Tag: community

January, 2021 – Imagining The Future For UCV

•

We are travelling the “road ahead”, our ministerial transition. We have made great progress on our first developmental/transition task, “Coming to terms with history”, and we continue to build our history wall. Please visit or revisit UCV Stories to discover our past and to add your own memories and stories.

We begin our second transition task this month – “Discovering a new identity”. The UUA’s Janus Workbook, created to support ministerial transitions, describes this second transition task as “Illuminating the congregation’s unique identity, its strengths, its needs, and its challenges”. Simply put, it is time to imagine the future we want to become, to stretch ourselves, to look into our crystal balls, and to use our imaginations to reshape our reality and transform UCV into the congregation we dream to be. Our imaginations are the magic that will get us there.

Our Soul Matters theme for January is “Imagination”, and Reverend Lara explains in her January 2021 In the Interim that we will explore imagination in various ways during this month. Unleashing our imaginations will help our Vancouver Unitarians world come alive – an exciting step in our “road ahead”!

from Transition Team, Rob Dainow, Chair

 

3 BC, AB, and UK online Unitarian events – Aug 2020 to May 2021

•

UCV members and friends may be interested in exploring some of the following on-line learning events in the wider CUC and UK Unitarian communities.

1. Exploration of World Religions

8 Sep 2020 to 18 May 2021, twice a month, Tuesdays, 6:30-8:00 pm Pacific (see dates below)

In a unique partnership between South Fraser (SFUC) and Calgary Unitarians (UCC), the Revs. Debra Faulk and Samaya Oakley, and UCC member Lynn Nugent, are pleased to offer an exploration of nine of the major world religions/faith traditions this coming year – one a month from September through to May. This program is open to Unitarian Universalists in Western Canada. You’ll be able to participate several ways:

  • Attendance at the monthly Sunday service when we will have a guest speaker from the faith tradition we are exploring in the program;
  • Each of the monthly Soul Matters/Reflections packets will contain a spiritual practice, readings and resources from the traditions under consideration, and
  • Twice monthly gatherings where you’ll be able to delve deeper into the history and current practices of that tradition. We ask for a commitment to attend as many of these sessions as reasonably possible.
  • Our twice monthly gatherings will meet on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00 pm Pacific/ 7:30-9:00 Mountain.

Together we’ll be exploring:

September – Judaism – September 8th and 22nd;

October – Wicca – October 6th and 20th;

November – Hindu – November 3rd and 17th;

December – Christianity – December 1st and 15th;

January – Bahai – January 5th and 19th;

February – Buddhism – February 2nd and 16th;

March – Sikhism – March 2nd and 16th;

April – Islam – April 6th and 20th;

May – Indigenous Spirituality – May 4th and 18th.

As there are significant expenses for the resources being used, we are asking for a free-will donation of $10.00 per session on a sliding scale basis. We suggest you use the CUC’s green bottle sliding scale model to determine your contribution.

https://cuc.ca/about-cuc/support-subsidies/sliding-fee-scale/

To register simply click on the World Religions Exploration Program link. 

Please contact anyone of the following for more information:

Rev. Debra Faulk – debra@calgaryunitarians.ca 403-702-6486

Lynn Nugent – adultprograms@calgaryunitarians.ca

Rev. Samaya Oakley – minister@surreyunitarians.ca; 604-323-4341

2. Discussion Group on White Fragility

27 September 2020 at 3 pm (plus 3 additional sessions in Oct, Nov, Dec)
Sponsored by South Fraser Unitarians

You’re invited into a group that will examine and discuss the ideas Robin DiAngelo presents in her book entitled White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism (Beacon Press, 2018). Written with white people in mind, participants are invited into the work of learning skills to disrupt racism as a Unitarian Universalist faith commitment and practice. Together we’ll explore paths to come to terms with our own and others’ fragile, defensive, and coded responses when a conversation turns to race.

Over three sessions, we’ll examine ways that conversations about race, either interracially or among white people, can—whether one is aware or not—reinforce racial hierarchy. We’ll engage in a series of questions, activities, and reflection and sharing opportunities to find, in your stories and experiences, ways in which they have upheld and reinforced the culture of white supremacy.

Join us on Sunday, September 27th at 3 pm for an organizing session where we’ll set dates and times for our three sessions (October, November, and December). In order to prepare for the discussion circles, you’ll need a copy of the book.

For more information, contact Rev. Samaya Oakley, minister@surreyunitarians.ca; 604-323-4341

 

3. Hucklow Summer School – audio recordings from 2020 and previous years

Hucklow Summer School (HSS) is a Unitarian religious education gathering held each August at the Nightingale Centre, Great Hucklow, in the Peak District of the United Kingdom. Hucklow Summer School focuses on matters of religion and spirituality and intends to draw out and develop the potential of all participants. This year’s theme is ‘Speaking the Truth in Love’: Having the Courage of our Convictions in a Post-Truth Age. The 2020 events run from 22 Aug through 28 Aug, most for 90 minutes starting at 11 AM Pacific time. The talks are free but pre-registration is required. Although you may be too late now to pre-register, if you want to try, send an email to hucklowsummerschool@gmail.com. Meetings will be via zoom with passwords required.

If you see this posting too late to enrol in the live 2020 events, you can listen to the audio recordings from this and previous years. All the 2020 talks are being recorded and made available on YouTube and via the Summer School podcast stream and website (which contains over 10 years of audio recordings of past theme talks). Check the HSS website for these audio recordings. https://www.hucklowsummerschool.co.uk/talks/

 

What’s in a Name?

•

On January 19th the What Do We Call Ourselves? (WDWCO?) Task Force led a Discussion Circle Forum in the Fireside Room. 44 congregants attended.

They were invited to address the questions:  Do you want to change the name – The Unitarian Church of Vancouver? If yes, to what?  If no, reasons for not wanting to change the name.

Rev. Steven Epperson, who attended, later commented that participants were respectful and thoughtful.  Which is just the way we Unitarians are as we contemplate our past identity and consider our future one.

New Outreach Opportunities Fund Recipient, Aboriginal Mother Centre

•

The Outreach Opportunities Fund Committee has selected a new recipient, the Aboriginal Mother Centre (AMC). It is dedicated to taking at risk mothers and children off the streets by providing housing  in 16 suites for mothers and up to three children under nine years old. The Centre is able to offer all the support, tools and resources a mother needs to regain and retain her child. These resources include counselling, advocacy, education, training, and spiritual and social support. AMC also carries out homelessness outreach, a family wellness program, licensed daycare and a community kitchen. Nominated by a congregant, AMC will receive funding from the Sunday Collections starting 1 February.

Birthday Party Fundraiser for Climate Action

•

A Night of Good Cheer and a Rousing Success! $3000 Raised for Raven Trust’s Anti-TMX Campaign!

photo

On a cold, rainy night in January, over 50 friends and family gathered in Hewett Hall to celebrate Tamiko Suzuki ‘s 60th birthday. After a moving welcome by Sto:lo elder and activist, Kwitsel, the evening turned raucous with parlour games. Guests were given coloured dots on their name tags to show how they were connected to Tamiko  (family, work, UCV, book club, etc) and asked to sit at a table with as many colours as possible! The tables then competed in games of rock/paper/scissors  (in Japanese!), Name that Tune (music from TV and film from the 60’s,70’s  to today), Trivial Pursuit, and Charades, all with some connection to Tamiko’s life. Try to imagine contestants acting out the charades challenges;  “Being charged by a rhino” (which was a true story) and “skinny dipping on New Year’s Day (also true). The winners got to dress Tamiko with items from a box so that at one point she was wearing a diving mask, blond wig, life jacket, and belly dancer belt.

The games were followed by delivery of a cake decorated with a dinosaur and speeches both funny and warm. The evening finished with International folk dancing and many brave friends trying out  Bolivian, Finnish, and Greek/Roma dances.

Instead of presents, Tamiko asked guests to make a donation to  RAVEN Trust’s anti-TMX campaign and over $3000 was raised. An additional $400 was donated to support the Wet’suet’en opposition to the Coastal Gas pipeline.

A big thanks and much love to the Environment Team who sponsored the event, provided the food, set up, cleaned up, matched a portion of the donations, and took part in the games and dances with grace and humour.

 

What’s in a Name? Next forum January 19

•

The What Do We Call Ourselves task force (WDWCO) was created by the Board in 2018 to examine whether we should change our name from the Unitarian Church of Vancouver to a name without “church.” To carry out its mission, WDWCO would like to provide ways for all members and friends (adherents) of UCV to hear, understand, and contribute to the discussions around what name best suits our congregation. Although as UCV members, we might differ on the name question, we believe we share similar values and goals for our beloved community. We are confident that we can come to shared understanding and a path forward.

We offer the following viewpoints (heard during informal discussions among some UCV members) as a starting point for discussion. If your viewpoint isn’t represented here, we’d like to know what it is. We want input and will be seeking it at the Forum on January 19th.

I want to retain our current name because:
Our name Unitarian Church of Vancouverhonours our 500-year history as a Church. For me, the UnitarianChurchof today has an expanded meaning that is inclusive of all ethical beliefs. It demonstrates how a Church can be a progressive religious community.

The name “Church” speaks to our spiritual roots and provides a sense of continuity and comfort. Some of us may have left the church of our upbringing, but we have not severed our connection with spirituality.

The name Unitarian Churchhas gravitas and promotes respect. Having originated as a branch of Christianity, we are identified as a religious community and we belong at the table of multi-faith gatherings. As well, our identity as a Church invites media inquiries seeking “religious perspectives” on pressing moral issues.

The Unitarian Church has led and continues to lead progressive religious change. Such progress can be inspiring to other religious communities.

I want to change our name because:
I am uncomfortable with the word Church, finding it restrictive as a name for our spiritual home and community. A church is by definition a Christianentity, which is not a spiritual fit with those members and friends who do not identify as Christian. “Church” discourages many potential attendees who have negative associations with Christian denominations, along with those whose heritage is in non-Christian cultures, those who identify as Pagans or secular Humanists, and those who resist any labelling of their views. And a more welcoming name could appeal to those who describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious” , individuals who may be seeking an inclusive spiritual community free of dogma.

I believe that with an alternative name we will remain an influential member of multifaith communities. For example, one of the largest Unitarian communities in Canada, The First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, (no “Church” in their name), is well-respected in the National Capital Region, and has good relations with near and far-flung Christian and non-Christian faith communities alike.

34 of the 47 Unitarian congregations in Canada call themselves something other than a Church.

I am undecided because:
I haven’t thought much about this and I don’t have enough information. I look forward to participating in our community’s thoughtful consideration and discussion of all the input. I want to understand the beliefs and opinions of others. I hope I’ll then be better able to make a decision.

I will support whatever decision is made:
I trust our community will thoughtfully consider all input and make the best decision for the greater good.

I am reluctant to get involved…
To the reluctant, we encourage you to consider that in our community, all views count. We invite your careful listening and input as the discussions proceed. We want an environment where you feel comfortable to contribute your voice.

We strive to make ourdecision process inclusive, caring, informed, and democratic. What we choose to call ourselves is our identity.It matters.

Please share your views, come to the Forum on January 19th. Questions in the meantime?
Email us at: sresels@gmail.com

 

Preview: Art for Refugees on Twitter

•

Art for Refugees is a silent auction of artwork by Karen Brumelle with all proceeds to the refugee committee. The art is on display in the Fireside room from December 1 to 22.

Preview: Art for Refugees (@UnitarianUCV) – click on that link to see tweets with images of art for sale in the silent auction. (You do not need a Twitter account for this.) Twitter may crop images, so always click on an image displayed with a tweet to be sure you see all of it.

The image featured in this post is displayed with this tweet.

An image of another painting in the silent auction is displayed with this tweet.

And you can scroll through all such tweets to preview some of the art on sale in Fireside.

Come view the actual artwork and write your first bids when the exhibit opens on December 1.

You can review bids and bid or rebid on any day. Bidding closes at 12:15 pm on December 22.

Support the wonderful work of the refugee committee – get some art for yourself or as a gift.

 

notes and links

featured image from silent auction

artist’s website: brumelleart.com

in these notes, DuckDuckGo bang commands (!?) link to search results for words they follow when the commands are in parentheses, for words they precede when they are not:

!ucv refugee committee / a search on the UCV website

!tw “Art for Refugees” (@UnitarianUCV) / a search on Twitter

the Merriam-Webster definition of a silent auction (!mw) notwithstanding, the written bids in Art for Refugees are not sealed but displayed with the art

A silent auction: Art for Refugees

•

Art for Refugees is a silent auction of artwork by Karen Brumelle with all proceeds to the refugee committee. The art is on display in the Fireside room from December 1 to 22.

Come view the artwork and write your first bids when the exhibit opens on December 1.

You can review bids and bid or rebid on any day. Bidding closes at 12:15 pm on December 22.

Support the wonderful work of the refugee committee – get some art for yourself or as a gift.

Preview: Art for Refugees (@UnitarianUCV) – click on that link to see tweets with images of art for sale in the silent auction. (You do not need a Twitter account for this.)

 

notes and links

featured image from silent auction

artist’s website: brumelleart.com

in these notes, DuckDuckGo bang commands (!?) link to search results for words they follow when the commands are in parentheses, for words they precede when they are not:

!ucv refugee committee / a search on the UCV website

!tw “Art for Refugees” (@UnitarianUCV) / a search on Twitter

the Merriam-Webster definition of a silent auction (!mw) notwithstanding, the written bids in Art for Refugees are not sealed but displayed with the art

A bang command for UCV on DuckDuckGo

•

There are some good reasons for using the DuckDuckGo search engine and even for making it the default search engine on your browser so you can just type search terms right into the location bar (address bar) at the top of your screen.

This post goes into just one reason: the bang command. If you click on that link and then scroll down, you can see why bang commands are useful.

The bang commands in this post link to their results so you don’t have to type them into your browser to try them out. Just click on them.

!ucv principles for kids / for grownups too (see link in item found)
!ucv small groups / where everyone has a voice and is heard
!ucv vision statement / !g “… exactly what it says on the tin”

Those examples used the new bang command !ucv
/ (given nothing to search for on a website, a bang command displays the home page)

Even if you don’t make DuckDuckGo the default search engine on your browser, you can maybe still use it in the browser search box. This is usually to the right of the location bar (address bar) at the top of your screen, as it is in Firefox.  Click on the dropdown symbol – if there is one in the search box – and select a miniature version of the featured image in this post after you have typed the search term.

Here are some other bang commands worth knowing:

!yt Vancouver Unitarians / YouTube

!gb “Singing the Living Tradition” / Google Books

!gr “Singing the Living Tradition” / Goodreads

!b becoming a Unitarian site:cuc.ca / Bing

!i Vancouver Unitarians  / images

!m Unitarian Church of Vancouver, 949 West 49th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2T1  / map

!ucv technology / drop-in sessions, first Sundays, for help with any or all of the above

Please spread the word. Send people this copy-paste of the title of the post with its embedded link:

A bang command for UCV on DuckDuckGo

Thank you.

What Do We Call Ourselves? Forum

•

Missed the “What Do We Call Ourselves?” Oct. 20th Forum?

Read All About it.

If you missed the October 20th Forum on “What Do We Call Ourselves?” (WDWCO?) you can find the agenda and presentations below. Twenty-three people attended. Pasted below are the WDWCO? (draft) Terms of Reference.

1.WELCOME (Sheila Resels)

“Welcome to the “What do we call ourselves?” Task Force Forum.

So who are we?  My name is Sheila Resels.  I am one of co-chairs of the Task Force, along with my co-chair Eva Allan.  Members include Leonie Armstrong, (past chairperson), Jeannie Corsi, John Smith, Fouad Hafiz and advisors Mary Bennett, Steven Epperson, Keith Wilkinson and Tamiko Suzuki.

What is this Task Force?

The Task Force was approved by the Board 2 years. ago.  It was originally called the “Name Change Task Force”.  (more…)