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. 5
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
All services now take place in the new church, 10804
119 Street. The main entrance is on the south side of the building.
All services begin at 10:30 a.m.
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.
May 1: Rev. Frances Deverell “Self Care--A Spiritual Path”
Love your body, love your mind, love your heart, and love your
spirit. After the huge effort of building a church, what do people
do to bring themselves back to centre and balance? What disciplines
might help us to
create a life in harmony with ourselves and those around us?
May 1: 7:00 p.m. Service Dedicating the Church This evening we join with guests from the wider community
to celebrate the opening of our new home. There will be a special
music program, an act of dedication and a reception following
the service. Please try to attend this very special evening.
May 8: George Buchanan
“The Wisdom of Emerson”
Ralph Waldo Emerson was one of the most influential Unitarian
voices of the nineteenth century. We will look at his story and
his writings and consider if these offer us any wisdom for our
journeys today.
May 15: Rev. Brian J. Kiely
“Unitarians and Faith”
With our strongly rationalist history, we Unitarians are very
good at naming the things we don’t believe. However, in
our Principles and other public documents we are rather reluctant
to name what we do believe. What is our relationship with this
tricky word, faith?
May 22: Bonnie Kyle
“Courage”
May 29: Rev. Brian J. Kiely
“Play It Where It Lies”
Because the women of Chorealis have a special musical offering
in honour of our late member (and avid golfer) Nancy Collinge,
I have been asked to do a sermon using golf as my metaphor. Reluctantly
(heh-heh) I have acquiesced.
Lunch After Service
A group of Unitarians usually go out for lunch at one of the surrounding
restaurants after church. See Jennifer Hinchcliffe, Marge Roche
or Lise Cloutier to find out the restaurant chosen that Sunday.
Everyone is welcome.
Bulletin Boards
Bulletin boards are now located in the hallways opposite the offices
or the washrooms. Take a stroll with your coffee and catch up on
the latest news from the Board, Social Action, the Community as
well as members and friends in the news.
— Stella Clarke
Things to Do at UCE
If you look beside our Need and Wish List board in the foyer, perhaps
you can find something you can do. Some things are long, some are
short, some are team projects, etc. If you can help, please contact
Dorothy Keeler or Mike Keast through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca .
It only took a few seconds. I was holding Finnegan’s face
in my hands while the veterinarian injected the drug. As I looked
deep into her eyes I felt her pulse stop. She had suffered no distress.
It was so peaceful.
Finnegan has been my companion for 12 years. She was sweet natured,
full of life and the greatest food finder I have ever seen. We have
been joking that we will miss her most when we clean under the high
chairs. We’ve never had to do that before.
She had had some medical problems in the last weeks, but none
appeared terminal. In fact the first news was good news. Then she
took a turn. At the start of her last week she stopped eating and
started burrowing into closets. Animals know how to prepare. We
made an appointment. Then she started eating again and even showed
a little interest in life. We began to wonder. Perhaps this wasn’t
the last trip to the vet after all.
But then our good doctor confirmed that it was a matter of days
or weeks. Even though she was having a good day, perhaps because
she was having a good day it seemed to be time to say goodbye.
I have long been an advocate for choice in dying for humans. I
even presented a CUC brief to a Canadian Senate Committee on the
subject many years ago. I have always believed that I would personally
want to be able to choose quality of life over quantity. My experience
with Finnegan confirmed it. As someone else remarked while I gently
laid her lifeless head down, “That’s how I’d like
to go.”
The issue for humans is far more complex, of course, when it comes
to matters of consent and family ties and the threat of malpractice
suits against doctors. In many ways it isn’t fair to compare
the two experiences. But in those last moments when I held my dear
dog, it also seemed very simple, and very right.
The last month has been a very busy time in the RE Program. The
children have really enjoyed participating in the MYSTERY BUDDY
PROGRAM. It seems to be one of their favourite activities of the
Year. We have had new children join the program, many of whom are
in the 4-6 age range. We have been preparing for our contribution
to the Dedication Ceremony for the Opening of our New Church. And
we have been preparing for the upcoming services in May and June.
The children have continued to learn about other religious beliefs
and to learn about the deeper meaning of our Chalice and Flame.
The discussions have incorporated the Principles of Unitarianism.
On April 17 we had the Mystery Buddy Find-out Celebration. We
made marshmallow sculptures, root beer floats, had 3 legged races,
turned the children into mummies, laughed a lot and found out about
our buddies. I saw some very nice conversations between buddies.
And for those not into conversing, I saw chasing after each other.
If you have never been part of a Mystery Buddy program, or haven’t
done it in a long time, you missed one of the most enjoyable and
hilarious events of the year.
The Youth Group have met and had a movie and discussion evening.
They are planning a wonderful Intergenerational service on June
26. With the talent and creativity and imagination of the young
people in this Church, you are bound to experience something moving
and meaningful.
We are going to be starting our program planning for September.
This requires finding out what people want. So expect a (short)
questionnaire. I am thinking of offering some 4 week courses for
parents (or anyone else interested in RE issues). I have been coming
up with some topics that might interest people and I’m looking
forward to suggestions about what you might prefer.
We are GROWING! So we will need people willing to lead some of
the classes. Please pick up an application form, or approach me
for a discussion. There will be training and support and good stuff
involved for those who have a commitment to the future of this Church.
In addition, now that I have a beautiful office, please know that
I am there for you. I have had a great deal of training, education
and experience in child related issues. If there is something you’d
like to talk about, anything you share with me is confidential.
What I can’t provide myself, I can find someone or something
that may make a difference for you.
UCE will be hosting "Dreams and Dollars" - a workshop
for fellow Unitarians - on June 3-5, 2005. Billets are needed for
out-of-town guests. If you would be willing and able to host a new
friend on that weekend, sharing space (and perhaps a ride or bus
direction or two), please contact Michelle Van Der Molen through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca .
Let's share the gift of hospitality
It’s amazing how the pennies add up to buy the “stuff”
we need for our new home. So.......bring your bottles (water, wine,
pop, liquor) and tetrapacks and drop them off at our recycle bin
in the kitchen. Many Thanks!
Canadian Tire is close to our new home and is receiving a steady
stream of UUers seeking nails, shelf clips, etc. Help us out by
dropping off your Canadian Tire money in the marked box in the kitchen.
In what we hope will be the first of many great concerts in our
new hall, UCE welcomes KlezMerovitz on Saturday evening, May 14
at 8 p.m.
What is KlezMerovitz? They’re a talented Calgary band featuring
the talents of former Flying Bulgher Klezmer Band member Allan Merovitz.
And what is Klezmer music? According to Leo Rosten, “Klezmer
Music is a style of music that is inherently Jewish in nature. The
word Klezmer comes from two Hebrew words, clay and zimmer, meaning
vessel of music or song. The idea is that the instrument ie. the
violin, clarinet, takes on human characteristics like laughing and
crying. With a joyous exuberance or a soulful wailing.”
Klezmer musicians were the wandering minstrels of the European
Jewish world. Klezmerovitz continues the tradition giving it a distinctly
western Canadian flavour.
Come for a great evening with music that will lift you and touch
you and make you want to move your feet. Tickets are $12 or $10
for seniors and students. Children under 10 are free. You can pick
tickets up at church or reserve through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca
Do you know about the Eliot experience? Eliot Institute is a week
long camp for UUs and their friends at Seabeck WA, or at Naramata
Centre on the Okanagan Lake in B.C. It is both a conference and
a holiday for individuals, couples and families — a one-of-a-kind
experience of play, community and worship. Eliot camps have a long
history in the Northwest, and we are striving to offer the experience
to folks in other parts of Canada and Eastern Washington. At Naramata,
July 2 - 9, the adult program will feature Rev. Stefan Jonasson
from Manitoba, while the children and youth have their own programming.
Afternoons are free time filled with offerings of workshops, art,
swimming and music. The Naramata Centre even boasts its own labyrinth,
not to mention the many vineyards between Naramata and Penticton!
There is lots of music around the campfire pit at the beach, as
well as a lantern parade on the last night. This year, we are pleased
that Joyce Poley, well-known among UU's as a singer, songwriter,
worship leader, and workshop facilitator, has agreed to act as camp
Song Leader, encouraging everyone to participate in the singing.
Once you and your family have tried Eliot, you will want to come
back year after year! Why don't you plan to take additional time
to explore other parts of the Okanagan Valley?
For information about Naramata and other Eliot camps, visit www.EliotInstitute.org
or call 206-374-2497. Please join us!!
The Aesthetics Committee invites you to meet with them on Sunday
May 8th at 11.45 a.m. in the Sanctuary. You can already see the
results of some of this committee’s work around the building.
At this meeting we would like to hear your suggestions to keep this
building a warm and welcoming space, not only for our Church members,
but also for the many groups who use our space for their meetings
and functions, now and in the future.
The Needs List identifies all those items not covered by the renovation
budget but still needed to complete the total renovation of our
new building. The Needs List was originally compiled by the Renovation
Steering Committee and is now being added to by the Aesthetics Committee,
and other committees. It is updated monthly and will continue until
all renovations have been completed. The long version of this list
is on view at the Church with only the immediate needs listed in
the Newsletter.
Thanks to the generosity of friends and members each month more
items are taken off both the immediate and larger Needs List. Now
that we are occupying our new space we are identifying other items
which have been added to the Needs List.
We now have a commercial dishwasher due to additional contributions
to this item from Margot Mossman, Bernie and Dorothy Keeler, Alex
Kozeluk, and Joan Davison.
Other contributors this month are: Dan Sorochan - metal lockers
for tenants, Alan Boyle and Sylvia Krogh - combination locks for
Church office and workroom, Dorothy Keeler, Lise Cloutier, Sharon
Ingraham, Joan Davison, Shirley Edgar, and Sylvia Krogh - candelabra,
Mike Keast - building storage room shelving, Donna Martyn - Paving.
Funding for the following items is needed as soon as possible.
The first three items on this list have already been installed or
ordered but have yet to be funded:
Felts and Casters - $700.00
All chairs/bookcases/rolling items need to have the appropriate
protection on their base in order to minimize damage to our new
flooring. Much of this work has already taken place, but we need
the money to pay for the new hardware. Many small donations will
reduce this amount. (Large donations also gratefully accepted).
Permanent Interior Signs
These will be in place for the May 1st celebration, but still need
to be funded.
Locked Cabinet for Sound System - $400.00
This is requirement for insurance purposes and must be custom made
for our system.
Up date security system - $3,000.00.
($1000.00 has been donated to date). There are many new entrances
to the building and the fire alarm system which must be integrated
into the security system.
Repair paving in Bernard’s parking lot
- $2,000.00 - $3,000.00.
A section of our neighbour’s parking lot was dug up to lay
the new sewer system for our washrooms.
Portable Scaffold
This is needed for maintenance work in the Sanctuary
Landscaping - $1000. 00 (approx)
This item must be completed according to Architect’s plan
in order to pass the renovation completion inspection required by
the City of Edmonton.
Thank you to all the people who are contributing to items on the
Needs List. Together we are making wishes come true.
If you have a fund raising project please forward it in writing
to Ways & Means (church office). Verbal suggestions are easily
forgotten.
If you are able to donate an item, or wish to make a financial
contribution for a specific item, please contact Shona Wehm through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca .
Sale is at the rear of the building
Friday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sunday Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Our Monster Garage Sale is fast approaching. It will
be held on May 13th, 14th and 15th. Here is your opportunity to
simplify your life by bringing all those items that are cluttering
your home! Please bring your items by Sunday, May 8th as we will
be setting things up starting Monday, the 9th in our hall area.
Unicamp is a UU camp and conference centre — a safe, welcoming
spiritual retreat with diverse, quality, UU value-based programs
and activities spring to fall. Located 120 km. north of Toronto,
the 50-acre camp offers a relaxing and tranquil environment. Programs
include overnight youth and family camps with organized activities,
as well as environmental and arts programs.
We’re hiring!
We’re looking for special people. UU members with related
experience preferred, excellent interpersonal, communication skills.
Familiarity with Unicamp an asset. All staff must embody the ideals
and spirit of Unicamp.
Property & Maintenance Manager – Keeps property/buildings
in good repair and maintains/tests water safety, renovations and
new building construction. Supervises staff.
Assistant Administration Manager – Maintains registration
records/accounts and bookings for the summer season and supervises
staff. Excellent computer and interpersonal skills a must.
We are also looking for:
- Camp counsellors/Junior Staff/Lifeguard
- Assistant Program Manager
- Assistant Cook
Send resumes to Tatra Palfery, 16 Erindale Ave, Tor, M4K 1R9 (416)
465-3585, or e-mail to tatrapalfery@sympatico.ca
We are also in need of a Nurse for one or more weeks of children’s
camp, the weeks of July 3-9, July 10-16 and July 17-23. The nurse
is on site for the 6 days of camp to provide first aid, administer
any meds the children bring with them, inspect cabins and have fun
with the kids. Your children and partner are welcome. A vacation
at Unicamp in exchange for your nursing skills. Please contact our
Administration Manager, Wanda Gordon, 519-822-6353 or nicampofOntario@hotmail.com
if you are interested in this position.
Please see our website http://www.gpcomp.com/unicamp/
for complete program listings and full job descriptions.
P.S. If you plan to send your child or teen to camp this summer,
there are spaces left in our children, tween and youth camps. Pick
up a brochure at your congregation, or contact Wanda Gordon, 519-822-6353
or UnicampofOntario@hotmail.com.
May and June 2005
(Check your Entertainment Books for the Lunch component of these
walks)
Friday May 6 - Gold Bar to Rundle - Lunch at Blues Java Bar (5010
106 Ave)
9:30 at UCE and or 10 at the parking lot at Gold Bar Leader - Marlo
Friday May 13 - Rainbow Valley South in White Mud Ravine
9:30 at UCE or 10 at the parking lot on south side of Rainbow Valley
Bridge Leader - Sylvia
Friday May 20 - St Albert west to check on the construction of
the ring road
9:30 at UCE or at the St Albert City Hall Parking lot Leader - Jolien
Friday May 27 - Heritage Park in Spruce Grove - Lunch at Docherty’s
?
9:30 at UCE Leader - Joan D
Friday June 3 - Historical Walking Tour of Edmonton
9:30 at UCE Leader - Helen
Friday June 10 - Devonian Gardens (there is an entry fee)
9:30 at UCE Leader - Sharon
Friday June 17 - Hasse Lake and picnic lunch
9:30 at UCE and we’ll car pool Leader - Donna H
Friday June 24 - Elk Island Park (bring your park pass if you
have one) - picnic lunch
9:30 at UCE Leader - Sheila P
Friday July 1 - No walk - Plan to attend the Women’s Gathering
in Lumsden this weekend.
Contact Ruth Patrick for more detail.
The Summer Newsletter will outline the walks for July, August,
and September and will hopefully include several more out of town
trips to take advantage of our wonderful summer weather.
