The Chalice Lighter

Newsletter for Members & Friends of the South Fraser Unitarian Congregation, Surrey BC

------------------------- February 2012 -------------------------Sunday Services (10:30 am)

Feb 5 A Better Me: Islams focus on personal development ~ Mufti Aasim Rashid

From the Personnel Commitee

Hello everyone, In order to insure the timely distribution of the monthly Chalice Lighter, please submit all articles and information to the editor, Dan Coghlan, by the deadline. We have become careless about submission dates and distribution dates, and we must correct these bad habits. The Personnel Committee has advised Dan that the Chalice Lighter must be distributed no later than the last Sunday of each month except August when the date has been moved forward to Sept 2. It has also informed Dan not to wait for late submissions. If information is not in, it will simply be omitted. I know you will understand the importance of the distribution date. Thank you for helping to make this possible. Regards, Mary Hamilton (on behalf of the Personnel Committee)

Islam means to submit. This requires the believer to submit to the will of God in all aspects of life, including attitudes, behaviors and interaction with other humans. Though submitting in belief and worship are also important, it is a persons character that truly beautifies them and makes them a pleasure to be around. Let us explore this aspect of Islam, and learn about Islams guidelines for character and behavior. Feb 12 The Myth of Unity ~Trevor Phillips

As Unitarians, we affirm and promote respect for the interdependent web of all existence. But are we talking about having respect for the participants in the web, or for the web itself? Are we inclined to confuse interconnectedness with Unity? Unity implies oneness. Is this what interconnectedness implies? If were interconnected are we one? If were one, are we interconnected? Either answer leads to a discussion, both of which I want to examine. Is Unity a Myth? If it isnt, let us make the case.one way or the other. Feb 19 Relational Spirituality ~ Blaise Kennedy

Blaise is 26 years old and was raised in Richmond BC. As a child he lived expressively, with great curiosity and energy. In his teens he began to experiment with drugs, and as he aged, this experimentation turned into dependence. In 2010 he accepted treatment for his addiction at Nanaimo's Edgewood treatment facility. Since then, Blaise has begun to explore his life deeply, and through this search he has found a new curiosity, a new energy and a passion which he loves to express and share. He will be speaking about his experiences in recovery and his investigation of his spirituality. Feb 26 Always, Always Something Sings ~ Rev. Amanda Aikman

Calendar of Events for February 12

Sat, Feb 18: Games Afternoon (details page 2)

Sun, Feb 19: Church Folly workshop, part 1 (details page 2) Sun, Feb 26: Church Folly workshop, part 2 (details page 2) Sun, Feb 26: New Consulting Minister arrives! (details page 2)

A birdsong in midwinter. A thread in the labyrinth. A rose in the desert. There are so many metaphors for that mysterious truth, echoed in all ages and places, that the voice of Love is always calling to us. How do we discern that voice, pay attention to it, find the courage to respond?

South Frasers Bulletin Board

February Birthday Greetings to: 2nd 4th 5th 9th 11th 12th Sylvia Zeelenberg David Grant Geof Parker-Sutton Lucille Morrill Joshua Grenz Renie McRae Josephien Fritz ------------------------------------------------------------------All committee chairpersons need to submit their 2011 Annual Report to Carrie Phillips by March 31! ------------------------------------------------------------------This is a special invitation for you to join us in a very timely workshop. We have put together a TWO DAY WORKSHOP based on the book Moving On From Church Folly Lane by Robert Latham. Sun Feb. 19 and Sun Feb. 26th, after church to 3:30 pm. It lays out a compelling blueprint and call for change. The author, Robert Latham is not talking about congregational growth per se. He is talking about the purpose of a church. Can our congregation accept the challenge of transforming our social and cultural environment? You can become a change agent in the life of our community. Step one is to read the book. Step two is to gather together and begin! E-mail Mitsu at mitsuandclay@telus.net within the next week so that the books can be ordered. Approximate price $15 each. ------------------------------------------------------------------G R AT I T U D E F R O M T H E W O R S H I P COMMITTEE! The January Chalice Lighter included an invitation from the Worship Committee for people to explore what gifts and talents they may be able to contribute to our worship services. Our first goal with this engagement process was to establish a list of people willing to act as Worship Leaders. To our amazement, the list grew quickly to 24 people, with a number of those people offering their assistance in this area for the first time! Having this list will allow the Worship Committee to better create resources and programs to support individual and congregational growth in this area. We are grateful to those who have offered to contribute in this way, and the invitation remains open to anyone else who would like to come on board. ------------------------------------------------------------------The Board of Trustees is excited to announce that we h a v e h i r e d R e v. A m a n d a A i k m a n t o b e a CONSULTING MINISTER for the months Feb to June at time. She will be coming to Surrey on the 4th weekend most months and the 2nd weekend in June. She will generally be here Sunday to Tuesday and will deliver the homily on those Sundays. We look forward to welcoming her into our community. We encourage committees and cluster groups and congregation members to consider holding meetings or activities at times that can include Amanda. Anyone who would like to propose or host a gathering or meeting to facilitate fellowship or study is encouraged to speak with Erin Knudsen or another member of the Board. ------------------------------------------------------------------Chase away the winter blahs by joining other Congregation members at a GAMES AFTERNOON on Saturday, February 18th at the home of Win Searle in Ocean Park. Card and board games will be featured. If you play bridge, try to get four people together. We shall begin the event by serving homemade soups (which we cannot do anymore at Newton Center) along with rolls, fruit and beverage before beginning the games. Donation of $10.00 would be appreciated. A sign up sheet will be made available close to the date. -------------------------------------------------------------------

Good News Sasamats acomin!

Unitarian Family Camp / Choir Workshop
Set in the natural splendor of Belcarra Regional Park, the camp o ers swimming, boating, hiking and climbing. Commune with Unitarians and friends new and oldchat, enjoy the water and woods and take part in activities in a cooperative atmosphere. Thats Unitarian Family Camp!

Early bird deadline: March 15th

Adults: $120; Children: $113. Register early, save, and help out the planning committee! Download a brochure/registration form

at www.beaconunitarian.org/sasamat.html
led by Kathryn Nicholson

Awesome Choral Workshop Good NewsSasamats acomin

Uplifting gospel, chants, and call & response songs from faith traditions around the world. Campers: additional $35; Workshop & lunch only (non-weekend campers): $67

June 13, 2012

2

Roots and Wings: Religious Education at SFUC

By Kate Coghlan, DRE

I loved Valentines Day much more as a kid than I do as an adult. Nothing against it now, of course, but there was just Have you so a good start to the church year? have, and I'm really excited about our Spirit Play program this miniature something had incredibly happy about the day Iat school. I loved our little mailboxes being stuffed full of year. cards, and though as a child I begged for the perforated sheets covered in recognizable characters, I now more appreciate I want to tell ones that found. the homemade you a bit I about the amazing resource that is available to us. Last year, David Dalley and the Surrey Neighbouring Faiths group worked alongside the Surrey Public Library to put together a set of multi-faith kits. We did one for Unitarianism, either. So fun to think Ive never really looked box for discovery by curious I decided it might The candy didnt hurt, and it wasunbelievably, of what should go in theat who exactly St. Valentine is! young people and their a good topic makecaregivers. for February.
With our to multi-faith series of a priest I thought it was a century Rome. The reigning kits in at lesson plans. Accordingnewlegend, Valentine wasspeakers,serving during thirdgreat opportunity to use these emperorour the time was Each is II. Emperor Claudius II music to dance to, sacred objects the best soldiers. Women and even felt stories it Claudiusfilled with books to read, had a theory that single men madeto explore, activities to try,and children, he thought, fits right in to the which weakened were distractions Spirit Play format!his soldiers, and so he outlawed marriage for young men. Valentine decided this wasnt a fair law, and kept on marrying young couples on the sly. He was put to death for his actions. We had the pleasure of checking out the Hinduism kit for the month of October. I believe each teacher got to work with it different I'm sure perhaps a learned a lot from (I know did). Timing was perfect as our friends and neighbours A once, andlegned (orsome of us continuation!) starsitValentine Ias an imprisoned man who fell in love with the jailors got ready He had written her a this past week. daughter. to celebrate Diwali, just letter which unexpectedly became the first valentine when he signed it Your Valentine, words we still use today! On a day when we have visitors from another faith, we will always try to have the kit for that faith in our classroom. I hope that this can generate customs of Valentines children and their love may also have come from an like to So why February 14th? Thesome discussion betweenDay being a day ofparents, learning together. And if you'dancient come down to called Lupercalia. Lupercalia honored or read through any of the materials, and marriage, and Pan, Do Roman festivalthe classroom and take a look at the kit Juno, the Roman goddess of women please just let me know. the ask of nature. This festival also focused on cleansing and and we need bring about to keep the kit together hence god these items are on loan through personal library cards,purification toto make sure health and fertility and but I'd be more than happy to love. became associated witharrange it for you. Our month of studying Cupid (son of Venus, the Roman goddess of I look forward and gifts it in the future. Lacey hearts, images ofHinduism has come to a close for now, thoughlove), and cardsto more of became popular through the Victorian era. These days, cards purchased for Valentines Day are second only to Christmas so hit up the internet for some great ideas for making your own! By David Dalley Family, friends, even your pets... enjoy the ones you love this month. Spend time together, work on those crafts as a Spirit and get those little mailboxes filled again out of our separateness to know that family, of Life and Love, we have gathered up! Oh yeah... dont forget a little candy. we are not alone. On September 17, Patsi Chism addressed a room full of spiritual leaders from diverse faith traditions in our community BOARD HIGHLIGHTS at the annual Interfaith Peace Conference at Northwood United Church. Her words were carefully chosen, and gently Submitted by Carrie Phillips, Board Secretary delivered. In our fears, we are not alone. In our grasping for peace, finding it in fleeting moments, and losing it again to some turmoil of the mind and heart, we are not alone. Highlights from the Board Meeting held Feb 12, 2012 Later in Erin Knudsen, Mike Sands, from the PRESENT:the conference, a speaker David Grant, international Thirteen SFUC investments have been made to Center. interfaith organization United Religions Initiative (www.uri.org) would elaborate on this idea that peace is notFundraising- In 2011, but something that we Carrie Phillips, Sandy Chism, Royce Rourke. KIVA. something we arrive at, $3626.16 have been must struggle to create and re-create in every moment of our lives. But through aPatsi held the stage: the Service Market raised for now, variety of projects, Two motions were approved: 1) agreed to hire Rev. being the most profitable. Community Outreach And so we dwell in You, Spirit of healing and wholeness, Amanda Aikman at one-quarter time for five months as for this brief time -COP contributed $904.52 an immense and Project- The willing to be held here in to the Langley eternal love whose origins we do not know, whose reality is irresistible. from the fall donations. Consulting Minister. 2) approved the Letter of Food Bank Agreement between Rev. Amanda Aikman and the Before we can have peace, we must be able to listen be Board of Trustees. The 2012 Budget Meeting will to one another. Really listen. Not next Board meeting on Thurs. NEW BUSINESS: The be Sunday, whether we agree or disagree with what said. Not be thinking on deciding January 22 after the Service. The budgetis being February 2, will include Rev. Amanda Aikman in a about how we are going of respond whenaitquarter-time to talk. We need to just listen; to the hiring of is our turn will be adjusted in light planning and goal setting agenda, along with any other listen because we want two smaller understand because minister. Copies of theto understand, hymnals will be we want to trust, and trust pressing items for discussion. The AGM will be on because we want peace. purchased to bring totals of each up to fifty. A Sunday, May 27 after the Service. Regina Ogmundson Ministerial Committee which acts as a liaison between and Gerri Ormiston are the Nominating Committee. the minister and the Congregation will be appointed. Snow days are proclaimed by the Chair, after Because of the new regulations regarding the serving of consultation with the Worship Committee chairperson food, and the needs BOARDcommittee will be for space, a HIGHLIGHTSand the Service Leader for that day. Erin will phone the assembled to investigate a newby Carrie Phillips, Board Secretary leader of each cluster group to pass the word along on Submitted meeting place. Royce and Sandy have volunteered to help in that search. either the Saturday or the Sunday morning.
Highlights from the Board Meeting held Oct 6, 2011

REPORTS FROM LIAISONS: Social JusticePRESENT: Lynne Rhead, Erin Knudsen, Mike Sands, Rosemary Liburd thanked all those who helped in any Carrie Phillips, Sandy Chism way toward the Christmas dinner at the Womens

The meeting ended at 9:00 p.m. The next meeting will REPORTS FROM be at Royce Rourkes on February 2 at 6:45 p.m. COMMITTEE LIAISONS: 3 3

From the Pen Of Rev. Amanda Aikman

Dear South Fraser Unitarians, Perhaps entering a new congregation-minister relationship is a bit like traveling to a foreign country for the first time. Theres joyful anticipation, mingled with trepidation. We are gratified to see the Mona Lisa in person, and distressed at the curtness of the caf waiter. Our disorientation may tempt us to seek the familiar to order the hamburger instead of the foie gras, to flock with the tourists to see the Impressionists instead of venturing to a remote suburb to experience the new science museum. But it is only in our willingness to explore, to take risks, that the purpose of our journey is revealed. It is in those moments when, having missed our bus, we strike out on foot into a mysterious neighbourhood, that we receive the breathless delight of discovery. So, perhaps, with ministry. The great Zen teacher Sunryu Suzuki stressed the importance of retaining beginners mind, that attitude of humility and openness, in the spiritual journey. And so as we prepare to meet, I could tell you that Ive been a UU minister since 1993, that Ive served five churches, that Im a playwright and a spiritual director, and that I always root for Canada in international sporting events. But it seems more important to offer you something more valuable my intention to keep my beginners mind. And to tell you how very much I am looking forward to encountering your own beginners minds! We have this rare and precious opportunity to discern, together, SFUCs calling and to strike out, off the beaten path, into the neighbourhoods that are not featured in the guidebook but where, to our surprise and delight, a friendly welcome, a delicious treat, an awesome vista await. Faithfully and in joyous anticipation,

Rev. Amanda Aikman

Nuts and Bolts: Rev. Aikman will be with us on the fourth Sundays of February, March, April, and May, and the second Sunday of June. Each of her visits to SFUC will also include a full day with us on the following Monday and Tuesday. After February 1, Amanda can be reached at 425-750-0711, or at minister@sfuc.bc.ca

Welcome, Reverend Aikman!

On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I am excited to announce that the Board has reached an agreement with the Rev. Amanda Aikman to be our minister on a one-quarter time basis from February to the end of June, 2012. We value the experience and wisdom that the Rev. Aikman brings with her, and we are looking forward to the opportunities for personal and congregational growth that lie ahead. I want to acknowledge with gratitude the efforts of many individuals in our congregation who, in addition to the regular tasks that keep our congregation vibrant, have made extra efforts in the past few months of transition. In particular, Id like to thank members of the following committees for the additional work they have contributed: the Ministerial Search Committee, the Worship Committee, the Care and Concern Committee, and members of the Board of Trustees. The congregation is very fortunate to have such a large number of dedicated and caring people. We look forward to welcoming the Rev. Aikman into our caring community and to the beginning of new relationships that bring us joy, expand our care for one-another, and nurture our dreams and aspirations. Sincerely, Erin Knudsen, SFUC Board Chair

Rev. Kiely and the Digital Reformation

By David Dalley

Rev. Brian Kiely has gotten me thinking. Early in January, I sat down to read the History of South Fraser Unitarian Congregation document that I received at my orientation to the congregation many years ago. January is a good time for taking a moment to look back before plunging ahead, and I wanted to begin the year by connecting with the history and roots of our religious community. Rev. Kielys name appears throughout. He was the founding minister of our congregation and preached the first, official sermon on January 14, 1990. He shaped this congregation in its formative years, and I know that he holds a special place in the hearts of many in our community. A few days later I received a posting on Facebook from Rev. Kiely. The coincidence drew me in. Rev. Kiely is on sabbatical leave from his ministry position at the Unitarian Church of Edmonton. He is studying at Meadville/Lombard, his old seminary in Chicago, and is doing coursework on Digital and Spiritual Literacy. He is posting his reflections in a series of thought-provoking online articles that Ive been following with great interest. He opens his first article by reflecting on how churches functioned a generation ago: The church was really run by volunteers who were members who stuck around for at least 5 years and often 30 or 40. They passed around the jobs and supported the church with money as well. They were the pillars and the backbone. He then turns his gaze to the emerging reality of religious communities: The thing is, we are entering a new age. Volunteers are harder to find. The idea of commitment and even community is changing in the age of social media, the Twitterverse and radical democratic communication. Change, he continues, brings anxiety to church systems. For one thing those aging pillars still want the church to be the place they knew and where they can still feel comfortable. Seems pretty reasonable to me. They invested the time and money and deserve that support. The trouble is that not enough newer church members share those expectations, or are willing to give to the community in the same way their elders did with either time or money. And this is a generation not likely to have as much money to contribute anyway. Thats fine too. Theres nothing wrong with that, of course. Everything changes in time and technology is not to blamenever has been. Ever since the invention of the alphabet, people have been complaining that these technological innovations would be the ruin of society as we know it. Im serious about the alphabet complaints, BTW and will mention that in another post. True society changed, but it was because people had new tools and chose how to make use of them in ways they thought made their lives better. I cant challenge the will of that many people. Our congregation has pillars. Strong ones. You can read about them in the History of South Fraser Unitarian Congregation. We also have others waiting for an opportunity to come in and explore new and innovative ways of building and sustaining liberal religious community; of sharing the weight. Have you read the History of South Fraser Unitarian Congregation? To what extent does this historical narrative shape your identity in our religious community? What new perspectives do you think can be gained from it? Are you familiar with our congregations growing online community and outreach initiatives? If so, what opportunities and connections have you found here that have enriched your experience as a member? If not, is there something that you would like to learn or understand better that would make it more accessible and inviting for you? Rev. Kiely ends with these words: The challenge for todays church leaders, lay and ordained, is how to serve the needs of both groups in what is certainly a period of transition and may even be a Digital Reformation. Our congregation is in a period of transition. On a micro level, we are welcoming a new minister and are in the process of opening our hearts and minds to the opportunities and challenges that will undoubtedly confront us. On a macro level, our liberal religious movement is on the cusp of what some have termed the Digital Reformation. I believe that on both fronts, our congregation is in a position to flourish in the coming years. May we, as a community, find ways of balancing our religious history with our religious imagination. In the words of Carolyn McDade, Roots hold me close; wings set me free. I would love to hear what conversations people have. So w o u l d R e v. K i e l y. Yo u c a n f o l l o w a n d p o s t r e s p o n s e s t o R e v. K i e l y s b l o g o n l i n e a t : diviningthedigitalreformation.wordpress.com . You can talk to me at church. See you there.