Capital Unitarian Universalist Congregation

Last fall I began reading Sara Sagen’s book “For Small Creatures Such as We: Rituals for Finding Meaning in Our Unlikely World.” I am a nonreligious and spiritually inept person; I never have been able to define spirituality for myself. Yet I lament the lack of ritual in my life. Until I read Sagen’s book, which talks of a science-based philosophy of life, religious and cultural rituals, and how she develops meaningful rituals. Then, I noticed ritualistic habits and practices I already have and when/how I form new ones. I came to better understand how these help me navigate my world. Join me as I look at rituals that once impressed me, why I/we reject them and how new meaningful ones can take their place.

I have spent the second third of my life as a Unitarian humanist.  This week I entered the “third third” of my life.  How closely have I clung to the principles & sources of UUism?  What should I change for the next 30 years?  How can we help each other to live principled lives?

We all have times where interacting with people becomes challenging. Sometimes it’s us … sometimes it’s them … sometimes we have NO IDEA what’s going on. This service will focus on the challenges, opportunities, gifts that arise when our interdependent web gets sticky. Rev Anne will be joining us in person this week! Hope to see you there.

In mid October it will be 1 year of in person services after the pandemic. Can you believe it’s been only a year? It seems longer. To celebrate our resilience and commemorate our gathering again in person, I have designed a group art project specifically for Unitarians and Capital. The art will transform the space at New Horizons by your contribution of visual art, poetry, and music. And, we can create this together in the 20 minutes of a Sunday Service Homily. The visual art part is inspired by the stained glass windows of old churches and mandalas of Eastern religions.

The art making is inclusive of all ages, and for people of varying art inclination, abilities and skills. Out of town people can participate as well. You don’t need to do anything before the October 1st service, HOWEVER there is an option to mail in a small art works to me by September 29^th if you attend by zoom, so it can be added to the whole. Or you can bring your art contribution if you attend in person if wish to make some beforehand. You may also choose a poem to post in the zoom chat during the service, or read aloud. Please email me with your choice and the words of the poem to, Leigh’s email.

This next paragraph is for people who make art to send by the mail or be printed out by Leigh.  Address: 6-555 St Charles street, Victoria BC V8S 3N7, leiwtrs@gmail.com. You may write or call Leigh if you need further instructions or have questions, 250 418-8898. Also for those who want to bring a work the day of. Instructions:

Take a white sheet of paper such as printer paper and make it into a square. All the squares need to be 8.5 by 8.5 inches, or 6 by 6 inches, used in a diamond shape though. You may also use a circle 6 inches across.  We will be making designs based on mandalas/circles, the art representing the cosmos (macro) and our world (the micro). And in diamond shapes, often seen in the stained glass windows of old European churches. The design can be abstract or it can be representational such as a photograph you have taken, or a drawing. A square of knitting or crocheting is very good too but it must be mounted/taped to white paper. You may repurpose paper that has been printed on as long as it is white. There are a number of approaches to the art you can make with this paper but the size is standard. The other standard is that there must be a circle shape in the design somewhere or the design based on a circle or mandala (radiating from the center).  All small works will be joined together to form one larger work.

From vows of poverty to prosperity gospel, our religious roots have a lot to say about how we should think about money.  Yet, current Unitarian Universalism has very little to say—directly—about how we should make financial decisions.  Come hear Liz talk about a money journey that begins with shoplifting food as a homeless person, journeys through living in mansions, and is (so far) settling into a practice that feels uniquely UU to her.

Bio: Liz James is the founder of a 200,000-person online UU community called the Unitarian Universalist Hysterical Society (UUHS); half of The Cracked Cup podcast; and working on a book with Skinner House Press.  Liz is based out of Saskatchewan, where she is building a tiny house with her own two hands.  She believes in a Unitarian Universalism that is filled with meaning and joy, and that sees change as an adventure.

In these liminal times how does our Unitarian Universalist faith sustain us? So much loss and change has diminished our feelings of wellbeing and connection while heightening the sense of scarcity and amplifying anxiety. What commonly held values can we call on to inform our responses, motivate actions and provide some ease? Could generosity be a response that expands to reciprocity?

Bio: Rev Debra Faulk, a lifelong UU, retired in 2021 as Minister Emerita after 11 years with Calgary Unitarians. She received a BA in Psychology and Anthropology from UVic and a Master of Divinity from Vancouver School of Theology. She has served as chaplain at Vancouver General Hospital, Director of Religious Education in Victoria and Parish Minister to congregations in Alberta and Ontario. Previous Board experience includes both the Toronto and Calgary Interfaith Council and the Calgary Alliance for the Common Good, working to collaborate with labour and non-profits to address systemic social change in the city. Currently she is one of the two BC reps to the CUC Board of Trustees. Debra, as a single mom, raised two children who have blessed her with 5 grandchildren. She is excited with the adventure of co-ownership of her new home in Victoria, building community and being close to family.

What is the Holy Grail and why have people searched for it for hundreds of years. How does this relic have anything to do with being a UU in 2023??? Come and find out.

This time of year inspires reflection on our histories, our ancestors, and the influence of the past in our lives. With wisdom and intention, what can … what will … our ancestral influences also bring to our futures?

Sunday November 5th  Joy Huebert – Perspectives on Suffering.

** Clocks go forward the night before this service!

Faced with intractable suffering both personal and global, we reach for solutions from sources such as Christianity, the supernatural, Buddhism, and psychology.  In this plethora of approaches, can the Unitarian Universalist community offer some relief? Can The UU principle “Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations” be a source of comfort and guidance in a dark world?   This homily presents an overview of ideas and an opportunity to share feelings and experiences.