Unitarian Universalists of the Salish Sea News

April 17, 2026 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

April 17, 2026

UPCOMING UUSS EVENTS

TOMORROW!!

UU Salish Sea Monthly Service
April 18th at 5:00pm
"Nourishing Nature"

We can experience spiritual healing through our engagement with nature, not just with our minds but in our bodies and hearts. As we nourish and help to heal our earth we are in turn nourished and healed. The love and connection we feel in community is enhanced by our connection to the interdependent web of life and can sustain us in hard times. Please join us as we practice healing ourselves and the earth through song, story and engagement with nature as we approach Earth Day.

TOMORROW as well at 2:00
"Healing Together"

Please join us for a Healing Together session on Saturday, April 18th from 2 pm to 4 pm at St. Margaret's Cedar Cottage. This event will offer us an opportunity to share our stories and be witnessed as well as offer some tools and practices that can help us process our unresolved impact. The session will be lead by Lindsay Hindle, Casey Stainsby and catherine strickland.

UUSS AGM will be held after the June Service on June 20th.

May 3: “Question Storming” with Jessica Motherwell McFarlane
June 7: with Casey Stainsby

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Meaning Making Project
April 2026

As Unitarian Universalists our interdependence calls us to love and justice. We begin from the knowledge that we belong to the earth, a truth both profound and mundane. Yet we often feel estranged from nature, disconnected from the connected web of creation.

Don MacKenzie, A United Church of Christ minister suggests this estrangement grates on us on some deep level, unsettles us. He says his grandfather, when feeling off, would say “If I could just walk across a newly ploughed field in my bare feet, and feel the dirt coming up between my toes, I’d know where I was.” https://orionmagazine.org/article/climate-and-creation/

I think we need the healing that comes from connecting with nature and I know the earth needs our help to heal and adapt to the climate crisis.

Spiritual resilience can arise in part through a visceral experience of the interdependent web of life, not just in our minds, but in our bodies and hearts. To find sanctuary in this blue green earth that is our home. This sense of love and connection can sustain us in the hard times, and these feel like hard times on so many levels.

My own spiritual practice to connect is simple – I go outside and sit under a tree – or I go outside and walk – or I just look out my window at the trees that I am so lucky to have around my home. I feel such gratitude to have all this green life just beyond my door, and every year I learn a little more about the trees and plants and birds and animals that share this land with me. I am beginning to know where I am.

I encourage all of you to find spiritual practices that connect you to the earth, from sketching a flower to singing a song outside to growing basil on the windowsill to hiking a mountain. Whatever lets you feel the way Mary Oliver feels in this excerpt from a poem:

When I am among the trees
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.

Find the way nature nourishes your spirit and find ways to nourish nature. It is these gifts of connectedness that help us all.
Apr_2026_Theme_Packet_colour_with_discussion_guide.pdf

Hearts for Tumbler Ridge
Count for this week

Heart-Makers - 48
Made last week - 535
Made to-date - 826

Goal by August 15th = 2,400

Join us for a warm, relaxing night of music and good company at the beautiful Vancouver Unitarians Sanctuary, on the corner of 49th and Oak on April 25. Doors open at 6:15 pm, and the music starts at 7:00.

Tables fill up quickly, so arrive early to pick your spot. The balcony is open, with a lovely view of the whole room, and great acoustics too. Seating is not reserved/general admission only. Because the music happens in two different areas through the evening, feel free to turn or shift your chair whenever you’d like a better angle.

Yummy Bits and Bites will be waiting on your table when you arrive, and drinks can be bought at the bar in the entry hall. You are welcome to bring your drink to your seat but please be careful with your food and drink in our beautiful space!

Wayne Hanna's Celebration of Life
2pm Sat. April 25th at NSU
All are invited to attend Wayne's Celebration of Life Service at NSU with reception following in the Fireside Room.

Brian Blann's Celebration of Life
2pm Sat. May 2nd at NSU
All are invited to attend Brian's Celebration of Life Service at NSU with a reception at 3:30pm at the West Vancouver Yacht Club.

April 10, 2026 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 11 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

April 10, 2026

UPCOMING UUSS EVENTS

NEXT SATURDAY at 2:00
"Healing Together"

Next Saturday as well

Monthly Service directly following the Healing Session on
April 18th at 5:00pm
"Nourishing Nature"

Updates from your
Worship Circle

The Worship Circle has been working on planning our last three services our year. We are enjoying our last month of collaborating with Casey Stainsby as she finishes up her time with us. April's service will explore our community's healing journey while celebrating our nourishing relationship with the Earth. Our May service will look at how the liberating power of love is at the centre of our faith and how we can work for peace in our world. In June we will honour the many colours of our world as we celebrate Pride month and enjoy our year-end flower communion. The Worship Circle would welcome ideas for services and are looking forward to starting to plan our next year.

There is a Metro UU cross border support Google group just starting up. For anyone interested in joining a discussion about how we can support UU's in the States, especially our LGBTQ+ friends, please contact Cara.

UUSS AGM will be held after the June Service on June 20th.

May 3: “Question Storming” with Jessica Motherwell
June 7: with Casey Stainsby

SOCIAL JUSTICE

From Dogwood: On April 12, bands take over the Cobalt in Vancouver for a high-energy fundraiser, supporting Indigenous land defenders fighting the MAGA billionaire-backed Ksi Lisims LNG terminal. Get the details...

From Seniors for Climate: In a world rocked by war and climate chaos, Canada is doubling down on fossil fuel megaprojects—using public dollars to fund projects that harm our health, climate, and Indigenous rights. The “LNG: Not in Our National Interest” campaign is pushing back, demanding investment in clean energy instead. Show your support for this campaign by showing up at Housing Minister Gregor Robertson's MP constituency office Saturday, April 18 at 1pm.

Make energy efficiency a national priority! More here.

From Avaaz: Israel has just passed a law that will allow them to hang Palestinians. The EU is Israel's largest trading partner - this is how we make Netanyahu listen. Sign and share this global call to EU leaders to suspend the EU–Israel trade agreement now.

If you believe in a Unitarian Universalism that is multiracial, just, and spiritually alive—this is a moment to act, not just affirm. DRUUMM’s annual Public Worship on May 14, 2026 is an invitation into that vision:“We Ride at Dawn: Showing Up, No Matter What.” Led by Rev. Summer Albayati and Rev. Verdis L. Robinson, this online service centers the leadership and spiritual traditions of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in our faith. The service is open to all. We invite you to attend—and to engage your congregation or organization in visible, material support. We hope you will personally attend—and we invite you to encourage your congregation, ministry, or organization to become a visible sponsor of this work.Sponsor form.Deadline: April 15

Special Announcement

"The CUC Board of Trustees is pleased to share that Michael Jodah has been selected as the new Executive Director of the Canadian Unitarian Council. Michael will join on a part-time basis beginning April 13, working alongside current Executive Director Vyda Ng through a shared transition period until June 15. Vyda's last day with the CUC will be June 30, closing a chapter of dedicated service to Canadian Unitarian Universalism.

Michael brings significant experience in executive leadership, community-building, environmental sustainability, and education. A Guyanese-Canadian social entrepreneur and academic, he has dedicated his career to building spaces where people belong, where young people are genuinely invested in, and where communities are strengthened from within. He also brings a personal connection to Unitarian Universalism, having served as a board member in a UU congregation.

Throughout the search process, Michael stood out for the grounded and collaborative way he approaches leadership: clear in his vision, attentive to people, and genuinely motivated by the growth of progressive communities across Canada. He is particularly inspired by the possibility of growing Unitarian Universalism among younger generations and deepening the role UU spaces play as places of real connection and shared life.

"I'm excited to take on this new challenge and to work alongside communities across the country," Michael shares. "I'm an action-oriented person, and I look forward to building momentum together, finding ways to grow progressive communities and strengthen the role UU spaces can play in people's lives."

Members of the Search Committee and Board expressed strong confidence in Michael's leadership, noting his experience, energy, and forward-looking vision for Canadian UUism.

Current Executive Director Vyda offers her welcome: "I welcome Michael to the CUC and the use of his skills and experience on behalf of Canadian Unitarian Universalism. I also want to extend deep appreciation to the Search Committee for their many hours of thoughtful work in this process."

We step into this next chapter with confidence in what our communities have built, and in the leadership Michael brings to what comes next."

April 3, 2026 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 04 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

April 3, 2026

UPCOMING UUSS EVENTS

Healing Together

Hello Beloveds,

Many of us still carry trauma and distress from the experiences that led us to leave NSUC. And while this resulted in us creating our wonderful UUSS community, we continue to be impacted and possibly limited by these experiences.

Please join us for a Healing Together session on Saturday, April 18th from 2 pm to 4 pm at St. Margaret's Cedar Cottage. This event will offer us an opportunity to share our stories and be witnessed as well as offer some tools and practices that can help us process our unresolved impact. The session will be lead by Lindsay Hindle, Casey Stainsby and catherine strickland.

Next Saturday Service directly following the Healing Session on April 18th at 5:00pm
"Nourishing Nature"

Updates from your Planning Team

The Planning Team meets every 3rd Wednesday of the month gathering status from all of the other teams (circles soon?) and monitoring the administrative aspects of helping keep UUSS going.Here are some updates from the last meeting on March 26:

We are working on getting UUSS to be a charitable society. We have submitted our packet after much work to the CUC and are awaiting their feedback
This is Casey's last month with us for her practicom. Her last planning team meeting with us is next month. She has been primarily working with Worship Team and Sociocracy and most recently helping with the Healing Journey planned for April 18th.
Cares and Concerns will be scheduling another Stitch Witches event to make more hearts in support the Heart Ministry. The target is 2400 hearts to be delivered to Tumbler Ridge.
For Social & Environmental Justice, Robyn has been representing us on two different projects that focus on one where different agencies opposing federal government funding for pipelines: BC Climate emergency campaign and Mother Tree Leaders Program, organized by Sierra Club.
Financially, we are running a good balance to cover expenses.
In Communication, Ryan and Cynthia welcome James as a major contributor to our services. Enews has changed its format a bit in the last few week's for better accessibility. We currently have 55 Facebook followers and 140 Instagram followers. Please use our hashtag @uusalishsea when posting.
Metro UUs are starting a chaplaincy support committee for all metro congregations who have chaplains and maybe not enough people to form support committees for chaplains.

UUSS AGM will be held after the June Service on June 20th.

NO GATHERING THIS SUNDAY
due to the date falling on
Easter Sunday

May 3: “Question Storming” with Jessica Motherwell
June 7: with Casey StainsbyNO GATHERING THIS SUNDAY
due to the date falling on
Easter Sunda
May 3: “Question Storming” with Jessica Mothe

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Join the Metro UUs Ecochallenge! The Team is named Metro-Van-Unis - JOIN the team!

From 350.org: Demand powerlines not pipelines

From Amnesty International : Urgent action - Call Call on the US to drop charges against journalists for doing their job.

From Action Network: Tell Carney to join other leaders in opposing Israel's inhumane Prisoners Execution Law.

From LeadNow: Tell our Canadian Pension Plan to stop funding ICE

HAPPY APRIL FOOLS FROM CUC!
Click here for more April 1 fun!

“Unitarian Universalists: The MUUsical”
Coming to a Congregation Near You

Congregations are in for a treat this spring with the CUC’s national service. Starting April 2, 2026, a recording will be provided to all congregations who request it of the smash Broadway hit: “Unitarian Universalists: The MUUsical.”

“Unitarian Universalists: The MUUsical” was written by a group of musically gifted UU young adults who hoped to give Unitarian Universalism a publicity boost similar to that which “The Book of Mormon” gave to that faith.

In keeping with the living tradition that has long guided UU’s, the musical puts a fresh spin on old classics. Audiences will find themselves singing along with “The RuuM Where It Happens”, a spoof of the song from “Hamilton”, about the hidden world of UU board meetings, and “Oklahoma”, which has been rewritten as a gospel tune featuring the choir of Tulsa’s All Souls Unitarian Church, one of the world’s largest UU congregations.

While the recording of the musical is being provided to congregations free of charge, tickets for live performances are hard to come by: seats for the Broadway show have been packed for months.

March 27, 2026 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 28 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

March 27, 2026

UPCOMING UUSS EVENTS

Healing Together

After the Healing session, we will offer a light snack before the start of our monthly Worship and potluck dinner starting at 5 pm. The Worship service will provide opportunities to reflect on and integrate the work done in our Healing session.

We hope you will join us!
warmly, UUSS Healing Team

Tumbler Ridge Heart Ministry – Community Update

The Unitarian Universalists of the Salish Sea are honoured to serve as the host sponsors of a growing outreach effort to support the people of Tumbler Ridge as they cope with the aftermath of the recent tragedy in their community. What began as a small gesture of care has quickly grown into a powerful circle of compassion.

Volunteers have been gathering to sew handmade hearts—one for every member of the Tumbler Ridge community. Each heart is a simple reminder that people far away are holding them in love and solidarity during this difficult time.

Here is where the project stands so far:
Over 40 volunteers are already helping by sewing hearts, cutting fabric, preparing ribbons, and assembling materials. Together we have created more than 130 hearts, with a goal of 2,400 hearts so that every community member can receive one. The project is spreading through word of mouth. Neighbours, friends, members of volunteer groups, local merchants (including Michaels and a sewing shop), and even people Joy meets while out shopping have offered support. Ron McKinnon, MP for Coquitlam–Port Coquitlam, has offered to contact the Member of Parliament representing Tumbler Ridge to help connect our effort with the community there.

Deadline: To make this gesture of care possible, all hearts need to be completed by August 15 so they can be prepared and delivered to the community by the beginning of this school year. This project is growing quickly, and there are many ways people can help.

We are currently looking for:
- People willing to sew hearts
- Volunteers to assemble heart kits (cut fabric, ribbons, stuffing, etc.)
- Donations of sewing supplies
- Hosts for small sewing gatherings
- People willing to spread the word to friends, neighbours, and community groups

Small acts of care can travel a long way. Each heart carries a message: you are not alone. If you would like to participate or donate supplies, please contact us. Together we can surround the people of Tumbler Ridge with a visible sign of compassion and community.The Unitarian Universalists of the Salish Sea are grateful to everyone who has already stepped forward to help grow this circle of care.

NO GATHERING IN APRIL due to the date falling on Easter Sunday.
May 3: “Question Storming” with Jessica Motherwell

June 7: with Casey Stainsby

A reminder to keep our wonderful very own Lay Chaplain, Barb Moore, in mind when planning weddings, life celebrations, child dedications and more. She crafts ceremonies to cater to the individual circumstances, taking faith, values, sexual orientation and gender identity, and cultural differences into consideration.
Learn more about Barb here.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

No war! No ICE! No Tyrants!

TOMORROW!!

Lets have a UUSS showing at the No Tyrant's Day on March 28, starting at 11:00 at the Vancouver Public Library downtown and marching to Jack Poole Plaza. This event is sponsored by Indivisible Vancouver and Democracy Rising. The threat to the globe by the current administration in the US is increasing daily. Let's raise our voices against the insanity and show up in force! Please reach to Cindy if you want to go. More info.

CUC

Register Now! CanUUdle XXVI is happening in Vancouver, BC from May 15-18th, 2026!

CanUUdle is the annual national conference for Unitarian Universalist youth (ages 14-19) and their adult advisors (25+).

It’s a beautiful weekend where youth and adults create an amazing community, worship together, grow as spiritual beings, and join in multigen activities. CanUUdle attendees stay overnight at the Vancouver Unitarians Congregation from Friday to Monday.

Don’t delay in registering! We require a minimum of 30 participants registered by April 15 for the event to go ahead.

Congregational Conversations: Shifting from Problem to Opportunity
April 16 & April 18 10:00 am

Dismantling Barriers: Positionality and Economics
April 23 4:00 pm

Workshop: UUism and Social Enterprise with Shaun Loney
April 25 10:00 am

Upcoming AGM Update

CUC Ann ual General Mee ting
Saturday, May 23 | Online and in person in Toronto

This is how congregations shape the national direction of Canadian UU life: through voting, dialogue, and shared governance. Delegate registration deadline is May 10. An updated bylaw motion will be circulated in early April
Register your delegates now.

Seekin g a Parliamentarian
The CUC is looking for someone well-versed in Robert's Rules of Order to guide our democratic process at the AGM. This is a meaningful volunteer role. Know someone who'd be a great fit? Applications are due April 15. See the full Terms of Reference.

March 20, 2026 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

March 20, 2026

TOMORROW!!

Upcoming Saturday Service is on March 21 @ 5:00pm
"Discerning Truth"
St Margaret’s Cedar Cottage
1530 E. 22nd

In this service we will explore two different kinds of truth: the kind that emerges from our own deepest knowing within our selves, and the kind that is revealed when perspectives other than our own are considered. These two ways of knowing truth are both spiritual practices in their own way. Together we will practice touching these different ways of knowing through song, word, embodied awareness, and silence. All are invited to stay for a community potluck after the service.

Here is this month's Make Meaning packet that accompanies our March service.

Healing Together April 18, 2:00

Hello Beloveds,
Many of us still carry trauma and distress from the experiences that led us to leave NSUC. And while this resulted in us creating our wonderful UUSS community, we continue to be impacted and possibly limited by these experiences.

We hope you will join us!
warmly, UUSS Healing Team

Thank you to the members of the Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea Church for their Gift Card donation in December.

Your kindness and generosity made the holiday season brighter and brought joy to our North Shore neighbours in need. In 2025, the Christmas Bureau supported more than 2,700 people, including over 930 children.

With sincere thanks,
Family Services of the North Shore Christmas Bureau

Social Justice

No war! No ICE! No Tyrants!

From 350.org:
Bill C-15 is about to go for a final reading in the Senate and we need all hands on deck calling on senators to remove the so-called Henry the VIII clause. Send your letter now.

From Open Media:
Canada's political parties are DAYS away from permanently exempting themselves from the privacy laws every other organization must follow. If we don't act now, political parties walk away with a permanent free pass to invade our privacy. Tell your MP to stand with Canadian voters and Canadian democracy!

Join Dogwood’s digital action squad, as we turn up the pressure on MPs to halt taxpayer subsidies to the American-owned Ksi Lisims LNG terminal. Sign up now.

Burrard Inlet dredging important deadline for input: March 22

A proposal to dredge parts of the Burrard Inlet in order to increase the capacity of TMX tankers is moving forward at a fast pace. If you value healthy waters, thriving ecosystems, and accountable decision-making, please consider adding your voice.

Background material:
Second Narrows Dredging Works

Please send input and cc and also your MP

From My Sea to Sky:

FortisBC has been failing to meet the conditions of its waste discharge permit for over a year, discharging double the volume of wastewater into Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound, and exceeding Federal and Provincial water quality guidelines for copper and aluminum. Send a message to the B.C. government letting them know this is unacceptable and must be stopped. Send your message.

Webinars of interest:

Generating Futures: How First Nations are leading the clean energy shift in B.C. March 24, 2:00pm, hosted by The Narwhal

Through Orca’s Eyes: Impacts of oil tankers on the B.C. coast March 31, 6:00pm, Sierra Club BC

Here comes the Sun: Driving a Renewable Energy Revolution Bill McKibben, April 8, 3:30pm, hosted by Seniors for Climate

Food for thought:

A father explains why he decided to spend his son's first birthday getting arrested:https://www.nationalobserver.com/2026/03/17/opinion/rbc-sit-in-fossil-fuels-civil-disobedience

Justice as relationship:
https://www.resilience.org/stories/2026-03-18/eclipse-living-in-the-shadow-of-injustice/

March 13, 2026 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 14 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

March 13, 2026

NEXT SATURDAY

Upcoming Saturday Service is on March 21 @ 5:00pm
"Discerning Truth"
St Margaret’s Cedar Cottage
1530 E. 22nd

Here is this month's Make Meaning packet that accompanies our March service.

Mark Your Calendars for
upcoming Sunday Gatherings

May 3: “Question Storming” with Jessica Motherwell
June 7: with Casey Stainsby

NO GATHERING IN APRIL
due to the date falling on
Easter Sunday

Congregational Conversations

Planting, Pruning, & Bearing Fruit
March 19 10:00 am
March 21 10:00 am

Dismantling Barriers:
Assessment and Accountability
March 26 4 vvvbv v 4:4

Understanding the Canadian UU Ecosystem and Our Place In It
March 21 12:00pm

Social Justice

No war! No ICE! No Tyrants!

From 350.org:
Bill C-15 is about to go for a final reading in the Senate and we need all hands on deck calling on senators to remove the so-called Henry the VIII clause. Send your letter now.

From Open Media:
Canada's political parties are DAYS away from permanently exempting themselves from the privacy laws every other organization must follow. If we don't act now, political parties walk away with a permanent free pass to invade our privacy. Tell your MP to stand with Canadian voters and Canadian democracy!

From LeadNow:

Now is the time to demand that your MP stand up for homes, not pipelines for Canadians. Call on your MP to stand with us, not Big Oil.

Join this March 21 Musical Fundraiser for Indigenous Water Protectors at Vancouver Unitarians featuring the Allouette Sisters, Hollie Arntzen and the Left Coast Labour Choir! Tickets here.

From Canadian Unitarians for Social Justice:
Endangered Democracy by Bruce Knotts

Free webinar Sat, March 28, at 10:00. Register in advance.

February 27, 2028 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 28 Feb 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

February 27, 2026

THIS COMING SUNDAY
"Joined By Song"
with Lindsay Hindle

March 1st, 2026 @ 11:00am
Molly Nye House, 940 Lynn ValleyRd
North Vancouver

Come feel more alive, more at peace, and joyfully bonded as we gather to be Joined By Song on Sunday March 1st. Together we will create an energizing, safe and sacred space to sing inspiring songs and healing chants. Did you know singing releases oxytocin, endorphins and lowers cortisol? The perfect remedy for troubled times. No matter if you’re a seasoned singer or someone just beginning, all are welcome to come find freedom in their voice and expression. Lindsay will be teaching easy songs to learn and tracks to sing along to. Feel free to bring a frame drum, rattle or a friend!

Hope to see lots of folks there!

Mark Your Calendars for
upcoming Sunday Gatherings

April 5: “German Reconciliation” with Michael Watson

May 3: “Question Storming” with Jessica Motherwell
June 7: with Casey Stainsby

Memorial Services at NSUC

Sheila Letson's Celebration of Life:

next Saturday, March 7th at 1:00pm

Obituary

Social Justice

Stop the pipelines

Last November, Prime Minister Mark Carney made a damaging deal with Alberta to fast-track a new diluted bitumen oil pipeline while rolling back environmental protections. This pipeline would lock Canada into deeper dependence on a declining, high-polluting industry. It would put ecosystems and coastal First Nations livelihoods at risk from increased tanker traffic and catastrophic oil spills.

There’s still time to stop this pipeline ploy and choose a fossil-fuel free future.

Message Carney and ask him to reject Alberta's pipeline ploy.

New Research exposes Bug Tech's AI climate hoax: 74% of industry's claims about AI's climate benefits are unproven

The big tech industry’s claims about the climate benefits of artificial intelligence are a hoax, according to a new report released earlier this week by Stand and partners.

A piece by Stand Climate Finance Program Director Richard Brooks, The questions Canadians should be asking amid hype over LNG projects, was published by the Vancouver Sun, and another by our esteemed colleagues Mark Kahlega of IEEFA and Olaf Weber of York University Business School, The world has too much LNG—so why is Canada fast-tracking more?, ran in The Hill Times.

Tell banks to end LNG expansion.

Congregational Conversations

Planting, Pruning, & Bearing Fruit
March 19 10:00 am
March 21 10:00 am

Dismantling Barriers:
Assessment and Accountability
March 26 4:00pm

Check out our social media!

Check the calendar on our website for more events!

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www.uusalishsea.ca 2026

February 20, 2026 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 21 Feb 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

February 20, 2026

TOMORROW!!
"Imbolic Tools"

Sat, February 21st @ 5:00pm
St Margaret's, 1530 E. 22nd
Bring your tools!

Join us once again for our Imbolc Tool Blessing on February 21st!

In person and on Zoom

For our tool blessing, we invite you to bring the “tools” of your life. In this service we will celebrate and ‘bless’ one another's tools, in an act of resilience and community care to prepare our tools and ourselves to persevere through the work of the coming year.

For this participatory ritual the tools you bring could be anything you use to make your mark on the world, and do your work (paid or not). We especially welcome tools you might use to help further the mission of the UUSS, supporting us to "become a multigenerational spiritual community where love and trust guide us, where all who seek to connect with the mystery, joy, and wonder of life feel wholly welcome, and that contributes to a more just and interdependent world." We recommend choosing tools that are relatively small and portable, or a smaller object to represent a larger tool that you can’t bring with you.

Examples of tools include: pens, notebooks, musical instruments, a laptop, sewing tools, protest signs, paintbrushes, construction or power tools, books, manuals, sports equipment, a chalice or other spiritual tools, keys to a vehicle or piece of machinery, cleaning tools, spreadsheets, backpacks, activity sets (like Spirit Play boxes or fidget toys), seeds and gardening tools, lesson plans, petri dishes, tarot cards, workshop materials, cooking tools, mobility aids, safety gear, theatre costumes or props… anything you consider the tools of your life!

Next Sunday Service is on March 1
"Joined By Song"
with Lindsay Hindle

March 1st, 2026 @ 11:00am
Molly Nye House, 940 Lynn ValleyRd
North Vancouver

Mark Your Calendars for
upcoming Sunday Gatherings

April 5: “German Reconciliation” with Michael Watson
May 3: “Question Storming” with Jessica Motherwell
June 7: “Portugal” with Catarina Gomes

Memorial Services at NSUC

Sheila Letson's Celebration of Life: Saturday, March 7th at 1:00pm

Social Justice

Support for Minneapolis

Focus on helping trans and immigrant refugees with rent, groceries, medical expenses, infant and children's items, and rides. on First Universalist Church of Minneapolis, select Sanctuary and Resistance Fund to ensure that every dollar goes directly to people who need it and not to church operations.

Where Do We Go Next? A Climate Conversation with Steven Guilbeault
Wed, February 25, 2026. 630pm

Join Steven Guilbeault and Seniors for Climate on February 25 for a timely conversation about climate action and leadership, part of Seniors for Climate’s unifying theme for 2026: Break Through the Climate Silence. Register.

UUSS Ecosystem Research Circle Looks for Curious Explorers

Are you curious about what other liberal religious and progressive communities are doing to remain relevant and viable in today’s rapidly shifting culture? Join the Research Circle and help uncover stories, experiments and initiatives (successful or not) that we can all learn from. Visit the link for additional information, including time commitments and contact info.

Join Fair Vote Canada letter writing team for proportional representation!

Research is clear. Proportional representation can make Canada stronger. Countries with proportional representation are less politically polarized. They have higher economic growth, healthier populations and stronger environmental protections. Countries with proportional representation systems outperform countries with winner-take-all systems on every measure of democracy. Politicians need to hear that Canadians want action on PR.

Urgent Action From Amnesty International: Demand Accountability for Deadly Immigration Enforcement

Sign the Petition to support the use of Renewable Energy in Canada

With Canada aspiring to become an energy superpower, MP Elizabeth May will be presenting Petition e-7114 in Parliament later this spring, encouraging our Federal Government to support the development of renewable energy sources by matching dollar-for-dollar any federal financial suppOort of hydrocarbon infrastructure development.

If you support this vision for a clean and prosperous energy future, you are invited to add your name to Petition e‑7114.

February 13, 2026 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 14 Feb 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

February 13, 2026

Three days ago, one of the worst tragedies in Canadian history struck British Columbia. We grieve with Tumbler Ridge.

Our thoughts are with those who have been affected as well as their families, friends and the community who are coping with unimaginable loss at this heartbreaking time.

A week from tomorrow
"Imbolic Tools"

February 21st @ 5:00pm
St Margaret's, 1530 E. 22nd

Join us once again for our Imbolc Tool Blessing on February 21st!

Next Sunday Service is on March 1
"Joined By Song"
with Lindsay Hindle
March 1st, 2026 @ 11:00am

Molly Nye House, 940 Lynn ValleyRd, North Vancouver

Sheila Letson's Celebration of Life:
Saturday, March 7th at 1:00pm at NSUC

There will be a honouring long-time NSUs Member Sheila Letson, who passed away last October. Obituary

Social Justice

Women’s Memorial Walk – February 14, 12-3pm.

Walk with fellow Unitarians to honour the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited people. We will meet at noon at the NW corner of Main and Hasting (in front of OWL Drugs).

The stakes of Bill C-233, the No More Loopholes Act, have never been clearer. And with the critical vote coming up at the end of February, we have just a few more weeks to flip as many MPs as possible to VOTE YES.

Arms Embargo Now is planning a day of action on February 17. If you are interested in helping organize a visit to your local MPs office, contact Robyn. If you have just a few minutes, call or write to your MP.

From Avaaz

Please take a minute to call on the Canadian government to defy Trump's flagrant violation of international law, by selling oil, food and medicine to the Cuba.

From Sierra Club - Prayers for Burrard Inlet

The waters of the Burrard Inlet are under threat. The Vancouver Port Authority plans to dredge near the Second Narrows Bridge later this year to allow more oil to be shipped from the Westridge Marine Terminal (part of the Trans Mountain pipeline facility).

Rueben George of Tsleil-Waututh Nation is inviting people to join him in prayer and action for the inlet.
When: Feb 21st , 2PM, St Andrews Wesley United Church (1022 Nelson St)
Contact Barb or Robyn if you would like to participate.

Annual General Meetings 2026 Conversations

The CUC Board has brought forward proposed updates to the CUC Bylaws regarding how the CUC’s foundational documents – Principles, Sources, Aspirations and Vision – are amended. This begins a period of national discernment, during which people across the country are invited to reflect, ask questions, and offer feedback.

The hour-long CUC-hosted conversations are open to you, and are designed to answer questions about the AGM, solicit feedback for the motions, and to invite curiosity and engagement; each conversation will be similar in format and content so come to either one.

February 21: 10:00 am
February 25: 4:00 pm

February 6, 2026 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

February 6, 2026

TOMORROW
Saturday Feb 7, 11-2

Community Dialog on
Accessibility and Inclusion

In Person at Laura McNaughton's Co-op Common Room
5085 McHardy St., Vancouver, BC
(Near Joyce-Collingwood Skytrain Station)
or on Zoom
(note new Zoom link for tomorrow)

We hope you will join us for our first Community Dialogue of 2026! We will be exploring Inclusion and Accessibility from a broad perspective to see how we can be more welcoming to all who are drawn to be part of our community. Our work will be anchored in our Mission, specifically:

"Creating the conditions for people of diverse beliefs, backgrounds and identities to feel fully welcome in our congregation and the broader Unitarian Universalism tradition by experimenting with systems, structures, practices and rituals that challenge the status quo."

This event will be fun and interactive and includes a potluck lunch. Please bring something to share. We hope to see you there! If you have any questions, please reach out to catherine at cstrickland@shaw.ca.

Next Saturday Service
"Imbolic Tools"

February 21st @ 5:00pm
St Margaret's, 1530 E. 22nd

Our February 21st service is our annual Imbolc Tool blessing, in which we come together to prepare and bless the tools we use for the work we are called to do for the world. Start thinking about which tool(s) you will bring to be spiritually strengthened by our community!

Mark Your Calendars for
upcoming Sunday Gatherings

March 1: “Gather in Song” with Lindsay Hindle
April 5: “German Reconciliation”with Michael Watson
June 7: “Portugal” with Catarina Gomes

May 3: “Question Storming” with Jessica Motherw

Thanks to everyone who joined us this past Sunday for "The Things We Call For Love " with Rev. Shawn Gauthier from Vancouver Unitarians at the Molly Nye House. And a special thanks to our kitchen crew who coordinated a delicious soup luncheon and to all who shared their bounty with all of us.

Social Justice

February is Black
History Month

I encourage you to find out more here. I also highly recommend the book Policing Black Lives by Robyn Maynard. ~Robyn Newton, Social and Environmental Justice Circle.

Opportunities for action:

Urgent Action From Amnesty International: Demand Accountability for Deadly Immigration Enforcement»

Sign the Petition to support the use of Renewable Energy
in Canada

If you support this vision for a clean and prosperous energy future, you are invited to add your name to Petition e‑7114.

Information From RAVEN Trust: What We Know to Be True: Unpacking the Recent DRIPA Decision

Congregational Conversations

In 2026, we invite you into a renewed season of Congregational Conversations—spaces where UU leaders and seekers gather not simply to learn, but to practice the spiritual work of community.

Each session is an opportunity to pause, breathe, reflect, and reconnect with the deeper purpose of congregational life. When you attend, you are not only nurturing your own leadership—you are offering a gift to your congregation and to our wider movement. Your presence helps strengthen the ecosystem of Unitarian Universalism across Canada.

These conversations are moments to ask:
What is emerging in our communities? What is being asked of us now? How can we lead with courage, imagination, and care?

Together, we cultivate wisdom that no congregation could generate alone.

Annual General Meetings 2026 Conversations

The CUC Board has brought forward proposed updates to the CUC Bylaws regarding how the CUC’s foundational documents – Principles, Sources, Aspirations and Vision – are amended.

February 21: 10:00 am
February 25: 4:00 pm

January 30, 2026 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 31 Jan 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

January 30, 2026

THIS SUNDAY!!
February 1 @ 11:00am

a very special Sunday Service at Molly Nye House
940 Lynn Valley Road

Please try to join us in a big welcome on the north shore this weekend for "The Things We Do for Love" with Rev. Shaw Gauthier, the minister of the Vancouver Unitarians. He will invite us through this gathering to consider how love calls us to be courageous in the face of vulnerability.

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.

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.If anyone needs help with carpooling, please send an email to care.concerns.uuss@gmail.com.

Next Saturday Service
"Imbolic Tools"

February 21st @ 5:00pm
St Margaret's, 1530 E. 22nd

Mark Your Calendars:
upcoming Sunday Gatherings

March 1: “Gather in Song” with Lindsay Hindle

April 5: “German Reconciliation”with Michael Watson

May 3: “Question Storming” with Jessica Motherwell

June 7: “Portugal” with Catarina Gomes

Congratulations to our UUSS Singers - Allyson, Carla, Jacky, Ryan & Sonya on their great performance last Saturday with Out In Harmony!

Social Justice

The CUSJ - Canadian Unitarians for Social Justice hosts a presentation

TOMORROW Sat, Jan 31 @ 10am

“Protecting and Advancing Public Universal Health Care” by Anne Lagacé Dowson of the Canadian Health Coalition

Our Universal Health Care is eroded and endangered. See our website for more details. REGISTER per ZOOM in Advance now. Then ZOOM will send you a PERSONALIZED link to the Jan 31 Meeting.

Women’s Memorial Walk – February 14, 12-3pm.

Walk with fellow Unitarians to honour the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirited people. We will meet at noon at the NW corner of Main and Hasting (in front of OWL Drugs). Remember to wear your UUSS T-shirt, and I will bring our banner! Robyn Newton, Social and Environmental Justice Circle.

Support Bill C-233, the No More Loopholes Act,

There is absolutely no justification for our government to allow Canadian companies to sell military goods to ICE – but this is exactly what the US Loophole in Canada’s arms export laws enables. The same loophole that is still allowing Canadian explosives to flow through US bomb factories before being dropped by Israel in their renewed attacks on Gaza this month.

Arms Embargo Now is planning a day of action on February 17. If you are interested in helping organize a visit to your local MPs office, contact robyn.newton.mail@gmail.com. If you have just a few minutes, call or write to your MP.

UU Ecosystem Website Launch Party - Save the Date
Sat, February 28, 2026 10:00am
Join us for a fun-filled fete as we launch a fabulous new hub for Canadian UUs to share ideas, inspiration and research. Think of it as an online magazine for learning about Canadian UU endeavours, successes, and reflections about what didn't go as well as hoped—and sharing your own, too!
Register today for this exciting online event and be the first to get updates and reminders.

GOOD NEWS
The Federal Court of Appeal dismissed Mowi's appeal against Minister of Fisheries Joyce Murray and Bernadette Jordan's decisions not to renew salmon farm licences in the Discovery Islands.

BAD NEWS
You’re paying for Ksi Lisims
B.C.’s Energy Minister quietly changed the rules so Ksi Lisims LNG won’t. have to pay for new electricity generation or power lines. Instead, we’ll pay on our BC Hydro bills. - The Narwhal

Fossil fuel pension risk
Workers in B.C. and Alberta face growing risk as our pension funds increase exposure to fossil fuels. The Canada Pension Plan gets a “D” on Shift Action’s annual report card. - The Energy Mix

January 23, 2026 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

January 23, 2026

A WEEK FROM SUNDAY on February 1 @ 11:00am

a very special Sunday Service at Molly Nye House

A WEEK FROM SUNDAY on February 1 @ 11:00am

a very special Sunday Service at Molly Nye House
A WEEK FROM THIS SUNDAY
February 1 @ 11:00am

a very special Sunday Service
at Molly Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road

Please try to join us on the north shore next Sunday for "The Things We Do for Love" with Rev. Shaw Gauthier, the minister of the Vancouver Unitarians. He will invite us through this gathering to consider how love calls us to be courageous in the face of vulnerability.

Mark Your Calendars:
upcoming Sunday Gatherings

March 1: “Gather in Song” with Lindsay Hindle

April 5: “German Reconciliation”with Michael Watson

May 3: “Question Storming” with Jessica Motherwell

June 7: “Portugal” with Catarina Gomes

THIS SUNDAY

Sunday, January 25th at 1 pm - at Jessica's North Van Home

*New* Stitch Witches. The Care & Concerns Team invite you to our new friendship gathering, Stitch Witches. People of all ages, genders, and rainbow identities are warmly welcomed to create yarn- and thread-based crafts while we chat and snack. Bring your ongoing projects, or start something. Bring your questions and curiosity about techniques for crochet, knitting or any craft with yarn or thread for the group to ponder and wonder about. Beginners are warmly welcomed--we can help each other learn. Jessica has supplies to get a beginner started. Nibble donations gratefully received. RSVP to Jessica’s email docjamm@gmail.com for directions and phone contact.

Thank you from Jacky and Jessica

TOMORROW at 2:00pm!

Applications Open for RAMP!(Reciprocal Annual Mentorship Program)

What if mentoring was not about expertise or authority, but about two people from different generations sharing wisdom and learning together?

That is the heart of RAMP!, a program of the Canadian Unitarian Council. This invitation may be for you, whether or not you have ever thought of yourself as a mentor.

RAMP! brings Unitarian Universalists across generations into reciprocal mentorship partnerships. Each partner offers lived experience, insight, and care. Each partner listens, reflects, and learns. Wisdom flows in more than one direction.

You do not need a title or a formal leadership role.
If you have lived a life, navigated change, questioned faith, stayed with community through challenge, or helped build something that lasted, you carry wisdom worth sharing.

For youth and young adults. RAMP! offers space to speak honestly, to be taken seriously, and to practice sharing your insight with confidence. You will also learn from elders and long-time UUs whose experience carries history, perspective, and hard-earned wisdom.

For experienced UUs and elders. RAMP! offers space to share stories, skills, and spiritual grounding shaped over time. You will also learn from younger generations whose insight, imagination, and courage bring fresh perspective and challenge.

This is not mentoring down or learning up. It is mutual mentoring, rooted in respect, curiosity, and relationship.

RAMP! is not about productivity or perfect outcomes. It is about presence, and about strengthening the web of UU connection across generations so shared wisdom continues to grow.

If you have ever wondered where you belong in this community right now, if you have ever felt called to deeper connection, if you believe wisdom grows when it is exchanged,

Apply.

Before applying, you are invited to watch a short reel from Amber & Camellia, the program leads. They offer a simple, heartfelt introduction to RAMP! and what makes it unique.

Social Justice

Thursday, February 5, 7 pm till late. Drag the Pipeline! A Fundraiser for Indigenous Land Defenders

From Dogwood: Join us for a boisterous soiree of drag, DJs, and dancing to roast the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline, and provide funds for the courageous Indigenous and defenders resisting this colonial project. At The Cobalt, 917 Main St, Vancouver. Tickets here

From BC Climate Emergency Campaign:
BC has backtracked on climate, environment, and reconciliation. It is using its “Elbows Up” response to scrap climate policies, renew public funding for fossil fuels, weaken environmental protections to fast-track industrial development, ignore DRIPA, and prioritize the profits of multi-national corporations over public health, safety, and a livable future for British Columbians. It’s not too late for BC to invest in a truly sustainable economy. Read more

The Carbon Budget Petition (Please Sign)

From the 343 Project: Canada's emissions targets are too weak to counter the threat of global warming. We have the technology to replace fossil fuels, but instead, we are chasing the last oil dollars. The first step is to strengthen the targets. The second step is to measure our progress and hold ourselves accountable. A legislative carbon budget will help us do this, and give our children and grandchildren a chance at a better future. Please sign the petition to Parliament.

January 16, 2026 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 17 Jan 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

January 16, 2026

TOMORROW!!
Join us for our 1st Saturday
service in 2026
"Awaken Wonder"
Sat, January 17th at 5:00pm

Wonder is a feeling of surprised awe. Wonder is also the curiosity to know something. Please join us for our monthly worship service at St.Margaret's Cottage when we will be exploring how we can awaken wonder in our lives. Jessica Motherwell McFarlane and your worship team will explore the different aspects of wonder and experience wonder.

*New* Stitch Witches

NEXT SATURDAY
Sunday, January 25th at 1 pm - at Jessica's North Van Home

The Care & Concerns Team invite you to our new friendship gathering, Stitch Witches. People of all ages, genders, and rainbow identities are warmly welcomed to create yarn- and thread-based crafts while we chat and snack. Bring your ongoing projects, or start something. Bring your questions and curiosity about techniques for crochet, knitting or any craft with yarn or thread for the group to ponder and wonder about. Beginners are warmly welcomed--we can help each other learn. Jessica has supplies to get a beginner started. Nibble donations gratefully received. RSVP to Jessica’s email docjamm@gmail.com for directions and phone contact.

Thank you from Jacky and Jessica

at LLaura McNaughton's Co-op Common Room
Near the Joyce-Collingwood Skytrain Station (address to follow)

SATURDAY, February 7 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pWe hope you will join us for our first Community Dialogue of 2026! We will be exploring Inclusion and Accessibility from a broad perspective to see how we can be more welcoming to all who are drawn to be part of our community. Our work will be anchored in our Mission, specifically:

This event will be fun and interactive and includes a potluck lunch.

We hope to see you there!

If you have any questions, please reach out to catherine at cstrickland@shaw.ca.

New and Ongoing Initiatives
of our Cares and Concerns Team:
(Jacky Coates, (Chair), Jessica Motherwell, Joy Silver, Lindsay Hindle, Casey Stainsby)

On Going Care Initiatives

Heart Ministry

Let’s help keep up the supply of hand-stitched hearts. Their tactile construction helps others to remember to love themselves when they are sad, anxious, fearful, upset. They can also be given to those who have delighted us with their service, care, kindness, thoughtfulness, etc. See Joy Silver for supplies and/or come to Stitch Witches on the third Sundays of the month at Jessica and Bill’s home. E-mail Jessica if you are coming and what you would like to work on so that she can have materials and equipment ready. Entry is around the back of the house.

New Care Initiatives

Remembering-Care

Our C&C Team would like to offer care to those members and adherents who are experiencing new challenges in their lives that are resulting in long-term duration and stress. Over time, this person’s on-going challenge may not be remembered. Our Team would like to introduce a way to help our spiritual community remember to send our caring thoughts.

Action Plan – Invitation to help with long-term care: At future Worship Services, following Joys and Sorrows, one of our C&C Team members will invite us to send caring thoughts to those who have indicated their appreciation for being remembered in their ongoing challenge. Here ways how you can help:
Send the name by either:
a) Emailing to care.concerns.uuss@gmail.com or
b) Telling a C&C Team member who is present at a Worship Service or Gathering Circle before the service or meeting begins.
Let the Team know when the person is ready to be removed from the Care List.

Birthday Angels

The Team will:
a) host an annual workshop, (TBA) at Molly Nye House for all ages to make a bank of birthday cards for our UUSS Community. Children and youth are particularly welcome to bring THEIR PLAYFUL creativity to the project.
b) invite people to indicate if they would enjoy the recognition of their birthday with a card/phone call.

Hands Together Remembering-To-Care Cards Workshop, (TBA)

Create a Remembering Card Workshop Multi-media art materials will be provided.
C&C Team members will provide finished cards to send messages of care to members who are for example: in hospital, receiving home-care, home-bound, going through a rite-of passage, e.g. divorce, sobriety, earning a driver’s licence, or having to retire one!

Some snapshots of last weekend's Sunday Gathering "Games and Connection"

NEXT WEEKEND

Out In Harmony now boasts six members of UUSS (and counting?). Come enjoy an evening of music on Saturday, Jan 24, 2pm at VanU. Get your tickets here.

And if you'd like to participate in our clandestine take-over, we'll be starting a new season with all new music on Feb 3 at 7:15pm.

Starting next week

From the UUA: Sign up for a month of love!

Love At The Center: Reimagining the World As It Could Be:

Mon, Jan 19 - Mon, Feb 16

January 9, 2026: Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 10 Jan 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

January 9, 2026

Next weekend
Join us for our 1st Saturday
service in 2026
"Awaken Wonder"
Saturday, January 17th at 5:00pm

For this service your worship team would love some images of people, places and things that bring you a sense of wonder. Please send your pictures to Cara.

Sunday, January 25th at 1 pm - at Jessica's North Van Home

*New* Stitch Witches. The Care & Concerns Team invite you to our new friendship gathering, Stitch Witches. People of all ages, genders, and rainbow identities are warmly welcomed to create yarn- and thread-based crafts while we chat and snack. Bring your ongoing projects, or start something. Bring your questions and curiosity about techniques for crochet, knitting or any craft with yarn or thread for the group to ponder and wonder about. Beginners are warmly welcomed--we can help each other learn. Jessica has supplies to get a beginner started. Nibble donations gratefully received. RSVP to Jessica’s email docjamm@gmail.com for directions and phone contact.

Thank you from Jacky and Jessica

Sharing Our Faith 2026: Orientation Session

Thursday, Jan 15, 2026 – 4:30 pm

Sharing Our Faith is an annual opportunity for Canadian Unitarian Universalists to explore a shared spiritual theme, deepen our connections with one another, and support congregational growth across the country. Each year, the Canadian Unitarian Council offers a worship packet and conversation guide that congregations can use to shape a Sunday service, a discussion group, or a community gathering.

The 2026 theme—Practicing Hope: Facing the Future with Gratitude, Imagination, Courage & Action—was developed collaboratively by more than 50 UUs from across Canada who participated in Canadian UUs Read this fall. Their wisdom, insights, and shared longings helped shape a national conversation about how we live our values in rapidly changing times.

Social Justice

THIS SUNDAY, Jan 11 at 11:00am
ICE OUT for Good, Vancouver BC
US Consulate• 1075 W Pender St

Wednesday, January 7th, an American citizen was killed by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This killing is part of a broader pattern of unchecked violence, impunity, and abuse carried out by federal immigration enforcement agencies against members of our communities.

A broad coalition of groups across the US is calling for a coordinated Ice Out For Good Weekend of Action on Saturday, January 10th and Sunday, January 11th to demand accountability, honour the life lost, and make visible the human cost of ICE’s actions.

We in Canada stand with the US. In July Indivisible Vancouver held an anti-ICE rally to speak out against Canadians being detained in UC ICE facilities. Let's make our voices heard again.

A core principle behind all ICE Out For Good events is a commitment to nonviolent action and NO civil disobedience. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values, and to act lawfully at these events. Weapons of any kind, including those legally permitted, should not be brought to events. All events should be held in public spaces or on public property.

From Fair Vote Canada: Sign up to join the phone bank to push the BC NDP government to act on the recommendation for a Citizens’ Assembly on Electoral Reform! https://secure.fairvote.ca/en/action/join-phonebank-to-push-for-action-on-pr-for-bc
Stop the Liberal Government From Undermining Canada’s Climate Scientists. (Please Write)
Between muzzling scientists and cutting research budgets, the government is undermining Canada's ability to develop good climate policy. Background.

From Seniors For Climate: If you are interested in joining Seniors For Climate, feel free to join the next SFC BC Provincial zoom meeting WED, January 14 @ 3:30
Invite neighbours and friends, seniors AND youth. You don’t need to be a senior to participate! Join. To get on the BC email list bc-hub@seniorsforclimate.org

From the UUA:
Sign up for a month of love!

Love At The Center: Reimagining the World As It Could Be:

Mon, Jan 19 - Mon, Feb 16

At a time when fear, violence, and extraction dominate our politics and our planet, we practice another way. We believe love is not fragile; it is fierce. It grounds our organizing, fuels our imagination, and sustains our communities. Over five weeks, we will move through a journey from imagination to action, rooting our freedom dreams in faith and bringing them to life in our world.

Each week, we will have a written reflection from Side With Love staff; a conversation with a UU theologian; a multigenerational family activity; reflection questions for journaling; a meditative body practice; and a coloring sheet connected to the weekly theme.

January 2, 2026 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 03 Jan 2026 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

January 2, 2026

THIS SUNDAY
January 4th @ 11:00am

Sunday Gathering
"Games and Connection"

Mollie Nye House
940 Lynn Valley Road

Join us for a relaxed gathering of games and connection.We’ll have a selection of games available, and you’re invited to bring along your favourite card or board games to share.

Not really into games? No worries—you’re still warmly welcome to come chat and cheer on the players.

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

Join us for our 1st Saturday
service in 2026
"Awaken Wonder"
Saturday, January 17th at 5:00pm

For this service your worship team would love some images of people, places and things that bring you a sense of wonder. Please send your pictures to Cara.

Sunday, January 25th at 1 pm - at Jessica's North Van Home

Thank you from Jacky and Jessica

Social Justice

From Fair Vote Canada:

Seeking volunteers - sign up here to join their phone bank to encourage the BC NDP government to establish a Citizen's Assembly on Electoral Reform: https://secure.fairvote.ca/en/action/join-phonebank-to-push-for-action-on-pr-for-bc

Sharing Our Faith 2026: Orientation Session

Thursday, Jan 15, 2026 – 4:30 pm

December 26, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 27 Dec 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

December 26, 2025

Coming up on January 4th

Sunday Gathering
"Games and Connection"

Mollie Nye House
940 Lynn Valley Road

Join us for a relaxed gathering of games and connection.We’ll have a selection of games available, and you’re invited to bring along your favourite card or board games to share.

Not really into games? No worries—you’re still warmly welcome to come chat and cheer on the players.

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

Sunday, January 25th at 1 pm - at Jessica's North Van Home

*New* Stitch Witches. The Care & Concerns Team invite you to our new friendship gathering, Stitch Witches. People of all ages, genders, and rainbow identities are warmly welcomed to create yarn- and thread-based crafts while we chat and snack. Bring your ongoing projects, or start something. Bring your questions and curiosity about techniques for crochet, knitting or any craft with yarn or thread for the group to ponder and wonder about. Beginners are warmly welcomed--we can help each other learn. Jessica has supplies to get a beginner started. Nibble donations gratefully received. RSVP to Jessica’s email docjamm@gmail.com for directions and phone contact.

Thank you from Jacky and Jessica

Come Join Barb as
a Lay Chaplain!

The CUC's National Lay Chaplains Committee will again be offering and facilitating the annual Basics Training for Rites of Passages, and also continuing with the successful LC Chats in the upcoming months. Registration and details to follow.

Dates for the training (1 cohort) are: Saturday April 11, Sunday April 12 and Saturday April 18, 2026. Training will be delivered via Zoom. A certificate will be issued to those who complete the required 3 sessions. This training is intended for those who are interested in pursuing the Lay Chaplaincy path, have been members of their congregation or fellowship for at least a year and have the endorsement of their congregational board.

LC Chats: Monday January 26, 2026 (evening) , Topic: "When things Go Sideways", Monday April 27. (Topic & speaker TBD. The LC Chats are open to Lay Chaplains and aspiring Lay Chaplains.

About the CUC's unique program:
The Canadian Unitarian Council’s unique lay chaplaincy program was created in 1971. The program trains and supports carefully chosen lay members of Unitarian Universalist congregations who create and perform rites of passage, including weddings, child dedications, and memorial services. Lay chaplains are pleased to provide this outreach service to people who want a religious or spiritual ceremony: both to the general public and to Unitarian Universalists in congregations without a minister. Read more about the program here.

A year end note from Ryan
regarding donations - you have until next Wednesday!

Winter is a special time in many religions, and while the specific traditions and rituals may differ, we all make a point to mark the shortest day of the year and the shortest time between making a donation and receiving a tax refund.

This is your one and only reminder to get any donations you were planning on making in before the end of the year. If you're donating via eTransfer, you theoretically have until Dec 31. If you want to donate cash or a cheque, your best bet is to give it to me (Ryan) at the Solstice Service on Dec 20.

Reminder that all donations have to go through the recently renamed UU Community of Victoria. Instructions are here: https://uusalishsea.ca/Donate

If you'd like some or all of your donation to go toward the Christmas hampers, please tell me how much as I don't see individual donations come in, and I don't want to pester the Victoria Treasurer unnecessarily.

Thanks and happy tax season!
Ryan

Social Justice

BC is being threatened with the Alberta - Ottawa MOU for a bitumen pipeline to the dangerous Hecate Strait. LNG is a risk for taxpayers' health and pocketbook and the environment. The more letters the PM and Ministers and MPs get, the more they might listen to our resistance.Access the toolkit here.

From Dogwood:

Tell your MP: no subsidies for Ksi Lisims

The federal government is considering billions in public funding for this American-owned, Korean-built gas terminal. Tell them to create jobs in Canada instead!

Mission Report: Lessons and Legacies from the Climate Emergency Unit

Read about the successes and challenges the BC Climate Emergency Unit has faced over the past five years, including lessons
and tips for the people who make up B.C.’s climate movement.

Honourable mention
for UUSS Members!

Some of you may remember when the Justice group of NSUC joined the "Have a Heart" campaign that was initiated by Cindy Blackstock of the First Nations Child and Family Caring Society. In November 2021 several of us (and our children) wrote to then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau asking him not to appeal the landmark Decision of the Canadian Human Rights Tribunal, ordering the Canadian government to compensate First Nations children and their families for years of chronic underfunding of the Indigenous child welfare system. Trudeau did abandon the appeal in December, and we wrote him thank you Valentines in February. Alex Neve mentions this campaign in his 2025 book on Human Rights, Universal (on page 155), noting how the involvement of non-Indigenous Canadians (particularly the children) made First Nations youth feel like they were not alone in their struggles. Kudos to Harper, Laura and Charlotte and the many more UUSS members who participated in this campaign. You DO make a positive difference!

December 19, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 20 Dec 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

December 19, 2025

TOMORROW

"A Little Hope for the Solstice"
Saturday Dec 20 @ 5:00pm
St Margaret’s Cedar Cottage
1530 E. 22nd

in person and on Zoom

Join us on Dec 20th at 5:00 for a little hope for this season. We're offering a pagan-style Winter Solstice celebration that includes a story of hope for the world and many small rituals to ground us in the season and in the hope that is the coming light. There will be wassail (non-alcoholic) to share as well as our regular potluck dinner following the service. We look forward to celebrating the Winter Solstice with you.

"Wintering: A mini retreat for the winter solstice"
Sunday Dec 21 @ 3:30pm

The Vancouver Unitarian Earth Spirituality group invites you to spend some time with other creative souls on the longest night of the year.

Winter is a time to focus on our inner life, and yet the world sometimes pulls us out and about, spinning us around.We’ll gather in Hewett Hall, cast a circle of sanctuary to protect us from the busy world outside. We’ll ritually bid farewell to whatever we are eager to leave behind from the past year.

Then people will choose one of three workshops and spend 2 hours together, whether circle dancing, crafting garlands or reading and writing.The workshops will be a way to connect with others and possibly make new friends.

Come and experience the power of rest and retreat and enjoy a time of quiet joy in community with other creative souls.

At 4:30, we gather in the hall together in a circle for a winter solstice ritual and to release directions and open the circle, followed by a giveaway of pre-loved goods.At 5:00, go if you must, stay if you will. (Help with cleanup appreciated.)

To make this a comfortable and cozy space, we have a maximum enrollment, so please do register early. Registration

What to bring:

Some goodies to share. Labels re gluten, nuts and dairy are helpful. Providing serving plates and utensils is much appreciated so we can minimize cleanup.
A giveaway item. (Any leftover items will be donated to the Vancouver Unitarian Refugee Committee table.)

Coming up on January 4th

Sunday Gathering
"Games and Connection"

Mollie Nye House
940 Lynn Valley Road

Join us for a relaxed gathering of games and connection.We’ll have a selection of games available, and you’re invited to bring along your favourite card or board games to share.

Not really into games? No worries—you’re still warmly welcome to come chat and cheer on the players.

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

A year end note from Ryan
regarding donations

Reminder that all donations have to go through the recently renamed UU Community of Victoria. Instructions are here: https://uusalishsea.ca/Donate

Thanks and happy tax season!
Ryan

Christmas Hamper
project update

We had a very successful Holiday Hamper project. Thanks to your generous donations we created two very abundant gift baskets for a family of a young mother and her 12 year old son, and a 79 year old senior woman. And we had a lot of fun doing it, especially at the wrapping table (special thanks to Cindy and Harper) at the gift making workshop. Shelly and Anne delivered the hampers to the North Shore Christmas Bureau on Dec. 15, where we were also able to hand over a couple of additional gift cards. They are an entirely voluntary organization and were very appreciative. Thanks to all who helped us contribute happiness to our community.

Come Join Barb as a Chaplain!

LC Chats: Monday January 26, 2026 (evening) , Topic: "When things Go Sideways", Monday April 27. (Topic & speaker TBD. The LC Chats are open to Lay Chaplains and aspiring Lay Chaplains.

December 12, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 13 Dec 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

December 5, 2025

COMING UP on SUNDAY!
Annual Craft Making Workshop
Sunday, December 7,
11:00-1:00

Calling all Christmas
Crafter Wannabies,

Please be at Molly Nye House by 11:00 AM to start. Your table will be covered and labeled for you. Would someone be willing to bring a Christmas music playlist that we can play softly in the background?

All participants are encouraged to bring a plate of non-glutenous, nut-free snacks.

Donations toward crafts are welcome.

May we all have a joyous time
Appreciatively,
JoY (she, her)

The following are offered crafts:

COMING UP on DEC 20
"Winter Solstice" service

Saturday @ 5:00pm
St Margaret’s Cedar Cottage
1530 E. 22nd

HOLIDAY HAMPERS

We are very grateful and happy to say that we have had a very generous response to our Holiday Hamper project. And we are looking forward with excitement to putting it all together at the gift making workshop on Sunday Dec. 7 at 11 am at Mollie Nye House.

Please bring your gifts, along with receipts for anything that might need to be exchanged, on Sunday. Or let us know if you need to make another arrangement.

If you are an expert gift wrapper, or love being creative, please drop by the far corner where we will welcome your help in making it all look festive and beautiful.

Though the major gifts are covered, a few small stocking stuffers to increase joy and abundance are welcome. One recipient is a family of 29 y.o. Mom, 12 y.o. son and a cat. Suggestions would be food treats, small toiletries, small toys or games, or maybe some cat treats? The second recipient is a 79 y.o. female living in a group setting. Suggestions could include small toiletries or comfort items. Any food treats for her need to be gluten free.

Again thanks for your generosity. Shelley and Anne are looking forward to delivering the two hampers to the Christmas Bureau on December 15.

The Meaning Making project publishes a monthly themed packet of materials suitable for both individual and group study. Here is the December packet, including a discussion guide. Please let us know if you would like assistance in creating a group.
https://meaningmakingproject.com/

TOMORROW NIGHT!
Saturday Dec 6 @ 2:00pm

"Wintering: A mini retreat for the winter solstice"
Sunday Dec 21 @ 3:30pm

The Vancouver Unitarian Earth Spirituality group invites you to spend some time with other creative souls on the longest night of the year.

Come and experience the power of rest and retreat and enjoy a time of quiet joy in community with other creative souls.

To make this a comfortable and cozy space, we have a maximum enrollment, so please do register early. Registration

nergy could save the world.

Podcas

Trans Spaces of Safety & Belonging: Transforming Hearts Collective 3-Session Program

Pt. III: Tuesday, Dec 9: 4:00 pm
Q&A: Saturday, Dec13: 10:00 am

On Saturday, December 13, the series will finish with a Q&A session with Transforming Hearts Collective co-creators Alex Kapitan and Teo Drake.

December 5, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 06 Dec 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

December 5, 2025

COMING UP on SUNDAY!
Annual Craft Making Workshop
Sunday, December
11:00-1:00

Calling all Christmas
Crafter Wannabies,

COMING UP on DEC 20
"Winter Solstice" service

Saturday @ 5:00pm
St Margaret’s Cedar Cottage
1530 E. 22nd

HOLIDAY HAMPERS

TOMORROW NIGHT!
Saturday Dec 6 @ 2:00pm

"Wintering: A mini retreat for the winter solstice"
Sunday Dec 21 @ 3:30pm

The Vancouver Unitarian Earth Spirituality group invites you to spend some time with other creative souls on the longest night of the year.

Come and experience the power of rest and retreat and enjoy a time of quiet joy in community with other creative souls.

To make this a comfortable and cozy space, we have a maximum enrollment, so please do register early. Registration

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Suggestions for reading:

Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts by Oliver Burkeman

Trans Spaces of Safety & Belonging: Transforming Hearts Collective 3-Session Program

Pt. III: Tuesday, Dec 9: 4:00 pm
Q&A: Saturday, Dec13: 10:00 am

On Saturday, December 13, the series will finish with a Q&A session with Transforming Hearts Collective co-creators Alex Kapitan and Teo Drake.

November 28, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 29 Nov 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

November 28, 2025

COMING UP IN 1 WEEK
FROM SUNDAY!
Annual Craft Making Workshop
Sunday, December 7,
11:00-1:00

Calling all Christmas
Crafter Wannabies,

COMING UP on DEC 20
"Winter Solstice" service

Saturday @ 5:00pm
St Margaret’s Cedar Cottage
1530 E. 22nd

PLEASE SIGN UP!

HOLIDAY HAMPERS

We are once again putting together Christmas hampers. This year’s recipients are a single mother and her 12 year old boy and a senior who could use a little extra this Christmas. See the link to a sign-up form if you’d like to contribute any of the requested items. These gifts will be wrapped at the December 7th craft-making workshop and delivered to Family Services on December 15. Money for grocery gift-certificates is also welcome. The gifts can be dropped off at the homes of Robyn, Anne, Jacky or Shelley prior to December 7th or brought to the workshop.

Please sign up for what you can contribute here.

Saturday Dec 6 @ 2:00pm

SOCIAL JUSTICE

From Lead Now:

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and the federal government have just outlined a deal that will pave the way for a dirty tar sands pipeline from Alberta to the BC coast — without Indigenous consent and threatening our oceans, wildlife, rivers, and forests.

If you don't want another pipeline through the BC Coast, you can add your name to the Leadnow petition.

If you don’t want another pipeline through the BC coast, you can add your name to the Leadnow petition

From Climate Legacy Canada:

The Canada Pension Plan abandoned its biggest climate commitment earlier this year and continues investing billions into fossil fuels each year. Now it’s being sued by four young people who worry that if CPP Investments doesn’t take this climate risk more seriously, its benefits will be significantly diminished by the time their generation starts to retire. One way to support the case is by writing to CPP Investments
leadership to demand they improve their approach to managing climate risk. You can also learn more about the case by reading their original press release, or this excellent coverage from The Energy Mix.

BCs new Clean BC report has been released. Read it here.

Here is West Coast Environmental Law’s take on the report.

Trans Spaces of Safety & Belonging: Transforming Hearts Collective 3-Session Program

Pt. I: Tuesday, Dec 2: 4:00 pm
Pt. II: Thursday, Dec 4: 4:00 pm
Pt. III: Tuesday, Dec 9: 4:00 pm
Q&A: Saturday, Dec13: 10:00 am

At a time when anti-trans legislation and hostility are on the rise, how do we live into our principles and values of worth, dignity and inclusion? Many have asked, “what can we do?”

In December, we’re bringing in the Transforming Hearts Collective, a collective of Unitarian Universalist queer, transgender and nonbinary faith leaders who provide support and educational programming, to offer Canadians a free 3-part program on building safer, more welcoming spaces for trans and queer people.

We’re inviting allies, accomplices, and advocates from each congregation and community to take part. All are welcome, and we especially encourage each congregation/community/organization to send at least two ally representatives who can bring the learning back to their communities so we can flourish in this work together. In this time, we’ll learn from the program’s creators, connect across our networks, and equip our communities with the tools to act with courage and compassion.

There will be 4 sessions all together. On December 2, 4 and 9, CUC staff will host the 3-part “Responding to the Anti-Trans Movement” course. This online course has 25-35 minute videos by Alex Kapitan, accompanied by reflections and resources. CUC staff will play the video and facilitate the reflections.

On Saturday, December 13, the series will finish with a Q&A session with Transforming Hearts Collective co-creators Alex Kapitan and Teo Drake.

Congregational Conversations: Finding the Energy
November 29: 10:00 am PT

Check out our social media!

November 21, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

November 21, 2025

Thank you to the Worship Team for a wonderful interactive ritual service last Saturday. Those who attended were able to participate during the service by visiting three different stations below:

Station 1: RECEIVING CARE AND PROTECTION. What care and protection do you receive from your ancestors? Draw an amulet of protection that your ancestors are sending to you or write a word that represents their care or blessing for you on a smooth stone.

Station 2: ACKNOWLEDGING THE BITTERNESS. Sometimes blessings are mixed with bitterness. It is good to acknowledge the sharp edges, the harshness, and then release it as we are able. Hold the salt, feel the coarseness in your hand, let it go into the water.

Station 3: CONTINUING THE WORK. What work will you commit yourself to that will feed future generations?Write notes on small cards about the work you are continuing, and attach them to the tree branches.

COMING UP IN 2 WEEKS!
Annual Craft Making Workshop
Sunday, December 7,
11:00-1:00

Calling folks of all ages who love to make Christmas crafts! Please
sign up if you plan to attend.

WHERE?
Molly Nye House, downstairs on 940 Lynn Valley Rd, North Vancouver

Please bring a plate of sandwiches, veggies, fruit, sweets, or other finger food to share.

Contact Joy with questions:
landline 604.941.2606 cell 604.329.8073 or odetojoy@telus.net.

HOLIDAY HAMPERS

Please sign up for what you can contribute here.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

"HOME" by Warsan Shire

(from Robyn)

No one leaves home unless
home is the mouth of a shark.

you only run for the border
when you see the whole city running as well.

your neighbours running faster than you, the boy you went to school with
who kissed you dizzy behind the old tin factory is
holding a gun bigger than his body, you only leave home when home won't let you stay.

no one would leave home unless home chased you, fire under feet, hot blood in your belly.

it's not something you ever thought about doing, and so when you did - you carried the anthem under your breath,
waiting until the airport toilet
to tear up the passport and swallow, each mouthful of paper making it clear that you would not be going back.

you have to understand,
no one puts their children in a boat unless the water is safer than the land.

who would choose to spend days and nights in the stomach of a truck unless the miles traveled meant something more than journey.

no one would choose to crawl under fences, be beaten until your shadow leaves you, raped, then drowned, forced to the bottom of the boat because you are darker, be sold, starved, shot at the border like a sick animal, be pitied, lose your name, lose your family, make a refugee camp a home for a year or two or ten,
stripped and searched, find prison everywhere
and if you survive and you are greeted on the other side
with “go home blacks”, “refugees dirty immigrants”, “asylum seekers sucking our country dry of milk”, dark, with their hands out smell strange, savage - look what they've done to their own countries,
what will they do to ours?

the dirty looks in the street softer than a limb torn off, the indignity of everyday life more tender than fourteen men who
look like your father, between your legs, insults easier to swallow
than rubble, than your child's body in pieces - for now, forget about pride
your survival is more important.

i want to go home, but home is the mouth of a shark
home is the barrel of the gun and no one would leave home
unless home chased you to the shore
unless home tells you to leave what you could not behind,
even if it was human.

no one leaves home until home is a damp voice in your ear saying
leave, run now, i don't know what I've become.

THIS SUNDAY!
National Worship Service
Sunday, Nov 23, 2025, 10am

Join us for a CUC National Service on Sunday, November 23, 2025 – featuring two of the newest members of the CUC staff team: Camellia Jahanshahi and Rev. Nicoline Guerrier.

What will hold us together today? As an antidote to a world built around us/them, we’ll lean into this counter-story: that difference makes strength, and that our distinctive model as UUs – based not on sameness but on cultivating relationship and shared commitments across differences of belief – carries seeds of the transformative solidarity our world needs now. Come meet this moment with us.

A coffee hour conversation will follow the service. Join at this link.

Practicing Hope: Facing the Future with Gratitude, Imagination, Courage & Action
By Rev. Karen Fraser Gitlitz

This year’s Sharing our Faith theme was developed by over 50 UUs attending Canadian UUs Read last month. Participants included congregation members, independent UUs, and leaders from many Canadian UU organizations.

Seven ministers pitched books and responded to questions.

Rev. Anne Barker – Imaginable: How to Create a Hopeful Future—in Your Own Life, Your Community, the World by Jane McGonigal (2023)

Rev. Debra Faulk – Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations by the late Richard Wagamese (2016)

Rev. Lynn Harrison – The Eloquence of Silence: Surprising Wisdom in Tales of Emptiness, by Thomas Moore (2023)

Rev. Pat Trudeau – Active Hope: How to Face the Mess We’re in with Unexpected Resilience and Creative Power ( the revised edition) by Joanna Macy and Chris Johnstone (2022)

Rev. Rosemary Morrison – Beyond Welcome: Building Communities of Love by Linnea Nelson (2022).

Rev. Samaya Oakley – North of Nowhere: Song of a Truth and Reconciliation Commissioner by Marie Wilson (2024)

There was laughter and sadness, anxiety and passion. We talked about the state of the world, how we want to live, what we have to share, and we agreed that all seven books have something valuable to offer and could be resources for our Sharing our Faith packet .

At the end of the event, everyone contributed their top three theme words.

Watch for 2026’s Sharing our Faith packet, available online on December 1 on the CUC website. The packet will help you bring the theme to life with options for a worship service and a congregational conversation. Early in the new year there will be an online launch with an orientation to the packet and Q&A.

Dismantling Barriers: Your Chance to Make a Change

Camellia Jahanshahi, the CUC’s Dismantling Barriers Lead, has shared how meaningful this work has been for her. But she’s not the only one for whom it’s had a great impact. Here’s what others are saying:

“Having someone who can dedicate their time to not only finding existing resources but creating original ones contributes greatly to our ability as a movement to pay more than lip service to our 8th principle.”

“We very much value Camelia as she supports us in our efforts to learn, unlearn, and take informed action.”

“I appreciated her welcoming and open manner, which welcomed questions, rather than making people afraid they were going to ‘say the wrong thing.’”

Help create a thriving future for our faith by donating today. Even a small contribution will go a long way.

CanUUdle 2026 in Vancouver – Staff Applications now open!

CanUUdle, the annual national conference for UU youth (aged 14 to 19) and their youth advisors (age 25+) is coming to Vancouver from May 15 to 18, 2026! CanUUdle is a youth-led con where youth and adults create an amazing community, worship together, attend workshops, play and grow as spiritual beings. It’s a beautiful weekend full of fun, laughter, games, discussion, thought, and above all, love and friendship—the special kind that can only be found in UU community!

The CanUUdle Staff is a group of about 10 youth and 2 adults who work together to plan the annual, national youth con. Youth staff are between the ages of 14 and 19. Adult staff must be over 25.

We’re currently looking for staff for CanUUdle 2026 in Vancouver!

What does the CanUUdle Staff do?

CanUUdle is a youth con by and for youth. The staff team plans the con schedule, workshops, activities, worships and runs the show during the weekend. From January to May, the staff team gathers for online meetings every two weeks and works in small teams to plan the schedule and program. During CanUUdle, the staff function as community stewards, organizers and, most importantly, role models and leaders of the youth community.

Planning is supported by the CanUUdle Coordinator, a part-time contract staff who works with the staff team and organizes logistics. If you have questions about being on CanUUdle staff, contact Raven, this year’s coordinator, by emailing canuudle@cuc.ca.

Congregational Conversations: Finding the Energy
November 26: 10:00 am PT

Dismantling Barriers: Engaging with Queer and Trans Solidarity
November 27: 4:30 pm PT

Congregational Conversations: Finding the Energy
November 29: 10:00 am PT

Check out our social media!

November 14, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 15 Nov 2025 01:00:00 GMT

TOMORROW
Monthly Service
"Ancestors"Ancestors"

November 15, 2025 @ 5:00pm
St Margret's,1530 E 22nd Avenue

This month’s service will ask: who are our ancestors and what can we learn from them? We will use rituals to ponder how we might work with the spiritual inheritances from our widely-defined ancestors. Please join us for both the service and for a potluck after, and we welcome any helping hands with the cleanup.

COMING UP SOON!
Annual Craft Making Workshop
Sunday, December 7, 11:00-1:00

WE STILL NEED CRAFT LEADERS!

Calling folks of all ages who love to make Christmas crafts!

WHERE?
Molly Nye House, downstairs on 940 Lynn Valley Rd, North Vancouver

Please bring a plate of sandwiches, veggies, fruit, sweets, or other finger food to share..PLEASE CLICK TO REGISTER.

We need ALL participants, both crafters and leaders, to fill out this RSVP form.
PLEASE CLICK TO REGISTER.

Contact Joy with questions:
landline 604.941.2606 cell604.329.8073 orodetojoy@telus.net.

HOLIDAY HAMPERS

A small group from the Social Justice circle has applied to the Christmas Bureau to sponsor a couple of hampers. We have not received our exact lists of requests yet, but $ will be needed to purchase the grocery gift cards that are required. You will have an opportunity at this Saturday’s November 15 potluck to participate in this happy tradition. Please come ready to donate if you wish. Many more details to follow soon.

Thanks,
Anne Mayall and Shelly Hrdlitschka

Care & Concerns Circle

The Care & Concerns circle is here to support the well-being of UUSS members. We want to be able 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.

We would like to continue to offer community care circles every couple of months to give us another space to check in and be present with one another. These circles will take different forms and have different themes. We are thinking of hosting a knitting circle next, possibly before the holidays (hybrid, so you can be present with the group physically, or tune in from where you are) so stay tuned for more info on that.

If transportation is a barrier for you and you need a ride to a service or Sunday gathering, Care & Concerns may be able to help match you with someone who drives from your area. Just let us know!

Please do 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

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Drax, the coal giant-turned-“sustainable energy” company, is purchasing rare, irreplaceable old growth in British Columbia, Canada and turning these trees into wood pellets to fuel power plants overseas.

Will you join me in signing this petition calling on B.C. to do the right thing and protect old growth forests?

From Shift:

Let’s help ensure our retirement savings are invested in a safe climate future for all Canadians.

From Just Peace Advocates: Protect Palestine children

National Worship Service
Sunday, Nov 23, 2025, 10am

Join us for a CUC National Service on Sunday, November 23, 2025 – featuring two of the newest members of the CUC staff team: Camellia Jahanshahi and Rev. Nicoline Guerrier.

A coffee hour conversation will follow the service. Join at this link.

The full service, as well as segments for use as best fits with your local congregational culture, will also be made available to congregations as a set of recordings – to use at your regular service time or during congregational gatherings, if you prefer. Please fill in this form for the link. The recording will be ready Monday, November 17, 2025.

Check out our social media!

November 7, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 08 Nov 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

November 7, 2025

Next Saturday
Monthly Service
"Ancestors"

November 15, 2025 @ 5:00pm
St Margret's,1530 E 22nd Avenue

SAVE THE DATE
Annual Craft Making Workshop
Sunday, December 7, 11:00-1:00

Calling folks of all ages who love to make Christmas crafts!

WHERE?
Molly Nye House, downstairs on 940 Lynn Valley Rd, North Vancouver

SANDWICH LUNCH
For offerings of sandwiches, finger veggies, or cookies/squares, please email Barbara.Moore@vch.ca

CRAFT LEADERS

Choose a craft suitable for all ages with simple – medium skill involved.
Bring enough materials for 25 craft makers and one sample small enough to hang on the miniature Christmas Tree.
Be prepared to set-up and clean-up your craft
Table coverings, wipe-up cloths, and broom and dustpans provided

CRAFTERS

Invite friends, and children with a supervising adult
Bring your creative hands to six different Christmas crafts to make for yourself and for gifts.
We will have a table-sized Christmas tree trimmed with the craft samples hung from Youth and adult leaders will assist you with your craft.

Be on the lookout in next week's enews for the link to the signup form!

Contact Joy with questions landline 604.941.2606 cell 604.329.8073 or odetojoy@telus.net.

National Worship Service
Sunday, Nov 23, 2025, 10am

Join us for a CUC National Service on Sunday, November 23, 2025 – featuring two of the newest members of the CUC staff team: Camellia Jahanshahi and Rev. Nicoline Guerrier.

A coffee hour conversation will follow the service. Join at this link.

Happy Birthday to
John Slattery on November 9th!!

Care & Concerns Circle

If transportation is a barrier for you and you need a ride to a service or Sunday gathering, Care & Concerns may be able to help match you with someone who drives from your area. Just let us know!

Please do 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

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Since many of us are reeling from the disastrous federal budget, I thought I would focus on some good news this week:

From Bill McKibbon:

The Australian government has decided on a scheme to bring solar electricity savings to the consumer, with what its calling its “Solar Sharer” program.

The program would require electricity retailers to provide free electricity to everyone for at least three hours a day, in recognition of the incredibly low wholesale cost of electricity during daytime due to extensive solar power penetration.

Zohran Mamdani:
a victory for the global left

In an age of resurgent fascism, the left can fight back and win, as Zohran Mamdani proved in New York. As Mamdami tells us, "In this new age we make for ourselves, we will refuse to allow those who traffic in division and hate to pit us against one another. In this moment of political darkness, New York will be the light. Here we believe in standing up for those we love, whether you are an immigrant, a member of the trans community, one of the many Black women that Donald Trump has fired from a federal job, a single mom still waiting for the cost of groceries to go down, or anyone else with their back against the wall—your struggle is ours too.

What the far right have tried to do is use so-called culture wars to divide people. Some have concluded that we need to somehow give in to this - to surrender ground, to throw minorities under a bus. But we don’t need to do this! We just need to centre a vision of economic justice that united people regardless of their ethnicity, their religion, their gender, their sexuality, their sexual orientation."

October 31, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 01 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

October 31, 2025

THIS COMING SUNDAY!!

Sunday Gathering
"Seeking Wisdom"

November 2, 2025 @ 11:00
Molly Nye House

Bring a book!

Many of us turn to books to help us sort through the big issues we face. These can be non-fiction or fiction.

For this gathering please bring the title or titles of books that have most inspired you, or led to a shift in your journey toward a deeper commitment to climate action, social justice or the ‘truth' part of Truth and Reconciliation. If possible, plan to speak to why you chose that book or read a short passage from it

SAVE THE DATE
Annual Craft Making Workshop
Sunday, December 7, 11:00-1:00

Calling folks of all ages who love to make Christmas crafts!

WHERE?
Molly Nye House, downstairs on 940 Lynn Valley Rd, North Vancouver

SANDWICH LUNCH
For offerings of sandwiches, finger veggies, or cookies/squares, please email Barbara.Moore@vch.ca.

A survey for craft leaders and participants will be provided in next week’s newsletter.

Contact Joy with questions landline604.941.2606 cell 604.329.8073 or odetojoy@telus.net.

TOMORROW!!

Here is the theme packet for November, "Learning from Ancestors". This is the new curriculum for individual or small group study that UUSS is subscribing to for the church year. If you are interested in forming a small group for discussion of these packets and want any assistance with this, please contact Anne Mayall. This can be an excellent way to deepen connections within our community. We also welcome your feedback on the packets.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Check out our social media!

Check the calendar on our website for more events!

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October 24, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 25 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

TOMORROW: SAT, Oct 24:
it is not too late to sign up!

Join us on from 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, or by emailing catherine strickland.

Next Sunday Gathering
"Seeking Wisdom"

November 2, 2025 @ 11:00
Molly Nye House

Bring a book!

Many of us turn to books to help us sort through the big issues we face. These can be non-fiction or fiction.

SAVE THE DATE
Annual Craft Making Workshop
Sunday, December 7, 11:00-1:00

Calling folks of all ages who love to make Christmas crafts!

WHERE?
Molly Nye House, downstairs on 940 Lynn Valley Rd, North Vancouver

SANDWICH LUNCH
For offerings of sandwiches, finger veggies, or cookies/squares, please email Barbara.Moore@vch.ca

Contact Joy with questions landline604.941.2606 cell 604.329.8073 or odetojoy@telus.net.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

No Kings!

A few of us from UUSS braved inclement weather on October 18 to join the No Kings protest in Vancouver. Little did we know we were part of making history. On Saturday, an estimated 7 million people poured into the streets across the US, making No Kings the largest protest in U.S. history — more than 2.1 percent of the country mobilized in one day. That’s breathtaking. That’s history in motion. More on the story here.

From Amnesty International: Demand the US free Leqaa Kordia

Leqaa is a 32-year-old Muslim Palestinian woman and long-time U.S. resident, who was detained after a peaceful protest for human rights in Gaza. More info

From Independent Jewish Voices: Tell Canada to Sanction Settler Violence Now!

Over the past weeks, we have seen a steep, disturbing rise in settler violence and destruction throughout the Israeli occupied West Bank.

This week, over 11 buildings were destroyed around Masafer Yatta. Buildings that were homes to families who have lived here for centuries. Wells that served as some of the few access points to water in the area were destroyed. Caves that were dug out and used for homes, gatherings, and storage were demolished in one fell swoop by the occupation forces.

Many villages in this area are under demolition orders which have been upheld by the Israeli Supreme Court. The army claims that it needs this land for training exercises and that all the residents must leave. For most of the people who reside here, they wake up every morning and wonder if this will be the day their home is destroyed.

Now more than ever, we need to continue to pressure our governments to end their complicity in Israel’s ongoing war crimes and apartheid.

Earlier this year, IJV released a report documenting the dangerous rise in illegal settler violence and calling on Canada to take meaningful and urgent action to stop it.

Send a letter today demanding that the Canadian government expand sanctions on settler violence and apply all pressure possible to end its rampant rise in communities like Masafer Yatta.

From Avaaz: Stand with Jewish
Voices for Justice

In 24 hours, the EU will discuss
whether sanctions against Israel
clearly remain on the table – and
for the first time since the ceasefire,
a powerful coalition of Jewishvoices
has come together, urging world
leaders to keep the pressure up
until real accountability and freedom are
achieved. Their call can help shift
the political mood and give leaders
courage to act decisively -- amplify
their voices and stand with them.

FREE EVENTS FOR CLIMATE WEEK: NOVEMBER 1-7

CONNECT THE DOTS: PIZZA PARTY FOR PEOPLE AND THE PLANET

Pizza and good conversation - what’s not to love? Join us Monday, November 3rd at North Vancouver City Library for a fun evening Connecting the Dots with neighbours, sharing ideas, and exploring how climate ties into the challenges we care about most.

Whether you’re new to climate and community work or already involved, there’s a place for you at the table. Come hungry for great food (including vegetarian and vegan options), connection, and fresh ideas about building a thriving future together.

Climate resiliency skills with Christine Cole Nov 5, 6:30-8:00 pm North Vancouver City Library

Civil Disobedience On Burnaby Mountain And The Solidarity Notes Labour Choir Wednesday, November 5 at 6:30pm

In honour of Climate Action Week, join us as we discuss Standing on High Ground, a collection of twenty-five stories from people who put themselves on the line for climate justice in protest of the "TMX" Trans Mountain pipeline project. Join contributor Earle Peach and editor Rosemary Cornell as they discuss their experiences on the mountain and their involvement with the book. The Solidarity Notes Labour Choir will perform songs from their climate justice repertoire. Registration required. Learn more.

Community Climate Connections: Localizing Food
Thursday, November 6 at 1:30pm
Localizing Food, a discussion about food sovereignty, farming, and localization featuring Devon Cooke, creator of The Hands that Feed Us. Facilitated by Michelle Sheardown from RegenerateBC. No registration required. Learn more

October 17, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 18 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A BUSY DAY TOMORROW

TOMORROW
Saturday Service"Embracing Change & Transformation
October 18th at 5:00pm
St. Margaret's Cedar Cottage

As we embark on this transformative third year of our community, we will be embracing change as we co-create what we want this community to be. Please join your Worship Circle as we explore where we have been and where we are going. Based on the work of Rev. Shige Sakurai, we will use the elemental symbolism of spirit, water, fire, earth, and air to represent the dimensions of transformative work. As always, we will have a potluck afterwards and helping hands are welcome with the cleanup.

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

Some of us UU Salish Sea folks will be attending the No Kings protest Oct 18th, noon-2:00 before our service at 5:00 at St. Margaret's Cedar Cottage. Come join us! Wear your t-shirt if you have one and we'll try to find one another. Easy public transport after the event to the service.https://www.mobilize.us/nokings/event/841100/

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!

And join us right after the service for our Town Hall! And Share your thoughts on our Name, Purpose and Bylaws for Registration as a Charity. There will be treats!!

also TOMORROW
SATURDAY, October 18
from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
at St. Margaret's Cedar Cottage

Our team has been working hard getting us ready to register as a charity in Canada! They put together the attached document with the details of our application for the Canada Revenue Agency. Please share your thoughts, questions and concerns at our Town Hall directly after our next worship service. If you can't attend in person, there will be an option to zoom in. You can also share your thoughts with catherine via email at cstrickland@shaw.ca.

You can view the document in our google drive using this link or in the attached word document.

We hope to see you on the 18th!

Documentation for UUSS Charitable Status.docx

NEXT SATURDAY

Join us on Saturday, October 25 from 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.

Next Sunday Gathering
"Seeking Wisdom"

November 2, 2025 @ 11:00
Molly Nye House

Bring a book!

Many of us turn to books to help us sort through the big issues we face. These can be non-fiction or fiction.

SAVE THE DATE
Annual Craft Making Workshop
Sunday, December 7, 11:00-1:00

Calling folks of all ages who love to make Christmas crafts!

WHERE?
Molly Nye House, downstairs on 940 Lynn Valley Rd, North Vancouver

SANDWICH LUNCH
For offerings of sandwiches, finger veggies, or cookies/squares, please email Barbara.Moore@vch.caWe will have a table-sized Christmas tree trimmed with the craft samples hung from Youth and adult leaders will assist you with your craft.

A survey for craft leaders and participants will be provided in next week’s newsletter.

Contact Joy with questions landline604.941.2606 cell 604.329.8073 or odetojoy@telus.net.

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October 10, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 11 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

NEXT WEEKEND
Saturday Service"Embracing Change & Transformation
October 18th at 5:00pm
St. Margaret's Cedar Cottage

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.

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!

And join us right after the service for our Town Hall! And Share your thoughts on our Name, Purpose and Bylaws for Registration as a Charity. There will be treats!!

SATURDAY, October 18
from 6:30 pm to 7:30 pm
at St. Margaret's Cedar Cottage

You can view the document in our google drive using this link or in the attached word document.

We hope to see you on the 18th!

Documentation for UUSS Charitable Status.docx

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

Dismantling Barriers: Lessons from Hogan’s Alley

Thu, October 23, 2025 @4:30 PM

Join us from 7-8:30 pm for our second learning opportunity this year to engage with the hidden histories of Black Canadians.

Have you heard of Hogan’s Alley? Let’s learn about it together! This session will come with a pre-packet available at the beginning of October. During the session we’ll watch some materials together and then engage in discussion based on what we watched and the pre-packet given. We look forward to seeing you there!

Annual Craft Making Workshop
Sunday, December 7, 11:00-1:00

Calling folks of all ages who love to make Christmas crafts!

WHERE?
Molly Nye House, downstairs on 940 Lynn Valley Rd, North Vancouver

SANDWICH LUNCH
For offerings of sandwiches, finger veggies, or cookies/squares, please email Barbara.Moore@vch.ca.

Contact Joy with questions landline604.941.2606 cell 604.329.8073 or odetojoy@telus.net.

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.

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October 3, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 04 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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.

No Kings Day

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.

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

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!

September 26, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 27 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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

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.

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!

September 19.2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 20 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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

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.

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.

September 12, 2025: Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 13 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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

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.

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

Wednesday, Sep 17, 2025 @ 4

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

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.

From Anne Mayall
on Small Groups

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

September 5, 2025: Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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

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

Sociocracy Circles this fall

*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

Wednesday, Sep 17, 2025 @ 4

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

From Anne Mayall Small Groups

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

August 29, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 30 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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.

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

*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

Join us online on August 30th, 2025 from 1-3 pm ET on Zoom for an informal conversation about the book, Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds by adrienne maree brown. This will be the first in a series of engaging with this amazing book so we can discover what we don’t know and how we want to learn together.

Hosted by Camellia Jahanshahi and Rev. Anne Barker, this session will explore these questions: “What spoke to you when you read the book? What actions or ideas would be useful to integrate into your work, community building, and/or personal/group practices?” Come (with your favourite snacks and beverage!) to listen and to share.

The book is available at AK Press and downloadable as an audiobook, and also through other booksellers.

Save the Date: September 20th

SOCIAL JUSTICE

September 20
for Coast-to-Coast
Mobilization for Justice

See the detailed demands.

Unsubscribe

August 22, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 23 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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

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

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/

August 15, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 16 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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

Emergent Strategy Book Club –
First Meeting

Sat, August 30 at 10:00am

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

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

See the detailed demands.

Unsubscribe

August 1, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 02 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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!

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

July 25, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

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

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

Unsubscribe

July 18, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 19 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Summer Update
July 18, 2025

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).

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!

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

Announcing FUTURE,
the zine for Canadian
Unitarian Youth

Exciting things are happening in the Canadian Unitarian Youth space! We’re thrilled to introduce FUTURE, a brand-new zine by youth, for youth—and the first edition is out now! More info.

Before we drop the second edition, we wanted to make sure you had the chance to explore this debut issue. Packed with creativity, insights, and voices from our youth community, FUTURE is a space for expression, ideas, and connection.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

BC Climate Plan Survey

The province says its climate targets
are ‘unworkable’ as new fracking
and gas terminals push emissions up. So they’re asking the public how they should rejig the CleanBC plan.
- The Tyee

Link to the survey here and
more info.

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

Unsubscribe

July 11, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 12 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Summer Update
July 11, 2025

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).

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.

Update on UUA General Assembly held June 18-22

More than 3,279 UUs from 592 congregations in 48 states and 4 countries gathered for 5 powerful days of worship, witness, learning, decision-making, and moments of joy and deep community. Read the UU World GA recap: "Meet The Moment".

One of the highlights was an introduction to the first-ever virtual hymnal, Sing Out Love, which has initially about 200 songs organized alphabetically by song title with 20 more added each successive month.

Did you know they
were a Unitarian??

Robert Fulgrum wrote the famous "Everything I Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten", in which Fulghum lists lessons normally learned in American kindergarten classrooms and explains how the world would be improved if adults adhered to the same basic rules as children. He later served as Unitarian minister at the Edmonds WA UU church from 1966-1985.

A subset of his credo:

Share everything.
Play fair.
Don’t hit people.
Put things back where you found them.
Clean up your own mess.
Don’t take things that aren’t yours.
Say you’re sorry when you hurt somebody.
Wash your hands before you eat.
Flush.
Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.

The next Membership Team Zoom meeting is Wednesday, July 16, 2025. We are currently developing a proposal on the criteria for membership in the UUSS, the process for becoming a member, and the responsibilities and privileges of membership. New Membership Team members welcome! Contact Robyn to join.

SOCIAL JUSTICE

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

Unsubscribe

June 27, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 28 Jun 2025 03:27:23 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Summer Update
June 27, 2025

Thank you to everyone who participated in our Year End Gathering last week! There was wonderful food provided by Tamantopped off with cake for all.

We also formally adopted our Vision, Mission and Convenant as well as signed up for the upcoming Circles that we will be starting as part of our officially embracing Sociocracy as our governance model. More information will be forthcoming in future eNews publications.

VISION:
Our vision is to become a multigenerational spiritual community where love and trust guide us, where all who seek to connect with the mystery, joy, and wonder of life feel wholly welcome, and that contributes to a more just and interdependent world.

MISSION:
To serve our community, other congregations, and the wider world as a covenant-based faith community that embodies Unitarian Universalist principles and values, by:

Creating the welcoming conditions for people of diverse beliefs, backgrounds and identities (e.g. BIPOC, 2SLGBTQIA+ , those with invisible disabilities) to feel fully welcome in our congregation and the broader Unitarian Universalism tradition by experimenting with systems, structures, practices and rituals that challenge the status quo.
Inspiring interconnection and reverence for all life through worship, ritual, small group ministry and other activities
Working in solidarity with other communities and organizations committed to advancing justice in its many forms

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).

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!

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

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

June 20, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 21 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Weekly Update
June 20, 2025

TOMORRO

Join us for our final spring service on Sat June 21 @ 5:00
"Flower Communion”

St Margaret’s Cedar Cottage
1530 E. 22nd, Vancouver
In-person/Zoom

Bring a flower this week to add to our collective bouquet, as part of our Flower Communion!

The Flower Communion is a beloved Unitarian Universalist ritual, developed in Czechoslovakia in 1923 by Norbert Čapek. This ritual symbolizes the coming together of our wild and varied selves into a community, a bouquet, a collective, where each individual's unique beauty is also not diminished by this coming together, but rather enhanced.

Come celebrate the unique beauty of our community!

also TOMORRO

Register for our YEAR END GATHERING directly following our JUNE 21st Service

We hope you will join us for our 2025 Year End Gathering on Saturday, June 21 after our service until 9 pm. We will start with our Flower Communion followed by a dinner catered by Tamam. During and after dinner, we will share reports from the various UUSS teams and talk about our transition to Sociocracy. Then we will move into an opportunity to offer feedback on all aspects of UUSS’s activity including any barriers you are experiencing to participation. Finally, we will invite sharing of your ideas for the upcoming year. We hope you will join us!

Please RSVP by filling out this short survey. It includes opportunities to share any dietary needs and also to ask for or offer rides to and from the event.

Come celebrate another wonderful year with us!

Join us for a Summer Potluck!
Sunday 27 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).

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!

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

Help Stop Bill C-5

The government has introduced Bill C-5, Building Canada Act and is trying to push it through Parliament by Canada Day. This will circumvent proper Parliamentary procedure and eliminate the opportunity for public consultation on a Bill that grants sweeping power to the government to avoid environmental assessments and Indigenous consultation on projects that are deemed to be “in the national interest”. Who decides which projects qualify and what the parameters of qualification are is not specified. And, imagine this power in the hands of a government that you don’t agree with!

To learn more visit here.

We need to make our voices heard ASAP! Please call, email or visit your Member of Parliament to tell them to ensure that Bill C-5 gets proper public consultation and that it must include both environmental assessments and Indigenous consultation and consent for all projects regardless of their importance to the country.

Stop PGRT pipeline

✍️ sign Dogwood's petition to @markjcarney urging him to review the PRGT pipeline project under the Investment Canada Act, which is supposed to protect the country from hostile foreign actors (given Trump’s threats, this takeover of energy infrastructure by his Wall Street allies meets the criteria): www.dogwoodbc.ca/petitions/carney-stop-american-pipeline/

June is National Indigenous History Month, and also marks 10 years since the launch of the Truth and Reconciliation report. Read more here.

Call for action on Gaza

On the one-year anniversary of the Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage (May 22), a broad coalition of Canadian church leaders representing more than four million people wrote to the Prime Minister. Their message was urgent and unified: Canada must act now to end the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Read more here.

Dismantling Barriers:
Talking About Joy as Resistance

Thursday June 26 – 4:00 pm PT

Join us on June 26th, 2025 from 7-8:30pm ET on Zoom for a workshop and conversation around joy as resistance.

As people prepare to move into summer mode, lets talk about joy as resistance and a key factor for the work of dismantling barriers.

Queer joy, trans joy, Black joy, Indigenous joy, Immigrant joy, working class joy, young joy, elder joy, there are so many kinds of ways to celebrate and practice joy as resistance.

It is one of my most core beliefs that we must facilitate intentional joy to encourage our faith and counteract the burnout that often comes with the work of dismantling. Let’s talk about it!

June 13, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 14 Jun 2025 04:46:33 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Weekly Update
June 13, 2025

NEXT SATURDAY!

Join us for our final spring service on Sat June 21 @ 5:00
"Flower Communion”

St Margaret’s Cedar Cottage
1530 E. 22nd, Vancouver
In-person/Zoom

Bring a flower this week to add to our collective bouquet, as part of our Flower Communion!

Come celebrate the unique beauty of our community!

also NEXT SATURDAY

Register for our YEAR END GATHERING directly following our JUNE 21st Service

Please RSVP by filling out this short survey. It includes opportunities to share any dietary needs and also to ask for or offer rides to and from the event.

Come celebrate another wonderful year with us!

TOMORROW!

Come hear some of our UUSS folks in their spring concert on June 14!

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Help Stop Bill C-5

Dismantling Barriers:
Talking About Joy as Resistance

Thursday June 26 – 4:00 pm PT

Join us on June 26th, 2025 from 7-8:30pm ET on Zoom for a workshop and conversation around joy as resistance.

As people prepare to move into summer mode, lets talk about joy as resistance and a key factor for the work of dismantling barriers.

Queer joy, trans joy, Black joy, Indigenous joy, Immigrant joy, working class joy, young joy, elder joy, there are so many kinds of ways to celebrate and practice joy as resistance.

It is one of my most core beliefs that we must facilitate intentional joy to encourage our faith and counteract the burnout that often comes with the work of dismantling. Let’s talk about it!

Kudos to Lynda Fownes for making this amazing stole for our chaplain, Barb Moore. Barb debuted this beautiful art piece while officiating Janni's stepdaughters's wedding a few weekends back.

Check out our social media!

We have many NEW followers and growing and now are on Blue Skye!

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

June 6, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Weekly Update
June 6, 2025

Join us for our final spring service on Sat June 21 @ 5:00
"Flower Communion”

St Margaret’s Cedar Cottage
1530 E. 22nd, Vancouver
In-person/Zoom

Bring a flower this week to add to our collective bouquet, as part of our Flower Communion!

Come celebrate the unique beauty of our community!

Register for our YEAR END GATHERING directly following our JUNE 21st Service

Please RSVP by filling out this short survey. It includes opportunities to share any dietary needs and also to ask for or offer rides to and from the event.

Come celebrate another wonderful year with us!

Come hear some of our UUSS folks in their spring concert on June 14!

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Canadian Unitarians for Social Justice (CUSJ) is a national Unitarian organization, specifically focused on Social Justice. https://cusj.org/about/

CUSJ Membership: https://cusj.org/about-join-the-cusj-membership-form/

CUSJ’s AGM is Saturday June 7 at 1 PM. Register

The Crisis in Canadian Democracy: On-line presentation with special guests Andrew Coyne and Dennis Pilon
TOMROROW
Saturday June 7, 11 AM REGISTER HERE

From SHIFT:

Write to the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) to ask our national pension manager to reverse course and recommit to achieving net-zero emissions across the portfolio by 2050. Net-zero commitments are essential for managing risk and protecting long-term returns. As climate impacts disrupt markets and economies, pension funds like CPPIB risk falling short on their future obligations without urgent action.

You can send a quick letter to CPPIB and learn more here:

Adventure Awaits:
A Farewell Celebration for Rev. Linda Thomson!
TOMORROW
Saturday June 7: 1:30 pm PT

It is with a mix of great joy and sadness that we share with you Rev. Linda Thomson’s plans to leave the Canadian Unitarian Council in June 2025. After 23 years of dedication and hard work, our wonderful colleague and friend, Linda, is setting off on her next great adventure - retirement! If you have any photos of Linda, over the years with her work with teh CUC, please upload them here

Dismantling Barriers:
Talking About Joy as Resistance

Thursday June 26 – 4:00 pm PT

Join us on June 26th, 2025 from 7-8:30pm ET on Zoom for a workshop and conversation around joy as resistance.

As people prepare to move into summer mode, lets talk about joy as resistance and a key factor for the work of dismantling barriers.

Queer joy, trans joy, Black joy, Indigenous joy, Immigrant joy, working class joy, young joy, elder joy, there are so many kinds of ways to celebrate and practice joy as resistance.

It is one of my most core beliefs that we must facilitate intentional joy to encourage our faith and counteract the burnout that often comes with the work of dismantling. Let’s talk about it!

Check out our social media!

We have many NEW followers and growing and now are on Blue Skye!

Check the calendar on our website for more events!

This message was sent to you by UUs of the Salish Sea
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www.uusalishsea.ca 2025

May 30 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 31 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Weekly Update
May 30, 2025

THIS SUNDAY Gathering
"Decolonization as Progressive Understanding”

SUNDAY, June 1 at 11:00am
Molly Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

In-person

We will enjoy food and fellowship at a potluck after the service.

Catarina will share how the design process for the parks in Northeast False Creek was a vessel for deepening the understanding of place, cultural translation and replenishment. While this process only lasted 5 years, the learnings on decolonization that emerged were powerful and long lasting.

Join us for our final spring service on Saturday June 21
@ 5:00pm
"Flower Communion”

St Margaret’s Cedar Cottage
1530 E. 22nd, Vancouver
In-person/Zoom

Bring a flower to share - look for more details in next week's enews.

Register for our YEAR END GATHERING directly following our JUNE 21st Service

We hope you will join us for our 2025 Year End Gathering on Saturday, June 21 from 5 pm to 9 pm. We will start with our Flower Communion followed by a dinner catered by Tamam. During and after dinner, we will share reports from the various UUSS teams and talk about our transition to Sociocracy. Then we will move into an opportunity to offer feedback on all aspects of UUSS’s activity including any barriers you are experiencing to participation. Finally, we will invite sharing of your ideas for the upcoming year. We hope you will join us!

Please RSVP by filling out this short survey. It includes opportunities to share any dietary needs and also to ask for or offer rides to and from the event.

Come celebrate another wonderful year with us!

Come hear some of our UUSS folks in their spring concert on June 14!

CUC AGM 2025 TOMORROW:

May 31 - 10:00 am

The AGM is free and open to everyone
Observers are welcome, although only delegates may vote (register delegates here asap if your congregation hasn’t done so yet!)
Regular business motions are on the agenda; there are no additional social justice motions
Access the AGM on ZOOM here – delegates, please check in 60 minutes ahead of time

Adventure Awaits:
A Farewell Celebration for Rev. Linda Thomson!
June 7: 1:30 pm PT

It is with a mix of great joy and sadness that we share with you Rev. Linda Thomson’s plans to leave the Canadian Unitarian Council in June 2025. After 23 years of dedication and hard work, our wonderful colleague and friend, Linda, is setting off on her next great adventure—retirement! If you have any photos of Linda, over the years with her work with the CUC, please upload them here.
Register here at the bottom of the page.

From Rev Heidi Brear at St. Margaret's Cedar Cottage Anglican Church where we are privileged to call our temporary home every month:

As you know St. Margaret's is a special place and we are so grateful that it is able to provide a community space where so many people are able to gather whether that is to sing, play, learn, connect or worship! Over the last few months we have become aware of some significant needs of our aging building. We have had to replace the lower roof which was causing a leak and will need to replace our two furnaces as they are getting to the end of their useful life. The cost of these two projects is close to $60,000 which is well outside of what we budgeted for and what we can afford. We are grateful to be able to receive some funding through a grant from the wider church, but we will need to fundraise the rest of the costs to keep our building open and able to be used.

How can you and your congregation help? Share these great fundraisers with your congregation members

1. Participate in our summer rummage sale either by donating items for the sale or coming by and buying some treasures! Date and more info TBA soon!

3. Help leave a legacy at St. Margaret's one chair at a time.For more info visit click here

4. Create your own fundraiser!

5. Make a tax deductible donation directly to St. Margaret's (https://www.stmargaretscedarcottage.ca/donate.html)

Check out our social media!

We have many NEW followers and growing and now are on Blue Skye!

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

May 23,2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 24 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Weekly Update
May 23, 2025

Join us TOMORROW!!

"Reflections on Belonging"
with special guests!
Saturday, May 24 @ 5:00pm

Join us TOMORROW!!

Please join us for our special Sharing Our Faith service: Reflections on Belonging, in which we will explore the nature of belonging, where one is recognized and appreciated as part of a community.

We are delighted to have with us members from the Vancouver Unitarians who are part of that church’s IPA Team (Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, plus Allies). Three speakers who are the offspring of immigrants, will share with us their stories of how belonging is possible when one is straddling two cultures. As children, they were the bridge between their parents, who brought over their language, culture, hopes and dreams, and the new reality of life in Canada. What did these children experience growing up through the Canadian education system and being immersed in North American culture? How did this experience affect them as they became adults? How did they find their way to the Unitarian Church? We will, hopefully, reflect on how we can widen our circle in our congregation to include those whose experience is different from ours.

Magic Carpet Fashions
Refugee Fund Fundraiser

Saturday, May 24 2-4pm
Vancouver Unitarian

Tickets here.

LOOKING FOR YOUR INPUT!

On June 21, there will an annual big bash held right afterwards. There will be a catered dinner so please reach out to info@uusalishsea.ca with any dietary restrictions.

From our Care and
Concerns Committee

Having trouble getting to UUSS services and events?

We have heard that some folks have trouble driving across the bridge to Saturday evening services in East Vancouver, and some others have difficulty getting to Mollie Nye House in North Vancouver on Sundays. We want to try to make our get-togethers as accessible as possible, so please contact the Care & Concerns Team at info@uusalishsea.ca if transportation is a barrier for you. We will try to organize carpooling as needed.

Dismantling Barriers - Talking about Solidarity:
May 29 - 4:00 pm

CUC AGM 2025: May 31 - 10:00 am

The AGM is free and open to everyone Observers are welcome, although only delegates may vote (register delegates here asap if your congregation hasn’t done so yet!)
Regular business motions are on the agenda; there are no additional social justice motions. Access the AGM on Zoom here – delegates, please check in 60 minutes ahead of time

Justice News

Sacred Trust Water Ceremony Sunday May 25, 8:30 to 2 p.m.

Location: Whey-ah-Wichen/Cates Park, 4141 Dollarton Highway North Vancouver, BC

Join us for the second Interfaith Water Ceremony hosted by the Tsleil-Waututh Nation Sacred Trust and supported by Sierra Club BC! Join TWN as many faiths worship together – one heart, one mind, one prayer.

The Tsleil Waututh Nation Sacred Trust is asking folks to register via the Eventbrite link so that they can ensure there is enough food.

They are looking for volunteers for 3 different shifts. There is also an opportunity to be part of the water ceremony itself, out on the water in a canoe. Let Robyn know (robyn.newton.mail@gmail.com) if you want to participate on the water (space limited), or if you can help out at any of these shifts:

8-9am > a) setting up tent, table, chairs b) canoe launch support (e.g., helping wrangle folks to sign waver and get in place and oriented)
11:30am–12:30pm > Helping with lunch distribution
2-3pm > take down tent, table, chairs; tidy up park

Check out our social media!

We have many NEW followers and growing and now are on Blue Skye! Check out our latest Instagram stats

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

Unsubscribe

May 16, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 17 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Join us for our next service

"Reflections on Belonging"Saturday, May 24 @ 5:00pm
Join us for our next service
"Reflections on Belonging"
Saturday, May 24 @ 5:00pm

St Margaret's Cedar Cottage
1530 E 22nd Ave

Please join us for our special Sharing Our Faith service: Reflections on Belonging, in which we will explore the nature of belonging, where one is recognized and appreciated as part of a community. We are delighted to have with us members from the Vancouver Unitarians who are part of that church’s IPA Team (Indigenous, Black, People of Colour, plus Allies). Three speakers who are the offspring of immigrants, will share with us their stories of how belonging is possible when one is straddling two cultures. As children, they were the bridge between their parents, who brought over their language, culture, hopes and dreams, and the new reality of life in Canada. What did these children experience growing up through the Canadian education system and being immersed in North American culture? How did this experience affect them as they became adults? How did they find their way to the Unitarian Church? We will, hopefully, reflect on how we can widen our circle in our congregation to include those whose experience is different from ours.

Magic Carpet Fashions
Refugee Fund Fundraiser

Saturday, May 24 2-4pm
Vancouver Unitarian

the Vancouver Unitarian Refugee Committee has invited fashion historian Ivan Sayers back to present a selection of garments inspired by the Middle East and Africa. It is sure to be both informative and entertaining.

We are also delighted to have local fashion designer Somaya Ahmadipresent one of her fabulous creations. Refreshments will be available at intermission.

There will also be a sale of much-loved accessories before, at intermission and after the show in Hewett Hall. Prices will be very reasonable. So, do check out the merchandise to find a little gift for yourself or a loved one.

All proceeds from this event will go towards supporting refugees that Vancouver Unitarians bring to the Lower Mainland through the Canadian Refugee Sponsorship Program.

Bring a friend (or two) for an enjoyable afternoon! Tickets here.

From our Care and
Concerns Committee

Having trouble getting to UUSS services and events?

We have heard that some folks have trouble driving across the bridge to Saturday evening services in East Vancouver, and some others have difficulty getting to Mollie Nye House in North Vancouver on Sundays. We want to try to make our get-togethers as accessible as possible, so please contact the Care & Concerns Team at info@uusalishsea.ca if transportation is a barrier for you. We will try to organize carpooling as needed.

From Dan Leahy

dear Salish Sea Unitarians. We were proud members of the NSUC UNTIL 2013.....Dan and I are in awe of what you have created and are proud that you chose to create and build a new vibrant community that aligns more with your beautiful spirits and hearts. I am asking for a favour. would you be able to share a link to a go fund me page our daughter set up. Dan experienced chest pain 2.5 weeks ago. went to hospital, got admitted right away, had open heart surgery 5 days ago and is facing 2 months no work. Dan and I are both self employed, and I am off work as well caring for him. any financial support that comes our way would be incredibly appreciated. of course we totally understand if sharing does not fit in for you. thank you so much for your time. Gofundme for Dan.

Join Tsleil-Waututh Nation Sacred Trust at their Interfaith Water Ceremony planned for Sunday, May 25 at Whey-ah-Wichen / Cates Park.

After our regular Saturday service on June 21, there will an annual big bash held right afterwards. Stay tuned for more details!

Join us for this National Service live on Sunday, May 18 at 10 am followed by coffee time conversation.

What if sustainability isn’t just about how long we last — but about how deeply we belong to each other and to the future?

This service revisits Rev. Ray Drennan’s 2004 Confluence Lecture “An Idea of a Possibility” with insights from the UU Expressionsresearch and other current UU practices.

Register for the Live Stream

Why you won’t want to miss this:

Real voices, raw stories: Hear from UUs across Canada—elders, leaders, and visionaries—sharing their insights and practices.

A sacred invitation: Reflect, let go, and a reimagining of the possibilities.

You’re needed here: This is about us—how we bridge differences and reimagine sustainability as belonging to the future together.

Ready-to-Go Package:
Can’t join live? On Monday, May 12, a complete service package will be available for congregations and communities who wish to engage with it in their own way. If you would like this package, please fill in this form.

Dismantling Barriers - Talking about Solidarity: May 29 - 4:00 pm

CUC AGM 2025: May 31 - 10:00 am

Justice News

Sacred Trust Water Ceremony Sunday May 25, 8:30 to 2 p.m.

Location: Whey-ah-Wichen/Cates Park, 4141 Dollarton Highway North Vancouver, BC

The Tsleil Waututh Nation Sacred Trust is asking folks to register via the Eventbrite link so that they can ensure there is enough food.

They are looking for volunteers for 3 different shifts. There is also an opportunity to be part of the water ceremony itself, out on the water in a canoe. Let Robyn know (robyn.newton.mail@gmail.com) if you want to participate on the water (space limited), or if you can help out at any of these shifts:

8-9am > a) setting up tent, table, chairs b) canoe launch support (e.g., helping wrangle folks to sign waver and get in place and oriented)
11:30am–12:30pm > Helping with lunch distribution
2-3pm > take down tent, table, chairs; tidy up park

International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia May 17

Simon Fraser University has provided a link to a previously recorded Panel event: Mobilizing Fear and Misinformation: Anti-SOGI and ‘Parent's Rights’ Movements. In this pre-recorded session, a panel organized by our good friend Dr. Travers, Anthropology & Sociology professor at SFU, discussed misinformation, the forces behind anti-SOGI movements, and how these messages can be resisted. Watch the video.

May is Asian Heritage Month

The Vancouver Art Gallery is celebrating with a vibrant lineup of programs and events! Learn more here: https://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/asian-heritage-month-2025/

The Climate Emergency Unit has launched an information & advocacy campaign called #SignedSearedDelivered. The initiative flips the classic tourism postcard on its head with a scorching message to those in power. This campaign seeks to connect the dots between escalating wildfires, the climate crisis & the burning of fossil fuels. It calls on our leaders to hold Canada’s fossil fuel industry accountable & make climate action a priority.

Check out our social media!

We have many NEW followers and growing and now are on Blue Skye! Check out our latest Instagram stats

May 9, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Thanks to all who joined us this past Sunday for
Liz James' workshop!

And bringing such wonderful treats and most importantly, a special thanks to our Sunday Gathering Team: Barb, Allyson, Lynn, Lindsay, Catarina and Joy for organizing the whole event!

Looking to join the UU Hysterical Society? The URL for the Facebook group is www.facebook.com/groups/uuhystericalsociety/, but the simplest is just to log onto Facebook and search “UU Hysterical Society”.

Looking for more Hysterical content? Check out our website, at UUHystericalSociety.com. There, you can subscribe to our mailing list, find out about our comedy podcast, find great worship resources, and fun downloadables.

Interested in supporting what we’re doing? You can support outside-the-box UUism in many shapes and forms by becoming a Saint, at www.uuhystericalsociety.com/shop/patron-saint. Unlike with traditional Sainthood, we do not require you to die first. Hooray!

Want to learn more about the charity we raise funds for with our merchandise? You can learn more at Flaminginternational.org. If you want to learn more about the story of their relationship with UUHS (It’s a really amazing story), you can read more at www.uuhystericalsociety.com/fci-stories/2022/12/8/so-uh-whats-the-connection-between-flaming-chalice-international-and-the-hysterical-society

Our Next Saturday Service will be on May 24th (note date change: the 4th Sunday instead of the 3rd)

Reflections on Belonging

Join Tsleil-Waututh Nation Sacred Trust at their Interfaith Water Ceremony planned for Sunday,
May 25 at Whey-ah-Wichen / Cates Park.

After our regular Saturday service on June 21, there will an annual big bash held right afterwards. Stay tuned for more details!

From the CUC

CanUUdle XXV:
AdventUUres on the High Seas!
May 16-19
Unitarian Church of Montréal

CanUUdle is the annual national conference for Unitarian Universalist youth (ages 14-19) and their adult advisors (25+). It’s a beautiful weekend where youth and adults create an amazing community, worship together, grow as spiritual beings, and join in multigen activities. CanUUdle attendees stay overnight at the Unitarian Church of Montréal from Friday to Monday.

National Worship Sunday Service "From Possibility to Practice": May 18 - 10:00am

Dismantling Barriers - Talking about Solidarity: May 29 - 4:00 pm

CUC AGM 2025: May 31 - 10:00 am

Public Worship:
There Will Always Be Dancing

When: May 15 @ 5:00 PM

Where: Online, please register for details

Through the destruction and the devastation, something enduring resides within us that cannot be stamped out by bigotry, greed, or exploitation. No matter how much injustice we face and the burdens we carry, there will always be movement. There will always be music. There will always be dancing.

From this inner well, we sing, pray, resist, rejoice, dream, and rebuild—because our liberation is bound up together, and our spirits are uncontainable. Let us gather to remind one another of our sources of courage, joy, and power.

Join DRUUMM for our 2025 Public Worship with guest preacher, the Rev. Joan Javier-Duval of Vermont, and Dr. Jolie Rocke, our musical artist based in Texas. Rev. Christina Shu of California is our liturgist. This event is open to all.

Justice News

Concerns raised about Provincial Bill 15: the Infrastructure Projects Act

Quick Summary: On May 1^st, the BC NDP tabled Bill 15, which will allow a minister and the cabinet to designate a broad range of public and private sector projects as worthy of jumping the regulatory queue. Bill 15 will empower the government to intervene as it sees fit on behalf of “provincially significant projects,” public as well as private. The NDP intend to pass this legislation on May 28.

BC will not meet its emissions targets

At the end of April the BC government released its (long delayed) 2024 Climate Change Accountability Report. For those unfamiliar with it, the BC government is required every year to report on their CleanBC progress. You can read the report HERE.

Quick summary: We know the B.C government was never on track to meet its 2030 climate targets. In this latest report, the B.C government finally admits it won't achieve them (see page 2). B.C. expects to reduce emissions 2% by 2025, missing this target by 9 million tonnes, and expects to reduce emissions 20-21% by 2030, missing this target by 13 million tonnes.

CleanBC review just announced:

Quick Summary: CleanBC is B.C.’s road map for cutting climate pollution and building a cleaner, more sustainable future. The Province is launching an independent review of CleanBC programs to ensure they are effectively reducing emissions, while making life more affordable and supporting a strong economy.

South Fraser UnitarianCongregation invites you to our beautiful neighbourhood. Rev. Karen Fraser Gitlitz will be conducting a service and a workshop. Here are the details for this Sunday:

Date: May 11, 2025 2:30-3:30 pm (doors open at 2:10)
Venue: Peninsula United Church (Sunnyside location)
Address 15629 24 Ave Surrey BC

Unitarian Service: Making, Knowing & Dreaming Justice

How can tapping into our own creativity help us care for one another and work towards justice? Karen will draw from the perspectives of science, therapy and the arts to consider how creativity might help us respond to the challenges of our world.

May 2, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 03 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

JOIN US THIS SUNDAY, MAY 4
10:30am to 2:30pm
Molly Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

We would also appreciate it if some participants could bring veggies, fruit, savoury snacks or sweet treats to share.

About the workshop:

Liz James will be at Mollie Nye House to lead UUSS in a workshop called The Church of Our Imagination, a congregational/community development workshop. In it, we will look at strategies for congregational adaptation. This isn’t a “How to use Facebook” style workshop. This is about changing how we think about ourselves. We will talk about what it looks like to get the word out in a viral world, how to re-envision what the “main part” of what we do really is, what streamlined governance and a failure friendly culture can really look like, and more. This is a story heavy workshop, with lots of examples of how UU communities are successfully adapting (as well as some jokes, discussion and a game thrown in).

World Labyrinth Day 2025 in Surrey! Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025 Time: 1:00 PM Location: Seven Circuit Classical Labyrinth, Fleetwood Park, Surrey

Be part of a global wave of peace and mindfulness as we "Walk as One at 1" with thousands across the globe.

Our Labyrinth:
- Metro Vancouver's first public park labyrinth
- 42 feet in diameter
- Established in 2011 through community partnership
- A symbol of Surrey's commitment to pluralism and diversity

Event Schedule: 1:00 PM - Labyrinth Introduction & Mindfulness Follow With Global Synchronized Walk

From the CUC

AGM Conversations:
May 7 4:30pm

CanUUdle XXV:
AdventUUres on the High Seas!
May 16-19
Unitarian Church of Montréal

National Worship Sunday Service "From Possibility to Practice": May 18 - 10:00am

Dismantling Barriers - Talking about Solidarity: May 29 – 4:00 pm

CUC AGM 2025: May 31 - 10:00 am

Justice News

Free training opportunities to support your social justice activities!

Right to Be offers excellent and free trainings that give you skills to engage in social justice in a way that is in alignment with our UU values. If you don’t know what to do when you witness a microaggression or want to increase your capacity to engage meaningfully with social justice work, consider participating in one or more of their trainings listed here.

Every summer, wildfires increasingly ravage places around the globe, darkening the skies with thick smoke and reducing communities to little more than ash and debris.

Award-winning directors Nova Ami and Velcrow Ripper weave together immersive on-the-ground footage with first-person accounts from Indigenous Elders, first responders, and ordinary people forced to react to a rapidly evolving ecosystem in the feature documentary Incandescence.

From Decolonial Solidarity and Dogwood:

On Wednesday, May 28th 2025 the Gitanyow will go before the BC supreme court to argue their case for Title —standing up for their lands, laws, and the generations to come. The Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs are together claiming title to the 6,200 square kilometres of the Gitanyow Lax’yip, located in the Nass and Skeena Watersheds (Kitwanga and Kispiox Rivers). When the Canada negotiated the Nisga'a Final Agreement with the Nisga'a Nation they did not consult the Gitanyow, despite their overlapping territorial claims. Gitanyow Territory is now under threat from the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline (PRGT). Their title claim goes hand in hand with their struggle to protect their territories from destructive development and safeguard salmon in the Nass, Cranberry and Kiteen river.

The Gitanyow are calling on their allies to march with them from Robson Square to the steps of the BC Supreme Courthouse. If you are in Vancouver on the morning of May 5th, please join the Gitanyow and their allies. You can also support by sharing this call with any and everyone!

Location: Meet between Robson Square Ice Rink and Vancouver Art Gallery. Commence march up the Hornby sidewalk. Arrive at the front steps of BC Supreme Court, 800 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC

Time: 8:00am gather - 8:45am start the march - 9:15am arrive front steps of BC Supreme Court, 800 Smithe Street

After our regular Saturday service on June 21, there will an annual big bash held right afterwards. Stay tuned for more details!

Join Tsleil-Waututh Nation Sacred Trust at their Interfaith Water Ceremony planned for Sunday,
May 25 at Whey-ah-Wichen / Cates Park.

April 25, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 26 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

JOIN US TOMORROW at 5:00pm
"Inherent Mirth and Dignity" 5:00 FOR A SPECIAL SERVICE

please come if you can and
welcome Liz James!

On Saturday, April 26, UUSS Worship Circle has invited Liz James, founder of Mirth and Dignity and the UU Hysterical Society, to speak as part of our service entitled "Inherent Mirth and Dignity". Join us at St. Margarets Cedar Cottage at 1530 E. 22nd Ave.

What do you do when the life you’d imagined for yourself is stuck in committee? Join us for the story of the UU Hysterical Society...The practical joke that accidentally turned into a 230,000 person UU community on Facebook. It’s a story of feeling lost, finding yourself, and UUism-outside-the-box with UUHS founder, Liz James.

Liz James is the founder of a 270,000-person online UU community called the Unitarian Universalist Hysterical Society (UUHS); half of The Cracked Cup podcast; and is working on a book with Skinner House Press. She also runs Mirth and Dignity, an organization devoted to supporting diverse expressions of Unitarian Universalism. She believes in a Unitarian Universalism that is filled with meaning and joy, and that sees change as an adventure.

Also on Sunday, May 4, Liz James will be at Mollie Nye House to lead UUSS in a workshop called The Church of Our Imagination, a congregational/community development workshop. In it, we will look at strategies for congregational adaptation. This isn’t a “How to use Facebook” style workshop. This is about changing how we think about ourselves. We will talk about what it looks like to get the word out in a viral world, how to re-envision what the “main part” of what we do really is, what streamlined governance and a failure friendly culture can really look like, and more. This is a story heavy workshop, with lots of examples of how UU communities are successfully adapting (as well as some jokes, discussion and a game thrown in).

From the CUC

Congregational Conversations

AGM Conversations: May 7 4:30pm

CanUUdle XXV:
AdventUUres on the High Seas!
May 16-19
Unitarian Church of Montréal

National Worship Sunday Service "From Possibility to Practice": May 18 - 10:00am

Dismantling Barriers - Talking about Solidarity: May 29 – 4:00 pm

CUC AGM 2025: May 31 - 10:00 am

World Labyrinth Day 2025 in Surrey! Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025 Time: 1:00 PM Location: Seven Circuit Classical Labyrinth, Fleetwood Park, Surrey

Be part of a global wave of peace and mindfulness as we "Walk as One at 1" with thousands across the globe.

Our Labyrinth:
- Metro Vancouver's first public park labyrinth
- 42 feet in diameter
- Established in 2011 through community partnership
- A symbol of Surrey's commitment to pluralism and diversity

Event Schedule: 1:00 PM - Labyrinth Introduction & Mindfulness Follow With Global Synchronized Walk

After our regular Saturday service on June 21, there will an annual big bash held right afterwards. Stay tuned for more details!

Join Tsleil-Waututh Nation Sacred Trust at their Interfaith Water Ceremony planned for Sunday,
May 25 at Whey-ah-Wichen / Cates Park.

Justice News

Join Tim Nash of Good Investing on Tuesday, April 29th, for his FREE Green Bonds: Financing the Green Transition webinar, where we’ll talk about what meaningful, transparent, values-aligned investing looks like—and how you can be part of the next wave of real change.Let’s keep planting the seeds.

From Decolonial Solidarity and Dogwood:

On Monday, May 5th 2025 the Gitanyow will go before the BC supreme court to argue their case for Title —standing up for their lands, laws, and the generations to come. The Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs are together claiming title to the 6,200 square kilometres of the Gitanyow Lax’yip, located in the Nass and Skeena Watersheds (Kitwanga and Kispiox Rivers). When the Canada negotiated the Nisga'a Final Agreement with the Nisga'a Nation they did not consult the Gitanyow, despite their overlapping territorial claims. Gitanyow Territory is now under threat from the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline (PRGT). Their title claim goes hand in hand with their struggle to protect their territories from destructive development and safeguard salmon in the Nass, Cranberry and Kiteen river.

Location: Meet between Robson Square Ice Rink and Vancouver Art Gallery. Commence march up the Hornby sidewalk. Arrive at the front steps of BC Supreme Court, 800 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC

Time: 8:00am gather - 8:45am start the march - 9:15am arrive front steps of BC Supreme Court, 800 Smithe Street

World Labyrinth Day 2025 in Surrey! Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025 Time: 1:00 PM Location: Seven Circuit Classical Labyrinth, Fleetwood Park, Surrey

Be part of a global wave of peace and mindfulness as we "Walk as One at 1" with thousands across the globe.

Our Labyrinth:
- Metro Vancouver's first public park labyrinth
- 42 feet in diameter
- Established in 2011 through community partnership
- A symbol of Surrey's commitment to pluralism and diversity

Event Schedule: 1:00 PM - Labyrinth Introduction & Mindfulness Follow With Global Synchronized Walk

From Decolonial Solidarity and Dogwood:

On Monday, May 5th 2025 the Gitanyow will go before the BC supreme court to argue their case for Title —standing up for their lands, laws, and the generations to come. The Gitanyow Hereditary Chiefs are together claiming title to the 6,200 square kilometres of the Gitanyow Lax’yip, located in the Nass and Skeena Watersheds (Kitwanga and Kispiox Rivers). When the Canada negotiated the Nisga'a Final Agreement with the Nisga'a Nation they did not consult the Gitanyow, despite their overlapping territorial claims. Gitanyow Territory is now under threat from the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission pipeline (PRGT). Their title claim goes hand in hand with their struggle to protect their territories from destructive development and safeguard salmon in the Nass, Cranberry and Kiteen river.

Date: Monday, May 5, 2025

Location: Meet between Robson Square Ice Rink and Vancouver Art Gallery. Commence march up the Hornby sidewalk. Arrive at the front steps of BC Supreme Court, 800 Smithe Street, Vancouver, BC

Time: 8:00am gather - 8:45am start the march - 9:15am arrive front steps of BC Supreme Court, 800 Smithe Street

The UUSC launches the Resistance Network.

We are living in a time of escalating injustice, but also powerful resistance. Those in power seek to divide us, weaken our movements, and strip away fundamental rights—but we know that justice is only possible when we build solidarity together. Our faith in human dignity, our belief in collective liberation, and our commitment to justice call us to act.

Yesterday, the UUSC launched the Resistance Network—a mobilization hub designed to take immediate action when civil liberties, democracy, and human rights are at risk. The threats we face are vast, but history shows us that resistance works when we act together. The Resistance Network is an opportunity to live our values as Unitarian Universalists and take collective action.

Check out our social media!

April 18, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

JOIN US NEXT SATURDAY AT 5:00 FOR A SPECIAL SERVICE

please come if you can and
welcome Liz James!

On Saturday, April 26, UUSS Worship Circle has invited Liz James, founder of Mirth and Dignity and the UU Hysterical Society, to speak as part of our service entitled "Inherent Mirth and Dignity". Join us at St. Margarets Cedar Cottage at 1530 E. 22nd Ave.

Check out the Unitarian Universalist Hysterical Society!

This is primarily a humour group, made by Unitarian Universalists (but welcoming everybody!), that arose kind of by accident out of a practical joke in 2015.

They are a special corner of the internet, due largely to the tireless work of a professional mod team that works 24/7 (okay, not really at night) to approve posts, approve members, and watch over threads.

Below is an example of the fun postings you will find there - join the group!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/uuhystericalsoci

Justice News

“Saving Our Planet: Faith in Action 3,”

A dynamic gathering is taking place on World Earth Day, April 22,2025, at St. Andrew’s Wesley Church. Brought to you by the Foundation for a Path Forward, the Interfaith Climate Alliance, and supported by St. Andrew's Wesley United Church.

From the CUC

Congregational Conversations

Connect and Deepen: April 19 1:00 pm PT

AGM Conversations: April 19 – 10:00 am & May 7 - 4:30 pm":

Dismantling Barriers - Talking About Bylaws April 24 – 4:00 pm

National Worship Sunday Service "From Possibility to Practice": May 18 - 10:00am

Dismantling Barriers - Talking about Solidarity: May 29 – 4:00 pm

CUC AGM 2025: May 31 - 10:00 am

After our regular Saturday service on June 21, there will an annual big bash held right afterwards. Stay tuned for more details!

Join Tsleil-Waututh Nation Sacred Trust at their Interfaith Water Ceremony planned for Sunday,
May 25 at Whey-ah-Wichen / Cates Park.

Happy Birthday, Jilly!

April 11, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 12 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Liz James set to visit us on both
April 26 and May 4!

On Saturday, April 26, UUSS Worship Circle has invited Liz James, founder of Mirth and Dignity and the UU Hysterical Society, to speak as part of our service entitled "Inherent Mirth and Dignity"

On Sunday, May 4, Liz James will be at Mollie Nye House to lead UUSS in a workshop called The Church of Our Imagination, a congregational/community development workshop. In it, we will look at strategies for congregational adaptation. This isn’t a “How to use Facebook” style workshop. This is about changing how we think about ourselves. We will talk about what it looks like to get the word out in a viral world, how to re-envision what the “main part” of what we do really is, what streamlined governance and a failure friendly culture can really look like, and more. This is a story heavy workshop, with lots of examples of how UU communities are successfully adapting (as well as some jokes, discussion and a game thrown in).

More info on Liz James

Liz James began preaching and leading workshops twenty years ago, as a growth consultant for the Canadian Unitarian Council. Ten years ago, she founded the UU Hysterical Society, now a 270,000 person humour group on Facebook. She then went on to found Mirth and Dignity, an organization devoted to diverse expressions of UUism. She is cohost of the UU humour podcast The Cracked Cup, and working on a book with Skinner House press.

Justice News

EARTH DAY EVENTS!!

Celebrate Earth Day with Seniors for Climate at Trout Lake Community Centre on Saturday April 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lots of activities for https://seniorsforclimate.org/en/vancouver-earth-day-2025-celebration/ for details.

The 3 North Shore Municipalities will be consulting with residents on housing needs, in light of new requirements from the Provincial Government. It is important to note that municipalities will no longer be holding public hearings for housing development proposals, so this is your best opportunity to advocate for affordable housing and complete communities. The District of North Vancouver has already started this review: public input sessions scheduled for April 12 and 16. Find out more here:

District of North Vancouver:
https://www.dnv.org/community-environment/official-community-plan-update-2025

From the CUC

Congregational Conversations

Transitions: April 12 – 10:00 am

Connect and Deepen: April 19 1:00 pm PT

AGM Conversations: April 19 – 10:00 am & May 7 - 4:30 pm

National Worship Sunday Service "From Possibility to Practice":
May 18 - 10:00am

Dismantling Barriers - Talking about Solidarity: May 29 – 4:00 pm

CUC AGM 2025: May 31 - 10:00 am

New Membership Team!

Looking for Volunteers

We are looking for volunteers to join a brand-new Membership Team. To give you a sense of what the work might entail, I’ve developed a possible “Terms of Reference” document which is shown below. One of the first tasks of the new group will be to review the ”Terms” and change them if you think it advantageous to do so.

Please let me know if you’re interested. I’m including a special invitation to any youth who might find this work of interest. Your participation would be more than welcome.

John Slattery (for the Planning Team)

This Team shall:

Maintain the official Membership List and control access to it
Prepare name tags for members and stick-on labels for visitors
Keep Membership materials in an updated, organized container
Prepare and make available (for weekend services and gatherings) information about our congregation, special events, etc.
Serve as Greeters, or if needed, recruit Greeters for these services and gatherings
Provide information about what it means to be a member and how to become a member for those interested
Develop and organize Becoming-a-Member sessions
Inform (tba) about the Team’s activities on a regular basisDevelop an annual action plan (and an associated budget request) and evaluate how well it has met its goals by the end of the planning year.
Review the Terms of Reference annually or more often if needed
Liaise with other Teams, or individuals (e.g. Worship, Sunday Gathering, Care and Concerns, Communication, etc.) to ensure clear communication
Meet as needed to carry out the above tasks

After our regular Saturday service on June 21, there will an annual big bash held right afterwards. Stay tuned for more details!

Join Tsleil-Waututh Nation Sacred Trust at their Interfaith Water Ceremony planned for Sunday,
May 25 at Whey-ah-Wichen / Cates Park.

April 4, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 05 Apr 2025 00:00:10 GMT

THIS Sunday, April 6
at 11:00am

"Art and Spirituality"
(rescheduled from February after storm cancellation)

Mollie Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

"Lend your ears to music, open your eyes to painting, and … stop thinking! Just ask yourself whether the work has enabled you to ‘walk about’ into a hitherto unknown world. If the answer is yes, what more do you want?”

Join Jilly Watson and the Sunday Gathering Team for connection, conversation and a hands on arts activity!

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.

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.

Justice News

From RegenerateBC - Getting into Climate Action – 3 Online Sessions beginning Wednesday, April 9, 7-9 pm. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/getting-into-climate-action-online-sessions-tickets-1261905215469

On April 10th, at 7 p.m. SCOEE Hall is presenting Seth Klein to speak on “Charting a Path to De-Link British Columbia from the U.S.A. and Fossil Fuels.”
Join Online via Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89138675891

Celebrate Earth Day with Seniors for Climate at Trout Lake Community Centre on Saturday April 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Lots of activities for all! See https://seniorsforclimate.org/en/vancouver-earth-day-2025-celebration/ for details.

Sign the Petition to protect Greenpeace and other advocacy groups from malicious SLAPP lawsuits: https://act.greenpeace.ca/en-ca/energy-transfer?_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_eAW6O72Y_GK_GmxbMGE3rflR0p2PyUpumssz49OFTfDug93PhE49kRdgtfaHRygccUbZ5PKIztwDdgVeZ7r0RXtpS23EsJtWvkXBLFSeyXZAu6G8&_hsmi=353984581

Petition from LeadNow to protect the CBC: https://leadnow.ca/campaigns/protectcbc/?source=email-protectcbcpetition&link_id=0&can_id=a2269384e9acd579989b9381b17d8258&email_referrer=email_2681870&email_subject=us-hedge-fund-own-our-media

Liz James set to visit us on both
April 26 and May 4!

On Saturday, April 26, UUSS Worship Circle has invited Liz James, founder of Mirth and Dignity and the UU Hysterical Society, to speak as part of our service.

On Sunday, May 4, Liz James will be at Mollie Nye House to lead UUSS in a workshop called The Church of Our Imagination, a congregational/community development workshop.

Just who is Liz James you ask?
She is a member of the Saskatoon Unitarians, on the Canadian prairie. She runs Mirth and Dignity, an organization dedicated to UUhumour, which can be found at UUHystericalSociety.com. Liz also does guest preaching and can be reached through her website at lizjameswrites.com.

New Membership Team!

Looking for Volunteers

Please let me know if you’re interested. I’m including a special invitation to any youth who might find this work of interest. Your participation would be more than welcome.

John Slattery (for the Planning Team)

This Team shall:

Maintain the official Membership List and control access to it
Prepare name tags for members and stick-on labels for visitors
Keep Membership materials in an updated, organized container
Prepare and make available (for weekend services and gatherings) information about our congregation, special events, etc.
Serve as Greeters, or if needed, recruit Greeters for these services and gatherings
Provide information about what it means to be a member and how to become a member for those interested
Develop and organize Becoming-a-Member sessions
Inform (tba) about the Team’s activities on a regular basisDevelop an annual action plan (and an associated budget request) and evaluate how well it has met its goals by the end of the planning year.
Review the Terms of Reference annually or more often if needed
Liaise with other Teams, or individuals (e.g. Worship, Sunday Gathering, Care and Concerns, Communication, etc.) to ensure clear communication
Meet as needed to carry out the above tasks

From the CUC

Congregational Conversations

Transitions: April 9 – 10:00 am& April 12 – 10:00 am

Connect and Deepen: April 19 1:00 pm PT

AGM Conversations: April 19 – 10:00 am & May 7 4:30 pm

National Worship Sunday Service "From Possibility to Practice:
May 18 - 10:00am

Dismantling Barriers - Talking about Solidarity: May 29 – 4:00 pm

TOMORROW:
Sonia Mackrow's
Celebration of Life
Saturday, April 5 @ 2:00pm

Sonia Mackrow passed away on March 7, 2025 at the age of 100. Her Celebration of Life will be held at 2pm on Saturday, April 5th in the Northshore Unitarian Church, Sanctuary, 370 Mathers Ave. in West Vancouver.

March 28, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 29 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

"Art and Spirituality"
(rescheduled from February after storm cancellation)

Sunday, April 6 at 11:00am

Mollie Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

Join Jilly Watson and the Sunday Gathering Team for connection, conversation and a hands on arts activity!

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.

Save the dates!

On Saturday, April 26, UUSS Worship Circle has invited Liz James, founder of Mirth and Dignity and the UU Hysterical Society, to speak as part of our service. Here is a brief description of the service entitled Inherent Mirth and Dignity:

More information to come next week!

Last week our Treasurer gave an update on our finances and thanked our amazing donors for their generous gifts. If you haven't received your tax receipt yet, please email Ryan.

From the CUC

Dismantling Barriers: Talking About Bylaws March 27 4:00 pm PT

Connect and Deepen: April 19 1:00 pm PT

Celebrating Trans Day of Visibility on March 31

Rev. Samaya Oakley of Calgary Unitarians is preparing for the congregation to mark Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31, an event she hopes other UU congregations across Canada will honour as well.

“If I could, I would love to wave my magic wand and have every Canadian UU congregation across Canada do something to visibly say to the trans community in which they’re located that they are welcome,” she says. “Even making sure that their trans flag was outside of their building. Just something to let the trans community know across Canada that Canadian UU congregations can provide a home, If they’re looking for a spiritual home.”

Calgary Unitarians’ service on March 30 will feature a panel discussion of the book Authentic Selves, the Unitarian Universalist Association’s common read for 2024-25, which will be followed by a four-session group discussion over the subsequent weeks. Oakley believes the interviews with trans and non-binary people within the book make it important reading for UUs.

“The subjects in the book share their real lives, their revelations, challenges, and joys,” she says. “And the common read invites us to explore the nature of living authentically and the ways connections among us help us to thrive.”

Oakley believes that marking Transgender Day of Visibility is a critical action for UUs to take in these times.

“The way I look at it is If we truly are on the side of love, if that is what we profess, then when we say We honour and affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person, then that means we honour the inherent worth and dignity of every single person,” she says. “And that’s why I think it’s so important that we honour this day because it’s a day that celebrates trans lives.”

In addition to marking this day, Oakley encourages UUs to act year-round by supporting organizations advocating for trans rights, considering recertification as a Welcoming Congregation, and making space for a variety of gender options on congregational registration forms.

.

Sonia Mackrow's
Celebration of Life
Saturday, April 5 @ 2:00pm

RAVEN is starting a book club! Join them on April 3, 2025 at 5pm PT (8pm ET) to discuss the book "Valley of the Birdtail" by two esteemed law professors, Douglas Sanderson and Andrew Snobo Sniderman. The book dives into history, reconciliation, power, and how Canada has become what it is today. Register Here: https://raventrust.com/event/raven-book-club-april-2025/

Necessary Trouble Collective is hosting another Community Care and Repair series starting Monday, March 31. Community Care & Repair (CC&R) is a series of bi-weekly online learning and practice sessions to build the skills and connections we need to create communities of belonging. The skills and practices offered are grounded in principles of nonviolence, emergence, Nonviolent Communication and collective liberation.The sessions run from 5 pm to 6:30 pm Pacific Time.

In this series we will be focusing on conflict for the first 3 sessions and collaboration for the second 3 sessions. For more information about each session and to register please visit https://communitycareandrepair.sutra.co. Please note, you must register for each individual session in order to receive the zoom link and the materials for the session.

March 21, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists of the Salish Sea Weekly Update
March 21, 2025

Financial Update

from our Treasurer

The first thing you should know is that the new Treasurer at FUCV abruptly resigned in the fall, forcing the old Treasurer to come out of retirement. That's why you're reading this update on a random spring day, rather than at the end of the year.

The other impact is that, while I know we've received $7250 in donations since November, I don't know who donated or how much. This is, perhaps, an ideal way to break the relationship between money and power which caused problems in the past. After all, how can money and the threat of its withholding be used as a lever when nobody knows where it comes from? It simply falls like rain from the sky, irrigating the programs and ministries that this congregation is attempting to grow. There may be droughts in the future, but no one can credibly threaten to stop the rain.

But thank you to everyone who donated. You know who you are, and that's what's important. You should've received your tax receipt by now, so if you haven't please let me know and I'll look into it.

We currently have $16,542.42 in the bank, which for those keeping score at home is about $1,500 more than last May. This is an ideal amount of money: enough to cover our expenses for several years, but not enough for an embezzler to retire in a non-extradition country.

Ryan Guenther, Treasurer

What does it mean to belong truly? To the land, our ancestors, our communities, and even ourselves? These are the profound questions at the heart of Annahid Dashtgard’s powerful new book, Bones of Belonging: Finding Wholeness in a White World (2023).

As the CEO of Anima Leadership, a racial justice consulting firm, Dashtgard brings a deeply personal and insightful perspective to the conversation about belonging. Her latest work is a collection of interconnected stories exploring the many facets of belonging—from the land we inhabit to the relationships we nurture and our identities.

We’re thrilled to invite you for a Book Study on Bones of Belonging. Whether you are new to Unitarian Universalism or a lifelong UU, this is an opportunity to reflect, connect, and grow together.

REGISTER HERE

Justice News

From Dogwood

The PRGT pipeline is a Trojan horse. While claiming to be “Indigenous-led,” the investors are trillion-dollar Wall Street companies.

You can help stop it. Use this webpage to call Energy Minister Adrian Dix and tell him not to fast-track another American pipeline.

From The Palestinian

Solidarity Network

A federal election call possible at any moment. This is our moment to put pressure on federal politicians to keep justice for Palestine front and Centre.

Palestinian organizations and solidarity partners across Canada have developed a Palestinian platform that you can push all political parties to endorse:Impose a two-way arms embargo on Israel, End Canadian involvement in illegal Israeli settlements, Address anti-Palestinian racism and protect freedom of expression on Palestine, Recognize the State of Palestine, Protect and Fund Gaza Relief Efforts, including UNRWA

Will you take action today, by asking all federal parties to endorse the Palestine Platform? Send an email using this tool.

From Sierra Club

Join Sierra Club's webinar on March 26 @ 6 pm to learn how incredible old-growth forests are in terms of biodiversity, a livable climate, Indigenous stewardship, tourism, recreation and much more. They will provide an update on provincial old growth policies and discuss the importance of supporting Indigenous Protected and Conserved Areas (IPCAs) and other Indigenous-led solutions for old-growth in B.C.

Call on PM Carney to implement a two-way arms embargo against Israel:

Israel just bombed Gaza, killing over 400 Palestinians—including children—and shattering a fragile ceasefire. This comes after weeks of electricity blackouts and food blockades, showing Israel’s intent to keep this war going. Egypt and Qatar have condemned the attack. Now, it’s time for Canada to step up. Our biggest leverage? The millions in military equipment Canadian arms dealers sell to Israel. Prime Minister Mark Carney just took office, and with an election on the horizon, he’s listening. If we flood his inbox, we can force peace onto the political agenda. Send a message to PM Carney now demanding Canada condemn this attack and implement a two-way arms embargo against Israel. Click here.

Support Indigenous land defenders' efforts to block financing for pipelines

Decolonial Solidarity is requesting our help! Do you know anyone who owns shares of RBC or BMO? DS is looking for proxies from shareholders so they can attend this year's Annual Meetings.

This year, with two major gas pipelines seeking financial investment (Coastal GasLink Phase 2 and Prince Rupert Gas Transmission), Indigenous Land Defenders plan to attend both RBC’s annual meeting and the Bank of Montreal’s annual meeting. This is an incredibly important annual action that will ensure bank executives hear about the lack of Indigenous consent for these projects, the clear climate implications, and the economic risks of expanding investment in liquefied natural gas.

If you can help, please contact Decolonial Solidarity decolonial-solidarity@protonmail.com

Save the Date! Sunday,

March 30 from 2:30 to 4:00

Call on the BC government to take stronger action on the Climate Crisis- Sustainability and Social Action Zoom Presentation.

Mari Piggott, from British Columbia Climate Emergency Campaign Signatory Engagement Working Group and Tracey Saxby Marine scientist, musician, and award-winning environmental activist, will speak to us about the BCCEC Urgent Call to the BC Government Progress Report. They will also share information on how to communicate with our members of parliament.

We will provide a reminder and the zoom link in a future newsletter.

From the CUC

Congregational Conversations: Hard Conversations (2nd run) (Online)

March 22: 10:00 am PT

Dismantling Barriers: Talking About Bylaws

March 27: 4:00 pm PT

Celebrating Trans Day of Visibility

Oakley believes that marking Transgender Day of Visibility is a critical action for UUs to take in these times.

Looking for youth volunteers for Magical Camp

Magical Mayhem Camp at Vancouver Unitarians (Live Action Role Play Social Justice Theatre Camp) is gearing up to return July 21-25, 2025. We're currently accepting applications for Camp Staff jobs and would love help getting the word out. This camp is delightfully quirky and an amazing container to play and work for a week. Info and application links at: https://vanu.ca/services/magical-summer-camp/

Camp description:

Magical Mayhem Summer Camp with the Vancouver Unitarian Centre engages children ages 7-12 in creatively addressing social justice issues through the avenue of role play, theatre, ritual, nature magic, and fun. Our guiding value is Radical Inclusivity with love at the centre. Children are honoured here from the gender creative to the neurospicy to families of all backgrounds and identities. We support every child to thrive, be themselves, show up and participate in the way that works for them. Magical camp at Vancouver Unitarians has been running since 2018 making magic for children and adults alike. Full job descriptions at https://vanu.ca/summer-camp-jobs

Youth Volunteer descriptions at: https://vanu.ca/magic-camp-volunteer

Volunteer Application Form: https://vanu.ca/camp-LD-application

Necessary Trouble Collective is hosting another Community Care and Repair series starting

Monday, March 31. Community Care & Repair (CC&R) is a series of bi-weekly online learning and practice sessions to build the skills and connections we need to create communities of belonging. The skills and practices offered are grounded in principles of nonviolence, emergence, Nonviolent Communication and collective liberation.The sessions run from 5 pm to 6:30 pm Pacific Time.

In this series we will be focusing on conflict for the first 3 sessions and collaboration for the second 3 sessions. For more information about each session and to register please visit https://communitycareandrepair.sutra.co. Please note, you must register for each individual session in order to receive the zoom link and the materials for the session.

March 7, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 08 Mar 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists of the Salish Sea Weekly Update
March 7, 2025

MARCH SERVICE

"Change the story, change the world!" with Barb Moore

March 15 @ 5:00pm

St Margaret's Cedar Cottage,

1530 E. 22nd, Vancouver

A look at how different creation stories created different world views. What story do we want to create now?

Please bring a packet of seeds for “seed communion”.

We will enjoy food and fellowship at a potluck after the service.

Justice News

Refusenik tour is coming to a city near you!

Israeli conscientious objectors Tal Mitnick and Einat Gerlitz are traveling across the country, speaking about their experiences resisting genocide and why they refuse to serve in the Israeli military.

Vancouver March 21, register at https://secure.ijvcanada.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=9825&qid=8233300

Vancouver March 22, register at https://secure.ijvcanada.org/civicrm/mailing/url?u=9826&qid=8233300

From CAPE

Next Friday, March 14, CAPE BC is hosting a fundraiser event for the Unist'ot'en Healing Centre, where they will be showing the film 'Yintah', sharing a delicious meal, and speaking with Unist'ot'en land defenders. Spots are limited, so reserve yours now!

https://act.cape.ca/events_yintahscreening?e=9fc8e0b7a7c76dd40c1446452f59d5bd&utm_source=cape&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=yintah_event_invite_1&n=9&test_email=1

Looking for youth volunteers

for Magical Camp

Camp description:

Youth Volunteer descriptions at: https://vanu.ca/magic-camp-volunteer

Volunteer Application Form: https://vanu.ca/camp-LD-application

From the CUC

Connect and Deepen

March 12 @ 1:00PM

Connect & Deepen is an online community for adults interested in meaningful reflection, conversation, and shared ideas for living our values. This is a welcoming space that encourages spiritual as well as philosophical exploration, with an eye to putting these explorations into action.

AGM 2025 Conversations

March 19: 4:30 pm PT

Congregational Conversations: Hard Conversations (2nd run) (Online)

March 22: 10:00 am PT

Conversations with Annahid Dashtgard Author of Bones of Belonging

March 26: 4:00 pm PT

Why is belonging so important? Join us for a bonus Sharing our Faith event with Annahid Dashtgard. Dashtgard is the author of Bones of Belonging: Finding Wholeness in a White World. She is also the CEO of Anima Consulting, a diversity, equity and inclusion company in Toronto. Bones of Belonging is the recommended read in this year’s Sharing our Faith packet. Find the study guide for Bones of Belonging in the Sharing Our Faith folder. Bring your questions!

Your hosts are Camellia Jahanshahi and Karen Fraser Gitlitz. Camellia is the CUC’s Dismantling Barriers Lead. Karen is a UU community minister. Karen also created this year’s Sharing our Faith packet.

Dismantling Barriers: Talking About Bylaws

March 27: 4:00 pm PT

Question:

How many UU's does it take to change a light bulb?

Answer:

This statement was issued: "We chose not to make a statement either in favor of or against the need for a light bulb. However, if in your own journey you have found that a light bulb works for you, that's fine. You are invited to write a poem or compose a modern dance about your personal relationship with your light bulb and present it next month at our annual light-bulb service, in which we will explore a number of light-bulb traditions, including incandescent, fluorescent, three-way, long-life, or any additional non dark resources-all of which represent equally valid paths to luminescence."

February 28, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 01 Mar 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists of the Salish Sea Weekly Update
February 21, 2025

Next Sunday Gathering

"Joined By Song"

with Lindsay Hindle

March 2 @ 11:00pm

Molly Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

Come feel more alive, more at peace, and joyfully bonded as we gather to be Joined By Song on Sunday March 2. Together we will create an energizing, safe and sacred space to sing inspiring songs and healing chants. Did you know singing releases oxytocin, endorphins and lowers cortisol? The perfect remedy for troubled times. No matter if you’re a seasoned singer or someone just beginning, all are welcome to come find freedom in their voice and expression. Lindsay will be teaching easy songs to learn and tracks to sing along to. Feel free to bring a frame drum, rattle or a friend!

Hope to see lots of folks there!

Soup and bread will be provided. If you'd like to bring something to share (fruit, veggie plate, cookies etc.) that would be nice, but please know that this is not an expectation. Donations for soup will be gratefully accepted.

Please rsvp to Barbara.Moore@vch.ca so that we know how much soup to make. Thank you!

Announcing our new logo!

Thank you to everyone who responded to our logo survey! We have a clear winner. The above logo option received a total of 34 points! The next closest one got 12 points.

Points were allocated as follows:

* 2 points for "Love it"

* 1 point for "Like it"

* 0 points for "Can live with it"

* -1 point for "Don't like it".

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. warmly, catherine

Justice News

Canada’s Competition Bureau Wants Your Feedback On its Proposed Guidelines.

by February 28

From WE-CAN: The Competition Act contains two new provisions that explicitly target greenwashing. They require that claims about the environmental benefits of a product be based on adequate and proper testing, and claims about the environmental benefits of a business or business activity must be properly substantiated in accordance with an internationally recognized methodology. They need to hear from the public. Please write to say how important it is to stop greenwashing, such as “Clean LNG Will Save the World!” because they’ll surely get lots of feedback from LNG and other fossil fuel industries trying to weaken the proposed standards. Dig into the details here.

Tell the B.C. Government to Block the Wall Street-Backed PRGT Pipeline (Sign please!)

From Dogwood: American billionaires are buying up control of Canadian LNG. Wall Street billionaire and major Donald Trump donor Steve Schwarzman wants to fast-track the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission project because his financial firm, Blackstone, is a major investor in the project. Expanding U.S.-backed fracking operations in B.C. will raise utility bills, hand more control of our energy resources to the United States, fly in the face of communities along the pipeline route opposed to the project, destroy fresh water, salmon and wildlife habitat, make climate change WORSE, delay the creation of good jobs in renewable energy. Sign here.

Are you one of your congregation's facilitators for the UU Climate Justice Revival? All facilitators need to join one of our 2-hour Facilitator Training Sessions. Come learn how to be the best facilitator you can be for your congregation's Revival! Register to join us.

RAVEN is starting a book club! Join them on April 3, 2025 at 5pm PT (8pm ET) to discuss the book "Valley of the Birdtail" by two esteemed law professors, Douglas Sanderson and Andrew Snobo Sniderman. The book dives into history, reconciliation, power, and how Canada has become what it is today. Register Here: https://raventrust.com/event/raven-book-club-april-2025/

Designing and & Leading Rites of Passage: Basics Training for Lay Chaplains

Feb. 22 – 9:00 am PT

Feb. 23 – 11:30 am PT

March 1 – 9:00 am PT

This workshop is for those considering lay chaplaincy, recently appointed lay chaplains and members of a congregation’s Lay Chaplaincy Committee. It provides basic guidelines on the management of a congregation’s lay chaplaincy program and the training new lay chaplains need to begin their work.

Rev. Linda Thomson, likes to joke that if there had been a poll entitled “Least Likely To Become A Religious Professional”, conducted in High School, she would have been at the top of the list. Yet life surprises us all. In June, Linda is retiring as the CUC’s Congregational Life Lead for the Central and Eastern regions, after holding this position for over 20 years. Based in Burlington, Ontario, she had previously served in a similar role with the Unitarian Universalist Association’s St. Lawrence District. She applied for her current position when the CUC took over providing services to Canadian congregations in 2002.

Linda was drawn to her position by her strong belief that Unitarian Universalism can be a positive force in both individuals’ lives and the wider world. She’s appreciated how it creates communities of support and challenge for people including herself.

“Things I don’t think I ever would have thought of before became apparent to me through my involvement with UUism,” she says. “My worldview really expanded. That felt to me like a really important and good thing to be part of.”

As one of the Congregational Life Leads, Linda has felt privileged to witness the dedication of the UU’s she’s interacted with.

“Sometimes when I’ve been in a room full of committed UUs, — and this is true both In physical rooms and on Zoom rooms — I just get moved,” she says. “By the care and commitment of the people who love their congregations and are willing to give part of themselves to those congregations and their missions. That’s really inspiring to see. These are volunteers who are working hard to make the world better. And that really keeps me going a lot of the time.”

“Many of you will be asking – what’s next?” For Linda – a lot of enjoyable camping and spending time with her beloved family. For the CUC – we will be advertising and hiring a Congregational Life position later in the spring, with a planned overlap with Linda before she leaves.”

The technological advances that have occurred over the past two decades have significantly impacted Linda’s work. Recalling a time when group meetings had to be held by phone and many congregations only had print editions of their newsletters, she’s grateful that videoconferencing and email have made it easier to connect.

“That’s a practical change, but it’s made really cool things possible,” she says. “We are able to network and collaborate in ways that we couldn’t before.”

In a time of rising secularism and anti-religiosity, Linda believes UUism is handling the challenges this poses better than many other faith traditions. But she’s nonetheless concerned by the sense, particularly among the younger generations, that church is “old-fashioned” or irrelevant, a misconception she hopes can be addressed.

“That is probably where my place of concern lies,” she says. How do we make ourselves known and how do we disavow people of the notion that we are not relevant to their lives because people have a need to reflect on the meaning of life and the big questions and to be in community with one another and to be challenged. And there are other ways to do it, but we’re a really great way to do it, and I want people to know that.”

While technology has made connection across congregations easier, Linda emphasizes that relationships remain the foundation of the work, and anyone doing similar work to start with relationships. The connections she’s built in her role are something she anticipates she’ll miss in retirement.

“I’ll miss the people,” she says. “I’ve made lots of dear relationships and I won’t be in regular contact with those folks as much anymore. That feels like a bit of a looming hole.”

In retirement, Linda is looking forward to once again singing in her church choir, doing some traveling, and perhaps some contract work.

“I’m open to what opportunities arise,” she says. “I want to give myself space.”

Executive Director Vyda Ng says Linda holds large swaths of CUC history. “Linda has been a steady, wise and experienced presence throughout all the changes at the CUC since 2002. I have depended on her knowledge and memory and will sorely miss Linda.”

Q: How many Unitarians does it take to change a light bulb?

A: We choose not to make a statement either in favour of or against the need for a light bulb. However, if in your own journey, you have found that light bulbs work for you, that is wonderful. You are invited to write a poem or compose a modern dance about your personal relationship with your light bulb. Present it next month at our annual Light Bulb Sunday Service, in which we will explore a number of light bulb traditions, including incandescent, fluorescent, 3-way, long-life, and tinted, all of which are equally valid paths to luminescence.

Join us on Bluesky:

@uusalishsea.bsky.social

February 21, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 22 Feb 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists of the Salish Sea Weekly Update
February 21, 2025

Next Sunday Gathering

"Joined By Song"

with Lindsay Hindle

March 2 @ 11:00pm

Molly Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

Hope to see lots of folks there!

Please rsvp to Barbara.Moore@vch.ca so that we know how much soup to make. Thank you!

Announcing our new logo!

Thank you to everyone who responded to our logo survey! We have a clear winner. The above logo option received a total of 34 points! The next closest one got 12 points.

Points were allocated as follows:

* 2 points for "Love it"

* 1 point for "Like it"

* 0 points for "Can live with it"

* -1 point for "Don't like it".

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. warmly, catherine

Justice News

Canada’s Competition Bureau Wants Your Feedback On its Proposed Guidelines.

by February 28

Tell the B.C. Government to Block the Wall Street-Backed PRGT Pipeline (Sign please!)

Designing and & Leading Rites of Passage: Basics Training for Lay Chaplains

Feb. 22 – 9:00 am PT

Feb. 23 – 11:30 am PT

March 1 – 9:00 am PT

As one of the Congregational Life Leads, Linda has felt privileged to witness the dedication of the UU’s she’s interacted with.

“That’s a practical change, but it’s made really cool things possible,” she says. “We are able to network and collaborate in ways that we couldn’t before.”

“I’ll miss the people,” she says. “I’ve made lots of dear relationships and I won’t be in regular contact with those folks as much anymore. That feels like a bit of a looming hole.”

In retirement, Linda is looking forward to once again singing in her church choir, doing some traveling, and perhaps some contract work.

“I’m open to what opportunities arise,” she says. “I want to give myself space.”

Q: How many Unitarians does it take to change a light bulb?

Join us on Bluesky:

@uusalishsea.bsky.social

February 14, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 15 Feb 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists of the Salish Sea Weekly Update
February 14, 2025

TOMORROW!!

Saturday Service,

Feb 15 @ 5:00pm

In person and on Zoom

(check calendar for Zoom link tomorrow)

St Margarets, 1530 E 22nd

"Iomblc Tool Blessing"

In January we explored how the world calls to us to transform grief, fear, and anger into agency, and the many tasks one can take up through the seasons of our lives to make our mark on the world and build a beloved community. For our tool blessing, we invite you to bring the “tools” of your life and your work for the good of the world, whether you are organizers and builders, story-tellers and communicators, healers and guides, or artists and creators, or all of the above! In this service we will celebrate the ‘bless’ these tools, recharging and rejuvenating the tools and ourselves for the work of the coming year.

For this high-energy ritual the tools you bring could be anything you use to make your mark on the world, and do your work (paid or not). We recommend choosing tools that are relatively small and portable, or a smaller object to represent a larger tool that you can’t bring with you.

Examples of tools include: pens, notebooks, musical instruments, a laptop, sewing tools, protest signs, paintbrushes, construction or power tools, books, sports equipment, a chalice or other spiritual tools, keys to a vehicle or piece of machinery, cleaning tools, spreadsheets, backpacks, activity sets (like Spirit Play boxes or fidget toys), seeds and gardening tools, lesson plans, petri dishes, tarot cards, workshop materials, cooking tools, mobility aids, safety gear, theatre costumes or props… anything you consider the tools of your life

Next Sunday Gathering

"Joined By Song"

with Lindsay Hindle

March 2 @ 11:00pm

Molly Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

Hope to see lots of folks there!

Justice News

Urgent Action:

Metro Vancouver board is considering scrapping climate from their budget, claiming it's out of scope, jeopardizing their climate 2050 plan. There will be a vote at the end of this month on this and it poses a grave danger to building decarbonization efforts in the region since municipalities do not have the ability to regulate emissions in existing building stock, while Metro Vancouver does.

Dogwood has initiated a rapid response letter writing campaign to fight back. Please join their efforts!

https://www.dogwoodbc.ca/petitions/stop-the-sneak/?utm_source=social&utm_medium=organic

CAPE is urging North Vancouver residents to take 5 minutes to call or write Minister Wilkinson’s office to urge him to support swift passage of the oil and gas methane regulations. The new methane regulations will only be passed before the dissolution if cabinet prioritizes them, and Minister Wilkinson’s voice as Energy and Natural Resources Minister could make the difference between strong new rules for methane, or no new rules at all.

Tackling methane is a critically important piece of an effective climate plan; while it is a shorter-lived pollutant than carbon dioxide, methane has much greater potential to trap heat, trapping 84 to 87 times more heat than CO₂over a 20-year period. [1]
The new oil and gas methane regulations are important largely because of their ambitious targets. They improve on the federal government’s initial oil and gas methane reduction targets of 40-45% below 2012 levels by 2025, with a new target of at least 75% below 2012 levels by 2030. [2]
The new regulations will not only tackle oil and gas methane pollution, but many other co-pollutants associated with oil and gas operations.

Minister Wilkinson’s email address is jonathan.wilkinson@parl.gc.ca and his constituency office phone number is 604-775-6333.

And no matter where you live, CAPE encourages us to put pressure on the federal government to secure a strong oil and gas emissions cap:

The Pressure is On to Secure a Strong Oil and Gas

Emissions Cap

The federal government finally released a draft policy to cap pollution from Canada’s oil and gas industry in November. Now’s your chance to raise your voice and secure this vital piece of Canadian climate policy.

Industry groups and some provinces fiercely oppose this policy. With Justin Trudeau’s resignation and an impending election, we need to secure this policy as soon as possible.

Send your message today: https://cape.ca/action/protect-our-health-from-oil-and-gas-pollution/

From Dying with Dignity: Urge your MP to support

Advance requests

https://www.dyingwithdignity.ca/advocacy/allow-advance-requests-today/?utm_id=120216978927480085

From the CUC

Connect and Deepen

Feb. 15: 1:00 pm PT

Dismantling Barriers: Guided Meditation and Vigil

Feb. 15: 10:00 am PT

Join us on Zoom for a vigil in honour of lives lost to racialized violence here in Canada. The day after the annual day to remember the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Two-Spirit peoples, we come together to honour those losses and remember them alongside those who have lost their lives to police brutality, and other forms of racialized violence. This will be a meditative space with pastoral support.

Dismantling Barriers: Lessons from Africville

Feb. 19: 4:00 pm PT

Designing and & Leading Rites of Passage: Basics Training for Lay Chaplains

Feb. 22 – 9:00 am PT

Feb. 23 – 11:30 am PT

March 1 – 9:00 am PT

Mark your calendars for

Sat, Feb 22

Join the “Coldest Night of the Year” Fundraiser for First United. This is a family friendly walk in the Downtown East Side that starts at 4 pm and ends at 7 pm. If you are interested in participating, contact catherine at catherinemarystrickland@gmail.com. For more info, visit First United’s webpage for the event https://firstunited.ca/events/coldest-night-of-the-year

We are back!! Welcome to our first event of 2025

Sunday Feb 16 @ 12:00

The North Shore Pride Alliance presents: Hearts & Heels - A Drag Brunch Fundraiser!

Join us on Sunday, February 16th at noon for an ahhh-mazing fundraiser event promising to warm your hearts as three fabulous queens kick up their heels and strut their stuff.

Our first event for 2025 is hosted by the delightful Miss Virginia Slim, North Shore's very own drag superstar.

She'll entertain and delight as you imbibe with friends and chosen family over a delectable brunch menu at the stunning Wildeye brewing tap room.

This event promises to be filled with joy, laughter and fabulousness -all while supporting a great cause!

Ticket Link: HEARTS & HEELS // A Drag Brunch Fundraiser Tickets, Sun, 16 Feb 2025 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite

*Tickets - $20 (Welcome Drink Included)

**Door Prizes 2 B Won

***An All Ages Event

To the UUSS Community, if you have any joys and/or sorrows to share, please reach out to our wonderful Cares and Concerns team .

Join us on Bluesky:

@uusalishsea.bsky.social

February 7, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 08 Feb 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists of the Salish Sea Weekly Update
February 7, 2025

Next Saturday Service,

Feb 15 @ 5:00pm

St Margarets, 1530 E 22nd

"Iomblc Tool Blessing"

Last Chance to share your input on our Logo Options!

Deadline is this Mon, Feb 10

Hello beloved Unitarian Universalists of the Salish Sea,

A final reminder to complete this survey with your preferences for our logo. This is the easiest and most efficient way for us to collect and use this information. Deadline is Monday, February 10.

If that is not doable for you, you can use the above image to provide your input via email. In the email, please share one of the following for each of the 4 options labelled Option 1, Option 2, Option 3 and Option 4:

Love it
Like it
Can live with it
Don’t like it

If you have questions, reach out to catherine at

catherinemarystrickland@gmail.com

Warmly,

Your Logo Team

Justice News

The BC Climate Emergency Campaign has a current campaign underway to bring their most recent Climate Action Progress Report to BC MLAs.

Here is the link to the 2024 Climate Action Progress Report: https://bcclimateemergency.ca/progress-report (Teaser: of the BCCECs 10 urgent climate actions, the BC Government is failing 3 and have made minor progress on the remaining 7. If you are interested in visiting your local MLA to support this campaign, you can contact

robyn.newton.mail@gmail.com and she will link you up with others in your riding who are participating.

Climate Proofing Your Personal Finances Webinar!

Tuesday, February 18 @ 4pm PT via Zoom

Hosted with Project Neutral and My Climate Plan
Sign up for the free, open to all, online event

Canadian Coalition for Green Health Care Webinar!

Thursday, February 27, @ 9am PT via Zoom

In conversation with Dr. Courtney Howard
Sign up for the free, open to all, online event

Become an ethical investor

Learn how easy it is to switch your investment portfolio to ethical investments! Register for a free webinar with Tim Nash of Good Investments. This webinar is highly recommended by Robyn Newton, who switched her money out of RBC for good in 2024, following the Good Investments steps. The next webinar "How to Switch Investment Advisors," is March 4 at 7:00 PM EST / 4:00 PM PST. You can register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nv9SyxePStiXe0tYXTZv9w#/registration

Good news? You can keep your existing credit cards and still do good with your money.

From the CUC

Connect and Deepen

Feb. 15: 1:00 pm PT

Dismantling Barriers: Guided Meditation and Vigil

Feb. 15: 10:00 am PT

Dismantling Barriers: Lessons from Africville

Feb. 19: 4:00 pm PT

Designing and & Leading Rites of Passage: Basics Training for Lay Chaplains

Feb. 22 – 9:00 am PT

Feb. 23 – 11:30 am PT

March 1 – 9:00 am PT

Mark your calendars for

Sat, Feb 22

Join the “Coldest Night of the Year” Fundraiser for First United. This is a family friendly walk in the Downtown East Side that starts at 4 pm and ends at 7 pm. If you are interested in participating, contact catherine at catherinemarystrickland@gmail.com. For more info, visit First United’s webpage for the event https://firstunited.ca/events/coldest-night-of-the-year

We are back!! Welcome to our first event of 2025

Sunday Feb 16@ 12:00

The North Shore Pride Alliance presents: Hearts & Heels - A Drag Brunch Fundraiser!

Join us on Sunday, February 16th at noon for an ahhh-mazing fundraiser event promising to warm your hearts as three fabulous queens kick up their heels and strut their stuff.

Our first event for 2025 is hosted by the delightful Miss Virginia Slim, North Shore's very own drag superstar.

She'll entertain and delight as you imbibe with friends and chosen family over a delectable brunch menu at the stunning Wildeye brewing tap room.

This event promises to be filled with joy, laughter and fabulousness -all while supporting a great cause!

Ticket Link: HEARTS & HEELS // A Drag Brunch Fundraiser Tickets, Sun, 16 Feb 2025 at 12:00 PM | Eventbrite

*Tickets - $20 (Welcome Drink Included)

**Door Prizes 2 B Won

***An All Ages Event

To the UUSS Community, if you have any joys and/or sorrows to share, please reach out to our wonderful Cares and Concerns team .

NEW!! Join us on Bluesky

Check the calendar on our website for more events!

January 31, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 01 Feb 2025 01:00:17 GMT

January 24, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 25 Jan 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Weekly Update
January 24, 2025

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Weekly Update
January 24, 2025

Join us for our next Sunday Gathering
Feb 2, 2025 at 11:00am

"Art and Spirituality"

Molly Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

Donations for soup will be gratefully accepted.

Please rsvp to Barb. If anyone would like to make an additional pot of soup for this gathering, also please let Barb know.

Next Saturday Service,
Feb 15 @ 5:00pm

"Iombic Tool Blessing"

We will be looking for your input on the following - see below:

Vision and Mission statements
final logo (deadline passed)
UUS Convanent (deadline passed)

Please watching your email and also the Member section on the website for the surveys.

To the UUSS Community, if you have any joys and/or sorrows to share, please reach out to our wonderful Cares and Concerns team .

Justice News

On January 3, 2025, Moussa Tchangari, a human rights defender and secretary-general of Citizens’ Alternative Spaces, faced two new charges: “infringing on national defense” and “intelligence with enemy countries.” He was transferred to Filingué Prison, about 110 miles from Niamey, Niger’s capital.

Moussa’s ordeal began on December 3, 2024, when he was arrested. For two days, his fate and location were unknown. On December 5, authorities revealed he was being held at the Central Service for Combating Terrorism and Organized Transnational Crime in Niamey. He was charged with advocating terrorism and criminal association linked to terrorism. If convicted, Moussa could face five to 10 years in prison.

Please take action at your earliest convenience!

Tawa Braimah
Urgent Action Network Coordinator

From the CUC

Mark your calendars for
Sat, Feb 22.

You are invited to join for the Coldest Night of the Year! CONY wil be taking to the streets again as a way to raise awareness and finds for our neighbours who are experiencing extreme poverty and homelessness in the Downtown Eastside.

Check the calendar on our website for more events!

January 17, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 18 Jan 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Weekly Update
January 17, 2025

TOMORROW!

January Service:
"Unsettled Times"

Sat, January 18 at 5:00pm

St Margarets Cedar Cottage,
1530 E 22nd

Please join Cara Elrod and your Worship Team as we look at the unsettled times we are in and how, as a community, we can support each other through grief, fear and uncertainty. How can our UU faith help guide us through the months ahead?

There will be a special ritual to accompany this service. We will enjoy food and fellowship at a potluck after the service.

PLEASE BRING YOUR OWN DISHES AND CUPS THIS WEEK.

Justice News

Take Action!! We need your Voice!!

Lower Snake River Dam Recreation Survey

Comments due January 19, 2025.

The WA legislature approved several different studies before considering breaching the dams. This is study evaluates the recreational uses of the dams. Even if you have never been to the Snake River, you are encouraged to answer those questions that speak to the future of the river without dams.

Toward the end of the survey, there is a section for a narrative where you can speak to all the different recreational uses once the dams are breached. You can also visit Columbia Snake River Campaign Survey Toolkit to help formulate your responses. Respond to the survey here.

From the CUC

Connect and Deepen - January

Congregational Conversations: Pastoral Care (2nd run)
January 22 at 4:30pm

Lay Chaplains Chat: Challenging Memorials with our own Barb Moore
January 27 at 4:30pm

Dismantling Barriers: Meet up - Burn Out Edition
January 30 at 4:00pm

Why Burnout?
From Camellia Jahanshahi, CUC Dismantling Barriers Lead

Dismantling barriers to inclusion is easier when we actively understand and work with our nervous systems. Conflict can be productive and valuable when we are collectively more rested. Addressing burnout and being transparent about what’s happening in our lives makes us more ready to engage in challenges and keep learning, respecting our inherent worth and dignity at the core of that work.

This toolkit is based on research and my many personal experiences and challenges with burnout as a faith-based activist trying to navigate the world. I hope that you find this offering helpful. Not all of it will resonate, but I hope it provides you with whatever external permission you need before you can reflect and rest.

Interested in becoming a Lay Chaplain? There is a training coming up: Designing & Leading Rites of Passage: Basics Training for Lay Chaplains, 2025

Join a particularly timely webinar on The Trudeau Record: Promises v. Performance—the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives' analysis of the Prime Minister's policy record and a discussion on what might lie ahead in the context of an impending federal election and a new Trump presidency.

When: Jan 21, 2025, 9-11 am

The event is free but you need to register to get a link to the webinar.

Come one, come all! You can get tickets from Ryan, Yette, Sonia, Carla or Jackie.

Paper tickets: $18
(from a choir member)

Eventbrite (online): $20.50

At the door: $23

Mark your calendars for
Sat, Feb 22.

January 20–February 14

Join Side With Love for 30 Days of Love 2025! Beginning Monday, January 20th through Friday, February 14th, this annual event offers spiritual nourishment, political grounding, and shared practices of faith and justice over four weeks. These offerings are for individuals, families, religious professionals, partners, and communities who need soulful sustenance for the work of liberation and justice.
more info.

January 10, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 11 Jan 2025 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Weekly Update
January 10, 2025

NEXT WEEKEND on SATURDAY

January Service:
"Unsettled Times"

Sat, January 18 at 5:00pm

St Margarets Cedar Cottage,
1530 E 22nd

Please join Cara Elrod, Cynthia Becker and your Worship Team as we look at the unsettled times we are in and how, as a community, we can support each other through grief, fear and uncertainty. How can our UU faith help guide us through the months ahead?

There will be a special ritual to accompany this service. We will enjoy food and fellowship at a potluck after the service.

Also coming up in the new year - we need your review!!

Please watching your email and also the Member section on the website for the surveys.

Last chance for feedbacktonight - January 10

A reminder that our Covenant is the thread that joins us together, in a web of interconnection. The practice of promising to walk together is how we build beloved community. To create consensus around a shared vision and direction requires people to be in relationship with each other. Covenants are tools for setting guidelines and building trust so that those relationships can flourish.

Our Covenant is one of a series of documents that we will create as a community to define who we are, what we will do, where we hope to go and how we will get there. The other documents to be created are:

Our Vision: Will articulate the world we want in the future.

Our Mission: Will articulate how we will contribute now to building the future we seek.

Our Covenant of Right Relations: Will spell out what we will do when we fall out of Covenant with each other.

Our Bylaws: Will articulate various details of our governance system and the processes we will use to guide us in our work.

SHARE YOUR INPUT ON THE LOGO!

Share your input on our Logo Options!Share your input on our Logo Options!

Please complete this survey to provide your input. This is the easiest and most efficient way for us to collect and use this information.

At our Jan 5 Sunday Gathering, 18 people joined in a wonderful circle of sharing of their self chosen “Holy book”. And delish soup lunch. Hereis that list for anyone interested.

catherinemarystrickland@gmail.com

From the CUC

Connect and Deepen - January

Congregational Conversations: Pastoral Care (2nd run)
January 22 at 4:30pm

Lay Chaplains Chat: Challenging Memorials with Barb Moore
January 27 at 4:30pm

Dismantling Barriers: Meet up - Burn Out Edition
January 30 at 4:00pm

Interested in becoming a Lay Chaplain? There is a training coming up: Designing & Leading Rites of Passage: Basics Training for Lay Chaplains, 2025

re info.

Come one, come all! You can get tickets from Ryan, Yette, Sonia, Carla or Jackie.

Paper tickets: $18
(from a choir member)

Eventbrite (online): $20.50

At the door: $23

Mark your calendars for
Sat, Feb 22.

To the UUSS Community, if you have any joys and/or sorrows to share, please reach out to our wonderful Cares and Concerns team .

@uusalishsea

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

January 3, 2025: Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 04 Jan 2025 02:20:46 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Weekly Update
January 3, 2025

THIS WEEKEND on SUNDAY!

The January Sunday Gathering: "Exploring spirituality through literature -
what is your holy book?

Sunday, January 5 at 11:00am

Molly Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

This is a gathering for connection and conversation. January's theme: Exploring spirituality through literature-what is your holy book? You are invited to bring a book that has shaped your spiritual journey or simply spoken to you in a profound way.

Soup lunch to follow discussion. Please RSVP to Barbara.Moore@vch.ca so we know how much soup to have on hand!

While the purpose of this gathering is to provide in-person connection, we understand that some homebound folks may also want to participate. If you are unable to attend in-person, please contact Barb (see above) to receive a zoom link.

Parking Directions:

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.

Also coming up in the new year - we need your review!!

We will be looking for your input on the following: final logo, Covenant, and Mission & Vision.

Vision and Mission sPlease watching your email and also the Member section on the website for the surveys.

fomvfoma; UUS Convenan

AAAAA Amnd first up is input on our UUSS Covenant. An email went out on December 24th with feedback due by next Friday, January 10. Let us know if you didn't receive the email for any reason:info@uusalishsea.ca

Our Vision: Will articulate the world we want in the future.

Our Mission: Will articulate how we will contribute now to building the future we seek.

Our Covenant of Right Relations: Will spell out what we will do when we fall out of Covenant with each other.

Our Bylaws: Will articulate various details of our governance system and the processes we will use to guide us in our work.

Message from Lynn Sabourin

Lesley Giroday reached out to ask if there is anyone that might be interested in serving on the CUC nominating committee as the Western rep (replacing her) for a three year term starting May 2025. Someone interested in the wider movement with computer skills who "plays well with others" would be ideal... It is actually a good way to get involved nationally and find out about and help support our wider movement! The job is relatively easy as it is an exceedingly well-run process (set up and administered for many years by Maury Prevost from Ottawa) with excellent existing resources and only 6-8 1.5-hour (sharp!) meetings held over the year, most between September and March. If there is anyone there, young or old, that would suit, please email Lynn at lynnsabourin51@gmail.com. Thanks for turning your mind to this for her and the CUC writ large!

To the UUSS Community, if you have any joys and/or sorrows to share, please reach out to our wonderful Cares and Concerns team .

Calls to Action

Support The Emissions Cap: Send a Letter Before January 8.

The federal consultation on the emissions cap gives us one more chance to tell our government to make the emissions cap stronger and to implement it now. Don't let our voices be drowned out by fossil fuel lobbyists - send a letter before the consultation period closes on January 8!

Send a letter

You are invited to join an Antiracism Learning Circle this winter/spring. It’s on Zoom, so you can join from anywhere! First Unitarian in Portland is the organizer. The first Circles start the week of January 16th.

Full descriptions, schedules & registration information are HERE.

In the last four months, 10 people have been killed at the hands of the police in Canada – and the media has barely reported on it. Police brutality in Canada is a glaring epidemic for First Nations people that is unacceptable to turn away from. Together, this is our opportunity to raise our voices and demand change. Will you add your name to support the Assembly of First Nation’s call for an inquiry into racism and policing in Canada?

Canadian Wellspring
2025 Cohort
[program starts January 13]

Love at the Center: UU Values and Covenants is a transformational program that will explore the enduring love that is at the core of Unitarian Universalism. You will explore the related values and covenants through the lens of abiding love, building community, acting in faith, rooting in growth, and transforming in love.

As a part of the Canadian religious professionals cohort, we will also be exploring the interplay between Love at the Center and our CUC theological statements: 8 Principles, 6 Sources, and 5 Aspirations. By having this conversation in a heart and spiritually centred structure, we hope to come away with clarity and inspiration on how to lead these conversations amongst Canadian Unitarians and UUs.

The 11-session “Love at the Center: UU Values and Covenants” originally grew out of the work of the Article II Study Commission. It has grown to encompass resources and reflections that will allow each of us to nurture our values and share our experiences and stories to explore and strengthen our faith.

The facilitators for your program are Revs. Arran Morton and Samaya Oakley. We will be meeting on every second Monday (skipping May long weekend) January 13th through Jun 9th at 1:30pm for 2 hours on Zoom.

Our UUA has created a number of images to celebrate and lift up our new UU values. They have also encouraged UUs to use their creativity to create and share other images and graphics to bring our new values to life.

Inspired by these imaginative efforts, our own Soul Matters membership director, Susan Arnold, recently created an image to express her excitement about our new UU values. It is rooted in the idea of love manifesting itself in the world through the other six values. And she is generously sharing her image with all UU congregations to use in any way that is useful!

You can download her main image and its variants by going to the Members Page on our website. Here is the direct link: https://www.soulmatterssharingcircle.com/values-graphics.html

You will notice that Susan has created three versions of the image, so be sure to download them all.

You do not have to credit Susan or ask permission to use the images. But if you want to send Susan a thank you, you can email her at susan@soulmatterssharingcircle.com

Finally, here is how Susan describes her vision for the image:
"Inspired by our faith's bold embrace of loved-centered values that will lead us into the future, I kept thinking about the idea of a flame of love with the values as the light spreading out into the world. This graphic grew out of that idea. It's my small attempt to support our faith's effort to bring more love to our world, which is desperately needed right now." -Susan

December 27 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 28 Dec 2024 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Weekly Update
December 27, 2024

Coming right up next Sunday

the January Sunday Gathering: "Exploring spirituality through literature -
what is your holy book?

Sunday, January 5 at 11:00am

Molly Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

Soup lunch to follow discussion. Please RSVP to Barbara.Moore@vch.ca so we know how much soup to have on hand!

While the purpose of this gathering is to provide in-person connection, we understand that some homebound folks may also want to participate. If you are unable to attend in-person, please contact Barb (see above) to receive a zoom link.

Also coming up in the new year - we need your review!!

We will be looking for your input on the following:

final logo
UUS Convenant
Vision and Mission statements

Please watching your email and also the Member section on the website for the surveys.

And first up is input on our UUSS Covenant. An email went out on December 24th with feedback due by January 10. Let us know if you didn't receive the email for any reason: info@uusalishsea.ca

Our Vision: Will articulate the world we want in the future.

Our Mission: Will articulate how we will contribute now to building the future we seek.

Our Covenant of Right Relations: Will spell out what we will do when we fall out of Covenant with each other.

Our Bylaws: Will articulate various details of our governance system and the processes we will use to guide us in our work.

Christmas Donations
Bring Easter Eggs!
Donate by December 31st!

To get a 2024 tax receipt, make sure you submit your donations by Dec 31st. Please use our new email address for eTransfers, visit https://uusalishsea.ca/Donate for up-to-date instructions.

from Ryan Guenther, Treasurer

Some final end of the year greetings - find many more by belonging to one of our social accounts below.

Calls to Action

Support The Emissions Cap: Send a Letter Before January 8.

Send a letter

Full descriptions, schedules & registration information are HERE.

Canadian Wellspring
2025 Cohort

Check the calendar on our website for more events!

December 20 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Weekly Update
December 20, 2024

TOMORROW!!
Saturday, December 21 at 5:00

St Margarets Cedar Cottage,
1530 E 22nd, Vancouver

Come gather around the solstice fire, to share stories and songs to help weather the winter. Join us for all-ages stories both silly and serious, and to explore the power of storytelling as a tool for learning, survival, building shared identity, and having fun.

This service will take place indoors, at St Margarets Cedar Cottage, with food and fellowship to follow.

Coming up in the new year

January Sunday Gathering: "Exploring spirituality through literature -
what is your holy book?

Sunday, January 5 at 11:00am

Molly Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

Soup lunch to follow discussion. Please RSVP to Barbara.Moore@vch.ca so we know how much soup to have on hand!

While the purpose of this gathering is to provide in-person connection, we understand that some homebound folks may also want to participate. If you are unable to attend in-person, please contact Barb (see above) to receive a zoom link.

Also coming up in the new year - we need your review!!

We will be looking for your input on the following:

final logo
UUS Convenant
Vision and Mission statements

Please watching your email and also the Member section on the website for the surveys.

Christmas Donations
Bring Easter Eggs!

To get a 2024 tax receipt, make sure you submit your donations by Dec 31st. Please use our new email address for eTransfers, visit https://uusalishsea.ca/Donate for up-to-date instructions.

from Ryan Guenther, Treasurer

Happy Holidays, everyone!!

CONGREGATIONAL CONVERSATIONS

Connect and Deepen
Saturday, Dec 21 @ 1:00pm

Calls to Action

Support The Emissions Cap: Send a Letter Before January 8

Send a letter

Full descriptions, schedules & registration information are HERE.

Canadian Wellspring
2025 Cohort

Our UUA has created a number of images to celebrate and lift up our new UU values. They have also encouraged UUs to use their creativity to create and share other images and graphics to bring our new values to life.

Inspired by these imaginative efforts, our own Soul Matters membership director, Susan Arnold, recently created an image to express her excitement about our new UU values. It is rooted in the idea of love manifesting itself in the world through the other six values. And she is generously sharing her image with all UU congregations to use in any way that is useful!

You can download her main image and its variants by going to the Members Page on our website. Here is the direct link: https://www.soulmatterssharingcircle.com/values-graphics.html

You will notice that Susan has created three versions of the image, so be sure to download them all.

You do not have to credit Susan or ask permission to use the images. But if you want to send Susan a thank you, you can email her at susan@soulmatterssharingcircle.com

Finally, here is how Susan describes her vision for the image:
"Inspired by our faith's bold embrace of loved-centered values that will lead us into the future, I kept thinking about the idea of a flame of love with the values as the light spreading out into the world. This graphic grew out of that idea. It's my small attempt to support our faith's effort to bring more love to our world, which is desperately needed right now." -Susan

Check the calendar on our website for more events!

December 13 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 14 Dec 2024 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Weekly Update
December 13, 2024

Next Saturday!
Saturday, December 21 at 5:00

St Margarets Cedar Cottage,
1530 E 22nd, Vancouver

This service will take place indoors, at St Margarets Cedar Cottage, with food and fellowship to follow.

Next Wednesday
December 21 at 11:00am

Please let Anne Mayall know of your interest or questions. Email annemayall51@gmail.com, or call or text 778-686-3643.

CONGREGATIONAL CONVERSATIONS

Connect and Deepen
Saturday, Dec 21 @ 1:00pm

CUC Annual General Meeting Date Announcement:
Saturday, May 31 @ 10:00am

Did you know you can Submit a Motion to the CUC’s AGM?

The deadline for submission of resolutions is December 15, prior to the AGM at which they will be considered. Send proposed resolutions to resolutions@cuc.ca.

Canadian Wellspring
2025 Cohort

December 6 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 07 Dec 2024 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Weekly Update
December 6, 2024

Next Saturday Service
Saturday, December 21 at 5:00

St Margarets Cedar Cottage,
1530 E 22nd, Vancouver

This service will take place indoors, at St Margarets Cedar Cottage, with food and fellowship to follow.

A wonderful time was had by all at the Craft Workshop last Sunday! Here are some pictures to share from the event below:

From Sandra Robinson:

"Gary Robinson is now home and recovering well from emergency surgery for a ruptured aneurysm three weeks ago. Gratitude for the love, care and concerns expressed. The VGH surgeon and OR team performed a miracle and the ICU nurses followed through. We are blessed and so grateful. "

CONGREGATIONAL CONVERSATIONS

Success Stories
Saturday, Dec 7 @ 10:00am

Connect and Deepen
Saturday, Dec 21 @ 1:00pm

Watch the CUC National Worship Service, November 3, 2024
on Youtube: "The Church of Our Imagination"

CUC Annual General Meeting Date Announcement:
Saturday, May 31 @ 10:00am

Did you know you can Submit a Motion to the CUC’s AGM?

The deadline for submission of resolutions is December 15, prior to the AGM at which they will be considered. Send proposed resolutions to resolutions@cuc.ca.

This is a call for folks to come and hear directly from land defenders on the frontlines of Gitanyow & Gitxsan Territory. Saturday, Dec. 7, at 2:30 at 1965 Main St (Red Gate Arts, wheelchair accessible space) in so-called "vancouver", unceded Coast Salish Territories.

Despite 10 years of saying NO to this proposal, these brave folks continue to face repression and invasion on their lands caused by creeping construction of the Prince Rupert Gas Transmission (PRGT) pipeline. Let’s welcome them and actively listen for ways to build future solidarity in resistance.

This zombie project should have been dead long ago, and it’s environmental permits expired on Nov. 26, but fracking lobbyists are continuing to press on the Eby government for access to these territories, many places where traditional title-holders have NOT given consent! Besides the encroachments on the sovereignty of the original peoples here along the line, this LNG "liquified natural" (fracked) gas project is an environmental desecration--crossing mountains, near the Sacred Headwaters, and across an earthquake-prone subduction zone, even threatening salmon spawning grounds and the sensitive eel grass estuary at the supposed terminal point.

Join North Shore 4 Palestine on Sunday, December 8th at 2pm. We’ll be silkscreening, snacking, connecting, discussing the film, and planning the advocacy work ahead.
Bring a blank shirt or tote to get silkscreened!

The event is free, but we will also be fundraising on site for Palestinian families in need of support.

The film is 65 minutes and will start at 3pm. Click here for tickets.

Environmental Action:
Speak up now: tell Environment Minister Davidson to say NO! to PRGT.

The Prince Rupert Gas Terminal pipeline is the first major decision facing B.C.’s new cabinet ministers. Building another Coastal GasLink-scale project would destroy salmon streams and wildlife, and it would cost BC Hydro ratepayers (you and me) billions in new transmission lines and electricity generation to power the LNG terminal. Please write to Minister Davidson.

Social Action:
This week marks the 22nd year of the Grassy Narrows blockade — the longest-running blockade in Canadian history — working to prevent logging and mining from happening in their traditional territories. Will you email Justin Trudeau and demand he honour his commitments?

November 29 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 30 Nov 2024 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Weekly Update
November 29, 2024

UUSS Craft Workshop
THIS SUNDAY, Dec 1 @ 11:000am

Mollie Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

This crafting experience is for ALL AGES and is open to members and friends of UUSS.

Join the fun in creating some crafts you are familiar with and trying out some new ones.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

Sharpie tile coasters
Felt hand-sewn heart ornaments
Wax print cards
Cards and bookmarks using a Big Shot, a fun die -cutting machine
Christmas cards and ornaments
Toque ornaments

Please bring a snack to share (sandwiches, crackers and cheese, veggie platter, chips, sweets etc.) for our finger food potluck! No hot dishes please.

Parking Directions:

You really don’t want to miss out! See you there.

Inquiring Souls

THIS Sunday, Dec 1 at 4:00pm

You are invited to join Bill Richardson and Jessica Motherwell McFarlane for tea, snacks and question- storming from 4:00- 5:00.

There is an online attendance option too. Please RSVP to jilly.watson@shaw.ca if you wish to attend.

Next Sunday gathering is on a Thursday this month!

Thursday, December 19 at 7:00

Zoom link will be posted on the website calendar the day before the Gathering.

Saturday, December 21 at 5:00

St Margarets Cedar Cottage,
1530 E 22nd, Vancouver

This service will take place indoors, at St Margarets Cedar Cottage, with food and fellowship to follow.

Some of you may have noticed that we shared a logo in a recent newsletter! Here’s how it came about:

Last summer we put out a call to the community for volunteers to help design a logo for us to use. A small team volunteered to work on it. There was some urgency, because Barb Moore, our lay chaplain, wanted to start communicating with the wider community about the services she offers under the banner of UUSS. She needed a logo to put on business cards and correspondence.

Barb happened to spot a logo design that seemed like a good place to start for us. The team used that as a base, with the permission of the original creator and a small fee. Several versions of a UUSS logo were developed by the team and shared with Barb and other interested community members, including some of our resident artists. A final version was approved by the planning team and Barb. Unfortunately, it was launched without giving the whole community an opportunity for both feedback and final approval.

So, we are inviting your feedback now. There are two options for offering feedback:

You can send me an email (catherinemarystrickland@gmail.com).
You can participate in a community call on Wednesday, Dec. 4th at 7 pm on zoom. Here is the link:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86478451677?pwd=L7hcqBIUIetqSkLbeHdUSnVJyxpVMm.1

If you like or are neutral on the new logo, please let us know that too! Just send a quick email to me saying so. The deadline for feedback is Friday, December 6.

The feedback we gather will be used to modify the logo (if required) and we will then host a community decision making circle for consent. As with all of the elements of our community, we can modify and change this when the need arises.

CONGREGATIONAL CONVERSATIONS

Challenges of Being a Congregational Leader
Wednesday, Dec 4 @ 10:00am

Success Stories
Saturday, Dec 7 @ 10:00am

CUC Annual General Meeting Date Announcement
Saturday, May 31 @ 10:00am

Did you know you can Submit a Motion to the CUC’s AGM?

The deadline for submission of resolutions is December 15, prior to the AGM at which they will be considered. Send proposed resolutions to resolutions@cuc.ca.

After taking part in the wonderful and informative last service that focussed on Covenant, would anyone else like to join the Covenant Team as we craft our UUSS Covenant for review and discussion? Please send an email to info@uusalishsea for the Zoom link.

The Metro UU congregations are hoping to do an all ages camp. If you would be interested in being on a team to help plan this, please contact Cara.

November 22 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Weekly Update
November 22, 2024

- you can list topics that are on your mind and have others chime in with their thoughts. Give it a whirl!

important UUSS files
a membership directory
volunteer to get involve

UUSS Craft Workshop
Sunday, Dec 1 @ 11:00am

Mollie Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

This crafting experience is for ALL AGES and is open to members and friends of UUSS.

Join the fun in creating some crafts you are familiar with and trying out some new ones.

Here’s what you can look forward to:

Sharpie tile coasters
Felt hand-sewn heart ornaments
Wax print cards
Cards and bookmarks using a Big Shot, a fun die -cutting machine
Christmas cards and ornaments
Toque ornaments

Please bring a snack to share (sandwiches, crackers and cheese, veggie platter, chips, sweets etc.) for our finger food potluck! No hot dishes please.

Parking Directions:

You really don’t want to miss out! See you there.

Saturday, December 21 at 5:00

"Yule Storytelling"

St Margarets Cedar Cottage,
1530 E 22nd, Vancouver

Stay tuned for more details.

Did you know there is a new membership section on our website? If you have registered with us as a Member, you will be able to access:

important UUSS files
a membership directory
volunteer to get involved
a new sub area: Forum
- you can list topics that are on your mind and have others chime in with their thoughts. Give it a whirl!

After taking part in the wonderful and informative service last weekend all on Covenant, would anyone else like to join the Covenant Team as we craft our UUSS Covenant for review and discussion? Please send an email to info@uusalishsea if you are interested.

The UUS of Salish Sea have a new email for donations - check out the website for more information!

CONGREGATIONAL CONVERSATIONS

Challenges of Being a Congregational Leader
Wednesday, Dec 4 @ 10:00am

Success Stories
Saturday, Dec 7 @ 10:00am

CUC Annual General Meeting Date Announcement
Saturday, May 31 @ 10:00am

Did you know you can Submit a Motion to the CUC’s AGM?

The deadline for submission of resolutions is December 15, prior to the AGM at which they will be considered. Send proposed resolutions to resolutions@cuc.ca.

KAIROS Momentum event
November 26 at 4:00 - 6:00PST

KAIROS Program Coordinators will share stories and campaigns from their program pillars: Gender Justice, Migrant Justice, Indigenous Rights and Ecological Justice. Hear highlights of the year past and upcoming opportunities to be involved. This is your chance to ask questions about the programs and to get a glimpse of what to expect in 2025. Join the momentum!

KAIROS unites Canadian churches and religious organizations in a faithful ecumenical response to the call to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God”. Register

If you live in the City of Vancouver (or even if you don't), please urge City Council to vote against rolling back their green policies. On November 26, Council will be considering rescinding their policy to restrict gas heating in new residential buildings. Find out more about this topic.

You can write to City Council here (https://vancouver.ca/your-government/contact-council.aspx), or speak at the Council meeting (https://vancouver.ca/your-government/speak-at-city-council-meetings.aspx)

The Metro UU congregations are hoping to do an all ages camp. If you would be interested in being on a team to help plan this, please contact Cara.

And - Happy Thanksgiving to our southern neighbours on Nov 27!

November 15 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 16 Nov 2024 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Weekly Update
November 15, 2024

TOMORROW!

Saturday, November 16 at 5:00

"Covenant"
In Person and Zoom

St Margarets Cedar Cottage,
1530 E 22nd

Covenant is the thread that joins Unitarian Universalist congregations, communities, and individuals together in a web of interconnection. The practice of promising to walk together is how we build beloved community. Please join Cara Elrod, Sara Stevens and your Worship Circle as we explore what Covenant can mean to us as individuals and as a community.

Look for the Zoom Link to be sent out in the Service Announcement email.

THIS SUNDAY
November 17 at 4:00pm

Inquiring Souls is back for another exciting year! You are invited to join Bill Richardson and Jessica Motherwell McFarlane for tea, snacks and question-storming from 4:00- 5:00 There is an online attendance option too.
Please RSVP to jilly.watson@shaw.ca.

THIS Monday
Nov. 18 at 8:00pm - Zoom
Nov. 20 at 8:00pm - In Person

This Month is Living Love through the Practice of Repair. Materials can be found in the "Members Section" on the website under "Files".

UUSS Craft Workshop
Sunday, Dec 1 @ 10:30am
Mollie Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

This is a crafting experience for all ages open to members and friends of UUSS

CONGREGATIONAL CONVERSATIONS

Connect and Deepen
Saturday, Nov 16 @ 1:00pm

Communications Needs & Resources
Wednesday, Nov 20 @ 10:00am

Communication tools can help your congregation to build community, be more visible in the wider community, and make a difference in the lives of others. What’s working, what’s challenging, and where can you find help? more info.

KAIROS Momentum event
November 26 at 4:00 - 6:00PST

KAIROS unites Canadian churches and religious organizations in a faithful ecumenical response to the call to “do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God”. Register

The Metro UU congregations are hoping to do an all ages camp. If you would be interested in being on a team to help plan this, please contact Cara.

November 8 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 09 Nov 2024 01:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Weekly Update
November 8, 2024

TOMORROW!
UUSS Gathering and
Listening Circle Brunch on
the recent US election

Saturday, Nov 9, 11:00am -1:30

M4497 Epps Avenue,
North Vancouver

A significant number of our Community have expressed serious grief over the results of the US election results. It has been suggested that we find a place to gather on Saturday to help share our grief and imagine how we can move forward. Shelley Hrdlitschka kindly offered her spacious home out at Deep Cove to gather for a potluck brunch. Carpooling is advised. RSVP

Please bring brunch items to share. Any questions, please reach out to Joy (604-329-8073) or Shelley (604-908-5393).

Saturday, November 16 at 5:00

"Covenant"

St Margarets Cedar Cottage,
1530 E 22nd

THIS SUNDAY
November 10 at 4:00pm

UUSS Craft Workshop
Sunday, Dec 1 @ 10:30am
Mollie Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

This is a crafting experience for all ages open to members and friends of UUSS

Q: How many Unitarians does it take to change a light bulb?

A: We choose not to make a statement either in favour of or against the need for a light bulb. However, if in your own journey, you have found that light bulbs work for you, that is wonderful. You are invited to write a poem or compose a modern dance about your personal relationship with your light bulb. Present it next month at our annual Light Bulb Sunday Service, in which we will explore a number of light bulb traditions, including incandescent, fluorescent, 3-way, long-life, and tinted, all of which are equally valid paths to luminescence.

CONGREGATIONAL CONVERSATIONS

Connect and Deepen
Saturday, Nov 16 @ 1:00pm

Communications Needs & Resources
Wednesday, Nov 20 @ 10:00am

Necessary Trouble Collective is excited to announce that applications are now open for our upcoming, in-person gathering called Movements of Belonging. It will be held between January 21 and 26, 2025 on Nex̱wlélex̱wm (Bowen Island). The aim of the gathering is to bring together between 15 to 20 climate, racial and social justice movement leaders from Greater Vancouver and southwest BC to experience the power of being in a community of belonging.

If you would like more information, consider watching this series of short videos about the event. Then visit the Movements of Belonging website, where you will find additional information including a link to the application form. The retreat is being offered on a sliding scale from $400 to $2,500. Details about the contribution request are on the website and there are scholarships available.

The Metro UU congregations are hoping to do an all ages camp. If you would be interested in being on a team to help plan this, please contact Cara

November 1 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 02 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Weekly Update
November 1, 2024

THIS COMING SUNDAY

Sunday, Nov 3, 11:00am -1:00

Mollie Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

This month's theme: We’re supposed to be a “welcoming community of spiritual seekers”. Spiritual seekers? What on earth does that mean to you?

This is a gathering for connection and conversation. A short presentation by John Slattery followed by small group discussions. Soup lunch to follow. RSVP so we know how much soup to have on hand!

Saturday, November 16 at 5:00

"Covenant"

St Margarets Cedar Cottage,
1530 E 22nd

UUSS Craft Workshop
Sunday, Dec 1 @ 10:30am
Mollie Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

This is a crafting experience for all ages open to members and friends of UUSS

The Metro UU congregations are hoping to do an all ages camp. If you would be interested in being on a team to help plan this, please contact Cara.

Are you interested in joining a book club? Last year a group met to read Karen Armstrong’s book Sacred Nature. Some book club suggestions:

1. Heather Cox Richardson’s Democracy Awakening

2. A literary fiction book club with a different book each month

3. A book, or books, related to our 8th principal such as White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better

4. A book, or books, about nature and/or environmental issues such asSacred Nature

If you would be interested in participating in a book club and/or have a suggestion for a book that you think would be a good starting point, let Cara know. We can have more than one group and can meet virtually or in person.

There have not been enough responses at this point to run a book club. If we don't have the numbers to run one for the fall, we will try again in the New Year.

Hope everyone had a great Halloween!

What two things do UUs and Dracula have in common?

........

They both have origins in Translyvania and they both shy away from the cross.

Drumroll please:

Introducing our new logo!!

This has been awhile in the making and we are very proud of the outcome. Barb first spied a version of this logo on a poster and reached out to the original artist who happily agreed to let us edit his creation for a small fee. Yette then took the original and came up with a few variations. Then the Planning Team reviewed all of the options and unanimously agreed that this is one of the best! You will start to see this all over our website and communication soon.

CUC Co-Lab: Experiences of Transformation
Saturday Nov 2, 9:30am

The Vancouver Unitarians are hosting informal satellite in-person gatherings at the Vancouver Unitarian church and have invited those interested to join them. They will have a conference camera and large screen TV and access to the kitchen. People should bring their own food, snacks to share are welcome. We will have tea and coffee.

Register here.

CONGREGATIONAL CONVERSATIONS

Hard Conversations
Wed, October 30 @ 10:00am

A healthy community anticipates there will be hard conversations. Join us as we consider challenges and best practices. more info.

Connect and Deepen
Saturday, Oct 26 @ 1:00pm

Communications Needs & Resources
Wednesday, Nov 20 @ 10:00am

October 25 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 26 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Weekly Update
October 25, 2024

Join us for our next service -
on a Sunday!

Sunday, Nov 3, 11:00am -1:00

Mollie Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

This month's theme: We’re supposed to be a “welcoming community of spiritual seekers”. Spiritual seekers? What on earth does that mean to you?

This is a gathering for connection and conversation. A short presentation by John Slattery followed by small group discussions. Soup lunch to follow. RSVP so we know how much soup to have on hand!

Saturday, November 16 at 5:00

"Covenant"

St Margarets Cedar Cottage,
1530 E 22nd

UUSS Craft Workshop
Sunday, Dec 1 @ 10:30am
Mollie Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

This is a crafting experience for all ages open to members and friends of UUSS

The Metro UU congregations are hoping to do an all ages camp. If you would be interested in being on a team to help plan this, please contact Cara.

Are you interested in joining a book club? Last year a group met to read Karen Armstrong’s book Sacred Nature. Some book club suggestions:

1. Heather Cox Richardson’s Democracy Awakening

2. A literary fiction book club with a different book each month

3. A book, or books, related to our 8th principal such as White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better

4. A book, or books, about nature and/or environmental issues such asSacred Nature

There have not been enough responses at this point to run a book club. If we don't have the numbers to run one for the fall, we will try again in the New Year.

Will you join our Vision and Mission Team?

During our Sociocracy workshop, it became clear that the first step to creating our new governance structure is to define our overall UUSS Vision and Mission. While we have a deep sense of shared purpose for UUSS, getting more clarity on how we will fulfill that purpose is essential to knowing what circles we need going forward.

The UUSS Vision and Mission Team will create a proposed Vision and Mission for the whole community to consider. There will be at least one and possibly two rounds of comments and suggestions that will be incorporated into the Vision and Mission before we come together to make the final decide. The decision making process will use the consent model from Sociocracy, similar to the model we have been using for our other decisions.

The team will pull elements of our vision and mission from these resources. The team will co-create a proposal to present to the community. They will then review the comments and suggestions from community members and incorporate as many as possible. The team will then bring the amended proposal to the community for a decision.

The project will start sometime in the next week or two and wrap up ideally before Christmas break.

If you would like to be a part of this team and help us develop a proposal, please email catherine at catherinemarystrickland@gmail.com . We are hoping for a team of between 3 and 5 people.

CUC Co-Lab: Experiences of Transformation
Saturday Nov 2, 9:30am

CONGREGATIONAL CONVERSATIONS

Hard Conversations
Wed, October 30 @ 10:00am

A healthy community anticipates there will be hard conversations. Join us as we consider challenges and best practices. more info.

Connect and Deepen
Saturday, Oct 26 @ 1:00pm

Communications Needs & Resources
Wednesday, Nov 20 @ 10:00am

October 18 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 19 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

TOMORROW!! Saturday, October 19th!

"Celebrating the sacred circle of life - The interdependent web of all existence after death"

5:00 PM @ St Margarets Cedar Cottage, 1530 E 22nd Avenue, Vancouver

Life depends on death. Everything alive and vital depends on the death of other things to survive. It is a key part of the interdependent web of life. Lay chaplains Barb Moore (UUSS) and Laureen Stokes (Vancouver Unitarians) present how helping our clients deal with the death of a loved one has shaped our ideas on after death planning and care. For the grieving, and the deceased. Laureen will speak on how Terramation - a new method of body disposition - creates new ways to care for our deceased as we grieve, and reconnect us back into the web of life.

THIS SUNDAY
October 20th at 4:00pm

Join us for the first Second UUSS Monthly Gathering!
Sunday, Nov 3, 11:00am -1:00
Mollie Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

This month's theme: We’re supposed to be a “welcoming community of spiritual seekers”. Spiritual seekers? What on earth does that mean to you?

This is a gathering for connection and conversation. A short presentation by John Slattery followed by small group discussions. Soup lunch to follow. RSVP so we know how much soup to have on hand!

UUSS Craft Workshop
Sunday, Dec 1 @ 10:30am
Mollie Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

This is a crafting experience for all ages open to members and friends of UUSS

CUC Co-Lab: Experiences of Transformation
Saturday Nov 2, 9:30am

CONGREGATIONAL CONVERSATIONS

Pastoral Care for Lay Led Congregations
Friday, October 25 @ 10:00am

Open to everyone, this session will focus specifically on the unique challenges of pastoral care when there is not full-time professional ministry available. What are your strengths? What help do you need? Where can help be found? What creative options have you tried? more info.

Hard Conversations
Wed, October 30 @ 10:00am

A healthy community anticipates there will be hard conversations. Join us as we consider challenges and best practices. more info.

Connect and Deepen
Saturday, Oct 26 @ 1:00pm

Communications Needs & Resources
Wednesday, Nov 20 @ 10:00am

Final Two Episodes Of UU Expressions Now Available

Episodes 9 & 10 of our podcast, UU Expressions: Love in Real Life, are live! These episodes feature thought-provoking conversations exploring art, tradition, and how Unitarian Universalism is expressed across Canada.

Episode 9: Art or Artifact explores the tension between holding onto tradition and embracing new ways of being within UUism. We dive into questions of transformation, creativity, and continuity in UU spaces..

Episode 10: Goosebmps. In our final episode of this series, we delve into the work of the Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) and its role in shaping the future of Unitarian Universalism in Canada. This episode celebrates the people and initiatives driving change and connection across the country..

October 11 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 07:07:19 GMT

INTO CIRCLE MEALS!

Joy Silver is once again inviting us all to participate in potluck lunches and dinners once a month in each other’s homes. All you have to do is fill out the survey. Joy will organize the lunches and dinners from four to six guests. The more participants, the more circulation and opportunities for new folk to know us.

Carpooling can be arranged.

Any offerings to host a Potluck Dinner in October? Your choice of date.

UUSS SAVE THE DATES

NEXT MONTHLY SERVICE
Sat October 19th at 5:00pm
Celebrating the sacred circle of life - The interdependent web of all existence after death

Second UUSS Monthly Gatherings start in November!!

Sunday, Nov 3, 11:00am -1:00
Mollie Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

This is a gathering for connection and conversation. This month's theme: We’re supposed to be a “welcoming community of spiritual seekers”. Spiritual seekers? What on earth does that mean to you? A short presentation by John Slattery followed by small group discussions. Soup lunch to follow. RSVP so we know how much soup to have on hand!

UUSS Craft Workshop
Sunday, Dec 1 @ 10:30am
Mollie Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

This is a crafting experience for all ages open to members and friends of UUSS

Watch the UUA Climate Revival service that recently took place on September 29-30.

Are you interested in joining a book club? Last year a group met to read Karen Armstrong’s book Sacred Nature. Some book club suggestions:

1. Heather Cox Richardson’s Democracy Awakening

2. A literary fiction book club with a different book each month

3. A book, or books, related to our 8th principal such as White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better

4. A book, or books, about nature and/or environmental issues such as Sacred Nature

October 4 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 05 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT

THIS WEEKEND

TOMORROW

Sociocracy workshop
Sat, October 5, 1:30-3:30

John Braithwaite Community Center, Harbourview Room, 145 West 1st St., North Vancouver

This workshop will be facilitated by Leonie Smith, founder of The Thoughtful Workplace and co-founder of Necessary Trouble Collective (with catherine strickland) and a certified Sociocracy trainer. Leonie has decades of experience working in and with non-profit organizations helping them to integrate principles of inclusion, accessibility and nonviolence.

This workshop is free for all UUSS members and we strongly encourage you to participate, even if you are not currently in a leadership position in the community. Our ability to adopt and integrate the principles of Sociocracy into how we govern ourselves - inclusion, equity, decentralization, empowerment and consent - relies on all of us learning and participating to our fullest ability.

If you have any questions, please reach out to catherine.

This will be an in person and remote event. You can register on the website. Zoom link

SUNDAY

Join other UUSS members as we take a field trip to Vancouver Unitarians on Sunday, Oct 6th.
We will be attending the worship starting at 11 am featuring Dr. Roxy Manning, author of "How to Have Antiracist Conversations" in dialogue with Rev. Shawn Gauthier.

Then, after the service, many of us will be participating in Roxy's 3 hour workshop "Antiracist Conversations: Dismantling Racism with Fierce Compassion". In this workshop we will learn practical tools and strategies to foster meaningful dialogues about race and systemic oppression.

You can learn more and register for this free workshop by clicking the link below. This will take you to the VanU page with additional information about the workshop and the registration form.

We hope to see you there!

ALSO on SUNDAY

Soul Matters are small groups that meet consistently on a monthly basis to companion each other on our individual journeys of discovery and growth. We do this using a packet of materials researched by a group of highly skilled UU professionals. The method used is deep listening as taught by the Quaker teacher and activist Parker Palmer. The method promotes a “heart” over “head” experience, and a chance to get to know our fellow group members on a very deep level. Small groups are a time-proven way to increase connections in spiritual community. And you may just find that the practice of deep listening translates well into more meaningful interactions in other areas of your life.

This year’s monthly themes are The Practice of….Invitation, Deep Listening, Repair, Presence, Story, Inclusion, Trust, Joy, Imagination, Freedom. But regardless of the topic, I find myself surprised at what I discover about myself through this process.

Soul Matters groups are starting up again. There is plenty of space. Current groups that meet in-person on the third Wednesday morning, a weekend, and on Zoom on the fourth Monday evening are all seeking and welcoming new participants. And new groups either in-person or virtual are always possible. Please let Anne Mayall know of your interest or questions. Email annemayall51@gmail.com, or call or text 778-686-3643.

INTO CIRCLE MEALS!

Carpooling can be arranged.

Any offerings to host a Potluck Dinner in October? Your choice of date.

UUSS SAVE THE DATES

NEXT MONTHLY SERVICE
Sat October 19th at 5:00pm
Celebrating the sacred circle of life - The interdependent web of all existence after death

UUSS Craft Workshop
Sunday, Dec 1 @ 10:30am
Mollie Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver

This is a crafting experience for all ages open to members and friends of UUSS

Are you interested in joining a book club? Last year a group met to read Karen Armstrong’s book Sacred Nature. Some book club suggestions:

1. Heather Cox Richardson’s Democracy Awakening

2. A literary fiction book club with a different book each month

3. A book, or books, related to our 8th principal such as White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better

4. A book, or books, about nature and/or environmental issues such as Sacred Nature

Second UUSS Monthly Gatherings start in November!!

BC Fall Youth Con

Dance Dance RevolUUtion: Resistance ThrUU Art

November 22-24

The BC Regional Fall Gathering is a chance for UU youth from BC and beyond to get together, have fun, and build community. This conference is planned and led by youth, for youth. This year, the RFG will be held from November 22-24 at Vancouver Unitarians. The weekend will include activities, worship services, opportunities to connect in large and small groups, and more. We also make every effort to make sure all congoers feel supported and are able to participate in the ways that feel best for them, making this gathering as inclusive, fun, and meaningful as possible.

Youth (ages 13-18, grades 8-12) register at vanu.ca/youthcon-bc
Adult sponsors (ages 25+) register at vanu.ca/youthcon-adult

More info

September 27 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 28 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT

Sociocracy workshop
Sat, October 5, 1:30-3:30

John Braithwaite Community Center, Harbourview Room, 145 West 1st St., North VancouverThis workshop will be facilitated by Leonie Smith, founder of The Thoughtful Workplace and co-founder of Necessary Trouble Collective (with catherine strickland) and a certified Sociocracy trainer. Leonie has decades of experience working in and with non-profit organizations helping them to integrate principles of inclusion, accessibility and nonviolence.

If you have any questions, please reach out to catherine.

This will be an in person and remote event. You can register on the website. Zoom link

You can learn more and register for this free workshop by clicking the link below. This will take you to the VanU page with additional information about the workshop and the registration form.

We hope to see you there!

INTO CIRCLE MEALS!

Carpooling can be arranged.

Any offerings to host a Potluck Dinner in October? Your choice of date.

UUSS SAVE THE DATES

NEXT MONTHLY SERVICE
Sat October 19th at 5:00pm
Celebrating the sacred circle of life - The interdependent web of all existence after death

UUSS Craft Workshop
Sunday, Dec 1 @ 10:30am
Mollie Nye House, 940 Lynn Valley Road, North Vancouver
This is a crafting experience for all ages open to members and friends of UUSS.

Are you interested in joining a book club? Last year a group met to read Karen Armstrong’s book Sacred Nature. Some book club suggestions:

1. Heather Cox Richardson’s Democracy Awakening

2. A literary fiction book club with a different book each month

3. A book, or books, related to our 8th principal such as White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better

4. A book, or books, about nature and/or environmental issues such asSacred Nature

Second UUSS Monthly Gatherings start in November!!

Congregational Conversations

Pastoral Care for Lay Led Congregations
Friday, October 25 @ 10:00am

Communications Needs & Resources
Wednesday, Nov 20 @ 10:00am

Deciding Together
October 5 @ 10:00 am

The Decision Making Exploration Team is inviting your input on how the CUC makes decisions nationally at Annual General Meetings (AGMs). more info.

Provides a brief overview of the current process, the report’s recommendations, and an opportunity to provide feedback.
Maximizes available time for participant input.

Connect and Deepen
Saturday, Oct 26 @ 1:00pm

SOCIAL & ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Did you know that almost 300 congregations are hosting a UU Climate Justice Revival!

On September 28-29,congregations will host UU Climate Justice Revivals to collectively reimagine a spirit-filled and liberatory future. Through conversations, worship, and advocacy, congregations will work together to realize climate justice and collective liberation in our communities. Congregations will receive everything they need to host a revival in their communities, including discussion guides and materials for all ages, training, worship resources, and advocacy actions designed to transform our communities through climate justice.

At the Revival, congregations will:

collaboratively create representation of the challenges of climate change
Identify a vision for a flourishing future and actions we can take to make that vision a reality
undertstand their role in the interdependent ecosystem of creating climate justice and collaborative liberation

undertsand their role in the interdependent ecosystem of creating climate justice and collaborative liberationIf you are interested in helping our congregation be a part of this historic event, please email catherine

Full Moon Gathering
October 17, 2024 4- 5pm

Let's gather to honor the Hunter Supermoon! Register here

September 20 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 21 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT

TOMORROW!!
Saturday, Sep 21st at 5:00pm
"Water Communion"

We would like to invite UUSS members, after the service, to head over to the nearby Renfrew Community Park, to check out the Streamside Lanterns (from 7:30 to 9:30). It's a magical evening of lights and water and the arts, celebrating a local salmon-bearing stream. There is also a Labyrinth just upstream of the lantern installations, with a group performing music to walk the labyrinth to, until 8pm, and a larger arts performance called the Consciousness of Streams from 8:30 to 9:30.

Visitors are encouraged to also bring lanterns or lights of their own. Here is the ink:
https://stillmoonarts.ca/2024-renfrew-ravine-moon-festival/

Also tomorrow

Saturday, Sep 21 @ 1:00pm

Celebration of Life
for Chris Edgar

On June 5, 2024, after a short illness, Christopher Michael Edgar passed away peacefully, surrounded and supported by the family he loved so much. He was the beloved son of Patricia and David Edgar, husband to Tricia, Dad to Lauren, big brother to Karen and part of the Edgar and Wadsley extended family as nephew, cousin and uncle.

Barb Moore will be leading the service at Boal Chapel, North Vancouver.

THIS Sunday, Sep 22 @ 4:00pm

Inquiring Souls is back for another exciting year!

You are invited to join Bill Richardson and Jessica Motherwell McFarlane for tea, snacks and question- storming from 4:00- 5:00.

There is an online attendance option too. Please RSVP to jilly.watson@shaw.ca if you wish to attend.

INTO CIRCLE MEALS!

Carpooling can be arranged.

John and Joy are offering to host a lunch on Thursday, September 26th, from 11:30-1:30. Any offerings to host a Potluck Dinner in October? Your choice of date.

The planning team for the Sunday gatherings on the North Shore (happening soon!) would like to know: how many of us own personal copies of the UUA blue book "Singing the Journey."

If you have one that you are willing to share email jilly.watson@shaw.ca to let her know.

The planning team for the Sunday gatherings on the North Shore (happening soon!) would like to know: how many of us own personal copies of the UUA blue book "Singing the Journey."

If you have one that you are willing to share email jilly.watson@shaw.ca
to let her know.

Are you interested in joining a book club? Last year a group met to read Karen Armstrong’s book Sacred Nature. Some book club suggestions:

1. Heather Cox Richardson’s Democracy Awakening

2. A literary fiction book club with a different book each month

3. A book, or books, related to our 8th principal such as White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better

4. A book, or books, about nature and/or environmental issues such asSacred Nature

Congregational Conversations

Connect and Deepen: Caring, Saturday Sep 21st at 1:00pm

SOCIAL & ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

Imagine Canada is hosting a free webinar, Reconciliation in Action: The Role of the Charitable & Nonprofit Sector, on Thursday, September 26th at 11:00AM. The webinar aims to provide practical guidance around how the nonprofit sector can be actively involved in reconciliation efforts. During this action-oriented session, panelists will discuss how charities and nonprofits can take concrete steps towards supporting Indigenous-led initiatives and addressing systemic barriers.

Sept. 25, Oct. 2, and Oct. 9, 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm: Getting into Climate Action: Solutions, Inspiration, Hope!
You may be familiar with the RegenerateBC material, but would like a deeper dive? Or you think your friends and colleagues would benefit from hearing more about climate solutions and action? Perhaps share this invitation with someone who prefers to participate from home?

Sept. 26, 6:30 - 8:00pm at the Capilano Library. RegenerateBC will offer Climate & Media Connections: "How to Find Joy in Climate Action" based on the work of Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and other contributors to the All We Can Save Project.

Did you know that almost 300 congregations are hosting a UU Climate Justice Revival!

At the Revival, congregations will:

collaboratively create representation of the challenges of climate change
Identify a vision for a flourishing future and actions we can take to make that vision a reality
undertsand their role in the interdependent ecosystem of creating climate justice and collaborative liberation

If you are interested in helping our congregation be a part of this historic event, please email catherine.

September 13 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 14 Sep 2024 00:00:00 GMT

NEXT SATURDAY!
Saturday, Sep 21st at 5:00pm
"Water Communion"

Visitors are encouraged to also bring lanterns or lights of their own. Here is the ink:
https://stillmoonarts.ca/2024-renfrew-ravine-moon-festival/

Saturday, Sep 21st @ 2:00pm
Celebration of Life
for Chris Edgar

Barb Moore will be leading the service at Boal Chapel, North Vancouver.

INTO CIRCLE MEALS!

Carpooling can be arranged.

John and Joy are offering to host a lunch on Thursday, September 26th, from 11:30-1:30. Any offerings to host a Potluck Dinner in October? Your choice of date.

This Friday, Sep 20th @ 8:00am

The planning team for the Sunday gatherings on the North Shore (happening soon!) would like to know: how many of us own personal copies of the UUA blue book "Singing the Journey."

If you have one that you are willing to share email jilly.watson@shaw.ca to let her know.

The planning team for the Sunday gatherings on the North Shore (happening soon!) would like to know: how many of us own personal copies of the UUA blue book "Singing the Journey."

If you have one that you are willing to share email jilly.watson@shaw.ca
to let her know.

Are you interested in joining a book club? Last year a group met to read Karen Armstrong’s book Sacred Nature. Some book club suggestions:

1. Heather Cox Richardson’s Democracy Awakening

2. A literary fiction book club with a different book each month

3. A book, or books, related to our 8th principal such as White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better

4. A book, or books, about nature and/or environmental issues such asSacred Nature

Congregational Conversations

Emerging Needs, Wed Sep 18th at 10:00am

Join us for a conversation about your needs: What’s going on for you right now and what do you most want to connect around this fall?

Please register using this form. You'll find the link for the conversations and information about other scheduled sessions there.

Online Goodbye and
Appreciation Event, Thursday Sep 19 at 4:00pm

Two valued members of the CUC staff team, Casey Stainsby, Youth & Young Adult Program Manager, and Rev. Danie Webber, Youth and Young Adult Ministry Specialist, will complete their work with the CUC soon. Casey is leaving to allow her to focus more fully on her studies in preparation for UU ministry. The First Unitarian Church of Hamilton has called Danie to be their minister.

This event will be an opportunity to celebrate them and share some stories about their impact on their CUC roles and to offer our appreciation. Join us on Zoom as we celebrate these Youth and Young Adult leaders.

If you haven’t already added your comments to the virtual going away cards you still can. To make an addition to the card for Danie or Casey, follow the links.

Connect and Deepen: Caring, Saturday Sep 21st at 1:00pm

Soul Matters are small groups that meet consistently on a monthly basis to companion each other on our individual journeys of discovery and growth. We do this using a packet of materials researched by a group of highly skilled UU professionals. The method used is deep listening as taught by the Quaker teacher and activist Parker Palmer. The method promotes a “heart” over “head” experience, and a chance to get to know our fellow group members on a very deep level. Small groups are a time-proven way to increase connections in spiritual community. And you may just find that the practice of deep listening translates well into more meaningful interactions in other areas of your life.

This year’s monthly themes are The Practice of….Invitation, Deep Listening, Repair, Presence, Story, Inclusion, Trust, Joy, Imagination, Freedom. But regardless of the topic, I find myself surprised at what I discover about myself through this process.

Soul Matters groups are starting up again. There is plenty of space. Current groups that meet in-person on the third Wednesday morning, a weekend, and on Zoom on the fourth Monday evening are all seeking and welcoming new participants. And new groups either in-person or virtual are always possible. Please let Anne Mayall know of your interest or questions. Email annemayall51@gmail.com, or call or text 778-686-3643.

Did you know that almost 300 congregations are hosting a UU Climate Justice Revival!

On September 28-29, congregations will host UU Climate Justice Revivals to collectively reimagine a spirit-filled and liberatory future. Through conversations, worship, and advocacy, congregations will work together to realize climate justice and collective liberation in our communities. Congregations will receive everything they need to host a revival in their communities, including discussion guides and materials for all ages, training, worship resources, and advocacy actions designed to transform our communities through climate justice.

At the Revival, congregations will:

collaboratively create representation of the challenges of climate change
Identify a vision for a flourishing future and actions we can take to make that vision a reality
undertsand their role in the interdependent ecosystem of creating climate justice and collaborative liberation

If you are interested in helping our congregation be a part of this historic event, please email catherine.

September 6 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Sat, 07 Sep 2024 01:42:32 GMT

Wednesday, Sep 11 at 3:30pm
National Check-in for
"Seniors' Day of Climate Action"

October 1st will be National Seniors Day in Canada. We are re-purposing this celebration with a "Seniors' Day of Climate Action". Over 50 communities across Canada will hold events and actions focused on Climate Change. Join us for an evening of preparation, celebration and to hear our amazing speakers: Dr. Courtney Howard, David Suzuki and Amber Bennett will lead us in an exploration of how we can influence the course of climate change. You will learn more about the upcoming Oct. 1st "Seniors' Day of Climate Action", and feel the excitement building among Seniors across Canada who are concerned about Climate Change!

Thursday Sep 12 at 7:00pm
Next meeting for the
"Second Gathering Circle"

Zoom link will be sent out before the meeting. Any questions, please reach out to Allyson Yee.

with any questions.

Saturday, Sep 21st @ 1:00pm
Celebration of Life
for Chris Edgar

Barb Moore will be leading the service at Boal Chapel, North Vancouver.

JOIN US FOR OUR FIRST SERVICE OF THE NEW YEAR!
Saturday, Sep 21st at 5:00pm
"Water Communion"

INTO CIRCLE MEALS!

Carpooling can be arranged.

John and Joy are offering to host a lunch on Thursday, September 26th, from 11:30-1:30. Any offerings to host a Potluck Dinner in October? Your choice of date.

Our October Service will be on the 19th at 5:00pm

"Celebrating the sacred circle of life - The interdependent web of all existence after death"

All summer long, we have been featuring famous Unitarians that perhaps you wouldn't know were Unitarian. If you have enjoyed these features, let us know and we can add a few during the regular year too! send us a short emailat info@uusalishsea.ca.

Did you know that almost 300 congregations are hosting a UU Climate Justice Revival!

At the Revival, congregations will:

collaboratively create representation of the challenges of climate changeIdentify a vision for a flourishing future and actions we can take to make that vision a realiunderstand their role in the interdependent ecosystem of creating climate justice and collaborative liberation
collaboratively create representation of the challenges of climate change
Identify a vision for a flourishing future and actions we can take to make that vision a reality

If you are interested in helping our congregation be a part of this historic event, please email catherine.

VanU is Hiring a Head Nursery Staff Person *New!*

Casey Stainsby is moving into the new Middle Years Coordinator position, taking over leadership of Crossing Paths and other programming for ages 10-12. Casey has been wonderful as our Head Nursery staff over this past year and now we need to fill that position with someone new!

Our infant and toddler members need supportive, open, and loving care while their parents and older siblings attend service and classes. Our youngest members need to feel safe to explore their burgeoning sense of wonder, joy, awe, and love of the world and beings around them to build trust in this place and its people.

Are you interested? Contact Kiersten Moore at kiersten@vanu.ca You may check out the job description here.

2 Adult Volunteers Still Needed for the BC Fall Youth Gathering *Updated!*

Welcome Rory Brimacombe as our BC Fall Con Coordinator! Rory came up through UU youth culture in Vancouver through the early part of the last decade and is now back in Vancouver after completing a masters at UBC. They are excited to be able to bring their experience and knowledge to a new generation of youth!

We still need two adult volunteers for the fall youth conference that will be held at VanU on Nov 22-24. Lots to do before then! You can apply with this form.

Advisor’s Advisor (1 adult)
Peer Chaplains (1 adult)

These adult roles are less task focused and more support oriented, they do require a time commitment nonetheless. We need everyone to commit to meetings starting in early September and probably an hour a week of work, ramping up as we get closer to the conference.

The roles will be almost identical to the CanUUdle staff system, with the exception of online components that we do not do.

You can find more info about all these roles here: CUC CanUUdle Staff Roles

Thank you everyone! Can't wait for another successful weekend!

You are invited to submit an application online here.

Unitarian Universalists of the Salish Sea News

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“Unitarian Universalists: The MUUsical” Coming to a Congregation Near You

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Register Now! CanUUdle XXVI is happening in Vancouver, BC from May 15-18th, 2026!

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Applications Open for RAMP!(Reciprocal Annual Mentorship Program)

January 16, 2026 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

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Sharing Our Faith 2026: Orientation Session

Thursday, Jan 15, 2026 – 4:30 pm

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Sharing Our Faith 2026: Orientation Session

Thursday, Jan 15, 2026 – 4:30 pm

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December 5, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

November 28, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

November 21, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Practicing Hope: Facing the Future with Gratitude, Imagination, Courage & ActionBy Rev. Karen Fraser Gitlitz

Dismantling Barriers: Your Chance to Make a Change

CanUUdle 2026 in Vancouver – Staff Applications now open!

November 14, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

November 7, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

October 31, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

October 24, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

October 17, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

October 10, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

October 3, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

September 26, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

September 19.2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

September 12, 2025: Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

September 5, 2025: Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

August 29, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

August 22, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

August 15, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

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

August 1, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

July 25, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

July 18, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

July 11, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

June 27, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

June 20, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Dismantling Barriers: Talking About Joy as Resistance

June 13, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Dismantling Barriers: Talking About Joy as Resistance

June 6, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

The Crisis in Canadian Democracy: On-line presentation with special guests Andrew Coyne and Dennis Pilon TOMROROWSaturday June 7, 11 AM REGISTER HERE

Adventure Awaits: A Farewell Celebration for Rev. Linda Thomson! TOMORROW Saturday June 7: 1:30 pm PT

Dismantling Barriers: Talking About Joy as Resistance

May 30 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Adventure Awaits: A Farewell Celebration for Rev. Linda Thomson! June 7: 1:30 pm PT

May 23,2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Magic Carpet Fashions Refugee Fund Fundraiser

May 16, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Magic Carpet Fashions Refugee Fund Fundraiser

May 9, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

CanUUdle XXV: AdventUUres on the High Seas! May 16-19Unitarian Church of Montréal

May 2, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

CanUUdle XXV: AdventUUres on the High Seas! May 16-19Unitarian Church of Montréal

April 25, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

CanUUdle XXV: AdventUUres on the High Seas! May 16-19Unitarian Church of Montréal

April 18, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

April 11, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Connect and Deepen: April 19 1:00 pm PT

April 4, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Connect and Deepen: April 19 1:00 pm PT

TOMORROW: Sonia Mackrow's Celebration of Life Saturday, April 5 @ 2:00pm

March 28, 2025 Unitarian Universalist of the Salish Sea e-news

Connect and Deepen: April 19 1:00 pm PT

“Unitarian Universalists: The MUUsical”
Coming to a Congregation Near You

Practicing Hope: Facing the Future with Gratitude, Imagination, Courage & Action
By Rev. Karen Fraser Gitlitz

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

Dismantling Barriers:
Talking About Joy as Resistance

Dismantling Barriers:
Talking About Joy as Resistance

The Crisis in Canadian Democracy: On-line presentation with special guests Andrew Coyne and Dennis Pilon
TOMROROW
Saturday June 7, 11 AM REGISTER HERE

Adventure Awaits:
A Farewell Celebration for Rev. Linda Thomson!
TOMORROW
Saturday June 7: 1:30 pm PT

Dismantling Barriers:
Talking About Joy as Resistance

Adventure Awaits:
A Farewell Celebration for Rev. Linda Thomson!
June 7: 1:30 pm PT

Magic Carpet Fashions
Refugee Fund Fundraiser

Magic Carpet Fashions
Refugee Fund Fundraiser

CanUUdle XXV:
AdventUUres on the High Seas!
May 16-19
Unitarian Church of Montréal

CanUUdle XXV:
AdventUUres on the High Seas!
May 16-19
Unitarian Church of Montréal

CanUUdle XXV:
AdventUUres on the High Seas!
May 16-19
Unitarian Church of Montréal

TOMORROW:
Sonia Mackrow's
Celebration of Life
Saturday, April 5 @ 2:00pm

Sonia Mackrow's
Celebration of Life
Saturday, April 5 @ 2:00pm

Congregational Conversations: Pastoral Care (2nd run)
January 22 at 4:30pm

Lay Chaplains Chat: Challenging Memorials with our own Barb Moore
January 27 at 4:30pm

Dismantling Barriers: Meet up - Burn Out Edition
January 30 at 4:00pm

Why Burnout?
From Camellia Jahanshahi, CUC Dismantling Barriers Lead

Congregational Conversations: Pastoral Care (2nd run)
January 22 at 4:30pm

Lay Chaplains Chat: Challenging Memorials with Barb Moore
January 27 at 4:30pm

Dismantling Barriers: Meet up - Burn Out Edition
January 30 at 4:00pm

Canadian Wellspring
2025 Cohort
[program starts January 13]

Canadian Wellspring
2025 Cohort

Canadian Wellspring
2025 Cohort

Canadian Wellspring
2025 Cohort

TOMORROW!
UUSS Gathering and
Listening Circle Brunch on
the recent US election

CUC Co-Lab: Experiences of Transformation
Saturday Nov 2, 9:30am

CUC Co-Lab: Experiences of Transformation
Saturday Nov 2, 9:30am

CUC Co-Lab: Experiences of Transformation
Saturday Nov 2, 9:30am

Deciding Together
October 5 @ 10:00 am

Connect and Deepen
Saturday, Oct 26 @ 1:00pm

Online Goodbye and
Appreciation Event, Thursday Sep 19 at 4:00pm