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

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

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

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

Community Care Circle
Monday, September 22 at 7:30

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

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

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

Please RSVP to receive the Zoom link 

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

Save the Date:
first Sunday Gathering on Oct 5

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

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

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

Parking Information: Mollie Nye House is at 940 Lynn Valley Road.  We are in the basement, entrance on the south side.  We can't park in the Hillside Baptist lot as they are using their lot Sunday morning.  The best parking option is at the Karen Magnussesn Rec center.  It's a little walk.  If you have accessibility issues you could be dropped off at Mollie Nye and then the vehicle can be moved.

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome James Hindle,
our new Technical Coordinator!

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

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

SOCIAL JUSTICE

TOMORROW
September 20

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

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

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

last part of the workshop, 
Tuesday, September 23

Antiracism Learning Circles in September 
Registration Now Open 

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

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

For questions contact Jody Feldman @ feldmanjody@gmail.com 

From Anne Mayall 
on Small Groups

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

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

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

Anne Mayall

JOB POSTING: CUC COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

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

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

TOMORROW!

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

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

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

Save the Date:
first Sunday Gathering on Oct 5

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

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

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

Parking Information: Mollie Nye House is at 940 Lynn Valley Road.  We are in the basement, entrance on the south side.  We can't park in the Hillside Baptist lot as they are using their lot Sunday morning.  The best parking option is at the Karen Magnussesn Rec center.  It's a little walk.  If you have accessibility issues you could be dropped off at Mollie Nye and then the vehicle can be moved.

Sociocracy Circles this fall

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

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

*also addressing documentation for becoming a registered society/charity

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

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

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

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

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

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

JOB POSTING: CUC COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

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

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

Antiracism Learning Circles in September 
Registration Now Open 

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

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

For questions contact Jody Feldman @ feldmanjody@gmail.com 

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

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

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

From Anne Mayall 
on Small Groups

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

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

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

Anne Mayall

SOCIAL JUSTICE

September 20
for Coast-to-Coast
Mobilization for Justice

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

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

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

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

Order your t-shirt now!

Welcome Maeve Lynn Earl Patterson-Gram!

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Yette and Liam

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

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

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

Sociocracy Circles this fall

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

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

*also addressing documentation for becoming a registered society/charity

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

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

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

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

our Fall 2026 in person event 

 Join us on Sat, September 6! 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

From Anne Mayall Small Groups

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

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

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

Anne Mayall

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Summer Update
August 29, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

Order your t-shirt before Sep 8!

Sociocracy Circles this fall

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

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

*also addressing documentation for becoming a registered society/charity

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

Emergent Strategy Book Club –
First Meeting

TOMORROW!!
Sat, August 30 at 10:00am

Save the Date: September 20th

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

SOCIAL JUSTICE

September 20
for Coast-to-Coast
Mobilization for Justice

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

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

See the detailed demands.

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Summer Update
August 22, 2025

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

From Ron Phares:

"UU's of Salish Sea,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

-- 

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

We have an official banner!

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

And we are ordering t-shirts! too

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

Order your t-shirt before Sep 8!

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

Please come and support the church where we meet!

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

Emergent Strategy Book Club –
First Meeting

Sat, August 30 at 10:00am

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

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

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

 Join us on Sat, September 6! 

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

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

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

More info

Save the Date: September 20th

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

SOCIAL JUSTICE

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

Some good news on the climate front!

And some less positive news

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

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

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Summer Update
August 15, 2025

We are getting a banner!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Please come and support the church where we meet!

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

Emergent Strategy Book Club –
First Meeting

Sat, August 30 at 10:00am

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

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

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

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

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

SOCIAL JUSTICE

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

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

September 20
for Coast-to-Coast
Mobilization for Justice

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

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

See the detailed demands.

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Summer Update
August 1, 2025

UUSS 2025 Summer Gathering

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

UUSS 2025 Summer Gathering

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

Emergent Strategy Book Club –
First Meeting

Sat, August 30 at 10:00am

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

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

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

• How could these ideas help your community or personal grow

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

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Mark your calendars 
September 20  

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

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

Check out our social media!

Check the calendar on our website for more events!

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www.uusalishsea.ca      2025

Unitarian Universalists
of the Salish Sea

Sunmmer Update
July 25, 2025

THIS COMING SUNDAY!!

Join us for a Summer 
Potluck on Bowen!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sign up for Circle Meals!

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

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

Sign Up Link

SOCIAL JUSTICE

Mark your calendars 
September 20  

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

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

DEMAND AN END TO

MASS STARVATION

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

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

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

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

CALL ON PRESIDENT LULA TO PROTECT BRAZIL'S 
AMAZON FOREST

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

HAVE YOUR SAY ON BILL 15

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

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

Check out our social media!

Check the calendar on our website for more events!

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

www.uusalishsea.ca      2025

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).

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

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

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

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).

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.

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