THIS SUNDAY!
first Sunday Gathering
Oct 5, 2025 at 11:00am
Mollie Nye House is at 940 Lynn Valley Road

We will lead off the new fall season with a trial. The defendant is Paul, the self-styled “Apostle to the Gentiles” and the charge is misogyny. Prosecuting and defence attorneys along with a judge haver been appointed and the rest of you will be the jury.

The issues raised during the trial have a contemporary ring to them since they deal with the role of woman in religion and in the larger society.

Please rsvp to Barb so we know how much soup to have on hand. If anyone would like to make an additional pot of soup for this gathering, also please let Barb know: Barbara.Moore@vch.ca

Parking Information: Mollie Nye House is at 940 Lynn Valley Road.  We are in the basement, entrance on the south side.  We can't park in the Hillside Baptist lot as they are using their lot Sunday morning.  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.

SAVE THE DATE
Next Saturday Service
October 18th at 5:00pm

Please join us as we embrace change and transformation.  The worship circle will lead us through five spiritual practices using the elements of spirit, earth, fire, water and air to represent how our community can transform together. We will celebrate where we have come from and where we are going. 

Saturday, October 18 at noon
Jack Poole Plaza, 
1055 Canada Place

Here in Canada, we stand in solidarity with our American neighbours against their wannabe dictator.

This peaceful movement is growing. That’s because “NO TYRANTS” is more than a slogan—it’s foundational to democracy. Born in the streets, carried by millions in chants and on posters, No Tyrants echoes from corridors of power to classrooms, from urban centres to small neighbourhoods, uniting people across North America to oppose authoritarianism, and to stand for democracy with one voice.

The US president thinks he’s above the law. In Canada we won’t back down against chaos, corruption, and cruelty. Grow our movement and join us. Elbows up. Sign up! 

Check out our new banner which is now available, thanks to Lynda Fownes! Our banner is now available. Due to a printing error, we have a smaller banner (3ft x 3ft) as well.  Thank you also to Robyn Newton who has agreed to store them for us

Care & Concerns Circle

The Care & Concerns circle is here to support the well-being of UUSS members.  We are here to reach out to check in with folks who have been having life challenges and be able to offer a helping hand where we can.  We like to be able to send cards of condolence and congratulations or just to say hello.   If you need a ride to a service or Sunday gathering we may be able to help match you with someone who drives from your area as well. 

We have started to offer community care circles every couple of months virtually to give us another space to check in and be present with one another.  Lindsay, a certified EFT practitioner, has offered to gift us with her services during these community care circles and each one will have a different theme.

Please reach out to us if you would like to touch base with any of us.  You can reach us at care.concerns.uuss@gmail.com. 

Jacky, Jessica, Joy and Lindsay

OPEN ADMIN POSITION

South Fraser Congregation is seeking a part-time administrator skilled with WordPress, Google Workspace, MailChimp, Office Suite, Zoom and Social Media. This is a contract position with a three-month probationary period and annual evaluation and contract renewal, requiring thirty (30) hours monthly from September to June and ten (10) hours a month during July and August. The rate of pay ranges from $28 - $32 hourly depending on skills and experience.

This is an interesting and varied position for someone with the right skills and training. For further information and a full job description, please contact 
board@surreyunitarians.ca.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Seeking a volunteer 
The Social and Environmental Justice Circle is seeking a UUSS member willing to help us organize a Christmas Hamper collection for the North Shore Christmas Bureauthis year.  It is always fun and rewarding.  We are proposing sponsoring a small family, perhaps a single mother with 1 or 2 children.  You will be assisted by our Circle members.  If you are interested, please contact Robyn Newton at your earliest convenience so we can get the ball rolling.

Senator Murray Sinclair’s son, Dr. Niigaan Sinclair, will join Amnesty International Canada’s Book Club on Sunday October 5th.

Sunday, October 5, at 7 PM
Register for Zoom link

For National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30—we are pleased to share some resources that will help you further your learning and educate the next generation about the importance of reconciliation in Canada.National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is an opportunity to recognize and reflect on the tragic history and ongoing legacy of residential schools while honouring survivors, their families, and Indigenous communities. It’s never too early to learn about reconciliation. Read on for age-appropriate resources and activities to help guide your family in these conversations.
Learn about Orange Shirt Day
Enroll in Indigenous Canada
Bringing Our Children Home

Support MP Kwan’s bill to close the US Loophole! 

NDP MP Jenny Kwan has announced a new Private Member’s Bill that would close the loophole that allows Canadian arms to flow to Israel through the United States. For two years, the Liberal government has allowed arms manufacturers based in Canada to profit off genocide by sneaking weapons parts to Israel through the US, unregulated and unreported. These components are used to build full weapons systems like F-35s or Apache Attack Helicopters, which are then sent to Israel. This has been possible because of a giant loophole in our export laws.Please send an email to your local MP demanding that they support the No More Loopholes Act!

From Peace Now Advocates:

 Time is up! The year is up! Put Canada On Notice: Tell the Government to Take Action Against Genocide, Apartheid, and Occupation.  While Mark Carney has finally recognized the State of Palestine, this means little if it is not followed up with real action. See full report here and write a letter.

CLIMATE ACTION

The recording from BC Climate Emergency: LNG & faith webinar is now up on their website if you want to check it out. 

Tell Prime Minister Carney you say NO to dirty oil and YES to clean energy that doesn’t endanger the BC coast so many fought to protect. Write a letter to PM Carney and your MP. 

Sign the Dogwood  Petition to call on the B.C. government to stop approving new fracking project 

Tell Banks to End LNG Expansion!

From Avaaz:
Neo-Nazis attacked a sacred Aboriginal site in Australia, shouting "white power" and beating women with metal bars. The police did nothing to stop it – and Aboriginal leaders are calling for a massive solidarity response NOW. Let's signto join Australians rising up for justice, and demand this horrific attack be investigated as a hate crime.

Next in CUC Congregational Conversations Series will be on October 22 & 25 "What happens when we disagree?"

Sad News Regarding Wayne Hanna
Thursday morning, Marga Hanna sadly shared that her husband, Wayne, has passed away.  They were on vacation in Germany visiting relatives and celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary when Wayne became unwell.  He had been in hospital for more than a week and Marga had been staying with family nearby.  We will let you know when details are available about a Celebration of Life service.

Check out our social media!

Next weekend!
first Sunday Gathering
Oct 5, 2025 at 11:00am
Mollie Nye House is at 940 Lynn Valley Road

We will lead off the new fall season with a trial. The defendant is Paul, the self-styled “Apostle to the Gentiles” and the charge is misogyny. Prosecuting and defence attorneys along with a judge haver been appointed and the rest of you will be the jury.

The issues raised during the trial have a contemporary ring to them since they deal with the role of woman in religion and in the larger society.

Please rsvp to Barb so we know how much soup to have on hand. If anyone would like to make an additional pot of soup for this gathering, also please let Barb know: Barbara.Moore@vch.ca

Parking Information: Mollie Nye House is at 940 Lynn Valley Road.  We are in the basement, entrance on the south side.  We can't park in the Hillside Baptist lot as they are using their lot Sunday morning.  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.

TOMORROW NIGHT! 
Saturday Sep 27th, 5:00 to 8:00
Breaking Bread: Family Centred Community Dinners 

Meaning Making Together: Forming new Covenant Groups The Lifespan Programs Team is excited to promote a monthly series of family centred events for building community, friendships, skills, and fun. Monthly themes revolve around connections, skill sharing, holidays, rest, and silliness. September 27th is our first dinner - we are forming…

RSVP Now Free

DATE CHANGE

Join us on Saturday, October 25from 1 pm to 4 pm at Vancouver Unitarians Fireside Room.

Please RSVP, space is limited

Our 8th Principle calls us to dismantle barriers to full inclusion for all who are drawn to Unitarian Universalism.  Join us for a 3 hour Accessibility Awareness workshop delivered by LETS (Live Educate Transform Society) so that we learn how to make our events and spaces accessible to all! For more information, you can review the workshop outline here.  RSVP here, or by emailing catherine strickland. Space is limited. The event will happen at VanU in the Fireside Room of Hewett Hall. 

September 30, Orange Shirt Day, now also known as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (NDTR) is a day for all Canadians to commemorate and learn more about the history and legacy of the residential school system.

It’s a day to honour the strength, dignity and advocacy of survivors and intergenerational survivors,  by learning and talking about Indian Residential Schools and remembering the children who never came home. It's a chance to engage and educate more British Columbians about the history of colonialism and how it has and continues to impact First Nations, Métis and Inuit today. 

Introducing Casey Stainsby as UUSS's ministry practicum student for 2025-2026!

Dear UUSS community, 

It is with a very warm heart and much excitement that I am beginning a field education practicum with the UUSS community as my site for this academic year. I'll be spending roughly 8 hrs/week between now and April hanging out with you all, practicing what it means to be in a ministerial role in a UU faith community. This is part of my Masters in Divinity degree that I am working on through the Vancouver School of Theology, which itself is one important piece on the journey towards ordained ministry. Rev. Anne Barker, Congregational Life Lead for the Western part of the country, is my supervisor for this experience. 

While there are many aspects of community life that I would love to throw myself into, I am focussing on a couple of areas related to my current learning goals. A significant chunk of hours this fall will go towards learning all about Sociocracy and the process of implementing this brave new governance model across the congregation. I will also take part in leading at least one worship service, and help out with at least one community conversation. I plan to regularly attend Planning Circle meetings, and would also love to drop in on at least one meeting for each of the other circles in order to get a more holistic understanding of the community's work overall. If you are a circle leader, you'll be hearing from me soon! 

A bit about me: I grew up UU, attending the Vancouver Unitarians, and heard my first call to religious leadership while immersed in the youth community. I've worked in children's, youth and young adult ministry in several congregations, as well as a stint at our national organization, the Canadian Unitarian Council. I believe that multigenerational community and deep reciprocity with the land are essential apocalypse survival skills. I love sci-fi and fantasy novels - ask me what I'm reading! I live in North Burnaby (aka Foggy Mountain) now, with my partner Ezra and the smartest, cutest mini Australian Shepherd, Zelda. You can reach me at ec.stainsby@gmail.com. 

Thank you for welcoming me in. I look forward to meeting each and every one of you. I hope this season of changes, grief and joy is gentle with you. 

Join us online on Saturday, November 1, 12:00pm as a panel of ministers each propose the book that will help us embrace this moment as Canadian UUs. 

Members of the panel will each pitch their book proposal. Audience members (that’s you!) will  be able to submit questions. At the end of the event, everyone will vote on the book that will help us meet this moment, setting the theme for 2026’s Sharing Our Faith packet, and selecting the book that we will read nationally.

Two of the proposed books highlight the importance of Indigenous wisdom and experience:

• • Rev. Debra Faulk is championing Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations by the late Richard Wagamese (2016). Debra says that Embers provides inspiration, comfort and direction. It is filled with practical  advice for responding to hard times. 
  • North of Nowhere: Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner by Marie Wilson (2024) is proposed by Rev. Samaya Oakley.  Samaya chose this book because it shows the importance of seeing the world with new eyes.

Get your ticket here.

Congregational Conversations TOMORROW Sep 27 at 10:00 am

Check out our social media!

TOMORROW!
"Water Communion"
Saturday, September 20th
at 5:00pm

Bring your water and also volunteers are needed for the potluck afterwards

St Margarets Cedar Cottage, 
1530 E. 22nd Ave.

Please join us for the first service of our new church year. We will celebrate with a Unitarian Universalist 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.

Community Care Circle
Monday, September 22 at 7:30

From our personal lives to our professional roles—and in the world around us—we are all moving through immense challenges. To support one another, the Care & Concerns Team at UUSS is launching Community Care Circles, held every other month on Zoom. This new initiative is one way we aspire to live our mission: inspiring interconnection and reverence for all life through worship, ritual, small group ministry, and practices that deepen our care for one another.

Our first circle (Sept 22) will focus on working with grief. Whether you’re grieving a person (including beloved community members like Lynn) or grieving what you’re witnessing in the world, you are invited to be held in intimacy and fellowship.

Facilitator: Lindsay Hindle, certified Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT Tapping) practitioner, will guide participants through gentle somatic practices to release difficult emotions, calm the body and mind, and invite a sense of peace. Join from home—no travel required.

Please RSVP to receive the Zoom link 

Our 8th Principle calls us to dismantle barriers to full inclusion for all who are drawn to Unitarian Universalism.  Join us for a 3 hour Accessibility Awareness workshop delivered by LETS (Live Educate Transform Society) so that we learn how to make our events and spaces accessible to all! For more information, you can review the workshop outline here.  RSVP is not required but appreciated.  The event will happen at VanU in Hewett Hall. 

Save the Date:
first Sunday Gathering on Oct 5

We will lead off the new fall season with a trial. The defendant is Paul, the self-styled “Apostle to the Gentiles” and the charge is misogyny. Prosecuting and defence attorneys along with a judge haver been appointed and the rest of you will be the jury.

The issues raised during the trial have a contemporary ring to them since they deal with the role of woman in religion and in the larger society.

Please rsvp to Barb so we know how much soup to have on hand. If anyone would like to make an additional pot of soup for this gathering, also please let Barb know: Barbara.Moore@vch.ca

Parking Information: Mollie Nye House is at 940 Lynn Valley Road.  We are in the basement, entrance on the south side.  We can't park in the Hillside Baptist lot as they are using their lot Sunday morning.  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.

From Kiersten E. Moore, 
Director of Lifespan Faith Development, Vancouver Unitarians

I am writing to folks connected with Vancouver Unitarians who are either currently part of a small group/covenant group, or have expressed interest in joining or forming a group. Either around spirituality and meaning making, shared identity, or shared interests. 

The Lifespan RE Team is hosting a dinner next Saturday evening, September 27th, 5:00 to 8:00 pm with the goal of assisting new covenant groups in forming.  The evening is meant for:

We will have a couple large pots of soup and ask that folks bring a dish, side, or dessert to share if you can.

More info is available on our website and you can contact either myself or Ariel (cc'd above) with questions.

Welcome James Hindle,
our new Technical Coordinator!

James is the son of Lindsay Hindle and Michael Sjoerdsma and attends Grade 10 at Burnaby Mountain Secondary School. He is an outdoor adventurist and an award-winning scout. Along with this, James is also a musician who plays guitar and clarinet. He has a passion for technology and is excited for the opportunity to utilize his skills for this new job. 

James will be joining us tomorrow to shadow Carla and Liam who are subbing for Ryan and Cynthia who are away.  So please say a big UUSS hello to him when you see him.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

TOMORROW
September 20

 Draw The Line
for Coast-to-Coast
Mobilization for Justice
Please let Lynda Fownes know if you want her to bring your UUSS t-shirt for the March.

From rallies to strikes, marches to gatherings, this September 20th, communities will mobilize across the country and demand that Prime Minister Carney and the Canadian government pick a side: injustice, violence, and climate destruction— or a just and safe future for all of us.  In Vancouver, we are planning to gather outside the CBC Regional Broadcast Centre at 700 Hamilton Street.  Plans are to march down the Georgia viaduct to one of the City parks for a family-friendly festival with music, street theatre and games. Details are still being worked out.

This is more than one day of action—it's an invitation to unite, learn from each other, and build lasting alliances that will organize together long beyond September 20th. Contact Robyn Newton to learn more or to carpool.

last part of the workshop, 
Tuesday, September 23

Antiracism Learning Circles in September 
Registration Now Open 

You are invited to join an Antiracism Learning Circle this fall. It’s on zoom, so you can join from anywhere.  Invite your friends, too.  Circles start the week of September 22^rd.  

Full descriptions, schedules & registration information and also a printable flyer.

For questions contact Jody Feldman @ feldmanjody@gmail.com 

From Anne Mayall 
on Small Groups

I am excited to let you know we have subscribed this season to the Meaning Making Project. This is curriculum produced by a Canadian group of UU ministers and replaces the Soul Matters packets we have used previously. We are attaching the October packet, which we hope will provide food for thought, growth and your spiritual journey.Oct025ThemePacket.pdf

You may want to use this alone. You may find you want to explore the monthly themes with others in a small group, either virtually or in person. You may want to create your own group, or we can help facilitate that. Let’s get creative!

Small groups are a time proven way to develop deeper connections and support within our community. I am eager and happy to talk to you about my enthusiasm for this way of “doing church”.

Anne Mayall

JOB POSTING: CUC COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

The CUC is hiring a full-time Communications Manager. This person has a central role in creating, coordinating and managing communications for the Canadian Unitarian Council, including promoting the CUC and its events, strategies, fundraising communications and media management.

If you or someone you know are interested, please read on or share the email. Check here for the full description.

TOMORROW!

We are invited to Lynn's Celebration of Life service by Lynn's family: Doug,Ryan, Colin and Derek . This which will be held Saturday, September 13th at 2:00 at the Vancouver Unitarian Church, 949 W 49th Ave.

You are encouraged to wear teal and purple as they were Lynn's favourite xcolours. Contributions of sweets wouldbe most appreciated.

If you are unable to attend in person, there will be a  livestream link:
http://vanu.ca/lynnsabourin

Save the Date:
first Sunday Gathering on Oct 5

We will lead off the new fall season with a trial. The defendant is Paul, the self-styled “Apostle to the Gentiles” and the charge is misogyny. Prosecuting and defence attorneys along with a judge haver been appointed and the rest of you will be the jury.

The issues raised during the trial have a contemporary ring to them since they deal with the role of woman in religion and in the larger society.

Please rsvp to Barb so we know how much soup to have on hand. If anyone would like to make an additional pot of soup for this gathering, also please let Barb know: Barbara.Moore@vch.ca

Parking Information: Mollie Nye House is at 940 Lynn Valley Road.  We are in the basement, entrance on the south side.  We can't park in the Hillside Baptist lot as they are using their lot Sunday morning.  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.

Sociocracy Circles this fall

During the Year End Gathering, many of us signed up for one or more circles after the presentation.  As we start up after summer, here are the leads for each circle below if you wanted to sign up but didn't get a chance to in June - please reach out to them now.  They will be setting up their initial circle gatherings within the next month. The June signup sheets can be found here on the Get Involved Page (only for members and friends):

Care & Concerns - Jackie
Communications - Cynthia
Community Dialogues - catherine
Finance - Ryan
Membership* - John S
Social and Env Justice** - Robyn
Sociocracy - catherine and Casey
Sunday Gatherings - Allyson
Worship - Cara

*also addressing documentation for becoming a registered society/charity

**for now, this circle will also address accessibility, inclusion, and intergenerational welcome.

Reclaiming Education: A Conversation with Watsenniiostha Nelson, Director of Education, Kanehsatà:ke

Join us for a powerful conversation with Watsenniiostha Nelson, Director of Education for the Kanehsatà:ke Mohawk community, as she shares her vision for transforming education from a tool of assimilation into a pathway of reclamation and empowerment.

In the wake of the residential school legacy, Nelson is working to center Indigenous voices and faces in the classroom, confront the roots of absenteeism, and create spaces where young people can thrive in their full identity.

As part of the CUC’s ongoing commitment to Truth, Healing and Reconciliation, this event is held in the month of the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report. We are all invited to come together to listen, learn, and reflect on how education can be a site of healing, resurgence, and hope.

Hosted by: Amber Bellemare, Reconciliation Programme Coordinator & Camellia Jahanshahi, Dismantling Barriers Lead.

JOB POSTING: CUC COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

The CUC is hiring a full-time Communications Manager. This person has a central role in creating, coordinating and managing communications for the Canadian Unitarian Council, including promoting the CUC and its events, strategies, fundraising communications and media management.

If you or someone you know are interested, please read on or share the email. Check here for the full description.

Antiracism Learning Circles in September 
Registration Now Open 

You are invited to join an Antiracism Learning Circle this fall. It’s on zoom, so you can join from anywhere.  Invite your friends, too.  Circles start the week of September 22^rd.  

Full descriptions, schedules & registration information and also a printable flyer.

For questions contact Jody Feldman @ feldmanjody@gmail.com 

NEXT WEEKEND
Saturday, September 20th
at 5:00pm

St Margarets Cedar Cottage, 
1530 E. 22nd Ave.

Please join us for the first service of our new church year. We will celebrate with a Unitarian Universalist 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.

From Anne Mayall 
on Small Groups

I am excited to let you know we have subscribed this season to the Meaning Making Project. This is curriculum produced by a Canadian group of UU ministers and replaces the Soul Matters packets we have used previously. We are attaching the October packet, which we hope will provide food for thought, growth and your spiritual journey.

You may want to use this alone. You may find you want to explore the monthly themes with others in a small group, either virtually or in person. You may want to create your own group, or we can help facilitate that. Let’s get creative!

Small groups are a time proven way to develop deeper connections and support within our community. I am eager and happy to talk to you about my enthusiasm for this way of “doing church”.

Anne Mayall

SOCIAL JUSTICE

September 20
for Coast-to-Coast
Mobilization for Justice

From rallies to strikes, marches to gatherings, this September 20th, communities will mobilize across the country and demand that Prime Minister Carney and the Canadian government pick a side: injustice, violence, and climate destruction— or a just and safe future for all of us.  In Vancouver, we are planning to gather outside the CBC Regional Broadcast Centre at 700 Hamilton Street.  Plans are to march down the Georgia viaduct to one of the City parks for a family-friendly festival with music, street theatre and games. Details are still being worked out.

This is more than one day of action—it's an invitation to unite, learn from each other, and build lasting alliances that will organize together long beyond September 20th. Contact Robyn Newton robyn.newton.mail@gmail.com  to learn more or to carpool.

Please put in your order for 
your t-shirts by Monday, September 8!

Get ready to be seen! Many thanks to Lynda Fownes because we are ready to place some orders now!  They will range from $30-35 and are 100% cotton.

Order your t-shirt now!

Welcome Maeve Lynn Earl Patterson-Gram!

Born at 3:42 am, August 23rd, 2025 to Yette Gram and Liam Patterson-Morris

It’s been clear since she arrived on the planet that Maeve is a feisty little one, born with a full head of hair, chuffing like a tiger, immediately ready to eat and indeed to scratch the OR pediatrician trying to weigh her for interrupting her meal. 

We got home on the 25th and have settled nicely into a family routine, namely eating, snuggling, and occasionally hanging out outside in her stroller or carrier. Maeve is already meeting our family, friends and neighbours through visits and little neighbourhood excursions. We are all healthy and recovering well, and can't wait to introduce her to all of you.

We've given Maeve the middle name Lynn in honour of our own beloved Lynn Sabourin, who would have been one of her biggest fans. We hope to instill in Maeve some of the characteristics that made Lynn so special. 

Hopefully she doesn't take after Lynn's abysmal sense of physical direction, but through giving her this name and the stories we plan to share with her, we hope she will take some direction from the life Lynn led and the lessons we learned from her. From her influence on Yette (and many, many others) through the children's program at North Shore, and more recently from working with her as we set up UUs of the Salish Sea, Lynn demonstrated for all of us how to make people feel seen and loved, how to be creative and silly and dignified all at once, and how to take every opportunity to make the world more beautiful, whether that meant choosing the perfect table linens for worship or attending protests for social justice.

We look forward to rejoining you all as soon as we are able. 

- Yette and Liam

We are invited to Lynn's Celebration of Life service by Lynn's family: Doug,Ryan, Colin and Derek . This which will be held Saturday, September 13th at 2:00 at the Vancouver Unitarian Church, 949 W 49th Ave.

You are encouraged to wear teal and purple as they were Lynn's favourite xcolours. Contributions of sweets wouldbe most appreciated.

If you are unable to attend in person, there will be a  livestream link:
http://vanu.ca/lynnsabourin

Sociocracy Circles this fall

During the Year End Gathering, many of us signed up for one or more circles after the presentation.  As we start up after summer, here are the leads for each circle below if you wanted to sign up but didn't get a chance to in June - please reach out to them now.  They will be setting up their initial circle gatherings within the next month. The June signup sheets can be found here on the Get Involved Page (only for members and friends):

Care & Concerns - Jackie
Communications - Cynthia
Community Dialogues - catherine
Finance - Ryan
Membership* - John S
Social and Env Justice** - Robyn
Sociocracy - catherine and Casey
Sunday Gatherings - Allyson
Worship - Cara

*also addressing documentation for becoming a registered society/charity

**for now, this circle will also address accessibility, inclusion, and intergenerational welcome.

TOMORROW!
Getting Ready to Meet this Moment: Activating the Canadian UU Ecosystem

Canadian UUs are preparing to meet this moment as a collaborative, interconnected ecosystem! We are thrilled with the response to our first announcement. We are now seventeen people in four interconnected planning circles.

Are you interested in helping us build capacity and engage in small experiments?

our Fall 2026 in person event 

 Join us on Sat, September 6! 

We’re holding a two-hour online retreat for everyone in the planning circles: 9:00 am Pacific / 10:00 am Mountain & SK / 11:00 Central / 12:00 noon Eastern / 1:00 pm Atlantic.

Apply now to be a part of “activating” our Canadian UU ecosystem and meet everyone at our September retreat. Fill out this form, preferably by August 30, 2025.   

Are you wondering whether this project is a good fit for you? Fill out the form – one of us will be happy to chat with you. More info

Reclaiming Education: A Conversation with Watsenniiostha Nelson, Director of Education, Kanehsatà:ke

Join us for a powerful conversation with Watsenniiostha Nelson, Director of Education for the Kanehsatà:ke Mohawk community, as she shares her vision for transforming education from a tool of assimilation into a pathway of reclamation and empowerment.

In the wake of the residential school legacy, Nelson is working to center Indigenous voices and faces in the classroom, confront the roots of absenteeism, and create spaces where young people can thrive in their full identity.

As part of the CUC’s ongoing commitment to Truth, Healing and Reconciliation, this event is held in the month of the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report. We are all invited to come together to listen, learn, and reflect on how education can be a site of healing, resurgence, and hope.

Hosted by: Amber Bellemare, Reconciliation Programme Coordinator & Camellia Jahanshahi, Dismantling Barriers Lead.

From Anne Mayall Small Groups

I am excited to let you know we have subscribed this season to the Meaning Making Project. This is curriculum produced by a Canadian group of UU ministers and replaces the Soul Matters packets we have used previously. We are attaching the October packet, which we hope will provide food for thought, growth and your spiritual journey.

You may want to use this alone. You may find you want to explore the monthly themes with others in a small group, either virtually or in person. You may want to create your own group, or we can help facilitate that. Let’s get creative!

Small groups are a time proven way to develop deeper connections and support within our community. I am eager and happy to talk to you about my enthusiasm for this way of “doing church”.

Anne Mayall

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Summer Update
August 29, 2025

Welcome to our newest member!  Baby Maeve was born on Aug 23rdto Liam and Yette, she was 8.25 pounds and all are healthy and happy and now finally home. Stay tuned for more updates here.

We are invited to Lynn's Celebration of Life service by Lynn's family: Doug,Ryan, Colin and Derek . This which will be held Saturday, September 13th at 2:00 at the Vancouver Unitarian Church, 949 W 49th Ave.

You are encouraged to wear teal and purple as they were Lynn's favourite colours.

If you are unable to attend in person, there will be a  livestream link:
http://vanu.ca/lynnsabourin

Please put in your order for 
your t-shirts NOW!

Get ready to be seen! Many thanks to Lynda Fownes because we are ready to place some orders now!  They will range from $30-35 and are 100% cotton.

Order your t-shirt before Sep 8!

Sociocracy Circles this fall

During the Year End Gathering, many of us signed up for one or more circles after the presentation.  As we start up after summer, here are the leads for each circle below if you wanted to sign up but didn't get a chance to in June - please reach out to them now.  They will be setting up their initial circle gatherings within the next month. The June signup sheets can be found here on the Get Involved Page (only for members and friends):

Care & Concerns - Jackie
Communications - Cynthia
Community Dialogues - catherine
Finance - Ryan
Membership* - John S
Social and Env Justice** - Robyn
Sociocracy - catherine and Casey
Sunday Gatherings - Allyson
Worship - Cara

*also addressing documentation for becoming a registered society/charity

**for now, this circle will also address accessibility, inclusion, and intergenerational welcome.

Emergent Strategy Book Club –
First Meeting

TOMORROW!!
Sat, August 30 at 10:00am

Save the Date: September 20th

Please join us for the first service of our new church year. We will celebrate with a Unitarian Universalist 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.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

September 20
for Coast-to-Coast
Mobilization for Justice

From rallies to strikes, marches to gatherings, this September 20th, communities will mobilize across the country and demand that Prime Minister Carney and the Canadian government pick a side: injustice, violence, and climate destruction— or a just and safe future for all of us.  In Vancouver, we are planning to gather outside the CBC Regional Broadcast Centre at 700 Hamilton Street.  Plans are to march down the Georgia viaduct to one of the City parks for a family-friendly festival with music, street theatre and games. Details are still being worked out.

This is more than one day of action—it's an invitation to unite, learn from each other, and build lasting alliances that will organize together long beyond September 20th. Contact Robyn Newton robyn.newton.mail@gmail.com  to learn more or to carpool.

See the detailed demands.

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Summer Update
August 22, 2025

Thank you to everyone who gathered on Sunday to share stories and memories and be with others who loved Lynn. A special thank you to catherine and John for hosting. Her family is planning to hold a Memorial Service and that information will be widely shared when it is available. In the meantime, please feel free to share any thoughts that you wish in the Forum section of the website which is just for members only.

From Ron Phares:

"UU's of Salish Sea,

Along with you I am in shock and grief at the death of our beloved Lynn Sabourin. Her light and sincerity and ability and dedication was inspirational. She was a giant of love. She was supposed to be immortal. That is the measure of her impact. She felt like a forever person. And there is no way she should be gone from this life. 

Lynn knew what to do. Always. And was ever prepared for it. But she also was always ready to learn and adapt. It's a rare combination; to be so assured of oneself while also able to change gracefully. 

Take comfort in the truth that Lynn helped to shape you. As a people. And as individual people. Her example of clear sightedness, justice, and kindness remains a guide. We can honor her by living up to her example. That's how we can hold her still, hold her loss in such a way that it is creative. Her absence calls for us to fill it with stuff of the same kind. And for that, I know we are grateful. 

But for now I'm just sad; stuck between disbelief and acceptance. I'm so sad she is gone and shocked it is even possible. 

The day after I heard she had died I was at a funeral. That is why I was unable to join you on Sunday. But I carried my grief into that ceremonial coincidence and shed tears for Lynn there and felt a bit more reconciled for it. 

Hold each other. Weep with one another. And listen for her call in your hearts. She's not done helping. 

I love you all. My heart breaks with yours. May you hold each other in love. 

-- 

Reverend Ron Phares (he/him)
Minister, All Souls Unitarian Universalist

We have an official banner!

Thank you to all who sent in your votes. The dark blue banner was the winner!

And we are ordering t-shirts! too

Get ready to be seen! Many thanks to Lynda Fownes because we are ready to place some orders now!  They will range from $30-35 and are 100% cotton.

Order your t-shirt before Sep 8!

TOMORROW!
St. Margaret’s Church
Rummage Sale
Saturday, August 23
9:30am -12:00pm

Please come and support the church where we meet!

All proceeds will go toward their new heat pump/furnace project which will keep the space reliably warm in winter and cool in summer for years to come!

Emergent Strategy Book Club –
First Meeting

Sat, August 30 at 10:00am

Getting Ready to Meet this Moment: Activating the Canadian UU Ecosystem

Canadian UUs are preparing to meet this moment as a collaborative, interconnected ecosystem! We are thrilled with the response to our first announcement. We are now seventeen people in four interconnected planning circles.

Are you interested in helping us build capacity and engage in small experiments?our Fall 2026 in person event 

 Join us on Sat, September 6! 

We’re holding a two-hour online retreat for everyone in the planning circles: 9:00 am Pacific / 10:00 am Mountain & SK / 11:00 Central / 12:00 noon Eastern / 1:00 pm Atlantic.

Apply now to be a part of “activating” our Canadian UU ecosystem and meet everyone at our September retreat. Fill out this form, preferably by August 30, 2025.   

Are you wondering whether this project is a good fit for you? Fill out the form – one of us will be happy to chat with you. 

More info

Save the Date: September 20th

Please join us for the first service of our new church year. We will celebrate with a Unitarian Universalist 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.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Ask Canada to build Canada's East-West energy grid with renewables.

Some good news on the climate front!

And some less positive news

The National Council of Canadian Muslims are asking fellow Canadians to take action to protect Muslims, Arabs, and Palestinians, who are facing threats and intimidation in Canada, and worse in Gaza. They report that an Ontario Student was forced to remove references to Gaza in their valedictorian speech this past June.

https://nccm.ca/take-action/

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Summer Update
August 15, 2025

We are getting a banner!

Please fill out the following survey to help us design our banner.  If you run into any problems, send Ryan a note.

Deadline is next Friday, August 22by the end of the day.

A new initiative from the Care & Concerns Circle launches 
this September

We invite you to find yourself among friends, listeners, and witnesses to help support you through your personal challenges and concerns for the world in our new online “Community Care Circle”

This is a call to gather in intimacy, in fellowship, and live our shared values.

Lindsay Hindle, certified Emotional Freedom Techniques Practitioner, will facilitate and lead participants in the transformative practice of being witnessed and using somatic technique to release difficult emotions, calm the body, mind, and activate peace within. Taking place on a bi-monthly basis over Zoom, you may join from the comfort of your home, no travel necessary. Our first circle takes place on Monday, September 22 at 7:30 pm on Zoom.  Registration link coming soon.

St. Margaret’s Church
Rummage Sale
Saturday, August 23
9:30am -12:00pm

Please come and support the church where we meet!

All proceeds will go toward their new heat pump/furnace project which will keep the space reliably warm in winter and cool in summer for years to come!

Emergent Strategy Book Club –
First Meeting

Sat, August 30 at 10:00am

Reclaiming Education: 
A Conversation with Watsenniiostha Nelson, Director of Education, Kanehsatà:ke

Join us for a powerful conversation with Watsenniiostha Nelson, Director of Education for the Kanehsatà:ke Mohawk community, as she shares her vision for transforming education from a tool of assimilation into a pathway of reclamation and empowerment.

In the wake of the residential school legacy, Nelson is working to center Indigenous voices and faces in the classroom, confront the roots of absenteeism, and create spaces where young people can thrive in their full identity.

As part of the CUC’s ongoing commitment to Truth, Healing and Reconciliation, this event is held in the month of the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report. We are all invited to come together to listen, learn, and reflect on how education can be a site of healing, resurgence, and hope. More info.

Hosted by: Amber Bellemare, Reconciliation Programme Coordinator & Camellia Jahanshahi, Dismantling Barriers Lead.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

We Are All One Planet: 
A Night with Wet’suwet’en House Groups 
Before They Head to Court

From Raven Trust: On August 21st, Wet’suwet’en is returning to court. The government is once again trying to shirk their commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, breaking their promise to protect future generations. RAVEN is hosting a pre-court event on August 20th at 7pm at the Vancouver Unitarians Church, where we will hear from representatives from Wet’suwet’en and their legal counsel about the Nation, their climate litigation, and what’s at stake with their motion to strike hearing. Also livestreamed. Come support Wet’suwet’en as they pursue climate justice for all of us! Register here

September 20
for Coast-to-Coast
Mobilization for Justice

From rallies to strikes, marches to gatherings, this September 20th, communities will mobilize across the country and demand that Prime Minister Carney and the Canadian government pick a side: injustice, violence, and climate destruction— or a just and safe future for all of us.  In Vancouver, we are planning to gather outside the CBC Regional Broadcast Centre at 700 Hamilton Street.  Plans are to march down the Georgia viaduct to one of the City parks for a family-friendly festival with music, street theatre and games. Details are still being worked out.

This is more than one day of action—it's an invitation to unite, learn from each other, and build lasting alliances that will organize together long beyond September 20th. Contact Robyn Newton robyn.newton.mail@gmail.com  to learn more or to carpool.

See the detailed demands.

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Summer Update
August 1, 2025

UUSS 2025 Summer Gathering

A wonderful time at Jilly and Michael's on 
Bowen Island was had by all last Sunday! 
Thanks for hosting!

UUSS 2025 Summer Gathering

A wonderful time at Jilly and Michael's on 
Bowen Island was had by all last Sunday! 
Thanks for hosting!

Emergent Strategy Book Club –
First Meeting

Sat, August 30 at 10:00am

We’re starting a book club to discuss Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown. In our first meeting, we’ll talk about:

• What ideas stood out to you in the book?What ideas stood out to you in the book

• How could these ideas help your community or personal growth?
  

• How could these ideas help your community or personal grow

No need to read the whole book – just come ready to share thoughts. Registration opens soon.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Mark your calendars 
September 20  

Plans are underway for a Global Day of Action on Climate Justice and Democracy on Saturday September 20th .  The theme of the day is "Draw the Line".  Seniors for the Climate are starting to make plans for that day, but other environmental and justice groups will probably also be organizing events. 

 I hope local events will happen in the morning, as this is the same day as our water service, and I would like to see as many UUSSs show up on September 20 as possible.  The added bonus is that we do not have to do the organizing; we just need to show up!  So please put that date in your calendar now.  I will keep you posted as the details emerge.  Contact Robyn at 
robyn.newton.mail@gmail.com 
if you want to carpool. 

Check out our social media!

Check the calendar on our website for more events!

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www.uusalishsea.ca      2025

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Sunmmer Update
July 25, 2025

THIS COMING SUNDAY!!

Join us for a Summer 
Potluck on Bowen!

Jilly and Michael Watson invite their UUSS friends to a Pot-Luck Lunch at their house on Bowen Island on Sunday July 27.

Bring a dish to share. Drinks will be provided. Watch the ferries go by from their deck (and maybe even see some whales).

Bowen Island is a 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay.Either drive your car on to the ferry, or walk-on as a foot-passenger. You'll be picked up when you walk off on Bowen Island, and driven to their house.

A good ferry to catch would be the 10:35am from Horseshoe Bay.Ferry tickets have to be purchased at least 10-minutes before sailing time. If you come by car, you’ll need to arrive much earlier, to be sure of getting on. Parking at Horseshoe Bay is challenging.  BC Ferries have pay parking lots, but they can fill-up on week-ends.  And on-street parking is limited to 2-hours, and is monitored by by-law officers.

If you are planning on walking on to the ferry, one option is to catch the No.257 Express Bus to the ferry terminal (from Georgia St. at Granville in Vancouver at 9:36am; or from Park Royal in West Vancouver at 9:53am).

Ferries from Bowen Island return after lunch at 1:55pm, 3:15pm, & 4:40pm. 

RSVP to Jilly at 604-813-7954 jilly.watson@shaw.ca for directions and confirmation.

Sign up for Circle Meals!

Joy Silver is once again organizing small potluck meal gatherings over the summer and throughout the fall as long as there is interest.  If you would like to host, and/or be a guest, please indicate on the response sheet on the link below.  Joy will match up hosts and guests.  Hosts will receive a call from Joy, providing guest names.  Hosts will call their guests. Multigenerational meals are encouraged.

Let’s have a lot of fun getting to know each other better while we break bread over a meal of your choice.  Consider even a picnic during the summer months.

Sign Up Link

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Mark your calendars 
September 20  

Plans are underway for a Global Day of Action on Climate Justice and Democracy on Saturday September 20th .  The theme of the day is "Draw the Line".  Seniors for the Climate are starting to make plans for that day, but other environmental and justice groups will probably also be organizing events. 

 I hope local events will happen in the morning, as this is the same day as our water service, and I would like to see as many UUSSs show up on September 20 as possible.  The added bonus is that we do not have to do the organizing; we just need to show up!  So please put that date in your calendar now.  I will keep you posted as the details emerge.  Contact Robyn at 
robyn.newton.mail@gmail.com 
if you want to carpool. 

DEMAND AN END TO

MASS STARVATION

Canada has the power to impose sanctions — including an arms embargo — that can help bring an end to the genocide in Palestine. History is watching and Canada must act. Send a message nowdemanding that Prime Minister Mark Carney and Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand sanction Israel.

France has just declared they will recognize the state of Palestine.

Heather McPherson has a motion before the House to declare Canada’s recognition of the state of Palestine . See that motion here and the names of the MPs who support her motion:

Please write a short note to your MP and link them to the motion and ask them to support it along with other colleagues. 

CALL ON PRESIDENT LULA TO PROTECT BRAZIL'S 
AMAZON FOREST

Join the call to urge Lula to veto the 'devastation bill' – this may be our last chance. Add your name here.

HAVE YOUR SAY ON BILL 15

Public engagement is now open to support implementation of the Infrastructure Projects Act (ie. Bill 15). Click here to have your say on how this Act will be implemented.

The United Nations’ top court in a landmark advisory opinion Wednesday said countries could be in violation of international law if they fail to take measures to protect the planet from climate change, and nations harmed by its effects could be entitled to reparations. Read the story.

Check out our social media!

Check the calendar on our website for more events!

This message was sent to you by UUs of the Salish Sea
If you no longer wish to receive these emails, you can unsubscribe at any time

www.uusalishsea.ca      2025