Fall 2021 Update

Here at UCM we are eager to be together in person and at the same time wary of the Delta variant of COVID-19. So we are having a soft re-opening and we will evaluate our protocols and make a decision about on-going in person services.

Services will continue to be available as a Zoom experience or livestreamed on YouTube. Registration is required for in-person services as we need to limit numbers, you are asked to mask and be vaccinated. Children and youth will meet outside for the time being.

We look forward to connecting - in person and on-line!

Fall Multi-Platform Services
 
October 24th  Zoom, YouTube
October 31st  In-Person, Zoom, YouTube

Out of Office 
I will be away October 25th, while you enjoy ON-LINE only services. For pastoral care, please contact Caring Circle Chair Sheila Bjarnson. As I will not be checking email during this time, please contact Tisa, our Office Administrator, if the matter is urgent.

Contacting Rev. Fiona after October 25th

The best ways to be in touch with me are email, phone or text. You can also reach me through facebook messenger. I am "in the office" Tuesday through Sunday. If a matter is urgent or time sensitive please phone or text, it can take me a few days to respond to emails. If I have not responded to an email in a week, feel free to email again or call, due to volume I sometimes lose track of individual emails. 

Fiona

Blessings,
Fiona

Social Justice

Speaker Series: Confronting Racism

Wed. Oct. 27, 2021 7:30 pm - In Person at UCM and by Zoom
Delia Opekokew
Legal Chronicles with the Indian Residential Schools Inquiry and First Nations Treaty Land Claims
Click here for more info

Tickets $10.00 at Eventbrite plus small fee.

Wed. Feb. 9, 2022 7:30 pm
Martin Ejidjra
Tackling Institutionalized Racism within school boards and other organizations

Click here for more info

Wed. Mar. 30, 2022 7:30 pm
Dany Assaf
Author of Say Please and Thank You & Stand in Line – My Experiences as a Muslim Canadian

Click here for more info

Anti Racism

For a list of anti racism articles, videos and books, go to the Nurturing Inclusivity section of the UCM website:  https://uucm.ca/nurturing-inclusivity/

Read about Amnesty International Letter and Other Petitions

Check out  https://uucm.ca/social-justice/ to learn more about how you can help.

Let your friends know the Festive Fair is Back!

 Our artisan tables are booking up, our Baking Table has lots of promised, delicious baking, Silent Auction gifts are coming in - What we need next is Holiday Shoppers! 
 
Pre-planners will be in holiday shopping mode by mid-November, so let's email and Facebook our friends with this poster to make this Festive Fair a preferred shopping stop. Don't be shy!

Your Festive Fair Silent Auction Team will be working hard over the next month to bring to you and our community guests an amazing selection of Silent Auction Items to bid on November 20th when our Festive Fair will return to UCM.

We have already had some exciting donations including gift certificates from local restaurants, retailer gift baskets and donations from our members. Perhaps you have an item or service that you would like to donate or know of a service or retailer who would consider providing a gift certificate or item for our auction?

NEW THIS YEAR: We are putting together a UCM created basket for the Silent Auction which will include home canning and preserves from our members. Thank-you to Cathy Den Hollander for contributing her homemade salsa to get us started.

Please contact Sheila Bjarnason sbjarn@gmail.com if you have an item to donate OR a jar or two of jam, jelly or preserves OR a gift certificate from a favourite hairdresser, massage therapist or other local services or retailer.

 
Also, if you helped with Festive Cheers boxes last year, please contact Sheila Bjarnason at sbjarn@gmail.com to help it happen again. If you have any items for Santa's Gently Used Treasures (formerly Treasure Trove), contact Judy Benger at judy.bensheu@sympatico.ca, and if you frequent certain restaurants, specialty stores or services, email Larry Jeffrey (lbjeffrey@gmail.com) or Sheila Bjarnason with suggestions for Silent Auction contacts. And Candice Rice still needs more Greeters at candicerice132@mail.com.

We look forward to seeing you all on November 20th! 

John Rowell
Co-Chair, Festive Fair 

Donations to UCM

If you would like to make a financial contribution electronically to UCM, please do so at: https://uucm.ca/donation/
or via bank transfer to payment@uucm.ca

Please indicate whether these funds are for the current year or next year’s Operating Budget or for some other purpose. Thank you for your generosity.

Weekend Visits
As we get busier at the building if you are planning at doing some work at UCM over any upcoming weekend please inform Tisa in advance. We do have some rentals booked and need to ensure adequate safety measures. Thank you.

UCM Board Minutes
Here are the Minutes from the August 2021 UCM Board Meeting for your perusal.

Has Your Contact Info Changed?
Have you moved recently? Changed your email address or phone number? Please remember to let Tisa in the UCM office know so that we can keep such information current: admin@uucm.ca

How Do Unitarians View Christianity?

Douglas Hill, a member of our Unitarian Congregation in Mississauga, has some of the answers on his web site: www.TopicsInChristianity.com . This site provides a scholarly, respectful and critical review of selected topics in Christianity.

Topics include: Great Quotations, The Historical Jesus, Questions for Atheists and Christians, and Science and Religion Organizations. 

Dismantling Racism & 8th Principle Forums

Dismantling Racism & 8th Principle Forums: Sep 19 - Nov 7

The Dismantling Racism and 8th Principle forums are a 4-session introspective journey building momentum towards being truly inclusive, deepening our understanding of what it means to dismantle racism, and practicing how to show up in a way that honours what we have been asked to do by our members of colour. 
 
Forum dates and times
All forums take place on Sundays from 7:00 - 8:30 pm ET. Click on the title of each forum to access details about that session.

What are the forums?

• Forum 1: Sep 19        Orienting Ourselves 
• Forum II: Oct 3          Affirming the Need, Strengthening Our Resolve 
• Forum III: Oct 17       Transmuting Resistance | Zoom link
• Forum IV: Nov 7        Embracing the Work Ahead (with an update of any amendments to the motion) | Zoom link

Why are the forums focused on internal work and reflection?
The CUC is committed to dismantling racism. This has been approved as a strategic priority for several years by congregational delegates at the CUC’s Annual General Meetings. One of our 5 Aspirations is to be “Radically Inclusive” and we have yet to realize that goal. 
 
We understand that change can be uncomfortable. Dismantling racism means changing our attitudes and behaviour, and threatens the status quo, but internal work is necessary for transformation. Racism in our congregations is real. Dismantling it is hard, challenging work, AND we are capable (Rev. Mark Morrison Reed & R. Edward Freeman)

 
The results of the survey undertaken by the Dismantling Racism Study Group in 2020 indicate that the level of diversity in our congregations is lower than that of our current national population, and that there is a lack of commitment to racial justice work, with racist behaviours being noted in our congregations. BIPOC UUs shared stories of being excluded, feeling uncomfortable and unwelcome, and being disillusioned by a faith community that professes to be inclusive but lacks action.
 
We understand that change can be uncomfortable. Dismantling racism means changing our attitudes and behaviour, and threatens the status quo, but internal work is necessary for transformation. Racism in our congregations is real. Dismantling it is hard, challenging work, AND we are capable (Rev. Mark Morrison Reed & R. Edward Freeman)
 
It is our hope that the forums will help us to work together through our discomfort and be honest about the state of racism in our congregations. 
 
What about amendments and feedback on the proposed 8th Principle motion?
Roundtable conversations were held over the summer to discuss thoughts, concerns and affirmations on the motion, with a lot of individual suggestions being sent to the CUC Board and Executive Director. While all input is welcome, the CUC is an association of congregations and the formal avenue for suggesting changes or amendments to the motion is through your congregation. 
 
Please refer to this document for the congregational feedback tool. We have also provided platforms for youth and young adults and individuals to share thoughts. 
 
What’s next after the forums?
The CUC’s Special Meeting takes place on Saturday, November 27, 2021 with the vote on the motion taking place at that time. 
 
Further information will be forthcoming about delegates and registration, the Special Meeting agenda, and any relevant details pertaining to the 8th Principle process.
 
In faith and hope,

Vyda Ng
Executive Director
Canadian Unitarian Council | Conseil unitarien du Canada

Shelter in This Place

"2020 was a year unlike any other. A year of masks and marches. A tale of two pandemics, COVID-19 and the deep rooted pandemic of white supremacy and structured racism." This year's inSpirit meditation book is an anthology of poems and reflections from Unitarian Universalists and includes a piece by Rev. Fiona, an adapted excerpt from her reflection Dandelion Kindness.  

Shelter in This Place can be ordered through inSpirit, the UU Bookstore.

Upcoming CUC Youth Events

Upcoming CUC Youth Events 

Below are a number of opportunities for youth and young adults to engage with the 8th Principle process that is going on in Canada at the national level. This is a historic moment we are in, and we hope that everyone who wants to will have a chance to be part of the conversation! 
For background on what the 8th principle is and what's going on around it in Canada, see the attached document “The 8th Principle Process: Next Steps”.

Youth and Young Adult Feedback Form
YaYAs are invited to provide feedback on the proposed 8th principle motion by October 20th as individuals or on behalf of groups by using this form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWpIzMr4OtPUv4Gl7kCq9GDlHiFLXlU96YgPZfJQkTmBBb-A/viewform

Other 8th Principle Conversations 
Youth and young adults are also encouraged to participate in the series of Forums being hosted by CUC staff for UUs of all ages across the country in September and October, and any conversations happening at their local congregations.
 
Important Dates: 

• October 20: Deadline for Feedback from congregations to CUC 
• October 20-November 5: CUC Board and the DRSG will consider the feedback and craft any changes to send to member congregations
• November 6: official notice of meeting sent out with all pertinent information
• November 7: Final CUC Hosted Forum (7-8:30 pm ET) to discuss updates or changes
• November 27 - CUC Special Meeting (12-2:30 pm ET)

Upcoming CUC Events

Upcoming CUC Events   https://cuc.ca/events/

UU BIPOC Space
Saturday, October 16, 12pm ET 
A space for UUs who are Indigenous, Black, and People of Colour, ages 18 and up, to gather safely to share experiences, stories, and be change-makers. Join Rev. Fulgence Ndagijimana and Vyda Ng to share what is on your minds and in your hearts.
Details here. 
Join on Zoom at http://bit.ly/UU_BIPOC

Media, Racism, and Censorship with Christine Genier
Wednesday, October 20, 2021, 7:00 pm ET 
People have been asking what systemic racism looks like within Unitarianism, how we become aware of it, and how we begin to make substantive changes.  In June of 2020, Christine made national headlines when she quit her job as host of CBC Yukon Morning, live and on the air, because of systemic racism.  She has much to share with us about how systemic racism works in the media, and how controlling the pace of someone else’s truth is harmful for everyone. We are certain her insights will help as Unitarians to broaden our understanding of the mechanisms of racism that are invisible to us, yet very much alive in our movement, institutions, and society at large.

Please register early on Eventbrite so we know we have enough registrants to move forward with this fabulous speaker. If you would like to request a subsidized rate, email reconciliation@cuc.ca and we will send you a code. Free or reduced tickets available for people who help promote the event in their academic, work, or social audience.  Email to discuss.

Connect and Deepen
Sunday, October 24, 4 pm ET
Connect and Deepen is a regular small group ministry in which participants gather, virtually, for meaningful discussion, connection and reflection.
More information is available at https://cuc.ca/events/connect-deepen-feb-april-2020/1614528000/1614533400/

Leaders Roundtable 
Saturday, October 30, 12:00 pm ET 
Join Vyda Ng and CUC Board members in reflection about accountably dismantling racism and being radically inclusive, one of our 5 Aspirations. For this August 28 roundtable, bring your questions, concerns, affirmations, and wonderings. These specific roundtables on this topic will run on the last Saturday of each month until October 30. After that date, other timely topics will resume. Connect on Zoom.

Youtube livestreaming of the Sunday Service 

If you have trouble logging onto Zoom, you can watch the service on our youtube channel. To view a livestream you must subscribe to our UCM channel. The livestream begins around 10:25am and ends with the benediction. It is available for a short time on Sunday and then is removed. Clips from Rev. Fiona's reflections and prerecorded videos will be uploaded later in the week.

Don't forget to watch past services on the channel (every view helps our profile!) and send links to friends who might need this life sustaining community.

Nurturing Inclusivity: 

“Nurturing Inclusivity”, deepening our understanding of systemic racism and the inherent bias that has been internalized in Canadian society. 
 
We are seeking to deepen our understanding of the impact of racism on racialized people, so that we may develop as Unitarian Universalists.  As a community, we are working to enlarge our circle in ways that are welcoming of people of diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds.  This work can be uncomfortable, but it is also rewarding; an opportunity to grow in spirit and develop meaningful connections with others. Please check our Nurturing Inclusivity webpage and our Event webpage.

The Reverend Mark Mosher DeWolfe Sermons

We have created a collection of webpages on our UCM website featuring The Reverend Mark Moshe DeWolfe sermons. This is such a wonderful opportunity to showcase his sermons as many Unitarians all through Canada and the States admire him. You will be able to listen, read and see some annotated or handwritten sermons in PDFs. We have approximately 50 sermons to upload so come back and check frequently. Enjoy!
Please visit www.uucm.ca/mark-dewolfe-sermons/
Brigitte Twomey

Covenant of Right Relations

We, the members of the Unitarian Congregation in Mississauga, affirm a Covenant of Right Relations. As Unitarian Universalists, we come freely into community, guided by our seven principles and nourished by the six sources.

In good faith, we covenant to:

• Assume good intentions, recognize impact
• Listen deeply and seek understanding.
• Appreciate each person’s contributions.
• Communicate directly with people when differences exist.
• Speak to and about people with empathy and respect.
• Seek peaceful and constructive resolutions to conflict.
• Ask for help when we need help in dealing with situations.
• Forgive each other and ourselves when mistakes are made.

Affirmed at the Annual Meeting, June 2016.

A Message from the Personnel Committee 

Our Safe Steps policy helps the congregation be attuned to right relations between members. The policy, which is currently being updated, ensures that we take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of adults and children alike.
 
During this pandemic time we are reminded that many people are facing stressful home situations. We hear reports in the media about increases in intimate partner assault and child abuse. Financial stressors and tight living situations mean that tempers can flare more easily. If you are in a situation where you feel you might need some help, here are some local agencies that can help:
 
The Children’s Aid Society for the Region of Peel, now assisting families with children up to the age of 18: (905) 363-6131
Assaulted Women’s Helpline: (416) 863-0511
24/7 Crisis Support Peel Line: (905) 278-9036
 

UU at Home

One way to stay connected with Unitarian Universalism is to create a UU space in your home that you can turn to for exploration or contemplation. This might be a shelf or corner table or a box.  It can be as simple or as elaborate as you like, just a chalice and tea light, or decorated with other images and objects that have meaning for you. You might have a book of poems or essays near by or use a favourite website or twitter handle.  Use the UUA Worship Web app or sign up for the weekly Braver/Wiser message.  Families can use these UU World activity pages. Take time every day or once a week to light the chalice, to sit and breathe and be, and care for your spirit. Or find a special "sit spot" outside and visit it often to build your connections to all that is.  Unitarian Universalism is about belonging to the earth and celebrating the mystery - we celebrate together on a Sunday morning but you can also experience this in your daily living through practicing intention and attention.

I look forward to hearing about your "at-home" explorations!

Rev. Fiona

Audio Reflections are now on the Website and YouTube

We have created another way you can stay connected with UCM while we are in virtual mode for the next little while: Rev Fiona's reflections for the past three months have all been posted to the UCM website as audio files!  
 
Our new digital sound system which we purchased last Fall creates excellent quality audio recordings of our Sunday services. UCM members Rya Khan and Marc Xuereb are creating edited recordings of Rev Fiona's reflections each Sunday.

Brigitte Twomey has redesigned a portion of our website that enables you to listen to a reflection while reading the full text. Go to the Reflections Archive on our website (https://uucm.ca/reflections-archive/) to see the latest recordings along with the text of the reflections. The reflections have also been added to our UCM YouTube channel. 
 
On a related note, we can also create edited recordings of portions of the services on demand for members. Just ask Rya or Marc if want a recording of the choir's performance, for example or a special section of the service that spoke to you.

Marc Xuereb

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