Fellowship Opportunities Abound at NSUC
There are numerous opportunities for fellowship at North Shore Unitarian Church (NSUC). Choose something that suits your style.
After Church Soup and Social Hour. The easiest way to meet people is to join us for our social hour after the 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. If you’re new, seek out our greeters near the fireplace (wearing yellow sunflowers on their lapels) who will help you learn about our congregation. You may also wish to browse the titles in our library, or join us for a cup of soup when it’s available.
Music – Choirs. Not only is music an integral part of our worship services and a service to the congregation, participants in our many music programs at NSUC find it a wonderful way to enjoy the fellowship of other participants and make new friends. To learn more about our music programs, see Music.
Community Dinners. Would you like to meet people in smaller, more intimate groups of 6-8 over a potluck dinner? Sign up for one of many Community Dinners hosted throughout the year. We call them Community Dinners to reflect what they facilitate – creating community while sharing a meal. To encourage meeting new people, accept an invite from a host you’ve never visited before. Car-pooling and discounted babysitting are available. To sign up, add your name to a list on the info board at church.
Fun Shui Activities. NSUC’s Fun Shui Social Committee arranges numerous social events at the church and/or in the community. These might include a movie/theatre night, a hike in the forest or a ride through Stanley Park. You never know what will be offered! Fun Shui sends out occasional emails listings their activities. Their list also includes reminders about a variety of church events – fun and otherwise. Check the current newsletter and calendar for additional information on the events listed.
Book Club. The Book Club meets at the church monthly at 10:00 a.m. on the third Thursday of the month to discuss a selected book, usually a work of fiction. Anyone who has read the book is welcome. Check the latest newsletter for the current volume.
The Cronies. A group of older women meet in the church on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m.
Discovery Circles. At various times we offer opportunities for people to meet regularly with the same people to discuss important issues. Often called “small group ministry,” these groups fill a need for intimate connections. They are a place where we can process our fast-moving lives in a trusting environment, where we can be honest with and care for others. We’ll update this information when the next round of Discovery Circles begins, possibly in the Spring of 2008.
Bid Night Auction Events. Every year in May, one of our most exciting events is Bid Night. At Bid Night, people offer up services for auction. Others bid on them to raise funds for the church. Bid night events include everything from intimate dinners to crazy parties, from a quiet sail trip up Howe Sound to a boisterous car rally, from a night of babysitting to a week in a cozy cottage. Participating in Bid Night events is a wonderful way to meet people and have fun, while supporting the efforts of the church. There is always something for everyone, and sometimes you get some great deals! Some Bid Night events are opened up during the year to the entire congregation – watch for notices in the newsletter.
September Corn Roast. It’s tradition in our church to offer fresh corn and other tasty treats at a social gathering after church on the first Sunday after Labour Day. It’s a great way to find out what people have been doing during the summer, and to connect with new people who may be visiting our church for the first time. Hope to see you there.
Talent Show. In the spring of each year we invite young and old alike to share their talents with the congregation. It’s a wonderful evening of music, drama, storytelling and dance. They also offer up both great hilarity and poignant moments – laughter and sometimes tears abound. Children and adults alike love to strut their stuff. For children in particular the Talent Show can be a great confidence booster because they get to perform in a safe and appreciative environment.
Christmas Pageant. A great way to meet people is to participate in the popular inter-generational pageant held as part of the holiday season. It usually involves a large part of our congregation, and it’s always fun, educational and entertaining. Sign up for a role when the opportunity presents itself.
Secret Buddies Program. Add some “young blood” to your life by joining the Secret Buddies program. It’s a chance for adults and children five years and over to get to know one another and have a little fun. Each spring youngsters are matched with an adult they don’t know. Over a period of six weeks or so they get to know each other by exchanging letters, jokes, puzzles, baby photos, books/movie recommendations and more – anything that helps them get to each other. Identities are not revealed until a culminating potluck supper.
