Construction work has started on Fremlin Street which will occasionally block access to the east end of the VanU parking lot.
When the east approach is blocked, the only way to enter the parking lot is to turn into the west side of the parking from a northbound approach on Oak Street.
We will update this page as things change.
Our group meets to celebrate the “turning of the wheel” – the seasons’ change.
Twice a year (at the solstices) we open the group to the public through posting on the VanU website and sharing on social media. In between current members and their friends are invited to gather in community to celebrate the “sabbat” (solstices, equinoxes and cross-quarter/in between days).
In March we celebrate Ostara or the Spring Equinox.
Here in Vancouver, there is much to celebrate! On our garden path labyrinth, the daffodils and grape hyacinths will be blooming while the snow drops will go underground to return next Imbolc/St. Brigid’s Day.
Ostara is a Pagan solar holiday honouring the spring’s warmth, light from the sun, and the awakening of the earth. Pagan celebrations during this holiday have themes of balance, renewal and rebirth. The symbols of Ostara are spring flowers, fairies, butterflies, rabbits and eggs.
The feast day of Easter was first a pagan holiday of renewal and rebirth. Honored in the early spring, it praised the pagan goddess of fertility and spring known as ‘Ostara’, ‘Eastre’ or ‘Eostre’. The word “Easter” finds its etymology from the goddess’s name.
From timeanddate.com you can check moon phases and seasons. Spring 2024 The March Equinox is on March 19 and 8:06 pm Vancouver time.
Unitarians draw on many sources, including: “Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which celebrate the sacred circle of life and instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature.”
Learn more about Earth Spirituality at VanU here: https://vanu.ca/services/earth-spirit/
If you have questions please contact us at earthspirit@vanu.ca
I hope you’ll plan to join us at 4:00pm on Sunday, May 5th, when the congregation will formally install me as the settled minister of the Vancouver Unitarians. You may be wondering why we will be doing this, given that I’ve already been “on the job” since the beginning of August. In a Service of Installation a congregation and its new minister enter into a covenant, making promises of mutual care and support to sustain our shared ministry. This is something the Vancouver Unitarians have done several times since the congregation’s founding in 1909.
Diana Ellis, our archivist extraordinaire, recently provided me with the Orders of Service from the Services of Installation for most of the congregation’s previous ministers. It has been a poignant experience to read through these materials, as it has served as a reminder that our present ministry is but a chapter in a book with many chapters that stretch back over a century, and, hopefully, many future chapters still to be written.
In the coming weeks, I will be drafting a version of the ritual for this service that will draw significantly on the words that have been spoken in the past between the congregation and its ministers. I will be reviewing these words with the Board in March to seek their approval. I will also include a copy of the agreed text in the April Monthly Bulletin, so that you may have an opportunity to read and reflect on the words in the weeks leading up to the ceremony. After all, these will be promises we will be making to each other, so it matters that we come to mean them.
I look forward to taking part in this ceremony with you. It has been a joy and an honour over these last many months to get to know the congregation as a whole, as well as the many wonderful people who make VanU all that it is. I am incredibly hopeful about who we will become, together, in the years ahead.
In faith and love,
Shawn
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Rev. Shawn Gauthier
Many years ago, there was a trend for Unitarians and Unitarian Universalists to develop their “elevator speech,” the brief explanation of our tradition that one might offer up to a fellow traveller as you ride from the lobby up to the 24th floor. As most people discovered, this isn’t an easy task! In this week’s service, Rev. Shawn will offer some tips that might be of help.
Rev. Shawn Gauthier
What are we to do we do when seeking an apology that never comes? How are we move to on if forgiveness isn’t forthcoming? This Sunday, Rev. Shawn will be reflecting on the many alternative paths we might take to undertake the work of forgiveness.
Reilly Yeo, Candidate for UU Ministry
We’re called in this time of climate crisis not just to change our world, but to transform it. In the process, we will need to transform ourselves. Climate change is a wake-up call that heralds the urgency of our third principle as Unitarian Universalists – spiritual growth. Join Reilly Yeo, Candidate for Unitarian Universalist Ministry and Co-Founder of Climate Plan for this exploration of the spiritual dimensions of the climate crisis.
Rev. Shawn Gauthier
Theologically, Easter is one of those particularly complex days for Unitarians. But there is much to celebrate in this time of year, even if we don’t find personal resonance in the Christian story. Rev. Shawn’s sermon will explore the meaning that we, as Unitarians, might find in this time of renewal and, even, resurrection.
The Outreach Opportunities Fund (OOF) recipient for March-June will be First Nations’ Emergency Services Society of BC (FNESS). FNESS serves First Nations’ communities by building emergency planning, training, response and recovery; as well as providing fire training, education and prevention, and forest fuel and wildfire management.
For more information about the Outreach Opportunities Fund, click HERE.
The cooperation and patience of members and other users of our campus when we have snow days will be appreciated.
Many efforts have been made over the years to arrange the equipment and person-power to clear the whole site of snow. None have been found to be satisfactory. Cost of equipment – whether our own or contracted – and people availability (staff and volunteer) are the factors.
A snow-clearing route map has been prepared for the walkways. An information note is available for obtaining shovels. People are welcome to sign-up for voluntary snow clearing to complement what staff can do within their own availability, work schedules and duties.
Your help will be appreciated! (Contact: Patti Turner at pgaleturner[at]gmail[dot]com)
With thanks,
Vancouver Unitarians Buildings and Grounds Committee
We in the VanU Earth Spirituality group celebrate the “turning of the wheel” – i.e. seasonal shifts marked by the equinoxes, solstices and cross-quarter days (those are the days halfway between a solstice and equinox.)
The next cross-quarter day, between winter solstice and spring equinox, is called Imbolc which is a derivative of “in belly” or “in milk”. The sheep are giving birth to their lambs and their milk is flowing.
It’s also celebrated as Brigid’s Day. Brigid is a pagan goddess and also a Christian saint. There are similarities–and many differences. Brigid’s flower is the snowdrop and you’ll be seeing a lot of snowdrops emerge on the VanU labyrinth over the next while.
And, lest we forget, it’s Groundhog Day which means Banyen Books’ annual sale.
Here are some ways you can celebrate this early spring turning the wheel from winter to spring.
I’m particularly fond of this time of year and the rituals to celebrate it. In Vancouver, signs of spring are easy to spot. As Denise Levertov says, “so much is in bud.”
Our VanU Earth Spirituality group hosts two rituals each year that we open to everyone. If you’d like to receive invitations or have other questions about our group, send me a note: Mary Bennett unitarianmary[at]gmail[dot]com
There’s a perception out there that being a Unitarian means believing whatever one wants.
There is, of course, a lot of latitude in our tradition for shaping a theology that makes sense to us as individuals. Indeed, we are encouraged to “build our own theology,” piecing together our best understanding of the big theological questions—questions about the purpose of life and the meaning of death, the nature of the divine and the reality of evil, the call of justice and the demands of a life of integrity.
In this, Unitarianism calls us to a “free and responsible search” for truth and meaning. We are empowered to undertake a curious and critical exploration of the world around us, unencumbered by doctrine, while remaining mindful of the rich theological tradition to which we belong. Maintaining that balance between freedom and responsibility, for me, requires a community because I find that building one’s own theology is something best done in dialogue.
Later this month, in an effort to foster that dialogue, Kiersten and I will co-facilitate the next round of Creating Theology Together, a workshop that begins with a Saturday retreat on February 24th and will continues over three consecutive Wednesday evenings. In this series we’ll explore the theology we share as a congregation. Kiersten and I have substantially rewritten the curriculum to fit our context at VanU, and we hope you’ll join with us for this time of shared meaning making. We will delve into the history of our Principles, reflect on the influence of Universalism, and discuss how our theology of interdependence has changed our view of the world around us. You can find more information and register to
attend here.
I’m grateful to be sharing this adventure with you all!
In faith and love,
Shawn
It’s been said that we are living in a time of profound loneliness. Kathy Sayers, founding member of Vancouver’s newest cohousing community, explores what happiness research says about how the communities we belong to impact our wellbeing. How does knowing your neighbours well enough to borrow a cup of sugar contribute to feelings of trust? What part do casual relations—say, the woman in your local yoga class, your librarian, or your mailman—play in your happiness? Are there novel ways we can live together—like the cohousing community Kathy belongs to—that can enrich our lives and ease our feeling of
separateness?
Though Valentine’s is often thought of as a day to celebrate romantic love, we will mark this holiday as an invitation to bask in the splendour of love’s many forms. This Sunday’s service will involve a marvellous mix of music and powerful poems that speak to the love found in many different types of relationships.
Most any effort to make sense of our own mortality leads on to questions about how we are living “in the meantime.” This Sunday, Rev. Shawn will invite us to reflect on the delicate dance through life, and through death.
This Sunday, we will explore the meaning of various elements in our weekly worship services. Rev. Shawn and the Worship Team hope to demystify aspects of worship in the Unitarian tradition, while also lifting up the complexities involved in creating worship in a theologically diverse congregation.
More a dozen members spent a delightful morning in a workshop led by Christian, learning how to use VanU’s tech tool for their groups and teams.
The next change for you and your team to learn about tech is coming up Jan. 31st. Don’t miss it!
(Photo credit: Rob Dainow)
Our inaugural course of six Qi Gong classes ended last November. See some of the members in graduating class photo below!.Now a new Spring term of 10 classes, beginning Jan. 28th, is open for registration. Priority is given for returning members. Please register by emailing Mei Jia Lam (meijialam[at]gmail[dot]com).
Qi Gong: Sundays 9:15- 10:15 am. Instructor: Hing Tse.
Mindfulness: Sundays 10:15-10:30 am. Instructor: Florence Chan.
Cost: voluntary donation, $5 per class. $45 for all 10 classes.
We’re happy to receive feedback! Looking forward to seeing you for the spring term! – Mei Jia Lam (More info)
Please note that the office will be closed as of 2:30 pm on Thursday, December 21, reopening at 9:30 am on Wednesday, January 3, to give our staff a well-deserved break for the holidays.
In the meantime, if you need to speak with someone urgently about matters of pastoral care, please call the main number (604) 261-7204 and then option 3.
Thank you, and we look forward to serving you in the New Year!
This page will continue to be updated on an ongoing basis as more details are made available. Happy Holidays!
Sunday, December 3, 11:00 am – “How the Unitarians Created Christmas”
In this service, Rev. Shawn will highlight the many ways that Unitarians and Unitarian Universalists have given shape to what we know as Christmas.
Sunday, December 3, 2:30 pm – Singing the Season with the Chalice Choir
Please join the Chalice Choir for a lovely afternoon of music! Reception to follow. Tickets are $20 and are available at the door (please note: no one will be turned away for lack of funds!)
Sunday, December 10, 11:00 am – “Light One Candle”
This service, led by Rev. Shawn, will seek to honour Chanukah, while also lifting up International Human Rights Day.
Saturday, December 16, 5 to 8 pm – Winter Community Potluck
Join us for a Winter Potluck and celebrate the season with the Vancouver Unitarians! All are welcome. Please bring something yummy to share if you are able.
Sunday, December 17, 10 am to 2 pm; 6:30 – 9 pm – Holiday Craft Fair
Come find quality hand-made gifts and help support our Green Fund. Look for artisans selling cards, pottery, jewellery, knitted sweaters and scarves, hand-painted silk scarves, photos, honey, candles, and some surprises.
Sunday, December 17, 11:00 am – “Winter Pageant: “Hearts Full of Love”
In this intergenerational service, Kiersten, Rev. Shawn, and a cast of budding thespians from our Religious Education program and beyond, will revisit the nativity story and its lessons of love, care, and belonging that still hold meaning for us today.
Sunday, December 17, 7:30 pm – Candlelight Ceremony
A contemplative, candlelight service to celebrate the season of lights, with readings and music honouring many different traditions.
Wednesday, December 20, 6:30 pm – Winter Solstice Yule Ritual and Celebration
You are invited to attend a celebration of Yule, or Winter Solstice, in the Hewett Centre.
Sunday, December 24, 11:00 am – Christmas Eve Morning
This morning, the Sanctuary will be open for quiet contemplation and meditation. Our hope is to offer a still point at this busy time of year. At the same time, in the Hall, there will be carols, conversation, and seasonal treats for all.
Sunday, December 24, 7:00 pm – Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
An evening of candlelight and carols, along with seasonal readings and reflections on the meaning of Christmas in our lives. Rev. Shawn’s sermon is titled: “Magnum Mysterium.”
Sunday, December 31, 11:00 am – Fire Communion Service
Our annual fire ritual to mark the turning of the year. As we bid farewell to 2023 and turn to the year ahead, we contemplate what we wish to relinquish to the past and what we wish to carry with us into the future. Rev. Shawn’s sermon is titled: “Spending Our Fire”.
Get your 2024 calendar with beautiful, community sourced original artwork beginning this Sunday! Published by the Multifaith Action Society, these calendars make great gifts for the holidays, brighten up any room, and give you information on each month’s holidays from 14 religious traditions. Visit www.multifaithcalendar.org for more information.
Calendars available for sale at the UCV office, and in the Sanctuary foyer before and after Sunday services.
$20 or 2 for $35 (exact cash only on Nov 26, card payment options to come)
Proceeds benefit the Children and Youth Programs
