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. 6
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.
June 5: "Supporting the Vision" Peter Scales, May Partridge, John Slattery
This morning the leaders of this weekend's "Dreams and Dollars"
workshop will look at how Vision based budgeting can inspire action,
giving and the mission of the congregation.
June 12: Rev. Brian J. Kiely
"Flower Communion"
Traditionally we offer this service near the end of our regular
church year. Each member is asked to bring a flower to add to the
communion which will then be shared out with all present. This year
we will also have a simple ceremony to welcome new members who have
joined in the last few months.
June 19: Rev. Brian J. Kiely
"Picnic Service"
Another delightful tradition is the picnic service. Bring food to
share at the park across the street. Bring games and balls etc.
if you wish. Brian will lead a short service in the park. And if
the weather is uncooperative, we'll do it all in our Chapel.
June 26: UCE Youth and Audrey Brooks
“June is Busting Out All Over”
A celebration of the children of this congregation, from newborns
to teens. Various children and youth of the congregation will be
using their talents in music and dance to lead us in joyfully proclaiming
“It’s a gift to be simple.” After the service,
parents and the children will be serving strawberries, and scones
with whipped cream. Yum
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 .
The one sad thing about the arrival of June is the need to say
farewell to another fine Intern Minister. George Buchanan has had
a successful year working at Westwood, so many of you have not had
a chance to get to know him well. I've had more opportunity as his
supervisor. I know he is headed towards a successful career in our
ministry.
George is the fourth intern I have had the pleasure to supervise.
We meet at least weekly and collaborate on events here and there.
But the best part for me is that supervision gives me an ongoing
chance to ponder this wonderful career I have chosen.
Certainly part of that pleasure is the chance to share ideas and
observations about the ministry that I, at least, think are witty
and insightful. During four internships I have honed some of my
knowledge down to a few anecdotes, pithy comments and dictums that
I am sure George has endured more often than he has needed. There
is nothing like a captive audience! Perhaps you should ask him if
my 'sayings' were worthwhile or not.
But more importantly, the chance to reflect on my work requires
me to review and to look critically at how I do my job. Interns
get to observe both the good and the poor choices the supervisor
makes in the course of a year. Often the student becomes the teacher.
Knowing that observer is there helps me pay attention to my work
choices. The learning goes both ways.
I won't be having an intern next year, since I will be away from
my duties from January until Easter on sabbatical leave. I know
my sabbatical will give me other learning opportunities as well
as a chance to refresh and renew my ministry here in Edmonton. But
I will miss having a colleague-in-training nearby, someone who knows
as well as anyone what my work-life is like.
There is something wonderful in having the chance to teach.to share
one's passion in life. I think my interns have learned a bit from
me, but I know I have grown enormously because of them. So a column
to say thanks to Rev. Frances Dearman, Rev. Margaret Roberts, Danielle
Gerrior and George Buchanan.
May you blessed with as much satisfaction in your ministries as
I have gotten from mine.
Can you believe that we are almost at the summer?! Last fall,
with all we were doing, starting, finishing, it seemed that summer
would never come. So much has happened with the congregation and
the children for the last 9 months. We went from our beloved church
on 110 Avenue to a half finished building, walking around with our
carpet looking for a spot to sit, to this beautiful building. It
is starting to feel like we belong here.
I would like to thank the various people who helped with the moving
and unpacking process. There were the many who showed up in December,
packed and moved everything. I was shocked to find that anything
that was not specifically something else became, by default, RE
stuff! Gaylord Madill was unfailingly there to help me whenever
I needed him: with the handtruck, helping move boxes from one place
to the next, helping build the shelves in the storage room, putting
up anything I asked him to. Thank you, Gaylord. Another person,
unfailing there to help, was Mike Keast. We wouldn’t have
that storage room (and many other things in this church) without
your work. A heroic job was done by Donna Hamar in the week before
the church dedication, sorting through craft supplies, organizing
and helping empty boxes. Joan Childs and Audrey Brooks also were
so appreciated. In addition, other members of the RE Committee did
their share of encouragement: Michelle Vander Molen and Ann-Marie
Harder. Thanks to all of you, we now have RE space.
Although during the last year we worked on first the 7 PRINCIPLES
of Unitarianism and in the second term “The Sources of Unitarianism”,
the program planning had to be very flexible due to the challenges
inherent in such a transition year. We have built up the program
from about 3-4 children coming in the fall, to 12-15 coming consistently
this spring. We are now in the process of looking for, selecting
and training teachers so we can have age appropriate classes in
the fall.
We are now actively recruiting people who would like to be on
the RE COMMITTEE and people who would like to TEACH a RE class.
There will be announcements in the order of service, signs in the
church, sign up sheets, application forms. What else can we do to
encourage you!
June will be a fun month in the church. We are having FLOWER COMMUNION,
The JUNE PICNIC and the service lead by youth “JUNE IS BUSTING
OUT ALL OVER”. I like to this of this month as the celebration
month. Looking forward to seeing you there.
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.
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!!
In the June issue of The Edmonton Unitarian you will find a copy
of the survey ‘Worship Services Congregational Survey 2005’.
This survey was developed by the UCE Worship Committee to find out
what members of congregation think of various aspects of our worship
services and if, or how, they would like them changed. This survey
follows from the Appreciative Inquiry process, begun this past winter
by the UCE Board, to assess and meet the needs of the congregation,
and make the best use of our new home.
We need your responses to this survey to determine if changes
are needed in our worship services, and to find out what our congregation
values in worship and does not want changed. To do this we need
each person who attends UCE Sunday services to complete a survey.
We recognize that each household will probably not hold a single
opinion on worship services (we are Unitarian-Universalists after
all!), so please feel free to request as many additional surveys
as your household may need. Additional copies will be available
at the church for the next few Sundays as well as at the church
web site.
The front page of the survey contains more detailed information
about where to send your survey after it is completed and what we
will do to assure confidentiality. Please see that information or
contact the people listed there for more details.
If you have questions or concerns about the survey, please contact
Beth Jenkins or Paul Childs through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca .
We need your completed survey by June 30, 2005
to ensure that your views are taken into account. Please take the
time to complete this survey, we can only meet your worship needs
if you tell us what they are!
The Womens Wellness Program at Grey Nuns Community Hospital is
inviting submissions for the publication of an anthology of womens'
writing. The book will be titled: The Voices of Everyday Women.
Women of all ages: the very young, teenagers, young women, women,
older women, wild women, crones, witches, eyrthlings, EveryWoman,
are encouraged to participate. Pass this on to every woman you know!
Deadline is the end of June.
Share a fictional story, memoir, poem, illustration, or music.
Send it by email, or by post. Send 3 pieces of work, double spaced,
with your name, address, postal code, phone number and email to:
Grey Nuns Writing Project
The Voices of Everyday Women
c/o Audrey Brooks, Alice Winkel Eds.
9916-154th Street
Edmonton AB T5P 2G7
Contact Audrey Brooks for encouragement and assistance. She can
be reached through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca .
I would like to thank all the generous people of the Unitarian
Church, who gave monetary donations and encouragement while I was
dealing with bone cancer. Knowing that there were so many people
behind me, made it less difficult to be hopeful during the hard
times. I celebrate my birthday this month, I am still here, and
so far I am doing all right.
Join us on June 12 as we celebrate new life blooming in our gardens
and parks, and new life sprouting on our Edmonton UU tree. June
12 is our annual flower communion service, and we could think of
no better time to welcome new members to our community. In a simple
ceremony new members will receive a flower and be introduced to
the congregation. New members will be contacted by the Membership
committee. If you have any questions or would like to participate
in the ceremony, and are not contacted by us ( we will do our utmost!)
feel free to contact Jolien Pauw through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca
OUR CHILDREN, OUR FUTURE,
OUR CHURCH IN THE 21st CENTURY
In the last 5 years this church made two promises. The first was
to create a new Church building. We have done that, and we did it
together. The second was to create a new vision to take us into
the 21 Century. The time is NOW to start on keeping the second promise.
On June 11, 2005 from 9 to 5, we will come together as a church,
a community. Lynn Sabourin, a Life Span Consultant for BC, a skilled,
amazing, and inspirational facilitator, will be coming with the
knowledge and skills to help us create a new beginning for this
church. She will be leading the workshop on OUR CHILDREN, OUR FUTURE,
OUR CHURCH IN THE 21 CENTURY. As Marcel Proust said “The real
voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but
in having new eyes.” She will help us find the power in a
Shared Vision. This workshop is the beginning point of a commitment
to our future, to seeing our church with new eyes.
Why this workshop? Why Now? And Why should YOU come?
To have a healthy and vibrant church we need to invest our energy
into deciding what we want for this Church, and how we are going
to create it. There are many interlocking parts to a Church, like
there is in a building. A building cannot exist with just a roof,
or walls, or a floor—all the parts are linked. So it is with
the whole of this Church. RE is an entry point. A strong and healthy
RE program for children attracts young families looking for a place
to belong that meets their children’s and their own religious
needs. They look for a place that welcomes them, understands them,
and loves their children. These new members are the future of our
church. From them will come some of the energy, optimism and hope
that will allow this church to continue. RE is not the whole of
this church, but what kind of church would
we have if there were no RE Program?
We put off planning for this church while we built the building.
We have said “Build it and they will come”. But how
do we let people know we are here and what we stand for? Do WE know?
This seminar will let us come up with the questions that may lead
to the answers that may lead to a plan how to do that.
Everything goes through a cycle of growth and renewal. We will
have completed the Dreams and Dollars workshop which will give us
a new perspective on financial support for this church’s goals.
The Children are our Future workshop is the next piece to start
on. If we don’t start now, when will
we do it?
We have been told over and over that a building is not a church—people
are the church. That means all of us. Many times we have said that
what concerns one of us, concerns all of us. This is one of those
times each one of us have to step forward, join in and use our personal
power to make a commitment to the future of this church. If
not you, then who?
The reason YOU need to come to this workshop is because no one
else can speak for you, no one else can show that you care, no one
else can stand up for you and say “This Church’s future
is important to ME!”
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 up dated 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. The generosity of members
and friends allow more items to be taken off both the immediate
and larger Needs List each month. Now that we are occupying our
new space we are identifying other items which have been added to
the Needs List.
Our thanks go to the following people for their contributions to
our new church: Mary Campbell - cabinet for sound system, Joyce
and Irving Hastings - dishwasher, Inge Hess, Phyllis Ferguson, and
Frances Blythe - security system, Charlotte Rekken and Glenn Keeler
- stoves, Shirley Twerdoclib and Warren Wenzel - parking signs,
Elaine Reynard - 2 large tables, Victoria Plaza Condominium Association
- 4 chairs in Lobby, proceeds from Garage Sale - castors/felts etc.
and interior signs. A special resolution passed at the Annual General
Meeting in April approved the payment for paving the parking lot
and alley from money raised through debentures. Funding for the
following items is needed as soon as possible.
Update security system - $3,000.00. ($1500.00 has been donated
to date). There are many new entrances to the building also the
fire alarm system must be integrated into the security system.
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.
Credenza for Church Office $380.00
Sofa Tables/Cabinet - Lobby $400.00
Holders for Pamphlets/Petitions etc. $250.00
Computer for Library
Repair paving in Bernard’s parking lot - $2,000.00 -
$3,000.00. ($1000.00 donated to date). 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.
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 .
If you have a fund raising project please forward it in writing
to “Ways & Means”(church office). Verbal suggestions
are easily forgotten. Thank you.
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 .
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.
Canadian Unitarian Universalist Leadership School (CU*UL)
July 28 – 31, 2005 Mount Royal College, Calgary, AB.
Info: Jan Schwarz cuul@cuc.ca or http://www.cuc.ca/CUC_calendar.html
Western Region Women’s Gathering: “Are We There, Yet?”
July 1 - 3, 2005 Lumsden, SK
Info: Ruth Patrick mruth.patrick@shaw.ca
Eliot at Naramata: ‘Letters of the Spirit’ with Rev.
Stefan Jonasson
July 2 – 9, 2005 Naramata, BC.
Info: http://www.eliotinstitute.org
Wynyard Summer Service
August 14, 2005 Wynyard, SK.
Info: Rev. Stefan Jonasson smjonasson@shaw.ca
Choral Singing with Brian Tate
September 24-25, 2005 Calgary, AB
Info: Mich Michell john@michellcomputing.com
CUC Fall Gathering: Western Region
October 14, 15, & 16, 2005 Calgary, AB.
Info: Sara McEwan sara@cuc.ca
Unitarian Women's 8th Annual Weekend Retreat on Vancouver Island
October 28 - 30, 2005 at Bethlehem Retreat Centre, Nanaimo, B.C.
Info: Janice Hocking. tjhocking@shaw.ca
CUC Fall Gathering: BC Region
November 4, 5, & 6, 2005 West Vancouver, BC.
Info: Sara McEwan sara@cuc.ca
Vacancy: Part-time Church Administrator (22hrs/wk.)
First Unitarian Church of Victoria Victoria, B.C.
Info: Website at http://www.victoriaunitarian.ca.
Application deadline June 30, 2005.
Vacancy: Part-time Ministry (1/2 time)
South Fraser Unitarian Congregation
Surrey, BC Info: JoanofArt@shaw.ca
Want to add events to this calendar?
Contact Sara McEwan, CUC DRS West sara@cuc.ca
June 2005
(Check your Entertainment Books for the Lunch component of these
walks)
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.
Hi. My name is Tyler, and I will be taking over some
of the administration duties this summer, and helping the library
committee. I will be in between the hours of 9 am and 3 pm.
