This page will continue to be updated on an ongoing basis as more details are made available. Happy Holidays!
The front page of our website and our calendar page (vanu.ca/calendar) will also list up-to-date information on all events this season.
Sunday, December 7, 11:00 am – “Our Enduring Stories of the Season”
For this Exploration Sunday, we’ll consider the stories that have stayed with us from holidays past—those personal experiences that hold for us something of the enduring meaning of the season. As you prepare for the service, give some thought to these stories in your own life.
Sunday, December 14, 10 am to 2 pm; 6:30 – 9 pm – Holiday Craft Fair
This year’s annual Holiday Craft Fair is open for business and we invite artisans of all kinds to join us to show and sell your creations. We’re inviting new artisans to make this year’s event even bigger and better than last year.
Sunday, December 14, 11:00 am – “When All is Not Merry and Bright”
We all hope for warmth and connection with loved ones during the holidays. But families are complicated – and, more often than not, family gatherings can provoke a range of emotions. Continuing with our monthly theme of “care”, this week we’ll explore care for ourselves and our loved ones when being open-hearted feels challenging.
Sunday, December 14, 7:00 pm – Candlelight Service
Our much-beloved annual tradition offers a feast of poetry and music to mark the many meanings of the winter holidays. This service will feature several anthems from the Chalice Choir and seasonal readings offered by many members of our congregation.
Saturday, December 20, 5 to 8:00 pm – Blanket Fort Solstice Dinner
Come together for rest and renewal with food and fun! This will be our second annual Solstice Blanket Fort Dinner. We’ll eat family style and after dinner the Fireside Room will be dedicated to building a blanket fort for storytime and in the Hall we will create an evergreen spiral labyrinth with electric tea lights.
Sunday, December 21, 11:00 am – Winter Solstice Pageant: The Owl and the Robin, a Solstice Tale
We will celebrate the season with a pageant featuring the children and youth of our congregation. Join us to explore, through story and song, the enduring wisdom this time of year offers to us all.
Wednesday, December 24, 7:00 pm – Christmas Eve Celebration
Our Christmas Eve service celebrates Christmas from a decidedly Unitarian angle, with a mix of carols and readings, a homily by Rev. Shawn, and the traditional lighting of candles, as we sing “Silent Night.” Come, lift your light of hope!
Sunday, December 28, 11:00 am – Sound of Silence
Please note: this service will be in-person only. There will be no livestream this Sunday. This Sunday, Laureen Stokes, the chair of our Worship Services Team, will offer a unique worship gathering to conclude the year: a (mostly) silent service.
Sunday, January 4, 11:00 am – Fire Communion Service
We mark the turning of the year with our annual Fire Communion Service. Through reflections and ritual, we’ll be invited to let go of what can be released and invite in the promise of the new year.