We’re looking for someone who can lead/work with our choir; perform in different musical genres from pop to jazz to classical; play a variety of musical instruments; do vocals in the absence of the choir or arrange for a substitute vocalist; is open to different musical formats; and who supports Unitarian Universalist values.

Compensation is $38 an hour, plus benefits, for an average of 28 hours each month of the church year for September through June, totaling 34 Sundays.

Deadline for applications is Monday, Aug. 24th, 2026.

To apply, and for a for a more detailed list of the Music Director responsibilities, please email searchmusicdirector@gmail.com; and for more information about the Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo, please go to our website, www.ufon.ca

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This free intergenerational community event includes fun interactive things to do, an open mic, free pizza, and resources from local Rainbow community organizations. Co-hosted by pflag Canada-Nanaimo and the Rainbow Committee of the First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo. Everyone is welcome! Contacts: UFON Rainbow Committee, pflagCanada-Nanaimo

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Save the date! The CUC’s 2025 Annual General Meeting will be held online on Saturday, May 31, 2025, starting at 1:00 pm ET. Before that, in early January, proposed motions will be sent to congregations and UUs for discussion and feedback. As of 2024, everyone can provide input through hosted conversations, surveys, and congregational meetings.

The post Canadian Unitarian Council 2025 AGM appeared first on First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo.

Where: Living Forest Oceanside Campground and RV Park

When: Sunday Aug 24, 1 p.m. – Monday Aug 26, 11 a.m.

Come for just the day OR book a campsite!

BBQ: starts Sunday after 3 pm, meet at Site T15

Activities: swimming, volleyball, kayaking, canoeing

Camping Reservations and Water Fun Rentals:
Call (250) 755-1755 OR Book Online https://www.livingforest.com/map-reservations
Hosted by the Spiritual Exploration for Children & Youth Committee

Facebook Event: https://fb.me/e/4OztMzYax 

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me.

All the best!

Wendy Ellen, SECY Director/Coordinator
Spiritual Exploration for Children & Youth
Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo
Mobile: 250-616-1808
Email: wendy.ellen@ufon.ca

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At the event on Saturday, December 2nd, 2023 from 1:15 to 3:15 pm at the Unitarian Hall, 595 Townsite Road, we will also launch a $150,000 fundraising campaign to help pay for essential capital repairs required to comply with provincial fire code regulations as well as other operational costs to ensure the comfort and well-being of our guests.

Enjoy cake, live music by singer/songwriter Tony Turner, tours of the shelter, testimonials from shelter staff and former shelter guests and light refreshments.  We hope to see you there.

The post Unitarian Shelter Turns 15! appeared first on First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo.

Our Fellowship began in 1960.  In 2004, the Fellowship purchased a building, hired its first professional minister, and began weekly Sunday Services.  We currently have 73 members and 42 friends, and have an average of 63 attending Sunday Services.  

We are a dynamic congregation.  We operate the region’s only year-round low barrier homeless shelter, are a Welcoming Congregation, march in Nanaimo’s Pride Parade, and have an active environmental group.  During COVID restrictions, we immediately moved to a virtual environment and just as deftly pivoted to hybrid services when in-person services were allowed again.  The congregation has stable finances with outright ownership of its building, and income from a commercial tenant who rents space from us.

More details about this job posting can be found in the attached two-page file:

Various aspects of our Fellowship life can be gleaned from the results of a recent survey of our Fellowship found here:

If you are interested in learning more about our ministerial position, please reach out to our Search Committee by emailing the Committee Chair, Bob Goodman, at goodmanvi@gmail.com.   

The post Ministerial Search Committee News appeared first on First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo.

The Unitarian Foundation of Nanaimo is embarking on a capital campaign to raise money for a new roof.

The campaign will run from June 12, 2022, to September 18, 2022.

The Need

Our Fellowship building at 595 Townsite Road in Nanaimo is in need of a new roof. The building was constructed in 1949 and has serviced us well, providing sanctuary space, kitchen, meeting rooms and office space. In addition, it provides space for a much needed shelter for up to 30 unhoused guests each night. Nothing is more important for a building in a rain forest than a watertight roof to provide a safe, dry environment for all who reside there. We have been having problems with leaks over the last two years and the time has come for a replacement. The building replacement cost is over $2M, so we need to protect that for years to come.

The Ask

The budget for the roof is $150,000. While we have some funds available, we are hoping to raise at least $50,000, with a stretch goal of $100,000. If we meet the stretch goal, we will be able to proceed without any borrowing.

The Dedication

The roof capital campaign is dedicated to the memory of Sam Cosco, long time member of the Fellowship who died suddenly last year. He was among the earliest supporters of purchasing the building, believing that a “home of our own” would lead to growth and recognition in the community. He was a key member of the Joint Building Committee, overseeing and directing many maintenance and improvement projects and, of course, roof issues. His passion for doing the right thing was always appreciated and we are continuing that spirit by replacing the roof rather than just continually patching it.

How to Donate

1. By cheque
2. Make cheques out to “Unitarian Foundation of Nanaimo” and add “For the roof” on the memo line
3. Mail or drop them off at the office

       First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo

       595 Townsite Road, Suite 1

       Nanaimo BC V9S 1K9

• By e-transfer
• Name of account “Unitarian Foundation”
• Contact method – email –  foundationdonation@ufon.ca
• The account is set up for auto-deposit                       
• In the memo, please add “For the roof”

All donors who provide name and address information will receive a charitable tax receipt for their donation.

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This loving, liberal congregation is seeking a Coordinator of Spiritual Exploration to provide leadership and inspiration in delivering a quality Spiritual Exploration (SE) program for children and youth, reflecting the principles and values of Unitarian Universalism. 

We strive to provide a program that encourages spiritual growth and development, and grounds our children, youth, and families in Unitarian Universalist principles and values. We are committed to fostering a supportive and respectful environment in which we all continue to learn the skills for creating beloved community, and for living ethically in our changing world.

The position is 35 hours per month and must include Sundays. Please contact us by June 6, 2022.  Emails of interest can be sent to minister@ufon.ca

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Manly, Green MP for Nanaimo-Ladysmith from 2019-2021, comes to us with a wealth of experience working for Nanaimo organizations assisting the poor and marginalized.

As a federal MP, he influenced government policy on such issues as reform of long-term care and protections for people with diverse abilities.

As producer/director of his own film company, Manly Media, he created films that focused on marginalized populations and social justice as well as the environment and food security.

A program coordinator for Nanaimo Foodshare, Manly worked with youth facing barriers to employment to give them skills training and experience. He also created and coordinated the Cultivating Abilities employment skills training and work experience program for people with diverse abilities.

“I am very pleased to be joining the Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter team,” Manly says. “I have a deep commitment to working with people who face challenges and barriers in their lives, and assisting them with meeting their immediate needs.” 

“The Nanaimo Unitarian Shelter plays a crucial role in our community by providing emergency shelter and other basic necessities to community members in their time of need.“

We know that with Paul’s passion, dedication and skills, we will continue the tradition of excellent leadership established by our previous executive directors.

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