Please take our survey!

The Green Sanctuary Task Force has assembled together to create a survey to determine our needs of improvement as a congregation, not just the building. As people of the chalice we try to learn habits that help the earth and ourselves. This survey will determine what workshops and programs we will offer more of in the future, and narrow down common areas more people want to learn about. It only takes 10 minutes and it could make a difference in the future of UUCM. Thank you! 
www.surveymonkey.com/r/52T76GZ
Melissa Weale, Green Sanctuary Task Force

Youth Service Leader Opportunity

Would you like to try out public speaking? Sharing your story? Participating in worship? If you are a youth between 16 and 19, consider becoming a service leader for the Fall 2019.
 
Follow click here to fill out the application.  Responses are due by May 13th, 2018.

Canadian Unitarian Council National Conference McMaster University, Hamilton, May 18-20, 2018 
Please join Unitarian Universalists from around the country to explore the CUC’s national vision: “As Canadian Unitarian Universalists, we envision a world in which our interdependence calls us to love and justice.” Please register here. 
 n particular, please note that Janis Alton and Melissa Weale will be joining Margaret Rao to present a multigenerational Workshop on Sunday titled: Join the Peace Train: A Journey of Love and Justice. Visit the conference website  for more information . The CUC Annual Conference takes place Friday, May 18. UCM needs three delegates to represent us.  If you are interested, please speak to John Rowell or Joan Hill.

Statement of Principle

We light a chalice for all Muslims in Mississauga, who have been treated with disrespect and hatefulness at their places of worship, through recent hate crimes at 3 local mosques. 

The third principle of Unitarian Universalism calls us to accept one another and encourage spiritual growth. May we live this ideal by always speaking out against hatred and violence targeted at religious and ethnic difference.  Canada is made stronger by the diversity of its people.  We stand in sorrow and solidarity with our Muslim neighbours.

From UCM's Board of Directors, March 28, 2018

Sexual harassment excludes women from public life
Renu Mandhane, Chief Commissioner, Ontario Human Rights Commission

Le harcèlement sexuel : un acte qui relègue les femmes à la marge de la vie publique

Par : Renu Mandhane, commissaire en chef, Commission ontarienne des droits de la personne

Statement of Principle

We light a chalice for the family of Colten Boushie, the young Cree man killed in August 2016. 

So many people are hurt by the recent court verdict and are especially concerned that there were no aboriginal members on the jury. The healing and reconciliation work that many Canadians have worked on recently has been damaged.

Our first Unitarian Universalist principle calls us to honour each person’s inherent worth and dignity.  Let us treat one another with kindness, mindful of the fragility of reconciliation in the midst of long standing systemic injustice.

May we continue to work for truth, healing and reconciliation. So Say We All.  

Looking for Inspiration
Each week Rev. Fiona posts a spiritual practice for people to try at home. Sometimes it is an ancient practice such as meditation, others focus on the earth or universe with contemporary practices.  For the month of March, the focus is on  the element of air, we will explore air and breath through meditation and physical activities.
 
You can find the practice posted each Thursday at emptychalice.com or on the UCM facebook page.

Looking for a challenge?
Are you interested in being part of a vital and inspiring worship team?  Have you ever wondered about becoming a service leader?  Now is your chance to try! 
We are looking for individuals willing to begin in August 2018, doing 6 to 7 services a year, including one during the summer months. You need to be available Sundays as well as for bi-monthly committee meetings.    
Please express interest to Rev. Fiona or Wendy Shusterman, Worship Chair.

Personal Witness
The Rev. Fiona Heath is a good listener.  If you are struggling with a personal problem, a spiritual crisis, or just need to vent, Fiona can be your witness. She won't have the answers, or offer advice (unless you ask for it), but will sit with you as you share your story.  Having someone who hears your pain helps ease it.
Email minister@uucm.ca or text her at 905-278-5622. You can also find her on facebook.
 
We all need support in difficult times, you don't have to struggle alone.