Unitarian Congregation in Mississauga
84 South Service Road L5G 2R9 Mississauga, ON, Canada

Coldest Night of the Year, CNOY introductory video, Join our Team

In need of the company of people who believe our interdependence calls us to love and justice? Who value democracy? Join us Sunday at 10:30am on zoom as Rev. Fiona lifts up the vitality and value of UU theology. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/493104141... Meeting ID: 493 104 141 Passcode: 576314

A solstice story from our Westwood Congregation - welcome the Sun King!

The events of January 6, 2021 in the US, and the anticipated challenges to democracy over the next few days and weeks have left many of us unsettled to say the ...least. In times like this we are grateful to be able to lean on our faith, and one another for strength and support. Rev. Anne Barker, President of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers of Canada, generously crafted this message below for all of us. If you are feeling the need for additional support, please reach out to your congregational leaders, to resources in your community, or call the Canadian Mental Health Association, or Here 24/7 (1-844-437-3247). Be well friends. Vyda Ng Executive Director January 7, 2021 We write, as Unitarian Universalists, concerned by the frightful political uprising and events occurring in the US this week. Our spirits are with all who are impacted, and we share anger, frustration, and fear around these threats. Many Canadian Unitarian Universalists have roots in, or close ties to, the US, and many Americans live among us. We appreciate how alarming this must be, to see a rogue militia storm the Capitol building while Congress meets to confirm the electoral college vote. To have these events fueled and interfered with by a sitting president is not something we recognize as democracy. And, unfortunately, we are not entirely surprised, given the unchecked rise of extremism, in the US and throughout the world. Unitarian Universalists are committed to principles of justice and equity, believing in a freedom that comes from honesty, respect, and fair government. We recognize our interdependence and acknowledge that this kind of behaviour could occur anywhere is occurring in many places and will require responsible leadership and courageous responses to establish and maintain safe and fair cultures and nations going forward. As people who are learning about, and bear witness to, the power imbalances within our own country, we recognize the privilege that allowed such an action to take place with so few casualties or arrests. Had the attackers been people of colour or Indigenous, the outcome would likely have been very different. As people who care about democracy, who respect the hard work and dedication that brought a change in US political representation, we adamantly reject the idea that a defeated government would be held in power by an armed militia of extremists. These shocking events, and the concerns we hold for the coming days, remind us of our vulnerabilities, and also our responsibilities. The Reverend Susan Frederick-Gray, president of the Unitarian Universalist Association, reassured people in her video on January 6, 2021 that even when we are afraid, we are strong , and reinforced that This is long haul work. As Unitarian Universalists, we are guided by our connections to purpose, find strength in the dream of beloved community for all, and are determined to be of meaningful service. It is hard to know, in this moment, how we are called to respond but we are listening, learning, and eager to support a healthy, transformative justice. United in love, we offer expressions of solidarity, compassion, care, and concern to all and most especially to those who have close ties to the United States. May all that nurtures and sustains you be plentiful in this time. May we be a source of support and strength, in any way possible. May the wisdom and grace of our better natures rise up to meet this occasion and to whatever follows next. May a better, stronger democracy prevail. We are in this together. We see you. You are not alone. In faith and solidarity, Rev. Anne Barker On behalf of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers of Canada and the Canadian Unitarian Council

January 6, 2021 We light a chalice for the people of the United States of America. We grieve the assault on democracy by domestic extremists leading an insurrection in Washington, D.C, and stand with our American UU communities in condemning all attempts to delay or overturn the results of a democratic election. As Unitarian Universalists our fifth principle asks us affirm and promote the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large. Every voice matters. Every vote counts. May democracy be restored to the United States. So Say We All.

Flashback to an early mitten tree at UCM.

Our Mark de Wolfe Social Action Award Winner!

In need of a break? Stressed about a different kind of Christmas? Join Hearth Light, a short service of quiet contemplation Wednesday at 7:30pm. We will spend time listening to beautiful music, contemplate a poem, and enjoy silence together. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87970542579 Meeting ID: 879 7054 2579

From the UUA President Rev. Susan.

We are unable to offer our service via YouTube livestream this Sunday at 10:30am. Please tune in via Zoom: Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/493104141... Meeting ID: 493 104 141 Passcode: 146475 You can also request a link for the service next week from admin at uucm.ca

A praise song while we return to lockdown. Join us tonight (Wed) at 7:30pm for Hearth Light - a service of contemplation. All are welcome. We will share music, readings and meditation. If you are feeling stressed, sad, lonely or exhausted, come and be held in the warmth of this chalice community. Join Zoom Meeting... https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87970542579 Meeting ID: 879 7054 2579

We are doing things differently this Sunday, with NO UCM service in the morning: instead all are invited to join the national service "Sustaining Our Light" at 1:00pm ET. Five of my colleagues will explore community and connection in these troubled times through reflections, amazing music and cross-country participation. I encourage all of you to watch this special event. National services help us build bonds with the larger cross country UU community, reminding us that we ar...e not alone in our commitment to interdependence, love and justice. You must register to join the service at http://bit.ly/UUService to obtain the Zoom link. Please register as soon as possible. If you are unable to register (keep trying even on the day), the service will also be available as a livestream on the CUC’s YouTube channel - but you must subscribe to the channel for the livestream to appear.

The Nurturing Inclusivity meeting will start at 7.30pm Due to technical difficulties.

Feeling sad? Overwhelmed? Lonely? It is good to be together in times of struggle so consider joining Rev. Fiona for a quiet half hour of music and lectio divinia tonight - October 28th - at 7:30pm. All are welcome. Stay on for sharing after the service, or simply slip away, renewed.... Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87970542579 Meeting ID: 879 7054 2579

If you have HBO, make a date to watch this!

Rev. Fulgence spoke to us in October. Help if you can!

For those struggling.

Join us this Sunday at 10:30am to consider the first of five Canadian UU aspirations. We will explore the meaning and hope and challenge of being Deeply Connected, particularly in this time of pandemic worry. All are welcome to our services. Please share and invite someone who might need a nurturing community. ... Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/493104141 Meeting ID: 493 104 141 Passcode: 146475

Join us this morning as we remember the Rev. Mark Mosher de Wolfe in his own words. 10:30am on-line via Zoom, or subscribe to our YouTube Channel for the live stream. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD8jh9eDfIPsl51oMKSpqPw Join Zoom Meeting... https://us02web.zoom.us/j/493104141 Meeting ID: 493 104 141 Passcode: 146475J

Our message this morning was from Rev. Fulgence of the Flaming Chalice International. What an incredible journey. Please consider supporting their valuable work. www.flamingjnternational.org

Our Canvass Chair, Becky Bridel, kicked off our Canvass Campaign last Sunday!

It’s the Transgender Day of Remembrance. May B. Herbert’s blessing guide us on our way B. Herbert is a Black GenderFluid Unitarian Universalist from Mead...ville, Pennsylvania. They are a member of the Black Lives of Unitarian Universalism Ministerial network and a member of TRUUsT. Read the reflection from which this quote was taken: https://transuu.org/2017//20/a-reflection-on-the-18th-tdor/

And the people stayed home. And read books, and listened, and rested, and exercised, and made art, and played games, and learned new ways of being, and were st...ill. And listened more deeply. Some meditated, some prayed, some danced. Some met their shadows. And the people began to think differently. "And the people healed. And, in the absence of people living in ignorant, dangerous, mindless, and heartless ways, the earth began to heal. "And when the danger passed, and the people joined together again, they grieved their losses, and made new choices, and dreamed new images, and created new ways to live and heal the earth fully, as they had been healed." ~Kitty O'Meara

Orientation to UCM Thursday, October 29, 7pm Calling all New (or Relatively New) Comers! You may have been joining us in our Zoom services for the last few months and have further questions about UCM or Unitarian Universalism. This is an opportunity to ask questions to Rev. Fiona and Kathleen, our Director of Lifespan Learning and also meet other friends and relative newcomers. We love to hear what brought you to UCM!... Please email Tisa at [email protected] if you would like to attend. We look forward to you joining us! Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84666113061 Meeting ID: 846 6611 3061 Passcode: 093121 One tap mobile +16473744685,,84666113061#,,,,,,0#,,093121# Canada +16475580588,,84666113061#,,,,,,0#,,093121# Canada

This Sunday we welcome a very special guest speaker - the Rev. Fulgence Ndagijimana who will be sharing his experiences as the founder of the Unitarian church in Burundi.

Hearth Light Wed. Oct. 28th at 7:30pm on Zoom Come and sit by the light of the chalice, held by music, guided meditation, and silence. Rev. Fiona leads this monthly short contemplative service. All are welcome. Stay on for sharing after the service, or simply slip away, renewed. Join Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87970542579... Meeting ID: 879 7054 2579 See more

Join us this Sunday at 10:30am for an exploration of gratitude and generosity. You can view the livestream on YouTube or Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/493104141... Meeting ID: 493 104 141 Password: 146475 Phone In via: 647-374-4685

Mindfulness Morning Every Friday from 10am til 11am Join us on Zoom ... Meeting # 826 0293 1118 Passcode 082314 No Charge

Hearth Light Wed Sept 30th at 7:30pm on Zoom Come and sit by the light of the chalice, held by music, guided meditation, and silence. Rev. Fiona leads this monthly short contemplative service. All are welcome. Stay on for sharing after the service, or simply slip away, renewed. Join Zoom Meeting... https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87970542579 Meeting ID: 879 7054 2579

Its National Coming Out Day so remember You are amazing! If you want someone to tell, we are here.

Join us this thanksgiving Sunday as Rev. Fiona explores the challenges of gratitude during this on-going pandemic shutdown. All are welcome! Invite family and friends! Join Zoom Meeting https://zoom.us/j/493104141...... Meeting ID: 493 104 141 Password: 146475 See more

This Sunday at 10:30 am on Zoom we explore the unsung value of humility and the role it can play in dismantling racism.

Come on down for your thanksgiving gift bags! Rev. Fiona and Tikko are all set!

UUs are answering the call of love! First Unitarian Louisville, Kentucky offers sanctuary to protesters who are taking to the streets for justice for Breonna Taylor. Peggy Muller, Board President for the First Unitarian Church, says part of their mission is to believe in social justice and equality. The church offers sanctuary to the protesters to avoid any direct confrontation with Louisville Metro officers. Police surrounded First U last night, protesters were able to leave peacefully after two hours.

Some of you may remember one of our regular guest ministers, the Rev. Lori Kyle. She grew into ministry in the GTA and is now the minister at First Unitarian in Louisville, Kentucky, which is struggling with racial tension over the death of Breonna Taylor with on-going protests. First Louisville is operating and funding a medic van ministry providing mobile medical services for protesters. They are struggling to fund the van and supplies needed (ice, water, snacks, medical su...pplies), especially in pandemic times. Rev. Lori welcomes any Canadian UU donations in support of this special ministry. UPDATE: This link from First Louisville allows for Canadian donations but remember the donation amount will be in U.S. dollars. https://event.auctria.com//6f883eb0787811eaa1612dbaed5276f0

Great PSA from Foothills UU about self care for a sense of safety and reassurance.

I am posting the story from Sunday in the comments. Here is the book it appears in.

Our virtual water sharing! Wonderful to see so many familiar faces.

Mindfulness Morning Every Friday from 10am til 11am Join us on Zoom ... Meeting # 826 0293 1118 Passcode 082314 No Charge

At Blackwater Pond At Blackwater Pond the tossed waters have settled after a night of rain.... I dip my cupped hands. I drink a long time. It tastes like stone, leaves, fire. It falls cold into my body, waking the bones. I hear them deep inside me, whispering oh what is that beautiful thing that just happened? Mary Oliver

Hurray, the annual Water In-gathering is tomorrow! Wear blue and don't forget to have a jug of water and glasses near by. Please include an extra glass. We will be using this for a short ritual during the service. All are welcome this Sunday at 10:30am! Join Zoom Meeting... https://zoom.us/j/493104141 Meeting ID: 493 104 141 Password: 146475