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.
Thursday, January 7, 10:00 am - noon in the Nursery
Play Group resumesSaturday, January 9, 10 am - 4 pm in the Garden Room
Drop-in Soul Collage Session
(Also on February 20)
Anyone interested in learning more about "soul collage" or simply working 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.
Sunday, January 10, 10:30 am
On the Turtle's Back: New Member Sunday
Rev. Diane Rollert
Music by Sandra Hunt
Is Truth A Wounded Word?
We affirm a free and responsible search for truth and we speak of telling the truth in love. But is "truth" a word that has been wounded? Can it ever be found? Should it ever be sought? Share your thoughts with Diane (by January 13) to be included as part of the January 17 service. E-mail her at dianerollert@ucmtl.ca
In January, unidentified cash in the collection baskets will be donated to Head & Hands.
Sunday, January 10 in Phoenix Hall
Loaf'n'Ladle Lunch
A loaf and ladle lunch will be served in Phoenix Hall following the service. The menu features a home-made chickpea, spinach and tahini soup, along with our signature home-baked bread and delicious desserts, too!
Proceeds go to the Hospitality Committee. Your freewill donations will be more than welcome.
N.B. See the notice about the COATICOOK ICE CREAM CONTAINER CONTEST in 'A Last Word' (scroll down to the end).
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.
Le dimanche 10 janvier à midi dans la Salle Thomas
Réunion de travail du Comité francophone afin de préparer la prochaine célébration et nos activités. Si vous êtes intéressés, venez nous rencontrer et partagez vos idées autour d'un petit lunch.
Responsable: Hannelore Poncelet
Sunday, January 10, Garden Room/Primers' Room
Spirit Play programs resume (see News from R.E.)
Sunday, January 10, 12:15 pm in the Darwin Room
Music Committee
This is an open meeting to plan for the year. We are having a poetry and music event after services on the third Sunday in January.
Contact: David Horan
Monday, January 11, 7:30 pm
Parts in Peace Choir
Rehearsals restart. Optional pot-luck at 6:15 pm.
Contact: Sandra Hunt, director
Tuesday, January 12, 10 am - noon in the Nursery
Play Group
Support for the Great Lakes
Patricia Gordon will lead both discussion and letter-writing sessions of the Marie-Berthe Dion Issues Action Group of the Montreal World Federalists. All welcome. Bring writing paper and envelopes.
Contact: Carol Greene
Tuesday, January 12, 6:30 to 8 pm
(also February 2, March 2, April 6, May 4, and June 1)
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.
The first session focuses on Hosea Ballou and his belief that human happiness is a mandate of liberal faith. We'll hear Ballou's story, share our own stories, and see if we agree. Other 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 for the first session, please call or e-mail the office at 514-485-9933 or office@ucmtl.ca.
Carmina Choir rehearsal
Contacts: Keith Robinson, or Brian Brice
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 14, 7 pm in Phoenix Hall
"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, 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
On the program will be housing and possibly a report from the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference. All are welcome.
Contacts: Christina Duvander or Patricia Philip
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
Thursday, January 21, 6:30 - 8:30 pm in Phoenix Hall
(third Thursday of each month)
Drumming Circle
Contacts: Ann Beer and Allen Lobo
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
Caroline Balderston Parry 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. Pioneer soup will be served. Come learn more and support RE. Free will donations welcome.
Contact: Caroline at dre@ucmtl.ca
Sunday, February 7
Exploring the Intangible
Contact: Christine Rourke
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 of the fun of going south with none of the hassles. Enjoy an evening of tropical food, music and fun. Free baby-sitting available. Door prizes!!! Space is limited. Tickets go on sale Sunday, January 10, after the service.
Admission: $20/adult - Free for children aged 12 and under.
To purchase tickets, please see Nancy Kleins in Phoenix Hall.
Get Involved
Covered Garden Project
There is still a need for warm winter clothing for children from infants to age 12 at the YMCA's shelter for newly arrived refugees.
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, consider becoming a java jiver!
We're looking for people to fill short shifts on Sundays. 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. If no one volunteers, there won't be coffee served after the service!
Sunday Service Greeters
Stand in the foyer outside the sancturary 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.
The January coordinator is Nancy Eddis at eddis@ucmtl.ca.
News From Religious Education
Sunday, January 10, Garden & Primers Rooms
Spirit Play resumes: we will soon complete the promise stories, which complement the seven principles of Unitarian Universalism.
Senior Youth Group: The Tony Blair Foundation brings us Faiths Act Fellows, a wonderful workshop series that encourages social activism, fund-raising, and social awareness.
Click here for further important news and dates.
Sunday, January 17
Initiation of French RE
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 move on to a general lesson about the sources of UUism, then stories that are derived from those.
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:
Practices on Sundays, January 10 and 17.
Sunday, January 24, 1010: Chalice Lighting
Practices on Sunday, January 17 and 24.
Sunday, January 31: Time for All Ages
Contact: Shawn Dohring
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/copy), 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. Its first ten-year review of the Rome Statue, its founding document, takes place in June in Uganda. What amendments are likely to be on the table? Discussion animated 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 so requested by the UCM Caring Network.
Contest Deadline: Saturday, February 27, at the UCM kitchen between 9 am and noon. Please bring the 11 containers and lids with you. Show up at 12 and we'll invite you for lunch, too! When you have collected 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 donate to the Church online by going to the CanadaHelps 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.
