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This Month 'Seasons of Peace'
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Upcoming Services
10:30 AM at Westwood
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Truth to Power: David Kahane
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Oct 28, 2018: Speaking Truth to Power.
We can each probably look into our histories of conversation and activism to find times when we were speaking bravely for what’s right — and times when we were convinced of our righteousness, and actually sowing confusion or doing harm. How can we tell the difference, when it all feels so right in the moment?
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Speaker: David Kahane is a Buddhist teacher and a professor of political theory at the University of Alberta, specializing in democracy, public participation, and systems change.
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Service Leader: Sally-Ann Mowat
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**Children start downstairs**
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The Solutions Economy
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Topic: The Solutions Economy
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In "An Army of Problem Solvers", Shaun Loney writes that social enterprises, social entrepreneurs and the small farm movement comprise the “solutions economy”. This morning we'll learn what this means - and hear about some inspiring local and national examples.
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Friendly Reminder -Daylight Savings Time ends today, Fall back!
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Speaker: Reverend Anne Barker
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Service Leader: Lorian Kennedy
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Musician: Sheila Killoran
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**Children start upstairs - Rainbow Story**
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Sunday Service: Elder Evelyn Day
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Elder Evelyn Day will be exploring two avenues of peace in this special Remembrance Day Service; peace as a whole in the context of war and world affairs, and spiritual peace from an inter-cultural perspective.
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Speaker: Elder Evelyn Day
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Service Leader: Brenda Jackson
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**Children start downstairs**
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Seeds of Peace
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If you were to sew 'seeds of peace' throughout the world - what shape would those seeds take? Join us today for an exploration into 'what really matters'.
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Speaker: Reverend Anne Barker
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Service Leader: Sally-Ann Mowat
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Musician: Jennifer McMillan
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**Children begin downstairs**
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**Our 2nd "Westwood ... What's Next?" workshop runs from 12-4 today: "What Matters?" - ALL are welcome - lunch will be provided**
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Sunday Service
Service Leader: Jacqueline Willette
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**Children start upstairs**
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**This is our 1st Winter Solstice Advent Sunday**
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**Comfort Tree procession is a part of this Service - you are invited to bring items of winter warmth for our friends at The Neighbour Centre**
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Westwood … What’s Next?
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Join us as we spend time to collectively discern our promises & our priorities.
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Our Goal:
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To discern & design “A Thriving Future for Westwood Unitarian” –
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that is Relevant, Meaningful, Pluralistic, Sustainable & Transformative
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The Plan:
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In collaboration with the Board of Trustees,
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Reverend Anne Barker will lead a program during the 2018/19 church year –
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where we’ll explore important topics like:
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- How We Work Together
- The Essential Core of Westwood
- How We Want to Be Known
- What Our Impact in the World Is, or Could Be
- Innovative Funding Options
- How We Choose to Thrive into the Future
And ultimately … Where We Can Best Do These Things
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Event #2:
Please sign up in the Sanctuary or email:
anne @ WestwoodUnitarian . ca
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From the Minister's Study...
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November 2018: Seasons of Peace
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This November, I want to tell you how moved I feel at the courage and compassion that Westwood folks are showing to one another. We have embarked on some important conversations, regarding ‘how we want to be in the future’ – and conversations like this can be anxiety producing … even when they are positive in nature.
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I am seeing Westwood folks commit themselves to a gentle, caring reflection … to remembering their friends and neighbours in the conversation … to being kind to one another … as we look into our collective heart for direction.
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One of the things that has occurred – that wasn’t in the plan – was a conversation about the 2018 Winter Solstice Service at City Hall. Westwood has decided to take a “Winter Solstice Rest” for this year – to scale back – and reimagine what we do in 2019. There will not be a public Winter Solstice Evening Service on December 21, 2018. We look forward to celebrating with you again in 2019.
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In light of this, there will be a “Winter Solstice Home Ritual Guide” – for folks who might want help to mark the occasion at home. It is an all ages, simple service outline for you and your loved ones to use as you wish. You can pick up a copy at Westwood on Sunday mornings: November 25, December 2, 9 or 16.
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Whether you celebrate at home, or take in other events around town, we hope you take the opportunity to mark December 21, Winter Solstice, in a way that warms your heart.
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Sounding Board
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Sounding Board October 2018
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Highlights of the October 2018 Westwood Board Meeting:
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- The Board expressed gratitude to the Congregation for the thoughtful decision-making process this September that has resulted in a decision to take a year break from celebrating Winter Solstice at City Hall.
- A committee is forming to plan a special Solstice Dinner to be held at Westwood on December 21st. Watch for invitations coming up!
- The Board welcomes new nursery staffer, Sean McGarvey!
- The Board voted to affirm new member Laura Beard. Welcome Laura!
- Thank you to all those able to attend our Fall meeting of the Community Council!
- The Board will send with Rev Anne a card and a small gift in honour of Meghann Robern’s upcoming installation as a U.U. minister in Winnipeg.
- Save the Dates in 2019:
- February 1st and 2nd, 2019 Shaun Loney Social Enterprise Workshop at Westwood
- February 23, 2019 Westwood’s 2019 FUNdraiser Social and Silent Auction!
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Respectfully submitted Susan Anderson (for the Board)
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Compassionate Connections
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UPDATE: Compassionate Connections at Westwood:
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Westwood's compassion log, housed in the sanctuary, is one way for members & friends to keep in touch beyond candles of concern & celebration.
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A purple notebook is located on a stand at the rear of the church.
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The log is meant to address gaps in compassionate connections highlighted in our 2014 congregational survey. Members & friends expressed concern for the wellbeing of folks missing from Sunday services & other Westwood events. And for not knowing when & if there is a need for
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congregational compassionate responses.
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It serves those who prefer to write an entry, rather than light a candle.
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It is one way for Westwoodians to share information & updates on
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behalf of those unable to attend.
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The log encourages members & friends to follow up with individual compassionate gestures & actions.
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Westwoodians are welcome to journal an entry at any time,
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Sundays & through the week.
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Kindly date & sign your passage.
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If you are writing for a member or friend, please be sure you have consent for a message on their behalf.
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Any questions about the log? Contact Westwood's Compassionate Connections co-ordinator: compassion@westwoodunitarian.ca
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Next 2nd Sunday Potluck is Nov. 11
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Artist of the Month
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Our November artist is Quincey Deters
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FreeThinkers Book Club
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Coming off a record breaking attendance at October's meeting - 14 people, The Free Thinker Book club next discusses Steven Pinker's Enlightenment Now. For those who'd rather listen than read, the audio book can be borrowed from the library or there are numerous videos on YouTube in which Pinker talks about the Enlightenment
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If you think the world is coming to an end, think again: people are living longer, healthier, freer, and happier lives, and while our problems are formidable, the solutions lie in the Enlightenment ideal of using reason and science.
Far from being a naïve hope, the Enlightenment, we now know, has worked. But more than ever, it needs a vigorous defense. The Enlightenment project swims against currents of human nature–tribalism, authoritarianism, demonization, magical thinking–which demagogues are all too willing to exploit. Many commentators, committed to political, religious, or romantic ideologies, fight a rearguard action against it. The result is a corrosive fatalism and a willingness to wreck the precious institutions of liberal democracy and global cooperation.
With intellectual depth and literary flair, Enlightenment Now makes the case for reason, science, and humanism: the ideals we need to confront our problems and continue our progress.
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Comfort Day
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Saturday November 3, 2018
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~ Lunch provided at noon ~
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A workshop space:
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Creating items of comfort & hope for our neighbours
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Join us for all or part of the day
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Projects suitable for all ages & abilities
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Sign-up in the Westwood Sanctuary or contact Rev Anne:
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anne @ WestwoodUnitarian . ca
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Social Justice Film Night
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Four Women of Egypt
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How do we get along with each other when our views collide?
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This feature documentary invites you to partake in a discussion between 4 Egyptian women of different political and religious stripe. Amina, Safynaz, Shahenda and Wedad are Muslim, Christian, or non-religious, but they are first and foremost friends. They listen to one another's views and argue openly, without ever breaking the bond that unites them. How do we get along with each other when our views collide? A timely question, and a universal one. Four Women of Egypt takes on this challenge, and their confrontation redefines tolerance.
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“Westwood Comfort Tree”
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Gathering Goods to Comfort to our Neighbours
During the Darkest Nights of the Year!
Bring your Donations for “The Neighbour Center”
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~ On any of these 4 Sundays ~
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Nov. 25, Dec. 2, Dec.9, & Dec. 16
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And we will use them to decorate the Westwood “COMFORT TREE”
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If you prefer to make a cash donation:
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Special offering on December 2nd ONLY
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(or you can leave your donation in the office door mailbox)
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Neighbourhood Centre Winter Wish List
Socks Underwear Blankets Jackets
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Sweaters/Hoodies Thermal Underwear
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Dark colored Hats & Mitts Men’s Jeans & T-shirts
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Tampons & Pads Razors Toothbrushes & Toothpaste
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Deodorant Foot Powder Toiletries
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Sunday December 2nd, our guest speaker is Presenting on The Neighbourhood Centre "Finding Light in the Darkness"
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Earth-Centred Gatherings
For this coming year, our Earth-Centred folk will be celebrating the Wheel of the Year with several gatherings, either in the Westwood Sanctuary or in private member homes. These “Pagan Circles” are going to be held as far as possible on the Sabbats.
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Wed. October 31 Samhain : the Celtic Fire Festival
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- private member’s home
- 8pm Wednesday October 31, 2018
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If you have an affinity for earth-centered ritual
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& would like to join the gathering –
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Please contact Rev. Anne: anne @ WestwoodUnitarian . ca
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Fri. Dec. 21 Yule/Winter Solstice, traditionally involves the whole WW community
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Sat Mar. 21 Ostara/Spring Equinox
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Fri. June 21 Midsummer/Summer Solstice, traditionally involves the whole WW community.
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We have not usually met in July or August.
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For further details and to participate in any of these events
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Contact: anne@westwoodunitarian.ca
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Cosmic Connections
Registration is Live!
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The dates are booked! Our leaders are all geared up and ready! Our guest workshops are going to be AWESOME! And our registration is live! Share around and register today because space is limited and you won't want to miss it! Click here for all the info and to register!
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Meditation back for another Year!!
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Meditation starts again on Nov 24th, 10:20 to 11:30 am.
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Once a month on Saturday morning, we invite community members and Westwoodians to gather and practice mindfulness.
Give yourself time to recharge and spend quiet time with others:
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We practice meditation on the breath and walking meditation in short alternating periods with instruction.
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Please bring a mat or blanket and a few cushions, as well as socks for walking. You can also use a chair for sitting meditation.
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Whether you are a complete beginner or have meditated before, you are welcome.
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No cost; $2 donation for the building is welcome.
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Facilitated by Trudy Grienauer
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As for all Westwood events, please remember to avoid scented body products when attending.
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Hi, I'm Libby your Little Free Library
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I'm Libby the Little Free Library that has been serving on the Westwood front yard for OVER a Year.
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It has been mostly great! My belly is usually full enough to give everyone who opens my front door a moment to pause at least. Some people browse for 10 minutes - and then don't take a book! Go figure?
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But I love the conversations. Of course I've read all my books, but I'm sworn to not give advice by my professional LFL (Little Free Library) code of conduct. Although some of us believe we are silenced by the big publishers who can only think about money, money, money. When I only think about reading, reading, reading.
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Have you ever noticed the unique personality of each of us LFLs. I mean, there are over 75,000 of us (and I'm only counting those like me with REAL licenses), but still we each are different. I guess my own personality could be described as "bookish" but that is just outwards appearance. I'm really quite outgoing. In fact I burn so much energy enticing readers who open my door, that sometimes I get this empty feeling. You know sort of like imposter syndrome - can I be a real LFL if I have a bare shelf? Maybe you can help by bringing more books...
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I'm looking forward to a paint touch up next spring!
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I hope you each have a great winter holed up beside a fireplace with a book. I've read that that is a great thing to do, but of course I've never really sat by a fireplace myself (it sounds potentially combustable!).
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Anyways all the best, but remember as I get older I start to remember things - like my birthday Sept 15 - DON'T miss it again next year!!
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Anyways thanks to everyone at Westwood who Brings a Book- Takes a Book.
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Volunteer Needed!
“Looking for a creative type for a one-time project to help enhance our welcoming presence in the sanctuary.
For more information please contact Rev. Anne ( anne@westwoodunitarian.ca ).
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Child Haven International 15th Annual East Indian Dinner
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Inspired by the ideals and philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi, Child Haven International is a registered not for profit charity founded in 1985 by Unitarian Minister Reverend Fred Cappuccino and his wife, Bonnie.
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Child Haven International assists children and women in developing countries, who are in need of food, education, health care, shelter and clothing, emotional and moral support. Child Haven has five homes in India, one in Nepal, one in Tibet in China and one in Bangladesh.
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2018 Edmonton Child Haven Dinner
Sunday, October 28, 2018 at the Meridian Banquet Centre, 4820 – 76 Avenue NW, Edmonton at 5 pm.
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Presentation by Bonnie and Fred Cappucino
Bazaar
Silent and live auction
Children’s craft table
Auction of a painting created during the event by artist Lewis Lavoie
Tickets:
Children under 5 years free.
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Contact for tickets and information:
Sylvia Krogh at skrogh@shaw.ca, phone 780-454-6216.
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Religion on Tap
Edmonton Unitarian Church invites you their monthly pub night.
The next one will be Tuesday, November 27 at 7 p.m. at Metro Billiards, 10250 106 Street at 7 p.m.
These are informal gatherings where we socialize; a religiously themed question is suggested by Brian Kiely and the conversation flows from there .....
Everyone (over 18) is welcome.
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