Capital Unitarian Universalist Congregation

Unitarian principles do not include the word love, and the sources of our faith community include only “God’s love.” Should Unitarians love their neighbours? What does ‘love’ mean in Unitarian philosophy?

How does it relate to our principles?  Why is it important to nurture a sense of curiosity and to be eager to learn about our early ethnic diversity?  How are we in relationship with others?  Come and hear stories of Black British Columbians, especially those who came to Vancouver Island in the mid 1800s.

Karen Christie became a Unitarian in 1996.  She has been a member of Capital since the fall of 2016 when she retired to Victoria from Ottawa where she worked in international development for many years.  She has lived overseas for about 15 years on 4 continents.  Karen was also a teacher for 13 years in the first part of her career.

The CUC and many congregations have adopted the 8th principle that calls on Unitarians “to individual and communal action that accountably dismantles racism and systemic barriers to full inclusion in ourselves and our institutions.” Great, but what does that look like? How do congregations put the 8th principle into practice to reconcile with internal racism, take action in our communities, and stand in solidarity with others? Donovan Hayden will address the challenges of doing anti-racist work and provide insight on how Unitarians can live the 8th principle.

Donovan Hayden is a Black activist and artist. Last year he finished a MA in Theatre & Performance Studies at York University in Toronto and is currently a Volunteer Coordinator at Progress Toronto. Donovan has had the opportunity to engage with Unitarians and anti-racism work in both Canada and the US. He blends activism and art for the goal of liberation and the dismantling of White supremacy.

*Photo: First UU Louisville during BLM protests.

This Sunday service is to recognize International Women’s Day, which takes place around the world on March 8th.This TED Talk incorporates three important aspects of this day: 1) it is international, given that the speaker is Australian; 2) it gives voice to a smart woman; and 3) it recognizes an aboriginal person of colour.  Michelle Deshong is a strong self-confident advocate for her gender and for other black women, who she states make the best leaders.

International Women’s Day is one of Karen Christie’s favorite days of the year.  So she offered to pull together this service of celebration and awareness.  Her career focused on the world at large, and actively promoted the important role of women in the development of their nations.

I was an official observer to COP26 Climate Conference in November 2021 (online) with an ecumenical team from For the Love of Creation National Initiative. I will share some of my observations and reflections of this event. What were the prophetic calls to action that I heard?

Janet lives on Lekwungen territory of the Sci’anew nation (Metchosin, BC) and is passionate about doing what she can to leave this beautiful diverse Mother Earth in better shape for healthy future generations of all beings. Active in the United Church and KAIROS Canada and Victoria Mining Justice Action.  She recently attended COP26 in Glasgow virtually as a member of a 8 person team from the Ecumenical organization called For the Love of Creation.

Capital Unitarian Universalist Congregation held its first service in March 1996 in James Bay New Horizons.  We wish to celebrate our 26th birthday by getting to know more about 4 congregants who will each tell us a short story about themselves.  Join us to find out who they all are and what secrets they might choose to reveal to us.

Karen Christie will coordinate this service in her role of Interim Director of the Sunday Service Committee (SSC).  She acknowledges that it was our Board Chair Heather Stefanek, who is also a hard-working member of the SSC, that requested that we invite congregants to speak. The SSC hopes to do more services of this kind, although our birthday only happens once a year!

In Liz James’ first UU service, the service leader said “We welcome you as you are:  With your doubts, as well as your convictions.  With your hopes, and your fears. Whatever your faith, whatever your heritage, and whomever you love”.  She wondered if that meant her family, too.  Come hear about Polyamory and Unitarian Universalism…  The challenges, the wonderful moments, and the tremendous opportunity.

Liz James runs the not-for-profit Mirth and Dignity, does guest preaching, and also co-hosts a monthly UU humour podcast with Rev Anne Barker.  In her spare time, she does acroyoga and trapeze (both very badly), gardens, and attempts to improve the moral character of her cat.

This last year has seen a valiant struggle to protect the remaining ancient forests on southern Vancouver Island. Elders for Ancient Trees spontaneously arose as settler elders lobbied MLAs, marched in the streets, sent food, supplies and themselves to the front lines in Fairy Creek/Ada’itsx. The largest civil disobedience action in Canadian history unfolded in the face of strong police violence. Indigenous voices  moved to the centre.  The government drags its heels. A tough year.

A social justice activist for over 50 years in the women’s, labour and political action movements, Jackie Larkin integrates a deep ecological and environmental justice perspective into her life work. An educator and facilitator working with the labour and community movements, she offers programs in leadership development (with an emphasis of equity), strategic planning, facilitation skills and “The Work that Reconnects” programs.  She is one of the leaders of Elders for Ancient Forests.

We are all wayfinders. The traditional oceanic navigational practices of wayfinding provide wisdom, insights and skills that are needed in times of dynamic change.
They are essential when we are beyond any known map or traveled route. Dan brings the metaphors of navigation into daily practices.

Dan is as an international public speaker, coach and guide in a process of personal and professional development. His leadership coaching has  taken him to various cultures and nations: China, Central America, the Caribbean, throughout Canada, the U.S, and on sailboats, surf waves, and hiking trails. www.danhines.ca

Civil society in Canada functions because volunteers do much of the work.  Charities and places of worship are run by volunteers, and so are after-school programs, choirs and sports events.  Today we celebrate volunteerism in our Unitarian community.  Peter Scales is our homilist.

Beltane is a Pagan holiday that celebrates spring at its peak, community gathering and pleasure . It also goes by the name May Day. It is a fertility festival  with bonfires, maypoles, dancing, and rituals .

Patty Disbrow is a practicing witch in the Faerie tradition and European Shaman.  She has been making magic  and traveling “Between the Worlds” since the 80’s.  Her experiences in ritual, community building and teaching have been shared with UUs since joining a Universalist Congregation in the 90’s. Patty lives and loves in Victoria, BC.