Marie Bensley's Celebration of Life: 2pm Sat. March 8th at NSUC

You’re invited to attend Marie Bensley’s Celebration of Life at 2pm on Sat. March 8th in the NSUC Sanctuary.

With sadness, we announce the passing of Phyllis Marie Bensley (nee Smith) at Lion’s Gate Hospital, Thursday, February 20th, 2025. Survived by her loving husband Jim of 67 years, sons Doug (Linda) and Tom, and daughter Linda, grandchildren Jennifer, David, Marley, Hayden, Chase and Angus, great granddaughter Layla, sisters Lois (Duncan deceased), Colleen (Nelson) and sister-in-law Betty (John deceased) and their families.

Born in Lloydminster, Sask., Marie grew up in Chilliwack, then trained as a nurse at the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster. Raising their family, Jim & Marie lived in North Vancouver for over 65 years.

She was a person of many interests and always interested in those around her, especially her patients during her nursing career (of which Jim was one!). Gardening was a special love and for several years she was President of the BC Council of Garden Clubs. She was a loyal and active member of the Royal Columbian Hospital School of Nursing Alumnae. Always a willing volunteer within her Unitarian church community, or canvassing her neighbourhood for worthy causes, a best friend said of her, ”she has a heart of gold”.

In lieu of flowers, a donation to a charity of your choice, in memory of Marie, would be greatly appreciated.

"Children of God" at the Cultch: March 21-29

We encourage you to purchase tickets to see Children of God at the York Theatre (The Cultch) between March 21-29 at whatever show time works best for you — and then attend a talkback session at NSUC after the Sunday Service on March 30th.

The Cultch calls this “A gorgeous, powerful musical about an Oji-Cree family whose children were taken away to a residential school in Northern Ontario.” and explains:

The story of Rita, a mother who was never let past the school’s gate, and her kids, Tom and Julia, who never knew she came, pushes toward redemption. Children of God offers a blend of ancient traditions and contemporary realities, celebrating resilience and the power of the Indigenous cultural spirit. Inspired by First Nations music, Corey Payette’s moving score also includes echoes of provocative Broadway masterpieces such as Fun Home and Next to Normal.

Children of God takes place in two time periods during the 1950s and 1970s, and is set during a time when it is mandatory by law for all Indigenous children to attend residential schools.

Purchase tickets at https://thecultch.com/ticket/children-of-god/ .

March Outreach Recipient: Youth Programs with Hollyburn Community Services

Each month, 100% of our Sunday morning offering plate (unless otherwise noted) is donated to a non-profit organization whose mission is in line with our values.

During March, our Outreach funds will be donated to the Youth Programs at Hollyburn Community Services Society. These programs assist youth who are experiencing barriers access emergency services, transitional housing, employment/work experience, and life/social skill development.

Movie Night - Il Postino

Join Us for Movie Night: Friday, February 28th featuring ”Il Postino” at the home of the North Shore Unitarians featuring the charming Italian film Il Postino.

Doors open at 6:45 PM, with the movie starting at 7:15 PM.

The address is 370 Mathers Avenue in West Van.

Enjoy delicious refreshments, including popcorn, and stay for an engaging talkback session after the film.

Il Postino was released in 1994. Set in post-WWII Italy, on a sun-drenched island off Naples, it's about love, lust, and politics, yet above all it's about discovering the power of language. The story features the exiled Chilean poet Pablo Neruda (fictionalized) and his unusual friendship with the local love-struck postman. It also offers a critique of Italian life of that time.

Don’t miss out on this wonderful evening of cinema and conversation!

Admission is just $20 and includes light refreshments (with beer and wine for sale). We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions? Email us or phone 604-910-2847.

Mythology Then & Now - Three Sessions in Spring 2025

International Alliance Study Course
“Mythology Then and Now: How Can It Inform Our Future?”
with Marga Hanna, MA, RCC and Wayne Hanna Ph.D., FCMC.

Mythology has an important connection for Unitarians as it aligns with our values of inclusivity, spiritual exploration and the search for universal truths.  As Myths often embody the mystery and wonder of life, this will be an opportunity to think of your mythical connection to archetypes and the hero/heroine’s journey.

10am on Zoom
on these Saturdays:

  • March 8th

  • April 12th

  • May 10th

In this three-part monthly series on the second Saturday, March through May 2025, we will explore how the commonality of myths has fostered interconnectedness and provides a foundation for our spiritual and religious traditions.

This is a free course, but Registration is required to get the Zoom link. 

This online (Zoom) discussion group is hosted by Marga Hanna, MA, a Registered Clinical Counselor/Psychotherapist and Art Therapist, with experience as a University Professor and Trauma Specialist.  She will be supported by Wayne Hanna, PhD., FCMC with cross-cultural experience in leadership development.

Questions? Email margahanna@shaw.ca or hwaynehanna@shaw.ca.

2024 Tax Receipts

We emailed/mailed tax receipts this week for donations made during the 2024 calendar year. 

  • If you have an email address on file with us, your receipt was emailed on Monday, February 3rd. (Please check your spam or junk folder if you didn't find it in your inbox). 

  • If you don't have email, your paper receipt was mailed Thursday, February 6th and should arrive next week.

Notify Janni if you have questions or concerns about your receipt.

The Big Fish Movie Night - Friday, February 7th

Friday evening
February 7th
”Big Fish”

Join us for an exciting movie night at the home of the North Shore Unitarians! On Friday, February 7, we will be screening the enchanting film “Big Fish.” Doors open at 6:45 PM, with the movie starting at 7:15 PM. The address is 370 Mathers Avenue in West Van.

Enjoy delicious refreshments and stay for an engaging talkback session after the film.

“Big Fish,” released in 2003 was directed by Tim Burton. The film stars Ewan McGregor, Albert Finney, Jessica Lange and Danny DeVito. It tells the story of a frustrated son who tries to distinguish fact from fiction in the life of his father, a teller of tall tales.

Don’t miss out on this wonderful evening of cinema and conversation!

Admission is just $20 and includes light refreshments (with beer and wine for sale). We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions? Email us or phone 604-910-2847.