eNews: May 21, 2025 – Issue 172

This Issue:

• Letter from the Board
• Annual General Meeting is Coming Up
• New Congregational Life Lead – Central and Eastern Regions
• “From Possibility to Practice” Now on YouTube!
• Celebrate Your Values with the CUC Store!
• Meet a Minister: Ben Robins
• Don Heights is 70!
• UU Job Opportunities
• Sharing Our Faith Survey Reminder
• Charity of the Month – Child Haven International
• International and Interfaith
• UUA GA
• Conversation with Vyda, the Board, and Anne re CUC Leadership Transition
• Dismantling Barriers: Talking About Solidarity
• Adventure Awaits: A Farewell Celebration for Rev. Linda Thomson
• Things to Know About the CUC
• What’s Making us Smile
• CUC Events from May 21 to June 26, 2025
  

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Letter from the Board

Transitional is the word that comes to mind as the most appropriate naming of this time. So many transitions are happening globally, nationally, and in our own Canadian Unitarian Council ecosphere. The longest serving staff member, Reverend Linda Thompson, will retire from 23 years of service as the Congregational Life Lead for the Central and Eastern regions on June 13. We are grateful to know she will continue to offer her wisdom, insight, and inspiration as part-time Interim Minister with Toronto 1st. We so want to celebrate Linda, her commitment and her many gifts! Everyone is invited to her farewell party June 7 which will be online and in person for anyone able to come to the CUC office! 

More transitions of significance were shared earlier this month with the announcement of Vyda Ng’s retirement from her Executive Director position and the contracting of Reverend Anne Barker as Transitional Executive Director (TED). Below is the Board’s portion of the announcement with a couple of points bolded to focus the rest of this message. 

With deep appreciation for years of committed service to our Canadian Unitarian Council, the Board of Trustees has accepted Vyda Ng’s notice of retiring from her CUC Executive Director role. Her thirteen years as Executive Director have enabled the CUC to accomplish much and be effective through significant challenges, and changes.  While this is a bittersweet moment, we have profound feelings of gratitude for her commitment to the organization over the years and tremendous appreciation for her willingness to engage in a collaborative transitional plan.

We are pleased to announce that the CUC Board has contracted with Rev Anne Barker as the Transitional Executive Director (TED) for the next three years. Her term overlaps one year with Vyda Ng’s, allowing a gentler, more thorough transfer of knowledge and responsibilities followed by two years to discern the process and scope of the future permanent Executive Director position. This transitional period will be a time to experiment with innovative ideas and events, consulting, and collaborating, while maintaining the vital ongoing support that CUC provides to congregations. We are excited and looking forward to what the next three years will bring.   

The planning for Vyda’s transition had already begun when Rev Anne proposed the TED position. It was an innovative and emergent idea that generated immediate curiosity, sparked energy and upended the notion of “at the speed of church” being slow.

Some brief reflections on the bolded text: to have a three-year process to review our purpose, systems, leadership model and sustainability is hope-filled and energizing. It invites activation and embodiment of our 8th Principle, to intentionally look at systems and ourselves. We have immense gratitude to everyone for the commitment to participate in this transitional plan which will only strengthen our collaboration muscle. The willingness to engage in innovative possibilities is inspiring as well as aligning with our goals and priorities approved at the 2024 AGM.

This is an exciting and full-on transitional time for the CUC. All Canadian UUs will be invited into the process. We are humbled and excited with the possibilities.

Your CUC Board of Trustees Co-Presidents
Rev Debra Faulk and Margaret Kohr

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Annual General Meeting is Coming Up

It’s almost AGM time! The CUC’s Annual General Meeting will be held online on Saturday, May 31st from 1:00 – 4:30 pm ET. What you need to know:

• • The AGM is free and open to everyone
  • Observers are welcome, although only delegates may vote (register delegates here asap if your congregation hasn’t done so yet!)
  • Regular business motions are on the agenda; there are no additional social justice motions
  • Access the AGM on Zoom here – delegates, please check in 60 minutes ahead of time

All information for the AGM is available in the CUC AGM 2025 Google folder. This includes (the first two documents listed lets you know how to participate and the processes we will use):

• • Voting and Participation Information
  • AGM Rules of Procedure
  • AGM Agenda
  • Credentialing Information (how many delegates from each congregation and who can vote)
  • Financial Documents, including Treasurer’s Report, Budget Narrative, Audited Financial Statements, Updated 2025 & 2026 Budget, Investment Income information
  • Nominating Committee report

Join us for the AGM on Zoom.

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New Congregational Life Lead – Central and Eastern Regions

The CUC staff team is delighted to welcome Rev. Nicoline Guerrier as the Congregational Life Lead for the Central and Eastern Regions. Nicoline (she/they) comes with a wealth and depth of experience that are tailor-made for engaging with congregations. She is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist, having grown up at the Unitarian Congregation in MIssissauga and the First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto.

Prior to completing her ministerial training, Nicoline served as Lay Chaplain for the Unitarian Church of Montreal, designed and offered workshops for the CUC both regionally and nationally, and trained as an Our Whole Lives (OWL) Facilitator. After they graduated from Meadville Lombard Theological School in 2014, Nicoline served as interim minister at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg, and as a Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) Compensation Consultant for Canadian congregations. They have most recently served at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Plattsburgh.

Nicoline’s ministerial training and experience is fortified by over 30 years of working as a social worker, where she honed skills like listening well, cultivating trust, supporting people through both emergency and longer-term challenges. She is passionate about moving institutions and relationships away from systemic harm, and toward true inclusivity and greater accountability.

Nicoline’s tenure with the CUC begins on June 1, 2025 with two days a week, and moving to full time after August 1. She will be in contact with the BC and Western congregations after the start date. Read Nicoline’s bio on the CUC website.

Welcome, Nicoline!

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“From Possibility to Practice” Now on YouTube!

The CUC’s latest national service, “From Possibility to Practice” was streamed live on Sunday, May 18, 2025.

The service revisits Rev. Ray Drennan’s 2004 Confluence Lecture “An Idea of a Possibility” with insights from the UU Expressions research and other current UU practices.

Stream the service from the CUC’s YouTube channel.

 

 

 

 

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Celebrate Your Values with the CUC Store!

Looking for meaningful ways to express your commitment to justice, equity, and compassion? The Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) Store offers a curated collection of inspiring items—perfect for personal use, gifting, or sharing with your community!

From stylish t-shirts and chalice pins to practical tote bags and pens, each item is designed to spark conversation and celebrate Unitarian Universalist values. Plus, explore free downloadable resources like posters, bookmarks, and wallet cards featuring the 8 Principles—because great ideas should be shared freely!

Why shop with us?

• • Thoughtful designs that reflect love, justice, and interconnectedness
  • Free standard shipping on all Canadian orders (no minimum!)
  • Exclusive free downloads—just add to your cart and checkout

Whether you’re a longtime Unitarian Universalist or just discovering our community, these items are a beautiful way to carry your values into the world.
Browse the collection today! Shop Now
Have questions? We’d love to help—email us at info@cuc.ca.

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Meet a Minister: Ben Robins

Ben Robins has served as the minister for the Universalist Unitarian Church of Halifax since August of 2024. Raised in the Kingston Unitarian Fellowship, he went on to earn a degree in physics and worked at a dance retreat centre for five years, which inspired him to pursue a career in ministry. He served as a director of religious education for the Unitarian Fellowship of Peterborough and later spent three years ministering to a congregation in Oregon before coming to Halifax.

The most rewarding aspect of ministry for Ben has been the opportunity to be in community with open-minded, open-hearted people,  figuring out how to do community together. He’s also experienced the challenges that come with ministry, such as living out the eight principles.

“I think there are many ways to live our eight principles,” he says. “And we can reasonably disagree about how to do that. And there’s room for disagreement. But I think the challenge is figuring out in what ways do we all want to be on the same page as a congregation, or as a larger movement and in what ways do we really welcome different points of view.”

Ben believes Unitarian Universalism can remain most relevant through listening and dialogue with people living by different values, and that doing so is an important part of his role as a minister.

“Not everyone has to do that because sometimes you don’t want to have the same conversation a thousand times,” he says. “I think part of my job is to be willing to have those conversations so that other people don’t have to if they don’t want to.”

In his spare time, Ben enjoys going for walks with his dog, playing sudoku alternatives, and reading nerdy blogs on the state of the world.

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Don Heights is 70! 

Don Heights Unitarian Congregation in Toronto proudly and happily celebrated its 70th anniversary on May 3rd. With about forty people in attendance, including Rev. Linda Thomson and Vyda Ng from the CUC staff team, the event honoured Don Height’s journey as a group that was birthed from a larger congregation and established as the East End Extension Committee in 1953. The following year, they were known as the Birchcliff Unitarian Fellowship, then as a congregation. Several years later, the Birchcliff Unitarian Congregation and the Don Mills Fellowship merged to become Don Heights Unitarian Congregation.

On display were the congregation’s impressive archives, meticulously collected and preserved, as were examples of social justice advocacy and activities which includes involvement with a women’s shelter, refugee sponsorship, Seed Change, Indigenous operated supports,and community involvement.

John Kennedy and Sunaina Menezes, a long-time and a newer member, read a poem by Janet Vickers.

EVERY CONGREGATION HAS THEM

Senior citizens, old souls
who wander through the pews
to look you in the eye
and ask
how you are.

Their precious wrinkles tell you
of their degrees in laughter
open tear ducts, sleepless hours
how to plant geraniums
and how to speak truth
which may apply to you
or not

In some cultures they are called elders
who are watching
some call them Nana or Pop
for the past they carry in their eyes.

In English we diminish them
under flags of aristocracy –
Grandmother, Grandfather
which did not include them
but they endured the worship of youth
and can survive the markets
if we care for them
as they for us.

Indeed, all our congregations have them.

The celebration was augmented by the congregation’s live jazz band, and wrapped up with an anniversary cake and good eats.

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UU Job Opportunities

First Parish Milton (MA) seeks a Director of Lifespan Faith Exploration

First Parish in Milton, Unitarian Universalist‬ is a vibrant, engaged, civic-minded congregation seeking a full-time Director of Lifespan Faith Exploration to co-create and lead opportunities for spiritual growth.

The role is centered on children, youth, and families. As such, the Director will be responsible for building up a cornerstone of the congregation. The role also extends into multiple areas of church life as a guide for faith exploration and living one’s faith across all ages. Thus, the Director will also benefit from ample time and support for professional growth.

Visit our website for the full job posting and a profile of our community. A cover letter and resume should be sent to personnel@fpmilton.org.

Unicamp of Ontario: Executive Director

Unicamp of Ontario is seeking a skilled and collaborative Executive Director to provide leadership for the management, growth and success of the organization in achievement of its Mission and strategic goals. The Executive Director is responsible for the overall coordination of activities required for the successful operation of the organization, including financial management, human resources and compliance with legislation, standards and internal policies and procedures. The Executive Director works collaboratively with Board directors, staff and volunteers to execute operational plans and objectives, in a manner consistent with Unitarian Universalist principles. This 25 hour per week position can be fulfilled remotely with a flexible work schedule (some evenings) with some in-person attendance required during the summer months.

Unicamp is also hiring seasonal staff positions for the summer.

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Sharing Our Faith Survey Reminder

Click on this link to share your experiences of this year’s Sharing Our Faith materials. We want to hear from you. 

• • Whether you were an organizer or participant. 
  • Whether you engaged in a Sunday service, a book study, a conversation, or one of the online events.

Your response will shape what happens next year.

 

 

 

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Charity of the Month – Child Haven International

Starting this month, the eNews will be profiling a different Canadian charity each issue. We want to showcase the wide range of charitable organizations in Canada that align with our values and offer opportunities for UUs to give and serve.

Inspired by the ideals and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, Child Haven International was founded by UU minister Rev. Fred Cappuccino and his wife Bonnie in 1985. The organization assists children and women in developing countries, who are in need of food, education, health care, shelter and clothing, emotional and moral support. Child Haven has five homes in India, one in Nepal, one in Tibet in China, and one in Bangladesh. 

Girls and boys within the homes are treated equally, and without regard to race, caste, colour, religion or culture. Living is simple and meals are vegetarian. Child Haven tries not to Westernize the children, but rather attempt to raise them according to the highest ideals of their own cultures. They respect the heritage of each child, whether Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Sikh, Christian, Buddhist, secular or other.

Another aspect of Child Haven’s Gandhian philosophy is its commitment to improving the condition of women through direct employment, education, medical aid, legal aid, and training opportunities. Child Haven is also involved in environmentally friendly projects, family planning, literacy and soya milk production as a cottage industry for groups of women.

Child Haven is entirely supported by donors and welcomes one time or recurring donations. For those in the Ottawa area, a 40th anniversary gala dinner and spring festival is taking place June 14.

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International and Interfaith

The International Association for Religious Freedom (IARF), an organization to which the CUC belongs, is committed to advancing free and liberal religion, promoting religious freedom and human rights, and protecting religious minorities worldwide.

Its Vision and Identity Statement, adopted at the Council Meeting on March 15, 2025, represents its collective values and aspirations as it celebrates its 125th anniversary.

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UUA GA

General Assembly (GA) is the annual meeting of the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA), where participants gather to worship, witness, learn, connect, and make policy decisions for the Association through a democratic process. While anyone can attend, congregations must certify annually to have voting delegates.

From June 18–22, 2025, the 64th UUA General Assembly will be a multi-platform event, with the main stage hosted at the Baltimore Convention Center in Baltimore, Maryland and hundreds more joining on the Whova app.

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Conversation with Vyda, the Board, and Anne re CUC Leadership Transition

Vyda Ng has shared that she’ll be stepping down as Executive Director. While it’s a bittersweet moment, we’re incredibly grateful for all she’s given to the CUC and for her support in shaping a smooth and thoughtful transition.

The plan ahead is bold and exciting, and it’s designed to keep things steady and moving forward.

You’re invited to join Vyda, members of the CUC Board, and Rev. Anne Barker for a conversation on Wednesday, May 28, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. ET. It’s a chance to share your thoughts, ask questions, or just be part of the moment.

 

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Dismantling Barriers: Talking About Solidarity

Join us on Thursday, May 29, from 7:00–9:00 p.m. ET for an evening of connection, learning, and reflection as we explore what solidarity really means and how we can live it out in our communities.

This interactive two-hour session will guide you through conversation and activities that offer a welcoming entry point into solidarity work—highlighting the many ways our paths intersect.

Whether you’re just beginning this journey or looking to deepen your understanding, all are welcome.

 

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Adventure Awaits: A Farewell Celebration for Rev. Linda Thomson

Saturday June 7, 2025: 1:00 pm PT | 2:00 pm MT | 3:00 pm CT | 4:00 pm ET | 5:00 pm AT | 5:30 pm NT (3 hours)
Location: In Person in Toronto and Streamed (Speeches) 4:30-6:30 pm ET 

Register to attend online or in person, June 7 from 4-7 pm ET (in person registration closes May 31). More information is available here.

 

 

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Things to Know About the CUC: Board and Nominating Committee Nominees

Members of the CUC Board and Nominating Committee are slated  for election or reelection by acclamation at the CUC’s AGM May 31. Read more about the nominees.

  

 

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What’s Making Us Smile

A recent playdate between the world’s tallest and smallest living dogs went the way of most dog park encounters despite the 3ft (0.91-meter) height difference – lots of tail wagging, sniffing and scampering.