Church Closures due to snow and other emergencies

When weather is bad, our main concern is for the safety of our congregants.  It is up to individuals to determine whether or not they feel safe coming to church in inclement weather depending on the temperature, wind conditions, road conditions and closures, type of vehicle & tires, level of experience driving in snow, etc.

On rare occasions, church services (and other church events) may be CANCELLED due to poor weather conditions, road closures, snow, and power outages.  On a Sunday, the decision will be made by 8:30am.  

If a Service is cancelled, we will try to notify the congregation several ways, including:

• Posting a message on our website’s Home page.

• Emailing congregants on our eBulletin email list.

• Changing the message on our phone’s answering machine. 

• Encouraging “word of mouth” communications. 

Unforeseen situations may prevent these methods of communication, in which case we will use whatever means we can to notify congregants of the closure.

Church events other than Sunday Services may be cancelled for bad weather at the determination of the event leader.  It is the responsibility of the event leader to communicate the cancellation with the participants.

January Outreach Report

Each month, we donate 100% of our Sunday morning offering plate (unless otherwise marked) to a charity whose mission is in line with our Principles.

JANUARY

In January, we collected $1,433.80 for the North Shore Women’s Centre, whose mission is to improve the social, economic, legal and political status of women, and to encourage and support self-empowerment by acting as a resource and a catalyst for change, from feminist perspectives. Thanks to all who gave generously to this cause!

FEBRUARY

In February, we will collect donations for the Wild Bird Trust of BC, which is dedicated to the protection of wild birds and their habitat, on the principle that all wildlife must benefit. 

Project DRAWDOWN

A qualified and diverse group of researchers from around the world identified, researched, and modeled the most substantive, existing solutions to address climate change. What was uncovered is a path to roll back global warming within 30 years.

Humanity has the means at hand. Nothing new needs to be invented. Our work is to accelerate the knowledge and growth of what is possible.  Learn more about Project DRAWDOWN and meet others in our community who are already actively working toward making a difference. www.drawdown.org

Power & Privilege Discovery Circle

Join us for the initial session of the Power and Privilege Discovery Circle on Wednesday, February 6th at 7 pm in RS 305.

At this meeting we will decide as a group what the focus and format of our discovery will be. Anyone interested in exploring issues of privilege, power, racism, etc. are welcome.

If you have questions, contact Catherine Strickland at cstrickland@shaw.ca .

You can also view the following services by Catherine and Alison Nixon:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn0H48XlW6c&t=739s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWzjE9KDh0I

Want to be More Connected in Our Community?

Starting Point
9:30am - 12:30pm Saturdays
February 16th & 23rd

Want to be more connected in our community? Would you like to learn more about our traditions, history and theology? Or perhaps you've been wondering about what it means to formally join our congregation? 

In our Starting Point class, you’ll get to know other newcomers in our community, learn about the history of both our church and Unitarian Universalism and get plugged in with opportunities for creating depth, meaning and purpose. Each session includes a mixture of discussion, activities and time for reflection, sharing, and asking questions. 

Our next session, facilitated by our Connections Coordinator Ariel Hunt-Brondwin, is scheduled for two Saturday mornings, 9:30am-12:30pm on February 16th and 23rd. Free childcare is available at all classes upon request. Please send your RSVP to Ariel (ariel@northshoreunitarians.ca) by February 5th to register.

December Outreach Report

During the month of December, we collected $3,485 for our Pastoral Discretionary Fund, which is used to support various needs of our congregation and the greater community. Thank you to all who gave generously to this important fund.

In January, 100% of all offering basket donations (unless otherwise marked) will be given to the North Shore Women’s Centre, whose mission is to improve the social, economic and political status of women, and to encourage and support self-empowerment by acting as a resource and a catalyst for change, from a Feminist perspective.

Update (as of Friday, Nov. 30th)

What happened? 

On Monday afternoon, rainwater penetrated our church basement, flooding the hallway, washrooms, kitchen and Fireside Room.  The Daycare and Preschool buildings were not affected. 

What was our response?

Brian McConnell, who was on site within minutes, discovered large amounts of accumulated water on the grounds between the church and Rod Stewart building.  He hired a local drainage contractor to help resolve the problem.  By 5:30 pm, they had installed pumps to drain the exterior water accumulation, which relieved the pressure on the building foundation and stopped new water from coming in.  

Monday through Wednesday, the B&G team (Barrie Forbes,  Brian McConnell, Bob Vaughan, Brian Welwood), and other volunteers (Joan Cox, Linda Eterman, Judith Gordon, Jan MacQuarrie, Sanford Osler, Mark Pezarro, Jasha Ramsay Latter, Linda Pratt, Michael Robinson & his son River, Gary & Sandra Robinson, Lynn Sabourin, Jim & Marcia Stephenson, Rob Woodbury) completed the work of vacuuming and mopping the water in the basement and moving objects off the wet carpeting onto the hard floor. 

On Tuesday, in consultation with our insurance adjuster and his restoration advisor, we initiated a self-restoration plan that involved extracting water from carpets, removing baseboard trim from the walls, and installing multiple dehumidifiers and fans throughout the space.  By the end of this weekend, we will know if our efforts have sufficiently dried out the basement – but so far, it looks promising.   Carpets feel dry to the touch and humidity readings have lowered drastically. Because we acted quickly, we should be able to prevent mould growth – and we expect a full (and fairly speedy) recovery.

Why did this happen?

On Monday, our area received 30 cm (12”) of rain in a very short period of time, and exterior drainage system was overwhelmed.  In part, this was due to a section of drainage lines that was damaged and partially clogged by tree roots. 

What remains to be done?

OUTSIDE:  The drainage contractor laid out a 2-step plan to solve the drainage problem, which we will begin immediately.  First, we will remove a tree whose roots have penetrated a joint in one of our drain lines, reducing water flow.  Next week, contractors will excavate a 7’ hole in order to repair the affected drain line.  After the line has been repaired, we will have to restore the Daycare fence and play area – but our exterior drains should work properly going forward, preventing future floods. 

INSIDE:   Fans and dehumidifiers have been in place since Tuesday night and will remain in place throughout this weekend.  Early next week, we will measure moisture levels in the area to ensure that proper drying has taken place.  Once the walls and flooring are sufficiently dry, we will replace the baseboards and return furniture and other items to their places.  We will need volunteers to help with all of this!

Costs

The NSUC Board of Trustees is looking at all the issues, including costs.  Once we know more, we will share that information as appropriate. 

Thanks

We appreciate the outpouring of support and volunteer effort from the congregation in response to this emergency.

~ Marcia Stephenson, Board President

November Outreach Report

During the month of November, 100% of our offering basket (unless otherwise marked) was donated to the North Shore Lookout Shelter, which provides assistance to people who are homeless. Special thanks to everyone who contributed! We raised $1,384.75 for the shelter.

In December, 100% of our offering basked (unless otherwise marked) will be donated the Pastoral Discretionary Fund, which our Minister uses to provide practical support for our congregation and the wider community.

Christmas Baskets for the Needy

Christmas Hampers
Our Social Responsibility Team is organizing Christmas hampers for two small families and two seniors in need.  We need volunteer shoppers to help make this season special for these people for whom our hampers make a big difference. 

We need both cash donations, and gifts.  You can place cash/cheque donations in the offering plate (label the envelope as "Christmas Hampers" so we know how to apply the funds).  Please see the wish lists posted on the downstairs bulletin board. Sign up on the bulletin board downstairs, or by contacting the church office.

Here are the wish lists (please phone the office or see the sign-up sheet in the stairwell to see what items have already been provided):

• Family 1 (16-year-old boy, adult female, disabled adult male)

• Family 2 (single mom with 14 & 15 year old sons)

• Senior 1 (68-year-old female who was homeless last year)

• Senior 2 (72-year-old female)

Bring your unwrapped items to the church by Wed.  December 12th so we can wrap and deliver our gifts on Thur. December 13th.   Questions?  Contact the Church Office (604-926-1621).

Winter Newsletter!

Our Winter newsletter is available! It tells more about what’s going on at the church during the next few months, and provides important updates. Locate it HERE.