Capital Unitarian Universalist Congregation

Following on from our first Principle the second Principle states: “Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations”. Let’s get to the bottom of what justice and equity really mean. Being a part of a religious community provides a platform and an opportunity for us to deepen compassion. Do we take this opportunity? How do we live this
second principle every day?

To create the systems we envision, beyond the reaches of oppression and inequity, we must look to ourselves, those around us, and the earth which sustains us to find meaning, inspiration and power.

Looking into ourselves, looking into our communities, and truly breaking down the structures of violence and appropriation, we find the role and power of connection. I’ll share my experience on how building community focused on food security has helped me discover this role, and taught me the power of connection.”

Existentialism brings our reflection back to the singular and personal nature of our existence, with inspiring consequences for the absolute worth, freedom and responsibility of each and every person.

Dr. Nina Belmonte is a Professor with the Department of Philosophy at the University of Victoria Faculty of Humanities. In this video, Nina discusses studying the history of philosophy and literature where she examines how we create meaning through narrative.

Combining insights from Positive Psychology, stress and coping, and recent thought about exercise, diet, mindfulness, and mental activity, Dr. Pullyblank will look at how we build resiliency, particularly by our participation in diverse spiritual communities such as Capital.

Let’s have a look through our two UU hymn books to see the remarkable variety of music and lyrics they hold for us.

Do you think you might be an atheist?  If you have ever wondered about humanism, paganism, agnosticism and atheism, then don’t miss this homily!

Amanda spent the weekend immersed in Unitarianism in Montreal at the Canadian Unitarian Council’s Annual Conference and Meeting.  She is very enthusiastic about all of the messages she is bringing home to Capital.

As Rosemary prepares to leave Victoria she wishes to share with Capital the different stages that have brought her to her decision to answer a call to Unitarian Universalist ministry. Capital has been instrumental in this decision, and this service is with gratitude and dedicated to Capital Unitarian Universalist Congregation.

You have likely heard the adage, “there’s no I in team.” In a community such as our church there are many I s in our We. How do we balance our personal opinions and hopes for the community of the whole with the collective desire of the community? When should I assert my I, and when might it be best to allow the we to lead?

In acknowledgement of National Aboriginal Day, June 21, Dana Seaborn will share readings from Thomas King’s award-winning book, The Inconvenient Indian. Dana is Red River Métis.

Kai, who is the Energy & Democracy Director at the Dogwood Initiative, will share with us some of the initiatives that Dogwood has been spear-heading to ensure the people of Birtish Columbia have a say in our land, air and water.

Kai is a fourth-generation British Columbian, Kai’s roots are in the Shuswap, Gulf Islands and Lower Mainland. His last name translates roughly to “everlasting rice paddy,” which was probably a lot to hope for in feudal Japan. In his spare time he enjoys archery, camping, fishing and hunting.

As a journalist he covered an all-out mafia war, the rise of the Orange Wave and a blind British lute virtuoso’s quest to set a world record jumping motorcycles. Having held positions at CBC and CTV, he can confirm that some reporters you see on TV are, in fact, not wearing pants. His writing appears in the Toronto Star, the Tyee, DeSmog Canada, the Vancouver Sun and elsewhere.

Moving into digital content and strategy in 2012, Kai has advised candidates or elected officials across the political spectrum, as well as clients in advocacy, education, First Nations government and the private sector. So far only one of those gigs has led to being growled at by grizzly bears.

Kai is committed to building democracy through nonpartisan citizen engagement. He believes in fact-driven debates and speaking truth to power.

Just as it takes a whole village to raise a child, so too does it take a whole community to raise healthy people. So what is a healthy community, and how do we get one? I will discuss these issues and three key challenges facing communities: Equity, sustainability and governance.

Dr. Trevor Hancock is a Professor and Senior Scholar at the School of Public Health and Social Policy at the University of Victoria.