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. 9
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 October 21.
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.
October 2 — Rev. Brian J. Kiely
“The Caring Community”
Just what does that familiar phrase, ‘Caring Community’
mean? As members of a faith community, how much support can we reasonably
be asked to give to members or friends we see in church?
October 9 — Rev. Brian J. Kiely
“That’s Gratitude for Ya!”
How often have we been bothered a little because someone seems so
ungrateful for things given to them? Perhaps that sting says more
about us than others.
Chorealis will be singing for us today.
Children will be joining us for the beginning of the service.
October 16 — Rev. Dr. Bruce Miller “Honest
to Jesus: A Jesus Seminar Update”
What is the relevance of a radical group of biblical scholars for
us in the 21st century? Rev. Dr. Bruce Miller will reflect on the
Jesus Seminar's 20 years of innovative and "blasphemous"
searching for the historical Jesus. Part of his reflections will
be on contributions of the founder of the Seminar, Robert Funk,
who died recently. Bruce Miller is a United Church minister (until
recently at Robertson Wesley Church) who is presently serving as
the MLA for Edmonton-Glenora.
October 23 — Rev. Brian J. Kiely
“The Veil Between Worlds”
According to Celtic lore, the veil between the living and the dead
is at its thinnest at the end of this month. Are there ghosts or
spirits hovering just beyond reach trying to communicate?
October 30 — Intergenerational Service:
“The Spirit of A Child” Remember Daylight Savings
An intergenerational service that shares the essence of our spirits,
who we are when our bodies are not there. (p.s. costumes welcome)
Led by Rosemary Manning, Sharon Ingraham and the children of the
RE Program. Charity is Child Haven
I thought I would cry. Not from sadness mind you, but I thought
I would cry. In mid-September I attended a Canadian Unitarian Council
Board retreat and weekend meeting. We were at a place called Unicamp,
a rustic setting about 120 km northwest of Toronto.
When the work of the day was done (about 9:30 each night), most
of us dropped by one of the cabins that boasted a smallish common
area. On plastic chairs or pillow cushions we would sit, snack,
perhaps drink a little and swap small talk and stories from out
lives.
The CUC Board has eight volunteer members living as far apart
as Vancouver Island and Newfoundland and all points in between.
In addition there were a few program and administrative staff and
a young adult observer. Everyone made at least a brief appearance
in “Nellies” cabin that weekend.
I’ve known some of those people for ten years or more and
a couple for only a few months. It didn’t matter. What we
all shared was a passion for our faith, and a small living room
in the woods - far away from our usual lives.
Sometime on the Saturday night it all broke free. The camaraderie,
the sense of common experience, maybe a feeling of safety…
who knows? Whatever it was, smiles became chuckles and then open
laughter, the banter and by-play taking everything up a notch. And
then came that perfect moment: the embarrassing and unintended double
entendre (mine, naturally)… the three seconds it took to sink
in and the sudden convulsive explosion that swept the room. I laughed
so hard that my belly hurt and I was gasping for breath. I laughed
so hard, I almost cried.
And in the following aftershocks, I was flushed with gratitude
for the release. There is much joy and happiness in my life, but
much busyness, too. And the latter seems to damp things down a bit.
I enjoy a great deal of humour in my day, but I’ve noticed
I just don’t laugh freely as much anymore. Saturday night
in Nellies was a wonderful gift.
And I couldn’t help noticing a change in our meeting the
next day. There was a lightness in the room. From time to time someone
uttered a punchline from the previous night gaining a response of
smirks and giggles.
And when it came to part for our homeward journeys east and west,
the parting hugs seemed just a little richer, a little more heartfelt.
There is something about shared laughter that makes every event
a little richer.
September is one of my favourite months and Fall my favourite season.
I love how the air feels fresh and crisp. Our Alberta skies are
the most beautiful in the world (so we believe and stand by that).
We feel energized and optimistic that we can do anything we set
our minds to. It is like the beginning of one of my long “training
for the marathon” walks. I feel I could walk forever. I never
believe at the outset that by the time I hit 15 or 18 miles, I’m
going to be wondering how I’ll finish 26.2 miles. (Aside:
think of me on October 9 when I am in Portland for the actual event—my
first Marathon. Cathy Cartwright, the DRE from First Portland Unitarian
Congregation is kindly hosting and encouraging me.) Nevertheless,
I have noticed the eagerness people have to start our new programming
year. We have set out our plans and projects for the year which
we will be sharing with you on an ongoing basis through the newsletters,
bulletin boards and announcements.
In September we had our first intergenerational service exploring
our theme of the year “Peace”. Throughout this year
we will be exploring what peace means to the children. The children
will be doing projects to support children who have been affected
by the lack of peace in their lives. Look for the children to be
serving coffee and using the cookies and treats they have made to
raise funds for one of our favourite projects “Child Haven”.
We are defining Peace very broadly by looking at peace within
ourselves, interpersonal peace, community peace, freedom from war
and peace with our environment. Our Unitarian Principles give us
the guidelines that support the values underlying our year long
project. Through the year the children will be sharing with the
congregation the work they are doing. They will be inviting the
adults in the congregation to work with them on some of the larger
elements of their projects.
We are starting the work on a Peace oriented concert/jamming/coffee
house idea for the spring. Anyone interested in joining with us
to create this, please contact me. We want to make it something
that stands out for what is important to the children.
Already we have started to implement the wonderful ideas which
came out of the various workshops held in the Spring—the Services
Questionnaire, the Dreams and Dollars, The “Our Children in
the 21st Century” and the Appreciative Inquiry. You may have
noticed that the children are regularly handing out the hymn books
and helping with our collections from abundance. We have been asking
families and the children to do the chalice lighting in the services
the children attend, giving families an opportunity to introduce
themselves. Look for many of the other suggestions to start making
a difference.
At the Parents Meeting on September 18, we had a huge agenda to
discuss the ideas and suggestions and plans. The next meeting will
be in November. It was wonderful to share with such caring and concerned
people who want this church to be a place which allows the children
to have the same opportunity to develop and grow spiritually as
the adults do.
This is why I love this Church. The people see a need and are
not afraid of some change. They are willing to come forward and
create what they want in their lives and their communities. They
are willing to do the work it requires. If there is anything that
models for our children what it is to be decent people, it is the
members of this congregation who show with their actions what they
believe.
I was asked to share with you a meditation I do for my daughter
when I’m out on my walks:
The May Prayer
May you be guided and protected
May your heart be opened
May you find your true path
May you live according to your higher self.
Again, I extend my invitation to any of you, I have time to sit
and talk with you. There are amazing resources this church has to
help you and your children on your journey, your path. I need your
help to do my job well. Your suggestions, your feedback and your
care is what creates this Religious Education program.
By the time you have read this, our new renters will be in the
process of moving into part of our church. It will be a mutually
beneficial experience for both us and our renters. We are really
pleased with how the renovations turned out. The rental area has
been developed so that when the time comes, the walls can easily
be taken down and rebuilt to give us the Chapel and classrooms we
will need. Right now, there is a bathroom, small kitchen area, storage
room, copy room and 3 offices. If you get a chance, please take
a look at the great improvement.
Special kudos to all the wonderful people without whom we wouldn't
have been able to do this. They took time out of their busy schedules
to come in and do physical work in the church. Michael Keast is
a very competent foreman. We couldn't have done it without him.
He has incredible renovation knowledge and skills. Another one we
couldn't have done without was Gaylord Madill who was there every
day and did everything. He has skills in all renovation areas. Did
you know that Brian Kiely has great skills at installing drywall,
as well as Clair Horne and Evelyn Porter? Pulling up the carpet
were Bob Gibeault, the McMillan family, Jim Logan, Clarence Collins,
Jolien Pauw and Karen Stevenson. Scraping old carpet glue off the
floor were Susan Ruttan, Joanne Olafsen, Dorothy Keeler, Meagan
Keeler, Robert Hopgood and John Pater. Mudders and sanders were
Docia Lysne, Michelle Van Der Molen, Andrew Mills, Rosemary Falconer,
Reinhard Hermesh and Shirley Edgar. Supervising the carpet removal
and laying the tile was expert tile layer, Peter Johnston. Special
mention goes to our newest member, Sue Paulson who stepped right
up to mud and sand. Sean Keast was a welcome addition to the construction
site and kept us entertained in his four year old way. Ferd Sobernig
used his skills as a city employee and an architectural technologist
to help us get a building permit. Bryce Missall and Sharon Ingraham
painted the windows outside on the front of the building. Lyle Soenen
painted the high outside area on the north-east side of our building
as well as some of the interior. Karen Stevenson, Dave Kendall and
Jolien Pauw also did interior painting. As of press newsletter press
time, all these wonderful people have shown up and worked hard to
make the renovation area so nice.
And Donna Hamar and her crew have created a beautiful front yard
garden with lots of potential.
What would we have done without this wonderful group of volunteers
who have worked to make our church so beautiful and viable? Thanks
so much to all of you who have contributed so much to our church.
We couldn't have done it without you! When you see them, please
let them know how much we appreciate them and their hard work.
We welcome the following new members to our congregation:
Sue Paulson
Tibetha Kemble
Samuel Kemble
Caroline Foster-Boucher
Mathew Boucher
Chris Nowell
Angie Nowell
Jennifer Cheeseman
Victor Roberts
Keith Reyes
Brenda Manasse
Magical folk and Muggles alike will want to mark their calendars
now for Saturday, November 19th. Westwood will be transformed into
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, for one evening only,
from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. We're recommending this evening for ages 6
and up, but families are very welcome. We'll be asking kids and
families to preregister - more details to come! Contact Christine
through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca for
more information, or to volunteer and help create this magical night
for our kids.
Bring in your inkjet and laser toner cartridges to the white bin
just inside the social hall. These cartridges will be shipped off
for recycling and all proceeds will go to the church. All cartridges
accepted–talk to your employers and bring them in from work!
Recycling the cartridges will green our earth and raise some money
for the church. The church will make between $1.00 and $22.00 per
cartridge. Contact Mike at through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca if
you have any questions.
Using the Curriculum “Chalice Children”, Tasha Ellis
and Sharon Ingraham will be leading the 4-7 year olds to explore
the meaning of Unitarianism through songs, crafts, activities and
writing their own psalms.
Rosemary Manning will be teaching the class with the older children.
The theme will be Peace with discussions, songs, and activities.
Note Part 2 of Family Values Course –
After service on Sunday, October 2nd for approximately 1 hour. An
exploration of what values are important to you and your family.
A guided discussion of how you can foster them in your home with
suggestions and resources. Child care provided. It will be co-led
by Barbara Forbes and Rosemary Manning.
A team of ghosts and wizards are hard at work conjuring up a Haunted
House set to appear in the unfinished Social Hall of UCE. There
will be a wandering maze of scary sights and sounds and live (more
or less!) shows to make the heart beat faster. Although all the
details aren't set yet, the event will be open to the public and
a small entrance fee will be donated to a charity and the church.
There will be shows running on five evenings from Wednesday, October
26 through Hallowe'en night, Monday, October 31. Check the Order
of Service each Sunday for updates or visit the UCE website at www.uce.ca
If you are interested in building the house, costuming its inmates
or even being one, contact Teilya Kiely through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca
NATIONAL CHAIR
TO LEAD GENDER AND SEXUAL DIVERSITY WORKSHOP
The CUC's Gender and Sexual Diversity Monitoring Group plans to
bring a resolution to the 2006 annual meeting on the subject of
the CUC's policies and programs with regard to gender and sexual
minorities. Art Brewer, Chair of the group, will lead a workshop
from 7-9pm on Tuesday, October 4 in Classroom 1 of the Unitarian
Church of Edmonton to gather input for the resolution. Please RSVP
to the church office (455-9797) by Oct 2.
Religious Education is starting a drop in movie evening one Friday
a month at 6:00 p.m. The first will be October 21 and the movie
is “The Man Who Cried”, starting Cate Blanchett and
Johnny Depp. R rated. Titles of upcoming movies will be by suggestion.
We are trying to keep to the theme of “Peace”. The format
will be casual, with popcorn and beverages and a discussion after
the movie. If you’d like to bring children, please register
in advance and we will have a separate (suitable) children’s
movie, with supervision. (Maybe games if the kids can’t sit
still for a movie.) Contact Rosemary Manning for more information.
(Good News! One of our members has access to a HUGE rear projection
movie thing to we can have a true cinema experience!)
As many will know, our minister will be away on sabbatical from
Christmas until Easter, a period of roughly 3 and a half months.
Although our letter of agreement authorizes a full six month absence
after seven years (Brian has been here for eight), he has indicated
that he prefers shorter breaks.
Plans are advancing to cover key areas during his leave. The Worship
Committee is arranging speakers from inside and outside the congregation
and training for Service Leaders. Care and Connections is planning
a training session for pastoral visitors and a new Adult Program
committee is forming.
During his sabbatical the Kiely family will be staying in Edmonton,
although Brian is planning to travel for some training courses.
One such course involves planning for the long pastorate, and Brian
has assured the Board of his interest of staying at UCE for many
years to come. On the personal development side, he also plans on
taking some professional cooking courses. He also intends to get
his food handling certificate. If we want to use our kitchen for
public outreach events, we must have someone on hand with such accreditation.
The Quality of Life Commission is sponsoring a public meeting on
"Alberta's Wealth: A Call to Conscience" at Robertson
Wesley Church Hall, 10209 - 123 Street, on Monday, September 26,
at 7 PM. What do we do with the new surge in Alberta's wealth? Cut
taxes? New capital projects? Make our society more equitable? Speakers
will be Former Senator Thelma Chalifoux, Rev. Dr. Bruce Miller,
MLA and Jim Gurnett, Executive Director of the Mennonite Centre
for Newcomers. Chairman will be former Senator Doug Roche. Free
admission. Come, participate in the discussion.
The Social Justice Committee met on September 11 after church.
The following people attended: Sylvia Krogh, Helen Ready, Audrey
Brooks, Joanne Olafsen, Clarence Collins, Ada Nanning, Gordon Heath,
Sharon Ingraham, Marjorie Fullerton, Ruth Horne, Bob Gibeault and
Sylvia Galbraith.
We will be meeting again after church at 11:45 AM on Sunday, October
2 in the sanctuary. Everyone is welcome. Please join us.
Some social justice upcoming events:
Tuesday, September 27, 2005 - Edmonton
City Council will convene a special Non-Statutory Public Hearing
at which it will hear a presentation from EPCOR advocating that
it surrender ownership and operation of Edmonton's sanitary sewage
and stormwater drainage system to EPCOR . The drainage system represents
a municipal infrastructure investment with a replacement value of
nearly $8 billion - over 40% of the City's total infrastructure
asset inventory - all of which has been paid for by Edmontonians.
Do we want EPCOR to seize control of a world-class essential service
without Council consult Edmontonians? We need to preserve an essential
service for all Edmontonians today, and for your children tomorrow.
Contact City Council. http://www.keepdrainage.com/coalition
Check out the Parkland Institute's report at http://www.ualberta.ca/PARKLAND/mediareleases/PRSep15_2005epcor.htm
Tuesday, October 3 - MISSION AGAINST
TERROR - Film about the 5 Cubans imprisoned in US jails for protecting
their people against Miami-based terrorist attacks at 7:45 PM at
Neuman Hall, St. Joseph's College, U of A, just north of Education
parking bldg. $10
October 13th, Thursday @ 3:30 - 5:00pm
- THE NORTH AMERICAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT featuring speaker Greg
Anderson, U of A and Jimena Jiminez, Department of Foreign Affairs
Canada. Our North America Speaker Series. Tory Building, Basement,
Room 45,University of Alberta 492-5962
Thurs. October 20 - CHANGE FOR CHILDREN
MOVIE NIGHT and guest speaker. Theme: Poverty, #221, 9624 - 108
avenue, phone 448- 1505
Saturday, October 22 @ 9:00 - 4:00:
"WATER: Life Before Profit" is the joint education and
action campaign for KAIROS and Development and Peace for 2005-2006.
Learn more about the dangers of turning water into a commodity for
private profit. Bring your own lunch. St. Albert Catholic Church
Hall, 7 St. Vital Avenue, St. Albert FREE 424 - 1557 www.kairoscanada.org
Sat. Oct. 22 - EMPTY BOWLS AND SAFE
WATER - A fundraiser by the Social Justice Committee at Westwood
Unitarian Congregation for a Guatemala water project. 6 to 9 pm
- Phone Lindsay at 439 - 6484 for tickets - $15
Oct. 24 to 30 - INTERNATIONAL DISARMAMENT
WEEK
Saturday, October 29th - @ 9:00 - 4:00: "WATER: Life Before
Profit" St. Vital RC Church in Beaumont, 4905-50th Street,
Beaumont FREE 424-1557 www.kairoscanada.org
Nov. 3 to 6 - GLOBAL VISIONS FILM FESTIVAL
- globalvisionsfestival.com
Nov. 18 to 21 - PARKLAND INSTITUTE CONFERENCE
- ualberta.ca/~parkland
Coca-Cola Co. spends $2.6 billion a year in advertising to create
an image that has nothing to do with the reality behind the company.
In Turkey, Indonesia, Eritrea and Columbia, Coca-Cola bottlers,
backed by police, are involved in efforts to crush workers' efforts
to organize to better their lives. Visit www.KillerCoke.org
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 October 23 and
30 from 11:45 until 2:00 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.
The membership committee is looking for new members. If you are
interested in joining us, please contact Jolien Pauw or Donna Hamar
through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca
.
‘Herceptin’, and I quote from medical research reports,
‘has been one of the greatest breakthroughs in breast cancer
research in the last decade.’ The ratios of cure with this
new drug are very high.
On behalf of myself and the women who will now be receiving this
treatment, I want to thank the Unitarian Friends that joined me
this summer in lobbying the Provincial Govt. and the Alberta Cancer
Board to make Herceptin, readily available for women with aggressive
HER2 positive Breast Cancer. Your letters and phone calls have made
it happen. I will begin Herceptin Treatment on October 3rd.
My son Rob wished to share these words with you all:
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens
can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
Margaret Mead
Westwood Unitarian Congregation is hosting CUC Lay Chaplaincy
Workshops Nov. 25 - 27, 2005 The instructors will be Anne Barker,
UU Minister in Training from Saskatoon; Brian Kiely, UU Minister
from Edmonton; Sylvia Sigurdson, Lay Chaplain from Manitoba; and
Debra Thorne, Actor and Former UU Lay Chaplain from Vancouver. (Debra
Thorne will also be speaking at the Westwood service on Sunday,
November 27, 2005).
Designing and Leading Rites of Passage: A prerequisite training
program for new Lay Chaplains is open to current and prospective
lay chaplains (including those already selected by their congregations
as "lay chaplain in training"), retired lay chaplains,
congregational lay chaplaincy committee members and, if space permits,
other Unitarians or Universalists whose congregations or lay chaplaincy
committee have recommended them for the program. It is designed
to get the new lay chaplain started and to assist those considering
this role to discern whether it’s for them. The program runs
Nov. 25 - 27, 2005 at Westwood Unitarian Congregation: Friday 7-9:30
PM, Saturday 9:30 AM to 5 PM and Sunday, 1:00 to 4:30 PM.
Finding the Power Within: Heart Communications for Experienced
Lay Chaplains is limited to experienced lay chaplains. Developing
a more spiritual presence is of great value to the Lay Chaplain,
because it helps one to communicate more effectively. Communicating
from the heart - from one's authentic self-enhances the experience
of a ceremony for everyone present, whether is it’s a wedding,
a child naming or a memorial service. Saturday, Nov. 26, 2005 at
Westwood Unitarian Congregation 9:30 AM to 5 PM.
Sunday Afternoon Option for Lay Chaplaincy Committee members and
Board Members. Committee and board members are invited to attend
even if they are not attending the rest of the program.
The cost is $25 ($30 after November 10, 2005) and includes refreshment
breaks and lunches. For further information see the brochure and
registration form on the bulletin board at the back of the sanctuary
or on the Canadian Unitarian Council website. Registrations are
to be sent to Jacqueline Willette. Westwood will be looking for
volunteers to assist us with refreshments, serving and cleaning
up at the breaks and meals (contact Lorian Kennedy through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca )
, as well as billets for guests (contact Jacqueline Willette through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca ).
Helpers are needed for the UCE Friendship committee to assist
in memorial receptions and seniors’ luncheons. Please contact
Barb through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca .
The Thursday morning Chalice Circle is looking for a facilitator.
If you are interested in joining our circle of connection and belonging,
call Jolien Pauw through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca .
p.s. If you do not want to facilitate, you’re just as welcome
to join us!
Pentium 1 computers running Windows 98 are available for a donation
to the church. These computers would be great for internet use and
word processing. Please see Mike Keast or contact him through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca .
All proceeds will go to the church.
Everyone is welcome to join. Weather and other factors occasionally
change the location so if you are new to our group please let us
know so that you can get all the updates. All walks start at UCE
at 9:30 unless otherwise specified and we generally carpool to the
walking location. Many of us like to “lunch” afterwards.
For more information, contact Dorothy Keeler or Helen Ready through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca
Friday Sept 30 - Strathcona Wilderness from
Waskehegan Staging Area (8 km south of Highway 16 on RR 210) (Lunch
at Inge Hess’s home)
Leader - Helen Ready
Friday Oct 7 - Chickakoo Lake - We’re
hoping for an Indian Summer!! (Bring a picnic lunch)
Leader - Lynn Lunde
Friday Oct 14 - Zoo to Hawrelak Park (We expect
some to be away at Western Region Meetings) (lunch out)
Leader - Marlo Miles
Friday Oct 21 - Hermitage (Hopefully there will
still be colour on the riverbank) (lunch out)
Leader - Dorothy Keeler
Friday Oct 28 - A tour of our nearby cemetery
Leader - Helen Ready
Friday Nov 4 - Kinnaird Ravine (lunch out)
Leader - Jan McMillan
Friday Nov 11 - Cenotaph and then tour of China
town (lunch in Chinatown)
Leader - Sylvia Krogh
Friday Nov 18 - Whitemud Ravine from the Rainbow
Bridge South ( lunch out)
Leader - Sheila Parr
Friday Nov 25 - St Albert
Leader - Jolien Pauw
Friday Dec 2 - McKinnon Ravine (lunch at Gwyneth
Foster-Newell)
Leader - Gwyneth Foster-Newell
Friday Dec 9 - Riverdale (maybe the date for
the Friendship Lunch?)
Leader - Audrey Brooks
Friday Dec 16 - Christmas Lights tour? Maybe
we’ll switch it to a late afternoon walk.
Leader - Donna Hamar
