Congregational Life Program – Winter & Spring 2026

The Congregational Life Team is hard at work planning meaningful programming to support and inspire our communities across the country. We’re developing opportunities that will deepen connection, nurture leadership, and strengthen congregational health and vitality.

Join CUC Congregational Life Leads Revs Anne Barker and Nicoline Guerrier for a series of events this winter 

2026 CUC Congregational Conversations

A Year of Connection, Courage, and Collective Growth

In 2026, we invite you into a renewed season of Congregational Conversations—spaces where UU leaders  gather to connect, focus, and learn.

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.

New Rhythm for 2026

Beginning in January, we gather on Thursdays and Saturdays (Each session is 90 minutes and offered twice—choose the date that supports your flow) 
10am PT | 11am MT | 12pm CT | 1pm ET | 2pm AT | 2:30pm NT

Each conversation is both a learning moment and a spiritual practice—an act of tending the communal soil we share.

• Thurs Jan 22 & Sat Jan 24: 2026 Fresh Start
  A new year invites us into clarity, intention, and renewal. What are you longing to grow—within yourself, within your congregation, within the world we are building together? This session offers guided reflection and collective discernment as we set heartfelt intentions for the year. Your presence is an offering to your community’s future.
• Thurs Feb 19 & Sat Feb 21: Ministry Updates 2026
  Shared ministry—professional and lay—is at the heart of congregational life. Whether your community has a minister, is in search, or is reimagining how ministry can look, this conversation supports you in navigating the evolving landscape.
  We’ll explore emerging models, best practices, and questions about shared ministry – whatever your congregation size.
  Special guest on Feb 19 only: Christine Purcell, UUA Congregational Transitions Director, joining us to share insights and answer questions.
• Thurs Mar 19 & Sat Mar 21: Planting, Pruning, & Bearing Fruit
  We are always making decisions – working to sustain or grow the health of our congregations and communities. When was the last time you reflected on the criteria you’re using? This conversation focuses on HOW we make important decisions.
  
• Thurs Apr 16 & Sat Apr 18: Shifting From Problem to Opportunity
  In 2019, Anne attended a ‘Solutions Economy Workshop’ led by Shaun Loney – and it forever changed the way she looks at problems! This month, Anne will share one of her favourite lessons – how to shift problems into opportunities – and what that could mean for our congregations and communities. Come with your concerns or challenges, come with your triumphs or transformations – it’s all a part of the conversation.

Why Your Participation Matters

When you show up to these conversations, you…

• Nourish your own spiritual grounding as a leader
• Strengthen the resilience and imagination of your congregation
• Contribute to the collective wisdom of Unitarian Universalism in Canada
• Help shape the future of how we live our faith—together

These gatherings are a practice of hope, courage, and community.
We look forward to being with you in 2026.

In the meantime, if you have questions or ideas, feel free to contact us at congregationallife@cuc.ca — we’d love to hear from you!

Your Congregational Life Team,
Anne Barker & Nicoline Guerrier
congregationallife@cuc.ca