Lam Wong
Realistically, we always begin with imperfection. From ourselves to the world, from art to philosophy. Everything begins with the essential recognition, and acceptance of imperfection. Lam Wong, Buddhist, Eastern scholar, and artist will engage us with The Importance of Imperfection. Upstairs, after the service, you are invited to participate in a tea ceremony.
Rev. Debra Thorne
If we look into the historical roots of the first world problem of perfection, we’ll see that by putting so much focus on our selves, and striving to be something more than we are, we trap our ability to change the real wrongs in the world.
Rev. Debra Thorne
The fault, the blemish, the crack, the imperfect is part of nature and human experience. To think otherwise would be irrational. Yet we are irrational beings and need processes to release the pressures of shame and guilt: a challenge for Unitarians. Confession is good for the soul.
Sita Sahasrabudhe, Susan White and Sue Sparlin
Service Coordinator: Joan Morris
Three Beaconites will share personal stories of events that turned their lives around. Big changes in one’s life can result in a major shift in perspective, or a whole new lifestyle. Retirement, major moves, or illness affect all of us in major ways. Come and hear how these individuals’ lives have been affected by major life changes.
Rev. Debra Thorne and Casey Thorne-Stainsby
The first day of Spring unleashes winter’s buried energy—flowers bloom, sap runs, desire for the renewal of life returns with glee. How wonderful is our interconnectedness with all the forces of nature. How intricate are the many religious responses to this annual renewal of earth energy.
Rev. Debra Thorne
The Syrian refugee family sponsored by Beacon Unitarian Congregation is about to arrive. Imagine being a stranger in a new land where every smell and taste and smiling face is unfamiliar. How do we minimize our assumptions and our expectations? How do we maximize our cultural awareness?
Aline LaFlamme
Reconciliation is justice. It is a profound tradition within Aboriginal culture rooted in ‘right relationship’. Without right relations there would be no community. When relationships are broken because of hurtful or thoughtless action, reconciliation transforms them and community is restored.
Marilyn Medén and Friends
How do we rise above “we/they” and move into just plain “We”? If our private lives are a microcosm of the larger picture, the nation, the world—what guidelines can we use? Can we really “be the change we want to see”? Friends from our congregation will explore the possibilities.
Rev. Debra Thorne
It is an auspicious time in Canada, an opportunity to heal historical and present day wrongs through knowledge and spiritual commitment. This opportunity for reconciliation is being shared by Unitarians across Canada as part of our commitment to Indigenous people through the Truth and Reconciliation process.
Due to technical difficulties these sermons will be posted at a later date. Sorry for the inconvenience.