THE B*UU*LETIN UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST FELLOWSHIP OF KAMLOOPS NEWSLETTER

NO

VE

MB

ER

- D

EC

EM

BE

R 2

01

7  

Minister's Musings

...Continued on page 2

“Afraid that our inner light will be extinguished or our inner darkness exposed, we hide our true identities from each other. In the process, we become separated from our own souls. We end up living divided lives, so far removed from the truth we hold within that we cannot know.” (from Soul Matters theme resources)  Spiritual educator, Parker Palmer refers to the “integrity that comes from being what you are.”  

American poet and Unitarian, Walt Whitman asked and answered this: “Do I contradict myself? Very well, then I contradict myself, I am large, I contain multitudes.”

The “Back-Story” – we all have one. I am talking about the experiences and contexts we grow up in and out of. The loving or abusive or dysfunctional families we happen to be born into.

The places we live and play in—the crowded, bustling city where kids play on the sidewalk between trash bins. The isolated farm with its chores, clean air, open space, and kids who grow up accepting the rhythm of birth and death in nature. The small town where everyone knows everyone’s name and know who’s gay, or having an affair, or drinking too much, but who will surely and valiantly always rally to help the family whose home has burned down.

Your back-story may include knowing hunger, violence, having parents with addictions, or parents who die or abandon their kids. All our back-stories  include geographical, social and cultural traditions that become ingrained in our memory DNA—what we eat at special holidays, how we dance or have fun, the language and expressions we adopt in speech, the clothes we wear, and what truths  we believe (or not) and the religion we practice (or not).

There is a back-story behind every person, situation, family, and community. Like revelation, for UUs it is not sealed, but continuous and unfolding through our lives. Back-stories have the power to influence and compel the choices we make: whom we marry or befriend, what we choose as a career path, the things we fear and resist, the patterns we fall into both consciously and unconsciously. It’s natural to hide or bury the hard parts of our back-story and all the shame, guilt, regret, and pain they carry.  Who wants to keep bringing up painful stuff?!

Upcoming ServicesNovember     Spiritual Theme:  IDENTITY / STORY

Nov. 5: The Spiritual Wisdom of Richard Wagamese Renowned Canadian author and journalist, Richard Wagamese (1955-2017) was an Ojibwe from the Wabaseemoong Independent Nations in northern Ontario. Today’s service features theatrical vignettes taken from wisdom-seeking conversations Richard has with the character, “Old Woman” in his book, Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations (2017, Douglas & McIntyre). Nov. 12:  Spirit Jam“A Foot in Two Worlds: How the UU Principles Helped Me”. Bevin Avlier reflects on what it is like to be a half Indigenous half non-Indigenous person, and how this part of her identity and story have made her who she is today. Nov. 19:  Spiritual Identity: Yours, Mine and Ours What is your “spiritual type” or identity? How does knowing this matter? Rev. Helen brings an interactive approach to questions whose answers underpin our perspective on life, actions and well-being. Nov. 26:  Chalice Circle Service: Identity/Story The Chalice Circle service takes a cumulative overview of the monthly spiritual theme, with the facilitator bringing readings and offering questions for discussion in small groups.  Facilitator TBA.

December     Spiritual Theme: PRESENCE

Dec. 3:  Presence in Friendship & Yogi Tea Wisdom Perhaps the best discovery about tea is the wise and inspirational message available on each Yogi brand tea bag tag. Rev. Helen’s Yogi tag collection shapes a rubric for how we nurture our friendships. Dec.  10:  Spirit Jam Wendy Weseen leads a BIG spiritual creative experience focused on the theme of “Presence.”   Dec. 17:   In the Presence of Mystery We live in a fast-paced technological age, confident and expectant that we have instant access to answer most every question we will ever raise.  How do we make room for the presence of Mystery in our lives? (Rev. Helen)

S E P T E M B E R - O C T O B E R 2 0 1 7  

U U K A M L O O P S   F E L L O W S H I P N E W S L E T T E R       N O V E M B E R - D E C E M B E R   2 0 1 7  Page 2

Figuring out who we are, in all our complex, sometimes contradictory ways is a spiritual task. Doing this together, supportively and respectfully is one of the tasks of religious community.

We may not be able to change our individual or collective back-stories, but we can try to better understand them and recognize their presence in our lives. We can live with awareness that our perspectives are deeply tinted by these back-stories. Our “stuckedness” and resistance to change is all about the back-story.

Change comes only to individuals (and communities) which accept what was as a fact of what is. This sometimes calls for intentional acts of vulnerability, forgiveness, and humility, and ALWAYS for honesty, trust, and compassion. 

continued from front page - Minister's Musings

Rev. Helen McFadyen

Page 3U U K A M L O O P S   F E L L O W S H I P N E W S L E T T E R         N O V E M B E R - D E C E M B E R   2 0 1 7  

Sat. Nov. 4- 11:00 am: Know Your Neighbour Day Walk at McArthur Island Park. Organized by Sikh community to promote harmony and connection. 

Tues. Nov. 7- 10:30 am: TED Talk & Talk at Cottonwood Centre, Oak Room (North Shore Community Centre- 730 Cottonwood Ave, North Kamloops). Free, open to all, space limited to first arrivals.

Fri. Nov. 10- 2:00 pm: Unitarian Universalist worship service at Kamloops Senior’s Village, led by Heather A. (1220 Hugh Allan Dr. in the Theatre room, lower level)

Thurs. Nov. 16 -7:00 pm: Film & Discussion night (hosted at the home of Colene P. – please contact Rev. Helen for information)

Fri. Nov. 17- 11:45 am: Women’s Lunch group meets at the Korean BBQ Restaurant, k#408 - 1801 Princeton- Kamloops, Hwy.

Fri. Nov. 17- 2:00 pm: Program on Aging at Kamloops Seniors Village (1220 Hugh Allan Dr. in the Theatre room, lower level)

November

Wed. Nov. 1- 11:30 am-1:00 pm: LifeTalk without Borders drop-in discussion group meets at the Smorgasbord (245 7th Ave.)

Fri. Nov. 3-  2:00 pm: Program on Aging at Kamloops Seniors Village (1220 Hugh Allan Dr. in the Theatre room, lower level)

Calendar of Events + Activities

Dec. 21 - 7 pm: Shades of Blue Christmas at the Grindhouse Café A community-based event making space for those who find the Christmas season difficult because of personal circumstances of loss, loneliness, poor health, or life struggle. With live music, readings, candle lighting and personal sharing. The Grindhouse Café is located at 125 4th Ave. Kamloops. Dec. 24 - 4:00 pm: Candlelight Service (service leader Madisun Browne) Dec. 31:  Observance of Releasing Past Issues in Preparation for the New Year We will return to the tradition of the Enid Damer’s* New Year Service of ‘getting rid of past no longer needed to keep’ and then focus on personal positive affirmations for the New Year: all done of course with ‘presence’. An introspection service that can lead to self-awareness. (*Enid Damer was an esteemed, active member of UUFK who generously bequeathed an endowment to the UU Fellowship at her death.)

upcoming services cont'd.

U U K A M L O O P S   F E L L O W S H I P N E W S L E T T E R       N O V E M B E R - D E C E M B E R   2 0 1 7  Page 4

Wed. Nov. 22- 7:00 pm: UUFK Board meeting (online). Contact administrator, Morgan for information on how to log in.

Thurs. Nov. 23 – 10:30 am-12:00 noon: Drop-in visits and coffee with the minister at the Grind Café (125 4th Ave.)

Thurs. Nov. 30 – 5 to 9 pm: Focus groups regarding UUFK Developmental Ministry at Kamloops Seniors Village (in the Board room, 1220 Hugh Allan Dr. Please contact Barbara Bowmar for information)

December Fri. Dec. 1 – 9 am – 1 pm: Focus groups regarding UUFK Developmental Ministry at Kamloops Seniors Village (in the Board room, 1220 Hugh Allan Dr. Please contact Barbara Bowmar for information)

Fri. Dec. 1- 2:00 pm: Program on Aging at Kamloops Seniors Village (1220 Hugh Allan Dr. in the Theatre room, lower level)

Tues. Dec. 5 -10:30 am: TED Talk & Talk at Cottonwood Centre, Willow Room (North Shore Community Centre- 730 Cottonwood Ave, North Kamloops). Free, open to all, space limited to first arrivals.

Fri. Dec. 8 – 2:00 pm: Unitarian Universalist worship service at Kamloops Senior’s Village, led by Heather A. (1220 Hugh Allan Dr. in the Theatre room, lower level)

Sat. Dec. 9 – 3:00-6:00 pm: UUFK Holiday Pot Luck Social for Members, Friends, & Families at Kamloops United Church Hall (main floor) 421 St. Paul St.    Wed. Dec. 6 - 11:30 am-1:00 pm: LifeTalk without Borders drop-in discussion group meets at the Smorgasbord (245 7th Ave.)

Thurs. Dec. 7 – 10:30 am-12:00 noon: Drop-in visits and coffee with the minister at the Grind Café (125 4th Ave.)

Fri.  Dec. 15 - 11:45 am:  Women’s Lunch group meets at Kelly O'Bryan's Neighbourhood Restaurant, 244 Victoria Street.

Fri. Dec. 15- 2:00 pm: Program on Aging at Kamloops Seniors Village (1220 Hugh Allan Dr. in the Theatre room, lower level)

Thurs. Dec. 21 – 7:00 pm: Shades of Blue Christmas community event at The Grind Café (125 4th Ave. See also upcoming worship services for description) 

Calendar of Events + Activities - continued

U U K A M L O O P S   F E L L O W S H I P N E W S L E T T E R         N O V E M B E R - D E C E M B E R   2 0 1 7   Page 5

• As a replacement for bid night, we will plan to have a silent auction in the spring.  Stay tuned for details.  

• The responses to the survey re the Evaluation of the Development Ministry are coming in well.  The Focus groups will be held at the end of November.  Members and friends will receive a personal invitation to attend. 

•The Minister was authorized to spend up to $150.  for a lighter more portable banner for outdoor events.  

•Our present Sunday accompanist is extremely busy. We may have to pursue alternatives. 

Social  Justice

UUFK’s Social & Environmental Action (SEA) group has a rich history of being involved with diverse issues and projects. It’s time to find out what issues our Fellowship members and new friends are most passionate about these days. We want to hear everyone’s ideas and concerns about social justice issues in the larger community, region, and beyond, and how we might collectively respond as UUs.

Whether you are a passionate activist or just a little curious, please stay after the service on Sunday Nov. 5 at 11:45 am, grab a coffee and pull up a chair for an open SEA meeting.

Newer members and friends especially welcomed. 

What’s Your Social Justice Passion?

Plan

ks fr

om

the

Boa

rd

U U K A M L O O P S   F E L L O W S H I P N E W S L E T T E R         N O V E M B E R - D E C E M B E R   2 0 1 7  Page 6

• Meeting stressed-out students on Monday’s at TRU in my role as Multifaith chaplain.

• Helping steer the fledgling Kamloops Interfaith leaders group; we meet monthly.

• Meeting with the members of the Council on Aging, a small organization kick started a few years ago by committed activists, including Isabel Allen (mother of UUFK’s Heather Allen) and the Centre for Seniors Information (CSI) in North Kamloops. 

I'll be up in a sec.. I'm meditating

• I’ve been attending many meetings with the CUC Nominating Committee (finding nominees to serve from BC region), the CUC Conference Planning group, the CUC Vision Implementation committee… I volunteer to serve our movement nationally because I believe it is a component of being UU in Canada. *Note: next CUC ACM will be held in Hamilton in May, 2018. Who from UUFK is going to be there with me?

• I treasure my limited free time, spent exercising with a great group at TCC, playing ukulele every morning (what else do you do at 6 am?) and having coffee with friends.

• I was asked to plan a course/program for Kamloops Adult Learners…in development for Jan. 2017.

• I’m enjoying facilitating a program at Kamloops Seniors Village twice a month (1st and 3rd Fridays). You should come!

What’s your minister reading these days?  My average volume of reading is pretty high. Here aresome especially memorable books I’ve read lately.

• Embers: One Ojibway’s Meditations by Richard Wagamese is a carefully curated selection of meditations, in both the mundane and sublime; musings on life, the universe, faith and nature. Richard Wagamese lived in Kamloops, was a self-proclaimed “spiritual bad ass. He ”died in 2017,but will predictably remain one of Canada’s most important Indigenous writers.

• Real Good Church: How our church came back from the dead, and yours can too by Rev. Molly Phinney Baskette. What can I say? Suggested by a colleague, Baskette seems to operate from a place of common sense and outrageous ideas. More will be revealed in future sermons from the UUFK pulpit music stand.

What's your minister doing these days?

Bouncing Into Fall

U U K A M L O O P S   F E L L O W S H I P N E W S L E T T E R       N O V E M B E R - D E C E M B E R   2 0 1 7   Page 7

The full Minister’s reports from September and October are available in the minutes of the Board meetings.

• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.  I confess. I picked this one up following a viral Facebook posting about favourite books. This work of non-fiction by American AuthorRebecca Skloot tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, a poor black woman whose cancer cells were taken during treatment in 1951 (without her knowledge) and which developed into an immortal cell line known as HeLa that has been at the center of important medical and scientific advances. The book raises ethical issues of raise and class in medical research. 

• Turning Point: essays on a new Unitarian Universalism, edited by Fredric Muir. This collection of fresh essays by contemporary UU thinkers and writers asks, “What will it take for Unitarian Universalism to thrive in the 21st century?” It takes a hard look at the ways of the past that no longer serve us (individualism, exceptionalism, and our aversion to authority) and points to innovative UU communities and experiences presently unfolding across America. 

Many thanks to all of you who responded to the survey regarding the evaluation of our Developmental Ministry. We have had an excellent response rate and the comments have been very thoughtful.

Here is information about the next steps in the process. There will an opportunity for everyone to attend a focus group on November 30 or December 1 to respond more deeply to the questions and the responses from the survey.   Invitations to attend will be sent out November 16th.  We plan to have an equal number of people in each group and a good mix of long time and new people and members and friends in each group.

The Focus Groups will be held at the Kamloops Seniors Centre 1220 Hugh Allen Drive.  The November 30th Focus group will begin at 6 p.m. and there will be opportunity for those who would like dinner to order ahead.  Drinks and snacks will be available during both Focus Groups.  The December 1st group will begin at 9 a.m.

The Focus Groups will be facilitated by Amanda Tarling of the Capital Fellowship in Victoria. Amanda comes to us highly recommended for her skills in facilitation by the Canadian Unitarian Council. There will be ample opportunity to reflect and pursue our thoughts.

We have an important decision to make about the future of our community in January.  Both the survey and the focus groups are steps leading to that decision.

Barbara Bowmar on behalf of the Board

Reviewing  Our Developmental Ministry

U U K A M L O O P S   F E L L O W S H I P N E W S L E T T E R         N O V E M B E R - D E C E M B E R   2 0 1 7  Page 8

On Sunday, October 22nd, we shared our Offering collection with the New Life Community to the tune of $248.00. Well done! The money will go to help support marginalized people in our community through New Life’s local programs. Individuals who made identifiable eligible donations will receive a charitable tax receipt directly from New Life. 

Sharing Our Plate Update

Come with family or friends. Bring food and refreshments to share. Prepare a piano solo, song, poem, Elvis impersonation or other talent

offering for the open mike variety show!

  SATURDAY DEC. 9     3:00 -6:00 PM

UUFK HOLIDAY POT LUCK  SOCIAL & VARIETY SHOW

KAMLOOPS UNITED CHURCH

(LABYRINTH HALL)

Save the Date!

Unitarian Universalists National & Regional

In Nelson, BC: The Nelson Unitarian Spiritual Centre recently celebrated their official launch as a new UU society in Canada. Rev. Helen sent official greetings.

The CUC Annual Conference -  “Invitation to Love and Justice” will be held in Hamilton, ON. on the campus of McMaster University on the weekend of May 18-20, 2018. Young Adult, CanUUdle Youth Con and Junior Youth activities, as well as affiliate groups will meet before, during, and after the conference. Program and registration will be announced in the New Year. 

U U K A M L O O P S   F E L L O W S H I P N E W S L E T T E R         N O V E M B E R - D E C E M B E R   2 0 1 7   Page 9

Administrator: Morgan Willowgate (Interim) (uufellowshipkamloops@gmail.com ) Board: Bevin Avlier, Marten Lettinga, Verne Smythe, Roland Neave (Treasurer) Worship Committee:  Madisun Browne, Colene Palmer, Bevin Avlier Care & Concerns: Eleanor Hancock Social & Environmental Action (SEA): Anne Neave Committee on Ministry: Heather Allen, Colene Palmer, Gerri McNally Women’s Lunch Group: Heather Gaunce Newsletter Editor: Morgan Willowgate

Developmental Minister: Rev. Helen McFadyen E-mail: minister@uukamloops.ca Mobile: (250) 572-2018 Office Hours: Thursdays 10:30 am- 12:30 pm and other times available by appointment. Note: Rev. Helen observes Sabbath on Mondays. Emergencies: please phone or text (250) 572-2018

Website: www.uukamloops.ca   Email: office@uukamloops.ca   Mail: P.O Box 539 Kamloops, BC V2C 5L2 Telephone: Please contact Rev. Helen McFadyen (250) 572-2018