Archive of News & Events
Set forth below is material that previously appeared on the main News & Events page of this part of the website. It is generally set out in reverse chronological order.
How to Boil a Frog
Our congregation celebrated Earth Day with a funny yet powerful service, and some great fun "at the movies" afterward.
During the service, our own Dr. Jim Stephenson, an official Al Gore protégé, put the world's environmental issues into perspective by looking at the numbers. (See Jim's remarks.) The message was clear that we can do this! It will take an intentional effort, and a change in attitude for sure. But the result could be an improved quality of life, for us and others. Less really could be more.
Jon Cooksey, a well-known local film writer and producer, and also a congregant at NSUC, shared his funny yet powerful story about how he's using his talents to help save the planet. (See Jon's sermon.) Jon was inspired by his teenaged daughter to focus his skills, and obvious sense of humour, on actually doing something! Jon moved us past despair into practical solutions, and he had fun doing it.
After the service, Jon invited us to join him in filming an environmental "spoof" in our sanctuary (see photo below of Jon "preaching to his congregation"). We raised the roof with lots of rowdy "Amen Brothers." What a hoot. It gave us all a chance to let our hair down. If we make the cut, Jon will post the film on his website promoting his upcoming eco-comedy - How to Boil a Frog. Check it out to see how to make friends, make fun, make trouble, and make a difference.
New Member Dinner and Ceremony Sat & Sun, April 5 and 6
This weekend we celebrated those who recently joined our church, with a Saturday evening dinner and a ceremony of welcome during the Sunday service.
The Cronies Celebrate With One of Their Own
When old friends gather the stories fly and the laughter rises. On March 27, 35 friends and cronies honoured long-time member Doris McNab as she prepared to move to Richmond to be closer to her family. Stories were told of Doris as the first Vancouver Raging Grannie, member of The Voice of Women, Project Ploughshare, and NSUC’s own Social Action Committee. Married to her beloved Duncan for 66 years, mother, grandmother and mentor to many, Doris has led a rich and colourful life. We wish her well as her journey continues in her new home. We're glad to know she plans to join us when she can on Sunday mornings.
Partner Church Celebration Saturday, Mar 15
For 14 years, North Shore Unitarian Church has been in partnership with a church in Hungary that originated in the earliest days of Unitarianism as it appeared in the then-independent monarchy of Transylvania. In March, we celebrate our connection with this church as we raise funds and goods to help them maintain their church.
Talent Show 2008
We wanted people to let out their inner hams for our annual Talent Show on Sunday, March 2 and we were not disappointed. From our amazing Cronies group of women elders doing a take-off on the song “My Favourite Things” to the two-year old little one who wanted to sing the alphabet, we were more than entertained. There were original dances choreographed by the young dancers themselves, beautifully sung ballads, impressive fiddle and mandolin duets and flights of fancy on the piano. There were seasoned performers and folks new to the stage, people long known to the church community and others brand new to North Shore Unitarian Church. Every act was warmly welcomed and shown appreciation with gusto. The stage lights are off for this year, but next year we will do it again, knowing there will be fresh surprises in store. (Look below for few pics we took that night.)
Rites of Passage Basic Training Workshop
From February 22nd to the 24th, the NSUC Lay Chaplaincy Committee co-hosted the Designing and Leading Rites of Passage Basic Training Workshop. The workshop was lead by Reverend Wendy McNiven from Kamloops and Katherine Roback, a lay chaplain from the Unitarian Church of Vancouver (UCV). Attendees came from Victoria, UCV, Beacon, South Fraser and our own congregation to participate. The workshop was a great opportunity for prospective and current lay chaplains to practice planning and performing rites of passage. Many of our visitors enjoyed attending worship on Sunday and sharing a meal with our community after. Thanks to all who gave their time and energy to making this a success! Kudos to all of you!
Budget for 2008 Approved
At a well-attended congregational meeting on January 27, our members heartily endorsed the board's proposed 2008 budget. Treasurer Brian Funt noted that our successful canvass made this year's budgeting process a pleasure. Generous pledges, from new and long-time members and friends alike, meant we could address some staff salary anomalies, and continue to support our excellent programs for children, youth and adults.
"Almost Church" Workshops
A large contingent of our congregation braved the elements on two Saturdays in January to attend the "Almost Church" discussions. In large and small groups we considered the challenges presented by UU church consultant Michael Durall in his book "The Almost Church: Redefining Unitarian Universalism for a New Era." We thought and talked deeply about why we exist as a congregation; what is our most fundamental purpose? This was the first step in a board initiative to ensure that North Shore Unitarian becomes ever more effective at changing people's lives for the better in some fundamental way.
NSUC Minister Stephen Atkinson is Ordained and Installed
On the warm Sunday afternoon of May 25, 2008, St. David's United Church was packed with 290 of us, eager to witness history.
The ministers, DREs and UU luminaries processed in grand tradition. Arrayed around the chancel in their regalia, one by one these minsters were called to offer their wise counsel to Stephen and to us.
The choir took us over the moon with the exquisite music, the "Yes" and "Santus," and "Gloria." Beloved hymns were sung. Candles blazed. Flowers threw their beauty around the room.
A cheer rose from the pews at the moment that Stephen was officially ordained and installed.
Stephen has been our Settled Minister since August 2007. His call to ministry at NSUC was secured by a congregational vote in the spring of 2007, the culmination of a year-long search for a new minister. The North Shore Unitarian Church now stands poised for an even more exciting future.
For more details and photos of this happy event, please download our June 2008 Special Edition Newsletter