CUC eNews: May 25, 2021 – Issue 131

In This Issue:

• Letter From Vyda
• Leadership Transitions at the CUC
• Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed Receives Knight Award
• Rev. Anne Barker’s Confluence Lecture Makes for Engaging Discussion
• A Way Forward for the 8th Principle Process
• Sharing Our Faith and Theological Education Grants Awarded
• Mirth and Dignity Group Receives Shining Lights Award
• Second Year Success for CazUUm, An Online Youth Conference
• Reflections on Ensemble
• Calgary Unitarians Celebrate Retiring Minister
• CUC’s First Virtual Conference a Success
• In Memoriam: Rev. Charles Eddis
• What’s Making Us Smile
• Upcoming Events

NOTE: The eNews will come out once in both June and August and will take a vacation in July.

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Letter From Vyda

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.”  – Margaret J Wheatley

Unitarians have a long history of advocating for social justice. From Selma to Standing Rock, we have stood alongside marginalized communities in support of our principles. We had advocated for LGBTQ2S+ rights, choice in dying, and for the rights of women to have control over their own bodies. Because of our actions, some important changes have occurred. But there are also ways in which we have fallen short.

As the recently released report by the Dismantling Racism Study Group makes clear, one of these is in our commitment to racial justice, and the gaps the report revealed between our ideals and our actions. We have celebrated our commitment to diversity, but have failed to create congregations that reflect an increasingly ethnically diverse country. Rev. Anne Barker stated in her Confluence Lecture, “So often the interruption, the call to reform, must come from the margins … people who cannot seem to make their way in, despite our insistence that our doors are open.” One delegate at our recent Annual General Meeting felt that such a call was needed, and proposed a spontaneous motion to immediately adopt an 8th principle, which states that  “We, the member congregations of the Canadian Unitarian Council, covenant to affirm and promote: “Individual and communal action that accountably dismantles racism and other oppressions in ourselves and in our institutions.”

In the wake of the procedural issues that rendered this motion invalid, some may question our commitment to the ideals it espoused. We recognize that the work the 8th principle calls on us to engage in is long and lifelong work, and that we may only be at the beginning of this road. The CUC has made dismantling racism a strategic priority for several years. And through our dismantling racism workshops, surveys, roundtables, “Rising Together” (group for youth and emerging young adults of colour), and Beloved Conversation groups, the CUC and congregations have at least been laying a foundation for the Dismantling Racism Study Group report and the commitment to the 8th principle.

Considering adopting the 8th principle as a national organization does not preclude individual congregations from adopting it, or from taking the steps necessary to put the principle into practice. It does, however, require that we follow the processes we have established, imperfect though they are, to ensure that all our congregations have a chance to have input on this issue, and ensure full understanding, engagement and buy-in, before bringing this to a vote. (for more on this, please see the article below on A Way Forward for the 8th Principle Process)

As Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed, this year’s Knight Award recipient, proclaimed in his 2013 keynote address “Radical Inclusion,’ becoming the kind of community we aspire to be “requires not only that we trumpet our cherished principles, but that we change our attitude. Welcoming diversity is an attitude. It is not a duty; it is an eagerness. It can’t be contained because we yearn to grow in spirit and number, and desire the sort of change that will lead us into living bigger, fuller, deeper, more inclusive lives.”

Be well friends,
Vyda Ng
Executive Director
vyda@cuc.ca

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Leadership Transitions at the CUC

Board of Trustees

The CUC’s Board of Trustees  works mainly in the background, guiding through policy and governance, the CUC’s work of “Growing Vital Unitarian Communities.” This group of dedicated volunteers come from across the country – two from each region – and includes a minister observer and two youth observers. 

Three trustees were acclaimed for a second three-year term at the AGM: Rev. Rodrigo Emilio Solano-Quesnel (Olinda); Kiersten Moore (Vancouver); and Margaret Wanlin (Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship). No trustees are leaving the board this year. Thanks to the outgoing Sr. Youth Observer, Fiona Butler, and Minister Observer, Rev. Debra Thorne for their service. 

The 2021-22 CUC Board of Trustees is:
President: Margaret Wanlin, Thunder Bay – Western Region
Vice-President: Chuck Shields, Ottawa – Eastern Region
Treasurer: Joanne Green, Regina – Western Region
Secretary: Kiersten Moore, Vancouver – BC Region
Glenna Hanley, Fredericton, Eastern Region
Rev. Rodrigo Solano-Quesnel, Olinda, Central Region
Margaret Kohr, Toronto – Central Region
Michael Scales, New Westminster – BC Region
Minister Observer: Rev. Shana Lynngood, Victoria
Sr. Youth Observer: Linnea Granberg, Thunder Bay
Jr. Youth Observer: Eric James, Saskatoon

Nominating Committee

The CUC’s Nominating Committee has the important task of searching out UUs with the necessary experience and skill to serve on the Board of Trustees. Their members span the country and possess knowledge of the requirements for Board members, and familiarity with congregations and UUs across the country.

We thank John Michell (Calgary) and Molly Hurd (Halifax) for their service on the Nominating Committee, and wish them well in their next adventures. 

The 2020 – 2021 Nominating Committee is:
Lynn Armstrong, Vancouver (BC)
Michael Dailly, Nelson (BC/Western)
Julien LeBourdais, Durham (Central)
Maury Prevost, Ottawa First (Central/Eastern)
Alex Schumacher, Calgary (Western)
Kim Turner, Halifax (Eastern)

UU Ministers of Canada

The professional UU Ministers of Canada (UUMOC) provide us with spiritual and pastoral guidance, and are an integral and vital part of our national faith community. They covenant together to promote excellence in ministry, within and outside of congregations. Through personal learning, growth and mutual support, they equip themselves to be visionary leaders within the Unitarian Universalist movement in Canada and internationally. 

The 2020 – 2021 UUMOC Executive Committee is:
President: Rev. Anne Barker, Westwood in Edmonton
Vice President: Rev. Meghann Robern, Winnipeg
Treasurer: Rev. Norm Horofker, Halifax
Secretary: Ben Robins, Peterborough
Minister Observer: Rev. Shana Lynngood, Victoria

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Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed Receives Knight Award

One of the CUC’s most prestigious awards, the Knight Award recognizes a Unitarian whose commitment honours the ideals exemplified by the lives and work of Nancy and Victor Knight in furthering the principles of Unitarianism in Canada.

The Knight Award is presented by a previous Knight recipient to the newest member. In 2021, the award was presented by Kim Turner, Victor and Nancy Knight’s granddaughter, to Rev. Mark Morrison-Reed. In her remarks, Kim noted Mark’s many accomplishments, including serving as CUC President, writing several books on systemic racism, and serving as the keynote speaker for the CUC’s 2013 conference. As Kim observed: “As an author and speaker he has challenged us to confront racism in our denomination and society and to grow into a more diverse and truly inclusive religion. As a religious leader, he has inspired us with the intelligence of his thought and the depth of his compassion. As a leader in our Canadian faith commuity, his patience, wisdom, and nonanxious presence helped bring about a new era in the CUC.”

In accepting the award, Mark paid tribute to Victor and Nancy Knight, noting how their constant dedication to Unitarianism “grew the institution and furthered liberal religion in Canada.” He also noted how he was honoured to join past recipients of the award, including CUC founding President and Unitarian icon Phillip Hewett, and thanked the “Knights” for including him among their ranks.

Congratulations Mark!

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Rev. Anne Barker’s Confluence Lecture Makes for Engaging Discussion

The Confluence Lecture, a presentation by a minister chosen by their peers to offer insight into the joys and concerns of our living tradition, is always a highlight of the CUC’s conferences. The format of this year’s lecture, “A New Premise” by Rev. Anne Barker of Edmonton’s Westwood Unitarian Congregation, differed from those in years past. Participants were invited to view the lecture in advance and bring their questions and comments to the Friday evening gathering.

The new format made for an engaging discussion, with several participants observing they wished there could be a second session to dive deeper into the issues the lecture raised. Many participants did in fact end up staying on Zoom with Anne until 10 pm ET, far past the event’s scheduled end time.

Those who missed the event, however, can still view the lecture and engage with the accompanying resources, and are in fact encouraged to participate in this ongoing conversation.

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A Way Forward for the 8th Principle Process

At the CUC’s AGM on May 8, there was  a spontaneous motion from the floor to immediately adopt an 8th principle, which states: “We, the member congregations of the Canadian Unitarian Council, covenant to affirm and promote: “Individual and communal action that accountably dismantles racism and other oppressions in ourselves and in our institutions.” Although this motion passed with a majority vote, a careful review of the proceedings and AGM transcript following the AGM revealed that in allowing the motion to proceed, the CUC did not properly follow the requirement of prior notice for motions, and as a result, we violated our own bylaws (refer to bylaw #3). The CUC bylaws supersede all other rules and procedures, thus making the motion invalid and, as such, it does not stand.

We want to be clear that this does not invalidate the passion or commitment we have for this issue. We know that there is hurt and confusion following this outcome. But we want to get this right. We want to ensure that there is never a question that Canadian Unitarian Universalists are deeply committed to upholding the principle of dismantling racism and other oppressions, and committed to the work it requires.

We propose a Special Meeting, to be held on Saturday, November 27, 2021. By holding it in late November, we aim to provide time for congregations to discuss the matter. This meeting will focus on the 8th principle and the process by which it was approved, discussion of the Dismantling Racism Study Group’s findings and recommendations, proposed motions arising from the recommendations, plans from CUC Board and staff on implementation, and an overview of the CUC’s bylaws, rules of order, and resolutions process.

In the meantime, the next two leaders roundtables, taking place May 29 and June 26, will both be devoted to the topic of the 8th principle process, and we encourage everyone to bring their questions and ideas to these meetings. We have also compiled ‘A Way Forward for the 8th Principle Process’ document that aims to answer many questions people may have. 

A Message from the UU Ministers of Canada about the 8th Principle Process

Sixty years ago, two religions ended a courtship that had lasted close to 100 years and merged together to form one denomination. In so doing, a living tradition was formed, coming from a strong past that provides a foundation and willingness to respond to the needs of our times and the longings of our spirit. A living tradition that brought together the heart of Universalism and the headiness of Unitarianism where both partners held at their core an enduring flame of love – a light of love to shine brightly in the world.

In so doing, our Unitarian and Universalist ancestors entrusted future generations to love the world the best way they could, given the circumstances of the day. This love calls to us to do the hard work in this world. As part of this living tradition, we have been given a task to love the world with all of our hearts. 

To help us along in this daunting task of loving the world, we initially drew up six principles at the time of the merger in 1961 that both denominations could live with – with a promise to revisit them each 15 years to see if they were still relevant. Unfortunately, these principles didn’t really gain traction in our congregations, and they didn’t gain much relevance until we revisited them in 1985 when we revised those six initial principles and adopted an additional seventh principle. At that time, we also adopted five of the six sources we hold, with the sixth being adopted in 1995. In 2016, we as Canadian Unitarian Universalists added our five aspirations to aid us in shining the light of love in the world.

The enduring flame of love that is Unitarian Universalism transforms us all.

When the CUC took on the delivery of services to Canadian congregations in 2002, we adopted racism as a proposal for study “with a view to reducing the undesirable effects of all forms of racial and ethnic prejudice and discrimination, in Canadian society.” At the CUC annual meeting in 2003 an “Anti-Racism” Resolution passed that called for congregational self-study, with an amendment in 2007 that changed the title to “Resolution on Racial, Religious, and First Nations Equity.” (Rev. Dr. Mark D. Morrison-Reed, Radical Inclusion, 2013 Canadian Unitarian Council Annual Meeting Keynote Address, May 17, 2013)

In 2014, Canadian Unitarians offered an Expression of Reconciliation to the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission that detailed how each of our seven principles had been violated. We began to do the work of forming relationships with Indigenous nations on the lands on which we are located. I was honoured to work with my colleague, the Rev. Meg Roberts, as co-chair of this work. We were intentional and careful in crafting reflection guides that helped participants understand the true history of the residential school system and its effects on the Indigenous communities so that we could lean in to better understand how we are complicit in a system that continues to discriminate, oppress, and marginalize Indigenous peoples in our country.

The enduring flame of love that is Unitarian Universalism transforms us all.

This enduring flame of love is fueled by our living tradition – one that constantly calls to us to re-examine our beliefs, our values, and build the common good. This living tradition of ours calls us now to lean into this enduring love to make a commitment to racial justice by the adoption of an eighth principle: to affirm and promote “individual and communal action that accountably dismantles racism and other oppressions in ourselves and in our institutions.”

My dear ones, this is our time to become the living tradition we espouse ourselves to be. As we look towards the adoption of this principle, each one of us is called to widen our circle of concern to include those who are at the very margins of our congregations so that everyone is included in our enduring flame of love.

I hope you’ll take time to join look into this principle and to open your hearts in love as we lean into a process as outlined by the CUC leadership to examine the adoption of this principle in the coming months ahead.

May it be so.

This homily was crafted by Rev. Samaya Oakley from her sermon delivered to the South Fraser Unitarian congregation earlier in May, and endorsed by the UU Ministers of Canada (UUMOC)
UUMOC is the Canadian professional association of UU ministers, and they covenant together to provide excellence in ministry. Through personal learning and growth and mutual support, they equip themselves to be visionary leaders within the Unitarian Universalist movement in Canada and internationally..

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Sharing Our Faith and Theological Education Grants Awarded

The Annual General Meeting gives us the opportunity to chart a path for our future. It also gives us the opportunity to recognize the achievements and aspirations of those who will help us get where we want to go. As is our custom, a number of awards are announced during the AGM. 

The Sharing Our Faith Award recognizes and supports congregational initiatives that enhance ministry, aid congregational projects and outreach, and help grow the Unitarian Universalist movement in Canada. Congregations are encouraged to hold an annual “Sharing Our Faith” worship service focused on the UU faith in Canada, with a special collection for the Sharing Our Faith fund. These funds, with contributions from the Foundation Fund held by the First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto, are allocated as grants to congregations who are implementing growth projects and initiatives.  

In 2021, the following congregations were awarded Sharing Our Faith grants:

Unitarian Church of Calgary –  $4200
To extend reach beyond Calgary by live streaming and virtual gatherings.

Capital Unitarian Universalist Congregation (Victoria, BC) – $4,200
To support the creation of a new and pivotal leadership position – Director of Congregational Life

Kingston Unitarian Fellowship –  $2,450.00 To fund summer music development program, with the aim of recording and eventual sharing with Canadian UU congregations

Lakehead Unitarian Church (Thunder Bay) – $2 000
To improve online services through purchasing equipment 

Unitarian Fellowship of Peterborough – $4,200
To extend online reach through equipment purchase and upgrades

Unitarian Congregation of Saskatoon – $4,200
To adapt to online ministry and increase accessibility by making necessary physical and online changes

First Unitarian Church of Victoria – $4,200
To improve the quality of in-person and online services by purchasing and upgrading audiovisual equipment

The Theological Education Bursaries, supported by monies from the Percy Simpson Bailey and Rouff/Mackie-Jenkins funds, and by special collections at ordinations and installations, support Canadian UUs studying to become a minister or UUs engaging in continuing education, or a congregation seeking to hire an intern minister. The bursary recipients for 2021 are Arran Liddell and, for the first time, the Committee has recommended that a congregation be funded to support an internship. That congregation is the First Unitarian Church of Victoria.

Congratulations to all of the grant recipients. We wish you success. And we look forward to hearing of your progress in your reports to the CUC next year.

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Mirth and Dignity Group Receives Shining Lights Award
By Joan Carolyn, CUC Staff Lead for B.C and Western Regions

The Shining Lights Award celebrates innovative projects developed by Unitarian Universalist congregations and groups. This past year a great team of people has worked with Rev. Linda Thomson and I to invite nominees, review applications, and make a decision regarding this year’s award recipient.

Our team is made up of: a minister, Rev. Stephen Atkinson; a religious education professional, Lynn Sabourin; a congregation leader, Kim Turner; and a young adult who is also a military chaplain, Nicole McKay.

This year we had three worthy and very different nominations.  Rev. Audrey Brooks and the Unitarian Church of Edmonton submitted information about Audrey’s efforts to raise awareness of genocide, through services and a peace garden. The First Unitarian Church of Hamilton, through their religious educator, Tim Versteeg, and a lead volunteer Pat Dickinson, shared information about their efforts to foster multigenerational community.  The Shining Lights award was presented to the Mirth and Dignity group, known to many by the Facebook group, the UU Hysterical Society. Liz James and Kathy Smith are the leads for the team that built an online community of over 80,000 people. They have created and shared material that is both lighthearted and meaningful content, and offers clever humour.

The substance of each of these projects was shared in early May during a webinar. More will be shared in the coming months via the CUC website and the eNews. 

There is much to celebrate in our UU circles!

A special word of gratitude to this team, especially to Lynn Sabourin who will be retiring this year and has been active with us since this program’s inception. 

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Second Year Success for CazUUm, An Online Youth Conference
By Carter Mahoney, CanUUdle/CazUUm Coordinator

For the second year, youth logged on from across Canada to gather in community while staying safe and comfortable at home. This year’s conference built upon the success of last year’s first-ever virtual youth conference experience. Following the theme of Finding TreasUUre, 30 youth (14-19-year-olds) and their adult advisors set sail together on this virtual adventure, which included workshops, games, small groups, worship, unstructured hang out time, as well as a talent show, movie night, and dance party! The online format allowed for a series of new, creative, and unique experiences. One notable event was the small group Pirate themed PowerPoint presentations in which silly transitions, chaotic fonts, and spelling errors were highly encouraged.   

Youth, advisors, and young adults came together for the Bridging Ceremony, to honour the passage of junior youth into youthhood, youth to young adulthood, and young adults into SuperFriends. While the youth missed being together in person, there was a clear desire for more events like these for as long as we are unable to hold large events safely. The accompanying photo is from our closing worship and includes many of the youth, advisors, CazUUm staff, and a few YOBs (Youth Observers to the Board).

Huge thanks go to the youth planning team who poured so much creativity and care into making this virtual experience possible. You are amazing!

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Reflections on Ensemble
By Micaela Corcoran, Ensemble Coordinator

Before choosing the theme for Ensemble 2021 (the digital version of our annual Canadian UU Young Adult conference known as Chorus) we surveyed the community to understand their spiritual needs after a year of the pandemic.

Young Adults (UU’s between the ages of 18-35) told us that while they were proud of making it through a year of COVID, the isolation and anxiety of the pandemic continued to dominate their lives. While this virus has of course impacted everyone, it’s important to recognize its unique impact on YAs, many of whom are living far from family, disproportionately at risk of infection, precariously employed yet paying off student loans, and the last adults in line to be vaccinated. YAs shared a need for connection, community, and to celebrate surviving the past year. They also desired a space to mourn the continued losses of the pandemic – proms, graduations, the first year of university, or a final UU conference before ageing out and becoming “SuperFriends”).

We chose our theme to reflect these needs; The Space Between Stars. Though this year we gathered while apart, as individuals scattered across the country we formed a constellation of community. While the darkness of these challenging times separated us, our theme was a call to remember the infinite possibility floating in the space between stars.

Though not without a few inevitable Zoom hiccups, I think it’s safe to say The Space Between Stars was a success. Reflecting on the weekend, Young Adults described the event as “heart-warming,” “safe,” “loving,” and “fun” (though as the facilitator one word moved me beyond all others when reading the feedback: “organized”). Many YAs shared that the weekend was both grounding and uplifting, a fitting tribute, I think, when one seeks connection in the stars.

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Calgary Unitarians Celebrate Retiring Minister

Congregants, colleagues, and family members gathered via Zoom on May 8 to pay tribute to Rev. Debra Faulk, who has retired from the ministry after 11 years of service to Calgary Unitarians.

Several speakers noted Debra’s deep and abiding allegiance to the Unitarian faith, through her parish ministry, her service as Minister Observer to the CUC Board, and her interfaith in work in Calgary. In the words of Rev. Dave Holmes, who served with Debra on the Calgary Interfaith Council, she could be counted on “for never drawing attention to yourself, only drawing attention to the cause at hand.”

In addition to the spoken tributes, Debra was honoured with musical offerings, including an adapted version of “I Had the Time of My Life” performed by the congregation’s DRE, Sheila MacMaster; a quartet of singers who performed the song “Where We All Are As One”, composed by Debra herself; and special guest Tony Turner with his song “Precious Blessings”. Debra was also gifted a certificate recognizing her status as minister emerita with Calgary Unitarians, an honour the congregation conferred on her earlier this month, and a commemorative quilt.

In her remarks, Debra noted the many other gifts she’d received from the congregation over the years, observing how they’d “stretched me as a human being and a minister”, and promised to continue contributing to the Unitarian faith.

Congratulations Debra and thanks for many contributions to Unitarianism!

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CUC’s First Virtual Conference a Success

About 300 children, youth, young adults, and adults participated in the CUC’s “Sustaining Our Light” conference over the weekend of May 14-16. Highlights included Rev. Anne Barker’s Confluence Lecture, which spurred a long and engaging discussion that lasted well past the scheduled end time; a well-attended workshop led by the Dismantling Racism Study Group, which drew 97 participants; and the closing worship service, which celebrated how crucial our UU faith and our connections are to sustaining and amplifying the light within each of us. 

This was the CUC’s first-ever fully virtual conference, and as Ahna DiFelice, our Conference Convenor, observed during the opening gathering, we’re still learning. Much as we missed the chance to gather in-person, it’s clear the virtual format also opened doors to many who might previously have lacked the opportunity to attend, and the CUC’s events going forward will combine in-person and virtual formats.

Thanks to everyone who contributed in ways large and small, whether by joining in the virtual choir videos, volunteering for tech support, facilitating a workshop, and many other tasks. None of it went unnoticed, and it all contributed to making the weekend a success.

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In Memoriam: Rev. Charles Eddis

We are incredibly saddened by the passing of Rev. Charles Eddis. Charles was called to serve his first congregation in Canada in 1953, the Unitarian Fellowship of Edmonton. In the following years, Charles (together with Philip Hewitt, Mary Lu Macdonald and others) would dream the dream that would grow into the Canadian Unitarian Council. Charles was the second recipient of the Knight Award in 1995, after Philip Hewitt. He will be fondly remembered, sorely missed, and celebrated.

Here follows a message from Rev. Diane Rollert, the 11th minister to serve at the Unitarian Church of Montreal.

It is with incredible grief that I must let you know that Rev. Charles Eddis died peacefully yesterday afternoon at Montreal General Hospital. He would have been 95 in July. His family would like you to know that a celebration of his life will happen sometime down the road when we can share stories, hugs and a butter tart.

There is a special request: Please, please, NO phone calls or emails to Nancy right now. You can send remembrances to me and I will collect them for the family. May we hold in our hearts Nancy, daughter Sandie and son Tim, their partners, and all the grandchildren.

I’m still in shock. Charles was my friend, my dearest colleague, my rock and support over the years, my most dedicated cheerleader. Because we are ministers, he and I talked many times about this day. But he was so robust for so long that I began to believe it would never come.

Charles served as minister of the Unitarian Church of Montreal from 1977 to 1993. He led this congregation through the 1980 Quebec referendum, the church’s disastrous fire on Simpson Street in 1987, and oversaw the construction of our building on de Maisonneuve. He knew what it was to live as a phoenix. He was one of Canadian Unitarianism’s greatest leaders, a pioneer and a pillar of our movement. His death is truly the end of an era.

I know how close so many of you were to Charles, and how much you loved him. For some of you, he was your first minister, the person who shaped your understanding of Unitarianism. I wish that I could say more, but my grief, like yours, is too raw right now. Charles would have told me, “Stick to it! You know what to do.”

I offer you this prayer that I shared during the service this morning.

A Prayer in Memory of Rev. Charles Eddis
by Rev. Diane Rollert, 23 May 2021

Ground of Our Being,
I call out to you
because you are the name of God
that most spoke to our beloved Rev. Charles.

“Ground of being,”
words from Paul Tillich,
the source that comes before being itself.

Now, dear friend,
you have gone home to that source,
from dust to dust
a man of star stuff,
returned to the cosmos.

Kindest, loving soul,
you lifted us up out of the ashes
and kept us alive.

You tended this faith
with mind and heart
and never lost courage.

I cannot begin to fully name your legacy.
Today, I only weep,
remembering your friendship,
grateful for the many years,
that you shared this journey with all of us.

A day will come
when I will find the grand words,
when a eulogy will flow forth,
as you would have wanted it to be.

For now, bless these tears
and this ache in my heart,
for I cannot imagine
what my life would have been
without knowing you.

I can hear your voice
in the words of Tillich,
invoking the subtle,
the intangible,
the inexplicable,
that is God,
that has waited for you
at the end of the good full
life you have lived.

May the Ground of Our Being
bless you and keep you,
shine its countenance upon you
and give you peace.

Amen.

With love and deep condolences to all who were blessed to know Charles.

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What’s Making Us Smile

The Lighter Side comedy night during the conference promised a chance to bask in the light already there: the opportunity to find laughter amidst trying times – and it didn’t disappoint! Rev. Lynn Harrison of the First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto contributed two original songs, and well-known Unitarian musician Tony Turner served as the evening’s host and offered a Covid-themed parody of Johnny Cash’s “I’ve Been Everywhere”.

Me and My Swinging Mood – Lynn Harrison

Tea Cupboard – Lynn Harrison

I’ve Been Everywhere – Tony Turner