Join members of our Beyond Plastic Ecochallenge NS Unitarians team for an informal check-in session on Saturday, July 19, at 10 am. We'll share what we've been learning about reducing plastic pollution in our homes and in the wider world. Bring your own beverage to a conversation in the front foyer; we'll provide snacks. Weather permitting, volunteers may arrive at 9:30 or stay later to help tend the native plant garden. Learn more HERE and Join our team HERE.
Haida Gwaii Voyage Opportunity with Bluewater Adventures
Haida Gwaii: Canada’s Wild Archipelago
August 8-15
Join Bluewater Adventures
and Captain Randy Burke (long-time North Shore Unitarians member)
for this trip of a lifetime!
(Special pricing for NSU congregants)
Bluewater Adventures now has 8 spaces open on the August 8-15 trip (after a group cancellation). No spaces are reserved and we will book on a first come, first serve basis. There are 3 people still booked on the trip.
Off the rugged north Pacific coast of British Columbia lies Haida Gwaii, an archipelago of over 200 islands often called "Canada's Galapagos" for its remarkable biodiversity and unique wildlife. This remote and breathtakingly beautiful land is an ecological treasure, shaped by its isolation and the enduring presence of the Haida people.
We explore mystical old growth rainforests, where towering hemlock, spruce, and cedar have been standing for centuries. We will navigate dramatic coastlines, sheltered bays, and remote inlets. While underway, we keep on the lookout for marine life, including humpback whales, orca, dolphins, curious sea lions, and an abundance of sea birds. The islands of Haida Gwaii have always surprised us with random sightings that we never can predict!
For millennia, the Haida people have been the guardians of these islands, with their deep connection to the land and sea woven into their culture and traditions. We have permission to visit ancient Haida villages, totem poles still standing proudly and learn from Haida Watchmen about their stories, life and recent recognition of land title to Haida Gwaii. Immerse yourself in this natural paradise and give back by helping to collect marine debris on remote west coast beaches.
The southern archipelago is protected as the Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve, National Marine Conservation Area Reserve, and Haida Heritage Site, a testament to collaborative conservation efforts between the Haida Nation and the Government of Canada. These initiatives strive to preserve the unique ecosystems, and the many endemic species found nowhere else on Earth, such as the Haida Gwaii black bear and several unique bird subspecies.
Haida Gwaii beckons with its unparalleled natural beauty and profound cultural heritage, offering an unforgettable journey into western Canada's wild heart.
MORE Info:
Vessel: Island Solitude is an 82’ motor-sailor and Bluewater Adventures’ new flagship. Launched in 2018, she has 6 private ensuite double occupancy guest cabins. With two zodiacs for frequent shore excursions and 6 sea kayaks to quietly explore bays and shorelines, Solitude is the perfect vehicle to explore this area.
Trip Cost: After a recent group cancellation, Bluewater is offering North Shore Unitarians 25% off. The regular price is $9840 plus tax. You can join the trip for $7380, plus 5% GST. Airfare to Sandspit, BC is in addition.
Donation: As part of the trip price, $400 per person will be donated to NSUC.
For further information: Please see the attached trip itinerary and visit the Bluewater Adventure website:
www.bluewateradventures.ca
To book or ask questions please contact Heather Burke (heather@bluewateradventures.ca) or call 604-980-3800.
B&G Work Party 9am to noon Sat. June 14th
Removing combustible material from NSU grounds has been identified by the Board as a B&G goal.
On Sat. June 14th, we will move years of accumulated, small diameter deadwood from the wooded area closer to the street and driveway. At a later date, a professional company will bring in a chipper to deal with it.
We'll also try to remove some invasive plants, especially ivy, if we have enough volunteers. This work requires people who have good balance and strength. Others may help by keeping us hydrated and cheering us on.
If you can come, please wear supportive footwear, protective clothing, gloves and perhaps protective goggles/glasses and a hat.
Tools are welcome but not strictly necessary: bring long-handled pruners, pruning saws, or even a gas or electric chain saw if you have one.
Any questions? Contact Brian McConnell or Brian Welwood.
Wine & Cheese with the new Board: 5:30pm Fri. June 13th
Everyone is welcome! Join fellow congregants and your new Board (voted in at the May 25th AGM) for conversation, socializing and plain ol’ connection. We look forward to seeing you there!
June Outreach: Empowerment Camps of the North Shore Women's Centre
Each month, 100% of our offering plate (unless otherwise noted) is donated to a non-profit organization whose mission is in line with our values. We call this “Outreach”.
During the month of June, we will be collecting donations for the Girls Empowerment Camps of the North Shore Women’s Centre.
The Girls' Empowerment Camps are one-week day camps that take place each summer, for girls and gender-diverse youth. The camps are provided to two groups of youth: Pre-Teen (for youth aged 11-13) Teen (for youth aged 13-17).
Led by an experienced youth facilitator, the camps aim to support pre-teen and teen girls in accessing their individual and collective strengths in order to empower themselves and help create social change.
Some of the topics covered during the camp typically include: friendships, relationships, assertiveness, self-esteem, body image, bullying, cyberbullying and social media awareness.
Donate to this campaign during June 2025 using any of the payment methods listed here.
End of Life Matters (12:30pm Sun. June 8th)
End of Life Matters: Education & Practical Tips
12:30pm Sun. June 8th in the NSUC Sanctuary
This seminar is sponsored by the NSUC Heart Mind Spirit Team. Learn about:
The role of the family and executor
Dying without representation
Unexpected death abroad
CPP benefits and insurance claims
MAID, care homes, and hospitals
Cemeteries and legal options
Stats and figures
Pre-arranging & final expense
Q & A
Four ways to RSVP:
Click HERE.
Call 604-999-3376.
Scan the QR code.
Contact Wayne Hanna (Chair of the NSUC Heart Mind Spirit Team) or the NSUC Main Office with questions.
May's Outreach Recipient: Wild Bird Trust of BC
Each month, 100% of our offering plate (unless otherwise noted) is donated to a non-profit organization whose mission is in line with our values. We call this “Outreach”.
During the month of May, we will be collecting donations for the Wild Bird Trust of BC. From monthly bird counts, guided nature walks, to wild bird habitat conservation workshops, the Conservation Area at Maplewood Flats provides many opportunities for beginner and experienced birders and conservationists alike to deepen our lifelong love for wild birds and their habitats.
Many of us have enjoyed leisurely walks through Maplewood Flats, bird watching and learning about the many wild birds that call this beautiful part of the North Shore their home. Maplewood Flats is managed by the Wild Bird Trust of BC. The Trust’s mission is to provide wild birds with sanctuary through ecological protection and restoration, as well as to support communities with education, culture, and reconciliation programs.
To donate, send us your donation using your preferred payment method, marking your donation as “Outreach” or “Wild Bird Trust”.
AGM 12:15pm Sun. May 25th
NSUC will hold its Annual General Meeting at 12:15pm on Sun. May 25th. Although anyone may attend, only Members who meet Bylaw requirements for voting will be able to vote or speak to the issues on the Agenda that will be included in the AGM Notice Packets (which will be mailed or emailed to Members by May 14th).
If you have any questions about the AGM, please contact Janni in the Main Office or Board President Barrie Forbes.
Elevator? Explanation & Discussion after soup on Sun. April 27th
Join us in the Sanctuary after soup on Sun. April 27th for a discussion about a potential elevator installation.
Background: In 2021, we received a $100,000 matching-funds grant from the federal government to install an elevator and an upstairs washroom. The washroom has been completed, and we have $90,000 remaining to spend on an elevator. The full cost of installing an elevator will be approximately $250,000 to $290,000, which means that to proceed, we will need to allocate $160,000 to $200,000 (i.e., 90,000 less than the full cost) from our endowment funds.
The purpose of the discussion on April 27th is to familiarize everyone with the project details, including the need for an elevator, the type of elevator, its proposed location, the cost, the grant deadline, and the state of our endowment funds. There will be lots of opportunity for questions and discussion.
Whether or not to proceed with the elevator project will be decided upon by a 2/3rds Congregational vote at the upcoming AGM on May 25th.
The Wahs Concert: "Get Back Unplugged" - 7:30pm Sat. May 24th
Join the Wahs for an unforgettable evening of great, late period Beatles' music! This unique show features six stellar musicians who come from the worlds of folk, Celtic, blues, jazz, and classical music. Get Back Unplugged does not try to imitate the Fab Four, but rather reimagines, with superb musicianship, some of the Beatles best loved classics and little known gems.
Tickets $30. Pre-registration required through Eventbrite.
This event takes place in the NSUC Sanctuary.