1. religion and spirituality

The Hamilton Unitarian
The First Unitarian Church of Hamilton
170 Dundurn St. S., Hamilton ON L8P 4K3
Established 1889
April 2015
Volume 66, No. 04
Sunday Services 10:30 am Everyone Welcome!
April 5 Easter: Source Four – Our Christian Roots Rev. Victoria
&Tamara McClellan
Service Leader: Roy Dahl Musicians: Rachel Derry, Mary Ann Terpstra,
Susan Gudgeon
This is an intergenerational service. On this Sunday when Christians celebrate
the resurrection of Jesus, we examine how Unitarian Universalism has been
shaped by our roots in the stories and wisdom of the Bible. Our children present a special program on the life of Jesus, and our music celebrates the joys of
this glorious
season.Services Sundays at 10:30 am
Church
April 12 Source Four: Our Jewish Roots – Passover
Service Leader: Jennifer Askey Musicians: Rachel Derry
Rev. Victoria
April 18th
Congregational Retreat
April 19th
Our Unitarian Universalist faith is informed by Six Sources, the fourth being
“Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbors as ourselves.” Passover is celebrated by those of Jewish
faith at this time of year, and today we examine how teachings in this tradition
influence and guide Unitarian Universalism.
April 19 Friendship: Animals and Humans
Calendar Highlights!
Rev. Victoria
Visitor Social
April 24th
Blooms For Africa Spaghetti Supper
April 27th
UU UNO Film Nights Continue
Service Leader: Charlie Pond Musicians: Rachel Derry, Choir with Cindy Carey
May 2
This Sunday, we welcome our animal friends as visitors to the church! Cats
and rats and lizards and others who do well crates, along with dogs and such
who are well-behaved on leashes are welcome to share worship with us this
morning. We’ll talk about how our mutual dependence with animals enhances
our lives and we’ll bless our pets and beloved animal companions. Special
treats will be available for our animal visitors.
The 6-Minute Memoir: “Lost and Found”
April 26 Broken Promises: Learning to Trust Again
Rev. Victoria
Service Leader: Katie Keenleyside Musicians: Rachel Derry
At one time or another, we’ve all experienced a broken heart, and unfulfilled
promise, a severed relationship. When it happens, it can be hard to repair the
wound and find our way to trust, to believe, or to love again. Today we talk
about how to cope with the wounded aspects of our lives, and how a broken
heart is best healed by opening it even further.
May 9
Planting our gift of trees
May Newsletter
Deadline: Wed April 15th
Please send submissions to
[email protected]
Include the words “May
Newsletter” and a short description of
the item in the subject line, e.g.,
“May Newsletter,
Nominating & Leadership Committee”
Contact Information
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD
PRESIDENT...................................................... Michele Corbeil
Past President ............................................... Monica Bennett
SECRETARY: .............................................................. Roy Dahl
TREASURER: ............................................................... Al Sharp
MANAGEMENT CHAIR: .................................... Julianna Beckett
MEMBERS AT LARGE: Bill Johnston, Ed Canning, Martin Dooley
RECORDIMG SECRETARY ............................... ELINOR BERQUIST
LAY CHAPLAINS:
Tim Versteeg 905-529-2962
Lyla Miklos
905-527-8441 X403
ADMINISTRATION HOURS: TUE WED THUR 10 AM TO 4 PM
Other times by appointment
STAFF - CHURCH PHONE 905-527-8441
MINISTER: Victoria Ingram
X223
Email ......................... [email protected]
ASSISTANT MINISTER OF OUTREACH & SJ:
Carly Gaylor X225 Email [email protected]
CONGREGATIONAL ADMINISTRATOR: Melina ............... X221
Email
..................... [email protected]
LIFESPAN LEARNING PROFESSIONAL: Tamara .......... X222
Email .......................... [email protected]
MUSIC DIRECTOR: Rachel .................. 905-527-8441 X402
Email ........................... [email protected]
LEADERSHIP COMMITTEES:
Management ................................................ Julianna Beckett BOOKKEEPER: Michelle .....................905.527.8441 X230
Committee on Ministry......................................... Cathy Grise Email ..................... [email protected]
Nominating ....................................................... Pat Dickinson ADMIN VOLUNTEER HOURS TUE WED THUR 12:30-4:30PM
THE CLUSTERS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT REPS:
ADMIN VOLUNTEERS ........................... 905-527-8441 X224
Property/Grounds Committee. Betty Repa ............... X404 Email ...................... [email protected]
Email ......................... [email protected]
LIFE SPAN LEARNING – ELIZABETH BECKETT
Aesthetics ...................................................William LaFerla Adult Rel. Expl. Co-chair ............ Irene Laurie/Paula Bourner
Gardens................................................. Joanne Tunnicliffe Dependant Care ........................................ Tamara McClellan
Children & Youth Rel. Expl ........................ Elizabeth Beckett
Our Whole Lives (OWL) .................... Crystal-Sue Brousseau
Youth Group Leaders ........ Mel Webber & Tamara McClellan
STEWARDSHIP – BRUCE MACPHERSON
Canvass Committee Chair............. Barb Wallace/Pat Webber
Capital Funds ............... Stephanie Ounpuu & Mel Rutherford
Festival Committee .................................... Catherine Schuler
Finance .................................................... Bruce MacPherson
Planned Giving .................................................... Mel Webber
WORSHIP/PASTORAL – JOANNE DEAR
Benevolent Fund Manage ....................... Rev Victoria Ingram
Caring Community Committee ..................... Barbara Bennett
Joys and Sorrows Co-ordinator ......................... Pat Oertel
Choir Director ..................................................... Cindy Carey
Blooms For Africa ................................. Gail Rappolt/Doreen Knol Lay Chaplaincy Committee....................... Chris Ewing-Weisz
UU UNO ............................................. Gail Rappolt/Sandy Lubert Music Committee .......................................... Susan Gudgeon
Trillium Circle ....................................... Martha Pearce-Smith Sound Team Co-ordinators ................................. Brian Carey
UU Families .................................................Audrey Johnman Ushers Co-ordinator ............................................... Barb Hale
Writers Group ...................................................... Val Nielsen Worship Assistants Co-ordinator .............. Ann Craig Howarth
Young Adult Social & Spiritual Circle ..................................... Worship Committee ............................. Karen Trollope-Kumar
CONGREGATIONAL ENGAGEMENT
Book Group .................................................Elizabeth Beckett
Drumming Group ......................................... Eduardo Cordero
Fellowship Hour.............................................. Joanne Waters
FUUD ................................................................Paul Hawkins
Kitchen & Hospitality Committee ............................................
Library & Archives Comm.............. Linda Layton, Lynn Ablard
Membership Committee ................................ Kathryn Cowley
Greeters Co-ordinator .......................................... Mary Eve
Newcomers’ Co-ordinator ................................... Mary Eve
ZUUmers & Boomers .................................... Kathleen Fraser
Social Justice Committee ...................................Charlie Pond
Fair Trade Task Force .................................. Peter Wickett
Let’s Do Lunch Program ................................Charlie Pond
Inside this Issue:
1. Sunday Services, Upcoming Events
3. Minister’s Column, April Prayer
4. Assistant Minister of Outreach and Social Justice
Planting our gift of trees
5. Information Events, Welcome New Members
6. Nonna’s Pasta Fest
7. The 6-Minute Memoir
8. Caring Committee Passages
Memorial Gathering for Cecilia Pearce
Ongoing Programs
9. UU-UNO film nights continue
To reach someone in the following spaces at the church
please call 905-527-8441 and dial the appropriate extension: foyer - 226, kitchen - 228, Rm 7 - 227, Rm 9 - 229
Noticed & Appreciated
10. Stewards of Cootes Paradise Clean-UP
Goldmine Youth Leadership
10. Property Committee
11. Calendar
12 Lifespan Learning
Writer’s Circle
Food For Thought Book Group
Church Emails
13. Congregational Retreat Agenda
Personnel do change. Please inform the office of any errors, omissions or changes.
Production: Melina, Office Manager. Assembled by Sheila McAllister, Mary Beech, Barb Jepson, Barb Kulcher,
Val Ramsay, William LaFerla and Ruth Pollard.
The Hamilton Unitarian April 2015
Page 3
Minister’s Column
Prayer for April
O Holy Spirit, love of God, infuse thy grace, and descend plentifully into my heart; enlighten
the dark corners of this neglected dwelling, and scatter they cheerful beams; dwell in that
soul that longs to be thy temple; water that barren soil, overrun with weeks and briars, and
lost for want of cultivating, and make it fruitful with thy dew from heaven.
Augustine of Hippo
A Statement issued by the Unitarian Universalist Ministers of Canada: "We, the Unitarian Universalist Ministers of Canada, wish to express our deep concern about
Bill C-51, the federal government’s so-called “antiterrorism” bill. Bill C-51 is rooted in fear; fear for our
safety and security, and fear of one another. Our faith as
Unitarian Universalists calls us to a different response, a
response rooted in recognition of our interdependence.
Granting extraordinary powers to CSIS - the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service - follows an ominous
trend of undermining civil liberties in the pursuit of vague
notions of security. In spite of a handful of high-profile
acts of violence in recent months, the fact is that
"terrorism" (a term which is rarely given a clear definition) is less threatening to Canada than the climate of fear
which this bill promotes.
Genuine safety is not achieved by allowing unchecked
power to security agencies. It is the product of dialogue,
cooperation, and working together toward a shared vision
of justice and equity for all people. Thus, we are called to
live into and create this vision together."
I and my Canadian UU Minister colleagues have voted
to speak out on the measure before Parliament regarding
“anti-terrorism”, Bill C-51. The statement above has been
shared with Canadian congregations, the CUC, and the
public. As we talked about our concerns prior to drafting
this statement, the Ministers felt this is a time when we are
called to speak from our faith about an issue of national
concern. It isn’t the first time the Ministers have taken a
common stand on an issue of public concern. Given the
current climate in the world, I’m sure it won’t be the last.
It is a challenging time, in many people’s minds, to
choose to speak up and speak out. And yet, important issues and decisions, actions and directions are being taken
every day that potentially impact the quality of ours’ and
others’ lives immediately and far into the future. What can
sometimes seem necessary or expedient, in one light or
from one perspective, can have far-reaching consequences
never considered or intended in the moment. In this environment, at this time in history, speaking up and standing
up for our faith, our principles, and our values is more important than ever.
Canada’s motto of “peace, order, and good government” expresses this nation’s values. Fear is not mentioned as one of Canada’s values. And, while we know
that fear can be a compelling motivator for human behavior, it has never been shown to be a healthy, beneficial, or
good way to insure the peace, safety, order, or well-being
of a people. In a country that is made up of people from a
diverse variety of backgrounds, faiths, national origins,
ethnic communities, political perspectives, and such, encouraging divisiveness is unhealthy. In an increasingly
globally-focused world, where Canada has an important
role to play, isolationism, fear-mongering, and separatism
are counterintuitive to progress and peace.
Along with the UU Ministers of Canada, I urge you to
stay alert and aware of what is transpiring in the larger dialogue of this great nation. Consider what you hear and its
consequences and impacts, not only those immediately
apparent, but those that could change the course of history
for better, or for worse. Then, speak up and speak out. Let
your representatives know what you want for your nation,
for your future, for what you believe fosters peace, order,
and good government. We must use our voices, our influence, our reason, and our passion to help create the world
we want to see.
Love and Light,
Victoria
Our website: http://firstunitarianhamilton.org/ Check it out!
Page 4
The Hamilton Unitarian April 2015
Assistant Minister of Outreach & Social Justice
Hello friends,
O
ur process for selecting meaningful whole-church outreach and social justice continues! I
hope you saw the email outlining the three projects we are exploring: OWL & LGBTQ support and outreach, housing, and adopting an organization. During the first half of April, I’ll
be working with small groups on each of the three topics to help clarify outstanding questions
and concerns. If you would like to be involved in one or more of these groups, please be in touch with me and I’ll include
you in planning. I’m also happy to receive feedback by phone or email.
A reminder: This year’s Canadian Unitarian Council’s (CUC) Annual Conference and Meeting registration is now live
(http://cuc.ca/acm-2015/). The theme is “Seeking Justice in a Changing Land,” and it would be lovely to have as many
Hamilton Unitarians in attendance as possible. If financial aid would make it possible for you to attend, there are scholarships available from the CUC and also from our congregation’s Nominating and Leadership Development Committee.
Please feel free to reach out to me, Victoria, or Kath McIntyre if you are interested!
The Adult RE Tools for Advocacy and Activism course begins Wednesday, March 1st. All are welcome, whether you
can attend one evening or all six. There will be guests sharing case studies of their own experiences with advocacy and
activism, and tools provided to help you apply learning to your own passions and goals for social change.
This month, I invite each of us to engage in the spiritual practices of openness, creativity, and invitation. As our topics
for potential outreach and social justice narrow, the potential for creating ‘camps’ in support of one idea over another increases. In response to difference, may we remain open, work creatively to find innovative solutions, and invite deeper
sharing about what drives our passions.
Warmly, Carly
Celebrating
Planting our gift of trees
On May 9th, congregants can
help plant 125
anniversary trees
This congregation is giving a gift to the Hamilton community—125 trees planted on a former industrial site.
And you can help give that gift on Saturday May 9.
A bit of background: As we celebrated our congregation’s 125th anniversary last year, the Board invited congregants to donate to an anniversary legacy project and to propose ideas for the project. It was to be something that
would embody our values and benefit the wider community for a long time.
After weighing up your input, the Board choose tree
planting: 125 trees to be planted on the old Veldhuis
Greenhouse site on King Street East, along the historic
Desjardins Canal, in Dundas.
The Hamilton Conservation Authority owns the twoacre site and has plans to create a nature sanctuary there as
a gateway to the huge Cootes to Escarpment EcoPark system.
The restored and naturalized property will have native
hardwood trees, meadow and marshland plantings, multiuse trails and a boardwalk. There will be wildlife enhancements including floating islands on the canal, chimney
swift habitat and turtle and waterfowl nesting areas. The
property will also include a public art installation, ecological and historical information, and two visitor shelters.
And our stand of trees will be part of this exciting project.
With our donation of $6,000-plus, the conservation
authority will buy a mix of trees. The authority will dig the
holes. Members of our congregation, working with volunteers from the authority, will plant the trees.
The planting date is Saturday morning, May 9, at 9 a.m.
(That’s the Saturday closest to the date our church began in
1889.)
We hope as many people as possible will come out—to
plant the trees or bring snacks or just to see the site and
encourage the others. A short ceremony will be planned.
If you are willing to help, please contact Bill Johnston
(905 628-4851) or any other Board member. It will help us
plan if we know how many are coming.
Details will be in upcoming announcements.
Our website: http://firstunitarianhamilton.org/ Check it out!
The Hamilton Unitarian April 2015
CONGREGATIONAL ENGAGEMENT:
Page 5
MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE
INFORMATION EVENTS
APRIL to JUNE 2015
Are you searching for a spiritual community?
Are you curious about Unitarian Universalism or our Hamilton congregation?
Do you have spiritual questions or concerns?
Please join us for conversation, information and refreshments on the following dates.
Get to know us, try us out for a while and decide for yourself if our spiritual community is right for you.
VISITOR SOCIALS – INFORMAL GATHERINGS:
 Meet congregants and other visitors, share your story, and ask questions about Unitarian Universalism
or our congregation.
 Held after the service on the third Sunday of the month from 12 – 1 PM.
April 19, May 17, June 21
UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST ORIENTATIONS – INFORMATION SESSIONS:
 A short course on everything you might want to know about our faith, our history, our Hamilton congregation,
joining, and finding your place here.
 Held several times a year on different days and at different times
Sunday, May 24, 2015 from 12 to 2 PM
For more info or to RSVP, contact Kathryn Cowley, Membership Committee Chair
[email protected] or call 905-308-8162
Dates are subject to change.
Please visit our church website at www.firstunitarianhamilton.org
Click on the Calendar tab to search and view the most current dates for these events.
Some people choose not to officially join the church but are actively involved in and contribute financially to support this
congregation. Members, however, enjoy the rights of membership, and are counted by the denomination in membership
surveys. Our fifth principle is 'The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and
in society at large'. Because the Church is self-governing, the right to vote, - on issues such as budget, pilot project, etc. held only by members of the Church, is highly valued. In addition, the more actual members we have, the more influence
we can have as a liberal religious body in our own community and in the world.
During our service on May 24th, our President, Michele Corbeil, our Minister, Victoria Ingram and we, the
congregation will welcome and recognize these 3 New Members:
Kelly MacNeill, John Elliott and returning member, Julia Rock.
~Kathryn Cowley, Chair of Membership
Our website: http://firstunitarianhamilton.org/ Check it out!
Page 6
The Hamilton Unitarian April 2015
Our website: http://firstunitarianhamilton.org/ Check it out!
The Hamilton Unitarian April 2015
Page 7
The 6-Minute Memoir: “Lost and Found”
14 Hamilton writers share their stories
at First Unitarian
Saturday, May 2, 2015
Doors Open at 7:30 pm Show starts at 8pm
Free event, cash bar
Fourteen Hamilton writers will share their personal stories on the theme of “Lost & Found” in
six minutes or less when they take to the stage of the First Unitarian Church of Hamilton on
Saturday, May 2 as part of the third annual 6‐Minute Memoir event.
This FREE event, will feature writers from the community, including award‐winning playwrights
Radha Menon and Peter Gruner, Hamilton Spectator editor Paul Berton, comedian Zak McDon‐
ald, theatre instructor Jennifer Walton, actress and comedian Cole e Kendall and Jocelyn Bell,
managing editor of the United Church Observer.
Other featured writers will include members of the First Unitarian community—including Sandy
Lubert, Denise Davy, Catherine Schuler, Valerie Nielsen, Mark Fenton, Marianne Daly and
Anne Bokma.
Come and prepare to be entertained, amused and touched by carefully cra ed tales that ex‐
plore the “losts and founds” in our lives and the long las ng impact these experiences can have
on us.
Admission is free. A goodwill offering will be held during the evening for social jus ce
programming at First Unitarian.
Doors open at 7:30, show starts at 8 p.m. and there will be a cash bar available.
The Six‐Minute Memoir event is now in its third year. Last year about 150 people a ended the
event at First Unitarian and raised more than $2,000 in a freewill offering for The Welcome Inn.
For more informa on contact event organizer Anne Bokma at [email protected]
or (905) 540‐4642.
Our Church Library is Online! www.firstunitarianhamilton.org/library.htm
Check Us Out!
Page 8
The Hamilton Unitarian April 2015
Passages
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from the Caring Committee
[email protected]
Rachel Derry celebrated her birthday in February.
Bert Wreford’s wife Helen is home from her stay in hospital and is doing well.
The Hicks family is happy to announce that Kate and Stew are expecting a baby in
September.
Anne Stewart celebrated her 80th birthday.
Jesse Greene returned from Thailand safely.
Chris Ewing-Weisz is grateful that her sister’s surgery went well and she is expected to go home
soon.
Lyla Miklos will be joining UUs across the globe to attend the conference in Alabama honouring
the 50th anniversary of Selma's historic civil rights march. The spirit of those who were on the
march from Hamilton will lift her up and guide her on her journey
Bret Wreford celebrated his 89th birthday.
Catherine Silverglen's mother died unexpectedly. She had been fighting lung cancer.
Memorial Gathering for Cecilia Pearce
Cecilia Pearce was a dear friend of many in our congregation. There will be a memorial gathering for
her on Saturday, April 4 at 2:30 PM at the Society of Friends (Quakers) Meetinghouse at 7 Butty Place
in Hamilton. The gathering will begin with a few minutes of silent reflection followed by an opportunity
for the group to share memories of Cecilia. All are welcome.
Ongoing
Programs
Drumming Circle
Come Drum with Us
Facilitators: Eduardo Cordero & Tony Wallace
Every Friday 7:30-9 pm In Fellowship Hall
Anyone can drum. Drumming appeals to our sense of
rhythm. Drumming gets us out of our heads. It is a
relaxing, meditative group activity.
Food for Thought
Book Discussion Group
Coordinator: Elizabeth Beckett
Monday 7:30-9 pm Rm 3 Library
Anyone can come to any meeting of the club as long as
they have read the book. We welcome people who just
want to come for one or two meetings because they have
read a particular book.
Friday Art
Facilitator: William LaFerla
Fridays between 2:30 pm and 4pm
We all have a creative side to us. If you ever wanted to
explore this, then you might like to join our sessions
Sponsored by the Seniors group. Everyone is welcome and
works on their own project.
FUUD—Unitarian Universalists
and our Relationship with Food
Facilitator: Paul Hawkins
Every Saturday 9:30 - 11 am Rm 9
A supportive setting where individuals can explore their
relationships with food and achieve their own weight management goals in relationship to the Seven Principles.
Men’s Group: The Masculine Journey
Facilitator, Carl Ingram, Starting October 30
2nd and 4th Thursday of the month, 7 – 9 pm
A men’s group is where we share our lives, with no other
hope of gain or fear of loss. The philosophy is, we are a
brotherhood witnessing to each other’s lives with
acceptance, support, and authenticity
Trillium Circle
Contact: Martha Pearce-Smith
[email protected]
Meeting days and times to be determined.
We are in the forming stages of our Circle, an Earth-based,
pagan spiritual group, and should you wish to join us, you are
more than welcome
Writer's Circle
Facilitator: Valerie Nielsen
[email protected]
First Wednesday 9:30-11:30 am Rm 9
In our group we have writers with all levels of skill from
novices to professionals, and all are included.
New members are welcome.
Our Church Library is Online! www.firstunitarianhamilton.org/library.htm
Check Us Out!
The Hamilton Unitarian April 2015
Page 9
UU UNO Film Nights Continue
Monday April 27th, 2015
7pm, Sanctuary Rm 1
First Unitarian Church of Hamilton
Join other interested UUs and Community Members on Monday evening April 27th at 7 PM in the church Sanctuary to
explore another film in our series on Aboriginal Issues. The 8th Fire Series last fall drew more than 20 people each week
and was the impetus for continuing a film series on First Nations Issues this spring. The final film in the series is
Mohawk Girls.
Mohawk Girls is a 2005 documentary film by Tracey Deer about the experiences of adolescent girls growing up on the
Mohawk reserve of Kahnawake, across the Saint Lawrence River from Montreal. Deer, who was born and raised in
Kahnawake, focuses on three young women: Felicia, Amy and Lauren, a mixed race teen. The film received the Best
Documentary prize at the ImagineNATIVE Film + Media Arts Festival.
The tea and snacks and the discussions that have followed the films are thought provoking and consciousness
raising. These issues are particularly relevant this year as we await the Truth and Reconciliation Report in June. The
church service Sunday June 21 will commemorate Aboriginal Day in Canada. All Welcome.
Gail Rappolt and Sandy Lubert
UU UNO Co-chairs
Nominating and Leadership
Noticed and Appreciated
Unitarian Universalist United Nations Office (UU – UNO)
As indicated in the UU – UNO pamphlet this organization has a two- fold mission:
They engage in the work of the UN to advance a peaceful, just, sustainable and pluralistic world community that promotes, that promotes human rights.
They engage and inspire Unitarian Universalists and others to support and participate in this work…
Certain members of our congregation have certainly embraced this vision. For example Janet Hillen has been a
guiding light . She initiated this congregation’s involvement in the early 2000’s. Brian Reid was also active
from the beginning. The envoys that we have had are Janet, Raman Kumar as a youth representative, Todd
Fraleigh, Sandy Lubert and Gail Rappolt.
UU Sundays have been created by this group. Sandy , Gail and Janet are working toward increased youth involvement and attaining Blue Ribbon status for our congregation. They have recently initiated a film series for
the congregation.
Our gratitude goes out to this involved and committed group.
Bill Fulton
Our website: http://firstunitarianhamilton.org/ Check it out!
Page 10
The Hamilton Unitarian April 2015
Stewards of Cootes Paradise Clean Up
April 12, 2015, 2pm to 4pm
If you find committees tedious and annoying, really want to make a difference in your community, and
are not afraid to get down and dirty for a good cause, please consider coming out to the next Stewards of
Cootes Paradise Cleanup on April 12 from 2 p.m. - 4. Spring has sprung and so has all the debris and
garbage that has been hidden under the snow. There is a lot of work to do! We will be cleaning up the
area behind the Camelot Towers apartment building on Main St. West. There is a slope, and there is also
flat land. Meeting place is at the far end of the old Acura parking lot, closest to the apartment building.
Gloves and buckets will be provided. Please wear sturdy footwear! All ages are welcome. Last time we
had a 5 year old helping out and she had a great time finding "treasures". Please let Charlie Pond know
if you would like to attend or have any questions. Contact: [email protected] 289-442-7617
Goldmine Youth Leadership School at
Unicamp!August 24-30 (ages 14-20) Cost is $495
What is it for us to do? It is for us to Heal the World!” Goldmine is an intensive,
UU youth leadership development program offered across the US and in Canada for
youth ages 14 – 20. In this dynamic program, youth get to participate in a program
that is co-led by youth and adults, where they will learn practical leadership skills,
go deeper in to the inspiring history of our tradition, do service work, learn how to
lead diverse and engaging worships and create friendships and community that will
last a lifetime.
***Please NOTE: for the program to run we must have a minimum of 15 participants registered by July 15 (if we don’t
get the minimum number the program will be cancelled). Registration will be open mid February through the CUC. For
questions or if you are interested in serving on staff for this summer’s program contact CUC Youth and Young Adult staff
Ariel Hunt-Brondwin ([email protected])
Property Committee
Foyer Lighting and Safety
In order to ensure that the church is adequately lit and to reduce the risk of slips, trips and falls, we ask that all staff and
congregants please turn on the foyer lights when working at the church, conducting meetings or events etc. (foyer light
switch located directly under the monthly church calendars outside the Administration office). Please note that we use
energy efficient lighting and the safety of our congregants, visitors and staff is important.
Maintaining the Church Building and Grounds
We now have a new email: [email protected] and new phone line 905.527.8441 x 404
Maintenance Requests can be sent to the property committee by emailing [email protected] or by calling 905-527-8441 x404
Please leave your name and phone number and the nature of the problem and someone will get back to you as soon as
possible. Some examples of issues for which you would contact the property committee:
A burnt-out light bulb
A leaky faucet
A malfunctioning lock
A clogged toilet
Thank you for your consideration in this matter. ~Betty Repa, Property Chair
Our website: http://firstunitarianhamilton.org/ Check it out!
The Hamilton Unitarian April 2015
Our website: http://firstunitarianhamilton.org/ Check it out!
Page 11
news from —
Lifespan Learning
[email protected] or 905 527-8441 ext 222
“Life is like a compost heap. The rotting debris of everyday trials just
keeps piling up... but if we wait long enough and remain steadfast and
strong, even the stinkiest pile will bear good and worthwhile things.”
- from the Earth Friendly Gardening Blog
We are grateful to Nancy Willson, for setting up our
own composting station here at the church, complete with
red wriggler worms! Soon we’ll be adding the greenhouse,
and Loving Our Earth will be an ongoing theme, just like
peace, and ecumenical understanding, from year to year.
Speaking of ongoing themes, the Junior Youth, when
presented with a challenge in their “Sing to the Power” curriculum, thought about what made them passionate, fired
up, and longing for change. Recalling their work for
Food4Kids two years ago, they reasoned that hunger is still
a huge issue facing children in our community. Who can
focus on peace or the environment while they are distracted
by the feeling of hunger? With that in mind, they have chosen to take on an extra fundraising project for Food4Kids.
Our Junior Youth will be invited on a special laser tag
outing later this month. This invitation will also be extended
to members of the class currently taking OWL.
Our children’s classes will enjoy two unique opportunities for intergenerational worship in April. Easter, on April
5th, will be full of music, drama, and surprises from our
kids. They will also be invited to participate in the Blessing
of the Animals on April 19.
Save the dates:
On Sunday, May 24th, we are planning a field trip to
the Green Venture EcoHouse, and families are invited, too!
On Sunday, May 31, the Committee for Children &
Youth in Religious Exploration will be hosting a visioning
workshop, to partner with the congregation in renewing our
vision statement. We hope you will join us for lunch, and a
lively discussion of our hopes, dreams, and plans for action
to make the best of our time with our children and youth.
Adult Religious Exploration Music and Spirituality
Don't miss this workshop given by Rachel Derry on
April 20th from 7 to 9p.m. in the sanctuary. With guidance
from Rachel, you will look at music as a spiritual practice
and further explore the untapped potential of music in your
spiritual journey. The sign-up sheet is on the ARE bulletin
board beside Rev. Victoria's office.
Food for Thought Book
Group
Writer’s Circle
April 1, 2015
9:30-11:30 am Rm 9
For more information, contact
Valerie at 905-643-5425 or
[email protected]
Mon April 20th 7:30 pm to 9pm
Room 9
Come Join Us! This month’s book is:
The Other Family
by Joanne Trollope
Church Emails
Booking Rooms
Submitted by committee chairs
[email protected]
Order of Service/ACE
[email protected]
Deadline: Wed 9:00 am
Newsletter Submissions
[email protected]
Property/Maintenance
[email protected]
Address/Email/Phone Updates
[email protected]
Committee Minutes:
[email protected]
Our Church Library is Online!!!
www.firstunitarianhamilton.org/library.htm
Look for a listing of church emails at:
www.firstunitarianhamilton.org/churchemails.htm
The emails can also be found by clicking ContactCheck
Us or Us
theOut!
Administration tab on our website.
Our website: http://firstunitarianhamilton.org/ Check it out!
ALL CONGREGATION RETREAT
What’s Happening at the All Congregation Retreat on Sat., April 18th at Charles Sturt University, Burlington, ON?
There will be opportunities to interact with Rev. Victoria, Rev. Carly and church leaders to consider how we can best work together in our committee work, in our congregation and in the community to achieve our mission. We will use the church’s Outreach Ministry Project as an example of congregational engagement and commitment (see agenda below). Those who have attended in the past tell us how valuable these retreats are in being informed, inspired and connected as a church community. Register by contacting Pat Dickinson or Tamara McClellan, no later than Sat. April 11th, so that we can plan refreshments
and send you the material you will need for the retreat.
Agenda for First Hamilton’s
ALL CONGREGATION RETREAT
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Charles Sturt University, Burlington, ON
Today’s Retreat is designed to:
1. Provide you with practical tools, tips, and techniques for accomplishing your volunteer, committee, and
congregant goals at First.
2. Create a common understanding for how we agree to work, communicate, make decisions, and solve dilemmas at
First.
3. Share a foundation of knowledge of effective and sustainable strategies for building competence in social justice,
outreach, relevance, and impact in the community.
8:30 a.m.
Coffee’s On! Beverages, muffins and morning snacks available.
9:00
Welcome and Morning Wake-up, Agenda Overview
N&LD
9:15
Community in Context: Living Our Mission
Rev. Victoria
10:00
How We Are With One Another
10:45
Break
11:00
Covenants, Group Agreements, and Norms
Rev. Victoria, Marilyn
11:30
Getting Things Done at First
Julianna/ Rev. Victoria
12:15 p.m.
Luncheon (Bring Your Own – Microwave and Fridge available)
1:00
Sustainable Church – Strategies for Relevance, Outreach
2:30
Break
2:45
Sustainable Church, continued
3:30 p.m.
Adjourn for the Day
Gail
Rev. Carly, Rev. Victoria
DIRECTIONS: From 403/QEW going toward Toronto, take the Guelph Line exit. Turn right and get into the left lane,
prepared to turn left onto Harvester Road. From Harvester, turn right onto Harrington. Follow Harrington to the end,
where you will see Charles Sturt University signs on your right. Turn right into the parking lot and proceed to the back of
the building. Parking is ample and free!
REMINDERS: Bring your own lunch! Beverages, morning and afternoon snacks will be provided. We will have gluten
free alternatives for breaks. Your help with clean-up at the end of the day is appreciated.
Our website: http://firstunitarianhamilton.org/ Check it out!