Sermons
To download recent sermons by our Minister, Stephen Atkinson, and other speakers as indicated, please click on the links listed below:
What I Learned on Vacation - August 29, 2010
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
“This summer I’ll have been to the UUA’s General Assembly in Minneapolis; visited family and old friends in Ontario; served as chaplain at the August Eliot Institute; and attended my 40th high school reunion in Fredericton. Surely I’ll have learned something!”
Do We Have the Right to Die? - August 22, 2010
Wanda Morris
If you were terminally ill and wanted to end your life, could you? Would you be able to have a good death, perhaps with the presence of your loved ones? NSUC member and Dying with Dignity board member, Wanda Morris, provides an overview of the current status of our right as Canadians to die as we choose.
Archaeology and the Hebrew Bible - August 15, 2010
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
Let’s take a look at how archeological studies of the Ancient Near East inform us about events described in the Hebrew bible.
Interfaith Youth Movement - August 8, 2010
NSUC Youth Group
Our youth will be exploring and working to provide an interfaith youth event in the coming church year. This service explores the topic of religious pluralism, and what makes it possible in our community.
Children and Religion - August 1, 2010
Norma Elrod
What were children told about religion in centuries past? What are some children being told about religion today? Can the
indoctrinating of children in a particular belief be considered child abuse? What do we as Unitarian parents want our children to understand about religions? Norma focused on questions related to childhood and religious instructions.
Talking Yourself Through Hard Times - July 25, 2010
Marianne Pengelly
The messages you give yourself can make a difference to how you survive tough times. Connecting with your vulnerable self and offering care can be empowering.
The Dance - July 18, 2010
Samaya Oakley
“What if the question is not why am I so infrequently the person I want to be, but why do I so infrequently want to be the person I really am?” Our speaker explores the ways in which Oriah Mountain Dreamer’s words inspire us to move to the rhythms of our true self.
The Importance of Having Gratitude in your Attitude - July 11, 2010
Ruth Avrin
Sarah Breathnach said, ”when we choose not to focus on what is missing from our lives, but are grateful for the abundance that’s present, we experience heaven on earth”.
My Work in Kenya, 2010 Annual Report - July 4, 2010
Nora Harrison
A review of the educational program of Mungu High School in a rural area in Kenya, funded by the NSUC's Boys Education Endowment Fund, which allows 17 bright, needy boys to learn.
Reflections on Service at First United Church - June 27, 2010
Samaya Oakley
This week our Ministerial Candidate spoke to us about her experience doing a practicum course. First United Church is located in the margins of our society. This service explores the ways in which they go about living church and how it ties into our Universalist roots.
The State of the Church - May 16, 2010
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
This service preceded our 2010 Annual General Meeting. In preparation, Stephen looked back at the past year of the church, and ahead to its near and more distant future.
Body, Mind and Spirit - May 2, 2010
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
A long and fascinating conversation has taken place for centuries about the nature of spirit, the nature of mind, the boundary between them and the relationship of the body to these intangibles. Stephen had a little something to say on the topic.
Let's Step Up - April 25, 2010
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
We as a congregation have kept our distance from our national organization, the Canadian Unitarian Council. We’ve had our reasons; we’ve done it our way. Still, we have paid our dues and some of us have taken significant leadership. The CUC is in transition, and we, as one of the largest Canadian congregations, have a spiritual responsibility to help.
Earth Is Our Homeland - April 18, 2010
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson and others
Our planet, the source of our physical and intellectual being, and thus of all knowledge and all experience, is calling us towards spiritual transformation. Let’s listen and respond.
Our Sources VI: Direct Experience - April 11, 2010
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
We draw from many sources, including “direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the sprit and an openness to the forces that create and uphold life.”
What is Easter to Us? - April 4, 2010
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
During this Easter service we considered together what liberal religious meaning we can find in the story, symbols and language of a holiday that presents us with so many difficulties.
Are We Spiritual Beings Having a Human Experience? - March 28, 2010
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
When Greg Huynh won the bidding for the annual auction for a sermon, he wanted to be a part of the service as well! On this day, he and Stephen presented a different kind of Sunday morning worship, looking reverently at the call to each person to fully express the ‘bigness’ of our unique, spiritual self.
Our Sources V: The Sacred Circle of Life - March 21, 2010
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
This is the fifth in a series of services on our six Sources. On this day of the Spring Equinox, we focused on the most newly identified Source of our current religious position: “Spiritual teachings of Earth-centered traditions which… instruct us to live in harmony with the rhythms of the nature.”
Angels, Miracles and Me - March 14, 2010
The Rev. Arthur Berman
Our affiliated community minister and fellow congregant, Arthur Berman, discussed the existence of angels, the experience of miracles, and the occasion of the closest thing to a heresy trial in our history.
Our Polish Unitarian Roots - March 7, 2010
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
In March, parallel with our focus on our Partner Church in Hungary, we’ll look back each year to the little known history of our religious heritage. It may be surprising to learn that one of the earliest Unitarian communities was formed in Poland in the 16th century.
“A Fair Country” - February 28, 2010
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
n 2008, John Ralston Saul published this book length essay on a radical new interpretation of the roots of Canadian culture and civil society. Many traditional historians and political scientists dismissed it or argued against it. Perhaps the question of whether it’s factual or not is beside the point, for what it offers is a new vision of Canadian identity. UU ministers across Canada are encouraging our congregations to take time to consider this vision.
Our Sources IV: The Bible as a Human Text - February 21, 2010
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
Our sources include, “Jewish and Christian teachings which call us to respond to God’s love by loving our neighbours as ourselves,” referring to the Golden Rule present in virtually every culture. This service focuses on what scholars know about the Bible as an ancient text of historic and anthropological importance, the work of countless human hands over many centuries.
With Glowing Hearts - February 14, 2010
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
After years of preparation – and controversy – the Olympic Games are finally here. Our sermon title today is the specific theme for these Olympics. Let us celebrate the upside of this international event which brings so many citizens of the world together in our city. This surely is one small step to “the goal of world community” that is one of our Principles.
Deal or No Deal - January 31, 2010
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
“We face an important congregational meeting today, both to consider a less happy budget than we’d like, and to revisit our property sale agreement. Is this revisiting like an endless broken record boring you with repetition, or is it like the cyclical nature of a difficult growth process? I’ll tell you what I know, what I think, what I feel and what I hope for.”
Our Sources III: Humanism, Reason and Science - January 24, 2010
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
Part of a series of services focusing on Unitarian Universalist Sources. On this day we looked at what the Humanist movement has brought into our tradition, and why we so value the use of reason and the knowledge of science in questions of belief and spirit.
Why is Action Spiritual? - January 17, 2010
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
“One of our church members once asked me this challenging question, wondering why simply living with spirit isn’t enough. I want to address her question today, and I suspect there is more than one answer.”
Dealing With Winter - January 10, 2010
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
Love it or hate it, Winter is happening. This season is a joy, an endurance test, a reason to get away, or a time to cozy up depending on whom you ask. What happens to us in Winter? Can we find something that nourishes us when the world is cold, dark and sleeping?
How My Mind Has Changed - January 3, 2010
The Rev. Dr. Phillip Hewett
On this, the 400th birthday of Benjamin Whichcote, our annual New Years guest speaker Phillip Hewett gave an address inspired by this Whichcote quote: “He that never changed any of his opinions never corrected any of his mistakes, and he who was never wise enough to find out any mistakes in himself will not be charitable enough to excuse what he reckons mistakes in others.”
Jordan’s Principle - December 13, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
Jordan Anderson, a First Nations infant, lived his entire five years of life in a hospital because federal and provincial governments couldn’t agree about who would pay for his medical care if he was discharged to his family on a reserve. Stephen shared Jordan's story in anticipation of Parliament's January 2010 vote on whether to right this and similar wrongs that discriminate against First Nations children and youth.
Celebrating a True Servant:
The Life of Dr. Lotta Hitschmanova - November 22, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
The 100th anniversary of the birth of Dr. Lotta Hitschmanova occurred this week, and this month we collected Outreach funds for the Unitarian Service Committee of Canada, which Dr. Lotta founded. Our member - and a keen student of Hitschmanova’s life - Joyce Thierry assisted in the preparation of a service honouring a life which continues to inspire us.
UUism and the Shape of Faith in the 21st Century - November 15, 2009
Sara Robinson
These are tough times for people of faith - every faith. This spiritual crisis is deeply intertwined with a list of other global crises that have developed with the collusion of the religions that form the core of our most complex and sophisticated cultures. So here we are. That happened. What do we do now?
What Comes with Remembering - November 8, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
When we remember, especially when it is formalized as it is on Nov 11th and other more personal anniversaries, a number of issues and emotions ride in on the memories. As we remembered and honoured those who have died in service to us or to the world, Stephen addressed the implications of remembering.
Days of the Dead - November 1, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
In many Hispanic and Latin American cultures, this day and the following day are celebrated as a time to honour those who have died, but in effect they bring the awareness of death to the forefront of each person’s mind. Stephen spoke about our own mortality and how the fact of death adds meaning to life.
Our Sources II: World Religions - October 25, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
The second service based upon our Sources considered “wisdom from the world’s religions which inspires us in our ethical and spiritual life.”
Surrender Into Joy - October 18, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
Sometimes it can feel like hard work to resist focusing on negative circumstances or feelings; it’s possible to remember that one option is simply to surrender – not to the dark but into the joy that is always waiting to be revisited.
Loving Vigil-Keeping: Some Child Haven Stories - October 11, 2009
The Rev. Fred Cappucino
Fred is Minister Emeritus of the Unitarian Fellowship of Ottawa. He and his spouse Bonnie are Directors of Child Haven International, which cares for a thousand formerly destitute children in five Homes in India, and one each in Nepal, Tibet, and Afghanistan.
Multi-generational Pre-Thanksgiving Service - October 4, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
Our Religious Education teachers were on retreat this weekend, making it impossible to have our Children’s Program; so, we celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday one Sunday early, allowing our Thanksgiving produce donations to be taken to the food banks before the holiday this year.
Our Sources I: Words and Deeds - September 27, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
On six Sundays this year Stephen will speak, in no particular order, about our Sources. On this day, we considered “words and deeds of prophetic women and men which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love.”
A Wide Open Door - September 20, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
“I can vouch for the fact that NSUC is well-known to be a friendly congregation. We can build on this strength by looking deeper at what welcoming really means.”
There Is Something About Belonging - September 13, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
On this first Sunday of the full-program church year, Stephen looked at what it is about belonging to a community that is so valuable in life.
Bridging the Generations - September 6, 2009
Casey Stainsby, Eva Jordison, Samaya Oakley
This service explores the multi-layered tensions that exist around words that Unitarian Universalists embrace and avoid in our worship services, and in particular how generations use words differently. Casey, Eva, and Samaya discuss three of these hot button words and how three generations are living through this tension.
Full Circle - August 30, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson and Ruth Avrin
“On this last Sunday of August, we'll look back at what is congregation and I as your minister have learned and accomplished, or not, since I last spoke to you on this topic one year ago.”
The Reel Truth - August 23, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
What does this summer's crop of movies tell us about life?
Visions in a Time of Crisis and Transformation - August 16, 2009
Stephen Gray
Author Stephen Gray discussed themes from his forthcoming book Heart of the Great Spirit: Visions, Teachings, and Tools for an Awakening Planet. The book presents the view that we are in a time of great upheaval where a widespread and rapid transformation of consciousness is both available and possibly necessary for a sustainable future.
Aging and the Writer - August 9, 2009
Blanche Howard
Blanche discussed the effects of aging on the writer, both in terms of the inspiration needed to write, and the changing viewpoints brought about by age. She illustrated these by examples of the work of writers both in their youth and their old age.
Paradiso et Inferno - August 2, 2009
Norma Elrod
The religious concepts of Heaven and Hell, eternal reward and everlasting punishment, have probably done more harm to human kind than any other religious beliefs. When and how did these concepts get into the Christian and Muslim Eastern cultures? Norma looked at the history of these ideas and the effects they have had throughout history.
My Life and Work with Special Children - July 26, 2009
Cara Elrod
“I have been involved with the Children's RE program of our church for over 25 years. During that time, my life's work has been with children and youth with special needs. I will share how our Unitarian values have supported and enriched my work with these children.”
Church, Golf, Stock Markets, Bridge or Sailing: How Do You Play? - July 19, 2009
Rob McGregor
How we play is determined by how we approach or think about what we do in life, which makes all the difference. Do you know what your approach is? Do you know how you think about things? How is it working for you? What can you do about it? How can you get what you really want? Come explore.
Dealing With the Challenges in our Lives - July 12, 2009
Ruth Avrin
“I have been asked more than once “How come, with all the challenges in your life, you are always smiling?” Today I will share with you some of my thoughts on this.”
My Work in Kenya - July 5, 2009
Nora Harrison
“I believe that the High Achievers Program I have organized in Kenya and which is supported by many of our church members and friends, is an example of a great quote “You can't do everything, but you can do something.”
“I still have to say “Sorry, NO” to too many, but the above quote keeps me going.”
There Will Be God - June 28, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
As Stephen had warned us, there was God-talk, and prayer, and praise music.... UU style, of course.
Humility - June 14, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
With our high regard for human nature and deep valuing of the individual human spirit, we Unitarian Universalists may live in suspicion of the virtue of humility, mixing it up with humiliation. Stephen would like to sort that out.
What Is It About Cascadia? - June 7, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
Vancouver Sun columnist, Douglas Todd, spoke at our church recently about the recently-released book he edited about the culture and spirituality of Cascadia. This week Stephen told us what he learned from it and what his remaining questions are.
Bridging Service - May 31, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
We gathered to celebrate the transition of our Grade 12 youth into young adulthood. Some of them shared their experiences and their plans for the future. This podcast contains a charge to the youth from Stephen.
Belong. Thrive. Act. - May 24, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
This year our church has worked to identify our most vital functions: those that brought us here in the first place and those that keep us coming back. We have used these as the foundation for a new purpose statement. The statement was approved by the congregation during the Annual General Meeting that followed this service.
A Place for Grace - May 17, 2009
The Rev. Wendy McNiven
Our lives are full of moments of ‘grace’, unearned, unasked-for gifts. The story of the well-known hymn “Amazing Grace” is one such grace-story. To live as if Grace Happens is one way to stay present with one’s life even in difficult times. Wendy is a well-known UU minister in BC, currently serving the Kamloops Fellowship.
Earth Day Service - April 26, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
As evidence mounts that Earth is changing more rapidly than ever, we look at signs of hope amidst the disturbing trends so we can heighten our understanding of the importance of sustainability and reaffirm our commitment to this planet from which we all emerge.
Coming of Age Service - April 19, 2009
Our congregation welcomed and celebrated this year’s Coming of Age class as it moved into a deeper relationship with our church and with Unitarian Universalism. Class members shared the personal credos they had developed, and we heard from their mentors and families about what these young people bring to life. This podcast contains comments from program co-ordinator Samaya Oakley, and a charge to the class from Stephen Atkinson.
Easter Intergenerational Service - April 12, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
We celebrate Easter and other spring festivals with both stories and songs.
Faith on Stage - April 5, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
Unitarian Universalists are ambivalent about the term ‘faith’ because it suggests that there is something beyond the reality which we know. If we look at the idea of ‘stages of faith’ perhaps ‘faith’ disappears as a problem. We also welcomed new members during this service.
Who was Francis David and What Was He Doing in Transylvania? - March 29, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
We celebrate Partner Church Sunday to remember that we have a sister congregation in Hungary. The story of Unitarianism in eastern Europe is a fascinating one.
Facing Death - March 22, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
It can be said that when we begin to contemplate our own death, life begins to have deeper meaning. What happens when we start to anticipate death?
The Power of Circles - March 15, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
Since pre-history, human beings have met in small groups to take care of each other. What makes this so powerful for us?
Spring Ahead? - March 8, 2009
The Rev. Arthur Berman
This was the day we set our clocks ahead one hour for Daylight Savings Time. What are various concepts of time and why do some of us feel we have more of it on such days? What is time anyway?
What is Lent to Us? - March 1, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
Most religions teach self-deprivation as a spiritual practice. The 40 days preceding Easter, called Lent, are when Christians give up something to observe this time of year. What place might there be for us to make a personal sacrifice for the sake of something we hold dear?
The Underside of Nice - February 22, 2009
The Rev. Jane Bramadat
It is the Reverend Bramadat's perception that one of the things that Unitarians (and Universalists) are uncomfortable dealing with is the concept and reality of evil. This presentation took an up close and personal look at evil.... the underside of nice.
Love and Evolution - February 15, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
The 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin was two days before Valentine’s Day. How could we not look at the intersection of love and the process of evolution?
How to be a Man - February 8, 2009
Kerry Burke, Doug Sabourin
One take on men’s development is that shaming messages – from society, media, other men – ‘teach’ what manliness is – and definitely what it is not! Our speakers discussed the experiences of contemporary men, including having to deal with shame.
It Takes a Congregation - January 25, 2009
Samaya Oakley
Our Religious Education programs for children and youth aim to provide a life-sustaining experience. Samaya encouraged us to look at both our accomplishments and the variety of challenges we face as a congregation in the vital work of supporting our young people.
The Rhythm of Life - January 18, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
Stephen talked about the rhythms of human life, and invited us to make this nadir of our annual cycle a time of reflection and renewal.
Church-in-the-Box - January 11, 2009
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson
As the congregation moves toward more detailed planning for a new building, Stephen took this opportunity to share his own dreams for the church that will go in that new ‘box’.
Some Things I Learned in India - January 4, 2009
The Rev. Philip Hewett
In September, Philip Hewett joined five other Canadians in a memorable visit to the Unitarians in India. The ways in which these sharers of our faith have developed a religion deeply rooted in their own culture stimulated his own evolving thinking.
The Descent of Inanna - December 28, 2008
The Rev. Karen Fraser Gitlitz
Our guest speaker Karen Fraser Gitlitz helped us welcome in the New Year with the ancient Sumerian story of the goddess Inanna. This was an interactive, child-friendly
service.
What is Advent to Us - November 30, 2008
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson, Minister
In the Advent wreath there are four candles representing different emotions
associated with the season: expectation, hope, joy and love. In this time of longing and anticipation, in which we face demands both internal and external, Advent can be a reminder to seek inner peace.
Living in Gratitude - November 16, 2008
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson, Minister
An awareness of gratitude can make all the difference between a life that’s fulfilling and one that seems empty. Deep gratitude develops when we have lived through trials and found meaning in them.
Spirituality and the Financial Crisis - November 9, 2008
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson, Minister
This time of financial crisis is one result of the refusal of so many to adopt sustainability as an over-arching value, including a sustainable economy. At times like this, the understandable tendency is to protect our resources from fear there will not be enough. During our canvass, it’s important also to come to understand the resource that is our church community – a self-sustaining and renewable resource. We need to protect it and, even at such times, strengthen and grow this resource so it will be enough and more, both for us and for those yet to come.
Best of Our Religious Roots - October 19, 2008
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson, Minister
Some people have roots in a religion we were born into or chose at an earlier point in life. Some of us are seeking to find religious or spiritual roots that we have never had. As Unitarians, it’s important to value what is good in our personal history and to be clear-minded about what we have left behind and why, especially so that we can join with those with different stories to create a new, strong religious foundation.
Voting Values - October 5, 2008
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson, Minister
In recent Canadian elections, it has sometimes been difficult to decide how to vote. Do we vote for our ideals? Or according to the character of the candidate? Or as a strategic effort to stop something that we disagree with? Today, we look in a non-partisan way at how our principles might influence our choices.
What? So What? Now What? - September 21, 2008
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson, Minister
A good sermon answers three questions: “What?”, “So what?” and “Now what?” That is, what the point is, why it’s important ,and how understanding this can or should affect what we do. Can asking ourselves these same questions help us live well and fully?
Church With Purpose - September 14, 2008
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson, Minister
Every living thing has purpose; in human beings, the universe has evolved the sense of purpose - conscious, intentional and decisive reasoning about what our goals are, especially what is our ultimate goal. So do churches have purpose, and today we consider ours.
Full-Time Community - September 7, 2008
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson, Minister
Any of us can be a member of a number of communities at the same time; some of these are temporary or 'part-time' communities. The church is a
'full-time' community. What makes it so, and why is it important?
Holy Labours - August 31, 2008
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson, Minister
Unitarian Universalist ideas can lead us to contradictory views about work. We embrace the idea that the best work anyone can do is led by the heart and a sense of play: “Do what you love to do and make it your living.” Others are acutely aware that masses of people have no apparent choice; they labour under the command of outside forces, such as industry, government and globalization. How, then, can we make labour holy?
Not Forgetting Fathers - June 15, 2008
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson, Minister
On Father’s Day we are reminded of the many aspects of having and/or being a father. We look today at how poems and films have presented or encountered fatherhood.
We All Minister - June 8, 2008
The Rev. Stephen Atkinson, Minister
A church is built upon its volunteers – the people who do its work for the joy of it or on principle or out of love. One could say that the world runs upon that which we do for others which we are not required to do. Today is the day we all say thank you.
The God That Is to Be - May 18, 2008
Sara Robinson
Well known futurist, Sara Robinson, who is also a member of our congregation, looks at the future of religion. Research suggests that while religion is changing, it may be time to accept that it's here to stay. And one of the best things about being a UU is that our faith is built on the things most likely to have enduring human value: compassion, justice, friendship, community, and celebrating the wonder of our lives.
How to Boil a Frog - April 27, 2008
Jon Cooksey
In a tribute to Earth Day, one of our own congregants, Jon Cooksey, shared this funny yet powerful story about how he's using his talents to help save the planet. Jon was inspired by his teenaged daughter to focus his film writing/producing expertise, and his obvious sense of humour, on actually doing something! Jon moved us past despair into practical solutions, and he had fun doing it.
Equity for Survival - April 27, 2008
Dr. Jim Stephenson
In a reflection prior to the sermon, our own Dr. Jim Stephenson, an official Al Gore protégé, put the world's environmental issues into perspective by looking at the numbers. The message was clear that we can do this! It will take intentional effort and a change in attitude, but the result could be improved quality of life, for us and others.
Joy and Woe Are Woven Fine - April 13, 2008
Stephen Atkinson, Minister
As we mature and grow spiritually, we may find not that we become increasingly happy, but that we experience ambivalence more and more often. Pure feelings of happiness or sadness are harder to hold onto when we know so much about all the colours of life. But how do we come to terms with this? Is there a connection between joy and woe?
The Fire of Commitment - April 6, 2008
Stephen Atkinson, Minister
As we welcome new members, this is a time to consider the commitment that members make – to themselves, the church, our neighbourhood and the world at large. To what do we commit ourselves, and why? What is worthy of our commitment?
Stephen Atkinson, Minister
On this Partner Church Sunday, we look at the story of the rise of Unitarianism in the Transylvanian region of eastern Europe and of its major figure, Francis Dávid. His teaching, “We do not need to think alike to love alike,” is inspiration for us to consider other ways in which we can be different and alike. In particular, we’ll consider the phrase “All That Is” as part of our developing common language for ideas of what is ultimate.
Learning to Yearn - March 9, 2008
Stephen Atkinson, Minister
To yearn can be sad and painful as it is to hope for something that may be impossible or unattainable. In spiritual terms, though, yearning can be an openness to all that might flow in and fill us; in this porous state of readiness and willingness, our spirits can be vulnerable, certainly, but also accessible to the unexpected. To cease yearning may be to close down to new and transforming experiences.
Surveying Our Future - February 17, 2008
Stephen Atkinson, Minister
As we face the early crucial decisions about where to consider locating our new structure, our congregation needs to think together about what we see as the most important aspects of a new site. We can only decide those by starting from our vision of the purpose of our community. We’ll put our building where our purpose lies.
The Place of Love - February 10, 2008
Stephen Atkinson, Minister
It could be said that Unitarian Universalists speak less of ‘love’ as a source of our inspiration or as a motive for our work in the world than we do of concepts of justice, equity and compassion. Still, love is clearly in our midst, in our hearts and our community. What is the place of love in our congregation?
What is Worship - February 3, 2008
Stephen Atkinson, Minister
Unitarian Universalists do not as a whole worship any particular deity or entity. How then does the word ‘worship’ apply to what we do together on Sunday mornings? I propose that there are aspects of life that are worthy of worship and that it is good that we know them.
Atheists and Theists Agree - January 27, 2008
Stephen Atkinson, Minister
In Unitarian Universalist congregations, it’s important that those whose views about sources of truth and meaning differ can find their common ground. This sermon looks at a number of facts all groups can agree on, and then at a uniquely UU way of moving forward.
Roads Taken and Not - January 20, 2008
Stephen Atkinson, Minister
Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken,” suggests that taking the less-traveled path makes “all the difference.” But what’s so bad about the more traveled route? And are there only those two choices?
Why We Do What We Do - January 13, 2008
Stephen Atkinson, Minister
It’s important for each individual to have a sense of what she wants to become and how to become that. Likewise, it’s important for a church. In both cases, we must raise the question, “Why?” What is the most crucial and fundamental reason why we do what we do, both as a person and, collectively, as a congregation.
'Tis the Season to Be - December 16, 2007
Stephen Atkinson, Minister
The many ways in which our culture recognizes the Holiday Season demand that we in some way join all the celebration. Though many people find this a great time of year, for others and for various reasons it is difficult. Either way, the season can distract us from where we are or need to be within ourselves.
Worship and Social Action - December 2, 2007
Stephen Atkinson, Minister
Two of the most central activities that Unitarian Universalist congregations undertake are worship and social responsibility. Today, we look at the three levels of social responsibility: study and decision; beneficial action; activism towards social change. Each of these can play a vital role in the worship life of the church.
How to Ask For Help - November 25, 2007
Stephen Atkinson, Minister
In times past, asking for help was an expected part of close-knit community life. Often, there wasn’t even a need to ask. In our society now, it has become difficult to ask for help: feelings of pride, shame and privacy, among others, make us reluctant to share a problem. Instead of that, we can see that requesting someone for help is to offer them a blessing of trust and honour.
UU Basics, Part 1: Who We Are - November 18, 2007
Stephen Atkinson, Minister
Our Unitarian Universalist ideas began long ago in early Christian history, and have reappeared often in subsequent times and various places. Who are we? We are the people who choose what we believe and support the rights of others also to choose. One result is that we accept intentionally the challenge of diverse thinking.
Much to Remember - November 11, 2007
Stephen Atkinson, Minister
On Remembrance Day, Canadians inevitably consider war: those fought in the past, the military operations of the present, and the dilemma that war presents. Can war actually bring peace? Is there such a thing as a “Just” War?
Missing U - November 4, 2007
Vandy Savage, Congregant
What's in a name and how can a small change to a name possibly contribute to greater cultural tolerance and outreach? Our missing "U" was created from reason, concern for others, and the deep rooted independence of the rural working classes. Born of Christian roots, our "other" heretical heritage, Universalism, fits the Canadian spirit of acceptance and inclusiveness, so why don't we embrace it?
Living in Serenity – October 28, 2007
Stephen Atkinson
Through both Eastern religion and philosophy and the Western discovery of Twelve Step programs, the concept of serenity is gaining a foothold in our harried, tension-filled lives. Today, we look at what this word means, what it can bring to us and what simple ways we can choose to live in serenity.
Living in Abundance - October 14, 2007
Stephen Atkinson, Minister
Religion and science are converging on the recognition that to live one's life with a perspective of gratitude is good for the body, mind, heart and soul. To live in gratitude is also to live in abundance, another life-altering perspective that reduces anxiety about having enough, and transforms it into a sense of bounty. With this in mind, we consider how to approach pledging to our church this year.
Golden Rules - October 7, 2007
Stephen Atkinson, Minister
All the religions of the world recognize one basic moral, ethical law fundamental to right-living. In various wordings it says that we should treat others as we want to be treated by them. In Unitarian Universalism this law is found in our First Principle: "We covenant to affirm and promote the inherent worth and dignity of every person." But, how do we "affirm" and what does it mean to "promote."
Enter, Rejoice & Come In - September 30, 2007
Stephen Atkinson, Minister
The simple Unitarian Universalist hymn, “Enter, Rejoice and Come In,” is sung frequently and everywhere in our churches. Although on first look it seems rather a trifling little song, on deeper examination it sums up the entire spiritual journey.
Life Begins at 40 - September 16, 2007
Stephen Atkinson, Minister
As our church faces its 40th anniversary, we must go beyond celebrating what
we have survived and achieved, and do more than acknowledge our heroes and
heroines from the past. The number 40 has symbolic significance that is
important for us to examine.
Decisions, Decisions! - September 9, 2007
Stephen Atkinson, Minister
When we are called upon to make a crucial decision, it's important that we
pay attention to all the factors that inform the decision. It's also vital
that we decide how to make the decision: will we base it on the facts? On
our feelings? On fear? Or will we let our deepest principles and highest
goals point us in the right direction?
The Sunny Hill - April 22, 2007
Stephen Atkinson, Ministerial Candidate
Life calls us to meet its challenges, and further, to attend carefully to
the signs we receive that guide us to what our destiny is, and what is our
greatest task. Sometimes the task is obvious; sometimes difficult to
discern. Sometimes, the way to our highest fulfillment leads to a path that
we'd never think possible.
Seeking Spirit - April 15, 2007
Stephen Atkinson, Ministerial Candidate
Both those who are born into Unitarian Universalism and those who find it
along the way have in common the need to seek freely for their truth.
Today, our Ministerial Candidate, Stephen Atkinson, will share part of his
search, some of what he found, and how that brings him to us.
