Email, text messages, Twitter, Facebook...they can all get to be a bit overwhelming, yet so hard to unplug. Join us this Sunday, December 4, as Rev. Diane Rollert delivers a service entitled We Are Not Gadgets: Unplugging for the Holidays. Music provided by pianist Sandra Hunt. Service starts at 10:30. Please bring non-perishable food items to share with the NDG Food Depot.
During the month of December, all unidentified cash in the collection baskets will be given to the Montreal Diet Dispensary which annually provides nutrition and moral support to 2,000 women in need during their pregnancy and during the first months after the birth of the baby.
Also, today after the service, learn to use our new defibrillator. Then join Revs. Diane Rollert and Carole Martignacco in conversation about passing the baton for Diane's sabbatical in January. Read on for more activities this week.
Financial Commitment 2011
As another year comes to an end, please keep in mind your 2011 financial commitment or donation to the Church. (Tax receipts are issued for all contributions of $50 or more.) In order to qualify for an income tax receipt for 2011, all financial contributions must be received by Thursday, December 29, 2011. Any payments received after this date will be deposited and posted in 2012 and will not be reflected in 2011 tax receipts.
You may also make a contribution via CanadaHelps.org by clicking here . This site allows donations using a credit card only and issues tax receipts directly. In other words, donations made this way will not appear on your UCM tax receipt. There is also a 3.9% service charge incurred by the Church for each transaction, so we urge you to consider the electronic banking option.
If you have any questions, please contact Petrina Lee Poy at 514-485-5555 or by email.
Sunday, December 4
The BidNite invoices are ready. They can be collected at the information table in the foyer. Please remit payment before the end of the year.
Sunday, December 4
Religious Education: Spirit Play classes today will be about a well-known UU heroine, Dr.Lotta Hitchmanova, who founded the Unitarian Service Committee - Canada. Lotta's birthday was November 28.
Mulanos, youth and nursery groups meet as usual.
Children's Choir today and next Sunday will work on preparations for the Multigenerational service of December 18. Note: To use the handbells for the Multigen, children MUST attend these practice sessions.
Sunday, December 4, 12 noon in the Sanctuary
Peter Yaffy will explain how to use the new defibrillator
purchased for the Church by the Wardens, and placed above the fire extinguisher in Phoenix Hall. The kit accompanying the defibrillator includes a DVD and this film will be shown. Come and learn how to use a medical device that could save a life!
Information: Aldyth Harrison or call 514-739-3830
Sunday, December 4, 12:15 pm in the Children's Chapel
Exploring the Intangible: Discussion Group
Topic: Concepts of Immortality, introduced by Alain Lefèvre. All are welcome. (Please note earlier time of 12:15 pm.)
Contact: Christine Rourke or call 514-761-0669.
Monday, December 5, 7:30 pm
Innovation in Peacekeeping Speaker: Dr. Walter Dorn, Professor of Defence Studies at the Royal Military College, Kingston, and the Canadian Forces College. Dr. Dorn's recent book, Keeping Watch: Technology and Innovation in UN Peace Operations, will be available. (The presentation will be preceded by a brief business meeting of the Montreal Branch, World Federalist Movement Canada, at 7:00 pm. All welcome.) For more information: Carol Greene at 514-933-4532
Tuesday, December 6, 10 am to noon in the Nursery
Play Group
We welcome children under five on a drop-in basis accompanied by a (grand)parent or caregiver. Pack a snack for your child(ren). Coffee is provided. Open to all, whether church members or not. No charge but a donation of $3/session per family is suggested.
Tuesday, December 6, 7:30 to 9 pm, Phoenix Hall
Carmina Choir
New members in all voices are always welcome. The ability to read music is not necessary and there is no audition. Bring a sense of humour and good will, and a black binder if possible.
Contacts: Keith Robinson (514-931-9028) or Brian Brice (514-843-6497)
Wednesday, December 7, 6 pm, Thomas Room
Book Discussion Group
Members will hold their potluck supper (finger food) at 6 pm, followed by screening of the film, Agora, at 7 pm. Please contact John regarding food contributions.
John Heath at 514-486-2567
(Please note change of date and time for this month only.)
Thursday, December 8, 10 am to noon in the Nursery
Play Group
Thursday, December 8, 7:30 to 9 pm
Parts in Peace Choir Rehearsal
Everyone welcome to try us out. Please bring a binder and a pencil.
For information: Sandra Hunt or call 514-484-5559.
Vendredi le 9 décembre à 19 h 30
Comité des activités en français :
Réunion de planification précédée par un souper à la bonne franquette à 18 h 00. Si vous désirez nous donner un coup de main, vous êtes la bienvenue.
Pour plus d'informations, Hannelore Poncelet au 450-653-5694
Sunday, December 11, 10:30 am
We, the Global Village: One Kenyan's Story
Flora Terah and Rev. Diane Rollert
Music: Sandra Hunt
(Special guest, Flora Igoki Terah, was a parliamentary candidate in the Meru district of Kenya in 2007, when she was attacked and tortured by a gang of men near her home as they repeatedly warned her against running for office. In March of 2008, her son was murdered in Nairobi, and her story became a case study for Amnesty International on the state of the world's human rights. Now living in Montreal, Florah intends to return to Kenya to run for office once again.
Invited by Diane to speak to the congregation on the Sunday before Kenya's Independence Day, she hopes to raise awareness of the situation in Kenya, offering hope and affirming that no matter what, her spirit has remained alive.)
Sunday, December 11
R.E.: Our prep day for the Multigen, so there will be no separate classes; everyone will gather in the Chapel for a short worship and sharing time, followed by activities to ready us for "Celebrate
the Dark! (see under "Coming Up") Children's Choir today will work on preparations for the Multigenerational service next week.
Sunday, December 11
Social & Environmental Concerns Committee
During coffee hour, we will have pens and paper ready for anyone who would like to write a letter on behalf of a prisoner of conscience -- a good way to celebrate Human Rights Day. You will find us at the big corner table in Phoenix Hall.
Help Wanted
Greeters required!
Guidelines are available if you are not sure what your function will be. To be a greeter, contact Petrina Lee Poy at 514-485-5555. Or sign up on the sheet in Phoenix Hall near the back door.
Return of the Java Jivers!
Three teams divide the tasks of: making the coffee and setting up the serving tables; serving the coffee, tea, and treats; and clearing up afterwards. A 45-minute commitment is all it takes. Experienced volunteers and printed guidelines are available.
Check your calendars and sign up any Sunday morning for some volunteering fun. Join in the new team approach to our social hour -- become a Java Jiver.
The Caring Network
We are always seeking new volunteers. If you are willing to make a reassuring call, drive someone to an appointment, cook a meal, deliver a meal or write a friendly note, we would like to hear from you. If you're interested in being a volunteer or coordinator, please contact Janine Cobb at 514-938-9617.
St. Michael's Mission, located at 137 Avene President Kennedy -- in the church with the red roof near Place des Arts --is in need of supplies for the coming winter. St Michael's is a day shelter open weekdays from 8:00 am to 12.30 pm, serving breakfast and lunch for almost 200 men and women daily, as well as providing showers and, twice weekly, handing out clean clothing and food bags. Needed is warm winter clothing (coats, jackets, long underwear, mittens, hats, socks, shoes and boots) as well as non-perishable food, toiletry items, cards and other games. Please put your donations on the big table in Phoenix Hall and we will deliver them for you. St Michael's Mission is a registered charity and will provide tax receipts for financial contributions. For more information please contact Christina or call 514-630-7523.
Outside Our Walls
Saturday/Sunday, December 10 & 11 Loyola Chapel of Concordia University
Dances of Universal Peace led by Alima Jeanne Ross.
For more information, contact Gina Cenciose at (450) 297-3766.
Build a School in Honduras. The First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto, in partnership with World Accord, invites you to help build a school in the mountains of Honduras. This is a hands-on opportunity to make a difference in the lives of subsistence farmers and their families. Please join a two-week trip beginning January 14, February 11 or March 10, 2012. Construction and Spanish language skills are not required but would be welcomed. For more information, see our poster on the bulletin board in Phoenix Hall, or contact Richard Kirsh at 416-767-5837
Travel with Unitarians: Explore Transylvania/Hungary, June 4 to 18, 2012
Ever thought about travelling to the place where Unitarianism was founded 450 years ago? A quarter of all Unitarians live there. Their beautiful, unique churches are a joy to behold. We will travel from
Cluj-Napoca, Romania, to Budapest, Hungary, including 9 nights in Transylvania and 5 in Hungary, private coach, most meals, 3- and 4-star hotels, as well as a stay with a family or in a guest house when we are in the rural village. This specially-designed tour will be facilitated by the UU Partner Church Council Pilgrimage Service with more than a decade of experience facilitating UU visits to this part of Europe.
Cost is $2075 plus airfare.
For all details contact Beverly Carr (Neighbourhood UU Congregation, Toronto).
As another year comes to an end, please keep in mind your 2011 financial commitment or donation to the Church. (Tax receipts are issued for all contributions of $50 or more.) In order to qualify for an income tax receipt for 2011, all financial contributions must be received by Thursday, December 29, 2011. Any payments received after this date will be deposited and posted in 2012 and will not be reflected in 2011 tax receipts.
You may also make a contribution via CanadaHelps.org by clicking here . This site allows donations using a credit card only and issues tax receipts directly. In other words, donations made this way will not appear on your UCM tax receipt. There is also a 3.9% service charge incurred by the Church for each transaction, so we urge you to consider the electronic banking option.
If you have any questions, please contact Petrina Lee Poy at 514-485-5555 or by email.
Sunday, December 4
The BidNite invoices are ready. They can be collected at the information table in the foyer. Please remit payment before the end of the year.
Sunday, December 4
Religious Education: Spirit Play classes today will be about a well-known UU heroine, Dr.Lotta Hitchmanova, who founded the Unitarian Service Committee - Canada. Lotta's birthday was November 28.
Mulanos, youth and nursery groups meet as usual.
Children's Choir today and next Sunday will work on preparations for the Multigenerational service of December 18. Note: To use the handbells for the Multigen, children MUST attend these practice sessions.
Sunday, December 4, 12 noon in the Sanctuary
Peter Yaffy will explain how to use the new defibrillator
purchased for the Church by the Wardens, and placed above the fire extinguisher in Phoenix Hall. The kit accompanying the defibrillator includes a DVD and this film will be shown. Come and learn how to use a medical device that could save a life!
Information: Aldyth Harrison or call 514-739-3830
Sunday, December 4, 12:15 pm in the Children's Chapel
Exploring the Intangible: Discussion Group
Topic: Concepts of Immortality, introduced by Alain Lefèvre. All are welcome. (Please note earlier time of 12:15 pm.)
Contact: Christine Rourke or call 514-761-0669.
Monday, December 5, 7:30 pm
Innovation in Peacekeeping Speaker: Dr. Walter Dorn, Professor of Defence Studies at the Royal Military College, Kingston, and the Canadian Forces College. Dr. Dorn's recent book, Keeping Watch: Technology and Innovation in UN Peace Operations, will be available. (The presentation will be preceded by a brief business meeting of the Montreal Branch, World Federalist Movement Canada, at 7:00 pm. All welcome.) For more information: Carol Greene at 514-933-4532
Tuesday, December 6, 10 am to noon in the Nursery
Play Group
We welcome children under five on a drop-in basis accompanied by a (grand)parent or caregiver. Pack a snack for your child(ren). Coffee is provided. Open to all, whether church members or not. No charge but a donation of $3/session per family is suggested.
Tuesday, December 6, 7:30 to 9 pm, Phoenix Hall
Carmina Choir
New members in all voices are always welcome. The ability to read music is not necessary and there is no audition. Bring a sense of humour and good will, and a black binder if possible.
Contacts: Keith Robinson (514-931-9028) or Brian Brice (514-843-6497)
Wednesday, December 7, 6 pm, Thomas Room
Book Discussion Group
Members will hold their potluck supper (finger food) at 6 pm, followed by screening of the film, Agora, at 7 pm. Please contact John regarding food contributions.
John Heath at 514-486-2567
(Please note change of date and time for this month only.)
Thursday, December 8, 10 am to noon in the Nursery
Play Group
Thursday, December 8, 7:30 to 9 pm
Parts in Peace Choir Rehearsal
Everyone welcome to try us out. Please bring a binder and a pencil.
For information: Sandra Hunt or call 514-484-5559.
Vendredi le 9 décembre à 19 h 30
Comité des activités en français :
Réunion de planification précédée par un souper à la bonne franquette à 18 h 00. Si vous désirez nous donner un coup de main, vous êtes la bienvenue.
Pour plus d'informations, Hannelore Poncelet au 450-653-5694
Sunday, December 11, 10:30 am
We, the Global Village: One Kenyan's Story
Flora Terah and Rev. Diane Rollert
Music: Sandra Hunt
(Special guest, Flora Igoki Terah, was a parliamentary candidate in the Meru district of Kenya in 2007, when she was attacked and tortured by a gang of men near her home as they repeatedly warned her against running for office. In March of 2008, her son was murdered in Nairobi, and her story became a case study for Amnesty International on the state of the world's human rights. Now living in Montreal, Florah intends to return to Kenya to run for office once again.
Invited by Diane to speak to the congregation on the Sunday before Kenya's Independence Day, she hopes to raise awareness of the situation in Kenya, offering hope and affirming that no matter what, her spirit has remained alive.)
Sunday, December 11
R.E.: Our prep day for the Multigen, so there will be no separate classes; everyone will gather in the Chapel for a short worship and sharing time, followed by activities to ready us for "Celebrate
the Dark! (see under "Coming Up") Children's Choir today will work on preparations for the Multigenerational service next week.
Sunday, December 11
Social & Environmental Concerns Committee
During coffee hour, we will have pens and paper ready for anyone who would like to write a letter on behalf of a prisoner of conscience -- a good way to celebrate Human Rights Day. You will find us at the big corner table in Phoenix Hall.
Help Wanted
Greeters required!
Guidelines are available if you are not sure what your function will be. To be a greeter, contact Petrina Lee Poy at 514-485-5555. Or sign up on the sheet in Phoenix Hall near the back door.
Return of the Java Jivers!
Three teams divide the tasks of: making the coffee and setting up the serving tables; serving the coffee, tea, and treats; and clearing up afterwards. A 45-minute commitment is all it takes. Experienced volunteers and printed guidelines are available.
Check your calendars and sign up any Sunday morning for some volunteering fun. Join in the new team approach to our social hour -- become a Java Jiver.
The Caring Network
We are always seeking new volunteers. If you are willing to make a reassuring call, drive someone to an appointment, cook a meal, deliver a meal or write a friendly note, we would like to hear from you. If you're interested in being a volunteer or coordinator, please contact Janine Cobb at 514-938-9617.
St. Michael's Mission, located at 137 Avene President Kennedy -- in the church with the red roof near Place des Arts --is in need of supplies for the coming winter. St Michael's is a day shelter open weekdays from 8:00 am to 12.30 pm, serving breakfast and lunch for almost 200 men and women daily, as well as providing showers and, twice weekly, handing out clean clothing and food bags. Needed is warm winter clothing (coats, jackets, long underwear, mittens, hats, socks, shoes and boots) as well as non-perishable food, toiletry items, cards and other games. Please put your donations on the big table in Phoenix Hall and we will deliver them for you. St Michael's Mission is a registered charity and will provide tax receipts for financial contributions. For more information please contact Christina or call 514-630-7523.
Outside Our Walls
Saturday/Sunday, December 10 & 11 Loyola Chapel of Concordia University
Dances of Universal Peace led by Alima Jeanne Ross.
For more information, contact Gina Cenciose at (450) 297-3766.
Build a School in Honduras. The First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto, in partnership with World Accord, invites you to help build a school in the mountains of Honduras. This is a hands-on opportunity to make a difference in the lives of subsistence farmers and their families. Please join a two-week trip beginning January 14, February 11 or March 10, 2012. Construction and Spanish language skills are not required but would be welcomed. For more information, see our poster on the bulletin board in Phoenix Hall, or contact Richard Kirsh at 416-767-5837
Travel with Unitarians: Explore Transylvania/Hungary, June 4 to 18, 2012
Ever thought about travelling to the place where Unitarianism was founded 450 years ago? A quarter of all Unitarians live there. Their beautiful, unique churches are a joy to behold. We will travel from
Cluj-Napoca, Romania, to Budapest, Hungary, including 9 nights in Transylvania and 5 in Hungary, private coach, most meals, 3- and 4-star hotels, as well as a stay with a family or in a guest house when we are in the rural village. This specially-designed tour will be facilitated by the UU Partner Church Council Pilgrimage Service with more than a decade of experience facilitating UU visits to this part of Europe.
Cost is $2075 plus airfare.
For all details contact Beverly Carr (Neighbourhood UU Congregation, Toronto).
