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DECEMBER 2020
Guest Speaker: Gord BarnesAmnesty is well known around the world and in Canada for conducting research and generating action toprotect human rights. Gord Barnes of the Regina Amnesty group will give us an update on some changes atAmnesty in Canada, as well as some of the current Amnesty campaigns. We’ll learn about the new SecretaryGeneral at Amnesty Canada, Ketty Nivyabandi and how the Write for Rights campaigns are being conductedduring Covid. Two of the important campaigns at present are climate change (Amnesty is an intervenor inthe carbon tax challenge) and the mining of lithium which is used in batteries. There will be time for ques-tions and answers after the service.
Guest speaker: Anne CampbellWhen Ms. Campbell’s sixth book, The Fabric of Day, was published in 2017, she thought of it as a kind ofsumming up, a relief even - not to “have to write.” But life had other plans: a cancer diagnosis at the end ofthat year, followed by surgery and on-going treatment. But surprisingly, also a surge of energy, somewhatlike a coda. Without intention poems asked for voice, and practically wrote themselves. It was as though lifewas saying, “You might have thought you were finished, but I’m not finished with you.” She hopes the po-ems she will read from the suite, called Poet’s Body, will evoke your own riches, thoughts and feelings, andremind that an unexpected turn in the path can provide unexpected depth to life.
We are going through an unprecedented time in our lifetime. The pandemic has changed so many aspects ofour lives.
We can’t be together to share holiday treats and hugs but we can still share Christmas stories, memories, po-ems, recipes, songs and good wishes.
For the December 20 service come ready to share what is special about Christmas to you!
Happy holidays!
THE CHALICE - DECEMBER 2020 PAGE 2
The Board works closely with strong Standing Committees andAction Groups (Chair named first):
– Joanne Green/Tanya Walker (co-chairs), Marena Char-ron, George Garbe, Victor Lau
– Joanne Green, Wayne Williamson, Dave Cowley, JimHutchings
– Jane Knox, Ethel Struthers, George Garbe, JimHutchings, Marena Charron
– Joanne Green, Warren Schenk, Victor Lau
– Tanya Walker, Jane Knox, George Garbe
– Sandra Blenkinsop, Wayne Williamson, AllyneKnox, Jane Knox, Helmi Uguh, Claire Clement
Jamie Struthers
Chris Soucie
Jane Knox
Joanne Green
Ethel Struthers, George Garbe, Victor Lau
Saturdays, 1-3 PMMike McCall is available at the Unitarian Centre by appointmentfor any business which needs to be dealt with in-person. Feel freeto telephone the Centre (306-522-7357) and leave a message, oremail [email protected]
The Fellowship provides non-denomination services to cele-brate rites of passage, including births, weddings and deaths.Our Lay Chaplains are available to the public to provide services.Please feel free to contact us at (306)522-7357 [email protected].
We envision a vibrant, diverse and inclusive home for spiritual exploration and social action.
By Secretary Jane KnoxThe Board approved a second survey to obtain feedback frommembers as proposed by the Membership Committee. Thesurvey will include questions to facilitate the work of the Nomi-nating Committee. This Committee will soon begin invitingmembers to fill vacant positions on the Board.
The Board is moving forward with required work to ensure theUnitarian Centre continues to be a safe and inviting prospectfor our own use and for future rentals. The Property Commit-tee reported progress toward improved lighting at the frontdoor. While we are managing to balance income and expendi-tures at present, we definitely miss the income normally ob-tained from renting the Unitarian Centre for cultural andcommunity events and family celebrations (weddings, memori-als). This impact of the pandemic is an ongoing uncertainty andchallenge for the Board.
On behalf of the Finance Committee, Treasurer Joanne Greenpresented the Board with a proposed balanced budget for2021. The budget anticipates donations made to the GeneralOperating Fund, the Building Fund, and the Sparkle/ShineFund. Joanne provided detailed descriptions of various plannedprojects including programming and also building projects suchas:
▪ begin the process to replace the kitchen ceiling to meet cur-rent building standards
▪ replace the kitchen flooring to prevent tripping, achieve high-er cleanliness standards, and improve appearance.
After discussion, the Board approved the proposed budget forreview by committees. Committee chairs are to provide com-ments by December 8 prior to the next Board meeting. Thebudget can then be fine-tuned prior to final Board approvaland mail-out to members by the end of January.
Board members would welcome your questions and com-ments. Contact Jamie Struthers at [email protected]
The Regina Multi-Faith Forum provides opportunities forpeople of different faith traditions to gather, get to knoweach other and pray together.
: https://www.facebook.com/reginamultifaith/
THE CHALICE - DECEMBER 2020 PAGE 3
Dec 6, 13, 20, 2020 10:30 AM Saskatchewan
▪ Call 1 587 328 1099 (Alberta area code) or▪ 1 778 907 2071 (BC area code)▪ When asked, enter the Meeting ID and Passcode listed be-
low for the meeting.· Meeting ID: 976 6742 7877· Passcode: 250311
By Tanya Walker
Regina Unitarians are not going to let COVID stop our annualMitten Tree for the Rainbow Youth Centre! Every year In De-cember we have donated new mittens, toques, socks, cray-ons and books to decorate our Christmas tree at theUnitarian Centre. Wayne Williamson is the usual culprit (or-ganizer) - thank you Wayne! These gifts then get taken to theRainbow Youth Centre for their distribution.
This December we encourage you to make a monetary dona-tion to the Rainbow Youth Centre since we can’t do it in per-son.
This is the Donation page on their website where you cancontact them to donate directly by cheque, e-transfer orthrough Canada Helps. They are a registered charity and youwill receive a tax receipt.
If you like, you can let them know that your donation is forthe Unitarian’s 2020 Mitten Tree.
Christmas joy can still be spread, even if it’s in a different way -and what hasn't been different this year? Merry Christmas!
By Joanne Green, TreasurerNovember is the time of year when the Finance Committeeand Board think about budgets and renewing our financialcommitment to the Unitarian Fellowship. The board talk col-umn has given you a taste of our discussions so far. Thankyou for your past commitment to our congregation and forbeing an important part of our Fellowship. We continue toexist as a Fellowship because you share your time, talents,and passion with each of us.
Last year at this time, we were thinking about how we wouldcontinue to use our building. We had just hosted a BlanketExercise and had plans to hold another in 2020. For now,some of those in-person plans are on hold while we 'ride out'the COVID pandemic. We are reducing our proposed 2021budget in keeping with the reduced utility & maintenancecosts. It is important to keep our building heated and main-tained for the stability of the structure, so that when we doreturn for in-person services the building will be in good re-pair.
We know that for some of our members and friends, theremay be reduced income or work. We appreciate that every-one’s situation is unique - and that some have more timethan money. So please, open the email about pledging,think about your financial commitment for 2021 and send usyour 2021 financial pledge by December 6.
THE CHALICE - DECEMBER 2020 PAGE 4
Would you like to be more INVOLVED in the Unitarian Fel-lowship or maybe change your role?
Opportunity is knocking. It is time! So, get ready, get set, ….Get Started!
Maybe you want to join a small group (seehttps://reginaunitarians.ca/join-a-group/) or maybe youhave ideas and energy for the Board. Either way, we arelooking forward to working with you!
The Nominating committee wants to hear from you! Emailyour interest to: [email protected] The NominatingCommittee (Ethel Struthers, Dave Cowley, Hilary Craig) willget back to you with details.
In late November, you received a survey about how the Fel-lowship communicates with you. Please let us know whatworks and what we can improve. We want to hear from you.Your feedback keeps us relevant and meaningful. Don’t beshy let your ideas fly! Thanks!!
PS - If you have lost the email with the Survey Link, pleasecontact Mike McCall (306-522-7357) or email him [email protected] and he will send you another surveylink. If you are responding to a paper survey, please mail itback to 2700 College Ave., Regina SK S4T 1V1 or call Mike toarrange to have the survey returned.
by Jane Knox
Frederick Sasakamoose, CM (December 25, 1933 – No-vember 24, 2020) was a Canadian professional ice hockeyplayer. He was one of the first Canadian Indigenous play-ers in the National Hockey League, and the first First Na-tions player with treaty status. He played 11 games withthe Chicago Blackhawks during the 1953–54 season, mak-ing many goals. He continued to play professional hockeyin various minor leagues until 1960.
After retiring from ice hockey, in 1961, he began using hisfame to promote opportunities for youth in sports whichincluded ice hockey, long-distance running, track andfield, soccer, and basketball. He was extensively involvedin the development of sports programs for Indigenouschildren. His work was later honoured by induction intofive Sports Halls of Fame.
Sasakamoose grew up on the Ahtahkakoop Indian Reservein Saskatchewan and learned to play ice hockey at an Indi-an residential school in Duck Lake, Saskatchewan wheresports were a release in an abusive environment. Sasaka-moose later served for 35 years as a band councillor ofthe Ahtahkakoop Cree Nation, and spent one term (6years) as Chief.
Both the Assembly of First Nations and the Federation ofSaskatchewan Indian Nations (FSIN) recognized Sasaka-moose for his achievements and contributions. He washonoured nationally with the Order of Canada in 2018.
Sasakamoose passed away after four days in hospital dueto complications from the Covid-19 virus during the pan-demic in Saskatchewan. At the time of his death Sasaka-moose's memoir, Call Me Indian, was being finished, andhad a release date for April 6, 2021.
Wikipedia"
CBC interview: "Sasakamoose remembered as pioneerwho paved the way for Indigenous hockey players"
We extend a warm welcome to two new members. We lookforward to having you “Get into the act” with us as membersof the Unitarian Fellowship of Regina.
Sandi Whitford – businesswoman, grandmother, care-giverand a former member of the Edmonton Unitarian Congrega-tion
Christina Ames – busy wife, mother to two preschoolers
As members, we all benefit from belonging to our supportivecommunity. We are here for you.
“The wisest mind has something yet to learn.”George Santayana
THE CHALICE - DECEMBER 2020 PAGE 5
by Margaret Gooding, Unitarian (#621in Singing the Living Tradition)They told me that when Jesus was born, a star appeared inthe heavens above the place where the young child lay.
When I was very young I had no trouble believing won-drous things; I believed in the star.
It was a wonderful miracle, part of a long ago story, fore-telling an uncommon life.
They told me a super nova appeared in the heavens inits dying burst of fire.
When I was older and believed in science and reason, I be-lieved the story of the star explained.
But I found I was unwilling to give up the star, fittingsymbol for the birth of one whose uncommon life hasbeen long remembered.
The star explained became the star understood, for Jesus,for Buddha, for Zarathustra.
Why not a star? Some bright star shines somewhere inthe heavens each time a child is born.
Who knows what it may foretell?Who knows what uncommon life may yet again unfold,if we but give it a chance?
Submitted by Jane Knox on behalf of the MembershipCommitteeThroughout this holiday season, there will be talk of peace,songs of peace, assumptions about peace. For whom willthere be peace? What is peace?
For me, peace is quiet and still … no radio, TV, or chatter. Atime for reflection. But for others, what is peace for me is atime of terror. The calm before the storm. Waiting for the oth-er shoe to drop.
Quiet in a battle is not necessarily a good sign. A child living inan abusive household might view quiet as the terror of waitingfor the next blow to fall… In another household, a man with afull-time job and a nice house might view the quiet with dread,waiting for the next critique or threat to be hurled in his direc-tion. Pain lives here.
Across geography and culture, peace might mean differentthings. This Christmas season, let’s take a moment to thinkabout those in a different situation. Let’s ask what peacemight look like, sound like, feel like for others?
With our 3-ply pandemic mask in place, let’s ask what an extratoonie might mean for a busker or a homeless person. Maybepeace is a cup of hot chocolate? Maybe it is take-out food de-livered to someone in distress? Maybe peace is that link to awonderful concert…(my favourite lately is Alone Together byCroatian cellist Stjepan Hauser).
What does peace mean to you? Is it a raucous family gatheringwith all your loved ones within sight? (maybe on Zoom thismonth). Is it a peace treaty ending a war in your homeland,even if the agreement does not favour your country?
Perhaps it is simple accord among those with whom you work… no discord and no automatic dissent. Here in Saskatchewan,across Canada, and in all lands suffering under corruption, vio-lence, and learned hatred.
What will you contribute to peace through the holiday seasonand in the new year? How can we support each other? Whatcan we do together to make peace more prevalent for all?
Saturday, December 12 on Zoom 7:00-8:00 PM Bring a favourite Christmas
carol, story, memory, joke or recipe. !Invite your spouse, a friend. … Let’s enjoy each others’ com-pany. See you on Zoom.
Link to join
962 6224 6914 : 218277
On November 29, 2020, Unitarians in Regina and Saskatoongathered together on Zoom for a fascinating discussionabout the real possibility of a guaranteed livable income forCanadians. This is one way to express our principle of sup-port for the worth and dignity of all people. Victor outlinedthe growing political support and explained the economicpotential of a livable income. The conversation was lively andinteresting.
For further detail: Basic Income Canada Network - and Uni-versal Basic Income.
If you would like to hear more and talk with Victor and oth-ers about the possibilities of a livable income for all Canadi-an, join us online …
TUESDAY DEC 8 - 7:00 pm: Livable Income - Unitarians' ZoomChat
Link to Join with video here.
For more information contact: [email protected]
THE CHALICE - DECEMBER 2020 PAGE 6
by Jane Knox on behalf of the Fundraising Action GroupFirst, let me say that I am not a tax expert. It is important that you seek professional advice about estate planning and the re-lated tax implications. My task here is to share basic information about Planned Giving in a way that is easily understood. Ihope to inspire you to talk to a lawyer or financial advisor to get more detailed information about making a bequest to theUnitarian Fellowship of Regina.
In Canada, when you make a donation, or a bequest in your will, to a registered charity, you receive a tax receipt for your do-nation. The tax receipt is submitted with your tax return. As Canada Helps explains, you then get a tax credit which could beas much as half of the value of your donation.
Upon a person’s death, their legal representative or the executor of their will must file a last tax return for the person. Theestate pays any taxes owed to the government first, before the estate can be settled and the beneficiaries receive what has
been willed to them. By the time the estate is settled, the beneficiaries should not have to worry about taxes. 1
But it is important for YOU to think about the tax implications.If you designate a beneficiary in your will or financial papers,your assets may pass to them. If not, the Canada Revenue Agency’s tax rules might generate significant taxable income on
your final tax return.2 In general, the CRA rules consider that immediately prior to your death, your taxable income increasedbecause you:
▪ sold your properties for fair market value, that is, all non-registered capital assets (except the principal residence), with50% capital gains tax where applicable, and
▪ redeemed for fair market value remaining TFSA, RRSP or RRIF assets.
A charitable bequest means a benefit for your chosen charity and savings on your income taxes. By making a charitable be-quest, you could lower estate taxes, and you put your money to good use in the community, supporting your chosen charity.A bequest can create a lasting legacy.
Your estate can do this both through a be-quest in your will which allows you to direct where the money goes, and through taxes which are used to pay for public ser-vices which benefit all people.
Unitarian Fellowship of Regina . at2700 College Avenue, Regina, Sask. S4T 1V1(Charity Registration # 11926 0388 RR0001)
Thank you for considering a contribution to the future strength and stability of the Fellowship. Your generosity is appreciated.
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1. https://turbotax.intuit.ca/tips/canada-inheritance-tax-laws-information-4632. https://www.dmcl.ca/estate-planning-the-importance-of-beneficiary-designations/
If you have contributions to make to this newsletter, please contact Mike McCall:email [email protected]. or 306-522-7357 (office). The deadline for contributions is the 23rd of the month.
Unitarian Fellowship of Regina, 2700 College Avenue, Regina, SK, S4T 1V1 or email [email protected]: http://reginaunitarians.ca/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reginauunitarians/
Podcast: unitarianfellowshipregina.podbean.com
