CUC eNews: September 20, 2022 – Issue 142

In This Issue:

A September Greeting from the UU Ministers of Canada (UUMOC)
By Reverend Anne Barker, President, UUMOC

Welcome to the new church year, a time of excitement and joy, sparked by the renewal of a fresh start and the delight of reconnecting with loved ones after summer. While our enthusiasm can be tempered by burdens that we carry individually, collectively, and culturally, may the blessings of September–and autumn’s abundant beauty–bring you peace, comfort, and soft golden light.

I write from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where we have been receiving heartbreaking news of deaths on the James Smith Cree Nation, and in nearby Weldon, along with emergency alerts for days. While the suspects are no longer at large, their deaths do not erase the complicated grief felt in their communities, grief that ripples across the country.

As Canadian Unitarians, this is the complex work that we are all called into–to hold and to respond to both the joy and the devastation, the ordinary and the extraordinary, the celebration and the reconciliation. This is the work we have signed on for, by calling ourselves people of faith, people of principle, people of loving commitment to a just and equitable world.

Your Canadian ministers, like our colleagues around the world, are connecting with national leadership and staff, imagining ways that we might be of service in this season of ministerial shortage. We recognize the stress this can bring to congregational systems, and to our national movement as a whole.

My hope is that we will all use this “season of returning” to be curious . . . and creative . . . and courageous. As we re-enter our familiar spaces, with our familiar patterns and practices, may we also take a small step back from “what we have always done,” giving ourselves the opportunity to see the familiar with fresh eyes. May this open a space for all of us, together, to engage the changing nature of religious organizations–guided by the open hearts and the inquisitive spirits that we identify with so boldly.

As always, we seek a graceful balance between “comfort and courage” . . . “connection and safety” . . .  “being and doing.” Even as we are returning and gathering, autumn invites us also to release, to let go, to re-evaluate. 

May this be a season of collaboration. May this be a season of covenant. May this be a season of love. 

The UU Ministers of Canada (UUMOC) is our Canadian National UU Ministers’ Organization and is a chapter of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association (UUMA)–our continental membership organization committed to: “Calling forth courageous and transformative ministries empowered by love, committed to collective liberation . . .”

Canadian Unitarian Universalists Acknowledge Death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II

A statement issued on September 8, 2022 by the CUC’s National Voice Team: UU Ministers of Canada President, Rev. Anne Barker; CUC Board President, Charles Shields, and CUC Executive Director, Vyda Ng.

It is with great sadness that the Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) and Unitarian Universalist Ministers of Canada (UUMOC) acknowledge the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Balmoral Castle in Scotland on September 8, 2022.

“Our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this time, especially her son Charles, who became King upon her death,” says Vyda Ng, Executive Director of the CUC. “King Charles III inherits a historical system that is complicated in these challenging times.”

Queen Elizabeth II ascended the throne in 1952, following the death of her father, King George VI. She is credited with overseeing the last throes of the British Empire and dramatically modernizing the monarchy. She was the first of Canada’s sovereigns to be proclaimed Queen of Canada in 1953, and, in 2015, became the United Kingdom’s longest-reigning monarch.

“In her decades of service, Queen Elizabeth provided countless Canadians with a model of devotion,” says Charles Shields, President of the CUC’s Board of Trustees. 

The CUC’s Elder-in-Residence Sharon Jinkerson Brass reflects that “Whether you are a royalist or not, the passing of Queen Elizabeth II represents the end of an era. In my moments of reflection since her passing was announced, I think of the dignified way she carried out her duties during a time of unprecedented change in our world. One thing that never changed was her steady and even leadership that provided grounding and comfort for many. 

The leaves that are beginning to fall to the earth at this time of year remind us all that spring cannot come without the fall. Yet the spring will bring life from the falling leaves. May this time of change be a time of gentle reflection and letting go and embracing what is to come.”

“We hold this moment gently, recognizing the complexity of relationships and systems that are impacted by the monarchy,”  adds Anne Barker, President of UUMOC. “Loss has the power to unite people in grief, sorrow, and transformation. May this be a respectful moment that kindles hope for new beginnings.”  

Generous Donors Respond to Appeal for Refugee Sponsorship Fund
By Shelley Motz, Communications Manager

In.August 2022, the Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) asked for your help. We told you about a Unitarian Universalist (UU) minister from Rwanda who faced persecution due to his UU affiliation. He had to uproot his wife and young child to another African country, where they now live as refugees.

We told you we planned to sponsor the family, but it costs between $25,000 and $30,000 to resettle a family of three. 

We asked if UUs could help us cover these costs–and you responded generously. To date, we have raised about half of the funds we need to bring this family to Canada.

The Refugee Fund recently received a substantial donation from Rev. Anne Orfald (pictured) in response to our appeals. She writes:

“Many appeals for financial support come into my inbox, and, most if not all are very deserving of my support, but I have to make choices, as I expect all of us do. When I saw this one, I didn’t even hesitate, and sent what for me was a generous donation. 

I have been asked to share: why this one? Well, first of all, I am just moved by the story. But there must be more. I make pledges to two UU congregations at this point in my life, and both have done wonderful work with refugees. Even though I have not had an active role in those efforts, I feel inspired to support them. I am fortunate enough in my retirement years (privileged really) to have the financial resources to make choices like this, after paying my living expenses. If I am lucky, maybe I will get a chance to meet this UU minister from Rwanda, and greet him as a colleague. I really hope so.”

Will you join Rev. Orfald in making a donation to the Refugee Fund? Your donation will help us bring this family of three to their new home in Canada. 

Donate online to the CUC’s Refugee Sponsorship fund here; or send a cheque, with Refugee Fund in the memo line, to:
Canadian Unitarian Council @Centre for Social Innovation
192 Spadina Ave, Suite 302
Toronto ON M5T 2C2  

Meet Katharine Childs, the New President-Elect of LREDA
By Kenzie Love, Writer

Katharine Childs is excited to be the new President-Elect of LREDA, the Liberal Religious Educators Association. As Director of Religious Exploration at the Unitarian Church of Montreal, Katharine values LREDA’s role. It is a valuable resource for religious educators, who usually don’t work with other religious educators in their own congregations.

“Working with LREDA, and being in my professional organization, is something that I have been doing for a long time. And something that’s very important to me,” they say. 

LREDA helps professional religious educators advance the field of Unitarian Universalist faith development. It enables them to engage in shared ministry, and challenge systems of oppression. Katharine believes religious educators are most influential when they work with others to strengthen the faith.

“I’m also really excited about getting to be, in a way, the voice for religious headquarters in our movement for the next few years,” they say. “To be able to speak to the needs that we have in our congregations. To be in touch with our ministry colleagues. To work with our ordained seminarian colleagues in creating good worship and good congregations. And [to support] congregations where good learning is happening.”

Although Canadian religious educators have always belonged to LREDA, Katharine will be the first one to serve as President. They welcome this opportunity.

“To bring a continental perspective on what we do is something that’s really important to me,” they say. 

LREDA’s fall conference in Birmingham, Alabama is a highlight of the year ahead for Katharine. They’re also looking at a variety of different projects they might undertake.

“I am excited to see what this first year is going to bring,” they say.

Parents and Caregivers as Sexuality Educators
By Rev. Danielle Webber, Youth & Young Adult Ministry Specialist

If you have ever had a child participate in one of the Our Whole Lives (OWL) curricula, you will likely have heard that you are the primary sexuality educator of your children. But what does this mean, and how are you supposed to hold that heavy responsibility? 

Our Whole Lives is a comprehensive, age and developmentally appropriate (throughout the lifespan) sexuality education program, written in collaboration by the Unitarian Universalist Association and the United Church of Christ. Many Canadian Unitarian Universalist communities have trained facilitators for these curricula, but they have not been able to offer the programs due to the pandemic. So we wanted to let you know about all of the additional resources that have been developed over the last few years. 

Parents and Caregivers as Sexuality Educators: Small Group Ministry was written to help adults explore their roles as the most important sexuality educators their children will have. Using a small group ministry format, adults engage with various topics: gender identity, relationships, social media, unintended pregnancy, and consent. Because this material was designed to be used for small group ministry, facilitators do not have to be specifically trained for OWL, and it is available for free.

You can also find curated lists of books and websites that can be used within families, and for At-Home Sexuality Education. Lists are available for Grades K-6 and Grades 7 – Adult.

Another great resource for families with children aged 5-7 is called Under Your Wing. This is a series of short videos that share conversation tips and reading recommendations related to topics that children at this age are curious about. 

There are also lots of resources for trained facilitators which include updated materials for all six OWL  curricula. The Taking Flight Webinars address a variety of topics, including: 

    • Building an OWL program from the Ground Up,
    • Autism-inclusive OWL.
    • Framing Conversations about Restarting OWL Programs, and 
    • Trauma-informed Sexuality Education.

If parents and caregivers have questions about resources they can get in touch with the OWL program coordinator at their local UU community or Rev. Danielle Webber at owl@cuc.ca at the Canadian Unitarian Council.

Program Coordinators, such as Congregational Staff, Directors of Religious Exploration, ministers and trained facilitators, please contact Rev. Danielle Webber at owl@cuc.ca whenever you are considering offering a program in your community, are interested in facilitator training, or have questions. The Canadian Unitarian Council has ample resources that can help you with all of your OWL planning needs, and we are in touch with individuals outside of our UU communities that would like to know about opportunities throughout Canada.

YA Retreat at Unicamp Lifts Spirits and Builds Community
By Casey Stainsby, YaYA Programs and Events Coordinator

What do you call James Bond in a Bathtub?
…bubble-oh-seven! 

One thing about the group of young adults (18-35 year olds) who gathered at Unicamp over the weekend of September 9-12, is that even the ones who aren’t dads appreciate a good (or bad) dad joke. The giggles and groans from that joke and others blended with the chickens clucking, fire crackling, mandolin being plucked, hymns being sung, and pond being splashed in to create the soundscape of the retreat. 

After two years of cancelled events, this retreat was especially important for those gathered. We reconnected with old friends, and met others in person for the first time. What happens at the Young Adult Retreat is always up to those who are there, and all activities are optional—everyone is encouraged to create the circumstances for themselves to be nourished by the retreat in the ways that they need. This year, activities included walking the labyrinth, a morning prayer ritual, a daytime campfire, an image theatre workshop, a coffee house and dance, silly games, stargazing, and lots of time at the pond. 

Participants also led discussions on our spiritual lives, gender identity and expression, brainstormed ideas for the Pollination Project, and participated in a focus group to provide feedback on Unicamp’s new statement of charitable purposes. Sunday morning we had a worship centered on the importance of joy and playfulness in our lives and for the healing of the world. 

We hope to continue to welcome more young adults into this deeply affirming and uplifting community. See you at Unicamp next September!

The Pollination Project: Supporting Grassroots, Young-Adult-Led Initiatives
By Casey Stainsby, YaYA Programs and Events Coordinator

Inspired by Liz James’ new podcast, the Reacher’s Handbook, we are led by a vision of a diverse, thriving ecosystem that includes grassroots projects and established institutions in mutually supportive relationships. In the third episode, Liz encourages us to experiment with new kinds of ministry by following our passions (what is it that you will have fun doing even when it’s “failing?”) and starting out with a low level of investment (time, energy, money). That said, we want to set you up for success the best we can by offering some resources and the mentorship of folks who’ve been there. 

The Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) will be choosing two young adult conceived and led projects to support in the 2022-2023 programming year. Each project leader will receive a $100 stipend per month, and will be responsible for developing, advertising, running, and evaluating their project, with support from CUC staff. We expect projects to launch in November, and they could run through June 2023, depending on the nature of each project. 

So, have you been dreaming up a new small group ministry? Games night on Discord? Structured peer support for doing social justice work? Podcast? Social media ministry? Something completely different that’s never been done before? Bring us your ideas and let’s make it happen! Applications are due October 3, 2022.

Communications & Digital Ministry: Tips & Tools from Liz James
By Shelley Motz, Communications Manager

Liz James, founder of Mirth & Dignity, joined the CUC Leaders’ Roundtable in August to answer your questions about communications and digital ministry.

Mirth and Dignity is a Unitarian Universalist (UU) organization founded on the belief that humour can be a spiritual practice and a powerful force for good. It is a message the organization has shared far and wide. Most notably through The Cracked Cup (a humour podcast) and the UU Hysterical Society Facebook page. The latter doubled its membership last year, surpassing 145,000 members. In an average month, Mirth & Dignity puts the words “Unitarian Universalism” in front of more than 1.5 million people. (Most of whom are smiling.)

In the 1.5-hour webinar, Liz James shared her journey into digital ministry; the insights she has gained through experimentation; and tips on how to communicate effectively. 

If you missed the webinar, you can download Liz’s presentation as well as a summary of the discussion.

2023 Shining Lights Award: Call for Nominations
By Kenzie Love, Writer

The Canadian Unitarian Council’s (CUC’s) Shining Lights team wants to celebrate how you are changing your communities and congregations by living out your Unitarian Universalist (UU) values in creative and innovative ways. Are you working on a project that engages your community or developing strategies to make Unitarian Universalism more relevant in Canada and beyond? We want to know.

By sharing your projects and what you have learned you can inform and inspire others–and help us establish best practices for future projects. Sharing allows everyone to celebrate together and develop a lasting network of creative thinkers and program experts.

Do you have a story to share? We invite you to submit a nomination to the 2023 Shining Lights Award Program. You may submit a nomination for a project that you or your organization led. You also may submit a nomination on behalf of another group if you have their permission to do so.

There are two steps to the nomination process.

Submit your story to the Shining Lights Team by January 31, 2023. Please include:

    • Name of your group, its members and your contact information
    • The story of your group’s innovation including:
      • Early beginnings: Please share what led you to develop this idea and what needs it addressed.
      • Development: Explain how you implemented your program and who was involved.
      • Impact: Tell us about the success of your project. What are some of the impacts of your program for participants,  organizers and your community?

In the second step of the process, a member of the Shining Lights team will contact you to gather more information for our selection process. Or, you can complete this phase  independently and submit it directly to shininglights@cuc.ca by February 28, 2023.

 When submissions are finalized, a Shining Lights committee will review the nominations and select the winner. Once selected, CUC staff and volunteers will help all nominees develop their story to easily share with others.

Reflecting on our Unitarian Universalist Principles: Call for Submissions
By Shelley Motz, Communications Manager

This past summer, the CUC has shared weekly reflections on the 8th Principle with eNews subscribers and on our website. 

As CUC Executive Director Vyda Ng noted in the August issue of the eNews many of you have reached out to say that you appreciate the weekly posts, while others have communicated their displeasure. Some have suggested that we should be reflecting on all the principles. We agree.

This fall, the series will expand to include reflections on all eight principles–and we invite you to participate. If you have a reflection or story about any of the 8 principles arising from your own experience, please share it with us. 

FEATURED EVENTS

Join the Social Justice Team for “First Wednesday” Events this Fall
By Kenzie Love, Writer

As Canadian Unitarian Universalists (UUs) begin a new congregational year, the Canadian Unitarian Council’s Social Justice team is preparing for a busy fall. As part of its programming, UUs will be able to take part in an event the first Wednesday of every month.

The first event in this series was the Un-colonize Climate Justice: Kickoff Event. This took place on September 7, 2022. This took place September 7, 2022. The event explored the difference between colonizing, un-colonizing, and decolonizing;  how a western worldview is showing up within our climate actions; and how the Land Back movement is advocating for change.  Twenty nine people attended. They learned that decolonizing (and un-colonizing) efforts are just as important as taking action that reduces harm to be effective in climate change.

CUC Elder in Residence Sharon Jinkerson-Brass attended the event. Guests included Arthur Hills of Emmanuel United Church in Waterloo and Dave Skene of White Owl Native Ancestry Organization in Kitchener. They participated in a recent Land Back exchange. They shared the challenges and rewards of this experience, and how the exchange has helped the local Indigenous communities reconnect with themselves and build beneficial relationships with students and other organizations interested in their process of reclaiming the land. A recording is available for those who missed this event. It will be put in the resource section of the Un-Colonizing Climate Justice site along with the slides.

Canadian UUs who want to deepen their understanding of how to un-colonize climate justice practices are encouraged to join the Un-Colonizing Climate Action group, which will meet three times between January and May. (You must register for the series and commit to attending each of the networking events.)

On October 5 at 7 pm ET, the CUC will host its fourth Inclusivity Forum, Welcoming People of All Gender Expressions and Identities. This forum will focus on the experiences of UUs within UU groups/congregations, including but not limited to people whose gender expression is outside of the binary. As well as people who have faced challenges related to coming out or transitioning. And also people who face unique challenges related to family.

On November 2 at 7 pm ET, the fifth Inclusivity Forum will take place, Welcoming People of All Ages.  This forum will focus on the experiences of UUs of All ages. This includes, but is not limited to, people who are stereotyped according to their age/generation. Also people who are asked to represent the perspective of their age group. And those who feel that they are valued more for their age than their unique personal qualities.

In the coming months, the Social Justice team will invite UUs to keep exploring our “growing edges.” These events will ask participants to hold up a mirror for self-reflection. So we can work towards removing barriers to full inclusion.

Save the Dates: An Invitation to Four National Worship Services in 2022-2023
By Shelley Motz, Communications Manager

When we worship, we are collectively focusing on the things that matter: on what we believe, on what we know about human longing and fallibility, and on the nature of our relationships. We are focusing on shaping worth.

This year, the Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) will host four national worship services in partnership with Unitarian Universalist Ministers of Canada (UUMOC). We hope you will join us.

Unsettled & Unafraid
Sunday, September 25, 2022: 10:00 am PT | 11:00 am MT | 12:00 pm CT| 1:00 pm ET | 2:00 pm AT | 2:30 pm NT (1.5 hours)

The Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) is hosting “Unsettled and Unafraid,” a national service to honour The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Join Elder-in-Residence Sharon Jinkerson Brass, Rev. Danielle Webber, and people from across the country as they reflect on their experiences with the process of un-colonizing. 

Following the service, we invite you to deepen your understanding of colonization at  (un)settling our spirituality, an art therapy experience co-facilitated by Carey Jeanette Sinclair and Rev. Karen Fraser Gitlitz.

For information on how to watch the service on YouTube or Zoom, visit our website.

Living into Covenant
Sunday, November 20, 2022: 10:00 am PT | 11:00 am MT | 12:00 pm CT| 1:00 pm ET | 2:00 pm AT | 2:30 pm NT (1.5 hours)

Covenanting through Transitions
Sunday, February 5, 2023: 10:00 am PT | 11:00 am MT | 12:00 pm CT| 1:00 pm ET | 2:00 pm AT | 2:30 pm NT (1.5 hours)

National Service: Spring Symposium
Sunday, May 21, 2023: 7:30 am PT | 8:30 am MT | 9:30 am CT| 10:30 am ET | 11:30 am AT | noon NT (1.5 hours)

The first three worship services will be entirely virtual. The final service, however, will be offered as part of our 2023 spring symposium. You will be able to attend this service online or in person (if you are in Ottawa). 

As more details are confirmed, we will keep you informed through the eNews and on our calendar of events. 

(un)settling our spirituality: An Online Art Therapy Experience
By Carey Jeanette Sinclair and Rev. Karen Fraser Gitlitz

Sunday, September 25, 2022: 12:00 pm PT | 1:00 pm MT | 2:00 pm CT| 3:00 pm ET | 4:00 pm AT | 4:30 pm NT (2.5 hours)

Following “Unsettled and Unafraid,” a national service honouring the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, join us for “(un)settling our spirituality,” a one-session online art therapy experience for Canadian Unitarian Universalists (UUs) seeking to understand how colonization has shaped their identity and spirituality.

This session will give you a taste of how the creative arts can offer opportunities to connect with ourselves, our ancestors and the land while building resilience and strengthening our capacity to engage in the work of reconciliation and decolonization.

The process is similar to that of small group ministry: our learning comes from our own reflections and from witnessing the reflections of others. (This is not a lecture.)

There will be a break within the sessions when you will be invited to turn away from the screen and write or make art or take some photos on your phone.

This experience is about the process of making and the insights that come from it. No art experience is necessary.

Everyone who attends the national worship service Unsettled and Unafraid is welcome to attend the workshop. Please click here to register. 

More information about the workshop and the co-facilitators is available here.

Online-Only Youth and Young Adult Cons to Take Place November 11 to 12, 2022
By Casey Stainsby, YaYA Programs and Events Coordinator

While the possibility of holding in-person events again has been eagerly welcomed, our communities are also committed to the accessibility of virtual events. So on November 11th and 12th, 2022, the CUC will be hosting all-virtual youth and young adult cons! This is the weekend before the all-ages Fall Gathering and national service November 18-20, 2022. 

Both cons will include community building in small and large groups, spiritual nourishment, thoughtful discussion, and plenty of fun and games. These are wonderful opportunities to connect with other young Unitarian Universalists. 

Would you, or someone you know, like to help us host these cons? Being on the volunteer “staff team” is an amazing opportunity to step into leadership and give back to your community. You’ll challenge yourself, learn new skills, make new friends, and inspire others to give back as well. It is a fairly short planning timeline, with most of the planning concentrated in the month of October. 

Youth (13-19 years old), adult advisors (25+), and young adults (18-35) from all over Canada are needed to make these cons possible. Fill out the appropriate volunteer interest form by September 26th: 

Living into Covenant: National Fall Gathering

Online, November 18 to 20, 2022

The Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) will hold a virtual fall gathering on the third weekend in November. We will explore this year’s theme–Living into Covenant–in regional breakout sessions on Friday evening and in workshops on Saturday. On Sunday, everyone is invited to attend a national worship service. We encourage each congregation to send at least two members to the fall gathering. 

Watch for more details in the October issue of the eNews. 

 

 

Announcing the CUC’s National Symposium on the 8th Principle

Ottawa, Ontario or Online, May 19 to 21, 2023

Now more than ever we need to come together to strengthen our connections, kindle hope, and move forward in love. 

In the spring of 2023, the Canadian Unitarian Council and First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, in collaboration with the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ottawa, invite you to a national symposium. Join us in person in Ottawa or online to renew your spirit, reconnect with friends, and celebrate what it means to be Unitarian Universalist (UU).

You may have noticed that we are referring to this event as a symposium, not a conference. That’s because it will be organized around a single issue rather than a general theme. Through engaging presentations, rich discussions, and worship, we will explore our newest principle, which calls us “to dismantle racism and systemic barriers to full inclusion in ourselves and our institutions.”

Maury Prevost, lead for the Host Team, sends you all a warm invitation: 

“On behalf of the Host Team, the hosting First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, and our collaborators at the UU Fellowship of Ottawa, I invite you to come to Ottawa in person to join us for the events over the May long weekend of 2023. Although we can’t promise that the tulips will be at their best for the long weekend, spring will be well underway and the Tulip Festival should run May 12-22 in 2023. With spring flowers, national museums, many parks, and other activities in Canada’s capital city, it is a good time of year to visit Ottawa, so you may wish to extend your stay before or after the Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) events.

We look forward to seeing many of you in Ottawa and we equally look forward to welcoming online participants.”

Young adults will have their own gathering, Chorus, alongside the Symposium. The youth conference or “con,” CanUUdle, will also take place concurrently on the campus of the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa. 

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Friday, May 19th, from 1:00 to 4:30 pm ET, and will have online and in-person participation.

Watch for more details in the coming months. Registration opens at the end of January 2023. 

Volunteers Needed!

The CUC’s national gathering needs many, many people working together to organize and execute. Let us know if you’d be willing to help with the National Symposium in Ottawa from May 19 to 21, 2023. Volunteers are needed in different areas, so fill in this form to tell us how and when you’d like to be involved. (Feel free to share the link!)

Vendors and Exhibitors

Would you like to reserve a table display or sell merchandise during the Symposium? An invitation to exhibitors, including information about the venue, tables, and cost, will be released later this month. In the meantime, if you would like to reserve a table, please contact us by email at Exhibits@cuc.ca. 

Questions? Email conference@cuc.ca 

West Bequest Trust Invites Funding Applications
By Shripad Pendse, President, Board of Trustees of the West Trust

The West Bequest Trust, administered by a board of trustees in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is receiving applications. The bequest funds projects which work towards fulfilling our Unitarian Universalist (UU) principles, and may include:

    1. Publishing books, pamphlets, periodicals or other modern forms of media (such as tapes, DVDs, websites, etc.) as well as programs to attract new UU members;
    2. Providing partial support towards employing a minister (either clergy or lay person); or a religious education director for children and young adults;
    3. Assisting financially weak or small UU congregations or founding new ones; and
    4. By such other methods of UU church extension as the West Trustees shall deem best.

The deadline for receipt of applications this year is Friday, October 7, 2022. You don’t need to use the application form but your submission should include all the required information. (Please read the information through before applying.)

Faith Made Real: LREDA Fall Conference, October 12-16, 2022
By Kenzie Love, Writer

LREDA, the Liberal Religious Educators Association, is holding its fall 2022 conference in Birmingham, Alabama, October 12 to16. The conference theme is Faith Made Real: Living the 8th Principle. Programming will focus on the work of the 8th Principle, grounded in civil rights history, and will include a visit to the Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration.

The LREDA Board is committed to offering a conference that centres liberation, love, and community care rooted in the Unitarian Universalist faith.

Reminder: Unicamp Annual General Meeting

October 22, 2022

Unicamp will hold its Annual General Meeting on Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 10am ET on Zoom. Information has gone out to congregations with information, along with a form to submit delegate details. If your congregation is a member and has not received this information, please contact Helen Iacovino at secretary@unicampofontario.ca.

Displacement & Human Rights: All in for Climate Justice on UN Sunday 2022
By Kenzie Love, Writer

Founded on October 24, 1945 following World War II, the United Nations (UN), is a global association of governments. It facilitates cooperation in international law, security, economic development, and social equality. Since the UN’s founding, October 24 has been recognized as UN Day.

The Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Office at the UN supports the work of the United Nations in a variety of areas. From supporting LGBTQ rights to working on the Climate Justice Initiative with like-minded organizations at the UN. To further support its work, the UUA encourages member congregations to hold a service or event to celebrate and support the UN’s work on UN Sunday. The 2022 theme for UN Sunday is Displacement & Human Rights: All In for Climate Justice, and the UUA Office at the UN has created a resource packet to help congregations honour UN Sunday. 

The UUA also asks congregations to dedicate the UN Sunday offering to the work of the UUA Office at the United Nations. The office depends on individual and congregational support to keep its work going. You are welcome to use this video invitation (YouTube) to introduce the offering.

Read more about UN Sunday here.

Job Opportunities with Unitarian Universalist Congregations and Fellowships

The Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist (UU) Congregation in Toronto, Ontario seeks a contract minister with a focus on transitional ministry. The position starts November 1, 2022 (with flexibility to start earlier or later). If you are interested, please consult the position details for Unitarian Universalist ministers and non-Unitarian Universalist ministers.

Westwood Unitarian Congregation in Edmonton, Alberta is seeking a part-time program coordinator for Sunday morning services from October 2022 to June 2023, with the possibility of an extension into 2024. 

The First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo is looking for a three-quarter time consulting minister. The position starts on March 1, 2023.

Looking for work? Visit our website regularly to find new job postings and volunteer opportunities.

What’s Making Us Smile

For World Dog Day, we created a video to celebrate some of our beloved friends. You may have seen it on Facebook or Instagram. If you’re not on either of these social media platforms, don’t worry. You can see the dogs of the CUC here. (Bonus: This version of the video has been updated to include an even cuter picture of Vyda’s grand-dog Ruby.)

Upcoming Events (online via Zoom)

Share what’s going on in your congregation. Contact communications@cuc.ca

Communicating from the Heart: A Webinar for Lay Chaplains
September 24: 10:00 am PT | 11:00 am MT | 12:00 pm CT | 1:00 pm ET, 2:00 pm AT (3 hours)

Leaders’ Roundtable: Your Congregation and the CUC
September 24: 9:00am PT | 10:00 am MT | 11:00 am CT | 12:00 pm ET | 1:00 pm AT | 1:30 pm NT (1.5 hours)

Unsettled and Unafraid: National Service to Honour Truth & Reconciliation
September 25: 10:00 am PT | 11:00 am MT | 12:00 pm CT| 1:00 pm ET | 2:00 pm AT | 2:30 pm NT (1.5 hours)

(un)settling our spirituality: An Online Art Therapy Experience
September 25: 12:00 pm PT | 1:00 pm MT | 2:00 pm CT| 3:00 pm ET | 4:00 pm AT | 4:30 pm NT (2.5 hours)

Connect and Deepen: Truth & Reconciliation
September 25: 1:00 pm PT | 2:00 pm MT | 3:00 pm CT| 4:00 pm ET | 5:00 pm  AT| 5:30 pm NT (1.5 hours)

Rising Together: UU Youth & Emerging Adults of Colour
October 1: 1:00pm PT | 2:00 pm MT | 3:00 pm CT | 4:00 pm ET | 5:00 pm AT  | 5:30 pm NT (1.5 hours)

Inclusivity Forum Session 4: Welcoming People of All Gender Expressions & Identities
October 5: 4:00 pm PT | 5:00 pm MT | 6:00 pm CT| 7:00 pm ET | 8:00 pm AT | 8:30 pm NT (2 hours)

Gathered Here: A Monthly Check-in for UU Young Adults (18-35)
October 13: 11:00 am PT | 12:00 pm MT | 1:00 pm CT| 2:00 pm ET | 3:00 pm AT | 3:30 pm NT (1.5 hours)

Connect and Deepen: Thanksgiving from a Range of Perspectives
October 16: 1:00pm PT | 2:00 pm MT | 3:00 pm CT| 4:00 pm ET | 5:00 pm  AT| 5:30 pm NT (1.5 hours)

The MycelliUUm Youth Network of Canada: For Junior Youth and Youth (ages 12-19) and their Adult Advisors (25+)
October 22: 11:00 am PT | 12:00 pm MT | 1:00 pm CT| 2:00 pm ET | 3:00 pm AT | 3:30 pm NT (2 hours)

Leaders’ Roundtable: Youth Ministry
October 29: 9:00 am PT | 10:00 am MT | 11:00 am CT | 12:00 pm ET | 1:00 pm AT | 1:30 pm NT (1.5 hours)

Connect and Deepen: All Saints Day Celebrations
October 30: 1:00 pm PT | 2:00 pm MT | 3:00 pm CT| 4:00 pm ET | 5:00 pm  AT| 5:30 pm NT (1.5 hours)

Inclusivity Forum Session 5: Welcoming People of All Ages
November 2: 4:00 pm PT | 5:00 pm MT | 6:00 pm CT | 7:00 pm ET | 8:00 pm AT | 8:30 pm AT (2 hours)

Rising Together: UU Youth & Emerging Adults of Colour
November 5: 1:00 pm PT | 2:00 pm MT | 3:00 pm CT | 4:00 pm ET | 5:00 pm AT  | 5:30 pm NT (1.5 hours)

Gathered Here: A Monthly Check-in for UU Young Adults (18-35)
November 7: 5:00 pm PT | 6:00 pm MT | 7:00 pm CT| 8:00 pm ET | 9:00 pm AT | 9:30 pm NT (1.5 hours)

UU Youth & Young Adult Cons
November 11: 7pm-8:30pm ET
November 12: 1pm-6pm ET

Connect and Deepen: Courage
November 13: 1:00 pm PT | 2:00 pm MT | 3:00 pm CT| 4:00 pm ET | 5:00 pm  AT| 5:30 pm NT (1.5 hours)

Virtual Fall Gathering: Living into Covenant
November 18-20 (3 days)

National Worship Service: Living into Covenant
November 20: 10:00 am PT | 11:00 am MT | 12:00 pm CT| 1:00 pm ET | 2:00 pm AT | 2:30 pm NT (1.5 hours)

Leaders’ Roundtable: The 8th Principle: One Year Later
November 26: 9:00 am PT | 10:00 am MT | 11:00 am CT | 12:00 pm ET | 1:00 pm AT | 1:30 pm NT (1.5 hours)

Rising Together: UU Youth & Emerging Adults of Colour
December 3: 1:00 pm PT | 2:00 pm MT | 3:00 pm CT | 4:00 pm ET | 5:00 pm AT  | 5:30 pm NT (1.5 hours)

Gathered Here: A Monthly Check-in for UU Young Adults (18-35)
December 8: 11:00 am PT | 12:00 pm MT | 1:00 pm CT| 2:00 pm ET | 3:00 pm AT | 3:30 pm NT (1.5 hours)

Connect and Deepen: Promises Within Community & Personally
December 11: 1:00 pm PT | 2:00 pm MT | 3:00 pm CT| 4:00 pm ET | 5:00 pm  AT| 5:30 pm NT (1.5 hours)

 

Enews Prepared and Formatted by Brigitte Twomey, Website Specialist