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 46. No. 1
Published Monthly by the
Unitarian Church Of Edmonton
10804 119 Street
Edmonton AB T5H 3P2
Tel (780) 454-8073
Fax (780) 452-1641
Email chadmin@uce.ca
Web Site www.uce.ca
Deadline for the February newsletter is January 21, 2004
All services now take place in the new church, 10804 119 Street. The main entrance
is on the south side of the building. See elsewhere in this newsletter for
parking details.
Until the Sanctuary is completed, services will be held in the
Chapel at the east end of the church. All services begin at 10:30
a.m.
January 2: Rosemary Manning
and Worship Committee
Welcome to the New Year and our first Sunday Service in the new Church. This
is a quiet service of reflection, letting go of the past and embracing the
future. Some special people will lead us through a Candle Ritual. We will be
sharing our hopes and dreams for the New Year, so please bring a poem or short
reading you’d like to share. After the service we will have a potluck.
Could you bring nibbles that don’t need warming, chilling or preparing
as we don’t have a kitchen yet. Children are welcome but we don’t
have child care or separate space yet. But come for some quiet, lovely space
between the Old Year and the New.
January 9: Rev. Brian J. Kiely
"Epiphanies Great and Small”
Jan. 6 is the Christian feast of the Epiphany, the day in which Jesus
was dedicated in the temple. But the word has nothing to do with
child dedications and everything to do with sudden realizations — moments
where the truth shines clearly through.
January 16: Rev. Brian J. Kiely
"Sharing Our Faith”
We have just managed an astonishing change (okay, parts of it are still in
process). But now that we are here, it’s time to contemplate what our
congregation can become in this new building. Our national Canadian Unitarian
Council is at a similar crossroads. Today I’ll talk about the CUC’s
Appreciative Inquiry planning process. Maybe it can be of use for us. There will be a special collection for the CUC’s Sharing Our Faith program
that helps fund growth in congregations. (We currently have an application
pending.)
January 23: Rev. Fred Cappuccino and Rev. Brian Kiely
Two years ago Fred gave an engaging service partly on his life with his lovely
wife Bonnie, and partly on their exceptional work for Child Haven International.
Fred is a retired Unitarian minister from the Ottawa area. Together he and
Bonnie raised over 20 natural and adopted children — and then in their “declining” years,
started orphanages in India, Nepal and Tibet.
Fred is in town for Saturday’s Child Haven Indian Dinner (see the article
about Child Haven, below). I don’t know what Fred will have to say,
but I do know it will be worth hearing. Brian.
January 30: Rev. Brian J. Kiely
"Bombs Above!”
Messrs. Martin and Bush have been discussing Canada’s possible role in
the Ballistic Missile Defense program. Some say the program won’t work
and can’t work. Others say it’s a dangerous foot in the door of
Canadian sovereignty.
I suppose there are as many reactions to the chalice flame as there
are people in our congregation. For some it’s a small ritual distraction. For others
it is something to be done to say church has started. But for some it is a
moment of tiny profundity.
The Chalice only became a part of our tradition after
World War II. It was a logo used by the Unitarian Service Committee.
In
post-war Europe it was
an image
on trucks and packages that lent them some legitimacy with border guards
and other functionaries. The image was gradually adopted by UU
congregations over
the next several decades. The pace accelerated after the continental UUA
and the CUC began using it in their new logos in 1961.
We only started the practice of lighting the UCE Chalice every
week a mere seven years ago.
The Chalice flame has many symbolic meanings; it is the ancient
lamp of truth, dispelling the darkness of ignorance; it is the
warmth of the fire
around
which a community gathers; it is a symbol for the spirit and a sign of
freedom and
liberation.
I have always found it to be a comforting thing. I have several
Chalices, large and small and often have one burning on my desk
when I need a lift.
For our
wedding, Teilya and I were given a family Chalice by some ministerial
friends. It burned
continuously during Teilya’s labour before Lily was born. It burned again
in anticipation of Elora’s arrival on November 28.
Why? Why not? I’m sure Teilya has her reasons, but I know I took comfort
in thinking of the community of family, friends and church folk who were holding
us in their hearts that day. More than once my eyes drifted to it’s flickering
light. At times when I wondered if it would all come out right, it was nice to
feel held by the interconnected web.
As part of the December 26 service, our last at UCE,
we will be walking the UCE Chalice and it’s flame (safely tucked
in a lantern) over to the new church. I almost hope there is a storm
that day. I wouldn’t mind there being a
little suffering on that pilgrimage — but maybe that’s
just my Catholic background! I don’t know that it will be a
solemn and serious journey, but I know it will be meaningful and
important
to me.
Everyone is welcome to join us, and if you bring a
candle lantern or shield, you are welcome to carry the flame as well.
Happy, happy! The children of our Community
have had a month of preparing gifts for the Congregation which we shared
at the Mitten Tree Service.
The work gave
us a chance to bring into life many of the 7 Principles we have been working
on during our last Fall in the Old Church. We don’t know what will happen
over the next few months because not all of our spaces are ready. However,
we, as are most Unitarians, are flexible and innovative. Therefore, look forward
to some planned, yet ad hoc Sundays. We may be doing some field trips. Communication
will be vital, so I will be leaving a message on the Church R.E. answering
service (at 454-5816) about what will be happening each Sunday, just in case
you are as confused about what is going on as I am. (Oops, did I really say
that!)
We are looking forward to an exciting New Year. As life is about change
Edmonton and area supporters of Child Haven are pleased to announce the
Child Haven International, Third Annual Dinner on Saturday, January 22, 2005
from 6 pm to 9 pm at the Maharaja Banquet Center, 9257 34A Avenue, Edmonton.
Featuring Indian Dinner, Emcee Brian Dunsmore of CKUA, Bonnie and Fred Cappuccino,
Directors will give a slide presentation on Child Haven Homes in India and
Nepal, Entertainment, Silent Auction of Nepali and Indian Artifacts and
Donated Items,
Sale Table of Nepali and Indian Artifacts. Tickets are $25 per person, children
under 10 are free.
We look forward to the same strong support of this event by UCE and Westwood
members that we have come to count on. We would also welcome silent auction
items and also need volunteers for the night of the event to assist with
registration at door, sales tables and silent auction.
For ticket information, contact chadmin@uce.ca or
454-8073.
We’re looking for parts
or all of three computers, pentium 2 or better, for the volunteer office and/or
library. If you’re retiring your computer, please consider donating it
to the Church.
Unitarian Church of Edmonton Donation Program
If you have a Pentium-class computer that you’re willing to donate to
the Unitarian Church of Edmonton, OnTech Consulting would like to help you
purchase a new computer!
Upon verification that the donated computer is of sufficient usability to
be donated to the church, we will provide the following:
Brand new AMD system (valued at over $1200) for only $950!!
Included in that price is:
Windows XP Professional
Complete computer tower
Keyboard
Mouse
Add a 17” CRT monitor for only $200 more!!
In home setup is free, and we’ll transfer the old information from the
old computer to the new one! No loss of data will occur!
All of our systems come with a standard 1 year warranty on
all parts. Computer training and maintenance are available
at a reasonable
flat-rate.
If you have high speed internet, we strongly urge you to take
advantage of our Router special:
Have your internet presence secured using some of the latest
technology from some of the best home router companies
in business today.
Wired routers for
$100. Wireless routers for $165. This includes one hour
of in-home setup to ensure
highest level of protection.
Contact either Suzan (991-6671) or Kaleb (982-8476) for
more information!
Please make sure to mention you’re calling about the Computer Donation
program when calling to ensure accurate pricing.
OnTech Consulting provides virus removal, computer
repairs, upgrades, technical training and new system
setups. We
offer competitive
rates and friendly
service. Call us for more information and pricing!
Sunday, January 30, 2005 at 7:00 p.m.
Unitarian Church of Edmonton,
10804 - 119 Street
Canadian nationalist, author and activist, Mel Hurtig exposes Paul Martin's
secret commitment to George W. Bush's weaponizing of space. You will learn
how both
the American and Canadian governments are intentionally misleading their citizens
about the Pentagon's unprecedented plans to weaponize space; about the huge
new Russian and
Chinese nuclear missile buildup resulting from US Star Wars plans and about
the destruction of vitally important, long-standing arms control agreements.
Hurtig
discusses why both Paul Martin's government and Stephen Harper's Conservatives
want to join in George W. Bush's dangerous program and why the US missile
'defence' system is really about establishing a U.S. first-strike-from-space
capability.
Before Canada becomes an active partner in this, it is the responsibility
of every Canadian to become informed about the issue.
There will be an opportunity
for questions and discussion. Letter writing materials will be provided so
you can write to the Prime Minister on the spot if you wish. Refreshments
will be
served. Bring your friends and neighbours.
Candles of Concern and Celebration, and Announcements, are valued parts
of our Sunday morning services. They help us feel connected to one another
and to the events that keep our church community going. However, there have
been times when these supporting roles have taken more than their share of time
and have subtracted from our Sunday worship.
The Worship Committee respectfully requests / suggests:
Please make an effort to get announcements into the Order of Service.
Not only does this help keep the focus of the Sunday service on worship,
it
also gives people dates, times and locations of events in print form
for ready reference. (Order of Service deadline: each Friday by 9am;
either e-mail chadmin@uce.ca or
leave a phone message at 454-8073 for Linda)
If announcements must be made in person (last minute events or updates;
letting people know who you are so they can contact you) please keep
the announcement brief.
Announcements should be about congregational life and events, or about
community events related to UU principles. Personal announcements
( e.g., job seeking, rooms for rent, kittens or puppies needing a home) may
be placed
in the newsletter.
For Candles, please keep the focus on brief personal reflections
about events, concerns, joys or community issues. If you feel
strongly about
an
issue and want to share a longer reflection, or make a persuasive
presentation, please contact Brian to talk about a Pulpit Editorial
opportunity.
I am delighted to advise that, due to a key appointment, the Western RNG
is at full strength.
Laura McDonnell, has joined the rest of the RNG team to provide CUC links,
connections and services in her chosen area of congregational expertise.
Laura, a member of the Unitarian Church of
Edmonton, has volunteered be the CUC Networker for the UCE, Westwood and
UCS. In this role Laura aspires to become an information source and a "face
of CUC" for congregation leaders. As well, she will serve as a first
responder to enquiries and outreach regarding regional services and programs.
Laura will be hearing of your initiatives and existing best practices for
sharing with other congregations.
If you have any questions about the
appointment of your CUC Networker, please let me know.
As mandated by delegate vote at the 2002 CUC Annual Conference & Meeting,
confirmation of Laura McDonnell as CUC Networker for your congregation would
be appreciated.
I can't tell you how delighted I am with our
complement of competent regional leaders.
Together, we look forward to continued CUC offerings in your interests
in the New Year 2005
The Grounds and Signage Committee and the Aesthetics Committee gratefully
acknowledge the contributions of a number of people who made this fund raiser
a success. Firstly, those who donated the items to raffle - for they kick-started
the initiative. Barbara Read donated the main prize, the exquisite Almond Bathroom
Basket; Dorothy Keeler, Dorothy Hamar, Jan McMillan and Donna Hamar donated
the 4 ‘consolation’ prizes. Their donations realized a total of
$441.50 (no one can figure out where the 50 cents came from – but every
penny counts).
We also wish to acknowledge all the ticket sellers (too numerous to mention)
and those who bought the tickets. It is of note that over half the buyers were
not church members, so we are pleased that our fund raiser went beyond the
church members who contribute in so many ways all year around.
The prize winners were:
Betty McAfee won the bathroom basket
Ursula Kaminski won the flower stand
Rob Grigat won the wine rings
Helen Smith won the picture frame
Bob Steen won the puppy door stopper
Thank you everyone for your support; the fruits of all our efforts will be
evident in the interior décor of the new church and the signage on the new building
and in the surrounding streets.
Donna Hamar
Chair of the Grounds and Signage Committee
Please contact us to express interest as soon as possible. We are dealing
with a funding deadline that requires us to secure a student by March 1, 2005
at the absolute latest. Because of this, we will be reviewing applications
as they come in and attempting to make a selection by the end of January at
the latest.
Supervisor and Informational Contact
Reverend Jane Bramadat
250-744-2601
jmrbram@shaw.ca
10 month full-time parish ministry internship September 6/05
to June 30/06 $20,000.00 CAN (everything included in compensation amount)
This is a yoked internship involving two congregations. First Unitarian
Church of Victoria (FUCV) is on the outskirts of Victoria and has 290
members. It
will be the teaching congregation. Capital Unitarian Universalist Congregation
(CUUC)
is a fellowship of 60 members in the centre of Victoria. http://www.unitariancongregation.org/victoria/.
The intern would work about 50% or more with FUCV and 50% or less with
CUUC. It would involve regular parish responsibilities but has the
bonus of preparing
the intern to work with two different sizes and styles of congregations.
Please email or phone as soon as possible to let us know that you plan
to send in an application. Send in applications to First Unitarian
Church of Victoria,
at the above address; attention Intern Supervisor, the Reverend Jane
Bramadat. We prefer to receive applications no later than Dec 15th,
2004, but may
consider applications received as late as Jan 15th, 2005 if the position
has not yet
been filled by that point.
Applications are to include a Curriculum Vitae providing the usual
contact information, educational background, work experience, special
interests.
Three references
1 personal, 1 seminary, 1 Unitarian/Universalist church.
In addition,
we would like a statement detailing the applicant’s religious
journey, especially that part of it in a Unitarian/Universalist
context.
Finally,
we would encourage
any questions that the applicant may have of us about our intern
position, our congregations, our part of the world or about anything
else. Please send
as much
of this information as possible by email or fax, and mail any
remaining materials.
Life Is About Hope. Without Hope There Is No Life.
Erna lives at her home, she has lived there
for 46 years. She and her husband Joe worked hard to build this place, mostly
with their own
hands. Erna’s pride and joy was her garden, where the years were counted
and measured by the yield at harvest time. Now she no longer puts seeds in
the ground, she does not harvest anything anymore, except her own aging years.
What are the fruits of her seventy years?
Last year, the only son who lived in the city died of cancer. This opened
an old wound for Erna, remembering the pain of losing Joe nine years ago
to a heart
attack. The rest of her children live too far away for “just dropping in”.
One son lives in Ontario, and the other moved to the States a long time ago.
But Erna has lots of good memories, many of them are stored away in picture
albums. She used to be the photographer in the family. Now the only pictures
she bothers
with are the ones on the TV screen. Most of her old neighbours have either
died or moved into a nursing home. Erna does not want to move, after all,
THIS is
her home, THIS is where her life is grounded. THIS is where her memories
keep her company. She can’t get out much any more because she depends on DATS
to take her places–a stroke did that to her. She would love to do some
cooking and baking, but for whom? What for?
She is alone, she longs for companionship, someone to be there and fill
the emptiness. Erna is longing for human contact, someone who will listen
and
embrace memories
with her. Her isolation has created a greyness that numbs her feelings
and emotions.
Erna would love to have a visitor.
And one day it happened. A neighbourhood volunteer knocked on her door
and introduced herself as Irene. They sat down and talked, and more
doors opened
of Erna’s
life and brought back memories that had gone to sleep. We can imagine Erna getting
out her tried recipe for oatmeal cookies that her boys liked so much. We can
almost smell the wonderful aroma that is going to fill the kitchen as she wants
to prepare treats for Irene, who phoned and said that she would drop in that
afternoon. We can see Erna and Irene sitting on the couch, looking at old pictures
and hear old stories as they flow from the picture albums. And what about the
pictures of the bumper crops in her garden and the big pumpkin that won the first
prize in the neighbourhood garden competition!
Yes, Irene did come and promised to come again!
Erna closes the door behind Irene and watches her getting into her
car. “I
didn’t know I matter that much!” she says to herself while a tear
falls on her carpet. It’s been a long time since Erna has cried for joy.
By Reinie Heydemann
The Care and Connection team is seeking volunteers to make occasional
visits. If interested, contact Audrey Brooks, Reinie Heydemann
or Brian Kiely via the church, chadmin@uce.ca or
454-8073
UCE WALKING SCHEDULE
Check your Entertainment Books for the lunch component of these walks. We will
not walk if the temperature or wind chill is -20 or worse.
Friday Jan 7 - Clifford E Lee Sanctuary - Lunch at the Country Pantry 9:30
at UCE and we’ll car pool Leader - Dorothy K
Friday Jan 14 - McKinnon Ravine - Lunch at the Museum 9:30 at UCE or 10 at
the parking lot on NW side of Groat Bridge Leader - Helen R
Friday Jan 21 - Spruce Grove - Lunch at Docherty’s Fish and Chips 9:30
at UCE and we’ll car pool Leader - Sheila P
Friday Jan 28 - Rundle Park, Gold Bar Park - Lunch at Blues Java Bar (5010
106 Ave) 9:30 at UCE or 10 at the far end parking lot Leader Joan D
