eNews: March 18, 2026 – Issue 181

This Issue:

• • Executive Director Letter
• Community Learning & Leadership
  • Meet This Year’s RAMP! Collaborators
  • Featured Workshop
    • What If Our Congregational Buildings Could do more?
  • UU Ecosystem* Updates: Interactive March Event & New Website
  • When Life Calls for Ritual: Lay Chaplaincy
• Governance and Shared Decision-Making
  • CUC Annual General Meeting — May 23
    • Reminder: Register Delegates for the CUC AGM
    • Proposed Motions for the CUC 2026 AGM
    • Seeking a Parliamentarian
    • UUA General Assembly 2026
• Spiritual Life & Community
  • Rev. Lynn Harrison Explores Songwriting as a Spiritual Practice in Her New Book
  • Charity of the Month: YWCA Canada
• Community Updates
  • Church Administrators’ Chat
  • Reminder: March 31 Deadline for Funding Applications
  • Upcoming Congregational Conversations
  • Dismantling Barriers Series
  • Things to Know About the CUC
  • What’s Making us Smile
• CUC Events from March 18 to June 27, 2026

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Executive Director Letter

Reflection and Action Amidst Turbulence

We know that we’re living through a stretch of time that feels unusually unsettled. The pace of change—political, technological, environmental—doesn’t just move quickly; it stacks, layer upon layer, until it becomes difficult to tell where one crisis ends and another begins. For many people, the result isn’t just concern, but a kind of quiet disorientation and bombardment of our sensibilities.

What makes these times feel especially turbulent isn’t only the presence of problems, but the erosion of shared certainty. There’s less agreement on what’s true, what matters most, or even what the future should look like. That fragmentation seeps into daily life, shaping conversations, relationships, and the way we understand ourselves in the world.

And yet, turbulence has always been part of human history. Every era that feels stable in hindsight was, in its moment, filled with doubt and contradiction. What’s different now is how visible and immediate everything is. We experience not just our own struggles, but the struggles of millions, all at once, in real time. The weight of that awareness can be overwhelming—but it can also be a source of empathy, if we let it.

In times like these, acting on our Principles can be both energizing and daunting. Rev. Dr. Sofia Betancourt, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association, was arrested in January for living out our Unitarian values. Rev. Sofia and other faith leaders were at the U.S. Capitol Complex in Washington, DC participating in a peaceful protest against the violations of human rights occurring in the United States, especially in Minnesota. She was arrested for trespassing and released four hours later.

Reflection, in addition to action, in these times becomes less of a luxury and more of a necessity. It offers a way to step back from the noise, to ask what is actually within our control, and to decide—deliberately—how we want to respond. Not everything can be fixed, and not everything will make sense.

When things feel overwhelming, small, grounded choices still matter: how we treat others, what we pay attention to, what we build or protect in our immediate surroundings. Tod Maffin, a former CBC host and producer, podcaster, and social media influencer, leans into the idea of being an ‘emotional support Canadian’ for someone. This concept encourages us to direct our focus toward a single individual, offering our presence and support to them. In turbulent times, when the world’s challenges can feel overwhelming and isolating, the act of being present for just one person can provide meaningful connection and comfort. Rather than attempting to solve every problem or support everyone, this approach suggests that making a difference for one person is both manageable and impactful. By embodying this role, we create pockets of empathy and steadiness, reinforcing the value of small but significant actions amid uncertainty.

There’s no simple resolution to turbulence. It doesn’t wrap up neatly. But even within uncertainty, there’s room for steadiness—not because the world is stable, but because we can choose, in limited but meaningful ways, to be.

Edward Everett Hale famously said,  “I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.” Can any of us do less?

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Across the Canadian UU community, leaders and congregations are exploring new ways to learn together, nurture spiritual care,
and strengthen shared work. Below you’ll find opportunities for learning, updates on shared governance,
and resources to support congregational life in the months ahead.

 

Spaces where Unitarian Universalists across Canada are learning together, mentoring one another, and nurturing leadership in our communities.

Meet This Year’s RAMP! Collaborators

This month marks the beginning of RAMP!, the CUC’s Reciprocal Annual Mentorship Program, bringing Unitarian Universalists together across generations to learn from one another.

From March through June 2026, participants will explore questions of leadership, collaboration, and justice-rooted practice through a series of conversations, projects, and public workshops.

The program has been months in the making. The themes for this year’s gatherings grew out of conversations the CUC has had with congregations and community members about how we show up for our communities and for one another.

We are especially glad to welcome the mentorship pairs participating in this first pilot year of RAMP!. In the spirit of reciprocal learning, collaborators are introduced here by first name.

Tom and Monica, Skylar and Diana, Sam and Robyn,
Lori and Nina, Quentin (Dan) and Katherine, Askasha and Rebecca

Across generations and identities, these collaborators bring organizing experience, spiritual depth, creative energy, justice-rooted practice, and a shared commitment to living Unitarian Universalist values in the world.

Over the next four months, each pair will explore a project together, building on conversations that began at the Fall Gathering 2025. Along the way, we will document what emerges and share insights, ideas, and lessons with the wider community.

In June, participants will gather to share what they have discovered and reflect on the learning that has taken place.

RAMP! is not only for the mentorship pairs. A series of public skill-building workshops invites the wider UU community into these conversations, offering opportunities to learn together and explore practical tools for leadership and congregational life.

Guest contributors for this series include Shaun Loney and the Necessary Trouble Collective, alongside offerings from the CUC team.

Public Workshops – Open to All

RAMP’s public skill-building workshops are open to the wider community. Two are coming up:

March 28: You Are Here! Assessment & Accountability
Pause before your next step. Join us for a free 90-minute workshop on assessing your resources, readiness, and reality as an individual or community navigating change.
Free  •  Online  •  Register

April 25: What If Our Congregational Buildings Could Do More? Economics for Community Flourishing
A workshop with Shaun Loney, national leader in social enterprise.
Especially helpful for board members, property teams, and congregational leaders thinking about their buildings and resources.
1:00 pm ET  •  90 min  •  Free  •  Register

Read more about this workshop below. 

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What If Our Congregational Buildings Could Do More?

A RAMP! Public Workshop with social enterprise leader Shaun Loney

This workshop may be especially helpful for board members, property teams, and congregational leaders thinking about the future of their buildings and resources.

Many UU congregations are asking questions about their buildings, their resources, and how they serve their communities.

What if underused space could become a site of justice?
What if congregational property could support both community needs and financial sustainability?
What if innovation did not mean overextending volunteers?

On April 25, the next RAMP! Public Workshop invites congregational leaders to explore these possibilities together.

The workshop will feature Shaun Loney, a national leader in social enterprise who has spent more than two decades helping communities turn underused assets into projects that support both economic sustainability and social impact.

April 25, 2026
10:00 am PT | 11:00 am MT | 12:00 pm CT | 1:00 pm ET | 2:00 pm AT | 3:00 pm NT
Online | 90 minutes | Free

Drawing on real examples from across Canada, Shaun will share:

• • Stories of church property being redeveloped to serve community needs
  • Practical assessment tools for congregations with different levels of capacity
  • Ways congregations can align economic sustainability with justice commitments
  • Questions to help communities discern whether new possibilities are worth exploring

For many congregations, the first step is not launching a new project but developing a clearer understanding of what is actually possible.

This workshop builds directly on March’s “You Are Here” session, which focused on assessing congregational capacity. Once we understand our real starting point, we can begin to explore what responsible innovation might look like.

The conversation also connects with the work of the RAMP! mentorship cohort, where leaders across generations are exploring how Unitarian Universalist communities can cultivate durable, justice-centred leadership.

Whether your congregation is actively exploring new possibilities or simply beginning to ask questions, this workshop offers a space to learn from real examples and reflect together.

The event is free and open to all. Learn more and register.

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UU Ecosystem* Updates: Interactive March Event & New Website

A new online gathering place for Canadian Unitarian Universalists has recently launched. The Mutual Muuse is an online magazine that shares stories, creativity, and learning from UU communities across the country. Check out a recap of the website launch and learn about The Mutual Muuse name, what you’ll find on the website, how to make an account and how to post a story. 

On the site you’ll find reflections on congregational experiments, community projects, and new ideas emerging across Canadian UU life. Readers can explore stories, create an account, and contribute their own experiences.

An upcoming event will also invite Unitarian Universalists to reflect on the idea of a Canadian UU ecosystem.

Understanding the Canadian Unitarian Universalist Ecosystem and Our Place in It
Saturday, March 21, 2026
12:00 PM Pacific | 1:00 PM Mountain | 2:00 PM Central | 3:00 PM Eastern | 4:00 PM Atlantic

Activating the Canadian Unitarian Universalist Ecosystem is an exciting collaborative venture involving Unitarian Universalists from across Canada, including congregational leaders, Canadian Unitarian Council Board and Staff, UU Ministers of Canada and other religious professionals. The project envisions Canadian Unitarian Universalism as a vibrant, living ecosystem, and seeks to explore how Canadian UUs are adapting and changing to meet the needs of this moment.

So, what is this “ecosystem”? Where do we fit in, both as communities and as individuals? And how might the ecosystem evolve to remain nurturing and sustaining?

Come to this engaging interactive session on March 21st and proclaim your place in the Canadian UU Ecosystem! Join in the discussion about how the ecosystem is evolving whether we like it or not, and how we are asking fundamental questions such as “What is Canadian Unitarian Universalism anyway?”

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When Life Calls for Ritual: Lay Chaplaincy in UU Congregations

Some moments in life ask to be marked with care. A couple marries. A family gathers after a death. A child is welcomed into the community. A person steps across a threshold they’ve been moving toward for years.

Who stands with people in those moments matters.

In Unitarian Universalist congregations, the minister officiates these rites of passage for members. Lay chaplains extend that same care to the wider community, helping create and officiate ceremonies such as weddings, memorial services, and child dedications.

Rather than following a fixed theology or prescribed script, lay chaplains work with people to shape ceremonies around the values, stories, and meaning they want the ritual to hold.

At one wedding, a couple chose not to exchange vows in the traditional sense at all. Instead, they walked a garden path together and passed through an arbor, and that act of crossing the threshold together was how they chose to declare their commitment. The guests waited, and when the couple came through, everyone celebrated. The ceremony was entirely theirs. That’s the UU difference.

Many people find that UU memorial services offer something particularly rare: the affirmation that a person’s life meant what they believed it meant, not what any tradition prescribed. This is one of the most distinctive gifts the movement can offer to the wider community.

Lay chaplains serve as ambassadors for these values. They are trained members who take on a meaningful, defined role, typically six years, before passing it on to someone else in the congregation. The role is designed to be shared, not accumulated. It’s a baton, not a title.

Is this for you?

The training course itself is where discernment happens. You don’t need to be certain before you begin. The course is experiential and interactive, placing participants in simulated situations so they can get a genuine feel for the work. Some people come curious and leave ready to apply. Others discover it’s not the right fit, and that’s a valuable outcome too. The training is also open to congregation members who serve on lay chaplaincy support committees, not only those considering the role itself.

After training, candidates are affirmed by a vote of their congregation, a reflection of the shared, community-rooted nature of the role.

For congregations, lay chaplaincy is one way to extend UU values into the wider community, and an opportunity to recognize and develop the gifts already present among your members. Is there someone in your congregation who is drawn to this kind of service?

Learn more about the Lay Chaplaincy Basics Training coming up in April.

 

News and decisions shaping our shared Unitarian Universalist work.

CUC Annual General Meeting — May 23

The following updates relate to this year’s CUC Annual General Meeting.

Reminder: Register Delegates for the CUC AGM

The Canadian Unitarian Council Annual General Meeting will take place on May 23, 2026.

Congregations are invited to register their delegates by May 10 to ensure they are able to participate fully in the meeting.

The AGM is an opportunity for congregations across Canada to take part in the shared governance of our national UU community, including voting on motions and hearing updates about the work of the CUC.

More information about the meeting, including delegate registration, is available online.

Learn more and register delegates.

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Proposed Motions for the CUC 2026 AGM

The CUC Board has brought forward proposed updates to the CUC Bylaws regarding how the CUC’s foundational documents – Principles, Sources, Aspirations and Vision – are amended.  There has been a period of national discernment, during which people across the country were invited to reflect, ask questions, and offer feedback through:

• • CUC-hosted national conversations
  • congregational dialogues
  • feedback surveys

The CUC-hosted conversations concluded in February, and we thank those who participated and shared their feedback. The CUC Board is taking all recommendations into consideration, and an updated motion will be sent out in early April. 

The proposed motion and AGM information is available in the CUC AGM 2026 Public folder.

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Seeking a Parliamentarian

The Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) is actively seeking a qualified Parliamentarian to support its commitment to democratic process during the Annual General Meetings. The individual serving in this role will play a crucial part in ensuring that the principles of democracy are upheld throughout the meeting proceedings. A strong familiarity with Robert’s Rules of Order is essential, as the Parliamentarian will be responsible for providing expert guidance to the Chair regarding rules of procedure and meeting conduct. By offering this support, the Parliamentarian will help maintain order, fairness, and clarity during the decision-making processes of the CUC.

Who We’re Looking For

Are you, or someone you know, passionate about policy and well-versed in Robert’s Rules of Order and parliamentary procedure? This volunteer position offers a meaningful opportunity for individuals who are eager to contribute their expertise in governance and process to support our national faith community. It provides a concrete way to make a difference by guiding our democratic processes at the national level. The position is available immediately, allowing the incoming Parliamentarian time to review the proposed bylaw motions and to become acquainted with the CUC’s established procedures before the upcoming Annual General Meeting.

The Annual General Meeting takes place on Saturday, May 23 at the First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto, and is both in person and online.  If not attending in person, the Parliamentarian needs to be comfortable using Google Drive and Zoom.

How to Apply

Check out the full Terms of Reference and write with your application together with a summary of qualifications and relevant experience by April 15, 2026 to the CUC Board President at president-board@cuc.ca.

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UUA General Assembly 2026

The Unitarian Universalist Association’s General Assembly (GA) 2026 will take place June 14–16 and June 19–21, 2026 in a new “everywhere GA” format that combines online participation with distributed in-person gatherings.

This model allows Unitarian Universalists to participate virtually, join local congregational gatherings, or attend the studio site in Louisville.

Learn more.

 

Stories, reflection, and creativity within our Unitarian Universalist community.

Rev. Lynn Harrison Explores Songwriting as a Spiritual Practice in Her New Book

Rev. Lynn Harrison’s new book “Songwriting as Soul Work: Songs and the Inner Life” (FriesenPress, 2026), offers inspiration for songwriters rooted in Unitarian Universalist values of interdependence, inherent worth and inclusion. Rev. Lynn’s original hymns (“Keep it Alight” and others) are widely known in UU congregational life.

With this book, she offers a perspective on personal creative practice that prioritizes spiritual growth over commercial success. “Songwriting as Soul Work” includes reflections from Rev. Meg Roberts and Rev. Wendy Luella Perkins in addition to two members of Canadian UU congregations and many other songwriters, as well as Thomas Moore and other spiritual writers.

In bite-size chapters such as “Creative Biodiversity” and “Embodied Spiritual Practice” accompanied by reflection questions, Harrison invites readers to see their creative practice (songwriting, poetry, painting…) as a path toward meaning and purpose.

A former minister of First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto, Rev. Lynn is a frequent visiting minister at the Don Heights and Durham congregations in Ontario as well as a spiritual director and performing songwriter. “I hope that the book can assist in spreading awareness of UU values,” Lynn says, “while encouraging people to deepen their spiritual lives through the sacred gift of creative expression.”

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Charity of the Month: YWCA Canada

YWCA Canada is one of the country’s oldest and largest organizations working to advance gender equity. For more than 130 years, YWCAs have supported women, girls, and gender-diverse people in communities across Canada.

Today, the organization works in many areas, including affordable housing, childcare, leadership development for young people, workplace equity, and support for those experiencing gender-based violence. This includes responding to emerging challenges such as online hate and technology-facilitated harm.

YWCA Canada is a federated movement made up of 29 independent local associations. Each local YWCA responds to the needs of its own community while contributing to national advocacy and shared initiatives.

Together, local YWCAs invest more than $258 million each year in programs and services that support over 330,000 individuals across the country.

Through this combination of local action and national collaboration, YWCA Canada continues to work toward a more equitable and inclusive society.

Learn more.

 

Practical updates, gatherings, and resources for congregations across Canada.

Church Administrators’ Chat

Church administrators are invited to take part in a monthly, peer-led Church Administrators’ Chat facilitated by Janni Kretlow. Janni brings more than 40 years of office administration experience, including 12 years at North Shore Unitarian Church. 

These one-hour online gatherings offer a supportive space for administrators to connect with peers, share experiences, and learn from one another.

The group meets 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 | 60 minutes | Free

The next session will take place on April 21.

To attend one or more sessions, please register here. You will receive the Zoom link in your confirmation email.
Questions can be directed to Janni at info@northshoreunitarians.ca.

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Reminder: March 31 Deadline for Funding Applications

Each year, UU congregations and leaders across Canada receive support through the Sharing Our Faith Fund and Theological Education Fund.

These funds help support congregational initiatives and theological education for those preparing for ministry. Both are ways the CUC encourages leadership development, learning, and growth within Canadian UU communities.

The deadline to apply for both funds is March 31, 2026.

Recipients will be announced at the CUC Annual General Meeting on May 23, 2026.

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Upcoming Congregational Conversations

Congregational leaders across Canada gather regularly to reflect on the questions and challenges facing UU communities today. These 90-minute online gatherings offer space to reflect together on the questions and challenges facing UU communities today, share experience, explore ideas, and learn from one another.

Next Conversation

Planting, Pruning, and Bearing Fruit
Thursday, March 19 or Saturday, March 21

A conversation about assessment and discernment in congregational life. Together we will reflect on how communities evaluate what is working, what may need to change, and how thoughtful criteria can support healthy decision-making.

Upcoming Conversation

Shifting from Problem to Opportunity
Thursday, April 16 or Saturday, April 18

An exploration of how congregations can reframe challenges and align their thinking and practices with possibility and growth.

All sessions take place online and begin at:
10:00 am PT | 11:00 am MT | 12:00 pm CT | 1:00 pm ET | 2:00 pm AT | 2:30 pm NT

For more information, contact CongregationalLife@cuc.ca.

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Dismantling Barriers Series

Across Canada, Unitarian Universalists are exploring how our communities can become more just and inclusive. These monthly gatherings offer space for reflection, learning, and practical tools for addressing systemic barriers.

Next Session
March 26: Assessment and Accountability
Explore assessment and accountability tools that help congregations live their values and strengthen community health.
7:00–8:30 pm ET | Online

Upcoming:
April 23: Understanding Positionality and Economics

Learn more and see the full series.

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Things to Know About the CUC

The CUC is the national organization that connects Unitarian Universalist congregations across Canada.

Our board, elected by member congregations, sets our strategic direction in collaboration with a small staff team, who then brings it to life,  developing programs and resources shaped by what congregations tell us they need.

Think of us less as a headquarters and more as a community resource that grows from the ground up. We’re always open to hearing from you. What’s on your mind? What does your congregation need? Write to us at info@cuc.ca.

 

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What’s Making Us Smile

In honour of St. Patrick’s Day, we’re sharing a lighthearted collection of Irish-themed memes. Whether you celebrate the holiday or simply enjoy a good laugh, we hope these bring a little extra joy to your day.  Pour yourself a green beer or Shamrock Shake, and get ready to crack up!

Take a moment, have a smile, and enjoy.

 

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