Trans Inclusion in Congregations

This course is for individuals, groups, and congregational teams who want to take their knowledge and skills to the next level in terms of trans identity and how to create congregations that are fully inclusive and affirming of the full breadth of gender diversity. Over six 2-hour sessions you will deeply explore the intersection of trans identity, spirituality, and faith community, and gain the grounding, context, and skills to transform yourself and your congregation.
The course is for everyone from novices on trans identity to those with decades of life experience. Rather than simply offering a “trans 101,” this class pushes participants to the next level of congregational welcome, relationship-building, and skills-building. It counters mainstream narratives about who trans people are; supports understanding of non-binary identities (such as genderqueer, agender, and Two-Spirit); and employs a deeply intersectional approach. Congregational teams are particularly encouraged to participate.
Watch this video to hear course leaders Rev. Mykal Slack and Zr. Alex Kapitan share more about the course, why and how it came to be, what to expect from taking it, who the course is for, and how it works when a congregation purchases it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tEU5Ri8lxQ4

Course details
The course is composed of six 2-hour sessions, each of which includes a 45- to 55-minute lecture by Rev. Mykal Slack and Zr. Alex Kapitan, as well as reflection questions and resources for discussion that take the conversation deeper. Rev Rita will facilitate each session, which will be offered both in-person at UCM (Tuesdays at 4:00p, Sunflower Room) and on Zoom (Thursdays at 7:00p. The program is most impactful if you attend all the sessions, but you can switch between in-person  and Zoom to meet your scheduling needs.

Healing through the Arts is a creative workshop series designed to nurture mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being through artistic expression. All sessions encourage expressive freedom without judgment, focusing on feeling rather than perfection. Each session invites participants to explore different themes—like mindfulness, emotional release, and self-discovery—using accessible, hands-on art activities. No artistic experience is needed—just a willingness to create, reflect, and connect.

Sessions run select Saturday mornings from 9:00am to noon in Founders’ Hall. There is a one-time $30 charge for materials and a “Pay What You Can” at each session for instruction. You can attend as many sessions as you like.  You can register for the sessions and make payments at https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/healing-through-art-tickets-1639509590319?aff=oddtdtcreator Some scholarships are available (see Family Life Coordinator Caitlyn Seale). Sessions are open to the community, so feel free to bring a friend.

All sessions are conducted by UCM member Dominika Dittwald. She is a teacher, visual artist, filmmaker and photographer committed to using creative expression for wellness and personal growth. A certified teacher and art therapy practitioner, her goal is to help individuals and communities connect with their inner creative life force. You can view her work at https://www.ddittwald.com/artworkshops

At UCM, Truth and Reconciliation Matters

As Unitarian Universalists, we share a commitment to principles calling us to deepen our spirits so we might serve a greater good in the wider world. Our 8^th Principle requires us to affirm and promote: “Individual and communal action that accountably dismantles racism and systemic barriers to full inclusion in ourselves and our institutions.”

One way that our community lives into this principle is by acknowledging the perspective of indigenous communities, fostering the vitality of indigenous organizations, and learning the history of how peoples from various locations over time have come together on this land.

The Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) reminds us that September marks the 10th anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Final Report. There are many opportunities in the coming weeks to deepen your own understanding of the history and continuing issues. Below are some provided by UCM, by the CUC, and by other local organizations.

UCM offers rent-free or reduced rent to Eagle Spirits of the Great Waters (ESGW), an arts and culture group of indigenous and non-indigenous folk embracing the teaching of the 8^th Fire, when all people are called to work together to foster thriving for the earth.

• Monthly Drumming Circles
• Occasional drumming practice, workshops, and language courses
• Storage and office space

Watch our calendar for ESGW events and other events for learning and solidarity.

Celebrating a Life Event?  

We have an exciting new section in our Shining Chalice. All are invited to let our Office Administrator Tisa know if you are celebrating a life event you would like to share with everyone. This could include but not limited to -  birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, school graduations, and births.  Details, such as age, are entirely up to you to include.

Send submissions to Tisa at admin@uucm.ca. Let's all share in our joy!