Unitarian Church of Montreal

Welcome to our multicultural community

We are the first Unitarian church in all of Canada, founded in 1842.  We meet every Sunday at 10:30 in our beautiful, unique sanctuary on de Maisonneuve just west of Claremont, on the NDG-Westmount border.

What's Happening February 3 to 10

Plenty of activity this week and throughout the month of February to chase away the winter blahs.

News Flash: Special Service, Sunday, January 31

Special Guest Speaker: Sue Montgomery

O Haiti! Reflections from the Front
Sunday Worship Service
January 31, 10:30 a.m.
The Unitarian Church of Montreal

With great relief, I am pleased to announce that journalist, and UCM member, Sue Montgomery is returning from Haiti this week. Sue has been so moved by what she has seen in the aftermath of the January 12 earthquake, that she has promised to help the people of Haiti for the rest of her life. She joins us this Sunday to reflect on her experiences.  After the service, we'll have time to meet with Sue to discuss what we can do next for the people of Haiti.  I hope you will join us,

Rev. Diane Rollert

What's Happening January 27 - Feb. 3

This week offers moments to reflect, react, remember. This Sunday, join UCM member Sue Montgomery, newly returned from Haiti, as we reflect on what is happening and what we can do. After the service all ages can join Caroline Balderston Parry for soup and tales of pioneer times, told through journals and song.

All We Are and All We Can Be

Rev. Diane Rollert, 24 January 2010

Sometimes when you first arrive in a new place, it can be easier to see the broader vista.  You see the vast forest and how far it reaches.  But in time, your focus narrows.  You begin to see the trees, then the pine needles, the pinecones, and the lichen as it grows on the tree trunks.  You look beyond the broad majestic beauty to see the narrow mysteries of tiny insects boring holes into the bark.

UCM Raises More Than $6,000 for Haitian Relief

On Sunday, January 17, members and friends generously contributed $6,244.19, for relief in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12th.   These funds will be sent to Oxfam Quebec, since we have learned that Médecins sans frontières (our original choice) is becoming saturated with funds. 

What's happening this week: January 20 - 27

This Sunday is an active one as we celebrate the vitality of our community and  after the service enjoy soup and an opportunity to learn about OWL (Our Whole Lives UU sexuality education program).

Et aussi… Célébration de la réconciliation entre l'Imam et le Pasteur à 12 h 45.

To Seek the Truth – Or Not

Sermon by Rev. Diane Rollert, 17 January 2010

Not too long ago, I told you the story of my experience of spending a week in conversation with psychologist Thomas Moore, bestselling author of Care of the Soul.  You’ll recall that it was me, Tom and 24 other Unitarian Universalist ministers sitting in a very non-sexy, windowless conference room, with no agenda. One afternoon, we ministers started to talk about what it means to be tellers of truth and the importance of being authentic.

Emergency Relief for Haiti

15 January 2010

Dear Members and Friends,

I, like you, am deeply saddened by the devastation that the people of Haiti are facing in the aftermath of Tuesday's earthquake. As a first step, we have determined that our offering this Sunday will be given to Médecins sans frontières Canada (Doctors without Borders). 

After speaking with members of our community who have strong connections to Haiti, we believe this will be the best way to quickly support efforts on the ground. Médecins sans frontières is among the organizations that will receive matching grants from the Canadian government for gifts given by individuals and certain groups.  As a church, we qualify as an organization whose gifts will be matched.

We still advise that you write your cheques to the Unitarian Church of Montreal, designating "Haiti" in the subject line.  In this way, we can provide tax receipts and remove that burden from Médecins sans frontières.

Recovery in Haiti will be long and hard.  If you are interested in participating in an ongoing effort to provide relief, please let me know.  Our Social and Environmental Concerns Committee will be meeting this week and will be considering future projects.

I am deeply grateful to all who have expressed care and concern to help.  My heart goes out to the people of Haiti and to all who are waiting to hear news of loved ones, colleagues and friends.  

With love,

Rev. Diane Rollert

Benefit Concert for Haiti

If you are a lover of Gospel music, you may wish to attend a benefit concert for Haiti Earthquake Relief on Sunday, January 17 at 4:00 p.m. at Imani Family and Full Gospel Church, 540 Richmond Street, corner of St. Jaques.  I will be there to offer a few words.

Rev. Diane Rollert

On the Turtle’s Back

Sermon by Rev. Diane Rollert, 10 January 2010

On December 19, my family and I gathered up our passports with our newly received Immigration Visas and did what you might call le tour des portes, or the tour of the entryways.  We drove to the border, crossed into the US and took a sharp U-turn back to Canada.  

What's happening this week: January 13 - 20

After the service Sunday, during which the idea of seeking truth will be explored, join us to hear Christopher Sweetnam-Holmes talk about his experiences at the recent Copenhagen Climate Change Conference. And there are lots of other activities planned to get you through winter. Read on!

What's happening this week - January 6 - 13

Wishing everyone a safe, healthy and happy 2010! We're starting the year off with a busy schedule, including a loaf and ladle lunch served January 10 in Phoenix Hall following the new-member service. If you've never been to our church, come and enjoy a great service, lunch and meet some wonderful people.

What's up for the Next Two Weeks: December 23 - January 6

Join us Christmas Eve at 6:30 for our candlelight service. And this holiday season, why not give a gift that grows so people in rural communities of Asia, Africa and Latin America have the tools they need to feed themselves today and into the future? You can give seeds, trees, and clean drinking water, or support farmers' rights and the next generation of farmers through Unitarian Service Committee's programs. You can purchase it in minutes by going to the  website.
When you give your gift, you can then send an E-card to let the person know you've given a present in their name. Thanks to you, hope is growing!

We wish you the strength to meet any challenge;
the joy of knowing you're loved;
the satisfaction of rendering service;
and the peace of a quiet heart.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice and New Year's Greetings!

(Please note that the church office will be closed from the afternoon of Thursday, December 24, until Monday morning, January 4. Telephone messages will be checked during this period.)

For Those in Need of Quiet Reflection

A number of people are dealing with grief and loss in this season, which can make facing the holidays difficult.  If you are in that situation, please join our minister, Rev.  Diane Rollert for:

A Time of Quiet Reflection For Those Experiencing Grief and Loss
Tuesday, December 22, 6:00 p.m.
In the Children’s Chapel

May this quiet time away from the holiday glitz and music offer you a bit of respite.

Candles for Change

 

Church members and friends held a vigil December 12 at the Durnford family residence to push politicians taking part in the Copenhagen climate-change summit to take action. Thanks to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Canada's image has been tarnished in the minds of environmentalists, scientists and other developed countries attending the gathering. The goal of the summit is to reach an agreement committing developed countries - Canada included - to substantial reductions in carbon emissions from 1990 levels. Problem is, Canada is refusing to play along, earning it such "awards" as fossil of the day.