The Bulletin

Unitarian Church of Vancouver

604-261949 West 49th Ave., Vancouver, BC V5Z 2T1 604-261-7204 604-261www.vancouverunitarians.ca Fax: 604-261-7205

O CTO BER 2011

Sunday Services
All services begin at 11 am.

midst of, and beyond their 80s) in story and music. Ingathering singing at 10:45 pm with Joyce Poley. The Chalice Choir sings. October 16 Horticultural Therapy: Hands on Spiritual Practice Dr. Aimee Taylor Horticultural Therapy (HT) provides hands-on, practical experience with sensory, healing and spiritual benefits. Dr. Taylor will describe what a horticultural therapist is, what they do, and with whom they work. She will demonstrate some simple indoor activities, describe some of the projects she is involved in, and provide some interesting findings and research to back up the evidence on HT.

Inside
Presidents message .................. 2 Ministers workshop ................. 3 New boiler for Hewett Centre ... 3 Fostering Community ............... 4 BC Fall Gathering in Kelowna ... 4 Sacred Web CD launch ............. 5 Lunches .................................... 5 Arts Committee ........................ 5 Library Committee ................... 5 Adult RE ................................... 6 Adult RE ................................... 7 Rev. Laura Imayoshi ................. 7 Buildings and Grounds contd .. 7 Daytimers................................. 8 Refugee Committee .................. 8 Music Club ............................... 8 Environment Committee .......... 9 Social Justice Committee ......... 9 Calendar of events.................... 10 Forums ..................................... 10 BC Fall Gathering in Kelowna ... 10

October 2 Singing as Worship Samantha Taylor During todays service voice teacher and ethnomusicologist, Samantha Taylor, will lead the congregation through songs from many sacred traditions. She will consider some of the ways that singing can deepen our individual and collective experiences of worship. Samantha Taylor is a versatile and engaging vocalist, teacher, ethnomusicologist and community arts facilitator. She completed her B.F.A. (theatre) at Simon Fraser University, and her M.A. (ethnomusicology) at Memorial University in Newfoundland. Samantha has been featured on CBC radio, on The Vancouver Rogue Folk Club. Samantha facilitates classes, workshops and events for community groups on singing, rhythm, and voice for the stage and for public speaking. October 9 Thanksgiving: Our Seniors/Our Elders Rev. Steven Epperson and UCV members Our congregation is blessed with a significant group of elders/seniors - they have lived memorable lives and generously served this congregation for years. (Some for decades!) Without them, UCV would not be a visionary, strong community - we wouldnt be here. This Thanksgiving, we celebrate our senior members (those near, in the

Dag Hammarskjold

October 23 UN Sunday and Gibbard Award Rev. Steven Epperson This Sunday, we honour Vancouver area student recipients of this years UN Gibbard Award. As well, Rev. Epperson will reflect on the influential life and contribution of UN General Secretary Dag Hammarskjold, who died (tragically and mysteriously) fifty years ago. The Chalice Choir sings.

Save trees
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October 30 Encountering Our Ancestors VII Rev. Steven Epperson and Guests from the Past Its the season of Samhain/Halloween/ Day of the Dead. Again, we summon eminent ancestors from our Unitarian history to experience their stories. Join us to welcome these visitors from the past: an occasion to reckon our good fortune as heirs to an amazing religious tradition.

The Bulletin Unitarian Church of Vancouver October 2011

The Bulletin is the monthly

newsletter (Sept. to June) of the Unitarian Church of Vancouver. Editor: Connie Wigmore Submissions: By the 14th of the month preceding each issue. Guidelines are available from the Church office or from the editor. Email your submissions or comments to: bulletin@vancouverunitarians.ca To subscribe by email, send your name and email address to: ucvbulletin@gmail.com

Presidents message

If we didnt occupy this site, what would our church be like?

Keith Wilkinson (president@vancouverunitarians.ca)
There are many things that UCV has brought to my life in recent years for which I am grateful opportunities for spiritual, ethical and artistic exploration and growth, compassionate engagement with the larger world, the pleasure and comfort of a community of people with whom I can work with humour and good will, and a physical site that is peaceful, beautiful, functional and nourishing. My life has been enriched by this churchs physical location, and yet I know that if UCV were located elsewhere, Id find spiritual and ethical nurturance there as well, and know that you would, too. I ponder our sites non-existence because a paradox faces us: we operate from a multi-million dollar site yet are cash-poor a kind of impoverished religious aristocracy. Yes, we are exploring ways to enhance our economic circumstances by re-visioning ourselves as an Interfaith Spiritual Arts Centre, attracting likeminded organizations who can share costs with us, and perhaps a few very generous donors to help us. But what if we are unable to attract those very generous donors will you and I be among the many relatively generous donors that our continuation will require? As an organization that is financially dependent entirely upon our own resources and resourcefulness, the future really does rest with us. We will need a combination of skill and financial commitment if we are to continue on at our current site. Increased commitment will be required even in the coming year. Our current economic circumstances result from the combined good fortune, wisdom and dedication of several generations of forebears and a surge of increased generosity from our current congregation in recent years yet still this will not be enough, because we havent been saving explicitly for the serious maintenance work required on our buildings and grounds. Yes, we have some unrestricted funds that we could apply roughly $200,000 but that amount wont go far when we examine the capital expenditures we will need to make in the next few years a new furnace scheduled for October this year and a new roof in a few years time would expend most of the existing reserve and leave little cushion for future operating deficits. In addition, we need to repair deteriorating walkways, refurbish aging carpets and walls, and to replace furnishings. Later this year youll likely be asked, by way of a Capital Campaign, to dig deep again, to do your part to pay for these necessary (some urgent) capital improvements, in addition to continuing generous pledges to cover our operating costs. Will you be up to it? Will I? Or will we collectively choose to operate our 100-year old community of shared values without our current physical base? Either way, sacrifices from each of us will be involved. Itll be up to each one of us to decide what those will be.

UNITARIAN CHURCH OF VANCOUVER

Parish Minister Rev. Dr. Steven F. Epperson Minister Emeritus Rev. Dr. Phillip Hewett Community Minister Rev. Laura Imayoshi Lay Chaplains Phyllis Bassett, Dan Enright, Sherry King, Wayne Ulian

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2010-2011

President: Keith Wilkinson Vice-President: vacant Secretary: Timothy McCormick Treasurer: Michael Bradshaw Past President: Kathryn Aberle Members-At-Large Don Eadie, Galen Elfert, Carolyn Grant, Judith Holmes, Bennett Mitten, Patti Turner

STAFF
Administrative Manager Tamara Shoup Office Assistant/Bookings Tara MacNiven Accounting Ravina Sangara Sunday Reception Virginia Crabill, John Omielan, Anthony Roper, Robert Schultz Choir Director Donna Brown Director of Religious Education Cristin Lee Music Assistant Elliott Dainow Custodians Stan Clarke, Gerald Hernesmaa, Bruce Murray, Wenta Tuume

Public art in Kelowna Image by Keith Wilkinson

The Bulletin Unitarian Church of Vancouver October 2011

From the ministers workshop

Adult RE Autumn 2011: cultivating a healthy community

Rev. Dr. Steven Epperson (minister@vancouverunitarians.ca)
One of my (pleasant and challenging) responsibilities as UCV minister is arranging and scheduling our Adult Religious Education program. In the recent past, our program has focused on deepening our knowledge of Canadian history and identity (e.g. Sauls A Fair Country), promoting spiritual practices (e.g. Stoic meditation, and Sunday meditation group), and exploring UU history and personal theology (e.g. Unitarian Transcendentalism, Unitarian History and Thought, and Building Your Own Theology). This past spring, and now with the coming of autumn and a new church year, we are engaging in a concerted look at promoting our mental, emotional and physical wellbeing, both as individuals and as a community - an issue and a reality that touches all of us in one way or another. Thanks to a generous grant from a UCV member, we have some resources to help schedule first-rate speakers and workshops focusing on this essential aspect of our personal and community life. In May and June 2011, UCV hosted presentations by award-winning medical journalist Robert Whitaker, author of Anatomy of an Epidemic: Psychiatric Drugs and the Astonishing Rise of Mental Illness, B.C. investigative journalist Robert Wipond, and mental health advocate and therapist Will Hall, host of Pacifica Radio Networks Madness Radio. Its my pleasure to announce that we are offering a number of first-rate Adult RE classes, groups and events that will continue to assist and stretch us in our search and need for enhanced well-being. Let me just give you a run-down of our fall program: Madness Radio Listening Group with Rev. Steven Epperson. 1st and 3rd Thursdays, 7:30-9:30 pm, starting October 6 in Hitschmanova Room. Jungian Study Group, with Gail Lyons. Gail is a psychotherapist and advanced candidate in training with the Ontario Assoc. of Jungian Analysts. The group will be studying Jungs Map of the Soul: An Introduction by Murray Stein. Most 2nd Wednesdays in the Fireside Room. 7:30-9:15 pm. First class, October 12. Tai Chi at UCV taught by Brock MacLachlan. Brock has practised tai chi for over twenty-five years under the guidance of Vancouvers Grand Master Sifu Raymond Chung. Brock will teach the standard 24 tai chi formsthe peoples tai chi. Tuesdays, in the hall in Hewett Centre, from 7-9 pm. First session October 11. No prior experience necessary, for all ages. Restorative Yoga. A calm way to rest, relax and restore the body, taught by Christy Forman. This gentle yoga approach is for all ages and unique body shapes. No experience necessary. 2nd and 4th Thursdays from 7:30-9 pm. Lindsey/Priestley Room. First session October 13. Special Adult RE Event: Horticultural Therapy as a Spiritual Practice. Dr. Aimee Taylor (guest speaker) Sunday worship service, October 16, 11 am. TBA (details coming) Auricular (ear) Acupuncture. An effective therapy for mental and physical wellbeing. 1st and 3rd Thursday evenings before Madness Radio Listening Group. For more information and registration, see the special Adult RE section, pp 6-7, or the UCV website (follow the Adult RE link), or pick up the cool RE brochure at the church office or Hewett Hall bulletin board under Adult Religious Education, or contact: info@vancouverunitarians.ca . Heres hoping for a health-full and successful program! Lets take advantage of these fine quality programs, and thus help better achieve a mentally, emotionally and physically healthy community!

Building and Grounds

From the ground up: new boiler for Hewett Centre!

Elaine Spilos, Chair
Buildings and Grounds is thrilled to announce that the replacement of the Hewett Centre boiler is underway at long last. Thank you to the Board for the facilitating motion passed at the August 16 Board meeting. Why replace the boiler? The present boiler is the original, installed in 1964. It is large, inefficient and expensive to operate. As the sanctuary now has a separate boiler, Hewett Centre no longer needs such a large boiler. As well, it is operating at only 60% efficiency. Waiting for this large, old boiler to break down has been like playing Russian Roulette. Both contractors from whom we received estimates advise that if the boiler went, it would take weeks to organize demolition, locate and order parts,
(Continued on page 7)

The Bulletin Unitarian Church of Vancouver October 2011

even though she had to forgo a trip to France. Other UCV members enjoyed travels both far and near this summer. In June, three lucky Chalice Choir members, Janet Ericksen, Sandra Foss and Katherine Roback, took part in a touring choir, singing in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Slovakia and Vienna. Katherine was fortunate to meet her Czech Unitarian minister friend in Prague and attend services there, and later to spend quality time with her grandchildren, now six and two, in Luxembourg. Upon return, she was thrilled to be part of a new Caroline McDade recording, for which there will be a launch October 29. Please ask Katherine for details and see p.5. Rev. Phillip Hewett, our Minister Emeritus, went with a group to the St. Kilda Islands, a heritage site and bird sanctuary off the west coast of Scotland. Also in the British Isles were Leslie Kemp in England, and Betty Bronson, David Marmorek and sons Owen and Simon, hiking in Wales. Jane Slemon and Bob Ennenberg, along with Douglas and Megan, were in Paris. Closer to home, Alex Winstanley stayed in a Buddhist monastery, and Rob Dainow and Cheryl Amundsen and their adult children, especially enjoyed their Hornby Island stay. Travels are not yet finished for Phillip Hewett, John and Rae Smith, Mary Lage, Alison Pearson and two Beacon Church members, who are enjoying their three-week visit to our partner church in Brasov, Romania, as well as many historic sites. We look forward to hearing of their adventures. Gay Kuchta joined the downsizing club, selling her longtime Kerrisdale home, and loving the condo she bought in Arbutus Village, with its many amenities. Finally, welcome to another newcomer, little Aviva Eden Anderson, born April 17, to proud parents Beverley Anderson and Jessica Campbell. Aviva has Unitarian roots going back to her proud grandparents, Elizabeth and Duncan Campbell, active here in past years. Congratulations to all! Whether you're a newcomer (or parent of one) or an oldtimer, we need your news because that's what Fosters Community!

Fostering community
Ann Foster (afos72@vcn.bc.ca, 604-736-2117)
Ronald de Haan is delighted to be coming once again to Sunday services after more than a year's absence due to work commitments. Even better, he loves his new supervisory position, a promotion! Congratulations and welcome back, Ronald! Welcome also to newcomer Darsh Grewall, whom we will see irregularly as he is involved in ongoing building projects in Haiti with his organization, the Phoenix Vision Society. He was here in September but is now back in Haiti for six weeks, and will return by mid-November. To learn more about Darsh's work, please visit www.phoenixvision.org. The welcome mat is also out for retired couple Marlene Travis and Dr. Gary McIlroy, who've recently started coming. They had been active Unitarians while in Minnesota years ago, and now are glad to get re-involved here, though they'll be snowbirding (rainbirding?) come winter. Do say hello to all these good folks when you get the chance! Sadly, we lost another old friend to cancer. This time, it was Bill Mountain, who succumbed to an aggressive form of liver cancer September 4, age 72, dying at peace and surrounded by loved ones. He was active at UCV in the 80's and 90's and was a close friend of Mary Bennett. His memorial service at the church will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2 pm. Ruth Shaws service was on Sept. 25, 1 pm, in her Kerrisdale apartment, 5311 Balsam St. Old-timers will remember Tina Santing, who also passed away recently. An active UCV member many years ago, she helped found the Beacon Church in 1981, where she had since been a member. Services for her were held at our church on September 17. More encouraging news comes from Huguette Sansonnet, a Refugee Committee stalwart and a doctor herself, who is optimistic following breast cancer surgery this summer,

More info on the

BC fall gathering in Kelowna

October 21 - 23
Please see page 10 for the major topics of the conference We are offering worship, networking and social events. There will also be a special session on the CUCs Active Democracy initiative. Registration and homestays:Heather Stefanek (bcgathering2011@shaw.ca, 250-573-3506) $115 to October 7; $125 after October 7. Young adults $20 discount. Childrens fees $40. Childrens registration and homestay requests close October 7. All other registration closes October 18.

Kelowna campus, UBC Okanagan

The Bulletin Unitarian Church of Vancouver October 2011

October lunches
Scheduled lunches for October include: October 2. Refugee Committee (Palestinians) October 9. Refugee Committee If your group would like to serve a lunch please contact Doris at 604 435-6183.

Arts Committee

Exhibitions in the Sanctuary and the Fireside Room Currently: Catherine Stewart Oct 16 - Nov 13: Jim Friesen

Library news
Elizabeth Murdoch
October 18 23 brings the Writers Festival for all you book lovers! Our own Maggie de Vries will be participating in three events. We have books in the UCV library from at least two other participants, Guy Vanderhaeghe and Michael Ondaatje. Recently catalogued materials Speech at UCV by John Ralston Saul about his book, A Fair Country (on CD) I Shall Not Hate: on the Road to Peace and Human Dignity by Izzeldin Abuelaish. Abuelaish, a Palestinian obstetrician/ gynecologist who special-

izes in infertility, has an international career including his work in Toronto. When the Israeli military banned foreign media from entering Gaza during the Gaza War of 2008-09, Abuelaish used his cell phone for live reportage. Three of his daughters and his niece were killed. His phone call after their deaths was broadcast live on You Tube. What Darwin Never Knew by Sean B. Carroll Childrens books The Way to Start a Day by Byrd Baylor Adult donations Bennett Mitten donated The Religious Case Against Belief by James B.

Carse and also First Invaders: the literary origins of British Columbia by Alan Twigg. John Omielan donated A New Religious Dimension: towards interdependent faiths by Julian Fears (3 copies). A long term UCV member, Julian donated his extensive library to the UCV, currently stored in Castellio. L.P. Stewart donated The Lost Art of Gratitude by Alexander M. Smith. Childrens donations Vi Pilar donated Im Your Peanut Butter Big Brother by Selina Alko. For further information please contact Aphrodite Harris, Library Chair (604-987-5339, aphrodite_harris@telus.net).

The Bulletin Unitarian Church of Vancouver October 2011

Adult RE Fall 2011

Paths to Well-Being
Madness Radio Listening Group
With Rev. Steven Epperson 1st and 3rd Thursdays Starts October 6, 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Madness Radio presents voices often marginalized by the media, and takes a critical approach to mental health policy, corporate marketing, and traditional medical science. It focuses on personal experiences of 'madness' and extreme states of consciousness. Each in-depth interview, hosted by mental health activist, Will Hall, features authors, advocates, and researchers on madness-related topics, including Living with Voices, Talking About Suicidal Feelings, Therapy for Psychosis, Unusual Beliefs and Coming Off Meds. Format: the group will listen to a Madness Radio program, then break into discussion groups: one for peer support, another for parents, advocates, and for those who just want to learn more. Well meet in Hitschmanova. Child care available at no charge.

Jungian Study Group

With Gail Lyons, psychotherapist 2nd Wednesdays in the Fireside Room Starts October 12, 7:30 - 9:15 pm
C.G. Jung has had an enormous impact on how we think about psyche and soul. This seminar will provide an opportunity for beginners and veterans alike to engage with fundamental concepts of analytical (Jungian) psychology, to discuss them, and to develop their own stance on Jung and his ideas. We will read and discuss Jungs Map of the Soul: An Introduction by Murray Stein, former president of the International Association of Analytical Psychology. It will be available for purchase at Banyen Books for $25 plus tax. For info and registration, please contact Gail at 604-435-9313. Session dates: Oct. 12, 26, Nov. 9, Dec. 14, Jan. 11, Feb. 8, March 14, April 11, May 9, and June 13 & 27. Discussions will be led by Gail Lyons, a psychotherapist in private practice and an advanced candidate in training with the Ontario Association of Jungian Analysts.

Tai Chi at UCV

With Brock MacLachlan Tuesdays in the hall of Hewett Centre Starts October 11, 7 - 9 pm

In tai chi, practitioners learn how to bring mind, body and life-force energy (qi) into harmony, and achieve optimal balance, centeredness, body structural integrity and keen mental awareness. Tai chi can be viewed as the ultimate exercise in that it positively enhances self-awareness. This class is for all ages and body shapes. Brock MacLachlan has practiced tai chi for over 25 years with Grand Master Sifu Raymond Chung. Brock is well qualified for formal tai chi instruction. Brock says, I will begin by teaching the standard 24 tai chi form the so-called peoples tai chi. For registration and information, contact info@vancouverunitarians.ca, 604-261-7204.

The Bulletin Unitarian Church of Vancouver October 2011

A calm way to rest, relax, and restore the physical body

Restorative yoga
With Christy Forman 2nd and 3th Thursdays in Lindsey/Priestley Starts October 13, 7:30 - 9 pm
With restorative yoga/conscious relaxation, the body can find its way back to health. Safety and support are key in this practice: it calms the body so that a natural relaxation response will support the immune systemwe can come back into balance and health by simply resting. The class focuses on gentle movement, restful supported yoga poses, and breathing and meditation. This class is for all ages, types of physical limitations, and unique body shapes. No knowledge of yoga is required. All levels of experience and flexibility are welcome. For registration and class materials, contact info@vancouverunitarians.ca or 604-261-7204. Restorative yoga teacher Christy Forman has studied yoga for fifteen years and used yoga principles to help her heal from sports injuries. She is passionate about teaching others how to find health again and has been doing so for the past five years.

Rev. Laura Imayoshi

is pleased to announce she has taken a new job. Her new titile is Intensive Case Manager for the Towards Aboriginal Health and Healing Program at Vancouver Native Health. Laura is sorry to leave her former job as an outreach worker for a Women's organization in the Downtown Eastside. Luckily, Laura is still working in the neighbourhood

and with many of the same people. Laura welcomes the challenge of this new position and would love to talk to you more if you have questions about her work and how it is connected to this congregation. Laura can be contacted at 604-6265922, or look for her on Sunday morning.

(Contd from page 3, New boiler for Hewett Centre)

and install. We would be without any kind of heat for two to three weeks. If this were to occur in the winter months, a replacement could take even longer as this is the busy season for furnace breakdown. We would inconvenience our renters and jeopardize our rental relationships with them. Furthermore, the Fortis rebate now available is provided only if applied for before installation and is not available for an emergency repair. What kind of boiler are we installing? The IBC SL 80-399 high efficiency modulating boiler is one of the most modern condensing boilers available. It is made here in Vancouver where the technical support and start-up tuning is available from the very people who make the boiler. This boiler is capable of outputs ranging from 399,000 btu down to 80,000 btu a ratio of 5 to 1. This ability was unheard of even a few years ago and contributes dramatically to its overall efficiency. It is built with all controls and safety mechanisms integrated right into the boiler to achieve the efficiency of which it is capable.

Although the present hot water heater was only recently installed, the hot water tank being included is so dramatically more efficient when incorporated into the new boiler installation, that the payback for it is expected to be on the order of two years. The installation also includes the removal of the increasingly troublesome zone valves and their replacement with individual circulating pumps. What are the potential savings? The savings are 20 to 25% while providing improved heating of the building. We will be conserving and not wasting energy. What is the installation cost? The estimate is $40,200 plus HST including asbestos removal. This is $4,000 less than was anticipated in the 2008 Capital Plan. Many, many thanks to Hans Elfert for all his work on this initiative. Hans put in many hours researching boilers, studying the estimates, and meeting with the contractors. The replacement of the boiler is the first and most urgent item in the new Capital Plan that has been presented to the Board.

The Bulletin Unitarian Church of Vancouver October 2011

Loss of citizenship amid changes after prolonged residence in another country; Inability to register children at birth in developing countries where government infrastructure is lacking; Racial and ethnic discrimination in states that exclude people from citizenship, such as Kurds in Iraq and Rohingya people in Burma; and Discrimination against women in countries in subSaharan Africa, North Africa, the Middle East and Asia, where only men can pass citizenship onto children. Please contact me for more information. If you wish to assist us financially, you can place your gift in a donation envelope during the service or bring it to the UCV office, with the memo For the Sheilah Thompson Refugee Fund. Our meetings are the fourth Sunday of each month, at 12:30 pm in Castellio. All are welcome.

Daytimers

Inevitable? or possible?
Wanda Justice (604-327-1851)
Using our minds to re-read our world: symbols, emotion, memories and beliefs. Join Daytimers in the Fireside Room for two intriguing discussions on the designated Thursdays, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm. Bring your receptive mind, your ideas and your lunch. Thursday, October 13. Re-imagining the World. Joan Armstrong will start us off by reviewing Anthony Weston's book, How to Reimagine the World. Thursday, October 27. Symbolism, Spirituality and Spooks. Roundtable discussion of folklore, myths, stories and religious practices.

First Friday Caf

Quotation slam
Randall MacKinnon (604-582-IDEA)
Friday, Oct. 7, 7 - 9 pm Hewett Centre Bring your own quotes, make some up, or use some generously provided by the First Friday Caf denizens.

Unitarian Music Club

Music for the soul

David Donaldson
The Unitarian Music Club's second meeting of the church year will take place on Monday, October 24, 7:30 pm, in the sanctuary. The evening will consist of a short informal concert with performances by Tara Bonham and Willy Nilly, and The Grupa Dunbarov. The Music Club welcomes all styles of acoustic music and performances are arranged in advance. If you would like to perform, come and we will set a date. Everyone is welcome. When you come, please bring a contribution to refreshments. More information: Jeannie Corsi (604-224-1040, nichorsi@interchange.ubc.ca) or David Donaldson (604-224 -6010, dvdd@telus.net)

The Refugee Committee

Virginia Crabill (604-731-9393)
Thank you for your donations made in memory of our beloved Eva Kief. Our Treasurer, Huguette, is thankfully recovering from her surgery. Our Co-Chair, Fiona Graham, has stepped aside in order to attend graduate school, which we're sure she'll do brilliantly. But the upshot of all this is that we are in urgent need of more help. You don't have to join, just give us some of your time. For instance, we are currently seeking bigger accommodation for our family of six, which includes their handicapped teen-age son. Can you help pick up and deliver donations? Can you visit our families and help them settle in, learn English and computer skills, give them a ride to appointments once in a while, or donate bus passes? Can you help with our twice-monthly lunches, or attend our donations table in Hewett Centre? The world is constantly in turmoil, and people become refugees when they are stateless. How does this happen? The breakup of countries, such as the former Yugoslav Federation; Post-colonial formation of new states in Asia and Africa;

Unitarian Social Club

Saturday night social, on October 6

Eva Perjes
The second Saturday of the month, 6 pm, at UCV. Come out to eat and socialize at a potluck with fellow Unitarians. Everyone is welcome families, singles, couples, all ages. Please bring some food to share. Bring your board games if you like. Contact Eva Perjes (604-873-0770) for more information.

The Bulletin Unitarian Church of Vancouver October 2011

Environment Committee

Social Justice Committee

Biochar
Karl Perrin, Chair (604-872-7326)
This is the best climate change fix Ive ever heard of, and its supporters include some of my climate heroes: James Hansen, James Lovelock, and Tim Flannery. Obama talked about Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) as if it were just around the corner. There have been some mild successes, e.g., Norways North Sea oil platforms. CCS usually means catching CO2 in a smokestack, and driving it underground. The problem has been that it can leak back up into the atmosphere. Also, it takes energy to capture it, move it and cap it. That energy creates more CO2. So thus far, CCS is not a raging success. Then, along comes this 2010 book by a farmer/teacher Albert Bates: The Biochar Solution: Carbon Farming and Climate Change, with a Foreword by Vandana Shiva, published by New Society Publishers, and recommended by Mother Earth News. Having just finished the good, but very straight Earth: The Operators Manual by R.B. Alley, it was a shock to read the wide-ranging Biochar. Its downright hippie in comparison - in both the best and worst senses of the word. What is biochar? From Wikipedia: The burning and natural decomposition of trees and agricultural matter contributes a large amount of CO2 being released to the atmosphere. Biochar can potentially store this carbon in the ground, potentially making a significant reduction in atmospheric GHG levels; at the same time its presence in the earth can improve water quality, increase soil fertility, raise agricultural productivity and reduce pressure on old-growth forests. Biochar can sequester carbon in the soil for hundreds to thousands of years, like coal. Modern biochar is being developed using pyrolysis to heat biomass in the absence of oxygen in kilns. Pyrolysis (heating with low oxygen) produces easily captured gas and oil by-products, even after some of the gas is used to maintain pyrolysis. So its a win for the farmers, a win for the climate, and a biological source of fuels. It seems to work best in the tropics, and is low tech and cheap enough to be used extensively at different scales of production. Also, unlike organic farming which also sequesters some carbon in the soil, biochar is measurable, making it potentially eligible for carbon credit revenue: carbon negative farming. Johannes Lehmann, of Cornell University, has done a lot of the research and is a leader of the International Biochar Initiative. Watch it grow. (http://www.biocharinternational.org/) The Environment Committee will meet on Sun. Oct. 9, at 12:30 pm in Lindsey-Priestley. All are welcome.

Inequality: The biggest obstacle to sustainability

Hanno Pinder
On June 13, I attended a very well-organized and informative forum entitled Inequality: The Biggest Obstacle to Sustainability. The invited key-note speaker was writer Linda McQuaig who co-authored the book The Trouble with Billionaires with tax law professor, Neil Brooks. The forum was organized by Langara College Continuing Studies, and the Social Justice Committee of the Unitarian Church of Vancouver was among the sponsors. Linda lived up to her reputation as a lively and informative speaker. All her arguments were well researched and clearly presented. Among her main points: In the last thirty years, more and more of the nations wealth has been accumulated at the top, while the middle class has stagnated. Too much wealth at the top is bad for democracy, since it allows the rich to buy influence and shape policies more and more to their advantage. Lack of buying power in the middle class stunts the economy, and is directly related to bad health, addiction and teen pregnancies. Inequality is not mentioned in the media often enough. Poverty is deplored, but the connection to the immoral incomes at the top is rarely pointed out, mainly because Wall Street remains dominant and keeps up the "greed is good" idea. Hence a need to substantially increase the tax rate for the top earners is necessary. Several other speakers ably gave their version of the topic, and the participants had ample time for debates in small groups. In these debates I noticed that the facts presented by Linda were not common knowledge for many, and most felt enriched by the experience and better equipped to take up the struggle for more just taxation. The Social Justice Committee is planning a year-long program (forums, presentations and films) on the theme of inequality. We will examine the theme of inequality in Canada and its causes including government policies and growth of corporate domination as well as its impacts on health, housing, employment, poverty, environment and public services. For further information and to get involved, please contact Leslie Kemp (lkemp@telus.net , 604-877-1720).

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The Bulletin Unitarian Church of Vancouver October 2011

UCV Calendar October

Sun. 2 Thurs. 6 Fri. 7 Sat. 8 Sun. 9 Mon. 10 Tues. 11 Wed. 12 Thurs. 13 Thurs. 13 Sun.16 12:30 1:30 pm. Forum, Fireside 7:30 9:30 pm. ARE: Madness Radio Group, Hitschmanova 7 9 pm. First Friday Caf, Fireside 6 10 pm. UCV Social Group, Hall 12:30 1:30 pm. Forum, Fireside 7 9:30 pm. Sacred Circle Dancing, Fireside 7 9 pm. ARE: Tai Chi, Hewett Centre 7:30 9:15 pm. ARE: Jungian Study Group, Fireside 11 2 pm. Daytimers, Fireside 7:30 9 pm. ARE: Restorative Yoga, Lindsey-Priestley 12:30 1:30 pm. Forum, Fireside Sun. 16 Tues. 18 Thurs. 20 Fri. 21 Sun. 23 Mon. 24 Tues. 25 Wed. 26 Thurs. 27 Thurs. 27 Sun. 30 1 3 pm. UCV Book Club, Lindsey-Priestley 7 9 pm. ARE: Tai Chi, Hewett Centre 7:30 9:30 pm. ARE: Madness Radio Group, Hitschmanova 6:30 10 pm. Philosophers Cafe, Fireside 12:30 1:30 pm. Forum, Fireside 7:30 9:30 pm. UCV Music Club, Sanctuary 7 9 pm. ARE: Tai Chi, Hewett Centre 7:30 9:15 pm. ARE: Jungian Study Group, Fireside 7:30 9 pm. ARE: Restorative Yoga, Lindsey-Priestley 11 2 pm. Daytimers, Fireside 12:30 1:30 pm. Forum, Fireside

UCV Forums
Mary Bennett
Sundays, 12:30-1:30 pm in the Fireside Room. All are welcome.

October 23 Why choice in dying: Let's look at the facts. Wanda Morris Join Wanda Morris from Dying With Dignity for an enlightening presentation and discussion of our rights and needs as we approach the ends of our lives.

UBC Okanagan campus

Building Community, Coming Home

October 9 UCVs food program past and future Jocelyne Hamel , Exec. Dir. MPNH Connie Wigmore, Family Cooks UCV has had a long history in addressing the needs of low-income families through the provision of food programs. We partnered for many years with the Greater Vancouver Food Bank to provide a food bank for single parents. This evolved into an innovative program, Our Childrens Table, which provided nutritious food to women and a Mother Goose literacy program for their young children. The latest iteration is a partnership with the Mount Pleasant Neighbourhood House (MPNH) in a community kitchen program, Family Cooks. Find out more about this new program which starts Sept 29.

BC fall gathering, October 21 - 23 in Kelowna

Hosted by: the Unitarian Fellowships of Kelowna & Kamloops, at UBC Kelowna campus. Visit www.cuc.ca for details. Featuring three streams: Building community, coming home: the power of music in worship. Music and singing are powerful tools for spiritual well being, and for the quality of worship services. Join vocalist and ethnomusicologist Samantha Taylor and Rev. Wendy McNiven to explore the ways that we can deepen the nature of this practice in our lives and Sunday service experiences. Keep the homefires burning: canvasses, campaigns and congregational stewardship. Money is an important part of our communal lives, allowing us to serve the need for liberal religion. How do we raise enough to be effective congregations? Or foster a culture of generosity within our communities? Join CUCs professional fundraiser, Kathleen Provost, for a thoughtprovoking look at 21st century stewardship. Bring a team! Home is where the heart is: homelessness in BC. This stream will look at different aspects of homelessness and ways we can work to reduce it. Join social planning consultant and homelessness advocate, Robyn Newton, Rev. Steven Epperson and others to explore and collaborate on next steps in our social action commitment in British Columbia. Please see Page 4 for more details.