In person at 318 Keary St. New Westminister and online*
Upcoming Service: Sunday, December 15th
10:15 AM:
Come early to visit! Coffee and tea will be ready at Sapperton. Zoom room will be open as well.
10:30 AM:
“Blessed are the poor. Blessed are the hungry. Blessed are those who weep.”
Guest Speaker: Earl Morris
During the season of advent, my focus turns to the wisdom teachings of Jesus. On December 15th we will be exploring the related themes of “non-dualism” and “radical inclusion” as taught by Jesus. We will break into small groups for discussion: How do you see “radical inclusion”? What is bad about “radical inclusion”? What is good about “radical inclusion”?
Earl Morris is a retired physician who last worked as a hospitalist at Eagle Ridge Hospital. The wisdom teachings of Jesus were the subject of the meditative Quaker services held in his home before he left the Quaker religion.
Please join Teresa Morton after the service next Sunday for her Monthly Envirobee.
Order of Service (updated the day before the service)
*Please register to receive the Zoom link. Enter your name and email address, and the Zoom link will be emailed directly to you. (We are using the same Zoom link from week to week, so you only have to register once to be able to attend all the Sunday morning services.)
Zoom orientation information is available here.
December Services
Sunday, Dec 1 10:30 am |
We All Belong — A Roots of Resilience Service With Rev. Samaya Oakley (video recording) Join us this Sunday to dig deeper into the practice of Radical Hospitality. Rev. Samaya is a strong believer in social justice and believes that our theology calls us to be active agents for love and justice in the world. She holds at the heart of her ministry the importance of relationships, compassion and being an active agent for love and justice in the world. Food Bank Sunday: The 1st Sunday of every month is when Beacon collects donations for SHARE’s food bank program. |
Sunday, Dec 8 10:30 am |
Celebrating Beaconites’ Holiday Cultures and Music This service celebrates the holiday music from the various cultures and religions of our Beacon community. Come join Bill, Kate, Dominique, Laura, Marylke and John for songs and storytelling. After the service is our Annual Budget Meeting |
Sunday, Dec 15 10:30 am |
“Blessed are the poor. Blessed are the hungry. Blessed are those who weep.” Guest Speaker: Earl Morris During the season of advent, my focus turns to the wisdom teachings of Jesus. On December 15th we will be Earl Morris is a retired physician who last worked as a hospitalist at Eagle Ridge Hospital. The wisdom teachings of Jesus were the subject of the meditative Quaker services held in his home before he left the Quaker religion. Please join Teresa Morton after the service next Sunday for her Monthly Envirobee. |
Sunday, Dec 22 10:30 am |
Solstice Service: Belonging Lay Chaplain: Laura Redmond with music by Bill Marshall and Kate Smith The winter solstice is a powerful reminder of the natural cycles of the Earth. Just as we belong to the earth, we also belong to each other. This service will offer time for both quiet contemplation and joyful singing. We will end with a community spiral dance. You’re invited to a turkey dinner after the service. Suggested donation is $5 or pay what you can. Newcomers are invited to be our guests. |
Tuesday, Dec 24 4:30 pm |
Christmas Eve Service Hosted by Judy Villett and Michael Scales A special Christmas Eve service with holiday readings and songs. |
Sunday, Dec 31 10:30 am |
Freedom From and Freedom To Marilyn Medén, Kate Smith and Bill Marshall With calm and freedom from stress, you are able to create a more relaxed and happier life for yourself and others. From her own experience, Marilyn Medén will use many sources, including Mr. Rogers and Don Miguel Ruiz’s The Four Agreements, to allow more freedom for herself, others, and maybe even the world. Kate Smith and Bill Marshall will contribute their uplifting music. |
November Services
Sunday, Nov 3 10:30 am |
Honouring our Ancestors Rev. Meg Roberts, Beth Connelly, Judy Villett, Laura Redmond and Michael Scales In the season of Halloween, Samhain, and All Souls’ Day we gather for a ritual to honour our ancestors. You are invited to bring a photo of one of your beloveds, or an object that you associate with them, to the service this morning. Whether you are online or in person, there will be an opportunity to share your photo or object and name your ancestor and one thing you learned from them about how to live a good life. We will also remember members of the congregation who have died in the last few years, as well as our Unitarian Universalist ancestors that formed our movement. With music, words, ritual, and dance, this celebration also offers us a chance to think of one thing that we want to leave our descendants—our legacy. Linked to our service topic, the Beacon film club is hosting a discussion of the Disney movie Coco. The story follows a 12-year-old boy named Miguel who is accidentally transported to the Land of the Dead, where he seeks the help of his deceased musician great-great-grandfather to return him to his family among the living and to reverse his family’s ban on music. Stay tuned for an invitation to an online watch party, tentatively scheduled for Wed. Oct. 30th at 6:30. The film club will meet online on Friday. Nov. 1 at 7 pm to discuss it. Food Bank Sunday: The 1st Sunday of every month is when Beacon collects donations for SHARE’s food bank program. |
Sunday, Nov 10 10:30 am |
Why Can’t I Be Right? With Rev. Meg Roberts – A Roots of Resilience Service One of the things that impairs me deeply connecting with others is when I act as if I’m right. I may believe people have a right to their own views, but in practice, I react as though I believe I’m right and others are wrong. So it is at times in our communities – one-on-one, in small groups, within whole congregations, and in the larger world. What core beliefs do I need to give up to foster healthy relationships amongst and within Unitarian Universalist communities? What values and practices will help me weave this into my daily life, and develop deeper and deeper compassion for myself and others? You’re invited to a soup lunch after the service. Suggested donation is $5 or pay what you can. Newcomers are invited to be our guests. |
Sunday, Nov 17 10:30 am |
The Gift of Voice: Embracing Connection Through Song Special Guest: Patti Powell, singing instigator extraordinaire Music is a universal language that unites us across cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds. By singing together we weave our individual lives into a powerful tapestry of community, each voice unique and yet united. Join us as we welcome back Patti Powell, singing instigator extraordinaire. Come with an open heart and be uplifted. We invite you to join us for Envirobee after the service. |
Sunday, Nov 24 10:30 am |
Misery Loves Company Michael Scales and Rev. Meg Roberts A deeper dive into ‘What does it mean to share our joys and sorrows with our community?’ With blues music and reflections from Michael and friends. Holidays are around the corner. Some of us love the holidays and they’re not for everyone. Join Rev. Meg and the Pastoral Support Team (in person and online) to share and listen about the Holiday Blues. You are part of a circle of empathy and care. |
October Services
Sunday, Oct 6 10:30 am |
Thanks Be For Us Guest Speaker: Rev. Brian Kiely This service is online only via Zoom. Whatever wonderful things we hope Beacon can do in the wider world, it really all starts with us. Nothing good will happen at Beacon without us … no services, no community, no caring, no music, no forum for Unitarian social justice. It really starts with us. This week before Thanksgiving, as we think about stewardship, we should start by thanking ourselves. Food Bank Sunday: The 1st Sunday of every month is when Beacon collects donations for SHARE’s food bank program. |
Sunday, Oct 13 10:30 am |
Beacon: Our Values and Our Vision
Part 1: Living into our values, becoming our best selves
with Rev. Meg Roberts
Here at Beacon, we often say we celebrate that we have various beliefs and philosophies, yet we share common values. Yes this is true—partly…. We do have some common values and, as people with unique life experiences and backgrounds, we also have other values that shape us. That’s part of the richness in our community.
So, how do we name our Beacon values so we can so they can guide our choices and actions moving forward? We’ve created exciting plans we’ve been putting into action since last spring – now is the time for this next step.
A week before the service:
Look for the Beacon’s Values Survey email that gives a PDF and online link, then take a bit of time to reflect on yours and Beacon’s values before next Sunday’s service.
At the Oct.13 service:
We’ll share in small groups what we each come up with for Beacon’s values, then together discover where these various values overlap. Out of this, we will develop a Beacon statement of common values—these will then inspire our plans and our actions.
These are exciting times in which we live—hope you can be with us on this part of the process!
After the service, there will be a short gathering for newcomers and all who have questions, like ‘What the heck is Unitarianism, anyways?’ We’ll connect in-person and online. 10:15 AM: Come early to visit! Coffee and tea will be ready at Sapperton. Zoom room will be open as well. Join us for a Thanksgiving lunch after the service — all are welcome. |
Sunday, Oct 20 10:30 am |
Come, Come, Whoever You Are Guest Speakers: Phil Campbell, Laura Redmond and Sue Sparlin. Musicians: Kate Smith, Bill Marshall, and Ming-Xuan Chung. Service Leaders: Glenn Wootton and David Kristjanson. Do you hear that voice calling you, calling us? That voice which calls us together here today in this room made holy by our presence and by the sacred breath we share in our singing and speaking and silence. That voice which calls us to remember that we are not alone and that we are inextricably linked to all other life—woven into a vast tapestry of existence of which we are a powerful, integral, and holy part. Come together here today to hear three Beacon members tell you what called them to Beacon. Come to hear Ming-Xuan Chung play his beautiful music. Come to listen and sing along with Kate Smith and Bill Marshall. Come, Come, Whoever You Are, Wanderer, Worshiper, Lover of Leaving. Ours is no caravan of despair. Come yet again come. We invite you to join us for Envirobee after the service. |
Sunday, Oct 27 10:30 am |
Beacon: Our Values and Our Vision Part 2: Being Relevant and Responsive – Here and Now Rev. Meg Roberts & Friends
Beaconites have a wonderful history of putting their values into action – both within our own community and by reaching out to those beyond ourselves. In this service, that history can inspire us to look at our vision for the coming year(s). As part of that, we’ll create a web of connections: where are Beaconites putting their values into action in their lives? Come early at 10:15am and join in our sing-along, and stay afterwards for conversation and refreshments – online and in-person! |
September Services
Sunday, Sep 8 10:30 am |
Pouring Our Energies Together: The Annual Water Ceremony Rev. Meg Roberts Beacon’s program year starts again with this special service. The annual water ceremony service is for all ages: we pour water from various sources into one common bowl, symbolizing the re-gathering of this community after a summer break. If you would like to bring water from your summer experiences to put into the bowl, please do (whether from a favourite place or from your tap at home)! |
Sunday, Sep 15 10:30 am |
This year’s Sharing the Plate Recipient: Century House Association Peer Support (CHAPS) MaryAnn Becher is the coordinator of Century House Association Peer Support, a helping program designed to enhance the social and mental well-being of older adults who are facing life transitions and challenges. Come and learn all about Beacon’s 2024/2025 Sharing the Plate recipient. After the service there will be a Soup Lunch and Teresa Morton will be holding her monthly Envirobee. |
Sunday, Sep 22 10:30 am |
Welcome Newcomers and All Comers! Ever wonder what Unitarianism really is all about? What do they believe? What do they value? This service is a time to bring your family, friends and neighbours, as well as for all newcomers—and all comers—to come together. We’ll explore what values are most important to us as individuals and as a Beacon community. There will be good music, good humour, and good value for your time! 10:15 am: Join our Pre-Service Sing-Along After the service, there will be a short gathering for newcomers and all who have questions, like ‘What the heck is Unitarianism, anyways?’ We’ll connect in-person and online.
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Sunday, Sep 29 10:30 am |
Roots of Resilience Series
What If We Prioritized Rest? When I think about prioritizing rest, my head fills with voices—parents, mentors, even past employers—and I notice a strong reaction in my body. To help us understand what is happening and why rest is so significant, we will lean into the writings of black authors and activists such as Tricia Hersey, who have identified the theological necessity of rest for individuals and communities. Bio: Karen Fraser Gitlitz is a Unitarian Universalist minister and a professional Art Therapist. Karen and her partner Paul recently relocated to the Saanich peninsula on southern Vancouver Island, BC. Karen continues to serve small Canadian UU congregations through the Meaning Making Project while deepening her exploration of the intersection between spirituality, the arts, and social justice. |
Summer 2024 Services
Sunday, Jul 14 ***4:00 PM*** |
Connecting Life to Fiction Marilyn Medén Louise Penny has the great gift of empathizing with the characters in her murder mysteries. We will explore how real life empathy, love, hope, and forgiveness are shown in a variety of her characters. Kate Smith and Bill Marshall will provide their lively and meaningful music. The service will be at 4 pm on July 14th in the exuberance of John Hagen’s backyard, 1834 London Street, New Westminster. It would be good to have a little social time after, so if you would like, you could bring a plate of appetizers to share, and please bring your own beverage. Please contact Marilyn Medén if you wish more detail (contact details in the online Breeze directory). |
Saturday, Aug 17 ***3–8:00 pm*** |
Please join us for New West Pride 2024 Saturday, August 17, 3–8 pm • Downtown New Westminster on Columbia Street Beacon Unitarian is once again participating in the New West Pride Festival. We are looking for 8–10 volunteers to hang out at the Beacon Booth and tell people about our Welcoming Congregation. There will be at least two people at our booth at all times. Shifts are one to two hours long, sometime between 2:30 and 8:30 pm—there is lots of flexibility and it’s always lots of fun. Please email David Kristjanson for more information. |
10:30 am |
Cancelled due to a wet weather forecast.
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Sunday, Aug 27 10:30 am |
Summer Singing Service Service Coordinator: Peggy Lunderville All ages and all levels of musical ability are welcome to join us for a morning of singing/playing at Peggy Lunderville’s home (8892 Armstrong Avenue, Burnaby. Call or text Peggy at 604-812-5939 if more information is needed). This gathering is a wonderful opportunity to connect as a community in the summer as we sing our favourite hymns from the charcoal and teal hymnbooks, as well as the “Joyce Poley” songbooks. Bring musical instruments if you wish to accompany. If you have a hymn you would like to be included, please contact Peggy Lunderville ahead of time. There will also be room for some requests at the service itself. Potluck lunch to follow (tea, coffee, juice and water will be provided). Our home is wheelchair accessible. |
May & June Services
Sunday, May 5 10:30 am |
Beacon Rocks! Celebrating Congregational Conversations The Congregational Conversations Team and Rev. Meg Roberts You are invited to a spirited review of our congregational process from this last year. This will be an opportunity to reflect on our experiences and look to our future. Join us at 10:20 am for a pre-service sing-along. In addition, the choir will sing today. Food Bank Sunday (the 1st Sunday of every month) is when Beacon collects donations for SHARE’s food bank program. Your support is always very much appreciated. Click here to donate online. |
Sunday, May 12 10:30 am |
A Lively Ritual for Summer Expansion By the WorshipLab Team: David Kristjanson, Glenn Wootton, Teresa Morton, Marilyn Medén, Susan Tarras and Laura Redmond Let’s worship the way plants do, starting as a seed in a quiet place, drinking in water and sunshine, and then bursting forth with leaves and flowers to bless those around us! The choir performs, and there is a soup lunch after the service. Suggested donation for the soup lunch is $5 or pay what you can. Newcomers are invited to be our guests. |
Sunday, May 19 10:30 am |
My Muzungu Eyes Are Improving Liz James, Canadian Unitarian Council (Recording) How do we help effectively across a culture gap? Drawing from more than a decade of personal experience, Liz James tells a story that has it all … Humour, thoughtful analysis, and confrontations with lions. Not a metaphor. Real lions. Bio: Liz James is the founder of a 230,000-person online UU community called the Unitarian Universalist Hysterical Society (UUHS); half of The Cracked Cup podcast; and working on a book with Skinner House Press. Liz is based out of Saskatchewan, where she is building a tiny house with her own two hands. She believes in a Unitarian Universalism that is filled with meaning and joy, and that sees change as an adventure. |
Sunday, May 26 10:30 am |
Celebrate in Song! Beacon’s Choir with Faith Veikle, Ming-Xuan Chung and Rev. Meg Roberts We have been so lucky this year to enjoy the music of our choir under the leadership of choir director Faith Veikle, accompanied by Ming-Xuan Chung. As the choir wraps up, this is a celebration of the choir and all it has brought to Beacon’s life and spirit. |
Sunday, June 2 10:30 am |
Humanism in Our Lives As part of our sources series, we’ll explore how humanism affects our lives. Meg will put this in the context of our movement’s history, and Marilyn and John will share their stories. We’ll invite you to consider what humanist ideas you connect with. Food Bank Sunday (the 1st Sunday of every month) is when Beacon collects donations for SHARE’s food bank program. Your support is always very much appreciated. Click here to donate online. |
Sunday, June 9 10:30 am |
Sharing the Plate with Purpose! Merrilyn Cook Join us as we hear Merrilyn Cook, the principal of Purpose Independent School, about their past year and the lunch program that Beacon is contributing to. We will be presenting them with our Sharing the Plate contributions from this last year. Envirobee after the service. |
Sunday, June 16 10:30 am |
Flower Communion Ceremony You are invited to bring a sweet piece of summer for this special Flower Communion service. If you are joining us in person at Sapperton, bring your flower to share with others. If you are joining us online via Zoom, have your flower there to be part of the ceremony—then you can choose to share it with someone in your life after the service or keep it to enjoy in your home. Whether you bring the flower from your yard, or buy one, or even draw one, it is welcome. As we navigate this multi-platform experience, the flower in your heart is more than enough if you show up without a flower. As we close out this church year, let us celebrate each other and the gift that Beacon is in our lives. Please join us after the service for our annual picnic! We’ll be in Sapperton Park if the weather is good, and in Sapperton lower hall if it’s raining. Look for more details in Beacon This Week email update. |