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 47. 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
May 7 — Rev. Brian J. Kiely
“The International Garden”
There are two things many people don’t know about us. One
is that Unitarianism has existed for nearly 500 years. The other
is that there are Unitarian communities in Europe, Asia, Australia,
South America and even Africa. Each blooms in its own unique way.
Today we’ll look at this international garden of Unitarianism
and Universalism.
May 14 — Rosemary Manning,
Brian Kiely and the Children’s Program
Intergenerational Service
“Mother’s Day”
Who is your mother? Readings, reflections and stories about Mothers
and what they mean to us.
May 21 — John Pater and Friends
“All the Banners”
Many newcomers are struck by the colourful array of banners in our
Sanctuary. Finding representations of the religions of the world
in a single church seems unusual. Today we celebrate the wisdom
and diversity signified by this banner collection.
May 28 — Karen Mills and
Beth Jenkins
“UU Alphabet Soup — Mmm, Mmm, Good!”
UCE is connected to the WRNG, the ICUU, and the IARF. You might
meet like-minded folks at our AGM, the CUC ACM, or the UUA GA. Younger
UUs may be interested in OWL, CanUUdle, YRUU, C*UUYAN, or the YAC
- see the DRE. If you're too busy for those, check out the CLF online.
Confused? Although daunting, this shorthand is all about our connections
to the wider world of Unitarian Universalism. Let us decipher as
we look at the denomination beyond our walls and show why you might
want to start slurping UU alphabet soup.
Years ago wise elder colleagues told me that a minister returning
from sabbatical doesn’t just pick up where she or he left
off. Rather, they said, a new ministry begins. Relationships change,
congregational leaders change and new faces appear, even in so brief
a time as four months. It is wise to plan for what that new ministry
will be like.
About seven years ago this congregation committed to the idea
of growth. We wanted to both grow deeper and in our ability to serve
potential Unitarians in Edmonton. The first step was to find a larger
church home. Last year we did that, and while there is still work
to be done, we are ready to move to the next step.
In fact, the Long Range Planning team started us on the road to
that next step in September. Their creative workshops and provocative
questions have led to the development of a draft Vision Statement,
due to be voted on at the May 7 Annual Meeting. The draft captures
what we think is most important about UCE now and how we want to
see it develop. If accepted, it will give us direction for future
activities.
Now that we have a larger building and a larger vision, what else
needs doing? Church size theorists can help us answer that. It seems
that we are in a transition between pastoral and program sized church.
(If you want to learn more about those terms, there are packages
of handouts on the credenza in the church foyer). The experts say
we have to reorganize our leadership models in ways that invite
more people into leadership roles with real authority.
It also means the minister becomes more of a recruiter and trainer
of leaders and less of ‘the guy who knows everything about
what’s going on’. It is impossible for one minister
or even one Board to manage every detail in church life. This change
will require me to move out of my comfort zone, but my job is to
serve this congregation and its vision, so I’ll learn how
to do what’s needed.
It will be a tricky transition to manage, since change is always
unsettling. But the change to program size means more opportunities
for building real community not fewer and more opportunity to practice
and develop your own understandings of Unitarianism.
In April we held a very constructive meeting of all committee
chairs discussing how things might be different. There was a good
amount of ‘buy in’ to the plan, some great ideas placed
on the table, and a real willingness to work together to build programs
that are mutually supportive and in line with the emerging vision
of the church. The next day there was the largest “New U”
newcomer orientation session I have ever led.
It seems that many of our current leaders are ready to grow and
are ready to welcome new people into their leadership ranks. It
also seems that there are people out there ready for us to grow
large enough to accommodate them.
See you in church.
Brian
P.S. It’s good to be back!
I am a wondering person. That is why I love this church and why
I love working with children. Because I wonder, you wonder, we wonder,
they wonder and we wonder TOGETHER!!! I believe that the first word
most children say that drives their parents crazy is not “NO”
but “WHY?”
We are the kind of church that is symbolized by the question mark.
We don’t have the answers, we don’t even have the questions,
but we are willing to question, help you question and even question
the questions. As Einstein supposedly said “I must have a
little think about that.” (Did I ever mention Einstein is
one of my heroes?)
I have a special latte every morning. It is my morning ritual:
everything in a sacred order, grind the beans, boil the water, heat
the milk, use my special bowl. I look at the foam and do an interpretation.
Today it looked like a maple leaf with clouds overhead. Part of
my ritual is expressing gratitude. Some days I try to trace as far
as I can all the things, elements, people that have contributed
to my cup of coffee. The circle goes out so far and so far back
that I have to stop so I can actually drink my coffee. So I have
tried to limit it to one aspect at a time, like on Earth Day I thought
about our water system. Hummm!! Also too big to think about all
at once.
I think about this Church and this congregation. I wonder about
all the elements and the people that contribute to what we have
and what we do. Again I have to stop because my brain starts to
hurt. It is so much and so wide. It is the past and the present
and the future.
Those who know me know that no matter how wide the initial throwing
of the net for thought, I do pull it together for my point. It must
be so much easier in those churches that have all the answers, and
who also dictate the questions. Those of us who were raised Catholic
surely remember having to memorize the Baltimore Catechism, which
had the questions and answers. “Why was I born? Ans: “To
love and serve God, the creator of all things.” Teachers in
many other churches know that their programs will follow the church
year and the liturgy. The books are authorized, the stories are
known. But here in the Unitarian Church, we are all on the journey
of discovery together. We have our own styles, our own urgencies,
our own yearnings.
The last two months of the Church year are May and June. We make
plans for the fall and winter programs. We look for people who have
time, energy and an urgency to contribute to the yearnings of the
next generation. I have a personal bias against asking parents of
the children in the program, especially New U’s, to contribute
too much to the programs because just learning, wondering, questioning
is a whole new way of churching. They need the time to “sit
and give it a little think”. They need the time to get the
spiritual nourishment in services on Sundays. They are the adults
on the plane getting the oxygen mask on first before they help those
beside them.
Here is what I am asking:
HELP!!!!! We will be holding a meeting in May and June to explain
about the RE Program, OWL (Our Whole Lives), Unconditional Parenting
and SPIRIT PLAY. We want your feed back about the RE Program, your
ideas, your hopes, your dreams, your wisdom, your questions. Maybe
something will excite you. Maybe you can see the bit that you can
contribute that will help make the whole thing work. Maybe it will
just nourish you and give you more questions for your journey. Please
come when you see our invitation and sign up sheets.
THANK YOU!
A big thank you to all who contributed to the Mystery Buddy Program.
It is probably the children’s most anticipated and loved event
of the year. Again, a machine/organism with many parts that works
and evolves because of you. I saw so many smiling faces at the Mystery
Buddy Party on April 16. (p.s. next year, NOT on Easter….)
Thank you to the children, the adult buddies and all the helpers.
An especially BIG THANK YOU to Michelle Van Der Molen and her daughter
Erin who organized and operated the Party. It could not have run
so smoothly and been so much fun without your help and love. I have
heard a fairly well substantiated rumour that a MYSTERY BUDDY TASK
GROUP will be looking after the Mystery Buddy Program next year.
Thank you thank you thank you!!
OWL
(Our Whole Lives- course on sexuality for K1 to Gr 6). By the time
you read this, we will have finished the training for parents and
educators in this program. That means we will then be able to share
with you what we have learned. We will be able to start planning
for offering the course in the fall for the children. Something
to look forward to!
Survey
There will be a survey coming out in May/June about the RE Program.
Please take the time to share your thoughts with us.
Summer Childcare Available
Summer is coming. It is vacation time and in many ways the regular
parts of this church takes a break, winds down, including the Childrens
Program. However, we have summer guests and we have congregational
members who want to attend. They need the oxygen mask (see above).
During summer services this year we will have child care every Sunday.
We are grateful to Corinthé Stolee who will be in the nursery
giving her loving and expert care for the children.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Mother’s Day Intergenerational Service
We all have mothers, many of us are mothers in our bodies or in
our hearts, and what about Mother Earth? Need I say more. The children
will share their love with you at this special service.
Movie of the Month
We switched to Monday night to watch “Crash”, a thought
provoking, Academy Award winning movie that explores violence, racism
and people’s interconnected lives. It led to a desire to see
another fascinating movie: “Syriana” which explores
the impact of oil on our lives and the hidden story. Good question:
what would our world look like if there were no oil? What if there
had never been oil? More wonderings…. Unfortunately Syriana
isn’t out on disc until June, but I may have a lead-in movie
for May. Stay tuned, pay attention and who knows where the path
will lead.
Together
I sit enveloped in
The big chair
She nestles beside me
Her head on my shoulder
I put my arms around her
Cupping her cheek in my palm
I read to her
“Once upon a time there was a
Princess”
I whisper, I love you Princess
She says, I love you too Mommy.
My child,
My baby,
My little one
Where did you go
Alan and I attended the 32nd World Congress International Association
for Religious Freedom (IARF) congress in Taiwan from March 26 to
30.
The International Association of Liberal Religious Women (IALRW)
preceded the IARF congress. IALRW promotes equality for women and
economic and social justice. And of course, it was a great opportunity
for us women to interact with one another.
Since 1900, IARF has been encouraging interfaith dialogue and
tolerance. There are over 90 affiliated member groups in approximately
25 countries, from a wide range of faith traditions including Buddhism,
Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Shintoism and Sikhism, etc. Unitarians
started this organization and still play a very prominent part.
The President for the last four years was a Unitarian, Ellen Campbell
of Ontario. Rev. Bill Sinkford, the UUA president was one of the
many presenters.
The IARF Congress was held in a beautiful, idyllic Buddhist monastery
outside of Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan. Fo Guang Shan (which means
“Light of Buddha Mountain”) was the perfect setting
for this spiritual and spirited gathering. The grand Chinese imperial
architecture and the subtropical gardens and forests created peaceful
beauty all around. Interestingly, this is a very technologically
advanced Buddhist monastery. It even has its own television station
on site. Many of the monks had cell phones, laptops, projectors,
etc. This totally destroyed our preconceived notion of austere monastic
life. Still, the Buddhist monks and nuns were incredibly hospitable
host/esses.
After an impressive congress opening ceremony, we were treated
to a speech by the 79-year-old Venerable Master Hsing Yun (the founder
of this branch of Buddhism) on the theme of the conference, “Dignity
in Diversity.”
Throughout the rest of the week, we enjoyed monastery life by
eating vegetarian food, doing Tai Chi, meditating, gardening, learning
calligraphy, labyrinth walking, etc. There were many things to attend
like worship services (by the different religions), lectures, panels,
workshops, cultural events, entertainment, circle groups, monastery
tours, countryside tours, socializing, etc. We formed friendships
with people from all over the world.
For me, the conference was a chance to see the values that I love
about Unitarianism in other faiths, and the willingness to make
harmony in diversity a reality. India has offered to host the next
congress in 2010. I would really encourage others to attend if they
have the inclination.
The Annual Congregational Meeting of the Unitarian Church
of Edmonton will be held in the church auditorium on Sunday,
May 7, 2006 at 12:00 a.m.
Business of the meeting will include staff and committee
reports, election of officers and members of the Board of
Trustees, election to congregational committees, setting of
ways and means priorities, election of delegates to the CUC
Annual Meeting (Dorothy and Bernie Keeler, Maurice and Annabelle
Bourgoin, Sylvia Krogh, Alan Boyle, Marion DeShield, Teilya
Kiely), consideration of a draft congregational vision statement,
and, consideration of an Operating Budget for the period of
July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.
All members are urged to attend. You must be a member for
two months before you are able to vote. Non-members are most
welcome, although they may not vote.
As Mother’s Day approaches we may want to give some thought
to the meaning and origins of this annual celebration and to that
famous Unitarian, Julia Ward Howe. Howe was a social activist in
the United States who was in the forefront of efforts to abolish
slavery, attain suffrage for women, and promote peace. Having seen
first hand the devastation of the Civil War, in 1870 she issued
a declaration which served as a call for all women to come together
to oppose war and commit to finding peaceful resolutions to conflicts.
Her attempts to have the U.S. Government declare a Mother’s
Day for Peace was not successful. However, the efforts of another
peace and social activist, Anna Jarvis, eventually persuaded the
U.S. government to declare the first national Mother’s Day
in 1914. The declaration penned by Julia Ward Howe begins:
Arise then...women of this day!
Arise, all women who have hearts!
Whether your baptism be of water or of tears!
Say firmly:
"We will not have questions answered by irrelevant agencies,
Our husbands will not come to us, reeking with
carnage,
For caresses and applause.
Our sons shall not be taken from us to unlearn
All that we have been able to teach them of charity, mercy and
patience.
We, the women of one country,
Will be too tender of those of another country
To allow our sons to be trained to injure theirs."
From the voice of a devastated Earth a voice goes up with
Our own. It says: "Disarm! Disarm!
The sword of murder is not the balance of justice."
In recognition of the origins and meaning of Mother’s Day,
Edmonton’s Women in Black group is issuing a Mother’s
Day card for peace. These cards will be available in the Unitarian
Church for a donation. Please see Barbara Sykes or Audrey Brooks
if you are interested in the cards.
Alberta’s mental health services
are underfunded by one billion dollars. They have only one third
of the 1600 acute care beds needed and there is a big gap in community
services for the 300,000 Albertans with mental illnesses, according
to Jim Adamson, past president of the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta
(Edmonton Sun, Feb. 7, 2006).
Better community care, with early diagnosis and assertive treatment,
might solve some of the problems with our health care system. Also,
Community Treatment Orders (CTOs), allowing treatment in the community,
could work in Alberta as they do in many other countries, 41 states
and several Canadian provinces.
With CTOs, the mentally ill could avoid hospitalization by accepting
treatment at home with assertive treatment in the community. And,
if they don’t realize they are ill, like the delusional Martin
Ostopovich who killed himself and an RCMP officer, a doctor can
make sure they are receiving proper treatment and effective medication
when they are released to community care.
The seriously mentally ill, instead of wandering the streets,
could find a fulfilling life and they could receive a basic human
right, the right to good treatment.
As a humane province, we must do much more to adequately fund
community care and we must change the law to allow CTOs in Alberta.
Have you got a passion or an experience that you'd like to share?
A thought or an opinion that you'd like to explore? UCE's lay-led
summer worship services provide a great opportunity to lead a discussion,
show slides or think out loud about your concept of spirituality
or any other topic that relates in any way to one of the UU principles.
(We've had summer services ranging from the study of chimpanzee
behavior to the contribution made by community theatre in the search
for truth and meaning.)
Services can be as structured or informal as you wish. You can
choose music, hymns and readings based on the main theme of your
service, or leave them out altogether. We sometimes use the metaphor
of menu planning when we talk about developing a worship service.
During the summer, we can think "barbecue on the patio"
with its freedom and informality rather than the more structured
"dinner with a roast and the trimmings" served on a winter
Sunday.
There will be a sign up sheet available starting May 7, with Sundays
assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. The Worship Committee
is working on a service leaders' handbook to help with planning
a service and fitting in key elements like candles of joy and concern,
and sharing of abundance.
If you have questions or would like to talk over an idea, please
contact either co-chair of the Worship Committee: John Pater or
Beth Jenkins through the church office, 454-8073 chadmin@uce.ca .
The Board of our Church has requested that the Aesthetics committee
serve as the means for the fund raising for the refurbishing of
the chairs. We are coordinating with the head of ‘sweat equity’,
volunteers and the Board.
The fabric will be ordered shortly and the wood finishing requirements
will be gathered in late May–early June.
We have estimated $30 will cover the cost of refurbishing one
chair. We invite our members or anyone interested to make donations
to meet this need.
The campaign will begin on Mothers’ Day. Watch for the rising
indicator on the thermometer as donations come in! Please make your
cheque out to the Unitarian Church of Edmonton, noting in the lower
left hand corner “chair fund”. Your donation can be
mailed to the church office “attention Aesthetics Committee”
or given to any member of the committee.
It has been suggested that July and August will be a suitable
time for the work to be done.
I was at the First Unitarian Church in Victoria for Easter Sunday,
and was chatting with one of the members after the service. She
said " Was that your church that was defaced a few months ago?
I read about it in our local paper, the Victoria Times Colonist"!
At the recent Edmonton Interfaith Centre banquet held on Sunday
evening, March 19, members of the Board were presented with Alberta
Centennial Medals, on behalf of the Lieutenant-Governor, by Dr.
Bruce Smith MLA. The recipients of this award "For Outstanding
Service to the People and Province of Alberta", were Dr. Bikkar
Singh Randhawa, President; Mrs. Netta Phillet, Vice-president; Avau
Fast, Treasurer; Mrs. Ida Rasmussen, a founding member; and our
own Jim Logan, Past-president.
How have your bottles, cans and tetrapacks benefitted
the church?? Well, collectively over the last 10 months they have
totaled over $300.00 and the money has being wisely utilized. Last
summer the landscape committee was able to purchase stakes for delineating
the curves of the pathway, transplant food, 2 owls to strike fear
into the pigeons (we shall see if it works), “No Parking”
signs, a cement planter to go under the front sign, and landscape
material to discourage weed growth. This slush fund came in very
handy as we did not have to go to Bernie with every $5 and $10 request.
Only the big ticket items like the landscape design, plant purchases,
a bench, and the paving was paid from the Ways and Means and the
Landscape budget.
Over the winter the bottle/can proceeds have accumulated
to over $210.00 which will now be used to purchase additional shrubs
and other small incidental expenses. When the garden is complete
and our need for incidental expenses drops, the committee will be
open for suggestions as to how this handy fund raiser could be dedicated
to other church needs. Thanks to all who have donated their recyclables
and to those who have delivered the bagfuls to the recycling depots.
The efforts have truly gone a long way!!
Donna Hamar, Chair
Landscape and Signage Committee
Some of you have been members of the Edmonton Interfaith Centre
in the past; others have yet to take that step. If you believe in
the principles of the Centre, perhaps you would consider taking
that step this year.
The city as a whole and many of its institutions are becoming much
more sensitive to interfaith and multicultural concerns. We think
this is a very positive sign. However, in order to respond to all
this increased interest and to offer the wide range of programs
that people desire, we need a larger core of committed members and
friends to draw on. Please give it some thought.
Our next general meeting is the Annual General Meeting, on June
7, 7:30 p.m., at the Riverbend Stake Centre (The Church of Jesus
Christ of Latter-day Saints), 14325 - 53 Avenue.
Good News! It appears we have not lost many of our shrubs and
perennials as was feared. What we planted has been watered and this
spring we will start adding some of the plants that were not available
last fall. We will also fill in some spaces with small perennials
until the shrubs grow and spread. Rather than purchase what may
be temporary plants, the landscape committee is looking for plants
that church members may be splitting in their gardens. Many of us
have plants that have overspread and/or the roots need to be thinned
to keep the plants healthy. So, please think of our garden when
preparing your own gardens. For example, if anyone has lily of the
valley, we have a spot for them along the building. Day lilies and
peonies would also be welcome.
Once the pavers fix the pathway (water collects in sections) we
will decide where to anchor the two benches. One will be dedicated
by Prime Timers and the other to Lois Hole. If any of you have suggestions
as to what we should say on the Lois Hole plaque, please let me
know.
You will have noticed that we have some additional interesting
shaped large rocks/boulders — thanks to Chris Zobel who donated
several before he sold his landscape supply business last fall.
We will probably add some medium-sized rocks around some edges so
keep your eyes out for any rocks that would work as border rocks.
And, any ideas you might offer are welcome; contact any of the landscape
committee members.
Handknit Alpaca and Traditional and Pima
Cotton Sweaters for Men and Women
Non-Profit–all money returned to the Minkha Women of
Bolivia
Sweater Sale
Windsor Park Community Hall
11840 87 Avenue, Edmonton
Saturday June 3, 2006 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Purchase or order from a selection of vests, cardigans,
pullovers, long vests, coats, shawls and capes; all handknit
by the Minkha Women’s Knitting Cooperative in Bolivia.
Priced from $25.00 to $250.00
What is Minkha?
In 1989, in Bolivia, staff and volunteers of Save the Children--Canada
brought together a group of expert knitters and founded the
micro industry Minkha. Through their skill and hard work,
the women of Minkha have made their cooperatively owned enterprise
self-sufficient and continue to provide for themselves and
their children. Save the Children–Canada volunteers
continue to assist the knitters, marking the sweaters on a
non-profit basis. For further info call: Linda Haswell 436-5732
Bev Edwards-Sawatzky 433-3206
Innovative Food Program Encourages Community Involvement
If You Eat, You Qualify!
Sharing and Responsibility food program was developed as the fund
raising arm of Branches of Life, a non-profit organization started
in Edmonton over 20 years ago. The goal of S&R is to allow individuals
at all income levels to participate and subsequently benefit. If
you eat, you qualify….to benefit
How it Works: Sharing — The economic buying power of a group!
Using combined leverage with hundreds of participants growing monthly,
volunteers are able to purchase fresh produce direct from the food
producer. Individuals and families are able to join in fund raising
efforts by purchasing a food basket worth up to $40 retail. Each
basket contains basic foods of nutritious variety with minimal packaging.
Whenever possible, foods is purchased from local growers. Each month
2 basket options are available at host locations throughout Edmonton
& St.Albert.
Organic ($25) +2 hr volunteer work at place of your choice
Pickup – 1 Wednesday of each month
Conventional ($20) +2 hr volunteer work at place of your choice)
Pickup– 3 Saturday of each month
Responsibility: Contribute to the community! S &R participants
are asked to contribute 2 hours of volunteer work or perform an
act of kindness each month at a place and interest of their choice.
In addition, from each basket, $2 is contributed to Edmonton housing
Projects.
Every first Wednesday(Organic) and third Saturday(Conventional)
of each month, the food is sorted and distributed to host sites
by volunteers where participants pick of their baskets at a prearranged
place and time. Each month the basket contains different items depending
on availability.
If you are interested in participating in the
S&R food program or setting up a host site in you area Contact:
Betty Ann Laporte and arrange for payment, 780 474-5546. Main Host
Site Depot: Paragon Soil, 14805 – 119 Avenue, Edmonton.
Branches of Life
Sharing
Caring
Giving
Branches of Life Society of Canada is a non-denominational, charitable,
non-profit organization. Our main objective is to provide housing
and support to individuals and families who require secured shelter
and support.
This Society is not supported by lotteries or bingos. In order
to develop and support its housing programs, Sharing & Responsibilty
Food Program is the organization’s main fund raising arm.
Branches of Life Society of Canada
Suite 101, 14805-119 Avenue
Edmonton, AB T5L 2N9
Phone 780.474.5546
Office donated by Paragon Soil and Environmental Consulting.
UNICAMP is a Unitarian Summer Camp North of Toronto
Nurse/First Aid provider for Children’s Camp – July
16-22 (6 days)
Nurse/First Aid provider for Junior Youth Camp – August
6 – 11 (5 days)
Male Counsellors for children’s camps (must be 16 or older)
– July 2-8, July 9-15 and July 16-22
UNICAMP Wants
Participants for this summer’s programs. If you’ve never
been to Unicamp before, this is the summer to come. We have a jam
packed summer planned with something for everyone.
Children’s camps for ages 7 to 13
July 2–8 (space for females) July 9-15 (space for females)
and July 16-22
CT Leadership Program – July 2-22 (space for males only)
and July 23-Aug 4
Junior Youth Camp for ages 13 to 15 – August 6-11
Vegetarian Cooking & Nutrition
Women’s Retreat
Full Moon Ceremony
Singles Week
Men’s Weekend
Talent Show and Coffee House
Spirit of the Arts
Drum Making Workshop
Hiking Weekend
Couples Week
Social responsibility Weekend
Art with your Family
The Nia Technique
Drumming
Family Camps
Book Club Weekend
Sacred Sound Weekend
The Gifts of Conflict
The Ways of the Labyrinth
Guitar Picking Weekend
Sacred Ground Dance
Astrology
Systems Thinking and the Big Picture
Mindfulness Practice Retreat
Connecting to Source
Giving our Words Meaning
Relax in Good Company
Yoga
Music
Exploring Small Group Ministries
Smorgasbord of Self Discovery
Single Parent Reprieve
Not Back to School (for home schoolers)
Photography
Or just come and enjoy the wonder and solitude of Unicamp
The bookstore is closed. Many thanks to Mary Campbell for all her
work over the years and for cleaning up the books. Sermons can be
obtained online or ask
Marg Roche.
Eliot Institute, a UU Summer Camp Program, has once
again set up a special fund to invite new families to Eliot Naramata,
the UU camp for Unitarians and Universalists, their families and
friends. Each of the first 10 new families (minimum one adult and
one child or youth) will receive a $200 CAD discount. The camp runs
July 1 to 8. Naramata is located on the shores of Lake Okanagan
in a charming small town. Harold Rosen will offer his fascinating
work on interfaith ethics in our troubled world. The children have
their own morning program, and there are plenty of intergenerational
activities in the afternoon. Other financial assistance can be available
to those in need.
Make Naramata part of your summer plans. It's not
too late, but register soon! Visit www.eliotinstitute.org
for registration forms and other information. Or call 206-374-2497.
(Check your Entertainment Books for the Lunch component of these
walks)
Friday May 5 - Queen Elizabeth park to the Kinsmen Centre leader
- Shirley
9:30 at UCE and we’ll car pool or meet us at Shirley’s
guest parking
Friday May 12 - Terwillegar (perhaps to Alberta Justice Staff College)
leader - Sheila
9:30 at UCE and we’ll car pool or meet at Terwillegar parking
lot - dog friendly
Friday May 19 - Laurier Park to Hawrelak leader - Marlo
9:30 at UCE and we’ll car pool or meet at Zoo Parking lot
- dog friendly
Friday May 26 - Riverside beside the golf course leader - Jan
9:30 at UCE and we’ll car pool or meet us in the golf course
parking lot - dog friendly
Friday June 2 - St Albert - Lot 56 leader - Jolien
9:30 at UCE and we’ll car pool or meet at parking lot for
Red Willow Park east - dog friendly
Friday June 9- Devonian Gardens leader - Audrey
9:30 at UCE and we’ll car pool
Friday June 16- Historical Walking Tour leader - Helen
9:30 at UCE and we’ll car pool
Friday June 23 - Hasse Lake - bring a picnic lunch leader - Dorothy
Keeler
9:30 at UCE and we’ll car pool
Friday June 30- Chickakoo Lake - bring a picnic lunch leader -
Lynn
9:30 at UCE and we’ll car pool
Sara McEwan, Director of Regional Service WEST sara@cuc.ca Toll
Free 1-866-877-7787
Teacher Training Development & Support- Renaissance Module
Friday May 17 – Sunday 19. Bouctouche, NB
Info: Sylvia Bass West sylvia@cuc.ca
CUC Annual Conference & Meeting - Riding the UU Tide
Friday May 19 – Monday 22. Saint John, NB
Info: Mary Bennett mary@cuc.ca or www.cuc.ca/conference
Healthy Congregations Facilitator Training with Peter Steinke
Thursday June 8 – Saturday 10. Port Moody, B.C.
Info: Sara McEwan sara@cuc.ca
Western Region 20th Annual Unitarian Women’s Gathering
Transitions Riding the Waves with Rev. Meg Roberts
Friday June 30 – Sunday July 2. Lumsden, SK
Info: Janet Toews (204) 275 2329
Canadian Unitarian*Universalist Leadership (CU*UL) School
Thursday July 20 – Sunday 23. Carleton University, Ottawa,
ON
Info. Dianne Heise cuul@cuc.ca
Vancouver Island Unitarian Camp
Friday August 9 – Sunday11. Shawnigan Lake, BC
Info: Joy Johnston joyhaben@telus.net
CUC Regional Fall Gathering: Western Region
Friday October 20 – Sunday 22. Saskatoon, SK
Info: Sara McEwan sara@cuc.ca
Unitarian Women’s Retreat - Vancouver Island
Friday, October 20 - Sunday 22. Nanaimo, BC
Info: Janice Hocking tjhocking@shaw.ca
CUC Volunteer Positions Vacant:
1. Service Consultant - Worship, BC and Western Regions.
2. Service Consultant – Congregational Wellness and Vitality,
BC Region
Info: sara@cuc.ca or http://cuc.ca/whos_who/volunteer_opportunities.htm
CUC Invitation:
Join your regional CUC e-group? http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/cuc-bc/
This is a discussion group for BC region where issues related to
congregational life and management and regional matters are discussed.
Anyone may join and all subscribers may post.
http://ca.groups.yahoo.com/group/cuc-western/
This group allows interested friends and members of the Western
Region of the CUC to connect with one another. Issues related to
congregational life and management and the Western Region may be
discussed here.
Want to add events to this calendar?
Contact Sara McEwan, CUC DRS West sara@cuc.ca
Why don’t you sign up for the newsletter via email? You can
save the church money on postage and envelopes. Just email Linda
(chadmin@uce.ca)and she’ll add you to the list!
