Capital Unitarian Universalist Congregation

Through short readings from her memoir, author Janet Dunnett will explore her experiences caregiving. She will show how love at sunset was life changing for her, and hopes her experience will provoke you to reflect on yours.

Janet Dunnett was born and raised in Calgary and pursued a career in international development, living with her family in Ottawa and around the world. Her early retirement was steeped in caregiving, and when it was over, she wrote a memoir about the experience. Now she lives in Qualicum Beach with her husband of 43 years, and spends part of the year in Mexico.

This presentation will address three questions: (a) what is the CUC, and what is its recent history? (2) why is the CUC of such continuing importance for us? And at this point, (3) how could we begin to think about the CUC’s possible refocus? In beginning to answer such questions, we will consider not only ways that Capital may obtain support from the CUC, but also how Capital can help in the CUC’s building of a larger, stronger Unitarian community in Canada.

May Partridge is one of the original members of Capital who has long had an interest in how organizations can be helped to grow strong communities.

Marion Pape will talk about her 2016 pilgrimage to Japan with two Zen Buddhist priests from Vancouver’s Mountain Rain Zen Sangha to explore the origins of North American Soto Zen in Japan. In this process, Marion recognized that the focus of travel can be different on a pilgrimage. Instead of looking outside, we are noticing what is happening inside ourselves. Why was she really going on this trip and what did she discover? She will talk about how her Pilgrimage became two journeys, the place she visited and the other one inside her heart and mind.

Marion Pape is President of First Unitarian Church of Victoria having joined in 2012 when she moved to Victoria from Salt Spring Island. She was a member of the Universalist Unitarian Church of Halifax, First Unitarian Church of Ottawa and was an original member of the Salt Spring Unitarian Fellowship. She became a Buddhist on Salt Spring Island in 2014, taking her vows on the Buddhist precepts as a way of life.

Unitarian minister Robert Fulghum was asked this question while leading a children’s game. What is our answer? Our congregation’s opening statement says that we welcome people of different backgrounds and beliefs. We can do this because we are a church with no creed. This makes us unique, and also creates some challenges. We come together around our Principles, but how do we create a space where each person has a sense of belonging? Let’s look at the ways we can make everyone – even mermaids – feel like one of the ‘family’.

Jane will tell stories about home and longing for home.

Jane Enkin is a storyteller, writer, singer and songwriter. She has told to all ages in schools, libraries, festivals, synagogues and seniors’ programs. Jane lives in Winnipeg and has enjoyed her many visits to Victoria’s Capital Unitarian Community.

Disease can be a powerful force for transformation. At the age of 30, a virus suddenly threw Shelley’s life out of balance, prompting her to question everything, including her relationship with her body and the relationships between her body, mind and spirit. 11:15 presentation & discussion Proportional Representation as a Justice Issue Are you ready to vote in October’s referendum on electoral reform? Join Terry Dance-Bennink, vice-president of Vote PRBC, as she goes over the nuts and bolts of the referendum, and shares her personal passion for Pro Rep as a justice issue. You’ll also experience two different ways of voting, as we decide on what ice cream to serve our members! Bring your questions!

Shelley Motz is a Worship Associate at the First Unitarian Church of Victoria.

In a lively presentation that combines the personal, philosophical and practical, Lois Peterson shares her own set of fixed beliefs, encourages the congregation to explore some of theirs, and discusses what happens when the walls of certainty come tumbling down.

Lois Peterson moved to Vancouver Island in 2016 after living on the Mainland since 1971. An author, storyteller and writing instructor, she has published numerous short stories and articles, eight books for children and one how-to writing book. She is a member of the First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo where she serves as Executive Director of the 30-bed Unitarian Shelter.

Learn more about the realities of food access and security in Victoria and what we can do to address it.

The techniques that help people with Speech and Language Disorders, Autism, and Hearing Loss may well help all of us to communicate more clearly, and our whole world to find peace.

Going on a hike can be a meaningful metaphor for spiritual growth in our lives.

We have fifteen years before the results of climate change will alter everything about our lives.  The IPCC delivered this horrifying news a few weeks ago. Where do we go from here? Can we still make a difference.  Is it worth even trying? Join us for this in depth look at walking with grief while still making a difference.

It is sometimes good for us to be filled with laughter and as we move into the dark time of the year I find that ‘UU Humour’ which is usually self deprecatory is useful to counteract the gloom. The service will not be politically correct, definitely not pious and as frivolous as I can make it, so put away those black stockings and have fun.