Westwood's past services 2010/ 2011
NEW!! Audio recordings are now filed with past services.
Summer Serendipity - 26 June to 4 September
September 4 , 2011 - Westwood Open House
Do you want to learn more about Westwood Unitarian Congregation and Unitarian Universalism?
Here's your chance - join us for an informal and informative session.
Tour the building, ask questions, enjoy refreshments and get to know a few people.
Led by Rev. Anne Barker and Kathy Lightfoot.
Children are welcome.
August 28, 2011 - Ask an Atheist
The Society of Edmonton Atheists
will be our guest and open to your questions!
August 21, 2011 - Ask a Buddhist
Trudy G. will present "Buddhism in a nutshell" and a brief Buddhist liturgy, and will be happy to answer your questions!
August 14, 2011 - Sing-a-long - CANCELLED
Join Jacquie W. and others to sing along to some of your UU favorites.
August 7, 2011 - Serendipity at the Folk Fest
Meet Laura and others at the gospel stage when the performances start (usually around 11am).
Church will be closed that day.
July 31, 2011 - Candles of Concern & Celebration at Midsummer
Join Bruce Macpherson in sharing our personal concerns and celebrations, a cherished UU tradition.
Bruce: Candles of Concern and Celebration is the weekly ritual that convinced me to stick with Westwood.
It sets us apart, and I hope we never lose it. But its also always seemed to me that sometimes the stories are
edited down for time, when they need to be expanded both for the teller, and the listener.
This service will be an experiment on an idea I've had for some time, about whether candle lighting could be expanded to a
whole service. I'll bring some relevant writings along, and anyone else is welcome to also.
July 24, 2011 - Tai Chi
With Miguel Ferrero
July 17, 2011 - (My) Poetry and (My) Spiritual Growth
Through reading and commenting on a few of his poems, Fabian Jennings
will share some thoughts on how his spiritual journey has been reflected over the years in his creative writing.
July 10, 2011 - National UU News and Views
For 50 years, UUs from across Canada have met once a year to learn, debate and celebrate.
Linda Jennings attended this year's event in Toronto on the May long weekend.
Come and hear what she and others who were there have to say about it.
July 3, 2011 - Serendipity Surprise
With Mitch Waldon: See what our faithful fearless president-alumnus has to offer 6 months after his traditional
bah-humbug New Year's service.
June 26, 2011 - Chalice Circle - A Sacred Place
With Anastasia Sydor: As many will be vacationing to favourite spots, or horizons new this summer, we
reflect upon the special places we have known and loved; and the meaning they have given to our lives.
Tuesday June 21, 2011 - Summer Solstice
Join Westwood's earth-based spirituality group to chase winter's gloom away and celebrate the annual triumph of the sun in an all ages midsummer celebration. The celebration will be held outside at the park across the street from Westwood (Ellingson Park), followed by a picnic potluck snack. In case of rain, the service will be held inside the church. The service begins at 7:00 p.m.
June 19, 2011 - Marking Time: Westwood's Annual Flower Communion
As you are able, and inspired, please bring a bloom from your garden or your grocer (there will be extras available for visitors).
Service leader: Anastasia Sydor
Speaker: Reverend Anne Barker
Musicians: Kevin Kornelsen, Christine Lesiak, Isaak Kornelsen
June 12, 2011 - Westwood's Annual Pride Service: Marriage Equality?
Marriage, in Canada, is still a justice issue ... and it is so much more. This service will highlight some of the lingering inequalities and cultural challenges still facing Albertans ... with options for what we, as individuals and as a congregation, might do about it.
Service leader: Lindsay McWhirter
Speaker: Reverend Anne Barker
Musician: Gordon Ritchie
June 5, 2011 - Credo Sunday
This is an opportunity to hear from Westwood members about what initially drew them to Westwood and what is keeping them here.
Service leader: Heather MacDonald
Speakers: Leigh Bornn, Aaron Waldon, Bruce McWhirter
Musician: TBA
May 29, 2011 - Sharing the Faith
Each year we participate in the Canadian Unitarian Council's "Sharing the Faith" program; this year we are celebrating membership at the same time. What does it mean - on the ground at Westwood - to really "Share the Faith"?
Service leader: Kevin Fitzgerald
Speaker: Reverend Anne Barker
Musicians: Harmonia and Cassie Aziz-Few
** A member recognition ceremony celebrating new members & honouring departing members will be part of this service. **
** A special offering will be taken for the CUC "Sharing the Faith" grants program **
** Westwood's Annual General Meeting will follow lunch **
May 22, 2011 - Improbably Improv
Please join us for an adventurous "serendipity style" service that will introduce you to the basics of improv theatre.
Try some improv games and learn how to think on your feet!
Comfortable footwear recommended.
Service leader/ Speaker: Tiegh Fitzgerald
Musicians/ Actors: All of us!
May 15, 2011 - Welcoming Congregation ... so what?
Being a Welcoming Congregation can look like many things ... but how much do they really matter? Join some passionate Unitarians as they bravely take on the question: Welcoming Congregation ... So What?
Service leader: Heather MacDonald
Speakers: Reverend Anne Barker, Lori Crozier & Fabian Jennings
Musicians: Merrill Tanner, Steven Bell
** There will be a Worship Ideas Workshop following the service - Lunch & childcare is available for those staying for the workshop **
May 8, 2011 - The Oilsands: Another Perspective
You won't want to miss this service by past Westwood Board President Dean Chan as he shares his insights and thoughts on Alberta's oilsands development. Unitarian Universalists can often be found leading the protest charge against development in Alberta's oilsands. In opposing oilsands development, we are upholding the principle of "respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part" ... but we're forgetting some of our other principles. Find out what we're doing right and wrong, and how we can change.
Service leader: Terry Anderson
Speaker: Dean Chan
Musician: Joel Crichton
** Second Sunday Potluck Lunch follows the service **
- RECORDING Dean's sermon (2.9 MB)
May 1, 2011 - The Election Sermon
Preaching a sermon as lead-up to a federal election has a long and sometimes tenuous history within North American politics - including our own faith tradition. Come see how this minister manages "the Election Sermon".
Service leader: Carl Ulrich
Speaker: Reverend Anne Barker
Musicians: Cassie Aziz-Few & Maia Saraeva
April 24, 2011 - Exploring Beginnings
Join us for a fun morning exploring the Easter theme. This is an all-ages-and-stages service; nursery care will still be provided.
Service leader: Kathy Lightfoot
** A special collection with be taken at this service - Proceeds to be shared equally between the CUC ACM Empty Bowls Project & the Westwood Youth ACM Travel Fund **
- RECORDING Kathy's sermon (3.7 MB)
April 17, 2011 - The Blessed Community
Fred Cappuccino, minister emeritus of the UU Fellowship of Ottawa, will speak on "THE BLESSED COMMUNITY". His wife Bonnie will be with him. They are doing a Child Haven Dinner the night before in Edmonton.
Speaker: Rev Fred Cappuccino, Director of Child Haven
April 10, 2011 - The Unitarian Test
We advertise ourselves as a non-creedal organization with no test of faith ... but could there be a test? How do we know something is "really Unitarian" ... and not just "nice"?
Speaker: Reverend Anne Barker
Music by Harmonia
** Second Sunday Potluck Lunch follows the service **
** There will be Service Leader Training (1 hour) following the potluck **
- RECORDING Rev. Anne's sermon (5.7 MB)
April 3, 2011 - Huayllaccocha Olé
We are celebrating this morning! Nearly three years ago, on the recommendation of the Social Justice committee, the congregation committed to raise $8,000 to help build a water system for the village of Huayllaccocha, Peru. Our partner in that venture was Sombrilla, a local, non-profit organization. This morning, Sarah Cashmore from Sombrilla is going to tell us about the successful completion of the water project, why it took as long as it did to make it happen and what it has done for the people in the village.
Service leader: Elaine Roberts
Speaker: Sarah Cashmore
- RECORDING Introduction by Elaine Roberts (800 KB)
- RECORDING Sarah's sermon (5 MB)
March 27, 2011 - Evolving Spirituality
Evolution is a term that usually pertains to natural life and the world of science. How might it also be useful in relation to our spiritual and religious development? Is atheism but a necessary path on the journey towards enlightenment? Is fundamentalism a part of an evolving spirituality, and where do Unitarian Universalists fit in? This talk presents an evolutionary view of spiritual development.
Speaker: Susan Anderson
- RECORDING Susan's sermon (9.4 MB)
March 20, 2011 - Spring Equinox
Join Westwood's earth-based spirituality group to celebrate the equinox.
Speakers: Earth-Based Spirituality Group
March 13, 2011 - The Gifts of Music
Please join the Westwood Youth Group for a youthful exploration of the gifts of music.
Speakers: Westwood Youth Group
** There will be a Second Sunday Potluck Lunch following the service **
March 6, 2011 - Stewardship
Join us for this service at the beginning of Stewardship month, as we share our thoughts and
vision for a sustainable beloved community.
Speakers: Reverend Anne Barker and the Stewardship Team
February 27, 2011 - The Everything Seed, a choral celebration
The Everything Seed, a choral celebration of cosmic origins with Harmonia and Chorealis. Join the joint choirs of Westwood and Unitarian Church of Edmonton as we present a favourite book of Unitarian Universalists everywhere, The Everything Seed by Carole Matignacco.
Speakers and Musicians: Harmonia and Chorealis
** There will be a Covenant review workshop following this service. Lunch and childcare provided. **
February 20, 2011 - Spiritual Care Atheist Style
Kaitlin O'Brien is currently a resident student of Spiritual Care at the Royal Alexandria Hospital in Edmonton. Kaitlin has belonged to the Unitarian tradition for almost twenty years and will share her experience and insights as a non-theist providing Spiritual Care in a hospital setting.
Service Leader: Colette Orieux
Speaker: Kaitlin O'Brien
Musician: Steven Bell
- RECORDING Reading, words by Hubert Reeves (839 KB)
- RECORDING Kaitlin's sermon (11.4 MB)
February 13, 2011 - Darwin Day
Darwin Day is an international celebration of science and humanity held on or around the day Charles Darwin
was born on in 1809. Darwin first described biological evolution via natural selection - a scientific fact
that confirms the interdependent web of all existence. On Darwin Day we express gratitude for the enormous
benefits that scientific knowledge, acquired through human curiosity and ingenuity, has contributed to the
advancement of humanity.
Service Leader: Rev. Anne Barker
Speaker: Daniel Mallett
Musician: Cherilyn Michaels and Toot Ensemble
** There will be a Second Sunday Potluck Lunch following the service **
- RECORDING Daniel's sermon (4.5 MB)
February 6, 2011 - Village in Motion
Join us on a shared journey - exploring our individual and collective wisdom. Comfortable shoes or slippers recommended for a gentle indoor walking meditation.
Speakers: Reverend Anne Barker & Kathy Lightfoot
January 30, 2011 - The Economics of Happiness
If we measured personal happiness with dollar signs, then North Americans would be the cheeriest souls
on Earth.
Not so. Despite more than 50 years of constant economic growth and material consumption, our rates of
happiness and many
indicators of well-being are in decline.
Economist Mark Anielski has developed a new and practical economic model called "Genuine Wealth", to
measure real determinants
of well-being and help redefine progress. Learn how the "Genuine Wealth" model is being used by nations,
governments,
communities and businesses to build a new economy of well-being.
Service Leader: Kevin Fitzgerald
Speaker: Mark Anielski
Musician: Joel Crichton
January 23, 2011 - Does Religion Poison Everything?
One of the hot questions from the Building Your Own Theology class was "does religion poison everything"? This service carries forward the thoughts and ideas that arose - enhanced by the words and ideas of our Unitarian Universalist forbearers.
Service leader: Dean Wood
Speaker: Rev. Anne Barker
Musician: Karen Mills
- RECORDING Rev. Anne Barker: Does Religion Poison Everything? (4.5 MB)
- RECORDING Karen Mills Piano Intro (187 KB)
January 16, 2011 - Burnout Prevention: Surviving the "perils" of shared ministry and volunteer commitment at Westwood
In some ways Westwood resembles a family. In other ways, a business. What gets triggered in you by this unlikely mix? How does this affect what time and energy commitments work for you at Westwood?
Service leader: Dean Chan
Speaker: Sara McEwan
Musician: Joel Crichton
An after service workshop led by Linda Jennings & Sara McEwan will focus on Personal Boundaries and Commitment: a dance between offering your talents and self-care at Westwood.
January 9, 2011 - 10 Reasons a Congregation Might Mistake its Minister for its Mother-In-Law
Congregations are often compared to families - and the parallels are worth exploring. Join us for this humorous service, reflecting on Westwood & Rev. Anne's first 2.5 years together.
Service leader: Manfred Kalk
Speaker: Rev. Anne Barker
Musician: Steven Bell
January 2, 2011 - New Year's Resolutions: Bah Humbug!
Please join us for our annual first service of the new year where we look back at the year past, and into the year ahead, without all that annoying resolution stuff! It's a service of ritual, music, contemplation and release. (Not only resolution-free, but smoke-free again this year!)
Service leader: Christine Lesiak and Andrea Boyd
Speaker: Mitch Waldon
Musician: Karen Mills
December 26, 2010 - Pancake Breakfast
Mmmmmh, pancakes and more!! All ages welcome.
Service leader: Marc Mackenzie
*** Tuesday December 21, 2010 - Sharing the Light: Winter Solstice Celebration - 7:30pm at City Hall ***
Please join us downtown at City Hall for this annual Westwood delight - celebrating the rituals and traditions of the Winter
Solstice.
This is an all-ages service. Cider and snacks will be served following the service.
The offering from this service will
go to the Alberta Council of Women's Shelters.
Service leader: Rev. Anne Barker
Speakers: Westwoodian Players
Musicians: Harmonia & Gordon Ritchie
Service Coordinators: Fons Schellekens, Jen Pollock & Elaine Roberts, with special gratitude to Lorian Kennedy
** Please note time and location - 7:30pm at Edmonton City Hall - this service is not at Westwood! **
December 19, 2010 - Unitarian Spirituality
What does that mean, exactly? What is a Unitarian Spirituality? Come and hear some of Reverend Anne's answers ... with an opportunity to share some of your own ideas. It may be more diverse than you think!
Service leader: Anastasia Sydor
Speaker: Rev. Anne Barker
Musician: Maia Saraeva
** We will light our fourth Solstice Advent Candle during this service **
December 12, 2010 - Building Your Own Theology
Unitarian Universalism is a tradition without a creed - we have no standard, official statement of faith. Congregation friends and members will share their insights and understandings coming out of the Building Your Own Theology (BYOT) class held this fall.
Speakers/ Service Leaders: Rev. Anne Barker & BYOT Class Members
Musicians: Cherilyn Michaels & Jacob
** We will light our third Solstice Advent Candle during this service**
** There will be a Second Sunday Potluck Lunch following the service - no desserts please**
** Youth Group bake sale today! They will be providing dessert, by donation, as a fundraiser **
December 5, 2010 - Multigenerational Winter Service
Service leader and Speaker: Kathy Lightfoot/ Westwood Kids
Musician: Joel Crichton
**We will light our second Solstice Advent Candle during this service**
** There will be a letter writing campaign after the service **
November 28, 2010 - Blue Christmas
Despite seasonal messages of Love, Joy and Peace, Christmas is difficult for many.
Join us for this gentle service that acknowledges our losses and remembers our tender loves.
Speaker: Rev. Anne Barker
Musician: Harmonia
** A New to UU program will happen BEFORE this service (9-10am) **
**We will light our first Solstice Advent Candle during this service**
November 21, 2010 - We CAN change the world: microbanking!
The scale of poverty in the developing world is enormous, the reasons complicated and the stories heart wrenching.
Do you seek a way to live our UU principles? Do you seek a way that is transparent, interactive and engaging?
Do you seek to change the world?
Participating in microbanking may provide what you seek and is a great
example of the interconnected web at work!
Service leader: Elaine Roberts
Speaker: Lisa Greenly
Musician: Joel Crichton
November 14, 2010 - "Hallelujah" ... Leonard Cohen Style
The Hallelujah song is a real crowd pleaser ... but what is Leonard talking about anyway? This musically inspired service explores our diverse sources of inspiration.
Service leader: David Deephouse
Speaker: Rev. Anne Barker
Musicians: Cherilyn Michaels & Jacob
- Westwood Rendition of Cohen's Hallelujah
- Rev. Anne Barker on the Biblical story of the chord that pleased the lord (6.3 MB)
- Westwood Rendition of Cohen's Suzanne
- Rev. Anne Barker on Cohen's Hallelujah (6.9 MB)
- Closing Words and Kevin's Violin
** There will be a 'Second Sunday Potluck Lunch' following the service **
November 7, 2010 - Filipino Universalism
This August, International Council of UU's President Brian Kiely visited churches in the Philippines while attending an Executive meeting. With words and images he will describe the very different expression of our global faith found around the world focussing on the Filipino experience. Understanding other UU's helps us understand our own brand of Unitarianism better.
Service leader: Elaine Roberts
Speaker: Brian Kiely
Musician: Joel Crichton
RECORDING Brian Kiely on Filipino Universalism
October 31, 2010 - Where The Wild Things Are
You can bet they are alive and well at Westwood! Come explore 'wild things' on many levels ... and prepare to be surprised!
Service leader: Dean Wood
Speaker: Rev. Anne Barker
Musician: Karen Mills
RECORDING Rev. Anne Barker on Where the Wild Things Are
** Join the festive spirit and come in COSTUME! **
October 24, 2010 - Parenting UU Style
What does it mean to be a UU parent? Come hear our panel of parents share their thoughts and experiences.
Service leader: Anastasia Sydor
Speaker: Pattie Mallett, Fons Schellekens & Mitch Waldon
Musicians: Toot Ensemble, Cherilyn Michaels
October 17, 2010 - In Pursuit of Environmental Justice
Linda Duncan will address how environmental, human rights and justice issues are merging in Alberta, the Canadian North and overseas. Linda will draw examples from her own experience working on energy and environmental issues in all three regions.
Service leader: Kevin Fitzgerald
Speaker: Linda Duncan, Member of Parliament for Edmonton-Strathcona
Musicians: Harmonia
You are encouraged to invite friends and family to hear this dynamic speaker. This service is hosted by the Social Justice Committee.
** This Sunday is also Western Region Fall Gathering in Winnipeg **
October 10, 2010 - Giving Thanks With Both Hands
This practical, hands-on service is an opportunity to explore Thanksgiving themes with the whole congregation ... in fun and tasty ways!
Service leaders: Rev. Anne Barker & Kathy Lightfoot
Musician: Joel Crichton
RECORDING Rev. Anne on Giving Thanks
** This is an all-ages & stages service - nursery care will still be provided **
** There will be a 'Second Sunday Potluck Lunch' following the service **
October 3, 2010 - Do We Have To Grow?
The old joke is that Unitarian evangelists go out in pairs, knock on doors, and ask others what they believe... Many religions teach conversion as a moral imperative - that to bring someone into your faith will save them from great suffering. How do Unitarians approach discussions of faith? Do we have a moral imperative to share? Do we have a moral imperative to grow?
Service leader: Deidra Helmig
Speaker: Liz James
Musician: Steven Bell
September 26, 2010 - Compassion in Action
We are very familiar with the feelings of compassion, but what do we do about it?
Many people carry around a great deal of guilt and shame about not doing enough to act and help those in need.
There is a much more positive way to deal with our compassionate feelings and act upon these; a way
which empowers and energizes us.
Guruma Bodhi of Canadian Engaged Buddhism Association
will speak about compassion (from a Buddhist perspective) and elaborate on some effective courses of action
we can engage in.
Service leader: Jennifer Froese
Speaker: Guruma Bodhi
Musicians: Harmonia
RECORDING Guruma Bodhi on Compassion in Action
September 19, 2010 - Nourishing Tradition
When we always do what we've always done ... we always get what we always got. Is this really true? Maybe ... maybe not!
Service leader: Lorian Kennedy
Speaker: Rev. Anne Barker
Musician: Gordon Ritchie
**Children's downstairs program begins today**
RECORDING Rev. Anne on Nourishing Tradition
Come share your vision of Westwood's Winter Solstice celebrations after the service.
September 12, 2010 - Ingathering Sunday - Water Communion
Join us for the first regular Sunday of the season, where we install
the 2010/11 Board of Trustees, share stories of our summer experiences and reconnect
for the coming year. You are invited to bring water from your summer experiences, or
mementos to place on the chalice table.
Caution: this service tends to run long!!
Service leader: Westwood Board of Trustees
Speakers: Westwood Board of Trustees, Rev. Anne Barker and You!
Musician: Steven Bell
**Children will be upstairs this week, participating in the service**
**There will be a Second Sunday Potluck Lunch following the service**