Sunday Worship Services and Religious Education Classes are held at the Sapperton Pensioners’ Hall,
318 Keary Street, New Westminster. Services start at 10:30 a.m.
Beacon’s theme for the month of October is ‘Wholeness’. On Sunday mornings we will explore what
wholeness means for the individual, for the planet and what it means for all of Creation. Look for the theme
sheet insert on Sunday, for more ideas, books, films, questions and suggestions for spiritual practices on the
theme of ‘wholeness’.
Sunday Oct 5, 10:30 a.m.
Sunday Oct 19, 10:30 a.m.
Sunday Oct 26, 10:30 a.m.
Divided No More
Our Whole House
Reflections of a Unitarian Activist
Rev. Debra Thorne
We arrive in this world beautiful
and whole, as the tree is whole, as
the rose is whole. Then we learn the
ways of the world, which include
choices to ignore, defy or deny the
wholeness that we are. To survive
we fragment and lose touch with
our original selves. Yet if we listen,
we’ll hear the small inner voice of
yearning to return to our wholeness.
Good Times Harmony Singers
Foodbank Collection
Rev. Debra Thorne
Party at the Big House: It’s Stewardship Sunday!!!
All that we say and all that we do
are equal parts of who we are. It is
the same for our families and our
community. Every person is
valuable. Every person’s
contribution is necessary for the
whole. Whether you are singing
from the rafters (or swinging),
washing dishes or hosting an event
in your own home: We Need You!
So let the party begin, we have so
much to celebrate.
Choir sings today.
Stewardship Cupcake Party after
the Service - see page 3 for info.
Rev. Frances Deverell
Unitarians have always desired a
public voice and presence in the
modern era. Where have we come
from? What role has the Canadian
Unitarians For Social Justice had to
play in the process? What are the
possibilities for us going forward?
What does CUSJ have to contribute
to the Canadian Unitarian search for
wholeness?
Sunday Oct 12, 10:30 a.m.
Mother Earth
Aline LaFlamme
Aline LaFlamme will draw on her
experience and many contacts to
illustrate the importance of land and
resources to pre-contact and present
day First Nations and Métis people
of British Columbia. This will
connect with Beacon’s
acknowledgement that we meet on
the unceded lands of the Coast
Salish people, including the Qayqat
First Nation, the Kwantlen First
Nation and the Musqueam First
Nation
Coordinator: Marilyn Medén
Deadline for the November Beacon
October 15, 2014
Please send to:
[email protected]
Frances is a former Beaconite, who
retired from Unitarian Ministry in 2010.
She authored a CUC handbook on
social responsibility, and currently
serves as Past President of the
Canadian Unitarians For Social Justice.
Coordinator: Joan Morris
Choir sings today, Soup Lunch.
Affinity Groups ....................page 5
Board Bitz.............................page 3
Calendar................................page 8
Climate Change workshop....page 6
Food Bank info.....................page 8
Getting to Know U................page 2
Minister’s Words..................page 2
Regional Fall Gathering........page 7
Religious Education .............page 4
Sharing the Plate 2014/15.....page 7
Spotlight................................page 5
Stewardship info...................page 3
What’s New?........................page 6
Youth Group.....................page 5, 8
On Wholeness
I believe we arrived in this world, whole.
Meaning, we were perfectly in-line with who
we were. When we were hungry we asked for
food. When we were tired we slept. When we were
given love we responded in kind. Wholeness is when
your words and your actions are connected to the truth
you hold within. As children, our integrity, what we
said and what we did, was a seamless fit.
Of course, like all living things, we were subjected to
the elements of this world; wind shook and thunder
scared us, and we learned to protect ourselves. Mostly
we learned to protect ourselves from other people. We
learned to pretend we didn’t need something if we knew
we couldn’t ever have it: like love, or tenderness, or
someone to believe us. We learned to deny to ourselves
what we wanted, we learned to ignore the impulse to
trust others, and we learned to actively defy our deeper
heart’s truth. This is how we became divided in our
selves.
We may have been able to hold on to our wholeness,
despite the challenges in our environment, by using our
imaginations. These words were written by Marvin
Mercer when he was in Grade Five, living in Harlem,
New York.
My heart trembles like a poor leaf.
The planets whirl in my dreams.
The stars press against my window.
I rotate in my sleep.
My bed is a warm planet.
Marvin was a city boy, who could imagine the vastness
of this galaxy pressing into his bedroom. He speaks
with a profound wisdom of how all things are parts of
the wholeness of the universe. His bed is a planet, the
farthest star touches his window, his heart trembles like
a leaf and his dreams welcome the planets. Outside and
inside are part of one whole. Everything is part of
everything, depending on your perspective, depending
on how big your mental reach.
This month we will look at life and living through the
lens of wholeness. We will look at our world, and the
stars, and the leaf as they are whole unto themselves
and yet together create a larger wholeness: The
wholeness of all of Creation.
There will be a sheet of questions, activities and
readings on the theme of ‘wholeness’ available at the
first Sunday service, for you to take home. It is my hope
that throughout the month of October you and your
family and friends will explore the theme of
‘wholeness’, in conversations, family activities, and as a
part of your spiritual practice. If you are not yet in a
Soul Matters group, where we delve deeper into the
monthly theme, please consider joining one.
May you enjoy the journey!
Rev. Debra Thorne
Getting to Know U!
Monday, September 29 at 7 pm
This is an opportunity to meet others who are new to Beacon and perhaps new to Unitarianism in a relaxed
evening of conversation and questions. ‘Getting to Know U!’, is just that, an opportunity to get to know both
you and this U(nitarian) congregation.
If you are interested in attending please contact either Joan Morris ([email protected]) or Rev. Debra
Thorne ([email protected]) for the location.
#414, 552A Clarke Road Coquitlam, B.C. V3J 0A3
[email protected]
Consulting Minister 2013-2014:
Rev. Debra Thorne [email protected]
Lay Chaplain: Marilyn Medén
604-469-6797, [email protected]
Choir Director: Charlene Dubrule
604-464-3992, [email protected]
Board Executive:
Terry McComas, Nancy Rupert, Audrey Taylor, Carol Woodworth
Trustees: Peggy Lunderville, Jane Shoemaker, Rob Warner
Jean Donaldson 604-461-0056,
[email protected]
Care & Concerns:
Renée Spakowsky 604-463-8086
Beacon Editor: Donna Hamilton [email protected]
Beacon Distribution: Tom & Uta Poiker
Connections & Membership
BeaconUnitarian.org
From your Board Executive
Your Board has been keeping busy,
meeting in July and August as well as
holding a retreat in the morning
before our Leadership Retreat on
September 6, where we talked about
church growth in its various forms. We are feeling
inspired by the retreat’s discussions about the direction
participants wish Beacon to go, and we’ve begun to
divide our Board Meeting into two parts: one where
we plan for growth, and the second where we take care
of other church business.
process. Board meetings are open to all, and we invite
you to come visit (see meeting dates below).
In preparation for creating our 2014-2015 budget,
Audrey is asking Board Liaisons to contact Committee
Chairs with a planning form for committee budgets.
Please contact your Liaison if you do not hear from
him or her in the next week or so, as you will need it
for your October meeting (they are due by Nov. 2).
Beacon Board Meetings, 2014:
One thing the Board thought that the various
committees at Beacon could keep in mind as they
make their plans for the 2014-2015 church year is,
“how can our committee also plan with growth in
mind?” Please share any ideas you might think of with
your Board Liaison, as we’d love to hear about it.
Oct. 8th, 6:30 pm-9pm
Nov. 2nd, 1 pm-3pm
Nov. 14th, 7pm-9pm (budget meeting)
Dec. 14th, 1 pm-3pm
Meetings are held at the home of Peggy and Tom
Lunderville. Please RSVP if you’d like to come, to
Our collaborative executive continues to iron out all
the details of shared leadership, but we’re enjoying the Peggy at 604-522-3001.
STEWARDSHIP DRIVE
for 2015
During October, you will be hearing a lot about Stewardship (and
receiving written materials). You will be asked to consider what
you will contribute to Beacon in 2015.
Beacon is an amazing community in which it seems everyone
contributes not only their treasure, but also their time and talent. In
this way we fulfil our vision by connecting, inspiring and
transforming ourselves and each other. Without your contributions,
Beacon would not be the strong and joyous congregation it is
today.
If you have any questions or want to help make this Stewardship
Drive the most fun ever, please contact Sue Sparlin, Stewardship
Committee Chair, 778-319-7827 or email to [email protected]
STEWARDSHIP
LAUNCH PARTY
Come join the fun!! Immediately after
the Sunday Service on October 19th, you
are invited to a fun Launch (no, not lunch,
launch) Party to kick off the Stewardship
Drive.
A nautical theme is planned and you are
invited to dress up as if you were going
on a cruise, or come as a pirate, or
surprise us all and come as yourself!
There will be coffee and tea and
cupcakes. At the party you can fill in your
pledge cards, find out about automatic
deposits and transfers in kind, and dream
with us about the upcoming year.
by Laura Redmond
Urban writes that Schweitzer’s philosophy—his deep
respect— is the foundation upon which truly good
people build their lives. They accept and cherish life as
the great gift that it is. They treasure the world and the
other people with whom they share it. The more a
person does this, Schweitzer says, the more life
“…becomes richer, more beautiful and happier. It
Our class was focusing on the first Unitarian principle: becomes, instead of mere living, a real experience of
life.”
“We covenant to affirm and promote the inherent
worth and dignity of every person”. The children’s
rainbow version of the principle puts it this way: “We Translating this into practical terms, Urban notes that
overcoming our self-centeredness and our narrow way
promise to Respect all people” (Red Promise).
of looking at life is a sign of real growth and maturity.
The more we learn to appreciate the differences and
Working in pairs, the children acted out several
relational situations exploring the differences between uniqueness in others, the closer we come to developing
respectful and disrespectful actions and reactions. We our own reverence for life.
agreed that respectful behaviour usually made a
situation better, while disrespectful behaviour made it As we move into October, the Sunday school class will
continue to work with our principles and explore what
worse.
they mean for us in our family and school life. The
remaining principles (rainbow version) are:
Next, the children were each given a colouring book
with yet another version of the principles, again
· Offer kind and fair treatment to all (Orange
expressed in a child-friendly way. The first principle is
Promise)
conveyed this way: “Everyone is important”. If
· Yearn to Accept and Learn About Ourselves
everyone is important it makes sense to treat all people
and Others (Yellow Promise)
with respect. Going back to our opening scenario we
· Grow by Exploring What is True and Right
see that each sister is important—the one who wants to
(Green Promise)
borrow the doll and the one not wanting to share.
· Believe in our Ideas and Act on Them (Blue
Sometimes it is hard to feel the importance of someone
Promise)
in our family—someone whose faults you know only
· Insist on Freedom, Justice, and Peace for all
too well, or someone not currently exhibiting
People (Indigo Promise)
respectful behaviour. But we can make the choice to
· Value our home, Earth, that we share with all
act respectfully, knowing that our respectful behaviour
paves the way for peaceful relations, and even better— living beings (Violet Promise)
fun, creative times with shared laughter and love.
Be a model student! Once a month—or once a year—
attend a Sunday school class and add your enthusiasm,
Going deeper into the theme of “respect”, I’d like to
help maintain the class focus, and give assistance in
quote Hal Urban, from his book Life’s Greatest
Lessons, where he is summarizing a story about Albert other small ways. Contact Laura or Amber to sign up.
Thanks in advance for your willingness to connect
Schweitzer, who felt a “Reverence for Life”.
with our Beacon children! Laura Redmond:
Schweitzer viewed life, including every person, as a
[email protected] or (604) 939-9310; Amber
great gift that needed to be treasured and respected.
Strocel: [email protected] (604) 613-4532.
Then, he said, we can raise Life to its true value.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T !
“I’m disappointed that you won’t let me play with
your doll, because you promised me I could.” These
were the respectful words that the class came up with
for “sister 1” to say to “sister 2” in the scenario where
sister 2 refuses to share her doll.
Beacon’s “Affinity Groups” include several small
groups which are always equally welcoming to
newcomers and seasoned Beaconites. So, if you’d like
to meet with Beaconites in a warm and supportive
environment, check out our small groups.
Humanist Group Meeting -The next
meeting will be September 28, 7:30 p.m. at
Astoria House, Port Coquitlam.
Marilyn Medén will talk about Restorative
Justice. Background information, a short
role play, and description of the present use
Lunch Bunch - meets every Thursday at noon; for
of
Restorative
Justice
will lead us to a discussion. Questions
information contact Ivy Hubbard 604-527-9990.
we might consider are: Is the more appropriate aggrieved
Choir - Choir meets Tuesdays, 7:30 - 9:00 p.m. at Miller party the State or the victim? Are there limits to the
Park School. Choir info: call Charlene 604-464-3992.
application of the Restorative Justice model?
More
info, Marilyn Medén [email protected]
Book Club - Meets on third Thursday each month from
7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. For meeting location, book being Youth Group meets next on October 10. Bake sale
read, or other info, please call Bev Lock 604-525-6791.
Sunday September 28th at church...
For further info contact [email protected]
.
There will be a soup lunch on
, after church. To contribute,
please contact Peggy Lunderville at 604-522-3001, or [email protected]
Earlier this month, I received the following suggestion for a new column in the Beacon, from Jane Shoemaker.
She suggested the title Beaconites in the Spotlight, and I think it is a great idea! Here is Jane's explanation:
I'm sure that Beaconites, like me, would enjoy finding out about performances or exhibits which feature
our friends, of course finding out about them in time to attend. The column could tell when Sue Sparlin
will appear in a play, along with where it will be and when. Similarly we could find out when Nicki
Hamilton’s choir will perform, and when John Hagen's band will perform, etc. Other people might exhibit
their art in an art show (Al Sather has done this in the past), or read poetry in a poetry slam (Franci
Louann), or whatever.
Then, totally serendipitously, I received my first submission, just in time time for the debut of the column. This
will be an occasional column, and it is up to you to send me your notices to include in the Beacon! Please send
details to [email protected] by the 15th of the month.
So, in the SPOTLIGHT this month is Teresa Morton:
Teresa Morton has been named as a “Local Hero” Volunteer for the City of Burnaby, in recognition of
her work with the group 'My Artist's Corner', or MAC. MAC members, artists living with mental health
issues, are holding their 5th Annual Show & Sale on October 4th at Shadbolt Centre for the Arts, in
Burnaby.
Late breaking news: October 19th at 1:30pm at Sapperton Hall: Seniors Have Talent. This is a talent
competition with participants age 55 and over. Sue Sparlin will be performing, as will Joyce Johnstone
and Twinkletoes. Come out and support your local talent. Tickets available at the door.
(Note: Sue won first place in last year’s competition)
What’s New This Year at Beacon?
Theology Pub Update
The first ever Theology Pub night was a great success, bringing together almost two dozen people from both the
South Fraser and Beacon Congregations with a significant number of friends and strangers. It was a wonderful
opportunity to meet new people and old friends. The evening was filled with profoundly deep conversations on
the nature of or absence of God. Personal understandings and experiences of Ultimate Reality could be heard
rising from the four tables of five or six people. Every thirty minutes Rev. Debra Thorne or Rev. Amanda
Aikman would ask everyone to reshuffle themselves so as to meet as many new people as possible. Yes, it was
loud! Yes, there was beer! Yes, it was fun!
The next Theology Pub night is October 12 at 7pm at Central City Brewing Company in North Surrey.
The conversation starter will be: Is wholeness the opposite of sin? Come early for dinner, stay late to socialize.
Here is a map to find the pub: https://www.google.ca/maps/place/Central+City+Brewing+Co
Soul Matters Groups at Beacon
A Soul Matters Group is a small group format that
offers an opportunity to go deeper with the monthly theme. Each group experience is designed to
mentally and spiritually stretch us within a respectful group context.
The Soul Matters Groups meet once a month and
will continue all year. All groups are open to newcomers, so if you’d like to join please contact Rev.
Debra Thorne ([email protected])
Simply Pray
The intent of this group is to deepen our sense of the
holy through authentic prayer/meditation practise. We
will use Unitarian minister Erik Walker Wilkstrom’s
book Simply Pray: a modern spiritual practice to
deepen your life, to learn about the four fundamental
forms of prayer shared by all major religions. Class
will meet the third Wednesday of the month till June
2015. To sign-up for this group contact Rev. Debra
Thorne ([email protected])
Seminar Series at Century House in New Westminster
Are you concerned about climate change? Do you want to learn more? This free, seven-week series of
discussions will explore the entire subject, from whether climate change is real and threatening, to what we
can do about it; personally and as communities, on a local scale and beyond. Networking opportunities with
like-minded people will be offered, as well as strategies for feeling less overwhelmed or discouraged. Our
talks will have no scientific jargon and are aimed at lay people, like ourselves. We invite you to join us.
Presenters Terry McComas, Marilyn Medén & Teresa Morton, all passionate about sharing our knowledge
and experience on Climate Change, are members of Beacon Unitarian Church, which meets in New
Westminster.
Oct 18 to Dec 06 (no class on November 8), Saturdays, 1:30 to 3:30 pm in the OAK Room (Century House,
620 Eighth St., New Westminster, BC)
FREE
Mark your calendars! The
Canadian Unitarian
Council's B.C. Regional
Fall Gathering and Youth
Con will be hosted by the
First Unitarian Church of
Victoria in cahoots with
Capital Congregation on
October 24 to 26!
Whatever our spiritual perspective, certain paths in life seem to lead us to connect more deeply with that which to us
matters most. Some of these paths have shifted and changed, and few have stayed the same. What path are you walking?
Is it filled with music? Stories? Does your life path also bring end-of-life questions? How does your path lead you to
depth and connection?
During the BC Regional Fall Gathering you are invited to explore and deepen a familiar path or chart a new course. While
youth and children partake in specialized programming, adults are invited to participate in four streams:
1) ‘Worship Leader Training’ with Rev. Barbara ten Hove,
2) ‘Storytelling’ with Wedlidi Speck,
3) ‘Choices in Dying, and Planning Your Own Memorial’ with Galina Coffey-Lewis and Jasha Ramsay respectively, or
4) ‘Ubuntu - Singing with Spirit’ with Barbara Slater and Kevin Wilkie.
There are many paths to connecting with the Spirit - come, let us walk them together!
Further info on Regional Fall Gathering, see http://www.beaconunitarian.org/pdf-files/SEPTEMBER_2014.pdf
NEW VIEW SOCIETY, Port Coquitlam
In the late 1960's and early 1970's downsizing began at
Riverview Hospital. There were no existing programs in
the community to help individuals make the transition and
adapt to a new way of living. In fact, many of these expatients wanted to return to the hospital where they had
been involved in social, recreational and work programs.
The New View Society was established in 1973 and quickly
began filling this void by providing programming and
social opportunities for adults and youth with mental illness
and addictions, many of whom were at risk of becoming
homeless. Now some 41 years later, New View Society
continues to provide housing, community living support,
employment services and social and personal growth
opportunities to adults with a mental health diagnosis.
The Society's goal is to enable individuals to live the most
satisfying, hopeful and productive life consistent with the
limitations caused by their illnesses.
Quotes from our members...
"I have been living at Rindall House for about 2 years. I
enjoy the company and the friendship of the women residents and learning from them. I am happy to be working
for over one year and glad to be part of New View Society.
Thank you."
"New View gave us back our daughter and a relationship
with her once again. I will always be thankful to New
View."
The Society is pleased to be hosting THAT'S JUST CRAZY TALK on Wednesday, October 8th at the Inlet Theatre in Port Moody. This solo show performed by Victoria
Maxwell looks at the light and dark side of living with bipolar disorder, anxiety and psychosis. Tickets are $25. For
information call Susanna Walden at 604- 941- 3222 ext.
306 or visit www.newviewsociety.org.
Share Food Bank Project @Beacon
Beacon Food Bank Sunday is back on Oct.5, and on the first Sunday of each month. During
the 2013 -2014 church year, Beacon Unitarian community generously donated almost
$1000.00 to SHARE FOOD Bank in the Tri Cities. They do a wonderful job of stretching
our dollars through special purchasing.
Beacon members also work many volunteer hours every second Wednesday between 11am
to 3pm.to distribute food hampers. Join us, if you can.
We have a good time.
Anita and John Hagen
The Youth Group will be holding a bake sale
after church on September 28.
Sunday, Sep 28
Monday, Sep 29
Friday, Oct 3
Saturday, Oct 4
Sunday, Oct 5
Grandmothers’ Dreamings, Youth Group Bake Sale, Humanist Group (7:30)
Getting to Know U, 7:00, see page 2
Worship Committee meeting, 9:15 @Sally Frith’s
“My Artist’s Corner” Show & Sale, Shadbolt Centre, Burnaby
Divided No More Rev. Debra Thorne plus Good Times Harmony Singers,
(Food Bank collection)
Wednesday Oct 8
Soul Matters Group One 1 - 3, Board Meeting 6:30 pm @Lundervilles
That’s Just Crazy Talk, see page 7
Thursday, Oct 9
Soul Matters Group Two 7 - 9
Sunday, Oct 12
Mother Earth with Aline LaFlamme; Theology Pub night 7 pm
Wednesday, Oct 15
Newsletter Deadline; Simply Pray 7 - 9
Thursday, Oct 16
Connecting and Caring committee , 1 - 3
Saturday, Oct 18
Climate Change Series, 1:30 - 3:30, see page 6
Sunday, Oct 19
Our Whole House Rev. Debra Thorne , choir sings, Stewardship Launch
Seniors Have Talent, Sapperton, 1:30
Friday Oct 24 - Sunday Oct 26 - B.C. Regional Fall Gathering in Victoria
Saturday, Oct 25
Climate Change Series, 1:30 - 3:30, see page 6
Sunday, Oct 26
Reflections of a Unitarian Activist with Rev. Frances Deverell, Choir,
Soup Lunch, Humanist Group meets, 7:30 pm
Every Thursday at noon - Lunch Bunch, see page 5 for contact info
Every Tuesday at 7:30 - Choir, see page 5 for contact info