Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

September 25, 2026

NEW DATE FOR
SUNDAY GATHERING!

"Discovering Mother Tree"

THIS SUNDAY
September 27 @ 11:00am
at Molly Nye House, 
940 Lynn Road, North Vancouver

***AN IMPORTANT REMINDER: We have been reminded by LVSS NOT to park in the church parking lot next to Mollie Nye house. The best parking option is at the Karen Magnussesn Rec center.  It's a little walk.  If you have accessibility issues you could be dropped off at Mollie Nye and then the vehicle can be moved. ***

In March of 2026, Robyn Newton was selected to participate in the Sierra Club’sMother Tree Local Leaders Program. This program brings together people from different faith traditions to learn how to step into healthier relationships with the lands and waters, drawing upon Indigenous wisdom.  Join us on September 27 to find out how this program transformed Robyn’s relationship to Mother Earth, and how it informs her environmental advocacy work  You will  learn how important old growth forests are to mitigating climate change, through a fun game of “Tree Trivia”, and you will have an opportunity to write a letter in support of old growth protection in B.C.

If you're planning to join us for our September Sunday Gathering, please RSVP to Barb so we know how much soup to have on hand. 

We would also love to have more soup makers!If you would like to make an additional pot of soup for this gathering, please let Barb know.

If you're able to help set up tables/chairs, please come at 10:30am.

Have an Idea for a
Sunday Gathering?

We welcome community members to lead discussions or activities at our Sunday Gatherings. If you have an idea for a future Sunday Gathering, please reach out to Allyson or Barb—we’d love to hear from you!

September 30 marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time to honour Survivors of residential schools, remember the children who never returned home, and reflect on the ongoing impacts of colonialism on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Learn more at  the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Learn about the history and legacy of residential schools through Survivor accounts, archival materials, educational resources and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.

Homestays requested for October 23-25

Board members of the Eliot Institute, a non-profit organization that organizes camps and retreats for Unitarian Universalists and their friends and families, are gathering at Vancouver Unitarians on October 24th for their autumn Board meeting. Most Eliot Board members live in Washington and Oregon and are looking for home stays with other UUs while they are here, from Friday October 23rd to Sunday October 25th. If you can offer a room in the Vancouver area (or further afield with the inclusion of a ride to and from VanU, as not all are coming with a vehicle), please contact the Eliot Institute secretary Drew Betz or UUSS member Carla Mandy.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

TOMORROW Saturday, September 26 @10 am - "UU Ecosystem on-line panel" A Theology for This Moment: Canadian Unitarian Universalists in Conversation  How does your theological framework sustain you in difficult times? What do you do when it feels like your theology has failed you? What does the word 'theology' mean in a UU context anyways and why does it matter?!? Join Rev. Beckett Coppola, Rev. Danie Webber, Rev. Fiona Heath, and Reilly Yeo, Ministerial Candidate for a conversation between the panellists, led by your host, Karen Fraser Gitlitz. After the break, the panellists will take your questions. Register here:  The UU Ecosystem project is welcoming donations to support collection of additional stories of UU innovations for our website, and will be issuing charitable receipts for donations of $25 or more.  To donate, send an e-transfer from your banking institution. Always include a note in your e-transfer specifying the donation is towards the Ecosystem project. If you wish to receive a charitable donation receipt please also include your full name and address in the message.  Donation receipts are sent out in February.

This Wed September 30, 11 am  "Orange Shirt Day" UUs of the Salish Sea members are welcome to join Leslie Kemp and members of the VanU Social Justice Team for Orange Shirt Day at Grandview Park (near Commercial Drive). This National Truth and Reconciliation Day event starts with an Honour Walk from the Aboriginal Community Policing Centre at 1719 Franklin Street. We will gather at 11 am with the walk to Grandview Park starting at 11:30 am. The Grandview Park event (from Noon to 3 pm)  features cultural performances and an Indigenous market. Contact Leslie for more details or just show up (with your orange shirt!)

Tues, October 6, 6:00– 7:00 p.m. Canadian Pension Plan stakeholder meetings Every two years, the Canadian Pension Plan is required to hold stakeholder meetings. The last time was 2024! CPPIB has a duty to invest in our best long-term interests. But CPPIB continues to invest billions in fossil fuel expansion while failing to disclose a credible plan to reduce emissions across its portfolio. It is also making major investment decisions that raise important questions about Indigenous rights and Canadians’ long-term financial security. Join Robyn in Vancouver, BC on Tuesday, October 6, 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the DOUGLAS, Autograph Collection, 45 Smithe St, Vancouver, BC to demand our pensions invest responsibly in our future.  Let her know if you want to carpool to this event.

From 350.org This Monday, the Carney government introduced Bill C-39, an omnibus bill that environmentalists are calling the "Bulldoze Nature Bill".  It prioritizes profit over people and allows megaprojects like pipelines to proceed regardless of damage to the environment, the climate and our future.  It also allows the government to exempt companies from complying with critical legislation including the Species at Risk Act, the Navigable Waters Act, and the Fisheries Act.  Let’s stop this draft legislation from becoming law.  Call on MPs across Canada to Reject Bill C-39.

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

September 18, 2026

TOMORROW!
September 19 @ 5:00pm
at St Margaret’s Cedar Cottage,1530 E. 22nd
"From Stillness to Flow -
Water Communion 2026"

We are looking forward to seeing you at our first worship of the 2026 - 2027 year! We will be moving from stillness to flow - gathering as individuals to create a pool of momentum and flow into our new year of adventures together. 

Please bring some water to join with others' waters and the water from last year's water communion, but don't worry if you forget we'll have some for everyone!

If you have a blue scarf or piece of fabric you'd like to share for the evening as part of our altar decorations we'd love to see it!

NEW DATE FOR
SUNDAY GATHERING!

NEW DATE FOR
SUNDAY GATHERING!
NEXT WEEKEND

First Sunday Gathering in the Fall
September 27 @ 11:00am
at Molly Nye House, 
940 Lynn Road, North Vancouver

In March of 2026, Robyn Newton was selected to participate in the Sierra Club’s Mother Tree Local Leaders Program. This program brings together people from different faith traditions to learn how to step into healthier relationships with the lands and waters, drawing upon Indigenous wisdom.  Join us on September 27 to find out how this program transformed Robyn’s relationship to Mother Earth, and how it informs her environmental advocacy work  You will  learn how important old growth forests are to mitigating climate change, through a fun game of “Tree Trivia”, and you will have an opportunity towrite a letter in support of old growth protection in B.C.

Have an Idea for a
Sunday Gathering?

We welcome community members to lead discussions or activities at our Sunday Gatherings. If you have an idea for a future Sunday Gathering, please reach out to Allyson or Barb—we’d love to hear from you!

September 30 marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time to honour Survivors of residential schools, remember the children who never returned home, and reflect on the ongoing impacts of colonialism on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Learn more at  the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Learn about the history and legacy of residential schools through Survivor accounts, archival materials, educational resources and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.

Homestays requested for October 23-25

Board members of the Eliot Institute, a non-profit organization that organizes camps and retreats for Unitarian Universalists and their friends and families, are gathering at Vancouver Unitarians on October 24th for their autumn Board meeting. Most Eliot Board members live in Washington and Oregon and are looking for home stays with other UUs while they are here, from Friday October 23rd to Sunday October 25th. If you can offer a room in the Vancouver area (or further afield with the inclusion of a ride to and from VanU, as not all are coming with a vehicle), please contact the Eliot Institute secretary Drew Betz or UUSS member Carla Mandy.

Introduction to Sociocracy for Unitarian Universalists - next week If you’ve been curious about Sociocracy, Please come to this free Webinar on Tuesday, Sept 22.  This Webinar is specifically for UU’s.  Please see the links below to learn more and to register. An introduction to sociocracy — consent-based, shared decision-making governance — and its connection to Unitarian Universalist values, with Rev. Renee Ruchotzke and Rev. Sarah Prickett. No prior experience needed. This event is free. This introductory session is for for UU leaders, staff, and congregants curious about consent-based, shared-power governance — no prior experience needed. We’ll explore the basics of sociocracy, hear real examples from UU settings, and leave with a few ideas for what this could look like in your own community. More info on the event and more info on Sociocracy.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

THIS Sunday, Sep 20 at 12:00 PM Take Action for Migrant Justice This fall, the federal government is deciding the future of immigration: who gets permanent residency, who remains temporary, and who is pushed out.  Join people across the country to demand Migrant Rights.Location: Memorial South Park  5955 Ross Street, Vancouver, BC

Monday, Sep 21, 6:00-8:00pm Sierra Club BC is inviting us to join Tsleil-Waututh First Nation and the Seven Sisters in standing up for the Salish Seas. at St Andrews Wesley United This gathering will explore the current transborder threats facing the Salish Sea—including a new oil pipeline, increased tanker traffic and the proposed dredging of Burrard Inlet—while uplifting a shared commitment to protect salmon, orca, and clean water. This is more than just an event—it's an opportunity to stand together and to affirm our shared responsibility to the lands and waters that sustain us. I hope to see a big turnout from UUs of the Salish Sea.  Contact me if you would like a ride. Robyn Newton

Activating the Canadian UU Ecosystem – Fall Conversations coming up! The Ecosystem Project (aka “Activating the Canadian UU Ecosystem”) has identified four areas for deep conversation to help shape the future of Unitarian Universalism in Canada. We will be holding events that will bring together people with lived experience, congregational or community leadership experience, and academic or subject expertise for a lively conversation with Canadian Unitarians.  Our first event of the season is coming up this month: A Theology for This Moment. Links and more events are below.  Beyond simply attending these sessions, if any of these topics ignites your passion, please join our planning team to share your ideas and help craft the event.  (Contact info below.) A Theology for This Moment: Canadian Unitarian Universalists in Conversation Saturday Sept 26, 2026 - 10 am pacific How can UU theology inform our response to the needs of this moment? How can theology help us through this time of uncertainty, ecological crisis, and rapid social change. What do we have that we can share with the wider world?  Contact: Karen Fraser Gitlitz, Click here to sign-up to attend the event!

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

September 11, 2026

NEXT SATURDAY!
September 19 @ 5:00pm
at St Margaret’s Cedar Cottage,1530 E. 22nd
"Water Communion"

Please join us for the first service of our new church year. We will celebrate with a UnitarianUniversalist water communion homecoming ritual in a service lead by your Worship Team.  Please bring some water from your home or from your summer adventures. We will enjoy food and fellowship at a potluck after the service.

NEW DATE FOR
SUNDAY GATHERING!

First Sunday Gathering in the Fall
September 27 @ 11:00am
at Molly Nye House, 
940 Lynn Road, North Vancouver

In March of 2026, Robyn Newton was selected to participate in the Sierra Club’s Mother Tree Local Leaders Program. This program brings together people from different faith traditions to learn how to step into healthier relationships with the lands and waters, drawing upon Indigenous wisdom.  Join us on September 27 to find out how this program transformed Robyn’s relationship to Mother Earth, and how it informs her environmental advocacy work  You will  learn how important old growth forests are to mitigating climate change, through a fun game of “Tree Trivia”, and you will have an opportunity towrite a letter in support of old growth protection in B.C.

Have an Idea for a
Sunday Gathering?

We welcome community members to lead discussions or activities at our Sunday Gatherings. If you have an idea for a future Sunday Gathering, please reach out to Allyson or Barb—we’d love to hear from you!

September 30 marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a time to honour Survivors of residential schools, remember the children who never returned home, and reflect on the ongoing impacts of colonialism on First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.

Learn more at  the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation. Learn about the history and legacy of residential schools through Survivor accounts, archival materials, educational resources and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action.

Update from Joy on Hearts for Tumbler

Hello everybody,

As promised, we now have the video, created by my young friend, Tina Hashemi.  It features the following: photos of us making hearts, materials we used, a message to the community of Tumbler Ridge, a poem composed and read by a heart-maker in my Strata, testimonials and credits for all of our 91 heart-makers whom we gathered over the six months.  

Below are three public domain links.  Please feel free to share them with your family and friends.

Link to main video presentation
Link to the lyrics
Link to video of the felt hearts being cut

Link Notes:
- The lyrics to the We Rise Again song sung in the video.  They are very touching.
- The 9:15 minute video.  (You can stop the video at the Testimonial pages to take time to read them.)
- Aone-minute video of felt-backed hearts being cut by my friend, Felix’s laser machine. (What a gift!) We did have to cut the cotton sides of the hearts by hand!

The parcel of 2,700 hearts arrived in Tumbler Ridge on Tuesday, Sep 8. 

My heart-felt thanks to each and every one of you for embarking on the Hearts-for-Tumbler Ridge Project that we completed over the last six months by our deadline of August 15^th. You all include my Unitarian Universalists of the Salish Sea sponsors, friends, family, neighbours colleagues, and affinity group volunteers from as far away as Vancouver Island, Kelowna and Edmonton – 91 of us in all!.  Some want to continue making hearts for other groups and people.  I sent two hundred hearts to my local Eagle Ridge Hospital’s Palliative Care and MAID units.  Please let me know if you also want to continue making hearts.  I will supply the kits.

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

September 4, 2026

First Service in the Fall
September 19 @ 5:00pm
at St Margaret’s Cedar Cottage,1530 E. 22nd

"Water Communion"

Please join us for the first service of our new church year. We will celebrate with a UnitarianUniversalist water communion homecoming ritual in a service lead by your Worship Team.  Please bring some water from your home or from your summer adventures. We will enjoy food and fellowship at a potluck after the service.

NEW DATE FOR
SUNDAY GATHERING!

First Sunday Gathering in the Fall
September 27 @ 11:00am
at Molly Nye House, 
940 Lynn Road, North Vancouver

In March of 2026, Robyn Newton was selected to participate in the Sierra Club’s Mother Tree Local Leaders Program. This program brings together people from different faith traditions to learn how to step into healthier relationships with the lands and waters, drawing upon Indigenous wisdom.  Join us on September 27 to find out how this program transformed Robyn’s relationship to Mother Earth, and how it informs her environmental advocacy work  You will  learn how important old growth forests are to mitigating climate change, through a fun game of “Tree Trivia”, and you will have an opportunity towrite a letter in support of old growth protection in B.C.

One last summer photo!
Robyn and Cara at the trans march and rally during Pride weekend.

Stay tuned detailed information on all of the activities planed for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30th! 

A Theology for This Moment : Canadian Unitarian Universalists
in Conversation

How can UU theology inform our response to the needs of this moment? How can theology help us through this time of uncertainty, ecological crisis, and rapid social change. What do we have that we can share with the wider world? Join the Ecosystem project for the first of four fall webinars — live online conversations digging deeper into active topics in Canadian Unitarian Universalism. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and shape the conversation.
Register here.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Note to readers: I have heard comments that there is too much in the newsletter on social and environmental action.  I do spend time culling a tremendous number of opportunities to find those that are quick, impactful, nonpartisan and don’t cost you any money.  It’s up to you to pick and choose what is most important to you.

That being said, I want to encourage you all to attend the Seven Sisters event at St. Andrews on September 21, to show our support for our Indigenous brothers and sisters (see below for details). Please contact me if you would like a ride to this event.

September 9 @  3:30pm
Seniors for the Climate presents ‘Climate Conversations Matter – Let’s Get Talking’, with Katherine Hayhoe Register for the webinar at this link 

Sunday, Sep 20 at 12:00 PM

Take Action for Migrant Justice
This fall, the federal government is deciding the future of immigration: who gets permanent residency, who remains temporary, and who is pushed out.  Join people across the country to demand Migrant Rights.Location: Memorial South Park  5955 Ross Street, Vancouver, BC

Monday, Sep 21, 6:00-8:00pm
Sierra Club BC is inviting us to join Tsleil-Waututh First Nation and the Seven Sisters in standing up for the Salish Seas. at St Andrews Wesley United

This gathering will explore the current transborder threats facing the Salish Sea—including a new oil pipeline, increased tanker traffic and the proposed dredging of Burrard Inlet—while uplifting a shared commitment to protect salmon, orca, and clean water. This is more than just an event—it's an opportunity to stand together and to affirm our shared responsibility to the lands and waters that sustain us.

I hope to see a big turnout from UUs of the Salish Sea.  Contact me if you would like a ride.

Robyn Newton 

Federal Prebudget consultation:

Send a clear message to our MPs and the federal government: “We need a budget that puts the people and the planet first!”  Deadline for submissions: September 8. You can find the government’s budget questionnaire here. 350.org has created a  guide to help fill it out here. 

Add Your Name for A Better BC.  Join us in calling for bold action on these urgent fronts! Stop the Farmland Grab: BC farmland should feed communities, not serve as a luxury asset for billionaires and corporate investors.
SIGN THE PETITION

Big Tech shouldn't be able to build AI data centres in our communities without proper safeguards.:  we're calling for a moratorium until regulations protect people, our communities, and the environment. 
SIGN THE PETITION

Take Real Climate Action: BC must meet its 2030 climate goals—stop fossil fuel subsidies and invest in renewables now.
SIGN THE PETITION

UUSers enjoying
summer in the park

Pictures from Barb Moore officiating at Neila and Dean's (Lynda Fownes son) wedding in July

"Morning Barbara  

The reception was amazing! We felt so comfortable with you, and I really appreciate the extra effort you made to learn about love in Persian. It meant so much to me. ❤️

It was short and so sweet, just as we expected because of the restaurant situation.

Thank you for being you, Barbara — with your kind heart and beautiful, calm aura. ❤️ We truly appreciate you!

Nelia & Dean"

Please let us know what you are up to during this summer break.  Stories and/or pictures are always welcome and we can then publish in the enews to connect us throughout the summer months.

Next Saturday!

St. Margaret’s Church will be hosting a Rummage Sale on Saturday, August 29, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM on St. Margaret’s (1530 E. 22nd Ave, Vancouver) Front Lawn.Come browse for treasures and tell friends and neighbours.

Hearts-for-Tumbler Ridge Report, August 21st

Heart Makers           91
Made Made by Aug 15th  2,700        Made by Aug 21st   2,900+   

YEAH, for the enthusiasm, inspiration and wide-spread interest outside our UUSS community – see Joy’s letter to the folks of Tumbler Ridge re the history of our Hearts-for-Tumbler Ridge that includes a tribute to our venerable Lynn Sabourin.
We have exceeded our goal of 2,700!

Extra hearts will go under the auspices of our Cares and Concerns Team’s Heart Ministry.

By agreement, our Heart Ministry will donate 200 of the excess hearts to Eagle Ridge Hospital’s Palliative Care residents and to families of Eagle Ridge Hospital’s MAID care. (Eagle Ridge Hospital is in Joy and John’s TriCities Fraser Health Community, where John volunteered for five years as a Palliative Care Conversationalist.)

Video of our heart-making project is underway, and will be available by month’s end.

Joy will ship the hearts up to Tumbler Ridge on August 28th in time for Tumbler Ridge’s Home Coming from summer journeys and school opening.

Man folks from the 91 strong Heart-Makers’ Team have expressed a keen interest in continuing to make hearts for other causes. Joy will continue to manage provision of materials.

Cost of materials and shipping to be calculated by Joy and submitted by the end of September to our UUSS Treasurer for a tax receipt.
Armsup,everyone!
Warmly, 
J JoJoy

Save the date!
First Service in the Fall
September 19 @ 5:00pm
at St Margaret’s Cedar Cottage,1530 E. 22nd

"Water Communion"

SOCIAL JUSTICE

With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Monika (Moordryd) Wachowski in the early morning hours of July 17th. She spent her last two days at the palliative ward in Burnaby Hospital, surrounded by the love of family and friends.

Monika is the sister/sister-in-law to Sonya Wachowski and Carla Mandy, who were able to be with her as she passed peacefully.  

Monika was an independent spirit who loved being organized, helping out where she could. She enjoyed a good meal or sweet treat at her favourite places. Monika was a skilled bowler and loved the swings, going to the library and watching her favourite videos on the computer. She loved movies and music, a good laugh and dancing!  Monika appreciated purple, Harry Potter,  ABBA, Disney and giving affection to the people she cared about.  She will be dearly missed.   

Monika‘s celebration of life will be held August 11th, at 11 am at 7415 Sussex Ave, the L’Arche complex in Burnaby, BC. The service will be followed by a reception serving two of Monika’s favourites - pizza and ice cream.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in her memory to BACI or the L’Arche Greater Vancouver.

SAVE THE DATE 
UUSS Picnic In The Park
Saturday August 15th, 11:00 am

Let’s soak up the beautiful summer sunshine together with a potluck picnic! Come enjoy the peaceful forest and sweeping views at one of Burnaby’s loveliest parks - Robert Burnaby Park*. 

More information to come! Questions? Please contact Allyson Yee or Joy Silver.

*Robert Burnaby Park is just 10 minutes from Highway 1 via the Gaglardi Way exit. It is also a 10 minute walk from bus stops. If you're taking public transit, we're happy to arrange a pick-up from a nearby bus stop or SkyTrain station in Burnaby or New Westminster.  

The sociocracy circle would like to invite other UUs of the Salish Sea to take the sociocracy training offered through Sociocracy For All.  If we can gather names of another small group of interested folks, we can look into the possibility of another group running through the training in the fall.

The training is a fun way to learn about sociocracy in an experiential way, in a set of four 2-hour sessions online and synchronous, with other group members.  It's a great way to get to know other UUs of the Salish Sea a little better, learn more about sociocracy and how it works, and practice in real time as you go.  The more members of our community who take part in the training the easier it will be for us to start working together with sociocracy as our governance model.

Please email Jacky if you are interested to learn more about it and/or would like to sign up.

Hearts for Tumbler Ridge
Count update as of July 24:

YEAH, for the enthusiasm, inspiration and wide-spread interest outside our UUSS community. We are 83 % toward our goal! There are approximately 150 hearts out being made. Deadline for returning them to Joy is August 15th. Please make arrangements with Joy for return. You can find Joy at Monika (Moordryd) Wachowski’s memorial service on August 11th, and at our UUSS picnic on August 15th. Many of you will know Monika, who is Sonya’s sister. Sadly, Monika died on July 17th.

Extra hearts will go to our UUSS folk under the auspices of our Cares and Concerns Team’s Heart Ministry. Joy will provide kits for Tumbler Ridge as interest continues until August 8th. Video of our heart-making with background music. Given to us by Coastal Sound’s 2016 children’s choir singing, “We Rise Again”. Imagery will capture the materials we used, and photos and comments from crafters about their joy in making the hearts. Deadline for submitting your photo and comments to Joy is Saturday, August 15th.

Arms up, everyone! Warmly, JoY