Calendar of events

Here you will find all of our congregation’s Sunday Services, Board and Committee meetings and other events. Use the calendar controls to see events for past or future dates. For a quick look at recent Sunday Services, click here!

Sep
10
Sun
Dana L. Seaborn “Water Communion”
Sep 10 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Dana L. Seaborn "Water Communion"

Come wade in the water and explore the “communion” part of Water Communion. Communion, from the Latin: “common, ordinary, communal.” Fire Communion, Water Communion, Flower Communion . . . . We Unitarians seem to love our communions. Join us!

D L Seaborn experienced her first water communion at age 5 when she fell into the duck pond at the local park. Her subsequent university studies in psychology and religion prepared her to speak to religious communities; however, her studies did not prepare her for a full immersion baptism in Shawnigan Lake at age 45, when her black lab capsized her kayak. As a result of these, and other, experiences, Dana considers herself to have extensive experience with water communions of various types. Happily, she’s a good swimmer.

Sep
17
Sun
Jessica Rourke & Shanna Grant-Warmald “There is a Crack in Everything: That’s how the Light Gets in.”
Sep 17 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Jessica Rourke & Shanna Grant-Warmald "There is a Crack in Everything: That’s how the Light Gets in."

Using restorative justice as a reference point, we will have a conversation about healing – what it means to “heal” and struggles and triumphs we’ve witnessed on people’s healing journeys, whether they were harmed by another or were the ones who created the harm.

 

Restorative Justice Victoria is a non-profit, community-based organization that facilitates dialogues in the aftermath of crimes that occur in the City of Victoria, Oak Bay, and Esquimalt. They are our August Capital Connects Recipient.

Sep
24
Sun
Rita Wittman “I’m Your Man – The Life and Times of Leonard Cohen”
Sep 24 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Rita Wittman "I’m Your Man – The Life and Times of Leonard Cohen"

Leonard Cohen was Canadian singer, songwriter, musician, poet, novelist, and painter. His work explored religion, politics, isolation, sexuality, and personal relationships. Come, immerse yourself in the words and music that touched the hearts and minds of so many of us in celebration of his September 21st birthday.

Oct
1
Sun
Pamela Thompson “Building Peace in the World: It Begins with You!”
Oct 1 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Pamela Thompson "Building Peace in the World: It Begins with You!"

In these challenging, tumultuous and uncertain times, you may feel helpless, sad, fearful, angry and/or uncertain of your future, that of your family, and the planet. You may think there is little or nothing you can do to help build peace in the world. I believe there is much that you can do, and it may be easier than you think. Pamela will share practical strategies that will help you find inner peace and enable you to begin helping to build peace in the world one person (or more!) at a time.

Pamela Thompson, BN, MSc. is a keynote speaker, certified life & business coach, facilitator, global health & management consultant, & author of the #1 Best Selling book “Learning to Dance with Life: A Guide for High Achieving Women”. She has a diverse background and experience as a nurse, university professor, project manager and consultant on 5 continents. Pam supports women and organizations to embrace the art of change. Trained in conflict resolution and mediation and having lived and worked in a number of conflict zones, Pam’s larger mission is to help build peace in the world. She is President of Creative Life Coaching Inc pamela-thompson.com

Oct
15
Sun
Dana Lynn Seaborn “Changing your mind: how the new science of brain plasticity can change your life”
Oct 15 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Dana Lynn Seaborn "Changing your mind: how the new science of brain plasticity can change your life"

There was a time when neurologists’ credo was, “Diagnose and adios.” Learn of recent discoveries about the adaptable brain which bring hope for us all. Even injured, elderly, and diseased brains can heal and adapt. Come wrap your head around that!

On the topic of neurology, D L Seaborn is an autodidact who likes to think she has at least half a brain.

Oct
22
Sun
Melaney Black “Nuclear Power: Too Costly, Too Deadly”
Oct 22 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Melaney Black "Nuclear Power: Too Costly, Too Deadly"

Melaney Black will delve into the topic of nuclear power.

 

Amnesty International is our Capital Connects Recipient for October. A portion of donations we receive this month will be shared with this charity. Amnesty International turns knowledge of human rights violations into global awareness and action.

Oct
29
Sun
Sarah Kendall “Finding Enough Strength”
Oct 29 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Sarah Kendall "Finding Enough Strength"

Author Sarah Kendall shares wisdom learned reclaiming her life after a stroke. Discover what her journey has to teach us all.

Sarah Kendall is the author of a book of poetry “Let me show you chocolate lilies”.

Nov
5
Sun
Peter Scales “What if the birds all die? Rachel Carson and “Silent Spring””
Nov 5 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Peter Scales "What if the birds all die? Rachel Carson and "Silent Spring""

In September 1962 — 45 years ago — American marine biologist Rachel Carson published “Silent Spring,” an argument against the pesticide DDT and other synthetic pesticides. Carson’s work led to the banning of DDT, the creating of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and to kick-starting environmentalism in North America. We owe the Unitarian 7th principle in part to Rachel Carson. How could one slim book make such a dramatic impact? Come and hear!

Nov
12
Sun
Colin Nelson “Inequality & Inequity”
Nov 12 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Colin Nelson “Inequality & Inequity”

Colin has spent several years in developing countries, Antigua (West Indies), Palestine, Mexico, Honduras, Peru, Guatemala and 10 times in Tanzania. He has come to some conclusions about the causes and possible cure of poverty in the so-called developing countries — particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. He would like to present his ideas to you, and looks forward to your input and corrections if you do not agree, and reassurance if you do agree with him. All input welcome in the forum.

Nov
19
Sun
Nicole Tremblay “LGBTQ2 Seniors – through the ages”
Nov 19 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Nicole Tremblay “LGBTQ2 Seniors - through the  ages”

We will discuss what life was like for LGBTQ2 seniors in decades past and how this shapes their fears and needs as they age. I will also talk about my experience in the health care system advocating for more inclusive and affirming services for LGBTQ2 seniors.

Nicole has master’s degrees in social work and public administration. She has worked with individuals and families across the lifespan supporting personal growth and systems change. She worked for the past 12 year at Island Health – 10 as a Clinical Educator.

Nov
26
Sun
Christine Johnston “Lotta Hitchmanova”
Nov 26 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Christine Johnston "Lotta Hitchmanova"

Learn more about the founder of the Unitarian Service Committee of Canada in celebration of her November 28th birthday.

Christine is a member of First Unitarian Church of Victoria and a Canadian Unitarian Council Knight Award recipient.

Dec
3
Sun
Lisa Greenly “When life’s big questions get asked at Christmas”
Dec 3 @ 10:00 am – 11:00 am
Lisa Greenly "When life's big questions get asked at Christmas"

A Christmas story that reflects on the strength of the human spirit and speaks to the personal nature of the holidays.

Lisa is a gifted storyteller, and a pragmatic dreamer. She loves to weave together aspects of her open spirit, heart, and hands into an inclusive strategy for living life to its fullest.