Capital Unitarian Universalist Congregation

Join us at First Unitarian Church of Victoria (5575 W Saanich Rd,) as we celebrate a Sunday Service together with our sister church and the attendees of the BC Fall Gathering.  Please note there is NO SERVICE at Capital today.  However there will be car pooling up to FUCV. Please speak to Amanda or a Board member for more information.

WHAT MOVES US: UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST THEOLOGY An adult spiritual exploration course led by Rev. Shana Lynngood Thursdays, Oct. 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th and Nov 6th, 1:00 – 3:00 pm, at the church, and repeated Thursdays, Oct 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th and Nov 6th, 7:00 – 9:00 pm, at James Bay New Horizons Centre, 234 Menzies Street This 6 week course will examine the theological convictions and perspectives of both historical figures in Unitarianism and Universalism as well as a few contemporary thinkers. Through shared direct experiences and reflection exercises, readings and lessons, and ethical deliberations, What Moves Us creates an adult faith journey for Unitarian Universalists. Deepen your understanding of the richness of our faith tradition and clarify your sense of your place in it. There is a $30 fee for all 6 sessions, but as always money should never be a barrier to participation (contact Rev. Shana directly if you have a financial concern). To register contact Margot Lods at 250-920-3893 mlods@shaw.ca

The nice things about UU principles is that if you are trying to do good you are most likely living out the intent of at least one or two of them. How about a compassionate action that covers all of our UU principles – costs very little money, takes a small amount of time and changes the world. Interested?

Our Third Principle says: “Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations.” To accept another is truly a challenging thing. How often have we tried to change someone? What are the tools available to help us accept? This morning we explore how we can deepen our spiritual knowledge and encourage others to do the same.

An homily based on the title of a book by Richard Rorty that addresses these three subjects.

Christianity is one of our UU sources; gospel music is an enthusiastic celebration of that faith. Join us as we explore the roots of this African-American music and its inspiring commitment to God, community and social change.

This homily will look at thinking and findings about the relative virtues of atheism or a more “religious” belief system for protecting our mental health.

Nobody knows when Jesus was born so why do we celebrate on December 25th?　The truth lies in lore of the Roman Empire and the religion of Mithras.　 Peter Scales will describe how the unnoticed birth of a builder’s son named Yeshua ben-Youssef became the link between the Hebrew prophets, Emperor Constantine, and Canada today.

In this talk I examine a common stereotype of the philosophical inquirer, according to which the philosopher is someone whose motivations are impersonal, dispassionate, objective, and directed at the pursuit of knowledge for its own sake, rather than for any personal sake. I suggest that such a stereotype, which in fact assumes several guises, runs counter to the very essence of the subject.”

David Scott is a Canadian & UK trained philosophy professor at the University of Victoria, specializing in the history of metaphysics and in theory of knowledge.

Midwinter is a time to appreciate and celebrate light.　 Let’s celebrate our own UU tradition of a flaming chalice, and sing some seasonal songs!

Kurt Vonnegut’s novel “Cat’s Cradle” gives us a number of interesting messages. 　Sometimes there is more truth in fiction than in fact.

The phrase “The Disappeared Ones” comes from Central and South America. It was originally used to describe the people who were abducted for real or perceived offences against the various military governments and juntas of the Americas, and whose status was never determined. Presumed dead, but never known, they became the martyrs of people striving, usually peacefully, for a more democratic society and transparent government. But the term, in its broadest sense, is applicable in Canada and in the US. There are disappeared among us, even in our own cities and communities, people who are allowed to be invisible among us. Borrowing the phrase Los Desaparecidos, internationally renowned performer, songwriter and lay preacher Joe Jencks will lead a New Year’s service in music and story, inviting re-commitment to Unitarian and Universalist principles, and focusing on how we can take specific action to prevent people from being disappeared in our own societies. Considering homelessness, addiction, mental illness, disability, racism, and justice for veterans, you are invited to come join together in a spirit of renewed commitment to our liberal religious movement, and to each other.