Capital Unitarian Universalist Congregation

In the Unitarian Universalist Church we find inspiration from many different sources. The inspiration for today’s sermon comes from a joke. You may have heard it: Q: What’s the difference between cats and dogs? A: Dogs look at people and say, “They feed us. They give us shelter. They take care of our every need. They must be gods.” Cats look at people and say, “They feed us. They give us shelter. They take care of our every need. We must be gods.” Today Peter Scales will read a sermon by the Rev. Chris Buice.

Peter Scales, one of the many volunteers who helps keep Capital UU going, enjoys probing the edges of Unitarian and Universalist beliefs.

For me, anthropological inquiry is about participant observation and the stories people tell about themselves and the world in which they live. As the quintessential outsider, the heart of this approach is an obligation to stay open and curious about new ways of thinking and being, to carefully observe the behaviours of others, to listen to the stories they tell about themselves, to participate in their experience of the world, and to create understanding through that knowledge and experience. This approach has taken me to a remote rural village and a leprosy mission in northwest Bangladesh, as well as a shelter for abandoned women and children in Dhaka, the capital city. Most recently, it has lead me to chronicling the lives of pioneers in the transgender community here at home.

Margot Wilson is an anthropologist who, after 28 years on the faculty at the University of Victoria, retired and opened a small, independent publishing company (TransGender Publishing www.transgenderpublishing.ca), the only Canadian publishing company that specializes in publishing transgender life histories. Recently, Margot has taken over responsibility for Stephanie Castle Publications (www.stephaniecastle.ca), which publishes transgender fiction, and Perceptions Press (www.perceptionspress.ca), which focuses on innovative and avant-garde fiction and non-fiction on transgender subjects and/or written by trans authors.

At a time when the world seems to be crumbling, relying on a set of seven guiding principles helps to ground us. Yet there is a little-known 8th principle being proposed in Unitarian Congregations. Join us this morning for an uplifting journey through our principles and bonus principle and how they can support us during this challenging time.

We all have an underlying world view which we seldom question. The prevailing assumption of science is that matter/energy is the fundamental ‘stuff’ of the universe and consciousness is an emergent property of brain. This view is incompatible with most religions as it precludes any sort of transcendent reality, paranormal phenomena or afterlife. Given the damage done to the world by unquestioning belief, be it in religion, conspiracy theories or alternative facts, scientists tend to view any challenge to their reductionist assumptions with alarm. But those assumptions are being challenged from within science and a paradigm shift is brewing which could result in a greatly expanded world view. This in no way challenges the scientific approach, but does suggest that reality is much greater than the human mind can measure or comprehend.

Studies that have looked at the relationship between religious belief and well-being have frequently found that committed Christians, in particular, tended to be happier and even to live longer. This homily will look at this finding in more detail, including considering the well-being of Atheists.

The pandemic has revealed many harsh realities about our society.
Just as Spring was finally kicking in and a few aspects of life were beginning to return to normal, or at least our weird “new normal,” the murder of George Floyd rocked the world.
The recent waves of protests against racial injustice have reminded us, yet again, of the staggering disparities that so negatively impact the lives of those who are Black, Brown, or Indigenous. It’s become obvious in ways we can no longer deny that the “old normal” failed to serve so many, failed to serve Life. Some have taken it as a wake-up call or a Great Awakening,
The defining question of this larger moment is whether this time will be different. We must resist the temptation to sleepwalk through history and we should “never let a crisis go to waste”. We now have three, that are deeply intertwined, and which, in unprecedented ways, open up a world of possibilities. This confluence of opportunity may not come our way again.
The pandemic, the economic/environment crisis, and the protests against racism are providing us with an opening to set out in another direction.
Today, Jan Greenwood will read a sermon by Rev. Shawn Newton, June 14, First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto.

Jan is a long time member of Unitarian-Universalist congregations in B.C. A lifetime of advocacy with numerous social justice issues has given her days significance.

Everyone has a story. Our personal narrative impacts every aspect of our lives and creates our future. During this service, Kressa Sisu and Oliver Belisle will explore the concept of our personal story, ask whether it is working for us or not, and consider the possibility of changing it for our betterment.

Kressa Sisu is a certified Nutritionist who has worked in health and wellness for 10 years. Having triumphed over a serious illness, she loves sharing how to live optimally and nurture our mind, body and spirit as we age. Whether during her 20 year career as a Social Worker or in her current work helping seniors declutter and downsize, her mission has always been to advocate for the well-being of others and to find ways to make life easier for the people in her life.

Whatever our own array of identities, how might we be good allies to those with marginalized identities that are different from our own? In particular, how might we act as a bridge of learning for others? Do we stand up against Uncle Joe when he says something unwittingly offensive (e.g., sexist/ racist/ homophobic) at the family reunion? When do we ‘call people out,’ when do we educate with gentle compassion? How do we do so without being patronizing? How do we handle our own inter-cultural errors with integrity?

How can so much change be so…Boring? And why am I so tired even though I hardly leave my house? How do we figure out how to live in the world right now? Join us for an exploration of grief, change and letting go.

If you’d like the zoom link please contact our Administrator Amanda at tarling@shaw.ca

The Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown forced Kelly, who was a highly sought after dancer and dance studio owner, to re-create her life. What others would have framed as a complete disaster has instead been a time of breakthrough for Kelly. Dovetailing with our sources Kelly is learning to create her life in a whole new way. Join us on Zoom to be inspired to transform our lives during a pandemic.

Today we will be welcoming new members!!!

If you’d like the zoom link please contact our Administrator Amanda at tarling@shaw.ca

Rosh Hashanah is the traditional anniversary of the creation of Adam and Eve, the first man and woman according to the Hebrew Bible, and the inauguration of humanity’s role in God’s world.  Among the sources of Unitarian-Universalism as a living tradition, we acknowledge Jewish and Christian teachings in the roots of our religion.  Does the DNA of Adam and Eve exist in all of our genes, joining us all in some kind of unity?  Come and share!

Peter Scales is a BC historian.  Before covid-19 struck he was also a choral singer.

If you’d like the zoom link please contact our Administrator Amanda at tarling@shaw.ca

In 2013, residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad, an indigenous woman living on Turtle Island, shared her story of having her sparkly orange shirt taken from her at the age of six when she arrived at St. Joseph Mission residential school.  This story has provided an opportunity for discussion on the aspects and experiences of the residential school legacy.  It stimulates both learning and healing in the spirit of growth, understanding and relationship in our collective efforts towards reconciliation.

Orange Shirt Day is September 30^th.  Since 2015, it is recognized in Victoria thanks to the joint efforts of residential school survivor Eddy Charlie and friend Kristin Spray, in partnership with The City of Victoria.  The day is commemorated with the slogan “Every Child Matters”.  Through the use of engaging audio-visual materials, Karen Christie invites you to join her on the journey to expand your knowledge and awareness of this story.

Orange t-shirts are available at the Moss Street market or at www.victoriaorangeshirtday.com where you can also learn more about this important day.  Wear your orange shirts at this Sunday service and on September 30^th.

If you’d like the zoom link please contact our Administrator Amanda at tarling@shaw.ca