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. 8
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
The deadlin for the next newsletter is September 16.
The Edmonton Unitarian September 2005
No Printable Version This Month
Volume 46 Number 8
WORSHIP
SERVICES
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.
September 4 — Beth Jenkins and Friends
"The Soul of Stone"
You are invited to bring a stone — carved or natural —
and tell the story of its significance in your spiritual and creative
life. If you wish, you may contribute a natural stone (large or
small) for use in the landscaping in the front of the church.
September 11 — Rev. Brian J. Kiely
"The Day Again"
Everyday is the anniversary of something, but some dates seem to
stick in our brains more than others. Some recall very public events,
others more personal.
September 18 — Intergenerational Services
"Peace on Earth and Goodwill towards Men (and Women and Children)"
September 25 — Rev. Brian J. Kiely
"What is Worship?"
Each Sunday we hold services in this church. Officially, we call
it "worship", but it's a word that sticks in people's
throats. So what does "worship" mean to Unitarians anyway?
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’s been a great summer. I got some much needed rest, lost
a few pounds, shaved my beard, watched my daughters grow, acquired
a new puppy (Loki – a Shit-tzu/Schnauzer cross who is living
up to his name as the Norse god of mischief), and spent some relaxing
time with my bride.
We travelled to the family farm a couple of hours north of here
a number of times. We relaxed, played and worked on projects like
building farm fences and an amazingly solid tree house for the kids.
And I played a few rounds of golf...some of them pretty good ones
at that.
What I didn’t do much of was think of church. The last couple
of years have been eventful, to say the least. I have enjoyed them
immensely, even the stressful times. But sometimes one needs a break
even from the things one loves so dearly.
I have a feeling many of you were doing the same thing, or perhaps
you were looking out for me. Either way I noticed that the number
of e-mails and phone calls coming from church folks this year dropped
to an all-time low. Maybe we all needed a rest.
But September is on its way, and a lot of wonderful things are
in the planning stages. Inside you will find notices for a sacred
poetry and psalm writing workshop for church school parents, and
a service leaders workshop. September is getting off to a fast start
this year.
As well there will be long range planning, the dedication of our
new library, and people preparing to cover my sabbatical (Christmas
through Easter) with great guest speakers and some interesting adult
programs.
You know, this may be just the vacation-relaxed mind talking, but
I think it’s going to be a great year!
Religious Education Program at UCE – September
Message
Welcome back to The Children’s Program at The UCE. I hope
your summer was as good as mine. I did lots of great stuff in my
garden this year and attended events in the city (isn’t this
the best city for wonderful summer events?). I am well on my way
in my training for a Marathon in October, even though as I am getting
towards the longer parts of my training I am really questioning
my sanity. But those who know me know that I have 2 favourite sayings.
The first is “How hard can it be?” Usually followed
by “What was I thinking??!!”
Now that we are settled into this new church of ours, we are going
to be able to start implementing suggestions that have come out
of various workshops we had in the late spring—the Dreams
and Dollars Workshop, and the “Our Children, Our Future, Our
Church in the 21st Century, and the Services Questionnaire so many
of you filled out with wonderful comments.
We will be having two services per month in which the children
start out in the Congregational Service. We are asking a family
to light the chalice at each and share about their family with the
congregation. We are starting off the church year with the first
two Sundays being a getting to know you and having some fun Sundays.
Then after the Intergenerational Service on September 18, we will
have a registration and orientation to the Children’s Program
potluck. It will be followed by a two Sunday workshop on Developing
your Family’s Spirituality.
The THEME of the YEAR will be PEACE on EARTH. It is hoped we will
be able to integrate ideas about saving our planet, working towards
peace, supporting charities that care for those affected by war.
We believe that these ideas will allow many opportunities for adults
and children to share ideas and concerns and work together on common
projects.
Communication was a big issue for many so we have come up with
ways for people to know what is going on:
RE Program Bulletin Boards will be above the coat racks outside
the classrooms. Look there for Program Information, stories, projects,
photos and lots of interesting things.
In the monthly newsletter, look at the calendar page to find
out the dates of events in RE, when children are starting out
in service and so on.
The voice message on both the Church Office and RE Office will
give you information on what is going on in the RE Program that
week.
Every 2-3 months there will be a RE meeting to discuss ideas
and what is being planned.
We are going to be offering some courses on parenting and religion
which will offer parents the opportunity to make connections with
other parents in the church.
As part of the New Member Course that Brian offers, there will
be a section on what goes on in Religious Education and how our
programs meet the needs of families in the UCE.
We will be having some interesting events that should be fun
for everyone—like a regular movie and discussion evening,
a “Songs of Protest” event, a Haunted House event.
We encourage you to bring friends to these.
Information Packets for Parents are being prepared.
At the Regional Gathering in Calgary in October, SPIRIT PLAY is
being offered. I saw a sample of what it looked like last year and
was so excited about it. If you can attend, I strongly recommend
that you register. Call me if you’d like to find out more
about it.
I hope you are looking forward as much as I am to the RE Program
year.
I am pleased and excited to be your president this year. With
out beautiful new building, great board directors, congregational
members, friends and minister, I am looking forward to a wonderful
year.
As you know if you attended the annual general meeting, we are
in a financial crunch so we have to rent out the chapel/blue room
for awhile. We are presently preparing it for a tenant so if you
have any skills in that area, we would much appreciate your help.
Most of the work is being done by sweat equity of UCE members and
friends. We plan to have it rentable by October 1st.
The Alberta New Democratic Party was willing to come in when we
have the availability. They were looking for a medium term lease
that we were prepared to offer. It is our goal to get out of this
financial challenge and reclaim that space as soon as finances warrant.
The NDP’s flexibility enables us to do that. They have a staff
of three people who will be working out of this office.
The board decision to accept the NDP as tenants has nothing to
do with politics and everything to do with generating rental income
for a specified period of time. The NDP as out tenants does not
mean an endorsement of their policies just as our other tenant,
Design 21's producing of casino lighting does not mean an endorsement
of casinos or gambling. We know that there are supporters of all
(or none) political parties within our church and we really appreciate
that diversity within our congregation. That appreciation of freedom
of thought is part of what makes us Unitarians.
Last May a number of members attended a workshop called Dreams
and Dollars. In it we were encouraged to create a ‘culture
of generosity’ in the church. One suggestion the Board has
adopted involves sharing our wealth. Starting September 11, each
Sunday the unidentified loose cash offering will be shared with
a local charity. Half will go to the church, half to the named charity.
If you wish to make a larger donation to the charity, the ushers
will have envelopes you can use. Mark the charity’s name and
all the money will go there.
Those of you making pledge payments to the church are asked to
use cheques or mark you name and ‘pledge’ on donation
enveloped.
The following charities have been selected for September:
September 11: Youth Emergency Shelter
Society September 18: WIN House shelter for abused
mothers and their children–the children’s toy and activity
fund. September 25: USC Canada, formerly the
Unitarian Service Committee, an organization funding small self
help projects in the third world.
Warm up those vocal cords – it’s choir time again!
Our first rehearsal will be on Thursday September 8th at 7:00 p.m.
We’ll meet in the church sanctuary. Anyone who loves to sing
(or thinks they would love to sing) is welcome. We are a non-auditioned
choir, open to all singers. We rehearse every Thursday from 7:00
p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and sing at one Sunday morning service per month.
Karen Mills and Gordon Ritchie, our co-conductors, have planned
an exciting year full of wonderful music from a variety of genres
and traditions. There will also be mini-workshops, exchanges, field
trips and special guests!
Also mark you calendars for Saturday, September 24. This is the
date of the Brian Tate workshop at the Unitarian Church of Calgary.
Brian is one of Canada’s most gifted clinicians. His exuberant
spirit and love of music are contagious. Brian directs Vancouver’s
multi-faith Universal Gospel Choir as well as the senior choir at
Arts Umbrella’s Sarah McLachlan Music Outreach program. He
is currently on the faculty of Studio 58, Langara College’s
professional theatre school, as well as the Banff Centre for Leadership
Development. Cost is $40 for early registration (before September
10th) with lunch included (the workshop runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
You also have to option to “rock the house” at the service
on Sunday September 25th. To register, contact Marie Collins (403-286-3723)
or Laura Tanner (403-282-2079). If enough people are interested,
we may arrange group transportation.
If you need more information on the workshop or the choir, contact
Karen Mills through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca
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 tetra packs 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.
October 14th is the beginning of the Western Region Fall Gathering,
Getting Grounded to Grow. It takes place from Friday, October 14th
to Sunday October 16th at the Unitarian Church of Calgary. For more
information on how to register please contact Sara McEwan at sara@cuc.ca.
During the renovations, I have noticed and appreciated all the
wonderful skills within our church which enabled us to achieve our
new building. As well, if I have a choice, I would prefer to patronize
other Unitarians or the businesses they use and recommend. I am
assuming that there may be many others that feel the same way that
I do. So we have now a bulletin board with church members’
and friends’ business cards (near the coffee table). On the
back of the business card, there may be a recommendation from another
church member. Please post business cards. However, if space becomes
an issue, first preference will be given to Unitarians. If it is
the last card of its kind, please don’t remove it but copy
down the information.
The recent Worship Service Congregational Survey had a question
that asked if the Sunday Services were too long, too short or just
right. A follow-up question asked what could be done to change the
service, if it was seen as either too long or too short.
Many of the people who said “too long” also said that
Announcements and Candles of Concern and Celebration tended to go
on too long at times. At its August meeting, the Worship Committee
discussed this problem, and recommended that Announcements should
be done differently. (How to do Candles in a way that balances the
need for emotional connection and support with the need for other
types of spiritual renewal will be a matter for further consideration
and discussion.)
Starting in September, the bulk of announcements will be in the
Order of Service. This helps keep the focus of the Sunday service
on worship. It also gives the dates, times and locations of events,
and the print format lets them keep it ready for reference.
Order of Service deadline is each Friday by 9 a.m. Announcements
can be provided either by e-mail to chadmin@uce.ca
or by phone message to the church office at 454-8073.
If announcements must be made at the last minute, please fill
out one of the Announcement cards available in the labelled basket
on the Program Table, and give the card to the service leader. The
service leader will then read the announcement. Please keep announcements
brief, and please print/write legibly.
The one exception for “in person” announcements will
be the issuing of the Congregational Call, as our by-laws require
the notice of congregational meetings to be read by the Secretary
or one of the other Board members.
We regret to announce the death of Stan Campbell in August. Stan
and Florence have been steady members of this church for decades.
There will be a memorial service for Stan on Friday, September 9th
at 7 p.m. with a reception to follow. All are most welcome.
Have you ever wanted to share your energy, enthusiasm, wisdom with
the children or youth of this church? Do you have a few hours a
week, or a month, or a season to offer to help pass the flame to
the next generation? This church needs you! Talk to me and I’ll
tell you how you can help.
Spirit Play is a ‘New Model’ for offering Religious
Education withing Unitarian Universalist Congregations, an adaptation
of Godly Play.
Friday October 14th, 2005 at the Unitarian Church of Calgary 1703
1st street Calgary AB from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost:$150 CAD per person
includes vegetarian lunch and all materials. Registration deadline
is September 15th, 2005. There is a limit of 15 participants, so
register soon!
You will:
• Experience a Spirit Play model classroom.
• Hear Spirit Play stories presented.
• Be introduced to the philosophies of Jerome Berryman and
Maria Montessori.
• Become familiar with and present one story.
• Hear about success stories and how to begin a program.
• Receive a packet of materials including Spirit Play stories
on CD.
Presenter: Nita Penfold, D. Min. co-developer Spirit Play. For
further information contact Sylvia Bass West at (519) 472 7073 or
sylvia@cuc.ca.
The First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto, in partnership with
World Accord invites you to help build “kinders” (kindergarten
schools) in the mountains of Honduras. Not only will these schools
add two years to the primary education children now receive but
they will allow older sisters to remain in school rather than staying
home to look after younger siblings while their parents work in
the fields. This is a hands-on opportunity to make a difference
in the lives of subsistence farmers and their families.
Three two-week trips: beginning January 21, February 11 and March
4, 2006. Construction and Spanish language skills are not required
but would be welcomed. For more information contact Richard Kirsh
(416-767-5837) or check your bulletin board for our poster. In the
web, visit http://www.firstunitariantoronto.org/camapp/central_america.htm.
There is a possibility that there will be B20 (20% biodiesel, 80%
petroleum diesel) available soon in Edmonton. If you have a diesel
vehicle and might be interested, please contact Joanne Olafson,
ixian@compusmart.ab.ca.
You can also check out our website for information and links re:
biofuels: www.edmonton-biofuels.org.
The website has been quite inactive in recent months, but there
is still excellent information on it.
FREEMAN PATRICK REFERENCE
LIBRARY AND READING ROOM
My request in early May for volunteers to work on this committee
was answered by the following persons: Louise Charach, Jane Calderin,
Mary Campbell, Shona Wehm, Michael Keast and Jim Appleton with the
assistance of our summer office staff, Tyler Somers.
They have worked steadily since to develop and furnish a library
to serve our Church Community, ie. not a duplicate of the Edmonton
Public Library, but a focus to Unitarian Universalist material.
Many of you have offered books for the library, however, we ask
that you wait a while longer until we are able to provide a list
of acquisition topics.
The committee will be restarted at 11:45 a.m. after church on Sunday,
September 11th in the sanctuary. We will be decided what format
and issues we wish to pursue. Everyone welcome. Please join us.
For further info, please contact Sylvia Krogh.
Also, please join us at the following functions:
Make Poverty History – Saturday,
September 10th – 12 noon at Beaverhills Park, 105 Street and
Jasper Avenue proceed to Winston Churchill Square for rally and
entertainment. Join us with our UCE banner along with Westwood Unitarians.
Wealth and Stealth – Law Prof.
Harry Glasbeek talks about how our current capitalistic political
economy and legal system allows corporations behave irresponsibly.
Tues. Sept. 13 – 12 noon at Room 231 U of A Faculty of Law,
112 street and 89 avenue or 7 p.m. at 10802 112 street, free.
Stephen Lewis – Former Canadian
UN Ambassador who will speak about the voluntary sector and civil
society. Sat. Sept. 17 from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. @ The MacLab
(Citadel)
United Nations International Day of Peace–
Wed Sept. 20.
CUC Environment Monitoring Group encourages you to go carless to
church on the Sunday before an d/or after International Car Free
Day–September 18 and 25. International Car Free Day is celebrated
by over 100 million people in over 1,500 cities around the world.
Car Free Day is part of a year-round initiative to reduce our dependence
on the private automobile and promote safer, healthier transportation
solutions. Started in 1999, September 22nd is the traditional day
with local conditions determining the actual day. Respect the interdependent
web of life and have fun at the same time! Participate and enjoy!
Over the last few months an amazing number of people stepped up
for leadership training of one kind or another. Four members, Karen
Stevenson, Sharon Ingraham, Teilya Kiely and Sylvia Krogh travelled
to Calgary for a four day intensive CU*UL (Canadian U*U Leadership
School) experience.
As well, more than a dozen people gave up a weekend to participate
in the Dreams and Dollars workshop offered by a team from the CUC
for leaders from across the west.
And finally, over 20 people participated in an all day session on
Religious Education led by Lynn Sabourin. It was a wonderful chance
to revision revitalize our lifespan learning program and to brainstorm
an amazing list of ideas and directions.
Congratulations and thanks to all who stepped up to learn more
about leading this church.
Rev. Brian Kiely and President Sylvia Krogh
Karen Mills is lining up guest musicians for Sunday services this
year. If you have any suggestions or requests, please let her know.
She can be reached through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca
The International Day of Peace started 22 years ago. Its purpose,
as stated in the original United Nations General Assembly resolution,
is: “[...T]o devote a specific time to concentrate the efforts
of the United Nations and its Member States, as well as of the whole
of mankind, to promoting the ideals of peace and to giving positive
evidence of their commitment to peace in all viable ways...[The
International Day of Peace] should be devoted to commemorating and
strengthening the ideals of peace both within and among all nations
and peoples.” This day is an important opportunity to become
part of a worldwide observation.
“Writing the Sacred” Workshop: Writing psalms that
free your spiritual muse with author Ray MicGinnis
Tuesday, September 27th
1:30 -4 p.m. Unitarian Church of Edmonton
Wednesday, September 28th
7 - 9:30 p.m. Unitarian Church of Edmonton
Info: Linda Stolee chadmin@uce.ca
“Lift Up Your Voice” Choral Singing workshop with Brian
Tate
Saturday. September 24
10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Unitarian Church of Calgary
Info: John Michell john@michellcomputing.com
Sorrento Unitarian Retreat
September 23 - 25 Sorrento, B.C.
Info: Heather/Mitch Stefanek stefanek@telus.net
CUC Training: “Spirit Play” with Dr. Nina Penfold
October 14 Unitarian Church of Calgary
Info: Rev. Sylvia Bass West sylvia@cuc.ca
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, B.C.
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 (½ 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
Friday Sept 2: Twin Brooks, Leader Jan
Sept 6-8: Cadomin, Please let Helen or Dorothy know if you plan
to attend this getaway.
Friday Sept 9: Stony Plain (a walk, a shop and lunch at the Multicultural
Centre), Leader Shirley E
Friday Sept 16: Corn Maze (lunch at the Corner Pantry), Leader Lise
C
Friday Sept 23: Spruce Grove, Heritage Park, Leader Audrey
• Bernina 830 sewing machine. Suitable for quilting. $450
firm. Please contact Lisa at 487-4059.
• Yamaha Electone Organ, model #Dk-40A. Mint condition.
Used only on Sundays. $500. Please contact Lisa at through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca
