Town Hall: Sunday, September 24th

Come one, come all to a Town Hall Meeting after church on Sunday, September 24th from 12:15 to 1:30.  Lunch will be available; suggested donation $5/person.

The Board will present a brief review of where we currently stand regarding membership, finances, Sunday services, stewardship, etc., and outline some plans for the near future.  We’ll have time for questions and input.  Ask us anything and share your ideas. Do you agree with our goals and strategy? Where do you think we need to focus? We look forward to seeing you there.

 

Climate Sharing Circle: 10-11am by Zoom on the 4th Saturdays this Fall

This small group ministry uses climate books as springboards to explore our concerns around climate change. Through personal reflection on what we have read and/or viewed we encourage and support each other as we:

  • expand our knowledge

  • develop coping strategies and

  • discover effective action

All are welcome! Registration (HERE) is appreciated. https://forms.gle/y3AyDRbvvtwH8La79

We meet from 10-11am on Zoom on the 4th Saturday of each month, September through November. Contact zerowasteunitarian@gmail.com or the Church Office for the Zoom link.

Facebook Discussion group: www.facebook.com/groups/greenunitarians/

Corn Roast September 10th

Each September (on our first Sunday Service following the summer break), we hold a CORN ROAST to launch our new church year — and you’re invited!

This year’s CORN ROAST will be held on September 10th following our 10:30 service. The suggested donation is $5 per person to help offset the cost of food (hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers and corn).

Please RSVP HERE so we can plan for the right number of people.

UUA 2023 General Assembly and Article II

What is Article II Total Rewrite anyway, and why should I care?  

Article II is the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) bylaw home of:  the UUA Principles and Sources, Statement of the Right of Individual Belief, and the mandated role of the UUA. (Please note: The Canadian Unitarian Council [CUC] has its own bylaws and statement of Principles).

At the UUA’s General Assembly in June, 86% voted in favor of continuing study of a proposed total rewrite of Article II.  While the CUC hailed this as a major change, and it certainly could be, there is no change as yet.  In one year, the UUA AGM will vote to adopt or reject the proposal, as amended.

While the Article II Study Commission views their proposal as being more adaptive to the future needs of our liberal religion, and many have expressed support, there are also major concerns.

Should the statement of principles and sources, cited by many as a "clear, concise and relevant" statement of those values we hold in common, be dropped?

Should the role and authority of UUA be expanded and redefined to supersede that of congregations?

Should the revised Freedom of Belief clause specifically commit to future "congregational and individual right of conscience"?

Currently the UUA is an organization created by, accountable to and serving the needs of an association of autonomous congregations.  

Should this rewrite be adopted, who ultimately decides congregational priorities and focus? Who is accountable to whom?

You decide. 

For those who wish to learn more, see the report of the Article II Study Commission.  The current version of Article II is found on page 17. The proposed rewrite begins on page 19.  

~ Respectfully submitted by Linda Vance,
volunteer observer of the
UUA’s 2023 General Assembly

Sunday Summer Walks

With Sunday morning services going "on vacation" this summer, let's connect with each other in the great outdoors. Kay and Brian Welwood have volunteered to co-ordinate some walks on Sundays, but can't lead them all — so let us know if you can lead walks on any of the following dates.

All walks would begin at 10:30am and last from 45 minutes to an hour round trip. (OR: You may invite volunteer drivers to meet people seeking carpools at NSUC at 10 am). If you want to lead a walk at a different time or location just let Brian & Kay know and we’ll get the word out.

We suggest that walkers either bring their own snacks and drinks; or find a nearby coffee shop for those who'd like to chat afterward.

Schedule with Possible locations:

Below is a list of dates with locations that are mostly level or have only gentle elevation gains.

If you would be willing to lead one of the walks suggested below, please contact Kay or Brian or leave a message on the church line. Watch the weekly bulletin to see who is leading the Sunday walk.

  • July 2nd: No walk, since this is a holiday weekend.

  • July 9th: Meet at the flagpole @ Grand Boulevard between 13th and 15th Streets in North Vancouver; walk the central pathway.

  • July 16th: Meet in the parking lot of Gleneagles Community Centre; proceed to trailhead for Ocean View Walk in West Vancouver.

  • July 23rd: Meet at the playground in Cates Park; walk the Malcolm Lowry Trail to Little Cates Park and back.

  • July 30th: No walk, but you’re invited to a free Brunch with the Board. Details HERE.

  • August 6th: No walk, since this is a holiday weekend.

  • August 13th: Meet under the Q sign at Lonsdale Quay; walk west on the Spirit Trail to Lower McKay Creek and back.

  • August 20th: Meet at John Lawson Park playground in West Vancouver; walk the West Van Seawall to Dundarave Beach and back.

  • August 27th: Meet at the Wild Bird Trust building in Maplewood Flats Conservation Area; hike the trail circuit.

  • September 3rd: No walk or service, since this is a holiday weekend. But please join us at 10:30am next Sunday for our first Sunday Service of the new church year!

 Hope to see you an any or all of these walks!