CUC eNews: April 23, 2019 – Issue 87

In This Issue:

AGM Motion Calls for Study Group on Racial Justice

At the Canadian Unitarian Council’s (CUC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) on May 11, delegates will consider a series of motions, including one to strike a study group to explore ways to dismantle racism in Canadian Unitarian congregations and communities.

The motion arose from discussions surrounding the inclusion of an 8th principle on dismantling racism which took place at the Unitarian Universalist Association’s 2017 General Assembly. Rev. Julie Stoneberg of the Unitarian Fellowship of Peterborough and Beverly Horton, a member of the First Unitarian Church of Hamilton, were both present at the GA, and following discussions on the topic, held a workshop on the concept of an 8th principle at the CUC’s 2018 National Conference.

The subsequent motion called on the CUC to create a working group to examine the inclusion of an 8th principle. However, feedback received in the initial consultation process led Horton and Stoneberg to conclude that the CUC wasn’t yet ready to explore adopting an 8th principle. The motion was revised to focus on the broader topic of dismantling racism instead.

The motion establishes a study group to conduct research, which Horton likens to an audit, on the anti-racism efforts made by Canadian congregations thus far. The study group will explore possible action plans that will engage Canadian Unitarians and Universalists in serious conversation and action about racism. It will also explore how racial justice might be better woven into the CUC’s founding documents (principles, visions, statement, and aspirations). The study group will plan to submit a report to the CUC’s 2020 AGM

Learn More About the Updated Motion

 AGM Plenary, Friday, May 10, 7:00 – 9:00 pm ET

On Friday evening, the CUC Board will host a plenary to discuss the motions for the AGM, and issues of national impact. Bring your questions and comments and participate either in person at 192 Spadina or online via Zoom link https://zoom.us/j/222224722, or toll-free by calling 1-855-703-8985 Canada, Meeting ID: 222 224 722.

Delegate registration for the AGM is now closed. However, anyone who wishes to observe online should gather with their congregation’s online delegates, or participate online via Zoom web meeting platform at https://zoom.us/j/902732895 or by calling toll-free 1-855-703-8985, meeting ID 902 732 895.

What Goes On At the AGM?

Shining Lights Team Seeks Nomineesshining light award

The Shining Lights award grew out of the CUC staff team’s desire to recognize and showcase congregations’ good news stories and best work. The Shining Lights award highlights excellent and successful initiatives and programming by Canadian Unitarian Universalist communities.

The Shining Lights team is looking forward to announcing the second recipient of the award when the CUC hosts its next conference in Halifax in May 2020. Congregations that have implemented a program or undertaken an action designed to further their mission and to enhance congregational vitality are eligible nominees. Those that have projects that can be adapted for other settings are of particular interest.

Do you think you know who might make a great nominee, but want to chat first?  Contact shininglights@cuc.ca for more information.

Contact the Shining Lights Team

Canadian Unitarians for Social Justice Annual Meeting

Canadian Unitarians for Social Justice (CUSJ) will hold their annual meeting on May 12 at the First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto from 1:00 – 4:00 ET. Canadian Unitarians for Social Justice is a national, liberal religious organization founded to promote Unitarian values through social action, and is a partner of the Canadian Unitarian Council. The theme this year is Calling Out the Commodification of Water. The keynote speaker Joyce Nelson, award-winning investigative journalist, artist, and poet, will present Damming the Future? SNC-Lavalin & Water Export.

Register for the CUSJ Annual Meeting

Serving with Spirit Leadership Training – Save the Dates!

The CUC will offer three Serving With Spirit leadership training events this summer. There will be 3-day retreats in July-East and August-West. In addition, a 1-day workshop will be offered in August- West. We encourage congregations to help identify potential attendees and to ‘tap leaders on the shoulder’ motivating them to attend and to consider providing some financial support.

3-Day Retreats – Serving with Spirit: Nurturing UU Leaders
Explore where you find the “springs” which fill your life’s well of energy, and how you can live out of that rich resource. There will be opportunities to connect with and be informed by other UUs, time to engage with others as we learn new and hone familiar strategies, and space to do deep reflection, identifying and strengthening the rich practice potential in your own life.

Serving with Spirit: Nurturing UU Leaders, 3-day retreat – EAST
July 26 – 28,  Carleton University, Ottawa ON –  Registration deadline: June 24
Leaders Revs. Peter Boullata and Linda Thomson

Serving with Spirit: Nurturing UU Leaders, 3-day retreat – WEST
August 9 – 11, Providence Retreat Centre, Edmonton AB – Registration deadline: July 10
Leaders: Revs. Christopher Wulff and Ann Barker 

1-day Workshop – Serving With Spirit: Stronger Together, Planning for Partnership
Explore the potential for meaningful, creative congregational networking and partnerships, drawing on our theological foundation of covenant.
August 10, Providence Renewal Center, Edmonton AB – Registration deadline: July 10
Leader: Rev. Joan Van Becelaere

Check Out Upcoming CUC Events

Join the Canadian Unitarian Council on Facebook!

Upcoming Events

Share what’s going on in your congregation. Contact communications@cuc.ca
Deadline: 14th of each previous month.

National Events

Plenary Discussion Hosted by the CUC Board, May 10, 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. ET
Participants are welcome at 192 Spadina; online participants can join via Zoom link https://zoom.us/j/222224722, or call toll-free 855 703 8985 Canada, Meeting ID: 222 224 722. No prior registration necessary.

CUC 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM), May 11 from 1:00 – 4:30 p.m. ET / 10:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. PT
The Atrium at Centre for Social Innovation, 192 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2C2

CUSJ Annual Meeting: Calling Out the Commodification of Water, May 12, 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. ET, First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto 
The keynote speaker Joyce Nelson, award-winning investigative journalist, artist, and poet, will present Damming the Future? SNC-Lavalin & Water Export.

CanUUdle XIX, May 17 – 20 – Hosted by the Unitarian Church of Calgary – Registration deadline: April 30
CanUUdle is the annual national conference for Canadian UU youth and their adult advisors. It’s a beautiful weekend where youth and adults create an amazing community, worship together, grow as spiritual beings and join in multigen activities. The theme for CanUUdle XIX is Roots and Wings! We will be diving into our identities as Unitarian Universalists.

Chorus, May 17 – 20, Edge Camp Retreat Centre, AB – Registration deadline: April 30
Each year, Canadian UU young adults (18-35) gather to build beloved community, deepen our cross-country connections, and grow as spiritual beings. Chorus will be held at River’s Edge Camp & Retreat Centre near Calgary. 

International Events

UUA General Assembly 2019: June 19-23, Spokane, WA
General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of our Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA). Attendees worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy for the Association through democratic process.

Regional Events

Workshop: Reconciliation in Our Watershed, Friday, April 26 – Saturday, April 27, Hosted by the Unitarian Church of Mississauga
A one and a half day workshop to renew our relationships with Indigenous Peoples and our local watersheds.Registration: Eventbrite, call 905-278-5622 or email info@uucm.ca

Youth and Young Adult 

Gathered Here: Young Adult Check-In, 5-6, 6-10, 7-8, 8-12, 8 p.m. ET
Gathered Here is a monthly online check-in and gathering for Canadian Unitarian Universalist young adults.

Roundtables and Training

THR: Reconciliation Through Film
Film: The Road Forward – Registration: April 27- May 22
Watch the film and read the materials: May 22 – June 5
Reflection Group: Wednesday, June 5, 7:00-8:30 p.m. ET and Saturday, June 8, 12:30-2:00 p.m. ET

Serving With Spirit: Leadership Development

Serving With Spirit Nurturing UU Leaders – EAST – 3-day retreat, Friday, July 26 – 28, Carleton University, ON, Registration deadline: June 24
We invite you to a weekend to explore where you find the “springs” which fill your life’s well of energy, and how you can live out of that rich resource.
Facilitators: Revs. Peter Boullata and Linda Thomson

Serving With Spirit Nurturing UU Leaders – WEST – 3-day retreat, August 9 – 11
Providence Renewal Centre, Edmonton, AB, Registration deadline: July 10
Facilitators: Revs. Anne Barker and Chris Wulff

Serving With Spirit: Stronger Together, Planning for Partnership, 1-day workshop, August 10, Providence Renewal Centre, Edmonton, AB
Registration deadline: July 10
Explore the potential for meaningful, creative congregational networking and partnerships, drawing on our theological foundation of covenant. Facilitator: Rev. Joan Van Becelaer