Harvest Festival at Loutet Farms

Here’s what Loutet Farms said in a recent blog posting about their Harvest Festival (which takes place from 10am to 2pm on Saturday, September 16th):

At our Harvest Festival on September 16th, we will be hosting a community crop swap in the spirit of the abundance of the season! If you have an abundance of zucchini or more seeds than you can use, or if you are looking to find some veggies that you don't have space to grow, this might be for you! If crop swaps are new to you, here is some more info.⁠

How does a crop swap work? ⁠

Crop swaps are pretty simple, you bring something you would like to share or swap, and you take something someone else has brought along in exchange if you like!⁠

⁠What can I bring?⁠

All crop swaps have different guidelines. For ours people can bring the following:⁠

  • Fruits, vegetables, or flowers that you have grown yourself⁠

  • Cuttings from plants⁠

  • Seeds: either saved by yourself or purchased, must be packaged and clearly labeled⁠

  • Gardening books⁠

⁠We will have a dedicated crop swap table where you can drop off whatever it is you would like to swap, and where you can browse what others have brought. Swaps don't have to be one for one, you could leave your goods there to be picked up by someone later or you could swap with someone who is there when you are. It is up to you! We will have someone stationed at the crop swap table to help answer any questions you might have. You are also very welcome to spend time at the crop swap table chatting to other gardeners and sharing knowledge or skills. You may find someone who is keen to swap some yard work for a box of potatoes from your garden!⁠

⁠Be sure to bring along your own basket or bag to be able to carry things home with you, and if you are leaving items make sure that they are in jars or containers that you are okay parting with if you are not staying to keep an eye on them!⁠

"All We Can Save" Discussion Circles

You’re invited to join other Metro Vancouver Unitarians for a deeper dialogue about the climate crisis and building community around solutions. This small group “Circles” discussion program is based on the 2021 anthology All We Can Save. Find out more about the online resources and format of the series HERE.

We are eager to help others form new Circles — each containing 6 to 10 people for optimum participation. For a sample of the thinking behind the program, watch this 2022 TED talk by co-author Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson.

Mary Bennett, Teresa Morton and Rosemary Cornell recently led worship services inspired by this book. Watch it HERE.

September Outreach Recipient: The Edible Garden Project

During September, we will be collecting donations for The Edible Garden Project. One hundred percent of our offering plate collections (unless otherwise marked) will be donated to them now through the end of September. (As always, you will receive a tax receipt for your donation).

The Edible Garden Project grows 10,000 pounds of produce annual at their Urban Farms for the North Shore Community, and is shared by social services (including Food Bank and Harvest Project). They also teach children and youth how to grow and harvest fresh, healthy produce and become active participants in our sustainable local food system. (Learn more about the work they do at their website: The Edible Garden Project).

Find instructions for our various payment methods HERE.

Town Hall: Sunday, September 24th

Come one, come all to a Town Hall Meeting after church on Sunday, September 24th from 12:15 to 1:30.  Lunch will be available; suggested donation $5/person.

The Board will present a brief review of where we currently stand regarding membership, finances, Sunday services, stewardship, etc., and outline some plans for the near future.  We’ll have time for questions and input.  Ask us anything and share your ideas. Do you agree with our goals and strategy? Where do you think we need to focus? We look forward to seeing you there.

 

Climate Sharing Circle: 10-11am by Zoom on the 4th Saturdays this Fall

This small group ministry uses climate books as springboards to explore our concerns around climate change. Through personal reflection on what we have read and/or viewed we encourage and support each other as we:

  • expand our knowledge

  • develop coping strategies and

  • discover effective action

All are welcome! Registration (HERE) is appreciated. https://forms.gle/y3AyDRbvvtwH8La79

We meet from 10-11am on Zoom on the 4th Saturday of each month, September through November. Contact zerowasteunitarian@gmail.com or the Church Office for the Zoom link.

Facebook Discussion group: www.facebook.com/groups/greenunitarians/

Corn Roast September 10th

Each September (on our first Sunday Service following the summer break), we hold a CORN ROAST to launch our new church year — and you’re invited!

This year’s CORN ROAST will be held on September 10th following our 10:30 service. The suggested donation is $5 per person to help offset the cost of food (hot dogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers and corn).

Please RSVP HERE so we can plan for the right number of people.

UUA 2023 General Assembly and Article II

What is Article II Total Rewrite anyway, and why should I care?  

Article II is the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) bylaw home of:  the UUA Principles and Sources, Statement of the Right of Individual Belief, and the mandated role of the UUA. (Please note: The Canadian Unitarian Council [CUC] has its own bylaws and statement of Principles).

At the UUA’s General Assembly in June, 86% voted in favor of continuing study of a proposed total rewrite of Article II.  While the CUC hailed this as a major change, and it certainly could be, there is no change as yet.  In one year, the UUA AGM will vote to adopt or reject the proposal, as amended.

While the Article II Study Commission views their proposal as being more adaptive to the future needs of our liberal religion, and many have expressed support, there are also major concerns.

Should the statement of principles and sources, cited by many as a "clear, concise and relevant" statement of those values we hold in common, be dropped?

Should the role and authority of UUA be expanded and redefined to supersede that of congregations?

Should the revised Freedom of Belief clause specifically commit to future "congregational and individual right of conscience"?

Currently the UUA is an organization created by, accountable to and serving the needs of an association of autonomous congregations.  

Should this rewrite be adopted, who ultimately decides congregational priorities and focus? Who is accountable to whom?

You decide. 

For those who wish to learn more, see the report of the Article II Study Commission.  The current version of Article II is found on page 17. The proposed rewrite begins on page 19.  

~ Respectfully submitted by Linda Vance,
volunteer observer of the
UUA’s 2023 General Assembly