A treat for the ears, the heart and the soul with our first alternative worship service focused on jazz. Your soul soothed with words of wisdom shared by Rev Debra, and your spirit lifted up by the skills of Patrick Courtin (piano), Nico Rhodes (sax) and Drake Shoemaker (stand up bass). Donations for the musicians … Continue reading Spirited Jazz Nanaimo
Dr. Judith Lewis Hermann, MD says, “The ORDINARY RESPONSE TO ATROCITIES is to banish them from consciousness. Certain violations of the social compact are too terrible to utter aloud: this is the meaning of the word unspeakable.” Today I am offering a reflection on my work and ministry over the past twenty years with refugee … Continue reading The Unspeakable
In moments of ethical conflict, I have often heard the clarifying question, ‘What would Jesus say?’ I wonder who else we turn to when we are looking for encouragement or focus in confusing times? Who are the local prophets that see clearly and are not afraid to resist the status quo? So, I ask myself, … Continue reading What Would Tommy Douglas Say?
Most of our world religions offer something called ‘Good Tidings’, moral-spiritual principles of universal relevance, addressing our all-too-frequent collapses in social justice and cultural refinement. A serious look at world history reveals the rise, fall and renewal of religiously-inspired civilizations. What can we learn from this grand pattern? And what hope does it provide for … Continue reading Wisdom from the World Religions: How Good News Helped Humanity Advance Despite the Bad News
We enter the new year, like the god Janus, looking backward and looking forward with a fire communion. In the words of Rev. Elizabeth Harding, “The fire communion separates the end of the year from the beginning, helping us to put in perspective the joys and sorrows, the changes and transitions, the ups and downs … Continue reading A Fire Communion for the New Year
Join the four Metro Vancouver UU Congregations as you ease into the holiday remembering its meaning and beauty amidst all the activity. Music and scripture readings will be shared by each congregation. You can take in the service from the comfort of your home (still in your jammies if you wish). Join us for a … Continue reading Christmas Morning Stories, Songs, and Scripture
Christmas Eve and Hanukah are a time of wonder. A time of hope. A time to gather with our families and friends in gentle candlelight. A time to sing familiar songs. A time to hear the ancient stories and remember that humanity has walked familiar roads of despair and hopelessness, and emerged, time after time, into … Continue reading A Candle Light Service for Christmas Eve and Hanukah
Join us for a special service to celebrate the approaching Winter Solstice, the longest night of the year. We will explore how darkness can nourish us and help us find stillness in challenging times through contemplative ritual, story and music. If you are attending on Zoom, you are invited to join us in candlelight/reduced light. … Continue reading Winter Solstice: Honouring the Dark
A seasonal feast for the senses. First, we enter the sweet dark, the gentle dark, the thoughtful dark through popular and timeless songs, stories and poetry. In the deep dark, where sadness and joy are woven together, we find the transcendent light. Then joy breaks through, rising up in us through seasonal songs and the … Continue reading The Wonder of It All
The pressures and anxieties of living in this modern world can, at times, be nightmarish.It is too easy to slip into a bleak and hopeless outlook for humanity. But, there is another point of view, as there are wondrous acts of bravery and generosity, and miracles of technology that can spark hope in our hearts.The … Continue reading Days of Miracle and Wonder
