Capital Unitarian Universalist Congregation

Making assumptions is part of human nature. Informed by our experiences and influences our assumptions are both useful and they get in our way. Our words can either reflect or bypass our assumptions. Care with our words, specifically how we ask questions, can shift our views, and aid in communicating or developing compassion. We can overcome our assumptions with our words, one person at a time.

Stefa Katamay has been caring about words and questions throughout her life, always with the goal of connecting with people. Her early years were spent translating nutrition information into something meaningful to the community. Later, her work evolved to include qualitative research, the fine art of asking open-ended questions. Stefa is a Certified Executive Coach and a Certified Retirement Coach, both requiring the capacity to ask “powerful” questions. She writes about “the places we travel within our own emotional, intellectual and spiritual landscapes.” Stefa has been attending Capital Unitarian Universalist services since July 2018.

“Hold fast to dreams”, said the poet. Unitarians dream of building a land where we bind up the broken. Let’s look at the ways we can inspire one another to action on this celebration of Aboriginal Day!

Dana Lynn Seaborn is a Métis elder. This homily is adapted from a sermon by Rod Richards of the San Luis Obispo Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.

We will also welcome visiting guest Samara Jade to perform a song as Guest Musician.

Don’t miss this high energy music filled service highlighting the amazing music of Pride. Jill Cooper is an acclaimed Victoria Musician. For more information about Jill see her website:

https://jillcooper.webs.com/

Join us in this lovely Unitarian Universalist ritual to welcome in the summer months.

You are a dedicated Unitarian. But then you decide to also become a Quaker. Why would anyone do that? Don Vipond, an elder at First Unitarian Church of Victoria, had three reasons and he will tell you. And it all turns around a Unitarian principle.

Don Vipond is active in social justice issues at his church, in particular the Lifeline List Project and the annual Healing Our World campaign. Before retirement he was a reporter and an editor at the Times-Colonist.

Trees sustain us both material and spiritually and so it’s no surprise that they feature in religion, folklore and mythology from all around the world. Enjoy a morning of stories that explore our relationship with these noble, life-giving beings.

Faye Mogensen is the author of Ancient Stories for Modern Times and has been telling stories professionally for many years; first as a Park Naturalist, later as the Director of Spiritual Exploration at First Unitarian. She continues to love sharing the wisdom of folktales and mythology, and playing with them to enhance personal, historic, scientific and other tales.

Dawn Fizzard will share her journey in discovering the value and importance of Heart-Centered Learning. “How doodling to jazz taught me that ‘learning by heart’ means so much more than ‘committing to memory’.”

Canadian poet PK Page is well-known for her written work. But she also participated in a Sufi spirituality group in Victoria. What can we learn about this ecstatic form of Islam through the eyes & words of PK Page.

Peter Scales is a community sabbaticant at the UVic Centre for Studies of Religion and Society.

Fires are only one of the mysteries surrounding the Gothic cathedrals of France. This talk will highlight some history and reveal interesting aspects of these marvels of architecture.

Looking at Tolerance from a Unitarian ‘religious’ perspective. Acceptance comes from a much more personal viewpoint and looks at how we and I as Unitarians might not be as accepting as we think we are or ought to be.

This talk will reflect Jule’s advocacy for Advance Requests For Medical Assistance In Dying for those diagnosed with Alzheimers when quality of life as defined by the individual becomes painfully compromised. She will draw on personal experience through snapshots of navigating the first year following her husband’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Jule Briese is a a poet living in Qualicum Beach, B.C. Her inspiration is drawn from nature and the guidance and wisdom offered through her Guides. Jule’s most recent book The Hot Chocolate And Decadent Society is a memoir in poetry and prose. Her book advocates for legalization of Advance Requests for Medical Assistance In Dying for those with dementia who have expressed this choice.