unitarianfellowshipregina

Rolling away the stone

Presenter:  Rev. Karen Fraser Gitlitz

It has been said that religion is a human response to knowing we will die.  This seems particularly true of Christianity which has as its founding story a man who died a horrible death in his 30s leaving his followers reeling in the aftermath. Jesus spoke about a new life, a new way of being. What can we learn from his followers about death and grief and living? what is there to celebrate this morning?

Forever MicroRanch Sanctuary

Presenters: Alex Pinfold & Jenn Boland

Forever MicroRanch Sanctuary is home to animals who have come, through various circumstances, to live out their full and natural lives free from harm here.  We are committed to promoting the wellbeing of animals, providing our farmed animal residents with optimal quality of life, and supporting the happiness and health of all beings.  We understand that our wellbeing as individuals is directly connected to the kindness we extend to animals, people and the environment around us, and we are dedicated to promoting a space of safety and comfort for all at the Sanctuary.

Race Relations " The struggle of light and darkness" in Canada and the USA.

Presenter:  Reggie Newkirk

In today's presentation, Reggie actually took us back to a more basic equality issue, discrimination against women and we got a bit of a history lesson in which he described aboriginal societies in which women played leadership roles.  He notes, in the course of his discussion, that when one looks at the behavior of the "discoverers" of the new world, these colonizing groups from Europe could be more aptly be described as "savage".  Interestingly, the 13 colonies borrowed from the governance model of the Iroquois federation when they became the United States of America.  Unfortunately, that borrowing did not include the participation of women in affairs of state. 

Music and Readings that inspire us

In today's service, members of our fellowship were asked to pick music and readings which they found to be very meaningful in their lives.  What they picked gave us some insight into why they are Unitarians.

Love and Marriage

Presenter: Bruno Sahut
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How did you meet your partner? What led you to love one another? Why did you get married? Was it because, as Frank Sinatra sang, “Love and marriage go together like a horse and carriage”?

Sharing Our Faith - CUC

Presenter: Joanne Green
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Sharing Our Faith is a program of the Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC), which encourages greater associational awareness in our congregations, the fostering of relationships, and a sense of community and connection among and between our member congregations and communities. This year's service is focused on Unitarian Universalists' part in reconciliation between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Canadians. Joanne draws from sermons delivered by UU ministers Rev. Meg Roberts and Rev. Samaya Oakle, as well as information presented at a recent panel discussion in Regina on the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action.

Our Spirits Long to be Made Whole: An Exploration of Unitarian Spiritualities

Reverend Karen Fraser Gitlitz
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We Unitarians can be a quirky bunch. Some of us are here because we’re excited to find a secular community that is more than a club. Others of us are longing for a truly liberal religion. Some describe themselves as spiritual but not religious and others as religious but not spiritual. And for a few, we’re here because there is nowhere else for us to go. Getting the “mix” of services right for this group of humanists, mystics, naturalists, atheists, theists, agnostics, contemplatives and social activists can be a challenge, that’s for sure! One area that has seen a lot of growth in the past decade is “Unitarian spirituality.” What does a Unitarian approach to spirituality look like, and what does it add to our “mix”?

James Reeb -- Famous Unitarians Series

Presenter: Deb Barton --

James Reeb (Jan.1, 1927 – Mar. 11, 1965) was an American Unitarian Universalist minister and civil rights activist. While participating in the Selma Voting Rights movement in Selma, Alabama in 1965, he was murdered by white segregationists, dying of head injuries in hospital two days after being severely beaten.

Creative Kids -- Expanding Opportunities for Children

Presenter: Shawn Bauch

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Artistic and cultural activities help kids express themselves, explore passions, meet friends and develop self-esteem. Creative Kids is a charitable program that funds children with financial barriers so they can participate in creative activities. Established in 2010, Creative Kids has helped more than 3900 children and youth try dance, art, drama and music and given them optimism for the future.

All Nations Hope AIDS Network

Presenter: Margaret Poitras

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ANHN was established as a collective of Indigenous people, organizations, and agencies who care about HIV/AIDS and Hepatitis C among First Nations, Inuit, and Métis people in Saskatchewan. ANHN envisions healthy individuals and communities where the physical, spiritual, and social needs of Indigenous people living with and affected by HIV, and Hepatitis C are met, and where they are meaningfully involved in decision-making processes that affect their lives.