eNews: May 27, 2026 – Issue 183

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This Issue:

• Letter from the Incoming Executive Director
• Community Learning & Leadership
  • Ministerial Milestones
  • Supporting Growth, Learning, and Service Across Canadian Unitarian Universalism
  • Leadership Transitions
• Governance and Shared Decision-Making
  • Annual General Meeting Update
• Spiritual Life & Community
  • Co-creating the Future With the Canadian UU Ecosystem Project
  • Canadian Unitarians Welcome a New UU Community
  • Registration Open for Unicamp 2026
  • Charity of the Month: Habitat for Humanity Canada
• Community Updates
  • “Thank You for Allowing Us to Dream Again”
  • Tony Turner Is on the Road
  • CanUUdle XXVI: The Spirit of NatUUre
  • Church Administrators’ Chat
  • Public Workshop: Boundaries are My Love Language – Dismantling Barriers Series
  • Emergent Strategy Book Club: Session 2
• Things to Know About the CUC
• What’s Making us Smile
• Events Calendar
  

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Letter from the Incoming Executive Director

Looking Ahead Together

Dear friends,

It is a real pleasure to greet you as the incoming Executive Director of the Canadian Unitarian Council.

I am still a new face to many of you, and I look forward to getting to know you more in the months ahead. My background has been in the education, environmental, and housing sectors, and I come into this role with deep respect for the work, care, and commitment that already live within this community.

I also want to begin with gratitude. The CUC exists because of the many congregations, leaders, ministers, religious educators, lay chaplains, volunteers, staff, and community members who have carried this movement through many seasons of change. Your dedication has helped shape Unitarian Universalism in Canada, and it is from that foundation that we now look ahead.

Unitarian Universalism is at a crossroads in Canada. But this is not the first time. I have been reading Unitarians in Canada by the late Rev. Phillip Hewett, and our history reminds us that we have lived through many periods of growth, contraction, transition, and renewal.

One of the central questions before us is this: how do we respond to membership decline, especially among younger generations, while continuing to serve and honour our existing aging membership?

For decades, we have often measured the health of Unitarian Universalism by who shows up on Sunday. By that measure, we are facing real challenges: declining membership, aging congregations, and buildings that are becoming harder to sustain. Across many denominations, the story is similar.

But I want to suggest that what looks like an ending may also be an invitation.

Unitarian Universalists have never been people who waited for permission. We were the ones who said women could preach when others said they could not. We were the ones who affirmed same-sex couples when doing so still required courage. We were the ones who stood with refugees, with Indigenous communities, with the climate movement, not because it was easy, but because our principles demanded it.

We have always been a people of imagination. We have always been innovators.

So the question before us is not only, “How do we bring people back into our buildings?” though those spaces remain deeply meaningful. The question is also: where is the sacred already gathering, and how do we meet it there?

It may be gathering in a community garden, where strangers become neighbours over shared soil. It may be gathering in cafés, in circles of care, on meditation cushions, in music, in justice work, in co-operative housing, in social enterprises, and in all the places where people are seeking meaning, connection, compassion, and covenant.

Some have called this the Church of the Imagination, a way of naming the spiritual creativity already emerging among UUs in Canada. And in many ways, it is already being built by you, in communities across this country.

Our work in the years ahead is not only to preserve a model. It is to liberate a movement. It is to take the deepest gifts of our tradition: radical welcome, fearless inquiry, beloved community, and the conviction that every person carries inherent worth and dignity, and to set those gifts loose in the world in new forms.

Some of those forms may look different from what came before. That does not have to be a loss. It may be a faithful response to the times we have been given.

As we move forward together, I invite us to carry a different question. Not only, “What did we used to be?” but “What are we becoming?”

Unitarian Universalism in Canada is changing. And if we are courageous, attentive, and faithful to our deepest values, it can be renewed in ways we are only beginning to imagine.

I am grateful to be entering this work with you, and I look forward to listening, learning, and helping care for what is emerging.

With appreciation,
Michael Jodah

We’re also sharing Michael’s letter as a blog post. If it sparks a thought, question, or reflection, we invite you to join the conversation in the comments.

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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.

Ministerial Milestones

New ministers bring new relationships, fresh energy, and new possibilities for congregational life. Across Canada, several communities are entering important seasons of welcome and transition as they prepare to begin new chapters together. 

Three congregations will be welcoming new ministers in August:

• • The First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto will welcome Rev. Alex Jensen as its settled minister following the congregation’s April 26 vote.  
  • The Unitarian Congregation in Mississauga will welcome Birch Cue. 
  • Grand River Unitarian Congregation in Kitchener will welcome Rev. Anne Barker. 

On October 4, 2026, the Unitarian Universalist Community of Halifax will celebrate the installation of Rev. Ben Robins, who has served the congregations since August 2024. 

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Supporting Growth, Learning, and Service Across Canadian Unitarian Universalism

Each year, the Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) celebrates the achievements, aspirations, and dedication of congregations and individuals who bring our shared vision and principles to life through the Sharing Our Faith Grants and Theological Education Funds.

Sharing Our Faith Grants

The Sharing Our Faith Grants

support innovative congregational initiatives that strengthen ministry, expand outreach, nurture community, and help grow the Unitarian Universalist movement across Canada.

These grants are made possible through the generosity of congregations that contribute to a special annual collection, along with support from the Foundation Fund held by the First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto. Together, these funds provide resources for congregations undertaking projects that inspire growth and deepen engagement.

This year, the fund raised a total of $6,100. The CUC received four applications. As part of the review process, additional time has been provided to make sure that basic criteria is met.  The application period has been extended until June 21—the Summer Solstice. 

We encourage congregations with inspiring ideas and growth-focused projects to consider applying during this extended period.

Theological Education Funds

Behind every sermon, pastoral conversation, or emerging leader are people investing time and energy in learning and growth. The Theological Education Funds support that journey by investing in the people who help sustain and enrich Unitarian Universalist communities.

Supported through the Rouff-Mackie Jenkins Fund administered by the First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto, the Percy Simpson Bailey Fund, and special collections gathered at ordinations and installations, these bursaries assist Canadian Unitarian Universalists pursuing ministry and continuing education. The fund also helps congregations provide meaningful internship opportunities for emerging ministers.

This year, bursaries were awarded to:

• • Ilara Stefaniuk-Gaudet (Edmonton)
  • John Adams (Kingston)
  • Hilary Jean Young (Toronto)
  • Lisa Marie Cockburn (Durham, Ontario)
  • Halifax Unitarian Universalist Church in support of Casey’s internship

Each recipient or sponsoring congregation will receive $6,800, for a total distribution of $34,000 supporting leadership development, theological learning, and congregational vitality.

Congratulations to all of this year’s recipients. Your commitment to learning, service, and Unitarian Universalist ministry strengthens our communities and helps shape the future of our movement.

We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the many donors, congregations, and benefactors whose generosity and vision have made these awards possible. Through your gifts and bequests, you are investing in the growth, leadership, and flourishing of Canadian Unitarian Universalism for generations to come.

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Leadership Transitions

Many people help sustain and shape Canadian Unitarian Universalism, often quietly and behind the scenes. This year we celebrate volunteers completing their service and welcome others stepping into leadership roles across our national community.

Canadian Unitarian Council Board of Trustees

The Board of Trustees helps guide the Canadian Unitarian Council’s work and long-term direction on behalf of Canadian Unitarian Universalists.

This year we say thank you to Ilara Stefaniuk-Gaudet, Margaret Kohr, and Sylvia Krogh for their dedicated service and contributions to our national community.

At the Annual General Meeting, we welcomed two new Board members: Quentin Dann LeDuc and Michael Leboldus.

Meet the new Board Members:

Quentin Dann LeDuc (Central Region)
Quentin Dann LeDuc (she/they), from the Unitarian Fellowship of Peterborough, joins the Board with a passion for youth engagement, community-building, and fostering belonging across generations. Read Quentin’s full bio.

Michael Leboldus (Western Region)
Michael Leboldus of Calgary brings decades of congregational involvement, community leadership, and a long-standing commitment to social engagement. Read Michael’s full bio.

The 2026-27 Board of Trustees is:

• • Co-Presidents: Rev. Debra Faulk – Victoria, BC Region and James Garland – Durham, Central Region 
  • Treasurer: Tessa Walsh – Fredericton, Eastern Region
  • Secretary: Margo Ellis – Montreal, Eastern Region 
  • Alexandra Okrainetz – Vancouver, BC Region
  • Quentin Dann LeDuc – Peterborough, Central Region
  • Michael Leboldus – Calgary, Western Region
  • Rev. Victoria Ingram – Minister Observer
  • Lila Grierson – Sr. Youth Observer
  • Noah-Kira Sidhu –  Jr. Youth Observer

Contact: board@cuc.ca 

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee helps identify and encourage people with the experience and gifts needed to serve in leadership roles across Canadian Unitarian Universalism.

The committee thanks Jamie Struthers for his dedicated service and welcomes Janet Pivnick as the member for the BC region.

Meet Janet Pivnick:

Janet Pivnick (BC Region)
Janet Pivnick is a Unitarian ministerial candidate with experience in education, environmental work, and supporting culture change focused on sustainability, reconciliation, and anti-racism. 

The 2026-27 Nominating Committee is:

• • Carey McDonald, Guelph (Central Region)
  • Lillias Cowper, Calgary (Western Region)
  • Cindy Dunning, Kingston (Eastern Region)
  • Pam Griffin-Hody, Halifax (Eastern Region)
  • Janet Pivnick, Beacon Hill (BC Region)

Contact: nominations@cuc.ca 

UUMOC

Unitarian Universalist Ministers of Canada (UUMOC) support one another in ministry and help strengthen our shared religious life.

Thanks to Rev. Samaya Oakley, outgoing Co-President; Rev. Karen Fraser Gitlitz, outgoing Vice-President; and Rev. Shawn Gauthier, outgoing Minister Observer to the CUC Board, for their service to our national faith community.

The 2026 – 2027 UUMOC Executive Committee is:

• • Co-Presidents Revs Ben Robins (Halifax) and Lara Cowtan (First Ottawa)
  • VP: Rev. Danie Webber (Hamilton)
  • Sec: Rev. Melora Lynngood (Victoria)
  • Treasurer: Rev. Rosemary Morrison (Edmonton)
  • Minister Observer to the Board: Rev. Victoria Ingram (retired)

Contact: uumocexec@gmail.com

National Lay Chaplain Committee

The National Lay Chaplain Committee supports lay chaplaincy work and resources across Canada, including training, guidance, and collaboration with congregational lay chaplain teams.

The 2026-2027 National Lay Chaplain Committee is:

• • Mary-Anna Louise Kovar
  • Guy Belleperche
  • Anne Coward
  • Christina Swindells-Nader
  • Larry Boldt
  • Jenny Heston
  • Rev. Nicoline Guerrier (staff liaison)

Contact: lcc@cuc.ca

 

News and decisions shaping our shared Unitarian Universalist work.

CUC’s 2026 Annual General Meeting Highlights

More than 100 Canadian Unitarian Universalists gathered on Saturday, May 23, 2026, for the Canadian Unitarian Council’s (CUC) Annual General Meeting, held in a multi-platform format with participants joining online and in person at the First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto.

The meeting marked a significant moment of transition for the CUC, as it was the final AGM for outgoing Executive Director Vyda Ng. In her report, Ng reflected on the many changes and accomplishments that have shaped the organization during her tenure. Participants also had the opportunity to hear from incoming Executive Director Michael Jodah, who spoke about the evolving future of Unitarian Universalism in Canada. While acknowledging that the movement may look different in the years ahead, he emphasized that Unitarian Universalists have a long tradition of innovation and leadership that will continue to guide the faith community forward.

Delegates received reports from CUC staff, committees, and working groups, including the Lay Chaplaincy Committee, Bylaw Review Committee, and the Activating the Canadian UU Ecosystem Initiative. Alongside the routine business of the meeting, delegates considered and approved amendments to the CUC’s bylaws that establish a formal process for adding to or amending the organization’s covenantal documents, including its principles, sources, mission, and vision. Discussion around the motion highlighted the deep care and commitment that members bring to these foundational statements, as well as a shared desire for any future changes to emerge through broad consultation and engagement.

CUC Treasurer James Garland presented the Audited Financial Statements and reviewed the organization’s current financial position. He noted that the budgets for the coming years reflect a commitment to long-term financial sustainability while reducing reliance on withdrawals from investment accounts. Delegates approved the 2025 financial statements, a revised 2026 budget, and the 2027 budget in principle.

Participants also heard from Alan Harman, the CUC’s portfolio manager, who reported that the organization’s investments have remained resilient despite ongoing economic uncertainty. He noted that the portfolio continues to perform comparatively well while maintaining the CUC’s commitment to socially responsible investing.

Following the formal adjournment of the AGM, attendees witnessed the installation of the CUC Board of Trustees and celebrated announcements of the recipients of this year’s Theological Education Fund grants; the Sharing Our Faith deadline has been extended to June 21, allowing for more donations to be received. Those attending in person concluded the day with refreshments, conversation, and an opportunity to connect with fellow Unitarian Universalists from across the country.

The 2026 AGM reflected both continuity and change—honouring past leadership, welcoming new voices, and reaffirming the collaborative spirit that continues to shape Unitarian Universalism in Canada.

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

Co-creating the Future With the Canadian UU Ecosystem Project

This spring, the Canadian UU Ecosystem Project has been bringing Canadian Unitarian Universalists together to explore how we live, learn, and grow our faith in community. On June 20, the series concludes with The Canadian UU Experimentation Coffeehouse, an eclectic virtual coffeehouse featuring creativity, stories, and innovation from across the country.

During this gathering, you’ll discover experiments and ideas emerging from both small and large congregations. You might find inspiration for your own community along the way.

Bring a snack and join us for stories, songs, poems, magic, and creativity from across Canada as we celebrate the many ways Canadian UUs are imagining, creating, and growing together.  

Register here or read the blog to learn more.

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Canadian Unitarians Welcome a New UU Community

In 2012, a group of people gathered in Stratford, Ontario with a vision of starting a UU community. Long-time Unitarians from both the First Unitarian Church in Hamilton, and the Elora Fergus Unitarian Church found themselves in Stratford, or anticipated moving to Stratford. Stratford Unitarians began meeting once a month as suggested by the Congregational Life Lead Rev. Linda Thompson of the Canadian Unitarian Council.

The evolution of the Stratford UUs has been informed by welcoming new people, holding space for difference, and co-creating a community that invites everyone to bring their whole selves.

As a lay-lead community, every service welcomes a new speaker. Unitarian ministers visited from other southern Ontario communities. Stratford members lead services reflecting on their lived lives as did guests from outside the Unitarian faith. The community also relied on the small group ministry materials to foster discussions.

Over time the monthly services have been complemented by a variety of community connections— discussion groups, a monthly lunch, and more recently soul collage™ workshops.

Exploring governance took many years, as the attendance changed over time and people reflected on their own investment in the community. After eight years of meeting, Stratford was ready to host its first AGM in March 2020. The pandemic had a clarifying impact, as the value of the community became obvious to many.

Throughout Stratford UU journey, the support of the Elora Fergus board, by-law and charitable number have been invaluable. In the early years, a volunteer Elora Fergus managed the finances of the Stratford community. Stratford members joined the Elora Fergus board, and it then transitioned to become the Stratford UU board.  After the pandemic, the Stratford group  took over the charitable status and became an official Unitarian church. 

Stratford Unitarians are also now proud stewards of the Unitarian Bean Project, which was managed successfully  for 30 years by Elora Fergus.  In 2025, the Stratford UU community donated an 2,600 pounds of beans to The Local Community Food Centre in Stratford. A tangible demonstration of UU principles in action.

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Registration Open for Unicamp 2026

Registration for Unicamp 2026 is now open! Unicamp is in the Mulmur Township of Southern Ontario (near Shelburne) and is one of the longest running alternative multigeneration UU communities in North America (since 1969).

It boasts 60 acres of forest, with 5 springs and 3.8 acres of pond. In July, kids camp, junior youth camp and youth leadership programming help foster future UUs. August has family camps, and all kinds of adult and mixed ages programming. Dances, talent nights, camp fires, and Sunday services focused on  living out the UU values and principles. Unicamp also provides facilities for programs, seminars, leadership conferences, and workshops for a variety of ages.

Unicamp’s high-quality UU values-based programs and activities enable this community to demonstrate a respect for our natural assets, for each other, and for the interdependent web of creation.

Lauren McKinley Renzetti, a member of Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist Congregation whose ties to Unicamp go back decades, shares with us in this blog how Unicamp has become a significant part of her life.

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Charity of the Month: Habitat for Humanity Canada

This month, we recognize Habitat for Humanity Canada’s ongoing work to support families, strengthen communities, and help more people access a safe place to call home.

Since 1985, Habitat for Humanity Canada has helped families build strength, stability, and independence through affordable homeownership.

Now active in every province and territory, Habitat Canada works with 50 local affiliates serving nearly 400 communities nationwide. Through the support of volunteers, donors, community partners, and Habitat homeowners, the organization helps create safe and affordable housing opportunities for families across Canada and around the world.

Habitat’s work also includes more than 100 ReStores across Canada, which raise funds for affordable housing while keeping quality products out of landfills.

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

“Thank You for Allowing Us to Dream Again”

After fleeing persecution connected to their beliefs and political circumstances, Claude and Martine spent years living in uncertainty, trying to build a life while carrying fear for their safety and future. Through the support of the Canadian Unitarian Council, a sponsoring congregation, and generous donors, they recently arrived in Canada and began rebuilding their lives.

Soon after arriving, Claude shared these words:

“I gained back my self-esteem, my hopes for a peaceful and non-violent life… Thank you for allowing us to dream again and dream big.”

Their story is one among many.

Refugee sponsorship is not only about housing, transportation, or practical support. It is about helping restore safety, belonging, dignity, and possibility.

Your support helps families move from uncertainty to new beginnings.

Read their story and help rebuild lives today.

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Tony Turner Is on the Road

Folk singer Tony Turner has left Nanaimo in his camper van, headed for UU congregations across Canada.

Curious where he’s stopping? Read his story and find out if he’s coming to a fellowship near you. Check out his schedule of upcoming performances here.

 

 

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CanUUdle XXVI: The Spirit of NatUUre Highlights

Over the May long weekend, over 40 youth and their advisors from across Canada and the US gathered in Vancouver for CanUUdle XXVI: The Spirit of NatUUre for a weekend of connection, reflection, friendship, and fun. Through shared experiences, time outdoors, and community-building, participants explored what it means to grow together and live into our UU values.

Behind the weekend was a dedicated team of volunteer youth staff who planned activities, worships, discussions, games and countless moments of connection. At CanUUdle, youth covenant to share in a radically inclusive community to deepen their connections to each other and Unitarian Universalism. Learn more about CanUUdle. 

In their words: Youth Staff reflect on CanUUdle

“CanUUdle is a thriving ecosystem of youth brought together by shared values and bound together by shared experiences. It is astounding to witness such valuable connections being made over just a few short days.” – Hawk, CanUUdle Worship Coordinator

Youth cons like CanUUdle have changed my life, I’m more confident, I step up in ways I don’t at other places. There’s nothing quite like CanUUdle, youth cons make me who I am. — Crow, CanUUdle Community Captain

CanUUdle is one of the few spaces where I feel completely safe. I feel like I can truly be myself and that people will love that. These people who I’ve known only through Discord calls, or a couple of days are some of the closest and deepest connections I have ever formed. They see a light in me that I sometimes forget I have. The willingness and openness to be vulnerable, to experiment and express yourself in a way that goes beyond the traditional norms, that can really only be achieved in a safe, whole community. I am so honoured and grateful to have experienced CanUUdle this year as a congoer, a Co-Dean, a Zine Teamer, and an avid part of this beautiful community. – Isabella, CanUUdle Co-Dean

“I guess the Spirit of NatUUre really was the friends we made along the way!” 

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Church Administrators’ Chat

Church administrators are invited to a monthly, peer-led conversation facilitated by Janni Kretlow, who brings over 40 years of administrative experience.

These one-hour online gatherings offer space to connect, share challenges, and learn from one another.

When: Third Tuesday of each month
10:00 am PT | 11:00 am MT | 12:00 pm CT | 1:00 pm ET | 2:00 pm AT | 60 minutes
Register here to receive the Zoom link or email: Janni at info@northshoreunitarians.ca.

 

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Public Workshop: Boundaries are My Love Language – Dismantling Barriers Series

Through the CUC’s Dismantling Barriers work, Unitarian Universalists across Canada have been 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. Upcoming sessions include:

• • May 28: Boundaries are my Love Language
  • June 25: Engaging in Governance

With the Dismantling Barriers Lead position winding down at the end of September, Camellia Jahanshahi has offered online consultations before the position ends. If you haven’t had a chance to participate in the Dismantling Barriers sessions, or if you did attend and have follow-up questions, you can book your hour-long session here.

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Emergent Strategy Book Club: Session 2

Join us on June 6, 2026 from 1-3pm ET for the concluding discussion of Emergent Strategy by adrienne maree brown. 

Our first gathering took place on August 30, 2025, where we explored themes from the book and reflected on how the CUC would actively practice emergence during the 2025–2026 church year—and invited you to do the same.

Now, ten months later, we’ll reconnect to explore what you’ve noticed:

• • in your personal life,
  • in your communities, or
  • in the CUC’s work

through the lens of emergence.

You do not need to have attended the first session to join this one. Anyone who is drawn to this work is warmly welcome.
We look forward to sharing space with you!

Registration for the event can be found here.

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Things to Know About the CUC

Since 1971, the Canadian Unitarian Council’s unique lay chaplaincy program has helped bring compassionate, meaningful ceremonies to people across Canada. Carefully chosen lay members of Unitarian Universalist congregations are trained and supported to create and lead rites of passage such as weddings, child dedications, and memorial services. Whether serving members of the wider community or congregations without a minister, lay chaplains offer ceremonies rooted in care, connection, and Unitarian Universalist values.

At the heart of this work is the National Lay Chaplaincy Committee (LCC), which supports congregations and lay chaplains through training, mentorship, guidance, and community-building. The committee also helps ensure that the program continues to grow and thrive for future generations.

Help Shape the Future of Lay Chaplaincy

The National Lay Chaplain Committee is currently seeking new members to help support and strengthen lay chaplaincy across Canada. If you are a current or former lay chaplain, or have served on a congregational lay chaplaincy committee, we would love to hear from you.

We especially welcome applicants from Quebec and Nova Scotia, where experience with provincial marriage regulations would be particularly valuable.

Contact: lcc@cuc.ca

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What’s Making Us Smile

The Urban Dictionary describes sprinter as “the Canadian season which occurs between Spring and Summer when Mother Nature forgets that it is supposed to be getting warmer and suddenly reverts to Winter for no apparent reason.”

It’s a season Canadians are well-acquainted with, and this year is no exception. Fortunately, as this collection of posts shows, many are able to find the humour in it.

 

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