Vol. 7, No. 15 Nov/Dec 2014 First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa The Parkway Spire Inside this issue: Fall Fair Facts Fall Fair Facts..........................1 Did you know that it takes the coordinated efforts of almost 400 volunteers to prepare and run our Fall Fair, the Holly and Lace Bazaar? In Memoriam..........................1 Caring Contacts.....................1 In Memoriam Phyllis Edna Mitchell ― Died October 10 President’s Corner.................2 Capital Ideas―John Marsh…..…………..............3 Religious Exploration – a few moments with Susan.......4-5 Worship Services................5-6 Thank You Merci Gracias.....7 Bulletin Boards………...........7 Fall Fair....................................8 Did you know that the proceeds of last year’s Fall Fair constituted an amazing 10 percent of the congregation’s operating budget? Caring Contacts SRC Calendar…………..…………9 Announcements..............10-11 First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa Information......12 Did you know that by 8:30 on the morning of the Fall Fair, there is already a long line-up to get in the door? Deadline for next Spire submissions: January 11, 2015 November Angela Beale 613- 233-5420, [email protected] Marilyn Prevost 613-231-7391, [email protected] December Marianne Wood 613-725-3452, [email protected] Wendy Tomlinson 613-829-1964, [email protected] Read more about it on page 8 President’s Corner — Ma ury Prevost Volunteers: Giving Time and Talent The subject of this column was inspired by some discussion at the Town Hall meeting of October 5 as well as the upcoming Fall Fair on November 15. The connection is that the Fall Fair involves by far the largest number of volunteers of any activity in our congregation, approximately 350 in all, and is a great example of engaging volunteers effectively with significant benefit to our congregation. Here are some questions or concerns on this subject that I heard at the Town Hall: • How do we better engage youth and young adults? • How do we support volunteers in our congregation, e.g. with training and “scholarships” for events and make them feel important and appreciated? • How can we get more volunteers, as opposed to paid staff, to fill leadership roles including implementing key actions in our new Strategic Plan? • Some of our most active and longest-serving volunteers have reached a stage in their lives where they are no longer able to contribute the same amount of time and energy as in the past but they still want to contribute. How can we enable this? I feel that these are questions that our staff and volunteer leadership need to work on together. As a next step in the discussion I have some observations and suggestions to share: Parkway Spire Page 2 • Why are we able to attract so many volunteers for the Fall Fair? I think the reasons include: it has a clear goal which we regularly achieve; most of the activity happens in a short period of time with a hierarchy of leadership and welldefined short-term tasks; it builds community; and we have fun doing it. • Some other areas of our congregational life where we have very healthy volunteer involvement are: everything to do with the Sunday services, our Religious Exploration programs, and our Music program. All of these areas benefit from a good mix of professional staff and volunteer leadership. • I am constantly saying “thank you” to people and “I appreciate everything you’re doing”. I recommend this practice to everyone. It’s easy to do and goes a long way toward building a culture of appreciation. • We should organize some training in volunteer management including best practices in recruiting and retaining volunteers and in matching volunteers to tasks that are interesting and suitable for them. • It could be very helpful to have a Volunteer Coordinator or Volunteer Coordination Team. Any volunteers? In closing, as one volunteer to many others I want to say: Thank you for giving your time and talent! ~Maury Capital Ideas! — John Ma rsh Does it spark joy? If you are like me, you are now looking at your closets, bookshelves, and garage corners with a critical eye. Our legendary Fall Fair is coming up on November 15, and now is the opportunity to declutter, benefit our congregation, and pass an object on to someone who may be overjoyed to receive it at a bargain price. Marie Kondo, one of the many gurus of decluttering, advocates bringing reverence to the task. She has recently published “The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing”, a book about her life and approach to personal belongings. It is already a best seller in Japan and will soon appear here in Canada. Her method can be boiled down to two basic tenets: discard everything that does not “spark joy”; take time to thank and say a proper goodbye to those objects you do not expect to see again, as they have worked hard for you. It occurs to me that this approach could also be used for holiday rituals, exercise routines, menu planning, smart phone apps, political party affiliations and favourite sports teams. Perhaps sparking joy is setting the bar awfully high for a pair of sneakers (and there is a good argument to be made for the comfort of an old shoe) but the question deserves to be asked–and we were made for joy. Happy Sorting! ~ John Parkway Spire Page 3 Religious Exploration – Sharing a moment with Susan “I'm interested in learning that’s motivated by reverence for life, that’s motivated by a desire to learn skills, to learn new things that help us to better contribute to our own well-being and the well-being of others.”~ Marshall Rosenberg RE Calendar November 1 Frankenstuffie Family Workshop 10 a.m.-noon November 2 Family Chapel 10:30 a.m. Compassionate Communication Learning Circle 12:30-2 p.m. November 16 Aboriginal Music with David Finkle November 20 Compassionate Communication Learning Circle 7-8:30 p.m. November 23 Youth Group visits Parkdale Food Centre November 28-30 Senior High OWL Weekend December 7 Family Chapel 10:30 a.m. Compassionate Communication Learning Circle 12:30-2 p.m. December 14 Mitten Tree All Ages Service December 21 Caroling at Unitarian House December 24 Family Christmas Eve Service 5 p.m. December 28 No RE/Child Care in Room 4 Parkway Spire This October, I attended the Liberal Religious Educators Association’s Fall Conference for the first time. The LREDA is an antiracist, anti-oppression, welcoming, professional organization open to liberal religious educators and those supportive of religious education. LREDA promotes the religious growth and learning of people of all ages and advocates for and supports religious educators and the field of liberal religious education. LREDA envisions that the centre of our work as religious educators is belief in the transformative power of educating through our Unitarian Universalist faith. Of the 171 attendees at the event, which took place in Decatur, Georgia, I was among four Canadian registrants. I am very appreciative both of the opportunity to attend and of our congregation’s commitment to Lifespan Learning. We participated in presentations and workshops on Collaborative Staff Relations, Finance, Continuing Education, Radical Hospitality, Pastoral Care, and Self Care. We benefited from Page 4 history shared by senior religious educators and were stirred to consider the ongoing challenges that exist in our work. We learned about Credentialing for Religious Educators and new program offerings from the Unitarian Universalist Association. We gathered in meaningful and inspiring worship and spent time connecting with colleagues from across North America. Rev. Meg Barnhouse opened the main conference with an insightful, humorous, musical keynote speech. She spoke about how we can become wearied by the “dailyness” of ministry and how important it is to keep our goals in sight in the midst of it. Not necessarily discreet, measurable goals, but that picture you have in your mind and heart of what it looks and feels like in those moments when you say to yourself, “THIS is church! I’m havin’ church!” All of us are part of the ministry of our congregation, the community beyond, and of our own lives. I imagine that we all have moments of feeling wearied by “dailyness.” How does it look and feel for you to tap into the essence of what it is to be alive and in loving connection with yourself and others? I would be happy to talk with any interested congregants at greater length about LREDA and the conference learnings. ….continued on page 5 Sharing a moment with Susan …cont. from page 4 Meanwhile, here are some jottings from my notebook. I hope they may stir something in you as they did in me. * TTT = Things Take Time...no trickier path to master than patience and waiting. * If you're not failing, you’re probably not risking enough. * Go out and find your greatness! * We are seeking not just change, but progress. * This too shall pass and this too shall come again. * Is this something I would like engraved on my headstone? If not, let it go. * Remember to pay attention to the moments when it’s working, when call meets reality. * Anxiety and stress can be transformative―it means the sap is rising. * Self-compassion means our hearts open more toward ourselves when we feel down rather than rejecting ourselves as failures. * Pastoral care is being with others in a way that allows them to realize their full humanity Blessings ~ Susan November Worship Services November 2 A Gandhian Experiment: The Story of Child Haven Nepal Guest Speaker: Rev. Fred Cappuccino Starting in 1985, Child Haven has helped several thousand formerly destitute children, while aiming to follow six Gandhian principles: Non-violence, vegetarianism, no recognition of caste, equality of boys and girls, simple living, no religious conversion. Fred will tell stories about the children. November 9 Remembrance Day Service Speakers: John Marsh & Bob Armstrong We will honour those who put themselves in harm’s way for the sake of our community and reflect on the changing face of war. November 16 “Swimming from Alcatraz and Other Stories” Speaker: John Marsh Worship Associate: Phyllis Eleazar Swimming from Alcatraz to the mainland was on my bucket list. I did it. Like many such undertakings, the results were different from what I expected. We will also consider unique aspects of bays of water. November 23 “If you go out in the woods today…” Please gather some of nature’s treasures for our upcoming craft project in R.E.! On December 7, we will find our light in the darkness of the Advent Spiral and then use our hands to create candles and holders to take home for illumination as the days grow shorter. We welcome your offerings of acorns, acorn cups, dried seeds and pods, small pinecones, bits of moss, little twigs, and dried flowers at the R.E. Office until November 30. Parkway Spire Page 5 “Rising Water Levels” Speaker: John Marsh Worship Associate: Bob Armstrong We are already beginning to see non-human life beginning to change and adapt to our world’s changing environment. We human beings have a reputation for being able to adapt to extremely diverse environments. What might be in store for us and how might we cope? November 30 “Waiting in Expectation” Speaker: John Marsh Worship Associate: Joe Connor On the first day of Advent in the Christian calendar we will consider what preparations are necessary for new life to flourish. December, January Worship Services December 28 December 7 “Animal Rights” Speaker: John Marsh Worship Associate: Phyllis Eleazar Our collective views on animal rights are changing. We may not all agree on where to draw the line, but almost all now agree that there is a line to be drawn. Remarkably, food corporations seem to be ahead of governments in making positive changes. December 14 Mitten Tree Service - A Service for All Ages As we tell Jan Brett’s story of “The Mitten” we will reflect on how there is room enough for all. Join us in a communion of sharing warmth: the warmth of mittens, hats and scarves; the warmth of nurturing relationships; the warmth of being in community. In the spirit of this communion, please bring mittens, hats, scarves and other wear to donate to the Snowsuit Fund. Parkway Spire December 21 Winter Solstice Speakers: John Marsh & others Help us celebrate the Return of the Sun with Poetry, Song and Reflections December 24 Christmas Eve Services 5 p.m. – Family Christmas Eve Service The Friendly Beasts Pageant 6 p.m. – Light Supper in Fellowship Hall 7:30 p.m. – Service of Readings and Carols 10:00 p.m. – La veille de Noel Homilie: Rozanne Lepine Page 6 “Moving into the New Year with Thoreau” Guest speaker: Rev. Linda Goonewardene, Community Minister The life of Henry David Thoreau provides inspiration in a multitude of perspectives. As we transition out of 2014 and move toward 2015, how might his example and his wisdom inform us? January 4 “The Wheel of Fortune” Speaker: John Marsh With a passing glance at Vanna White, we will reflect more on thoughts of Boethius, Shakespeare and (if you like) John Kennedy Toole, author of “Confederacy of Dunces”. You will also be invited to reflect on your own life and your own periods of highs and lows. January 11 “Who’s in Charge Here?” Speaker: John Marsh Reflections on Healthy Dogs and Mad English Kings Thank you Merci Gracias ~ compiled by Alastaire Henderson Here are some people and activities to appreciate, recognize, and celebrate: The Adult Learning Team extends warm appreciation to Jen Brennan for her indispensable work in bringing this fall’s Lifespan Learning Guide to press. Thank you Jen! Many thanks to Lori Snyder, Renee de Vry, and Sue Newman for their hard work, baking and selling to make the “Halloween Treats” fundraising sale a success for the Friends of the Meditation Gardens! And a big thank-you to Jan Andrews for her excellent work on the Meditation Gardens 2015 calendar! You can submit items by sending an email to Alastaire at [email protected] or by calling 613-562-2253 at least 48 hours before the Parkway Spire deadline. A Message from the Director of Operations - Bulletin Boards There seems to be a great deal of misunderstanding around the policy about what can and cannot be posted on our bulletin boards. As much as we can, we try to make it as easy as possible for those who wish to advertise events that are happening in and around the city so that our members can access information of interest to them. Our bulletin boards have different designations: • We have a bulletin board for Music on the Worship Cupboard door that advertises upcoming music performances and fundraising concerts. • We have a Social Responsibility bulletin board–our largest board–that has information on some of the projects that our working groups and committees are involved in. • We have a Community bulletin board that is for events happening in and around our neighbourhood. • We have 2 boards in Worship Hall for posters of current and upcoming events that are happening in the church • And lastly, we have three bulletin boards outside our church office for our staff to keep you informed of activities pertaining to, for example, Religious Exploration and our financial campaign and status. Parkway Spire Page 7 None of our bulletin boards are for advertising of a personal nature or for soliciting contributions. If these are posted, they will be removed. All events are important and publicity is vital; however, when you have bulletin boards covered with posters, business cards, tear-off sheets etc. it can become overwhelming and those who may be interested may not be able to see important items. For guideline purposes: • • • Make sure that the information is clear i.e. time, place and date Post only one poster in one place If you have any doubts, please see either Jen or myself in the office Our beautiful space is first and foremost a sacred and spiritual place and too much advertising does not reflect that to the congregation and visitors to our church. If there are any questions about what can and cannot be posted or if you’d like to post something and are unsure if it is appropriate, please check with the office. As much as possible we will try to ensure that all events are publicized and given the attention that they deserve. Thank you for your cooperation. ~Carolyn Turner You Guide to the Holly and Lace Bazaar (Fall Fair) – Saturday, November 15, from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm Want to Help Out? We need movers, sorters, drivers, bakers, sellers, and helpers. We are also on the lookout to borrow bridge tables, trucks, trailers, and vans–and as always, donations of good, saleable stuff! Please call Ellen Smith 613-623-5890, [email protected] to volunteer. Parking Passes We ask volunteers to park on the side streets in order to reserve the parking lot for our customers. If driving, get a parking permit from your convenor (electronically) or in the photocopy room. The shuttle and parking lot managers will have permits to distribute. Donations Preparations are underway, so it’s time to clean out those closets, basements, and garages. We welcome forgotten treasures, rather than wellloved, well ... junk. So please, donate only things you would want to buy yourself. Pre-sorting your donations is a must! • Make sure all items are clean and safe—not chipped, broken, dirty or mouldy! • Try to group like items together. • Use boxes rather than bags, and label for contents. We can supply boxes if you need them. • Keep boxes small enough for a person to lift and carry. Parkway Spire Pickup, storage and packing • If you have a pressing need to bring donations to the church earlier, call ahead of time about storage. • For pick-up of articles for Fall Fair, call Katherine as early as possible—before November 3. • For boxes to use in packing, call Katharine Gunn, 613729-0504, [email protected]. Dropping off Donations • Donations are gratefully received at the church from Monday, November 10 to Thursday, November 13, between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. After coffee hour on Sunday, November 9, some items may be brought in (see * below). • Helpers will be available at the door to assist with boxes on weekdays, 10:00-11:30 and 1:00-2:30 Exceptions to this are: • Preserves and baking, which can be dropped off on Friday, November 14 until 5:00 p.m., or on Saturday morning, November 15, before sales begin. • *For those whose only window of opportunity is Sunday the 9th after service, donations may be brought after coffee hour, while rooms are being set up. Page 8 What to bring: • Jewellery, stamps and coins (can be dropped off anytime) • Clothing & accessories for adults and teens • Books, CDs, tapes, records • Electronics (consider working stereos, iPods, or computers) • Toys, games, puzzles • Fine artwork, glassware, china • Linens & curtains (no drapes) • Household items (kitchenware, tools, small furniture, knick-knacks) All items must be carry-able by a single person. What not to bring • Items that are dirty, mouldy or need repair (unless it is jewellery) • Equipment for small children (cannot be resold due to safety implications) • Fabric (no booth) • Children’s clothing (no booth) • Stuffed toys (these do not sell) • Old TVs or CRT monitors • Text books, magazines, National Geographics, Reader’s Digest Condensed Social Responsibility Calendar November Sunday November 2 - 12:30 p.m. UN Working Group Sunday November 9 - 10:00 a.m. Fair Trade Sales - 10:00 AM Granny Squares - 12:30 p.m. Global Justice Working Group Tuesday November 18 - 9:00 a.m. Poverty Awareness Working Group Thursday November 20 - 4:00 p.m. Unitarian GoGos Friday November 21 - 9:30 a.m Social Responsibility Steering Committee Sunday November 23 - 12:30 p.m. Mental Illness Working Group Tuesday November 25 - 7:30 p.m. “Unpacking our Voting System: Can We Do Better?” Sunday November 30 - 12:30 p.m. Town Hall: Light Rail Transit UU’s at Supreme Court for Dying with Dignity December Sunday December 14 - 10:00 a.m. Fair Trade Sales - 10:00 a.m. Granny Squares Sunday December 21 - 10:00 a.m. Fair Trade Sales Thursday December 18 - 4:00 p.m. Unitarian GoGos Friday December 19 - 9:30 a.m. Social Responsibility Steering Committee Parkway Spire Page 9 Announcements Study Group on the Buddha's Noble Eight Fold Path What exactly is this Path that leads to the end of suffering? Participants in this study group will learn and discuss the principles, behaviours, and values in the Buddha’s Noble Eight fold Path. This 10-week course will offer a time to centre in meditation followed by a slide presentation and open discussion. This course will be led by Hoa Nguyen, a student of meditation and Buddhist teaching for 20 years. Hoa is Head of the 2013 language and cinema department at the College of the Outaouais and a lecturer in the Multidisciplinary School of the image (IME) at the University of Quebec in the Outaouais. When: Starting Saturday, January 17th, every 2 to 3 weeks - other dates to be confirmed. Where: First Unitarian Congregation, Room 2 Cost: Traditionally, Buddhist teachings are freely offered. A donation bowl to the church will be available. Registration: Watch for an announcement in the November e-UU’s. Please note: This is not a drop-in group―once the study group begins, membership is closed. Contact: Colleen Glass, adultlearning@firstunitaria nottawa.ca Parkway Spire Wednesday Evening Mindfulness Meditation Group The first Wednesday of each month we welcome new people to the group and have a longer check-in with questions and answers. This is followed by a shorter chair Yoga, STOP, the loving kindness chant, walking meditation period and then a longer sitting meditation. The other evenings in the month will provide opportunities for the group to "go a little deeper" together in noble silence. One can expect a short STOP reminder, a loving kindness chant together followed by a longer 20-25 minute silent walking meditation then 40 -45 minutes of silent sitting meditation. When: Every Wednesday evening from 7pm to 8:30pm until Dec 17th. After the holidays, the group will start on January 8. Where: Fellowship Hall Contact: adultlearningcommittee@firstu nitarianottawa.ca UU Round Table Lunch All Unitarian Universalists and guests are invited to attend for lively discussions with persons of diverse interests and experiences. When: Third Friday of the month, at 1 pm: Friday, November 21 and Friday, December 19. Where: Mia’s Indian Cuisine 917 Richmond Road (613-695-3333) Contact: Tudy McLaine, 613-745-8074 or Marjorie Daechsel, 613-596-1471 by the third Thursday evening to reserve a place. Page 10 Friday Reading for Growth Group The group will meet in the Lounge at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 28 to discuss “The Spinoza Problem” by Irvin D. Yalom. Newcomers welcome. Contact: Margot Clarke, 613-820-6596, [email protected] Hospitality Hour I'm long overdue in thanking the many volunteers who come out every week to a seamlessly produced and welcoming hospitality hour for the congregation. You are all dedicated and special people. Remember, if you can't make it to work in the kitchen, homemade goodies or a different assortment of food fare are so welcome. ~Tarrel Armstrong Announcements Unitarian Seniors’ Program in November Study Program on the Israel-Palestine Conflict New Format for Seniors’ Program in 2015 The Global Justice Working Group Jacob Caines will lead the annual pre-Christmas music program. Jacob promises something novel this year. Bob Armstrong will lead the worship service. When: Tuesday, Nov. 25 Service: 11:30 am Lunch ($7 or pay what you can): 12:00 pm Program: 1:00 pm Where: Worship/Fellowship Hall RSVP (if you are not on the phone list): Maureen Sly at 613-728-7610 or [email protected] by Saturday, November 22. Note: Earphones available in Worship and Fellowship Halls. Service and program can be recorded on a CD (cost $5) or is available on the Internet (free). Note: There will be no Seniors' Program in December. In January 2015 the Unitarian Seniors' Program will change to an early-afternoon format: 1:00 p.m. Worship service 1:30 p.m. Program 2:30 p.m. Dessert, tea, coffee and conversation The cost will be $3.00 (or pay what you can). After almost 20 years of providing lunch and having increasing difficulty in recruiting convenors, the Seniors’ Program Planning Committee recently decided it was time to simplify the program format. However, its original purpose, as established by Sue Van Iterson in 1996, will remain unchanged. It will continue to be a time of fellowship and lively conversation, primarily for seniors and retired folks, held on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday near the end of each month (except December). Please note that this change will not occur until the New Year: it will begin on Wednesday, January 28, 2015 @ 1:00 p.m. Parkway Spire Page 11 Tuesday, November 4 , 7pm Palestinian Refugees: A Personal Story by Rami Abou Hamde Tuesday, November 18, 7pm The Israeli Occupation of the Westbank by Hamdi Abu Ali, Councillor of the Palestinian Delegation Tuesday, December 2, 7pm Gaza: Who are the Gazans? Gaza history and a personal story by university student Reem Buhaisi Where: Worship Hall Information: Anita, 613-820-2892, [email protected] We are selling Fair Trade, organic chocolate products and coffee on November 16, December 14 and December 21 in Fellowship Hall, after the Sunday service. Fair Trade, organic Zatoun Xtra Virgin olive oil, za'atar and soap will be available as well. Support local co-operatives and their communities. First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa 30 Cleary Avenue Ottawa, Ontario K2A 4A1 Phone: 613-725-1066 Fax: 613-725-3259 E-mail: [email protected] Web site: www.firstunitarianottawa.ca Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30 a.m.-4:00 p.m., Sunday, 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. 2014–2015 Board of Directors Maury Prevost, President; Kim Elmer, Past President; Maggie Sharp, Vice-President; Chuck Triemstra, Treasurer; Alastaire Henderson, Secretary; Members at Large: Robert Cummings, Eva Berringer, Guy Belleperche, and Terry Kimmel Youth Representative: Jenna Hill-Murphy Program Staff Rev. John Marsh, Minister [email protected], x225 Susan McEwen, Director of Lifespan Learning [email protected], x234 Marie Gabe, Lifespan Learning Assistant [email protected], x226 Jacob Caines, Music Director, [email protected], x230 Ellen Bell, Spiritual Care Visitor Lay Chaplains Bob Armstrong (Beechwood Military Cemetery), Alec Campbell, Nicki Bridgland (candidate) Administrative Staff Carolyn Turner, Director of Operations [email protected], x228 Jen Brennan, Office Manager [email protected], x221 Mary Du, Accounting Officer [email protected], x222 Spire Contributors Tarrel Armstrong, Maureen Cassidy, Margot Clarke, Werner Daechsel, Alexandra Devine, Colleen Glass, Alastaire Henderson, Margaret Linton, John Marsh, Susan McEwen, Maury Prevost, Maureen Sly, Carolyn Turner Next deadline for submissions: January 11, 2015 Subscriptions Electronic subscriptions are free, contact: [email protected]. For information on receiving the Spire via surface mail (cost $12), contact the church office. Spire Editorial Team Copy Editor: Alastaire Henderson Layout: Jan Andrews Proofreading: Jen Brennan, Susan Mellor, Arthur Palmer, Warren Scott
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