Unitarian Church of Montreal

UCM Hosts COCO IT Workshop

On February 10 2011, UCM welcomed participants in a free Web and IT Training event organized by the Center for Community Organizations (COCO). The event was attended by over 70 community leaders and 15 Web and IT specialists. Attendees were able to choose from six workshops and a dozen information stations on topics ranging from the Creative Commons to Office IT Infrastructure to Web Applications. Cym Gomery, Communications Chair, attended, as did Carol Cumming-Speirs of the Music Ministry Committee, and Alison Hall of the Communications Committee. For videos from the event and helpful IT links, see http://www.coco-net.org/en/node/1364.

Unsung Hero 2010

Speech given by Jack Cobb, Sunday, June 20, 2010

Today, it is my privilege and honour, to announce the 2010 recipient of the Unsung Hero Award. First introduced by the Board of Management in 1996, this award was created to honour a member of the congregation who not only contributed to the health and vitality of the church, but also to the life of the wider community.  It is awarded to someone who works steadfastly – usually in the background, and adds a special dimension to our congregation.
 
The names of all the recipients are inscribed on a special plaque which hangs in the Thomas Room upstairs, and today we proudly add:

“2010: Frank Greene.”

Those of you who know Frank will not be surprised at this news.  For those who don’t know him at all, or just a little, let me give you a brief, very brief, history: 

Come Play With Us!

Melani Litwack runs the playgroup, which meets twice a week, and is a much-needed outing for new parents as well as those with more experience - we all need some adult interaction during our busy days! She took some time to tell us more about this vital service in our church.

The Caring Network

We welcome and nurture...

Taking care of each other is an essential part of being in community.  Our Caring Network volunteer coordinators work with our minister to support members and friends who are in times of transition.  This could be the loss of a job, moving to a new neighborhood or city, the arrival of a new baby, or unexpected illness, family problems, separation or divorce, bereavement or a bewildering depression.  For the name of this month's coordinator, see The Week at a Glance, or contact the office at 514 485 9933 or office@ucmtl.ca.

What's going on

Groups
If it's reading, singing or contemplating life that you're into, we've got a group for you. Joining in is a great way to meet people and pursue your interests.

Committees galore

Committees

Getting involved is the best way to feel truly part of our community. Here is a partial listing of our current committees.  If you’d like to learn more, contact the committee chair directly.

Events from auctions to fair trade

Special Events
News about upcoming events are listed in our monthly newsletter, on the kiosk in Phoenix Hall, and on our website at www.ucmtl.ca. Throughout the year, the church hosts a variety of special events, from an auction to a fair trade sale.

Say ouch if it hurts

Guidelines for Respectful Dialogue

As a community of members and friends who strive to welcome and nurture as well as inspire and challenge, we promote the following guidelines for engaging in a free and responsible search for truth and meaning in our lives:

•    Listen with respect and compassion.

•    Be open-minded and strive to understand others.

•    Focus on learning rather than being right.

•    Speak from personal experience and without judging others.

•    Say “ouch” if something hurts.

•    Let the group know when something needs to be confidential.

•    Make space for everyone to be heard, not just the few.

•    Respect each other’s need for silence and time to reflect.

The Church's Steinway - An Exquisite Piano that Expels our Cares

When the new home of the Unitarian Church of Montreal opened on de Maisonneuve Blvd. in 1996, it also became home to a magnificent seven-and-a-half foot Steinway grand piano. This piano’s story is part of the musical heritage of our city and province.