First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo

FUFON Welcomes New Minister!

Tony Turner — Wed, 19 Nov 2025 20:24:44 +0000

After several years of searching, we are thrilled to welcome a new minister to our small but mighty Nanaimo Fellowship. Rev. Ashley Burczak comes to us from the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Sterling, Virginia where she has served as minister for three years.

Rev Ashley received her Bachelor of Arts degree in religion from Barnard College and her MDiv from Union Theological Seminary in the City of New York. She has also worked as a hospital chaplain in New York, Dublin, Ireland, and Philadelphia. Before her work in ministry, Ashley worked in the anti-violence field and LGBTQ/HIV+ human and civil rights advocacy.

Ashley’s personal spiritual path includes practicing in the Kagyu lineage of the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. She loves dancing and native plant gardening.

She and her husband Derek Solberg, their 2 young children, as well as Luke their dog and Theo their bird, have just undertaken a massive move from the eastern U.S. and are discovering Canada and Canadian ways as they settle into their new life on Vancouver Island.

Reverend Ashley’s first service as speaker will be Sunday November 30. Please mark the date on your calendar and check our Weekly Update for details. Whether you are a current or past member or friend, or simply curious about our fellowship and new minister, you are most welcome to be part of this very special moment in our history. Please stay and say hello during our coffee hour immediately after the service.

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Summer Sunday Circle

Ruth Anderson — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Sundays: June 29 through Aug. 31 (11am – 1pm), Unitarian Hall (595 Townsite Road)

This is a 10-week, drop-in discussion group on various pre-scheduled topics. Everyone is welcome! Facilitators: Rupert Raj & Chris English. Contact: Rupert (RupertRajToronto@gmail.com)

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pflag Canada-Nanaimo meeting

Ruth Anderson — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Saturday, June 14 (11 am – 12:30 pm), Nanaimo Harbourfront Library (upstairs meeting room)

The UFON Rainbow Committee wants to raise awareness of this is a monthly peer-support group meeting for queer, trans and gender-diverse youth and adults, and their parents, families, partners, friends and allies. Everyone is welcome! Contact: pflagCanada-Nanaimo

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Goods/Services/Events Auction night

Ruth Anderson — Wed, 14 May 2025 23:13:48 +0000

Saturday, May 31 (5-9pm), Unitarian Hall (595 Townsite Road)

If you are planning to attend please click here to register to make things easier when you arrive (your information will already be entered into the system and you will have a preassigned paddle)

An annual fundraising and community building event for our fellowship. Members/friends donate goods, services or events. These are then purchased by other members/friends at a live auction.

5pm – Doors open; 6pm – Potluck dinner; 7pm – 9pm – Auction

Mix and mingle
Enjoy a potluck meal
Bid on one of the exciting events and activities donated by our friends and members
Help raise funds for the Fellowship

Join us!

Please register to help us plan for the evening

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Nanaimo Pride Parade & Festival

Ruth Anderson — Tue, 13 May 2025 08:00:00 +0000

Sunday, June 8: Parade (11am–12pm), Festival (12-5pm at Maffeo Sutton Park)

Come walk with us in the Pride Parade, then celebrate afterwards at the Nanaimo Pride Festival at Maffeo Sutton Park. There you can visit many resource tables, including our Rainbow Committee’s. The First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo, pflag Canada-Nanaimo and many other local organizations will be taking part in this annual community event. Contacts: UFON Rainbow Committee; pflagCanada-Nanaimo

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The Power of Community

Tony Turner — Mon, 12 May 2025 00:15:48 +0000

Saturday, May 17 (4-7 pm), Unitarian Hall (595 Townsite Road) 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, … Continue reading The Power of Community

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Canadian Unitarian Council 2025 AGM

Tony Turner — Sat, 22 Feb 2025 18:02:58 +0000

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.

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FunFest BBQ & Campout

Tony Turner — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 05:17:47 +0000

Come out for a Summer BBQ campout with friends and family! You’re
welcome to bring food or drinks to share, but BBQ and vegan options
will be provided.

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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admin — Thu, 27 Apr 2023 19:36:51 +0000

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Unitarian Shelter Turns 15!

Tony Turner — Mon, 24 Oct 2022 18:55:02 +0000

Please join us at an Open House to mark our 15 years of service to the community.

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.

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