The Year of Canadian Unitarianism!
WELCOME TO THE FIRST ISSUE of
Canadian Unitarian eNews, a monthly on-line newsletter for members and friends of Canada's nearly 50 Unitarian and Universalist congregations. We've created it to keep you connected to fellow UUs, to let you know what others are doing, to share ideas and to give you opportunities to engage. This message links you to the
full version of the newsletter on-line, where you will find the full text of the articles below, and other timely
news and resources of wide interest.
Do let us know how we’re doing,
do share this with others, and
do please contribute! As Rev. Jessica Rodela says in her
compelling article, making connections means not just a willingness to welcome more in the door, but reaching out beyond our imagined threshold, stepping out of our own narrow doorways to expand our vision of the meaning and potential of Unitarianism.
Enjoy!
Jennifer Dickson
Executive Director
Canadian Unitarian Council
1961 … to 2001 … to 2011
2011 IS A MILESTONE YEAR for Canadian UUs.
50 years ago, in 1961, our congregations met in Toronto to create a national association, the
Canadian Unitarian Council, to share resources, learn from each other, and work together for social justice.
Ten years ago, in 2001, we voted to become independent from the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) in the United States, and be a truly national body.
2011 is a year to celebrate our history, reflect on our mission as congregations and as a national movement, get to know each other better, and rededicate ourselves to what this year's conference and meeting theme calls “the dawning future.”
This e-newsletter is part of that process, and part of a major modernization of CUC communications that will reach you more often, and give you a larger voice.
Ben Wolfe
CUC Communications Director
“We’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat”
As we entered our 50th anniversary year, Fall Regional Gathering participants from congregations all over Central Canada were treated to a rousing message of renewal by Rev. Jessica Purple Rodela of the First Unitarian Congregation of Waterloo. She began with an anecdote from the movie ‘Jaws
’. Click the “Read more...” link to see the full version on-line.
“THERE ARE NO SHARKS surrounding the island of Canadian Unitarianism; we face no imminent danger should we continue, becalmed but afloat, just as we are. Should we run adrift, we have ample power of the winds of change and the rudder of tradition to ably navigate our craft. But, I fear we are thinking too small.
We Canadian Unitarians have limited ourselves. We have launched too small a boat, in what we imagine to be a protected little lake of faith, instead of understanding our Unitarian message as a potential power-craft, surveying a sea of possibility.
For Canadian Unitarianism to thrive, not just survive, it is time to build a bigger boat.”
Read more...
“50 for 50”: Our CUC Anniversary
CONGREGATIONS AND COMMUNITIES of Unitarians and Universalists across Canada are already making plans to celebrate our 50th anniversary. A theme has emerged: the number '50'.
UU Young adults are aiming to have at least 50 of their number at the May 20-23 Annual Conference and Meeting in Toronto. A congregation is looking at carrying out 50 random acts of kindness in its community. CUC staff and volunteers have started gathering ‘50s’, and want your input. 50 famous Canadian Unitarians. 50 social justice actions. 50 milestones in our history. 50 Canadian Unitarian songs…
Read more, and get involved...
Becoming a Social Justice Congregation
HOW DO WE MOVE AHEAD with social justice in Canadian UU congregations? You may be part of a congregation that does not agree on what cause to take on. There may be a lack of people to do the work. There may be one or two people who just don't want this work to proceed.
If you want to move forward, CUC Congregational Services Programmer Helen Armstrong suggests you consider these first steps.
Read more...
