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!
Thursday, January 14, 10 am - noon in the Nursery
Play Group
"The Reckoning: The Battle for the International Criminal Court" (DVD)
Preceded by a brief business meeting of the Montreal Branch, World Federalist Movement Canada.
Contact: Carol Greene
Sunday, January 17, 10:30 am
To Seek the Truth - Or Not
Rev. Diane Rollert
Music by Sandra Hunt, and special guest singer Eliza Moore, whose unique sound stems from her diverse musical background. Rooted in the classical tradition, she discovered a passion for world music while collaborating with artists from around the globe. Her fascination with rearranging her melodies according to the instrumentation available creates a spontaneous and eclectic feel to her work. Eliza will share her musical thoughts on the theme of "Truth".
In January, unidentified cash in the collection baskets will be donated to Head & Hands.
Le dimanche 17 janvier à 10 h 30
Éducation religieuse en français pour tous les enfants We will be going outdoors and will end up -- coats and boots on -- at noon in the front foyer for hot chocolate or cider. (Voir aussi 'Le Groupe francophone'.)
Sunday, January 17 after Sunday service
See Nancy Kleins to purchase tickets for the "Thank God February's Over" (TGFO) Party on Saturday, March 6, at 6 pm, described in the 'Coming Up' section below.
N.B. See the notice about the COATICOOK ICE CREAM CONTAINER CONTEST in `A Last Word` (scroll down to the end).
Sunday, January 17, noon in the Darwin Room
Can We Bring 'Jazz and Justice' Back?
An exploratory meeting: Let's bring this wonderful concert series back to UCM! We've got artists waiting to come perform. All we need is a committee willing to bring it back to life. Come meet with some folks who are thinking about it, but need your help. For more information, contact Margo Ellis.
Sunday, January 17, 12:15 pm in the Thomas Room
Social and Environmental Concerns Committee
Christopher Sweetnam-Holmes will talk about his experiences at the recent Copenhagen Climate Change Conference. Many aspects of the conference are not well known, so this will be interesting. All are welcome.
Contacts: Christina Duvander or Patricia Philip
Monday, January 18, 7:30 pm
Parts in Peace Choir
Optional pot luck at 6:15 pm.
Contact: Sandra Hunt, director
Tuesday, January 19, 10:00 am - noon in the Nursery
Play Group
Tuesday, January 19, 7:30 pm in Phoenix Hall
Carmina Choir rehearsal
Contacts: Keith Robinson or Brian Brice
Wednesday, January 20
Midday meal with Music
Lunch: 12:20 pm; Music: 1:30 pm
Cost $5
Please call Ruth di Giovanni to reserve
Wednesday, January 20, 7:30 pm
Book Group
We'll discuss Chef, a novel about about two Sikh army chefs set in the years following the violent 1947 partition of India and Pakistan. The cultural thread of food as a second language binds these pages, as Hindu clashes with Muslim, Sikh with proto-Taliban in the mountainous and still-troubled region of Kashmir that forms the border zone. Author Jaspreet Singh graduated from McGill with a doctorate in chemical engineering.
Contact: Kathy Douglas
LE GROUPE FRANCOPHONE
Le dimanche 17 janvier à 10 h 30 : Éducation religieuse en français pour tous les enfants.Cet automne nous avons eu une excellente participation à notre programme, avec deux leçons intitulées, "Le bien et le mal" et "Vivre en communauté". Maintenant, nous entamons une nouvelle série de leçons basées sur la spiritualité amérindienne. Nous invitons tous les enfants âgés entre 4 et 12 ans à venir se réchauffer lors de la première leçon, "Le feu", animée par Hannelore et Rita.
Le dimanche 24 janvier à 12 h 45 : Célébration de la réconciliation entre l'Imam et le Pasteur. Notre invité, Laurent Gagnon, coordonnateur au Québec de Initiatives et Changement, témoignera de la réconciliation et surtout du travail en partenariat de deux activistes religieux du nord du Nigeria, région en proie à de grandes tensions religieuses, qui s'avèrent un immense cadeau de l'Afrique au monde entier, notamment au Québec aux prises avec ses questionnements identitaires et intercommunautaires.
Le vendredi 5 février à 18 h 00 : Souper communautaire (apportez un plat à partager) avant le film, L'Imam et le Pasteur, suivi par une discussion. Notre invité, Laurent Gagnon, répondra à nos questions, et sûrement il aura des questions à nous poser. Une soirée fort intéressante et engageante.
Responsable: Hannelore Poncelet
Comité d'entraide
Le comité d'entraide francophone recherche des bénévoles qui pourraient apporter du soutien comme voiturage, cuisine d'appoint, visites et appels téléphoniques. Si vous traversez une période difficile ou connaissez quelqu'un dans le besoin, veuillez communiquer avec Francine Desmarais.
COMING UP
Thursday, January 21, 6:30 - 8:30 pm in Phoenix Hall
(third Thursday of each month)
Drumming Circle
Contacts: Ann Beer or Allen Lobo
Sunday, January 24, following the service
Youth Soup and OWL Information Afternoon
Come and learn about the UU Sexuality Education curricula used for many different age groups. Enjoy excellent videos (from the series "Families talk about Sexual Health" -- one for parents of young children and one for parents of pre-adolescents and adolescents), discussion groups, an information/book table, an opportunity to ask questions about OWL with Senior Youth and Young Adults currently taking OWL courses, etc. More details outside the nursery. The OWL program is something that the entire congregation should know about and support.
Tuesday, January 26, noon-1:15 pm in the Thomas Room
(also February 23, March 23, April 27, and May 25)
Seeking the Sacred in Stories
Facilitated by Rev. Diane Rollert
Bring your own brown bag lunch and join this ongoing group, as we deepen in community and search for meaning in the stories we read. All are welcome. We meet on the first lower level of the church. Copies of the stories are available from the office.
Wednesday, January 27, 6:30-8:30 pm, Children's Chapel
Mindfulness Meditation
Meditation resumes on this and every following Wednesday.
Contact: Allen Lobo
Sunday, January 31, after the service
Eleanora's Diary and Pioneer Soup
Have a special date with a cheeky English girl and her 10 siblings, who emigrated to Upper Canada in 1835! Eleanora's father, an Anglican minister, not only brought along the family organ, but also the preserved heart of a deceased daughter!
Caroline will present songs, pictures and props to accompany the story of 12-year-old Eleanora Hallen, whom she wrote about in her book, Eleanora's Diary. Everyone is invited to a pioneer soup lunch and to attend Caroline's presentation. Come learn more and support RE. Free will donations welcome.
(also March 2, April 6, May 4, and June1)
What Moves Us? Exploring Unitarian and Universalist Theology
Rev. Diane Rollert
Based on a new program by UU theologian Thandeka, we'll explore the life experiences of historic and contemporary Unitarian and Universalist thinkers and the changes of heart that deepened their faith. Sessions include William Ellery Channing, Margaret Fuller, James Luther Adams and Forrest Church.
This is an opportunity to deepen your knowledge of Unitarian Universalism while exploring your own beliefs and values, and perhaps building your own theology. No preparation required. Just bring a notebook and an open mind.
To sign up, please call or e-mail the office at 514-485-9933 or office@ucmtl.ca.
Sunday, February 7
Exploring the Intangible 12:30 pm, Children's Chapel
Contact: Christine Rourke
Saturday, February 20, 10 am - 4 pm in the Garden Room.
Drop-in Soul Collage Session
Anyone interested to learn more about soul collage or simply to work on collages is welcome for all or part of the time. Plenty of materials available, but bring any favourite pictures. Contact Caroline Balderston Parry with questions or to be put on her mailing list for reminders.
Saturday, February 27
Last day for the COATICOOK ICE CREAM CONTAINER CONTEST. (Scroll down to `A Last Word`)
Saturday, March 6, 6 pm
Thank-God-February's-Over (TGFO) Party
Forget howling winter winds... Come to the TGFO party and bask in the UCM tropics among friends! All the fun of going south with none of the hassles. Enjoy an evening of tropical food, music and fun. Free babysitting available. Door prizes!!! Space is limited. Admission: $20/adult - Free for children aged 12 and under. To purchase tickets or for more details, please see Nancy Kleins on Sunday
GET INVOLVED
Covered Garden Project
Warm winter clothing is needed for newly arrived refugees staying at the YMCA's Covered Garden shelter. Clothing for children from infants to age 12 would be greatly appreciated.
Please put your contributions on the corner table in Phoenix Hall. Thank you so much from the Social & Environmental Concerns Committee.
URGENTLY NEEDED!!
IF YOU ENJOY COFFEE AND CONVERSATION ...
Java Jivers to make and serve coffee and tea after the Sunday services. If no one volunteers, there will simply be no refreshments during this social time. If you're not handy with the coffee maker, or don't know your way around a dishwasher, then sign up with someone who's an old hand and you'll learn the ropes very quickly. Job benefits include endless cups of coffee as well as smiling and appreciative faces! The sign-up sheet is in Phoenix Hall or you may contact Andrea Reichert
Sunday Service Greeters Needed for January 24
Stand in the foyer outside the Sanctuary on Sunday morning and greet your fellow UCMers. Sign up on the sheet on the bulletin board near the back door of Phoenix Hall or contact Petrina Lee Poy
Caring Network
We have a roster of people willing to do telephone check-ups, make hospital or home visits, prepare food, deliver food or act as chauffeur. If you're willing to do any of these, or have other offers -- particularly if you are willing to drive your car for us -- please let us know.
If you know anyone in our community who needs our help, please get in touch.
In January, the coordinator is Nancy Eddis
NEWS FROM RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Sunday, January 17
Initiation of French SPIRIT PLAY R.E.
This fall, our children enjoyed the French RE lessons entitled, "Good and Evil" and "Living in Community". Today, we will begin a new series of lessons based on First Nations' spirituality, complementing the regular Spirit Play program. A warm invitation is extended to all children between the ages of 4 and 12 to join Hannelore and Rita for the first lesson, "Fire".
Sunday, January 24, we will have the final of our SPIRIT PLAY promise stories ... then, on January 31, move on to a general Spirit Play lesson about the sources of UUism. In later weeks, we will be telling stories derived from those sources.
Children's Music Program
Our Children's Music Program is about the joy of music for six- to ten-year-olds. We plan to have frequent short songs for the children to play/sing, for chalice lightings, for the time of all ages, etc. Make note of the following dates:
Sunday, January 24: Chalice Lighting
Practice on Sunday, January 17.
Sunday, January 31: Time for All Ages
Practices on Sunday, January 17 and 24.
Please contact Shawn Dohring to sign up or if you have questions or comments
Publications for sale
Copies of the colourful booklet, My 7 Principles, are available from the RE Office for $1. RE is also selling a wonderful small book, Welcome, A Unitarian Universalist Primer ($6), and The Gift of Faith, which is an easy and provocative read about why children need religious education and Sunday programming ($7/copy).
The RE Committee meets the 2nd Tuesday of every month at 6:30 pm and tries to be finished by 8:30 pm (not always successfully). Anyone who would like to join us is welcome. If possible please let the Director of RE, Caroline Balderston Parry, or Shawn Dohring, Chair of the RE Committee, know to expect you. We value your input into this important church program.
Caroline Balderston Parry, 514-485-9933, or dre@ucmtl.ca.
OUTSIDE OUR WALLS
Monday, January 20, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
Cancer Initiation
Conference Rm. 504, McIntyre Med. Sciences Building, McGill U.
The Goodman Cancer Centre of McGill University is offering a series of public exchanges with local experts in the field of cancer research. Additional sessions are planned for March 24 (Cancer Metastasis) and May 12 (Cancer: A Chronic Disease). For information and to register, contact Annette Novak at 514-398-4970 or annette.novak@mcgill.ca
Sunday, January 24, 12:30 pm
Annual Post-Holiday Luncheon
Le Café des beaux-arts (Museum of Fine Arts), 1384 Sherbrooke W. (between Crescent and Bishop), 2nd floor -- Guy Metro.
Topic: The Future of the International Criminal Court. The first ten-year review of the Rome Statute, its founding document, takes place in June in Uganda. What amendments are likely to be on the table? Discussion will be facilitated by Montreal lawyer, Bill Hartzog, active in international and human rights law.
Contact: Carol Greene
Saturday, January 30
Spirit Play Teacher Training
The Kingston Unitarian Fellowship will be offering Spirit Play teacher training to which RE would like to send two new people. If you are interested, please contact the RE Office.
Caroline Balderston Parry, 514-485-9933, or dre@ucmtl.ca.
A LAST WORD
Ice Cream Lovers, Unite!
COATICOOK ICE CREAM CONTAINER CONTEST
To uphold its commitment to eating locally whenever possible, the Loaf'n'Ladle Lunch group will give 2 litres of home-made soup and two loaves of home-baked bread to the first UCM member(s) or friend(s) who can supply 11 (ten for us and one for you!) used, but VERY clean and undented two-litre Coaticook ice cream containers with lids. We use containers in our collective kitchens and to deliver food to UCM members and friends when asked by the UCM Caring Committee.
CONTEST DEADLINE: Saturday, February 27 at the UCM kitchen between 9:00 am and noon. Please bring all 11 containers and lids with you. Show up at noon and we'll invite you for lunch too! When you have gathered 11 containers, please notify Nancy Kleins so we can have your soup and bread ready for you.
2010 Pledges and Donations
If you have already made a commitment, we thank you most sincerely. If not, there is still time to make a pledge for 2010. Please keep in mind that the donations of members and friends are all we can count on. There are no government funds for us, no foundation grants. We are all there is, and that's why we are making this last appeal. Your contribution may make the difference in terms of more music in the Sanctuary, more classes for R.E., more outreach in the community, more evening activities, and more hospitality for visitors and inquirers.
It's never too late, and no donation is ever too small. Just do the best you can. Please make your commitment by contacting the Church office at 514-495-9933, office@ucmtl.ca or Petrina Lee Poy
You can also donate to the Church online. Please go to Canada Helps website. Just follow the steps. It's easy, safe and secure. The website accepts credit card payments and issues a tax receipt directly. You can even schedule monthly deductions from your credit card.
In the 'privacy preferences' section of Canada Helps, please provide your name so that the church office can keep track of your donation. There is a 3% service charge incurred by the Church for each transaction. By adding the equivalent amount to your online contribution, you can help defray this cost.
