Past Services

What does it mean to be part of a community that holds integrity as one of its highest aspirations? What would Kelowna Unitarians look like if we sought to be a community of integrity? This morning we will be looking at work that we have done this last year, since Joan Carolyn visited to helped us to explore what Ministry at Kelowna Unitarians could look like if we focused on Roots, Wings & Spirit, and what this ministry could hold for our future.

I have often thought about creation - and in relation, creativity - as a two sided coin, one side representing our human ability to create something from nothing, or something using tools and imagination. The other side of that coin being that part of creation that we do not have control over, that we might not even have understanding of. Such as how the universe was created and why it is still expanding. This richness of the word Creation brings to mind the mystery of creative powers, both of our own powers, but also the creative powers of the Universe. Let us explore these mysteries together, not necessarily to gain a deeper understanding of what is happening, but to revel at the power, the mystery and the creation.

What is growth without a little pain? This week we will be exploring one of the challenging sides of growing: when change is upon us and growth is inevitable, how do we manage to move through it gracefully? When we have learned an uncomfortable truth, or something has caused us to see our imperfections, can we overcome the challenges of change, stretch our way through the growing pains, and find solace on the other side? Or will the pains keep us back?

What does it mean to have a communion ceremony when we can not gather in the same physical space. What does communion: the sharing or exchanging of intimate thoughts and feelings, especially when the exchange is on a mental or spiritual level, look like when there is a screen between us. Trying to find meaning in the events that have been cornerstones in our annual rituals, during this new era of physical distancing and limited interaction, can be even more important. Finding meaning in our practices is important, but when we are asked to dig a bit deeper what else are we able to uncover?

51 years ago the Stonewall Riots sparked the beginning of a new wave of activism. June is highlighted as Pride Month, as we remember and celebrate the years of activism and the freedoms that members of the LGBTQ+ community have won, as well as amplify all the changes and prejudices that still need to be addressed. What knowledge can we find in the history of this movement, and the continued violence against the LGBTQ+ community, in light the current protests and riots surrounding racial equality and justice. Where can we find compassion in these moments, and how can it make a difference?

With death in the news every day right now, and the current landscape of our world being focused on our health and safety of our medical system, many questions about our own end of life have likely come to the forefront. Join Rev. Danielle Webber, with her mother, Bev Webber, a death doula, seniors advocate and volunteer with No One Dies Alone (NODA) and Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) to explore many of our questions around death and the crossing of our last Threshold.

Nothing is static in life, especially right now. The service will offer some reflections on how we humans can be at home in ourselves and in relationship with this changing sea around us, in ways that allow us to be both grounded and contributing to community.



Wendy served as minister at UFK from 1993 to 2005. She looks forward to this “coming home” visit.

“A threshold is a space to imagine a new way, and a new self. Not moving or pushing but sitting and cultivating… The goal is to allow you space and time to reflect on your past, present and future. To imagine a new beginning…”
-Rev. Sara LaWall

Are we sitting in a Threshold, imagining a new way of being? A few weeks ago, during one of my sermons I spoke about not going back to ‘normal’ because it was broken. Perhaps we need to take a look at what a new normal could look like, at the other end of this threshold.

Reverend Danielle is starting a series of services entitled Unitarian Universalism 101, where we will be discovering theology and concepts unique to Unitarian Universalism and what this religious tradition is all about. A perfect service to invite your friends and family too! The first in this series will be an unpacking of one of the most central and inherent concepts of UUism – Collective Liberation over Personal Salvation. Interested in knowing more? Join us April 26th, 10:30 PST.

From the Hebrew Scriptures, in the story of Ester, a Jewish wife to a Persian King, Esther is told by her cousin "Perhaps you have come to royal dignity for just such a time as this (Esther 4:14)." Mordecai is speaking of saving the Jewish people from slaughter. Similar ideas are found in the story of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection, what is now known as the Good Friday and Easter Sunday celebrations. How can we learn from these stories and help us understand the challenges of this time?

Spring and Spring Equinox are often associated with the concept of rebirth, and life coming back into our world. We will be exploring the wisdom that we find in the earth, in the rebirth of this time, while reengaging in a practice of welcoming new members to our community. Mixing renaissance with new life we will also be creating a new communion ceremony together this Sunday!

Although Unitarian Universalists regularly refer to the 7 Principles to which all communities covenant to Affirm and Promote, did you know that we are a living Tradition that draw from 6 different Sources? This Sunday we will be focusing on our 3rd Source: Wisdom from the World’s Religion which inspire us in our ethical and spiritual life. Please join us as we explore world traditions from Ancient Greece, modern day India and Early Judaism.

While exploring the dos and don’ts of growing a community there are many different best practices listed. “Building it before you need it” is one of many, and suggests that communities who are hoping to grow in numbers should put into practice programs or systems that they don’t necessarily need yet. What would our personal resilience and our community resilience look like if we put in place this practice “Build it before you need it.”

In a world where so much seems lost or out of our individual control, it is very easy to find our way into a pit of doom. Climate Crisis, political spheres, mental health, financial stability, there are so many things that we can struggle with and feel completely overwhelmed by. Today we will be looking at stories of hope, possibilities of optimism, and ways to find resilience in the 21st century.

So often in North American, or Western Society we have an individualistic outlook on life: pull yourself up by your bootstraps, climb the corporate ladder, and achieve success. But what if the real secret behind resilience is not in breaking away from others, but leaning on each other for strength. And how do we withdraw from society’s suggestions and create a more resilient world.

What does it mean to be part of a community that holds integrity as one of its highest aspirations? What would Kelowna Unitarians look like if we sought to be a community of integrity? This morning we will be looking at work that we have done this last year, since Joan Carolyn visited to helped us to explore what Ministry at Kelowna Unitarians could look like if we focused on Roots, Wings & Spirit, and what this ministry could hold for our future.

How do we hold the multitude of a human being when they have done something that shows their humanity, and implies their lack of integrity. Have you ever wondered about the integrity of a loved idol, a character history suggests we adore, when a nasty truth comes forth. This morning we will be exploring the truth of the simple statement “nobody’s perfect.”

How we encounter the sacred in both the best and the worst of times. According to Wikipedia “Awe is an emotion comparable to wonder but less joyous. On Robert Plutchik’s wheel of emotions awe is modeled as a combination of surprise and fear.” How is it that Awe fits into your life, when do you make room for it, and when does it take over?

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