Chalice Lighter January 2013

7/30/2019 Chalice Lighter January 2013

1/5

1

The Chalice LighterNewsletter for Members & Friends of the South Fraser Unitarian Congregation, Surrey BC

--------------------------- January 2013 ---------------------------

S u n d a y S e r v i c e s ( 1 0 : 3 0 a m )

Worship Theme for January - Change

Jan 6 Aspects of Change ~Bill Jones

One of the most energizing quotations from the 20thcentury is We need to be the change we wish to see inthe world. In this service we will explore togethersome other quotations and so help each other enjoy ourability to inquire and encourage. There is an implicitelement of change in this service in that our order ofservice, our way of proceeding, will be different than

usual.

Jan 13 How to Be an Empty Cup ~Rev. Amanda Aikman

Emptiness the void tends to be something we fearand shy away from. But embracing and admitting ouremptiness is the first step not only to enlightenment, butthe sheer joy of living. Well explore emptiness andfullness through the amazing story of Mike May, a blindman who regained his sight and found surprises thatwere both distressing and elating.

Jan 20 Love Your Enemies ~Renie McRae

Many people know Martin Luther King as a civil rightsactivist, great speaker, Nobel Peace Prize winner, andeven as an accomplished dancer. But not everyone isfamiliar with Dr. King's most profound sermon onLoving Your Enemies. This sermon was the core of Dr.King's mission for life, his credo. Most Unitarians areinspired by Dr. King's goals, but how many of us haveset "love your enemies" as a priority? Dr. King's sermoninspires a lot of thought provoking questions. Comeponder a few with me...

Jan 27 The Kaizen Way ~Rev. Amanda Aikman

This 20th-century system of wisdom shows how thetiniest of steps can propel us into a transformedexistence. This system seems absurd at first glance, butwith a little patience, it can outwit our built-in resistanceto change.

Calendar of Events for January 13

Sun, Jan 20: Annual Budget Meeting(details page 2

Sat, Jan 26: TED Talks(details page 2

Mon, Jan 28: Board Meeting(details page 4

What are TED Talks?By Mitsu Oishi

We we have brought together the world's mofascinating thinkers and doers, who are challenged to gthe talk of their lives (in 18 minutes or less)webuilding here a clearinghouse [TED.com] that offers frknowledge and inspiration [for] a community of curiosouls to engage with ideas and each other (from the TEwebsite).

For UUs, this is like Manna from Heaven, and we bringing the TED Talks to our congregation!! OMinister, Rev. Amanda Aikman, has chosen some TETalks which she thinks most provocative and entertaini

and which she feels, will engage us mightily.Circle the date. Saturday, January 26th, from 4 to 6 pm

Place: Social room of Rosemary Liburds condo compl15558, 16 A Ave. (Someone will be at the door to grand direct you to the social room. If nobody is at the docall Mitsu on her cell at 778-888-6287). Park along 16Ave.

Bring your kids. Theres room for them to play along sus! We provide coffee and tea. You bring a snack to sha

Discuss earnestly, laugh lots, and go away inspired. S

you there. Email ([email protected]) or call Miat 604-943-2032 with questions.
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]


2/5

2

January Birthday Greetings to:

4th Erin Dalley6th Margie Pratt

Juan Duran7th Mary Stewart24th Patsy Chism25th Gerald Boyko26th Trevor Phillips

-------------------------------------------------------------------TED TALK: An Opportunity for ProvocativeDiscussion and Community Time. TED Talks are Talksto stir your curiosity. Provocative, stimulating,fascinating there are hundreds of these short videos.Amanda and Mitsu present the first TED Talks event forSFUC on Saturday afternoon, January 26, in WhiteRock. Future TED Talks will be at other places pleaselet us know if you would like to host one. Well bring

four videos, and the group will vote on which two towatch. Discussion, laughter, and conviviality willfollow. On Saturday, January 26, from 4 to 6 pm, atRosemary Liburds. Please email Rosemary fordirections: [email protected] Light refreshmentsavailable; bring kids if you like! Questions?minister@sfuc.bc.ca-------------------------------------------------------------------The Fundraising Committee is looking for volunteers tomake a kettle of homemade soup (a list of theingredients required) for a SOUPER SUNDAY late inJanuary or early February (to be overseen by Foodsafecertified people). Please inform Regina, Win or Carrie.

Thanks you!-------------------------------------------------------------------The service for January 20 will be based on MartinLuther Kings sermon focusing on his credo - LOVEYOUR ENEMIES. Congregation members are invitedto share their own personal experiences with RenieMcRae at 604-531-9836 on Loving Their Enemies andhow it transformed them and their enemies.-------------------------------------------------------------------MUSICAL INVITATIONS: We are forming a YouthChoir! The SFUC Youth Choir (ages 5 and up) will

meet once a month, during Rev. Amandas SecondSunday Monthly Theme Discussions, beginning Jan.13th. This will allow parents an opportunity to join thediscussion group while the kids Sing, Sing, Sing! Forfurther information, contact Sylvia Zeelenberg or ErinKnudsen. This is an open invitation to any musically-minded folks who would like to join our choir. TheAdult Choir meets each Sunday morning at 9:45 am.(Contact Person: Sylvia Zeelenberg) Are there anymusicians who would like to join us periodically?(Contact: Sylvia Zeelenberg)-------------------------------------------------------------------NICE POTTED DAY-LILIES: Renie McRae ismoving and has some wonderful potted plants shewould like to find a happy new home for. She has sixpots of Day Lilies, two Smoke Trees and one Spirea. Ifyou would like any of these, please phone Renie McRaeat 604.531-9836.-------------------------------------------------------------------

G O U R M E T B E D A N D B R E A K F A S TEXPERIENCE FOR SFUC MEMBERS ANDFRIENDS: Renie McRae is offering her comfortablemaster bedroom and attached four piece bath as anSFUC fundraiser Bed and Breakfast experience forSFUC members and for their friends and family. Peopleare welcome to come for visits of up to three days andto contribute to SFUC whatever seems like a faircontribution. Breakfast will be provided...either Reniewill make it and will leave out muffins and eggs soguests can be independent or she will prepare a fun andtasty breakfast at a mutually convenient time. She isalso willing to provide mini tours of White Rock (like

showing guests where the best Starbucks is and otherimportant features of the community). Contact Renie [email protected] more info-------------------------------------------------------------------RECYCLING your evergreen arrangement containers,ribbons, cones and baubles will be appreciated. Givethem to Carrie.-------------------------------------------------------------------OurANNUAL BUDGET MEETING will be January20th after church. Please plan to come and participate inour planning for our programs and budget for 2013.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,

committed, citizens can CHANGE the world. Indeed,it is the only thing that ever has.

- Margaret Mead
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


3/5

3

A Note from Amanda:

Dear Friends,

The shock of the murderous shootings in Newtown, Connecticut shocked us all. I am sorry not to have been withyou at the time, to be able to help us process the outrage, sadness, and questions that resulted from this horribleact of violence.

Having grown up not 20 miles away from Newtown, the news hit me hard. I didnt know how hard it would hitCanadians till I started hearing from some of you about it I thought it was an American tragedy and issue.Thanks to those of you who sent condolences and messages.

Only two days after the shooting, I was to preach on The Hopeful Imagination at Olympic UU Fellowship inPort Angeles, WA. It seemed utterly impossible. Spirit came to my rescue, and I ended up with a sermon thatreceived a lot of positive feedback. A Canadian minister circulated it online. If you didnt see it via SFUCsFacebook page, here is a link to it:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/191LVTTDWh6aPyrqodXmgXOcMp4vdllqmEATW2KZ3HRU/edit

Having always been a totally passive gun opponent, I have now become more radicalized and encouraged by thehuge upsurge of determined pro-gun-control Americans organizing for change. Its too bad that awful events likethis are often what it takes for us to become active and effective in a cause. But this is the human reality we so

seldom make real change in our lives until we are driven there by pain.

As a new year come to South Fraser Unitarian Congregation, and I begin my second year with you (!) it seemsincreasingly important that we discern, define, and declare our mission as a congregation. I will be asking you,and I hope you will be asking me, and one another

Why are we here?

What gifts do we have to give to a hurting, fragile world?

Who are we here to serve?

SFUC does a nice job of providing worship and community for a small group of people. What will be the burning

coal, the passionate caring, that leads us to turn outwards, to serve the needs of our neighbours, to do our bit totransform our world for the better?

Lets talk about this - a whole lot - for a while. Then lets recognize when the time for talking has passed, and actboldly and with determination to make a real difference. Are you with me?

Blessings and very best wishes for a blissful and meaningful new year.

Cheers,

Amanda

Be the CHANGE that you wish to see in the world.- Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi
https://docs.google.com/document/d/191LVTTDWh6aPyrqodXmgXOcMp4vdllqmEATW2KZ3HRU/edithttp://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5810891.Mohandas_Karamchand_Gandhihttp://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5810891.Mohandas_Karamchand_Gandhihttps://docs.google.com/document/d/191LVTTDWh6aPyrqodXmgXOcMp4vdllqmEATW2KZ3HRU/edithttps://docs.google.com/document/d/191LVTTDWh6aPyrqodXmgXOcMp4vdllqmEATW2KZ3HRU/edit


4/5

4

BOARD HIGHLIGHTS

Submitted by Kathleen Zimmerman, Board Secretary

Highlights from the Board Meeting held Nov 26, 2012

Present: Erin Knudsen, Rev. Amanda Aikman, Juan Duran, Sandy Chism, Kathleen Zimmerman, David Grant,Rosemary Liburd

Ministers Report: Amanda feels the development of a Mission Statement should be a priority. Mitsu and Amandahave worked on a monthly schedule of activities, e.g. TED talks. Debra Thorne is the new minister at Beacon, and

she and Amanda have met. The Covenant of Right Relations process is going very well, and the congregation willbe asked to adopt the Covenant in January.

Financial Report: David will compile Committee budget requests and send to the Board for review by January 5,in advance of the January 20 Budget Meeting.

Privacy Policy: The Board adopted a Privacy Policy to protect the personal information collected by SFUC. Acopy of the policy will be posted on the SFUC website.

Disruptive Behaviour Policy: A sample policy from the Skagit Unitarian Fellowship was reviewed, and theconcept was approved in principle. Board members will send recommendations for amendments to Sandy byJanuary 20.

Robert Latham Workshop: Beacon has invited Robert Latham to hold a workshop on Feb. 9 as part of their 30thanniversary celebrations. The Board approved spending $300 to help co-sponsor the event.

The next Board meeting will be held at Sandy Chism's home on January 28, at 7:00 pm.

A Month of Celebrating!

We at Beacon Unitarian Church are excited to be planning a month-long celebration in February, 2013 for our 30thAnniversary. Some highlights are listed below. Come join us!

Saturday, February 9, an all-day workshop with Rev. Robert Latham, How to grow whether you want to or not, (aconversation about Religious Mission). Registration required - if you are interested, please speak to your minister.

Premises: To define religion is to define its mission. The mission of religion is not up for grabs. A commitment to religious mission will effectively address every issue a congregation might face. If you are doing your mission you cant stop growing.

Process:An interactive event designed to create a definition of religion and its mission that works for every congregation.The process will be grounded in questions that provoke small group conversation and conclusions. Behind all theprocess questions stand this larger one: Why did society invent religion and why did they give it that name?

Sunday, February 10 Worship Service with Rev. Robert Latham, Frolicking inMysterySaturday, February 23 Anniversary Dinner and Entertainment.

Dinner and Entertainment will be at Sapperton Pensioners Hall, in New Westminster, onthe evening of Feb 23rd, featuring another edition of "The Beacon Home Companion,"with host Don Hauka. Come and enjoy music, laughter and highlights from Beacon's past,present and future as the BHC presents: "The Hitchhiker's Guide to Unitarianism." Musicby the prestigious piano prestidigitator David Hamilton, plus the Beacon Choir, andothers.

For other information please contact [email protected]
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]


5/5

5

Roots and Wings: Religious Education at SFUCBy Kate Coghlan, DRE

Happy New Year! I hope that the holidays treated everybody well, and Im looking forward to starting our secondchurch term with some fresh thoughts and ideas.

Ive recently been enjoying some articles from the Christian blog ministry-to-children.com. In particular, Ive beenmusing over their article on teaching multi-aged classrooms, and I have some thougths to share. The author of this

article points out the following as success tips for a multi-aged classroom:

1. Ensure that the lesson plan is interactive: I think SpiritPlay excels at this, but Im trying to bring in even morevariety. The tactile story boxes are completely awesome. But, we have a well-stocked library, too. Theres nothingwrong with a picture book or even video now and then.

2. Factor in attention spans: We do mostly okay with this. With a toddler in the room, we could do a little better, Ithink. Im going to play around with the format of our lesson plan so that perhaps the circle & story time at thebeginning are shortened somewhat.

3. Provide structure they can count on: Again, this is a natural strength of the SpiritPlay curriculum, and I feelreally lucky that we have teachers and volunteers who really buy in to following this sort of structure.

4. Utilize the older child in a leadership role: This could improve. Our big kids are only getting bigger, and withnew babies on the way for next fall, the gap is going to continue to increase. Ill be talking to our older kids over thecoming weeks and coming up with a game plan that they love as much as I do well keep you posted!

5. Set the tone: The author of the article refers to modeling how to get along, work together, and encourage oneanother. I think that we do a good job of this, and I think we do a good job of it as a congregation, not just in theclassroom!

6. Promote cooperation and teamwork: I had to really think about this one. The SpiritPlay model is one ofindividual work. As work-time (post story-time) is not directed, kids choose whatever they want to do for the day.But you know, the shared resources mean that people have to cooperate even if theyre working alone, and moreoften than not I find little pockets of children who are working on similar activities. I wonder if we cant bring #4

(above) into play here as well theres a lot to be said for working with buddies.

Spirit Play is a natural curriculum for multi-aged classrooms. Its based on Montessori principles, so it convenientlyworks well for our small congregation! But even so... WHY does it work well? Why does Montessori educationthrive with multi-aged classrooms, and surely theres a limit to it?

Another search of blogs brought me to understanding this concept better. Children learn from each by interacting, orobserving. It becomes a collaborative approach. Its really... another whole article, so please stay tuned and Illexplore this topic in further depth.

And speaking of which... where are all the Unitarian blogs? Check this link out to fuel your New Year reading:uublogsearch.com

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to

CHANGE the world.- Nelson Mandela
http://uublogsearch.com/http://ministry-to-children.com/http://uublogsearch.com/http://uublogsearch.com/http://ministry-to-children.com/http://ministry-to-children.com/

Documents

Chalice Lighter January 2013