Thank You Anonymous Donors

The Finance Committee would like to thank a number of anonymous donors who have contributed this year to date. As a result of these donations we have been able to purchase a third headset for our sound system and a new laser projector for our Worship Hall. And one person signed over their tax refund cheque to help us pay down our deficit this year. 
We are most grateful to them and to all of you for your ongoing support.       
Joan Hill, Chair of Finance

Pride Toronto  June 22 - 24

Celebrate the rainbow! This year, First Toronto is organizing a Unitarian Universalist booth at Toronto Pride's Street Fair to be staffed by all GTA congregations.
Are you proud we are a welcoming congregation? Come and share your stories of why UUism matters to you.  Our DNA cards will be there to give out. Shifts are 2 and 3 hours long.
 
If you have time to give to this important and fun event, please contact Art Brewer of the First Toronto Congregation by email art.brewer@sympatico.ca
 
For details about Pride Toronto go to http://www.pridetoronto.com/

Fiona’s Summer Schedule

Rev. Fiona will be working until June 28th. She will be on holidays and study leave until mid August, and back in the office on Tuesday, August
14th. She will not be checking email during this time. If your matter is urgent, please contact Tisa in the office. Fiona will respond to any
pastoral emergencies.

Get to Know the Congregation

Those of us on the Membership Committee are always working to get to know every active member and friend. 

We also welcome Sunday visitors, give them a name tag, and invite them to sign up for our weekly Shining Chalice.

If you enjoy meeting new people and can contribute to making UCM a welcoming space, then we have a place for you on our committee.

If you would like to consider this possibility, please talk to me. 

Douglas Hill  Chair/Membership Committee,  905-891-3951, dahill3973@rogers.com.

Festive Fair Update

We will have a volunteer sign up in September so please think about what you would like to do over the summer. The cafe, and bake table will be looking for help on the day of the fair and donations of baked goods and soup. Other opportunities include selling admission tickets and working in the Treasure Trove.
 
Treasure Trove: Please keep the treasure Trove in mind if you are downsizing or helping a friend or relative do so. Judy is looking for donations of gently used home decor and jewelry in very good condition.  
 
Silent Auction: Please ask your favourite restaurants, shops and service providers if they would like to donate.  

Your 2018 festive Fair team

Interested in Interfaith?

This November the Parliament of the World's Religions is coming to Toronto. This is an opportunity to meet and learn from people of faith from around the world. 

Click the link below for details:
https://parliamentofreligions.org/parliament/2018-toronto/toronto-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

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.