eNews: February 19, 2025 – Issue 169

This Issue:

• Rev. Linda Thomson Announces Retirement
  
• Jane Perry Legacy Fund Inviting Applications
• Celebrating Black History Month
• Introductory Guide for Black History Month
• Introducing Gradients of Agreement for the CUC’s AGM
• UU Expressions Listeners Offer Praise for Podcast
• CanUUdle XXV: AdventUUres on the High Seas!
  
• Meet a Lay Chaplain: Beth McLin
• Conversation with Annahid Dashtgard Author of  Bones of Belonging 
• Things to Know About the CUC
• What’s Making us Smile
• CUC Events from February 19 to June 11, 2025
  

---

Linda Thomson Announces Retirement

Rev. Linda Thomson, likes to joke that if there had been a poll entitled “Least Likely To Become A Religious Professional”, conducted in High School, she would have been at the top of the list. Yet life surprises us all. In June, Linda is retiring as the CUC’s Congregational Life Lead for the Central and Eastern regions, after holding this position for over 20 years. Based in Burlington, Ontario, she had previously served in a similar role with the Unitarian Universalist Association’s St. Lawrence District. She applied for her current position when the CUC took over providing services to Canadian congregations in 2002.

Linda was drawn to her position by her strong belief that Unitarian Universalism can be a positive force in both individuals’ lives and the wider world. She’s appreciated how it creates communities of support and challenge for people including herself.

“Things I don’t think I ever would have thought of before became apparent to me through my involvement with UUism,” she says. “My worldview really expanded. That felt to me like a really important and good thing to be part of.”

As one of the Congregational Life Leads, Linda has felt privileged to witness the dedication of the UU’s she’s interacted with. 

“Sometimes when I’ve been in a room full of committed UUs, — and this is true both In physical rooms and on Zoom rooms — I just get moved,” she says. “By the care and commitment of the people who love their congregations and are willing to give part of themselves to those congregations and their missions. That’s really inspiring to see. These are volunteers who are working hard to make the world better. And that really keeps me going a lot of the time.”

The technological advances that have occurred over the past two decades have significantly impacted Linda’s work. Recalling a time when group meetings had to be held by phone and many congregations only had print editions of their newsletters, she’s grateful that videoconferencing and email have made it easier to connect.

“That’s a practical change, but it’s made really cool things possible,” she says. “We are able to network and collaborate in ways that we couldn’t before.”

In a time of rising secularism and anti-religiosity, Linda believes UUism is handling the challenges this poses better than many other faith traditions. But she’s nonetheless concerned by the sense, particularly among the younger generations, that church is “old-fashioned” or irrelevant, a misconception she hopes can be addressed.

“That is probably where my place of concern lies,” she says. How do we make ourselves known and how do we disavow people of the notion that we are not relevant to their lives because people have a need to reflect on the meaning of life and the big questions and to be in community with one another and to be challenged. And there are other ways to do it, but we’re a really great way to do it, and I want people to know that.”

While technology has made connection across congregations easier, Linda emphasizes that relationships remain the foundation of the work, and anyone doing similar work to start with relationships. The connections she’s built in her role are something she anticipates she’ll miss in retirement.

“I’ll miss the people,” she says. “I’ve made lots of dear relationships and I won’t be in regular contact with those folks as much anymore. That feels like a bit of a looming hole.”

In retirement, Linda is looking forward to once again singing in her church choir, doing some traveling, and perhaps some contract work.

“I’m open to what opportunities arise,” she says. “I want to give myself space.”

Executive Director Vyda Ng says Linda holds large swaths of CUC history. “Linda has been a steady, wise and experienced presence throughout all the changes at the CUC since 2002. I have depended on her knowledge and memory and will sorely miss Linda.”

“Many of you will be asking – what’s next?” For Linda – a lot of enjoyable camping and spending time with her beloved family. For the CUC – we will be advertising and hiring a Congregational Life position later in the spring, with a planned overlap with Linda before she leaves.”

Save the date: Celebrate Linda’s retirement with us on June 7th from 4:00 – 7:00 pm ET. 

---

Jane Perry Legacy Fund Inviting Applications

When Jane Perry died in January of 2024, she left behind a legacy that reached well beyond  Unitarian Universalist circles. Although she’d played a substantial role within the national faith  community as music director at the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa from 2000 – 2011 and  then with Calgary Unitarians from 2011 until her passing, her passion for a wide variety of music  had led to connections as diverse as the genres she engaged with. And for Perry, music wasn’t  just an end itself. It was also a means with which to build community and justice, areas she was  also passionate about.  

With this end in mind, the Jane Perry Legacy Fund has been established as a way of honouring  Perry’s memory. The Team overseeing the fund, comprised of Perry’s sister Ann, her former  colleague at Calgary Unitarians Rev. Debra Faulk, and Brandis Purcell and Liz Graves, two  longtime friends of Perry who also belonged to her choirs, have raised $20,000 and are now  inviting applications for grants.  

To be eligible for a grant, projects must focus on social justice and/or community building; aim to  influence the wider community; promote interfaith, intercultural, community collaboration and  awareness; and align with Unitarian Universalist principles and values. Although the Team has  suggested some possibilities for grant applications, such as creating a social justice song book  for use by Canadian UU congregations and communities, or organizing a choral evening that  lifts up awareness and inclusion, they emphasize they are open to a wide range of ideas.  

“We were trying to be very intentional in thinking outside of the shape of what might come  forward to build community and work for justice” says Faulk. “So that’s the main criteria.”  

Although the committee will accept grant applications at any time, applications received by June  1 will be eligible for the first round of funding. Grants are anticipated to range between $1000 –  $2500, and will be awarded based on an application’s alignment with the fund requirements, the  merits of the proposal, and the funding available.  

Perhaps the crucial criterion for funding, however, will be something more intangible: what Perry  herself would have thought of the proposal in question.  

“Would Jane get excited about this? Would this make Jane jump up and down?” says Graves.  “I think that’s a really good litmus test as far as is it something she would have herself been  interested in doing.”  

For more information and to apply for funding please email jplf@calgaryunitarians.ca.

---

Celebrating Black History Month

This February, we honour Black History Month, a time to reflect on the profound contributions, resilience, and leadership of Black communities in Canada and beyond. It’s also an opportunity to deepen our understanding of the ongoing struggles for racial justice and recommit ourselves to building a more equitable and inclusive world.

UU’s are called to affirm every person’s inherent worth and dignity. This month, we celebrate Black individuals and communities’ rich cultural heritage, achievements, and voices. Let us also reflect on how we can actively challenge systemic racism and support the fight for justice in our congregations and communities.

We encourage you to explore, learn, and engage:

• • Read works by Black authors and historians.
  • Listen to the stories and experiences of Black leaders and activists.
  • Support Black-owned businesses and organizations in your area.
  • Reflect on how we can collectively advance racial equity within our communities.

Let us honour the past, celebrate the present, and work toward a future rooted in justice and belonging for all.

---

Introductory Guide for Black History Month 

Camellia Jahanshahi, the CUC’s Dismantling Barriers Lead has created a resource guide for Black History Month. As Unitarian Universalists, Black History Month means looking inward at how we create truly welcoming and equitable spiritual spaces, supporting Black-led initiatives, and challenging anti-Black racism in all its forms. It’s about making sure that our commitment to justice isn’t performative or seasonal, but something we live and breathe every day.

This resource guide includes reflections for non-Black people around how to take action with this work, as well as lots of resources to explore. Please use it, and share it with those around you. 

Join us on February 19, 2025 at 7:00 pm ET to learn about Africville, an important and often forgotten aspect of Black Canadian history.

 

 

---

Introducing Gradients of Agreement for the CUC’s AGM

The CUC’s Annual General Meeting is held online on Saturday, May 31, 2025 from 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm ET.

In 2024, we introduced the Gradients of Agreement as a voting mechanism for the AGM. The Board of Directors has formalized this for use at the 2025 AGM. 

Why Gradient Voting for the CUC’s AGM? This process is valuable for contentious issues.  

It allows people to express how they really feel, and helps to ensure that important issues have the support of most of the membership before they are adopted. Persons who vote Don’t Like or Oppose will have had a chance to state their opinion, even if eventually the motion is approved.

This voting method can change the nature of the discussion by making it less confrontational since we have gradients of agreement and work toward consensus. 

Ahead of the AGM, there will be three conversations to learn more about Gradients and to discuss matters relating to the AGM. The sessions will be held on March 19, April 19 and May 7 – come to one of these sessions to learn more.  Information about Gradients will be sent out prior to the first session. 

All are welcome to these sessions, whether or not you are a delegate for your congregation.
Register for the conversations here.

---

UU Expressions Listeners Offer Praise for Podcast

People have been listening to the 10-episode podcast UU Expressions: Love in Real Life and if you haven’t already done so, now is the time. Here’s what some of the listeners have had to say:

• • “This series is thought-provoking, provocative and necessary. I was drawn in, listening deeply and challenging many of my assumptions and practices. Some of the content and questions will be uncomfortable. That’s okay; we can work through that discomfort together. Engage with this series as you go about your day. Listen (or watch) with open hearts and minds. The people interviewed shared their truths, perceptions, and vulnerabilities, and I thank them for their willingness and wisdom. Ask yourself ‘What if..?’ ‘How can I/we…?’ ‘If we did that instead…?’ as you imagine a thriving future for Unitarian Universalism and your part in co- creating it.” – Vyda Ng, CUC Executive Director.
  • “I have listened to the first three episodes of the “Love in Real Life” podcast. Two of the episodes, about engagement between older and younger adults, drew my attention. Listening to them helped me better understand how diverse young adults’ interests are and what might attract them to join community organizations. Having experienced the excitement of belonging to an age diverse group, I want more of it.” – Brad Gray, member of the Unitarian Fellowship of Sarnia-Port Huron.
  • “Your podcast is great! I listened to the first two and I’m inspired to join. It sounds like a group of people where I would find a lot of connections, and in the areas that have some issues you guys are already talking about it (and more!!) – Laura Mekeeman, a non-UU listener.

If you’ve listened to UU Expressions yourself, we want to hear from you! Please visit the CUC UU Expressions page and share your impressions using the linked form.

---

CanUUdle XXV: AdventUUres on the High Seas!

Save the date! CanUUdle is happening in Montréal, Quebec from May 16-19th, 2025!
Time to register for CanUUdle XXV: AdventUUres on the High Seas!

Ahoy, me hearties! Get ready to sail with mateys new and old at CanUUdle 2025. This year’s CanUUdle is for swashbucklers, shanty-lovers, and all who love the briny deep. Expect treasure hunts, good grub, and good old fashioned nautical fun this May long weekend. Yarrr!
— Your captains, Percy and Esmé

CanUUdle XXV will take place in Montréal from May 16 to 19, 2025. Time to mark your calendars, register, and start organizing your youth group to make the voyage to Montréal!

Some financial assistance is available to cover registration and help with travel costs for CanUUdle is available from the Rev. Rod Fund for Youth and Young Adults. If you are applying for a subsidy, please register by March 31 (the application is within the registration form).

Because subsidy funds are limited, youth groups and advisors should consider fundraising to pay for travel and registration costs now. Reach out to canuudle@cuc.ca for fundraising ideas youth groups can implement in their congregations. 

If you would like to donate to the Rev. Rod Fund for Youth and Young Adults, click here. Your generous monetary support is invaluable to ensuring youth can continue to attend CanUUdle, an event that has become a cornerstone of the Canadian UU youth community. 

Registration for CanUUdle is officially open! For more information and to register, click here!
Follow @canuudle on instagram for updates and deadlines! 

Yours in faith,
Raven Booth, CanUUdle Coordinator

---

Meet a Lay Chaplain: Beth McLin

Beth McLin recently stepped down from her position as a lay chaplain with the First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo, having also previously served as a lay chaplain with North Shore Unitarians. She was initially drawn to the work by the opportunity it offered to engage in meaning making.

“I really like meaning making,” she says. “And how we find meaning in our lives and these rites of passage and celebrations I thought were something I could contribute to my congregation at the time.”

While Beth found that all the services she officiated at were memorable in their own way, the celebrations of life she participated in were the most meaningful ceremonies. 

“I really love when a family reaches out to me and I get to go meet with the family and talk about the person they lost and get to know that person,” she says. “The services I’ve done were for people I never met, but I felt that I knew them by the time the service came around.”

Beth notes that anyone interested in becoming a lay chaplain should know they don’t have to reinvent the wheel, as there are already many supports and resources available within the UU lay chaplaincy community. However, she suggests potential chaplains should be flexible, non-judgmental and good listeners.

“I think you need to be able to listen,” she says. “Listen to what is embedded in what people tell you what they want and maybe what plans they’ve already had but they don’t know exactly what that looks like. And so you need to be open, open and listen and then try to manifest what you heard in their service. Because you’re going to co-create that service with them, but they’re going to need your creative ideas.”
Beth recommends lay chaplaincy to others who are interested in it as a form of service and outreach for the UU community.

“It’s really fun and rewarding to share sacred moments with people that aren’t normally connected to you,” she says.

---

Save the Date: Conversation with Annahid Dashtgard Author of  Bones of Belonging 

Why is belonging so important? Join us March 26 at 7pm ET for a bonus Sharing our Faith event with Annahid Dashtgard. Dashtgard is the author of Bones of Belonging: Finding Wholeness in a White World. She is also the CEO of Anima Consulting, a diversity, equity and inclusion company in Toronto. Bones of Belonging is the recommended read in this year’s Sharing our Faith packet. Find the study guide for Bones of Belonging in the Sharing Our Faith folder. Bring your questions! 

Your hosts are Camellia Jahanshahi and Karen Fraser Gitlitz. Camellia is the CUC’s Dismantling Barriers Lead. Karen is a UU community minister. Karen also created this year’s Sharing our Faith packet.

 

 

---

Things to Know About the CUC  

The CUC is inviting applications for positions on both the Board of Trustees and the Nominating Committee.

This is a unique opportunity to make a difference to the Unitarian Universalist movement in Canada, and an opportunity to grow as a leader, to inspire and be inspired, as you participate in setting a course for the CUC in the future.

The CUC Board of Trustees

The main work of a CUC  Board member is to provide vision and leadership to our national organization, through participation in regular Board meetings, committee meetings, regional gatherings and  at the Annual Conference and Meeting.

The Nominating  Committee is seeking nominations for one new Board member representing the Western Region. This is to complete the last two years of the three year term vacated by Anna Isaacs last year.  If an applicant is not identified for the Western Region, the Nominating Committee will consider applicants from other Regions (as occurred in 2023) 

The Nominating Committee is also seeking nominations for one new Board member representing the Eastern Region.  Yvette Salinas,  who is one of two Board members from the Eastern Region, has decided not to stand for a second three-year term. 

In addition, two other positions on the Board are up for election or re-election. It is the practice of the nominating committee to open all available positions for nomination. However, the following Board members have agreed to have their names stand for a second three-year term. 

• • Debra Faulk, representing the British Columbia Region, is completing her first three-year term, and is standing for re-election.
  • Ilara Stefaniuk-Gaudet,  representing the Western Region, is completing their first three-year term, and is standing for re-election. 

More information about serving on the CUC Board can be found at: CUC board Characteristics, Qualities and Commitments. 

Nominating Committee Vacancies

The role of the nominating committee is to identify those committed UUs who want to go deeper in their faith community at the national level, and find the right fit for them within the organization.

The Nominating Committee is seeking 2 new members from the following Regions

• • British Columbia
  • Eastern Canada 

These openings are both for 3 year terms, starting in May 2025. More information about serving on the Nominating Committee can be found at Nominating Committee Overview. 

If you are interested in being considered for one of these roles, would like to suggest someone else, or would like more information, please email the nominating committee at nominations@cuc.ca.  The deadline for nominations to be considered by the Committee for both the CUC Board and the Nominating Committee positions is Feb 28, 2025. 

---

What’s Making Us Smile

Peter Friedrichs’ poem “Desire” offers a playful take on how the heart wants what it wants.