Principles of equality and justice compel Unitarian Universalists to advocate for marriage equality and other civil rights centering LBGTQ2S+ people. But who exactly has the “right” to love, date, get married or “shack up”, and to access intimacy and sexual pleasure? Just ahead of Valentine’s Day, this provocative reflection will reveal and probe the fact … Continue reading j*UU*st love
Congregations are experiencing a lot of change these days: from ministerial transitions to implementing the 8th Principle, all during a pandemic. Upheaval, loss, uncertainty, pain, aspirations, conflict: cultural shifts within and without are calling us to hold one another gently, despite our differences and difficulties. Covenanting through Transition is a national worship service that asks … Continue reading Canadian Unitarian Council National Worship Service: Covenanting Through Transitions
Throughout history, when oppressive regimes and systems have tried to dominate a country, a society or a minority, brave voices inevitably emerge to speak truth to power. Their words and songs are the rallying cry to their oppressed brothers and sisters and for better days ahead. What are the oppressions of today’s Canada and who … Continue reading Songs of Resistance
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
