Calendar of events
Here you will find all of our congregation’s Sunday Services, Board and Committee meetings and other events. Use the calendar controls to see events for past or future dates. For a quick look at recent Sunday Services, click here!
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.
Sunday November 12th Rev. Brian Kiely, In this polarized world…can we just talk?
Conversation has become a dangerous thing! Will I offend if I speak? Will I get attacked for voicing an opinion? Speaking is becoming scary. Unitarian Universalists have always prided themselves on freedom and rational discourse. I believe it’s the only way out of this polarized age.
Bio: Brian Kiely has been a Unitarian minister in Canada for 35 years including 22 spent at the Unitarian Church of Edmonton. He is a past president of the CUC and the ICUU. He is sort of retired, but will be starting his second year working with Kelowna Unitarians in the Fall. Declan Kiely is a recently graduated dental technician living in Edmonton.
As our shared ministry comes to a close, with Rev Anne completing her Capital term on November 30th, we will share both ritual and practical elements to help us ‘complete the circle’.
We are not gathering at JBNH this morning – Zoom link for service coming soon.
The Fathers of Confederation, the men who created Canada more than 150 years ago, were at least partially defined by the women in their lives: The Mothers of Confederation.
The political leaders of the day were profoundly influenced by their family lives, and family is something we can all relate to – that’s why I found it so rewarding to investigate the Mothers of Confederation (and the sisters and the daughters and at least one mistress).
The lives of these women were mightily proscribed, yet even within the doctrine of separate spheres, they managed to influence the events that led to nation creation.
Eventually, women had power enough to hold elected office, were declared “persons” enough to sit in the Senate, and be appointed to the Supreme Court (thank you, Bertha Wilson), while still exerting influence.
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Bio: Moira Dann shares a birthplace with Nobel and Pulitzer prize-winning author Saul Bellow (Lachine, Quebec) and a birthdate with the Dalai Lama (July 6). She worked as a journalist much of her career (CBC, The Globe and Mail) and is a late-life graduate of University of King’s College in Halifax. Currently board president of Craigdarroch Castle, Moira is the author of Craigdarroch Castle in 21 Treasures (Touchwood), winner of a 2021 Lieutenant-Governor’s Award for Historical Writing. She’s currently writing a memoir.
In the Gospels called Luke and Matthew, the angel Gabriel tells two Jewish ladies, post-menopausal Elizabeth and virgin Mary, that they will become pregnant despite obstacles. Their sons, John and Jesus, were worshipped from birth onward: John as a baptizer and Jesus as a healer. How did Christians get from this story to the elaborate shopping, decorating and feasting rituals of Christmas 2023? Peter Scales, a member of our congregation since 2004, loves the humanistic, pagan and historic rituals surrounding the darkest nights of the year.
Winter is a time to nourish each other and our community. Let’s come together for songs and stories, to find a place of calm joy amidst the turmoil.
An Unconventional Christmas Eve morning Service
Join us for: a delightful story about Christmas Eve and a cosmic angelic devil, a cross Canada glimpse at the places where our out of town congregants live and the awe and magic of the small. Along with some music and singing. Celebrate the festive season through: Beauty, Peace, Giving, and Closeness of Friends and Family- in an alternative fashion.