eNews: February 18, 2026 – Issue 180

This Issue:

• Letter from the UU Ministers of Canada
• How Communications Is Evolving at the CUC
• CUC May National Service – NEW FORMAT
  
• Black History Month is a starting point, not an end goal.
• 2026 CUC Congregational Conversations
  
• Before We Move Forward, Let’s Get Oriented
• Issue Five of FUTURE zine is Here!
• Register Now for CanUUdle XXVI
• Join the UU Ecosystem’s Project Launch of its new Website
• Peer-led Church Administrators’ Chat (monthly)
• Charity of the Month: Africville Heritage Trust
• Things to Know About the CUC
• What’s Making us Smile
• ScandaloUUs Returns!
• CUC Events from February 18 to June 27, 2026

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Listening to The Soul in Troubled Times
By Revs. Ben Robins and Samaya Oakley, Co-Presidents of Unitarian Universalist Ministers of Canada (UUMOC)

We are both long-time fans of the book Embers by Richard Wagamese. This fall, Embers was one of the books in Canada UU Reads (championed by Rev. Debra Faulk), and recently it was referenced in a course that one of us is taking with the Center for Courage and Renewal.

Embers is a book of meditations that Wagamese wrote as part of his daily morning ritual. In addition to a cup of tea (perhaps lavender tea), and smudging, and music, he would open a wisdom book, read a passage, close the book, and close his eyes. From that quiet centre he would ask for guidance, and perhaps words would come that he would put on paper, the meditations that became Embers.

The words that arise in him are embers from Ojibway elders, Ojibway traditions, embers from every story he has encountered, every person he has met. He warms himself from the embers of the world, and connects with his own inner fire, and generates spiritual renewal to orient himself for the day.

We live in a time of upheaval. In such times, it can be hard to stay grounded, generous, and spiritually awake. How can we use our anger constructively, without getting lost in it? Where can we find the grace to build broad coalitions to create change, when there is so much division?

Richard Wagamese might say, to stay grounded on this journey, go both inward and outward. Go inward with “eyes that focus the soul.” Go outward with “spirits open to everything.” “In the deep snow moons of winter, there are stories hovering around us…Listen…simple stories, well told, are the heartbeat of the people.”

And he might say that it’s more complicated than that. In his novel Keeper’n Me, Garnet Raven returns home after decades away. He has picked up some cosmopolitan ways and his brother Jackie doesn’t trust him. Nothing can bridge the gap until Garnet connects with Jackie’s inner turmoil on the hockey rink. They battle, and they trash talk, until they collapse exhausted in each other’s arms. Somehow their hearts pour open and they are able to listen for the soul.

Parker Palmer, in collaboration with others, founded the Center for Courage and Renewal after spending years living in a variety of intentional communities. One of their learnings was about how to make use of community to connect with your inner teacher. They say to “trust the stillness and silence” and “no fixing, saving, advising or correcting each other.” These and other practices help to create a circle of trust in which your inner light shines forth.

Their other learnings are about sharing life with others – not just in circles of trust but around the dinner table and around the chore chart. They say that you can’t create an idyllic community the way you can create a circle of trust. People are more complicated than that, and if you push away someone who annoys you, someone else will take their place to grate you in the same way.

In these times, we need to gather the embers so that they might ground us, centre us, and flare our inner light; we need circles in which our inner light shines; and somehow we need to engage with those we might want to push away – perhaps starting with a protest or some hockey rink trash talking, but keeping in mind the ultimate awareness that we are all in this together and pushing people away doesn’t ultimately work on one small planet.

May you do what works for you, to stay connected to your inner teacher and to a world of embers; and may we not shy away from a vision of reconciliation with all our relations.

The Rev. Samaya Oakley and Ben Robins
Co-Presidents, UU Ministers of Canada

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How Communications Is Evolving at the CUC
By Tatiana Saliba, Communications Manager

When I joined the CUC this fall, I noticed deep care and effort both locally and nationally. I also saw that communications, the way that care travels between us,  needed attention at more than one level.

Working nationally can feel like standing in a forest. Some days you are close to the trees, tending to what needs immediate care. Other days you step back to notice how information flows across the whole landscape. Both perspectives matter for communications to truly serve congregations and the wider public.

Over the past few months, I have been listening, in conversations, chats, and emails, to better understand how communication is experienced across congregations. Several themes surfaced clearly. Here are three early shifts that grew directly from those conversations.

1. Clarifying Leadership Communication

Leaders shared that while the monthly newsletter carries strong information and insight, it is not always easy to distinguish between what is simply good to know and what requires action.

In response, we are introducing a shorter Leaders’ Snapshot email. It focuses on items that may need attention or circulation within your congregation. The monthly eNews will remain broader and more reflective in scope.

You can read this month’s Leaders’ Snapshot here.

2. A Clearer National Events Rhythm

Several congregations shared that by the time they heard about a national event, it was too late to promote it or adjust their plans.

To address this, we created a single, subscribable CUC events calendar. Once added, national events will appear automatically in your calendar, with updates reflected in real time. You can subscribe to the calendar here.

We’ve also gathered all current national programs and initiatives into one 2026 programming page, so you can see what’s happening across the year in one place.

3. Making National Programs Easier to Share Locally

Church Administrators shared that ready-to-use materials would make it significantly easier to communicate national initiatives locally.

We are now creating Communications Kits for major CUC programs. Each kit includes concise descriptions, visuals, and adaptable wording for congregational use. All current Communications Kits are available on the 2026 programming page.

Stepping Back to See the Forest

These are practical adjustments. They matter. And they are only part of the larger picture.

How does information move across our national community? What reaches you? What does not? What feels clear, and what feels dense or fragmented?

For communications to serve congregations well, we need to understand how it feels on the receiving end. This is a shared work. A national community is strengthened when information, invitation, and insight can move in both directions. 

To guide the next phase, I invite you to complete a short listening questionnaire. It takes about five minutes and asks how you receive information, how communication feels on the ground; what reaches you, what doesn’t, and what makes something worth your attention.

The goal is not more email. It is clearer, more purposeful communication that respects your time and supports your work.

You can complete the questionnaire here.

In the months ahead, I’ll also be reaching out directly to congregations to continue listening and learning from your local context.

This work will continue to evolve. It will be strongest when it reflects the lived experience and wisdom of congregations across Canada.

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CUC May National Service – NEW FORMAT

There’s something special that happens when Unitarian Universalists across the country reflect on the same questions, stories, and hopes, each in our own local way, yet connected by shared purpose.

This spring, we warmly invite your congregation to engage with Rev. Shawn Gauthier’s sermon, Unitarians Face a New Age, accompanied by thoughtfully curated worship resources. These materials are offered for your community to use any time in May 2026, or whenever the timing feels right for you.

In May, there will not be a live CUC National Zoom service. Instead, we’re offering this sermon and resource package in a familiar, flexible format, similar to Sharing Our Faith or Meaning Making Program resources, so you can shape a service that best fits your community.

The package will include:

• • A recorded version of the sermon
  • Suggested readings and music
  • Supportive guidance to help you weave the pieces together in your own way

All materials will be available beginning April 2, 2026.

We would love to make sure these resources land in the right hands. If you’re willing, please take a moment to complete this short form and let us know who in your community should receive them. (You’re welcome to name up to three contacts.)

We hope this offering opens space for reflection, conversation, and connection among your members and friends. Thank you for being part of the vibrant, thoughtful network of communities that make up the CUC. We’re grateful to be on this journey together.

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Black History Month is a starting point, not an end goal.

On February 19, 2026, we invite you to continue the journey with us as we build on last year’s learning from Hogan’s Alley and Africville. Together, we’ll explore the five settlements in Ontario that emerged at the end of the Underground Railroad, and reflect on the lasting impacts and legacies these communities continue to hold today.

We’ll be using the Black History Month Toolkit created last year, with new addendums added for each learning session. This toolkit is a reflection and action guide designed to support learning, grounding, and a long-term commitment to racial justice beyond February. You can access the toolkit through this link.

The Lessons from the Ontario Railroad Towns session is meant to be a shared, supportive learning space—one where curiosity, reflection, and care are encouraged. It offers an opportunity to continue the lifelong work of unlearning anti-Blackness and deepening our understanding of the Black Canadian experience, as we grow together as accomplices and allies in the anti-racism movement.

We look forward to learning alongside you.

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2026 CUC Congregational Conversations

Congregational Conversations are a welcoming space to connect, reflect, and learn together. These gatherings are designed to support congregational leaders as you navigate community well-being, shared ministry, and best practices.

Each session is 90 minutes, beginning at: 10:00am PT | 11:00am MT | 12:00pm CT | 1:00pm ET | 2:00pm AT | 2:30pm NT

February 19 & 21: Ministry Updates 2026

Our February conversations focus on shared ministry: what’s current, what’s changing, and what’s emerging. Together, we’ll explore the many creative ways congregations are engaging with professional ministry, across a variety of sizes and configurations.

Please note:

Thursday, February 19 will include a special guest: Christine Purcell, UUA Congregational Transitions Director. Christine brings deep wisdom and experience supporting congregations in professional ministry search. All are welcome!
If your congregation is considering or preparing for a professional ministry search, February 19 is especially recommended.

Saturday, February 21 will include a brief recap of Christine’s insights, with more space devoted to conversation about lay-led congregations, whether intentional or transitional, and the resources leaders are drawing on to support this work.

March & April 2026 Themes: Each session is offered twice — choose the date that works best for you.

Thurs Mar 19 & Sat Mar 21: Planting, Pruning, and Bearing Fruit
A thoughtful conversation on assessment, decision-making, and developing meaningful criteria for discernment.

Thurs Apr 16 & Sat Apr 18: Shifting from Problem to Opportunity
Exploring ways to reframe challenges and align our thinking and practices with possibility and growth.

For more information, please contact CongregationalLife@cuc.ca

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Before We Move Forward, Let’s Get Oriented
A Practical Workshop for Congregations seeking growth

Saturday, March 28, 2026
10:00 am PT | 11:00 am MT | 12:00 pm CT | 1:00 pm ET | 2:00 pm AT | 2:30 pm NT (90 min)

Every congregation wants to grow, adapt, and respond faithfully to the world around us.

But change without clarity can exhaust leaders and strain community.

“You Are Here: Resources, Readiness, and Reality” is a public, stand-alone skill-building workshop that offers practical tools to help congregations assess their true capacity before launching new initiatives.

Participants will explore:

• • What resources do we actually have?
  • Where are we stretched thin?
  • What is realistic right now?
  • What needs tending before expansion?

Drawing on the Intersectional Welcoming Guide and the Community Archetypes Framework, participants will explore practical tools for mapping assets, identities, and readiness. These approaches help communities move beyond assumptions and scarcity thinking toward a grounded understanding of who they serve, how they are situated within their wider ecosystems, and what kinds of change are truly sustainable.

This workshop may be especially helpful for communities that are:

• • discerning future directions
  • navigating transition or constraint
  • exploring new forms of ministry or justice work
  • seeking clarity before committing limited energy or resources

The session will be facilitated by Justice and Equity Team members Amber Bellemare and Camellia Jahanshahi.

Participation is open to everyone, whether you come as an individual, a leadership team, or simply someone curious about how communities can take their next steps with greater clarity and care.

Register below for the March Public Skill-Building Workshop.

Looking Ahead

This March workshop is part of the RAMP! (Reciprocal Annual Mentorship Program) Public Skill-Building Workshop series, which continues through the spring. Each session stands on its own and is open to all.

• • April will explore Economics for Community Flourishing, including a workshop with Shaun Loney on social enterprise and the possibilities of underused church property.
  • May will focus on building trauma-informed, conflict-ready communities.
  • June will close the series with shared learning and practical wisdom from RAMP! participants.

You are welcome to attend one workshop or the full series. Each session offers practical tools you can bring back to your community immediately. 

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Issue Five of FUTURE zine is Here!

Packed with creativity, insights, and the voices of youth for youth, FUTURE zine is your space for expression, ideas, and connection. In this issue, you’ll find:

• • The heartfelt and humorous story behind distributing the previous issue
  • UUs on screen
  • And so much more!

The creators want to hear from you! What did you think of this issue? Is there something you’d love to see in the next one? Share your ideas at yob@cuc.ca and help make FUTURE zine even better.

Want paper copies for your congregation or youth group? You can request those too!

 

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Register Now for CanUUdle XXVI!

CanUUdle XXVI Registration is open! 

That’s right! CanUUdle planning season is in full swing and the youth staff team is working diligently to bring you a conference full of all the things you love: comUUnity, fUUn games, spiritUUality, deep CONection, and the iconic overuse of ‘UU’ and “CON’ in our naming CONventions!

CanUUdle is coming to Vancouver! From May 15–18, 2026, the Vancouver Unitarians will be opening their doors and hearts to UU youth from across the country. A huge thank-you to VanU for their generosity and deep commitment to UU youth and community. 

Youth and youth groups traveling from outside of BC are encouraged to start planning, dreaming, and fundraising now. Have questions or need help figuring out how to make the trip work? The CanUUdle Coordinator is happy to help! Just send an email!

 Registration is Open!

Registration is open now through April 28, 2026, and we’d love to see you there.

• • Early-bird registration (with a slightly reduced fee) is available until March 15, 2026
  • To make things easier, there are three registration forms this year:
    • Youth ages 14–17
    • Youth ages 18–19
    • Adult Advisors (25+)

Please make sure you select the correct form when registering for yourself or your youth.

 Meet the CanUUdle Staff

CanUUdle is brought to life by an amazing volunteer team who spend months planning, imagining, and creating a space full of connection, care, and fun. During the con weekend, they hold the community and run all programming — truly a group of superstars! 

• • Co-Deans: Quinn Koeller Smirnios & Isabella Vernon (Kitchener)
  • Worship Coordinators: Hawk Demers & Laura Yee (Vancouver)
  • Activities Coordinators: Esmé Demers & Percy Bomford-Moore (Vancouver)
  • Chalice Circle Coordinator: Rose Chernoff (Vancouver)
  • Community Captain: Crow Pogue (Indianapolis)
  • Youth Chaplain: Beata Borja Westin (Indianapolis)
  • Adult Chaplain: Tim Murphy (Indianapolis)
  • Advisors’ Advisor: Nancy Woodham (Vancouver)

 Ready to Join Us?

For more information and to register, click here.

 Important Dates to Remember

• • March 15, 2026: Early-bird registration ends
  • March 31, 2026: Travel subsidy application deadline
  • April 28, 2026: Final registration deadline
  • May 15–18, 2026: CanUUdle 2026 happens!

We can’t wait to gather, laugh, worship, play, and build community together in Vancouver. See you at CanUUdle! 

Raven Booth, CanUUdle Coordinator (she/her)
canuudle@cuc.ca 

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Join the UU Ecosystem’s Project Launch of its new Website
By Valaura Jones, UU Ecosystem Project Communications Circle Leader

eNews editors’ note: The Ecosystem Project is a collaborative effort supported by UU Ministers of Canada, Religious Educators, CUC Board, and CUC Staff and took flight in early 2025. The project intends to help Canadian UUs experience ourselves as an interconnected learning community and aims to build connections, support innovation, and help us meet the needs of human and more-than-human beings in our rapidly changing world. Volunteers are made up of lay leaders and religious professionals. 

Have you ever found yourself wondering what UUs across the country are dreaming up? Or thought, “Surely someone else has tried this already…” Maybe your congregation or group experimented with something new—and you’d love a place to share what you discovered.

We’re excited to invite you into something new. A website is launching soon that will gather and celebrate the stories of exploration, curiosity, experimentation, and learning from Unitarian Universalist communities across the country. Think of it as a cozy, creative online magazine—full of ideas, reflections, and honest stories about what worked, what surprised us, and what we learned along the way.

Join us on February 28 for a fun-filled fête as we launch this welcoming new online hub, part of the Canadian UU Ecosystem Project. You’ll be among the first to explore the site, learn how to create your own account, post articles, and join thoughtful, lively conversations in the comments.

We hope you’ll come celebrate with us—and if it feels right, please share this invitation with friends and communities who might enjoy being part of the conversation. The more voices, the richer the learning.

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Peer-led Church Administrators’ Chat (monthly)

Administrators:
You’re invited to participate in a monthly, peer-led Church Administrators’ Chat, facilitated by Janni Kretlow.
Janni has 40 years of office administration experience (including 12 years at her current church, the North Shore Unitarian Church).  She also volunteers with the AUUA (Association of UU Administrators) as Membership Coordinator and board member.

The group meets monthly via Zoom for 1 hour on the third Tuesday of each month at:
10:00 am PT / 11:00 am MT / 12:00 pm CT / 1:00 pm ET / 2:00 pm AT.
Upcoming session will take place on March 17th.  

These conversations offer a supportive space for church administrators to connect with peers, share experiences, and learn from one another.

To attend one or more sessions, please register here. You’ll receive a confirmation email with the Zoom details after registering.

Questions? You’re welcome to contact Janni at info@northshoreunitarians.ca

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Charity of the Month: Africville Heritage Trust

In February 2025, Dismantling Barriers Lead Camellia Jahanshahi shared the story of Africville, a close-knit African Nova Scotian community that once thrived along the northern shore of Halifax Harbour.

In the 1960s, Africville was destroyed to make way for industrial development. Decades later, in 2010, Halifax took an important step toward reconciliation when Mayor Peter Kelly formally apologized to the people of Africville. That apology was accompanied by the return of land and $3 million to rebuild a replica of the community’s church, the Seaview United Baptist Church, which had been the spiritual and emotional heart of Africville.

Today, the Africville Museum looks out over the Bedford Basin, on the very land where families lived, worked, and built their lives by the water. Inside, visitors are welcomed into the story of a community that faced racism with remarkable faith, resilience, and love for one another.

By supporting the Africville Heritage Trust Society, you help keep this history alive. Africville’s story is one of strength, community, family, and home. And its message continues to resonate with people everywhere.

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Things to Know About the CUC

Bylaws shape how we live out our values together. When we take time to revisit them, we create space to become more inclusive, more responsive, and more welcoming to all. That’s the spirit behind the CUC’s AGM bylaw conversations.

If you weren’t able to join the first conversation, there are two more chances to take part:

• • Saturday, February 21, at 1:00 pm ET
  • Wednesday, February 25, at 7:00 pm ET
    

The CUC warmly invites you to share your voice—whether by joining one of these national conversations, gathering with others in your own congregation, or offering your thoughts through the online feedback form. These conversations are an opportunity to listen deeply, reflect together, and connect with UUs from across the country, hearing perspectives that may stretch or enrich your own.

What you share matters. The insights gathered will help shape the final version of the bylaw amendments to be presented at the AGM on May 23, 2026.

Discernment is richer when it is shared, and the CUC hopes you’ll be part of this meaningful work.

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What’s Making Us Smile

Although the origins of Valentine’s Day may be loosely traced to a Christian martyr, that hasn’t stopped UU’s from putting our own spin on the holiday. This collection of Valentine’s greetings from members of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Farmington, Michigan is a reminder that all you need is love (even if it’s less than someone’s love for fair trade coffee).

 

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ScandaloUUs Returns!

The tea is brewing again. ScandaloUUs storms back to the presses this April 1—spilling the hottest, silliest gossip in UU land. We’ve got stories. You’ve got secrets. Send your tips (anonymous? obviously) to communications@cuc.ca and let the scandal begin.