November 30, 2008
Anne Moon
"Africa Matters - how Canadians are making a difference"
Anne lived in Africa as a child and has embraced the cause of the Stephen Lewis Foundation's Grandmothers to Grandmothers as a small way of appeasing her post-colonial conscience. A retired journalist and James Bay resident, she has recently returned from visiting projects in Africa.

December 7, 2008
Amanda Tarling
"Unitarian Justice"
Marion Pape (UU from Salt Spring Island & Lay Chaplain) has created a moving film on compassion. Her 10 minute film will be screened as a part of this service on our second principle.

December 14, 2008
Steven Baileys
"Inter-Cultural issues in Victoria."
Steven's presentation will explore the changing diversity of our city and province; the strengths and qualities we each bring to diversity; and the programs and services offered by ICA for newcomers and the community.
Steven has been the Multicultural Program Coordinator at the Inter-Cultural Association of Greater Victoria for the past 3 years.

December 21, 2008
Rita Wittman & Jackie MacDonald
"What makes a service Spiritual for YOU?"
Going deeper into how Sunday services are spiritual for you. Rita and Jackie are members of our congregation.

December 28, 2008
Brian MacDonald
"Fire Communion & Remembrance."
Our last service of the year will give us a chance to remember the good in our lives, those who are no longer with us and those who have joined the congregation. The Fire Communion will give us an opportunity to pick something of special significance that we wish to put behind us and give it closure. The service will be conducted by Brian MacDonald, a member of the congregation.

January 4, 2009
Barry Thomas
"End of life choices."
Barry is past president of Dying with Dignity, a Canadian organization for choice at the end of life. Their mission as a national charitable organization is to improve the quality of dying, and to expand end of life choices in Canada. Dying with Dignity also advocate for improved hospice and palliative care services and for legislative change that will ensure people can have the best end-of-life options.

January 11, 2009
Ben Dolf
"Until the salmon sing in the street."
What place does the salmon have in our hearts? What can we do to help it secure a future in our oceans and rivers? Our speaker will talk about the efforts to protect wild salmon in BC and the part we can play in preserving such an essential part of the web of life.

January 18, 2009
Alan Dawson
"An Idea makes Our Society."
How strong philosophies have changed our culture over time. Alan Dawson has been associated with CUUC for 10 years & with UnitaUnitarianism for 45 years.

January 25, 2009
Pam Hutchison
"What is the difference between to heal and to cure?"
Pam Hutchison is the owner of Acacia Integrative Health, a thriving naturopathic practice in Victoria since 2001. Pamela has a special interest in natural treatments for mental and emotional health concerns.

February 1, 2009
Anna Isaacs 
“Peace, Liberty and Justice.”
The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all. Learn more about this sixth Unitarian Principle. 
Anna is the Chair of the Board.
Hymns: 16, 205, 169

February 8, 2009
Jim Hackler
“The Nature of Community: Are We Expecting Too much?”
Sometimes people think that many problems can be resolved by relying on the community. Have we oversimplified our thinking?
After teaching criminology at the University of Alberta, Jim Hackler retired and taught sociology of law for 5 years at the University of Victoria. Jim is also a member of First Unitarian Church of Victoria and a well respected guest speaker at Capital.
Hymns: 100, 295, 114

February 15, 2009
Rita Wittman & Jackie MacDonald
“What makes a service spiritual for YOU?”
Going deeper into how Sunday services are spiritual for you.
Hymns: 1008, 1031, 1052

February 22, 2009
Nancy Reeves
“Becoming a Spiritual Omnivert” 
Are you an extrovert or an introvert?  Research indicates that each inclination uses different parts of the brain.  Each inclination responds to spiritual practice differently. As part of her research findings, outlined in her new book, “Spirituality for Extroverts (and tips for those who love them), Nancy Reeves discovered that a number of her research participants had become omniverts, able to use more of their brains and have a multi-faceted spirituality.
Dr. Nancy C Reeves is a clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, spiritual director, best-selling author, and published poet. She works extensively in the areas of trauma, grief, loss and transformation and spiritual discernment. Nancy is an adjunct faculty member at the University of Victoria.
Hymns: 360, 108, 131

March 1, 2009
Dana Seaborn
“A Pagan, a Christian and a Humanist walk into a bar....”
Reflections on the 3rd Principle. Dana will look at the ways a religious community can support varied spiritual paths.
Dana has been a friend of the congregation for many years.
Hymns: 145, 193, 318

March 8, 2009
Peter Scales
“God: Welcome but Not Necessary”
For many Unitarian-Universalists, “Unitarian theology” is an oxymoron because ‘theos’ means god and they don’t hold a vision of a singular higher power that needs to be studied or revered. Even so, many Unitarians believe in God, or gods, or other transcendent things. There are identifiable threads of belief or reverence within our movement. Peter will describe a few of those threads and will discuss why we seem able to gather in community on Sunday mornings. Come and share!
Peter is a historian and five-year member of our congregation.
Hymns: 354, 346

March 15, 2009
Michelle Poirier Brown 
“Mindful Speaking: Honesty, Kindness, Questions and Silence.” Drawing on lessons from the Medicine Wheel and experience in deep dialogue, Michelle will explore the role of honesty, kindness, questions and silence in relationship building through words.
Michelle has been a member of the congregation for many years.
Hymns: 323, 84, 318

March 22, 2009
Alan Dawson 
“What is spiritual about paying my Taxes?” 
I am taking an overview of why I consider my taxes to be a necessary contribution to our society and where the spiritual component shows itself.
Alan Dawson is our retired Lay Chaplain.
Hymns: 360, 402, 128

March 29, 2009
Rev Karen Fraser Gitlitz 
“Can Atheists Pray?” 
Prayer as both a religious and spiritual practice. Found in many religions, prayer has often been associated with a deity but this need not always be the case. 
Rev Fraser-Gitlitz is from the First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo.
Hymns: 361, 318, 1008

April 5th, 2009
Barbara Freeman
"Pack only the necessities - a newcomer's spiritual journey."
Personal reflections on sorting through previous religious experiences and expectations when becoming a Unitarian Universalist. 
Barbara is a new member of the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa, after attending as a Friend for a couple of years. She comes to our Capital congregation in the wintertime. 
Hymns: 1064, 1058, 1053

April 12th, 2009
Alex Campbell
“Another Look at Religion and Spirituality." 
Many people say they are spiritual but not religious, and yet there seems to be some confusion as to what 'spirituality' is all about. This talk might clarify the confusion, will indicate how everyone has a 'spirituality' and how 'spirituality' changes with life experiences.
Alex and his wife Marlene are members of the First Unitarian Congregation of Ottawa where Alex serves as a Worship Associate. A former Catholic priest, Alex has Masters degrees in Spirituality and Education. He and Marlene are 'snowbirds' and are in Victoria for the winter.
Hymns: 343, 6, 61

April 19th, 2009
Rob McGregor
"Transitions" 
We all experience change in our lives. Rob will talk about times in his life when transitions occurred and how, by being open to these changes, the transitions were effected.
Rob is a motivational speaker for "Spirit West Management - Business Performance People." In the past Rob studied at an Anglican seminary and served as a hospital chaplain and in the youth ministry. He and his wife, Lorraine, are currently members of the North Shore Unitarian Church in West Vancouver where they have been involved for a number of years.
Hymns: 359, 17

April 26th, 2009
Ben Dolf
“Will this be a Turning Point in our History?” 
On May 12th, 2009, voters in BC will choose to retain the existing voting system or adopt a new system proposed unanimously by the Citizen's Assembly on Electoral reform. These 161 citizens, chosen at random and fully briefed, selected STV as the best system for British Columbia. In their eyes, the system would provide better representation than the present system and promote a spirit of collaboration in the legislature. Ben is a member of the Yes committee, and will help you make up your own mind.
Ben is a long standing Member of our Congregation.
Hymns: 1020, 1021, 1026

May 3rd 
Konnae Harresson 
“Conscience and democracy” 
People who swear by democracy sometimes find it difficult to practice.
Konnae is a founding member of our congregation.
Hymns: 1000, 1017, 1028

May 10th 
Tanis Douglas 
“Clean is not always green – run of river hydro development in BC”
It’s essential to develop clean energy in this time of climate change, but it’s also essential to do it right. Current run of river hydro development in BC poses many environmental, social and economic risks and a better process is required, to provide for our energy needs.
Tanis Douglas is an ecologist whose diverse experience includes a special focus on healthy watersheds and sustainability of water and fisheries resources.
Hymns: 163, 91, 207

May 17th 
Brian MacDonald 
“Flower Communion” 
Flowers bring beauty into our lives and uplift our spirits. In this service they also represent diversity. Come and join us in this UU tradition.
Brian MacDonald is our Treasurer.
Hymns: 76, Where Have All the Flowers Gone?, 64

May 24th 
Alan Dawson 
“Ralph Waldo Emerson” 
Readings from the works of Ralph Waldo Emerson, 1803 - 1882 Unitarian minister, essayist, philosopher and poet. Developed the concept of transcendentalism which caused a furor within the church.
Alan Dawson is our retired Lay Chaplain.
Hymns: 44, 79, 398

May 31st
Jim Rogers 
“A Ceilidh in May at James Bay.” 
Come and enjoy a Potluck Spring Feast combined with a service.
Jim Rogers is our Personnel Chair.
Hymns: 1010

June 7th 
Guy Dauncey 
“Can Personal Spirituality Help Us Heal the Earth?”
How can we balance our fear and concern for the future of the earth with faith, hope, and action? There is evidence in science, history, and personal experience of an evolutionary tendency towards wholeness and order. Ideas on what we can do to help us to heal the planet.
Guy Dauncey is founder and President of the BC Sustainable Energy Association; Executive Director of The Solutions Project, and Editor of EcoNews.
Hymns: 163, 175, 121

June 14th 
Dana Seaborn 
“Transcendent Experience in the Non-Believer - Unitarian Source #1”
Dana will explore the direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, which is affirmed in all cultures. She will compare her own experience with that of the Emersonian Transcendentalists, as well as the Eastern traditions.
Hymns: 356, 352, "Holy, Holy, Holy" - lyrics D. Seaborn

June 21st 
Jackie MacDonald 
“Our First Dialogue Circle.”
Please join us for our very first Dialogue Circle. This will be a participatory service that celebrates Aboriginal Day. We will break up into groups of twos to discuss a couple of questions. One of which may be 'When you think about visiting the homeland of your ancestors, what do you feel?' We hope that you will enjoy getting to know more about others in our congregation.
Hymns: 134, 133, 118

June 28th 
Juliana & Douglas McCorison 
“A Songful Journey of Many Paths.”
Juliana and Douglas will talk about spirituality through many paths. Worship through music, mindfulness and belief in something that challenges us, stimulates us to sharing that which is our best with others. Our "participants" are UU, Andean based spirituality, Wiccan, Pagan, Christian and Mormon.
Hymns: "Word of God", "Acts of Creation",  by Catherine Faber

July 5th 
Elsie Farr 
“Poetry Collage” 
Poetry is a flight of the imagination into reality, of its happiness, emotion, sorrow, its comedy, fantasy and thrills. It is a thing of pleasant sights and sounds - of rhythm, music, beauty and indeed a delightful past-time. We will share poems that express some of these feelings that make our lives richer.
Elsie is a long time member of our congregation.
Hymns: 311, 100, 168

July 12th 
Lisa Greenly 
"Micro banking: Putting Our Principles Into Action"
The scale of poverty in the developing world is enormous, the reasons complicated and the stories heart wrenching. With corporations, governments, NGOs and rock stars throwing billions of dollars at the problem how can one person, with limited resources, make a real difference? The answer is a great example of the the interconnected web at work! Lisa Greenly is a member of the First Unitarian Church of Victoria and the founder of the Unitarian Flames lending team on kiva.org.
Hymns: 175, 148, 318

July 19th 
Murray Enkin 
"Reinventing the Sacred" 
Murray will discuss the relationship between the increasing complexity of life and our concepts of the sacred.
Murray Enkin is a physician, health care researcher, writer, professor emeritus at McMaster University, and is now primarily interested in the philosophy of science.
Hymns: 183, 194, 158

July 26th 
Anna Isaacs 
“Prophets”
The second source of Unitarian Universalism is the "Words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love."
Anna is the Chair of our Board.
Hymns: 84, 334, 131

Aug 2nd 
Peter Scales 
"Our Third Source, Wisdom from the World's Religions."
Unitarianism is a living tradition, neither bound to a single ancient text nor to an elite group of interpreters. We draw wisdom from the world's religions to inspire us in our ethical and spiritual lives. Come today for inspiration!
Peter Scales is a Lay Chaplain and active member of our congregation.
Hymns: 190, 203

Aug 9th 
Casey Stainsby, Eva Jordison and Samaya Oakley 
“Bridging the Generations” 
Inspired by discussions at the Weaving our Worship workshop, this service will explore the multi-layered tensions that exist around the words that Unitarian Universalists embrace and avoid in our worship services. Another element to this tension is how across the generations words are used differently. We invite you to join us in our explorations and get a glimpse of how three generations are living through this tension.
Casey - "Fresh young adult with too many passions for her own good"
Eva - "Jewish Unitarian youth with a passion for worship"
Samaya - "Universalist adult with a passion for all things U*U"
Hymns: 346, Child of the Universe, I'm Yours

Aug 16th 
Jeannie Corsi 
"Chanting Around the World"
Please join us as we chant our way through many countries and religious traditions. Jeannie Corsi of Vancouver will be our guide. Jeannie is a pianist and composer of songs, choral pieces and opera as well as instrumental selections celebrating Canada and beyond. Many of the chants were collected during a year-long global exploration of musical traditions. Jeannie will be assisted by Dick Jackson and Elizabeth Atchison.
Hymns: 389, 1048, 395

Aug 23
Elizabeth Atchison
Your Kindly Reflection
Elizabeth will give a reflective homily inspired by, and quoting from, a sermon from 1966 by Rev. Phillip Hewett, entitled “The Kindly Mirror”.
Elizabeth is a long-time, active member of our congregation.
Hymns: 145, 356, 323

Aug 30th 
Rita Wittman 
“Summer Sustenance”
Please join us for a potluck brunch to celebrate our community. We will take this time to share food and talk to sustain both our bodies and our spirits.

Sept 6th 
Mary Carlisle 
“A Taste of Wicca.” 
Last year, an introductory course in Wicca presented by the Thirteenth House Mystery School in Victoria served to whet Mary’s appetite for more. This homily will be an outline of what Mary learned about Wicca and its effects on her.
Mary has been a member of Capital for many years.

Sept 13th 
Michelle Poirier Brown 
“Elements of Home” 
Our annual Homecoming Service traditionally gathers our congregation with thoughts about returning home. But what is home? A place? A set of habits? You are invited to make yourself at home with thoughts about what that might take.
Michelle Brown is a member of our congregation. This will be her third Homecoming homily.

Sept 20th 
Rev Karen Fraser-Gitlitz
“Why Welcoming?” 
As a community, you made the decision to become a 'Welcoming Congregation', affirming, embracing and celebrating the active participation of bisexual, gay, lesbian, and transgendered members and friends. Sometimes I'm asked why we do this: is it really welcoming to single out people for their sexual orientation or gender? This morning I'll share some of my reasons for supporting this vital work.
Rev Fraser-Gitlitz is from the First Unitarian Fellowship of Nanaimo.

Sept 27th 
Ben Dolf
“Musical Memories.”
Remember the favourite tunes of your parents and grandparents? Let's listen, sing along and move to a collection of songs and dances that moved their world.
Ben is a long term member of Capital.

October 4th 
Hanuman and Durga Periwal
“Mohandas Gandhi.”
Originally from India, the Periwals have retired in Victoria, and have agreed to share their perspectives on the Indian Mahatma. 
Hanuman and Durga have been friends of the congregation for many years.

October 11th 
Jackie MacDonald
“What impact does the 5th Source have in our lives?”
This service will focus on Humanism and its contribution to our faith and to our individual religious explorations.
Jackie is an active member of Capital and an environmentalist.

October 18th 
Dick Jackson
“The World in Six Songs.”
A brief look at Daniel Levitin's remarkable ideas on music, evolution and human culture. This will be illustrated with a variety of songs, so come prepared to do a lot of singing!
Dick Jackson is a ten-year-long friend of UUism, a long-time musician, and recent volunteer in the role of Music Director here at CUUC.

October 25th 
Don Poilievre 
“A Fairy Tale.”
This is a tale of mystery and intrigue that has lasted for sixty-seven years. This story is tinged with the joy and sadness of hiding the secret that had no name and how two little boys brought about the denouement.
Don Poilievre is a prairie boy who grew through a myriad of life experiences to become a primary teacher known as Mr. P. At a time when many men are almost ready to be grandpas he embarked on a life-altering trek to fatherhood.

November 1st 
Vanessa Hammond
“A celebration of Samhain.”
Samhain, Halloween October 31st. is the Celtic/Wiccan New Year celebration.  This special celebration will feature Vanessa as the celebratory leader with music from "Guth Nan Eilean," The Victoria Gaelic Choir led by Conductor and Music Director Janice Beckett.

Nov 8th 
Alan Dawson 
"Dr. Lotta Hitschmanova, the Unitarian Service Committee (USC) and Remembrance Day."
November 28th marks the 100th Anniversary of Dr. Hitschmanova's birth. She was a Czech, lived through World War 2 in Europe. After the war she was so moved by the plight of European orphan children, that with the help of Canadian Unitarians, she became the driving force behind and in front of the USC, which was set up to provide for those children. Alan will share his wisdom about Dr Lotta’s life and work.

Nov 15th 
Dana Seaborn 
“Left Brain, Right Brain; Liberating the Christian Metaphor.”
Dana will look at atheism vs. pantheism and how spiritual metaphor can enrich our lives.

Nov 22nd 
Jackie MacDonald 
“What gives us hope?”
Illness, war, climate chaos,and poverty are among the many experiences that create desolation in our lives. Where does the ability to cope with suffering and loss come from? Please come and listen to a few personal stories about hope.
Jackie has been a long-term member of Capital and has Chaired many committees.

Nov 29 
Robert Gifford, PhD 
"Why we don't always do what we think we should."
Our speaker is Professor of Psychology and Environmental Studies at the University of Victoria. His interests are at the interface of environmental, social, and personality psychology. Dr. Gifford has been a member of First Unitarian for 30 years, where he has served as a Board member and on other committees.
His main current activities are editing the Journal of Environmental Psychology, conducting studies on resource management, pro-environmental behavior, and the meaning and liveability of neighbourhoods. He is an author of the just-released report of the American Psychological Association’s Climate Change Task Force, and spearheaded the creation of a new interdisciplinary minor in the Human Dimensions of Climate Change at UVic. His textbook on environmental psychology is in its fourth edition, and has been adopted in over 25 countries.

Dec 6th
Dr. Marjorie Moulton 
“Project Lifesaver/SafetyNet.”
The project is a wander location and recovery program for those at risk in our community such as seniors with dementia & children with Autism or Down Syndrome. Saving money for communities, providing safety for those at risk & brining peace of mind to caregivers.
Dr. Marjorie Moulton is Executive Director & founder of We Rage We Weep Alzheimer Foundation & Co-Director of Project Lifesaver/SafetyNet. Dr. Moulton earned her docterate in Oriental Medicine, ran a private practice for 12 years & now devotes her time to the non-profit sector.

Dec 13th
Nikolai Lanine
“Perspectives on Afghanistan:  The wars seen through the eyes of a Russian soldier.”
How do we view the war in Afghanistan? How do we justify it? What objectives are we pursuing there?
Nikolai Lanine,a member of the Soviet Army in Afghanistan in the 80s, explores private and official views of the war in Afghanistan and compares them with his own experience. How are the stories different? What have we learned? How can we gain a deeper understanding and act responsibly?

Dec 20th
Jackie MacDonald
“Seasonal Carol Singing.”
At this time of year many of us still enjoy singing the carols we remember from our youth. Please join us in singing a rousing rendition of popular carols.

Dec 27th
Rita Wittman
“Light a Fire.”
What lights your fire? What do you get all fired up about? Join us as we explore our passions and how we can best use them.