enjoy without being a voting delegate. Mary Bennett, Executive
Director
and Rev. Brian Kiely, Vice-President of the Canadian Unitarian
Council will co-lead a workshop on: What's Happening in Canada?
Look for
(and leave) messages under "C" for "Canada" to
meet up with other Canadians.
Lay Chaplaincy Training in
Southern Ontario
The CUC's Lay Chaplaincy Committee is planning on offering
a Friday-Saturday "basic
training" in Southern Ontario in January, 2005. This
is especially designed for new lay chaplains and those
considering whether lay
chaplaincy is in their future. Experienced lay chaplains
and congregational lay chaplaincy committee members are
welcome. Send a message to
lcc@cuc.ca to express interest. See http://www.cuc.ca/ministry/ministers_chaplains.htm
for information on the CUC's Lay Chaplaincy Program.
Ministry: All of Us!
The CUC's Shared Ministry Task Force would like to know
how you "share
the ministry" in your congregation. To fill out the
on-line survey, go to: http://www.cuc.ca/ministry/ministers_chaplains.htm
or send your comments to shared-ministry@cuc.ca. Copies
of the
survey have been sent by surface mail to congregations,
ministers and directors
of religious education.
Do You Yahoo with the CUC?
The Canadian Unitarian Council has several "announce only" email
lists. These are ones where you get a limited number of
emails each month (sometimes only one!) so there's no risk of
email overload.
To receive a monthly message from Mary Bennett, CUC Executive
Director, send a blank email message to cuc-mary-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
To receive Sylvia Bass West's monthly message about Lifespan
Learning/Religious
Education, send a blank email message to cuc-sylvia-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
We also forward the Global Chalice Lighting from the International
Council of Unitarians and Universalists. You can receive
this by sending a blank email to global-chalice-lighting-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
