ScandaloUUS: April 2025 – Issue #5

Your jUUiciest source of UU gossip (and dogs, apparently)

We’re back! Grab your coffee (or tea—we don’t judge) and get ready for the hottest, silliest news from Unitarian Universalist land. Got drama in your congregation? Spill it! We take anonymous tips. (No mushrooms, please—that’s a whole thing now. Read on.)

In This Issue:

Rev. Linda Thomson’s Next Big Thing: Campfire Karaoke 

Linda Thomson

Rev. Linda Thomson is retiring in June as the CUC’s Congregational Life Lead for the Central and Eastern regions, but she’s already hard at work on her next project: a book of UU campfire songs. She says she was looking for something to fill some of the free time she’ll have in retirement, and the idea was a logical fit.

“I believe in Unitarian Universalism, I love camping, and I love to sing,” says Thomson. “So when I had this idea I was on the phone to the publisher right away.”

The Unitarian Universalist Association was similarly enthusiastic about the proposal, and the book is slated for a publication date of 2026. Thomson plans to spend the coming summer gathering song submissions for the book, which doesn’t yet have a title. However, in keeping with the UU tradition of updating hymns for the times, there are a few favourites that will be included in the book in a slightly modified form, including “The Campfire of Commitment” and “Blue Canoe Home”, the latter of which is a testament to Thomson’s passion for canoeing.

While Thomson hopes that the book sets singers’ “mind and soul a blaze”, she doesn’t want the book itself to suffer that fate. Accordingly, all hard copies will have a fire-proof cover. 

UUs vs. Snow: Sled Dog Race Ends in Group Hug

UUs from across Canada gathered in Saskatchewan early last month for the inaugural MUUSH sled dog race.  The race is part of the CUC’s recent efforts to centre the most loving species of all, the dog, in its work and comes on the heels of its appointment of the first Canine Observer to the Board, among other initiatives.

Teams from the CUC’s four regions competed in the event, which saw the dogs race from Regina to Saskatoon. In contrast to the typical six-person dog team, each team featured eight dogs to represent the CUC’s eight principles, and a five-person crew representing the five aspirations. 

In a similar vein, the race strived to be radically inclusive of all dogs who might participate, with teams featuring traditional breeds such as hUUskies and malamUUtes, plus some more unconventional choices, including a team composed entirely of dachshUUnds. 

Although the goal was to be the first to light the chalice, in true inclusive fashion the first team to reach the ‘so called’ finish line waited an additional week for the team of dachshUUnds to arrive and the chalice was lit together.  The sidelines were packed and there were cheers all around. The second-ever MUUSH race is already in the works for 2026. 

Holy Coffee! UU Cafés Are Coming

In “The Church of Our Imagination”, a manifesto written by a group of UU young adults in 2013, the authors envisioned Unitarian Universalism in the form of social enterprises, such as a cafe. Now more than a decade later, their vision is coming to life with the launch of Canada’s first chain of UU coffee shops.

UUrban Bean stores are set to open in cities across the country this fall, offering a UU- twist on traditional favourites with drinks such such as pUUmpkin spice lattes and cafe aUU lait. The cafes will also feature a selection of tea and other hot beverages, baked goods, and sandwiches.

The cafe’s founders were inspired after listening to UU Expressions, the hit podcast series that celebrates and challenges UUism as practiced in Canada today. They recognized the long history of coffee hour as a sacred ritual within UU circles and decided it shouldn’t be confined to Sunday mornings.

The chain already has a jingle recorded, based on the chorus of the familiar UU parody “Coffee, Coffee, Coffee”. Applicants are encouraged to submit resumes and cover letters, with the knowledge that in contrast to other coffee chains in North America, employees will be free to UUnionize.

Mushrooms: Tasty Snack or Secret Geniuses?

A debate is raging within UU congregations these days over a new question: should UUs eat mushrooms?

Although eating mushrooms can improve brain function, reduce cholesterol, and lower the risk of cancer, mycelial networks have also demonstrated signs of intelligence, prompting some UUs to consider introducing a motion calling for an end to eating mushrooms within UU settings and divestment from all mushroom-related stocks the CUC has invested in.

Asked to comment, CUC Executive Director Vyda Ng would say only that implementing such a resolution would be a long and complex process, and suggested a study group be struck first to examine the issue more thoroughly.

While the motion has some supporters, other UUs are adamantly opposed, concerned that if it were to pass, the popular mUUshroom melts currently served at Ng’s food trUUck would be taken off the menu.

Board Update: Dogs and Cats, Living Together

The CUC’s AGM is coming up soon, and while the nominating committee is hard at work finding candidates for all the positions, the board is looking to add another Observer in the form of a cat.

While this might come as  a surprise to some given the appointment of a Canine Observer to the Board last year, UUMOC, the board, and the Executive Director are all in favour of the move.

“Society has become so polarized and we wanted to change that,” proclaimed a recent National Voice Team statement. “Yes, we are a faith that centres love, but we can’t show this for some species and not for others, which is why we have to be open to the possibility of a Feline Observer. If we can model a dog and cat on our board coexisting peacefully, we can be a beacon of hope for humanity.”

 

 

That’s all, folks! Send us your gossip, your dogs, and your strong opinions on mushrooms. Until next time—keep it jUUicy.

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