September's Outreach Recipient: Backpack Buddies

Each month, 100% of our Sunday morning collection plate, unless otherwise noted, is donated to a registered charity whose mission is in line with our values. We call this “Outreach”.

During the month of September, as children across the province head back to school, we will be collecting donations for Backpack Buddies, a non-profit headquartered in North Vancouver. With one in four BC families experiencing food insecurity, Backpack Buddies fills empty cupboards for needy kids each Friday.

In 2012, a mother-and daughter founding team started with delivering just 20 bags of food to an East Vancouver school. Today, passionate volunteers, donors and staff ensure that over 6,000 kids from every corner of BC get the food they need. North Vancouver is one of ten communities served by Backpack Buddies.

Weekly food deliveries are coordinated in partnership with teachers and administrators. Front-line educators advise on the needs of their students and identify children who will benefit most from receiving a bag of food for the weekend.

With over 1.65 million meals passing through their warehouse every year, Backpack Buddies leverages purchasing power to stretch every dollar. Volunteers are welcome to lend a hand.

Read more about Backpack Buddies HERE and the scope of food insecurity in BC HERE. 

Circle Dinners: Sat. November 15th

Our Heart Mind Spirit Team is organizing Circle Dinners for November 15th. Locations and start times will be determined by the Host.

Circle Dinners are opportunities for NSU Members and Friends to gather together over a meal. The host provides the main course while the other attendees contribute side dishes and desert.

Each host determines how many people will be part of the dinner party.

To participate as a host or guest, please sign up here:

sign up

The Art Garden: Tuesday afternoons Nov. 18 - Dec. 2

You’re invited to The Art Garden with Janni Kretlow assisted by Liz Moffitt.

This Garden is the opportunity to use colours, images, and imagination to express your inner self while creating something that’s both beautiful and practical.  There will be an opportunity to talk about your creative expression.  No previous experience is needed. This is a FREE event, but pre-registration is required so Janni knows how many people to bring supplies for. (All tools and supplies will be provided).

In the fireside room

1:30 - 3:30pm on Tuesdays

November 18, 25 and December 2

Pre-Register here

The Music Garden: Tuesday afternoons Oct. 21 - Nov. 4

We begin our Creative Garden journey with The Music Garden with Kerry Burke and Liz Moffitt

Gardens are filled with beauty and growth.  The music garden will have beautiful instruments and fun insightful activities to give you a wonderful experience.  We will also listen and image to some short music selections for relaxation and inner connection. No previous experience is needed.

in the Fireside Room
1:30 - 3:30pm on tuesdays
October 21, 28, November 4

Creative Garden Events: Fall 2025

This series will offer various creative arts in a fun and relaxed atmosphere allowing participants to access their own creativity in new ways, creating new connections, building community, and peaceful inner joy!

We plan to include experiences with music, art, writing, imaging, and poetry.  Our lives are a journey, and the arts can help us understand and enrich that journey.

Absolutely no previous experience is required!

Here are the two programs that are scheduled so far. . . click on the image or the text below it to see dates and more info for that event.

 
Pre-register here

What is Liberal Religion? - an online presentation Tues. October 14th

This event was cancelled, following the death of Wayne Hanna (our Heart Mind Spirit Chair, and the coordinator of this event).

Bio of the Presenter:

George M. Williams, PhD is the President of the International Association for Religious Freedom.  His PhD is from the University of Iowa in the history of religions.  He is a professor emeritus of religious studies at the California State University, Chico.  He is a retired historian of religions, having spent a lifetime studying religions that liberate. He has written and made videos about the Hindu Renaissance, religion in modern Japan, and religion in Hawaii.  He and his wife, Dr. Judit Gellerd, led the Partner Church movement for Eastern Europe before it became part of the UUA.  He founded and directs the Center for Free Religion.

See a more complete bio for George Williams at International Association for Religious Freedom.

BBQ & Corn Roast - September 7th

You’re invited to join us at 10:30am on September 7th for our “Coming Home” Service, which will include Water Communion and a ‘Welcome Back’ Celebration. And afterwards, enjoy a BBQ lunch and corn roast arranged by Dianne Hicks!

Dianne needs the following:

  • Someone to boil the corn.

  • Someone to grill the burgers on the BBQ.

If you can help with any of the above — or know anyone who can — please contact Dianne at 604-831-4145 or diannepetservices@gmail.com.