Capital Unitarian Universalist Congregation

The start of church year is traditionally ‘Homecoming Sunday’ in Unitarian-Universalist churches. As we age, we come closer to what’s been called the final homecoming. How do we as UUs deal with the challenges of old age? Can we view death with equanimity? Dana Lynn Seaborn will share the wisdom of our predecessors, as well as some entertaining stories and irreverent thoughts.

His private thoughts, both simple and sincere, are still a goldmine for modern humanity.

From time to time, we reflect on where we stand and where we want to go. But right away we run into a common obstacle: if a new path were obvious, we would have chosen it long ago. Ben Dolf will attempt to bring some new perspectives in the hope of opening new horizons. These may enable us to take a fresh look at how people and organisations of goodwill can support each other and the community in the coming years of upheaval and uncertainty.

The Conversation Project helps people talk about their wishes for end-of-life care. Too many people are dying in a way they wouldn’t choose, and too many of their loved ones are left feeling bereaved, guilty and uncertain. It’s time to transform our culture so we shift from not talking about dying to talking about it. It’s time to share the way we want to live at the end of our lives. And it’s time to communicate about the kind of care we want and don’t want for ourselves. The place for this to begin is at the kitchen table—not in the intensive care unit—with the people we love, before it’s too late.

Come join us to explore the various midwinter cultural traditions and sing and have fun!

Phoebe Ramsay spent seven months volunteering in solidarity with refugees in Greece, and will return in January to continue her work. In this, the season of giving, Phoebe will be sharing with the congregation some of the gifts that she received while on the refugee trail, and the stories and journeys they hold. Reflecting on our 6th principle, responsibility to the larger community, she will also be sharing the story of her personal journey, and speaking about finding light and hope in the darkest of places.

In February, Amanda was lucky enough to see the Royal Ontario Museum’s exhibition about tattoos, their history and global prevalence. Love them or loath them they are rich with symbolism and meaning. The cultural and spiritual history of tattoos around the world is a fascinating topic to explore, join us to find out more.

It’s official! We have our words, our ways and our days. Do you have a favourite? Today we’ll explore these things.

Lillie Lentz has been a member of the First Unitarian Church of Victoria since 2002. Before that she belonged to the Unitarian Universalist (UU) communities in Ottawa and in Vancouver. She has been a UU practitioner for 24 years. Most recently she has had training in our Lay Chaplaincy program, was a Worship Associate and continues to support the Youth in every way possible. In her other work as a communication coach, she is always a pagan, a permaculturalist and a Nonviolent Communication (NVC) practitioner.

Ripples in the Community Pond” Learn about the origin of Citizens’ Counselling Centre, the work they do in the community, the volunteers they train and supervise and the clients who come to them for support.

Phoebe Ramsay spent seven months volunteering in solidarity with refugees in Greece, and will return in January to continue her work. In this, the season of giving, Phoebe will be sharing with the congregation some of the gifts that she received while on the refugee trail, and the stories and journeys they hold. Reflecting on our 6th principle, responsibility to the larger community, she will also be sharing the story of her personal journey, and speaking about finding light and hope in the darkest of places.

Come join us to explore the various midwinter cultural traditions and sing and have fun!

Gather for a simple ritual of new beginnings. Take this opportunity to reflect on what you would like to let go of and what you wish to welcome into your life.