Capital Unitarian Universalist Congregation

Janet Vickers will read from her second trade book of poems Infinite Power (Ekstasis 2016). Infinite power, in her eyes “is not a zero sum game but a journey / a stone thrown in a lake”. The danger of our age is that we have lost contact with that power, made it something to possess like a personal bank account. In writing these poems she hopes for a reconnection to that sacred universal relationship.

Janet is a member of the Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo, and lives on Gabriola Island with her husband of forty six years. Her poems have appeared in chapbooks published by the CUC, other anthologies in Canada, the UK, in literary journals and online magazines. She has been a Unitarian since 1985.

Honoring the UU flower communion, from 1923 by the Reverends Norbert and Maja Capek to our present day exchange of love and synergy.

Kimberly Bramadat-Ramsey was born UU in Winnipeg and now volunteers with youth and OWL sexuality education at First Unitarian Church of Victoria. She is passionate about all types of healing and meditative ecstatic dance, and works as a school educational assistant and a community support worker in the summer. Kimberly is the proud mom of daughter Kisha Raven Bramadat, is married to Michael Ramsey, and is the daughter of Rev. Jane Bramadat.

It is good to celebrate. We celebrate our contributions to the Earth and the Earth’s contributions to us. Let us explore the inherent worth and dignity of all things; Compassion in relationships; and the interconnectedness of all existence.

Lillie 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 practioner for more than 24 years. Most recently she attended our Homily Creation Workshop and the Lay Chaplaincy program. She was a Worship Associate and continues to support the Youth in every way possible. In her other work as a communication coach, she is an active member of the Inclusive Leadership Cooperative, is a pagan, a permaculturalist and a Compassionate Communication (NVC) practioner.

Myths make the glue that has held humankind together since the Agricultural Revolution. Do the myths of today really, really, differ from the myths of then?

What is it about this community that makes it so important to you and me? Let us think about this together.

Before the days of easy trans-ocean flights, the way to travel was on great ships. Even luxury staterooms couldn’t handle all of the trunks of stuff rich people want with them, so some trunks got labeled, “Not wanted on the voyage” and disappeared into the hold. What if that label was applied to people? In fact, we do it all the time. Every time we look away from someone crouched on the sidewalk, with their dog beside them and a hat inviting hand-outs, we tell them “not wanted on the voyage.” Specifically, we tell them “YOU are not wanted on the voyage.”

Learn about the challenges and rewards of working with another culture. Four women from Vancouver Island have been working in Guatemala for the past 11 years trying to make a real difference in the lives of Mayan families in the beautiful but impoverished communities around Lake Atitlan.

ICOAtitlan works with villagers on projects which emphasize sustainability, education and health. More info at www.icoatitlan.blogspot.com

Among the sources of the UU living tradition are Jewish and Christian teachings about God’s love. How can we integrate ancient lessons into 21st century living?

Rabbi Shimon Moch is a leader of Kolot Mayim Reform Temple, a spiritual home for Victoria’s liberal Jews to worship, study Torah, and observe Jewish sacred times together

Karen’s homily will provide a global perspective through her life’s lens of having lived and worked on six continents. She will look at knowledge and altruism through both definition and experience, inviting you to reflect on your contributions to making the world a better place.

Karen was a member of the UU Fellowship of Ottawa for 20 years before moving to Victoria. Originally from Calgary, Karen started her professional life as a language teacher at the secondary and post-secondary levels and later worked in international development. Karen loves to sing, dance, cycle, swim and kayak.

Rosemary likens getting a Master of Divinity degree to ‘scratching the surface’ to the knowledge and literature on philosophy and theology. In this service Rosemary will discuss some of the insights, struggles, and understandings she has encountered studying at Vancouver School of Theology. It has indeed been a journey, and Rosemary is excited to share some of this journey with you.

Rosemary began her journey toward ordained ministry with the Unitarian Universalist Association in October of 2013. Since then she has completed all the requirements to become an aspirant and then a candidate for ministry with the Unitarian Universalist Association. With her Master of Divinity behind her, Rosemary will be venturing to Kelowna in September where she will do her internship. Rosemary’s off-site supervisor will be Rev. Karen Fraser Gitlitz and she looks forward to working with Rev. Karen and the Kelowna Unitarian congregation during the next church year. Rosemary is a member of Capital Unitarian Universalist Congregation and is the proud parent of two amazing young adults.

Celebrating the stories & songs of the indigenous people of Canada.

Dana Lynn Seaborn is a Métis woman who believes it’s important to respect the Native people of this continent during “National Aboriginal Day” and all year long.

While Eeyore frets and Piglet hesitates and Rabbit calculates and Owl pontificates, Pooh just is. And that’s a clue to the wisdom of the Taoists. Come, explore how Benjamin Hoff connects one of the world’s most famous bears with one of its oldest philosophies.