It's your bi-weekly Enews! - Jan 21st 2026
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    • It's your bi-weekly Enews! - Feb 18th 2026
    • Carrying and Letting Go: Making Space for Radical Inclusion - Feb 15th , 2026
    • Universalism: What’s in a Name?- Feb 8th , 2026
    • It's your bi-weekly Enews! - Feb 4th 2026
    • Loving Widely: Expanding the Circle- Feb 1st, 2026
    • Authentic Community - Jan 25th, 2026
    • It's your bi-weekly Enews! - Jan 21st 2026
    • The Power of Us- Jan 18th, 2026
    • Remembering to Remember- Jan 11th, 2026
    • It's your bi-weekly Enews! - Jan 7th 2026
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This Week: Stewardship, Cabaret Updates, UN World Interfaith Harmony Week, Intergenerational project...

Calgary Unitarians
It's your bi-weekly Enews! - Jan 21st 2026
This Week: Authentic Community

This Week: Authentic Community

How does one be in authentic community?

Join us this Sunday, January 25th, at 10:30am in Panabaker for our weekly Worship at Calgary Unitarians. This weeks topic will be Authentic Community. 

We hope to see you there! 

The Power of Us

The Power of Us

Living Abundance Through Stewardship

This past Sunday, we reflected on a theology of abundance—and on the Power of Us: the truth that what we can do together far exceeds what any of us can do alone. Stewardship is one of the ways we practice both. It’s how abundance becomes shared action, and how shared action becomes community.

As we look ahead, we are forming a Stewardship Team for the coming year. This team will help shape how we invite generosity, tell the story of our shared life, and care for the community that sustains us all.

We’re looking for people who feel drawn to collaborative work and collective imagination. Whether your gifts are creativity, listening, organizing, storytelling, or simply showing up with care, there is a place for you on this team. No prior stewardship experience is needed—just a willingness to explore what abundance looks like when we act together.

  • Time commitment: approximately 20–40 hours over the next few months, working alongside a supportive team.
  • Why it matters: because the strength of our congregation is not any single contribution, but the way many contributions come together.

Join the Stewardship Team: If you feel a nudge, we invite you to reach out to our Board President, Jocelyn K-A, and start the conversation. This is the Power of Us—made real. You can reach Jocelyn at president@calgaryunitarians.ca.

 

For more infomation visit:

president@calgaryunitarians.ca

Email President: Click Here

Your Canadian UU Ecosystem - Sharing Ideas, Inspiration & Research

Website Launch Party - Save the Date Saturday, February 28, 2026

In these ‘unprecedented’ times, Unitarian Universalism is uniquely placed to help people come together, nurture hope, inspire action and meet the needs of humanity and the non-human world. While each of our congregations and communities is self-governing, we are still connected to each other and now we’re coming together to make the most of our tradition. 

The Canadian UU Ecosystem Project envisions Unitarian Universalism as a vibrant, living ecosystem. Through small experiments, exploring new ways of practicing our faith, and new platforms for sharing ideas and experiences, we will learn from what works (and what doesn’t) and share these insights across the ecosystem. By the project’s end, we aim to establish a structure that supports ongoing innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing.

With initial funding now secured, the Ecosystem Project is entering the engagement phase. We’re particularly excited to share that work is underway on a new website where we can share our ideas, stories, experiences and learning for the benefit of all.

Website Launch Party - Save the Date
Saturday, February 28, 2026
10:00 AM Pacific | 11:00 AM Mountain | 12:00 PM Central | 1:00 PM Eastern | 2:00 PM Atlantic

Join us on February 28th for a fun-filled fete as we launch a fabulous new hub for Canadian UUs to share ideas, inspiration and research. Think of it as an online magazine for learning about Canadian UU endeavours, successes, and reflections about what didn't go as well as hoped—and sharing your own, too!

Register today for this exciting online event and be the first to get updates and reminders.
Ways to Get Involved

Subscribe for News and Updates
We’re launching an eNewsletter in early February to share the latest updates from the Ecosystem Project, as well as featured stories from UUs and their communities. Fill out the form to sign up and let us know if you’d like to share your time and talents; we will reach out as additional volunteer opportunities come up.

Finance Folks Need One More
Our capable and committed Finance Circle is seeking one more person to join the team of 3 and support the work of the entire Ecosystem Project. Complete the online form and the team will get back to you with more information.

Research Looks for Curious Explorers
Are you curious about what other liberal religious and progressive communities are doing to remain relevant and viable in today’s rapidly shifting culture? Join the Research Circle and help uncover stories, experiments and initiatives (successful or not) that we can all learn from. Visit the link for additional information, including time commitments and contact info.

Learn more: Click Here

For more infomation visit:

http://calgaryunitarians.ca/news/your-canadian-uu-ecosystem-sharing-ideas-inspiration-research

Read More
Mystery Pals

Mystery Pals

Come be part of our letter Exchange!

This winter, we are launching a special program designed to weave invisible threads of care and friendship throughout our congregation. We invite members of all ages - children, youth, and adults - to register for our month-long Mystery Pal Letter Exchange.

At its core, this is an intergenerational relationship-building activity. In a world that often segments us by age, this program creates a supervised, structured, and joyful space for meaningful connections to form across generations. It’s a chance to experience the unique wisdom, curiosity, and perspective that each member of our community holds.

  1. Register: Individuals and families sign up by January 24, 2026.

  2. Get Matched

  3. Write & Exchange

  4. Reveal!

For more infomation visit:

http://calgaryunitarians.ca/news/mystery-pals

Learn More and Register: Click Here

Committee on Shared Ministry

Online Survey Coming Your Way!

Every two years the Committee on Shared Ministry coordinates an evaluation of our minister.  It is again time for all of us in our community to answer a few short questions.  On Jan. 25 keep an eye on your email box for a quick online survey.  Everyone's input is valuable.

Attend a Lecture by Our Very Own Lisa Gasson-Gardner: Feb 6th

Attend a Lecture by Our Very Own Lisa Gasson-Gardner: Feb 6th

God’s Dominion? Christian Nationalism and the Stories We Tell About Canada

Friday, February 6 | 6:30–8:30 pm
Calgary Central Library
Reception to follow

What does it mean to be Canadian? We often tell a story of Canada as a “mosaic”—a nation made stronger and more beautiful by the diversity of its people. Yet today, grassroots Christian activists in Alberta are advancing a competing narrative. They claim Canada was founded as a Christian nation—“God’s Dominion”—and are calling for laws and public policy to reflect a singular Christian worldview, one that celebrates colonization and rejects multiculturalism.

These ideas are not confined to rhetoric alone. Emboldened by this story of a Christian Canada, activists are engaging directly with provincial officials, and their materials have influenced recent policy decisions. Competing stories about Canada are shaping our leadership, our institutions, and even the health of our democracy.

If the stories we tell about Canada have the power to shape Canadian lives, what story do we want to tell? Is it possible to hold our painful histories, honour our multicultural present, and still cultivate a shared national identity? This lecture invites us into that vital conversation.

*This event is part of UN World Interfaith Harmony Week, check out all of the week's events below*

For more infomation visit:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/chair-of-christian-thought-iwaasa-lecture-on-urban-theology-tickets-1977560378326

Register: Click Here
United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week 2026

United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week 2026

Come join the fun: Events run Feb 1st-8th

United Nations World Interfaith Harmony Week is a moment of interfaith community solidarity in Calgary, a time when faith communities demonstrate that they are with and for each other! Lots of opportunity to learn, and connect, come take part in any or all of this weeks' events: 
  • Feb 1st - Opening Ceremony:  The Confluence of Faiths Procession ( 2:45 pm,  Atrium at City Hall )
  • Feb. 2-6: 5 Faithful Days - Midday Prayers for a World United (12:00 – 12:30 pm, online)
  • Feb 4: Women of Faith hosts Harmony in a Time of Crisis (7:00 – 9:00 pm, FCJ Centre)
  • Feb 5: Scriptural Sharing (2 – 3:30 p.m. Faith and Spirituality Centre (MSC 487), University of Calgary)  
  • Feb 6:  Christian Nationalism and the Stories We Tell About Canada with Dr Lisa Gasson-Gardner: Chair of Christian Thought Iwaasa Lecture on Urban Theology  (6:30  – 8:00 pm, Central Library)
  • Feb 8: A Celebration of Trees (2:00 – 5:00 pm, Temple B’nai Tikvah)

Register for events TODAY!

For more infomation visit:

http://calgaryunitarians.ca/news/united-nations-world-interfaith-harmony-week-2026

Learn More: Click here

Exciting Music Updates! 

We’re thrilled to share news about our Music Director search and Cabaret plans!

Music Director Search – The position is now posted! We’re looking for the right person to join our community and bring our music to life. Applicants will have the chance to join a Thursday rehearsal, and there’s no closing date—we want to find the perfect fit.

 

Cabaret 2026 – Mark your calendars for Saturday, May 1! This year’s “Cabaret Light” will feature:

  •       Two acts instead of three
  •       Choir & Matthew performing two pieces each
  •       Room for 4–6 acts from the congregation
  •       The theme: “This Is Me”
  •       Simplified buffet-style refreshments and wine during intermission

 

Big thanks to Sandy Cooper (ticketing) and Sandra Vida (costumes) for stepping up! We’re still looking for an overall coordinator—let us know if that could be you!

Thank you, everyone, for your energy, creativity, and love for music in our community!

Calgary Unitarians seeks new Music Director

Calgary Unitarians seeks new Music Director

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled

We’re excited to announce that Calgary Unitarians is seeking a new Music Director! The job posting is currently on our website and we encourage you to think of anyone who might be a great fit for our musical congregation. 

Please submit the your application to our Minister, Rev. Samaya Oakley, minister@calgaryunitarians.ca

For more infomation visit:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vR-ST_W18_Y38hV03N6plzrzRZ-mhBLVFZtL0X8X8dpVrIyz3sfQKpyv2-3dgjul1BHMFT2Bb4QN-5b/pub

Read Job Description: Click Here
Calgary Unitarians Photo Collage on our website: Objections?

Calgary Unitarians Photo Collage on our website: Objections?

Calgary Unitarians are wanting to put the image of our wonderful photo collage on our website. Is there anyone who is in the collage that does not want this picture to be used? Please let us know by February 14, 2025.

January Events

January Events

Women's Circle

Women's Circle

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Join our laid-back, welcoming women's group where we laugh, connect, and support each other. Some days we dive into thought-provoking chats about social issues or a podcast episode; other days, we get creative with art or just enjoy good conversation. No pressure, no pretenses—just a fun, supportive space to be yourself.  You can even arrive late. All women are welcome! 

For more infomation visit:

http://calgaryunitarians.ca/events/womens-circle/2026-01-21

Read More
Calgary Unitarians Community Dinner

Calgary Unitarians Community Dinner

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Congregational Conversation

Congregational Conversation

Sunday, January 25, 2026 at Noon in Panabaker

Holy Hurt Evening Lecture with Hillary McBride

Holy Hurt Evening Lecture with Hillary McBride

Presented by the Wisdom Centre on Sunday, January 25, 6:30 pm.

Join the Wisdom Centre on January 25th 2026 for a transformative experience as psychologist Hillary McBride, author of Holy Hurt, explores the wounds of spiritual trauma and what it takes to heal.

For more infomation visit:

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/holy-hurt-lecture-tickets-1798352724409?aff=ebdsremyticketscategorycuration

Buy Tickets: Click Here
Vespers

Vespers

Online gathering of poetry, music, and quiet reflection

Join us on Tuesdays at 7 pm for a gentle online gathering of poetry, music, and quiet reflection. Together, we create a peaceful space to pause, breathe, and set our intentions with care; it's a nourishing way to start your week!

Join us on Zoom
Meeting ID: 873 3085 7874
Passcode: 894582
Crafting Corner

Crafting Corner

Bring your own craft, and hang out with crafty pals! - Tuesday, January 27, 2026

Come join other crafters at Crafting Corner, everyother Tuesday in the Barker Room from 7-9pm. Bring your own craft that you're working on currently. Talk to Tanya for more info.
We hope to see you there!
Drum Circle & Potluck Dinner

Drum Circle & Potluck Dinner

with Chantal - Friday, January 30, 2026

***Now Jan 30th***

Deepening Our Faith

Deepening Our Faith

Social Justice - Philosophy and Practice - Sunday, February 1, 2026

Curious about Unitarian Universalism?

Deepening Our Faith offers newcomers (and long-timers, too) a chance to explore who we are, what we believe, and how our faith comes to life in community. Through stories, conversation, and reflection, participants will discover Unitarian Universalist values and traditions, connect with others, and gain tools for deciding whether membership in this congregation is right for them. Sessions take place at noon in Room 4 on the first Sunday of each month (except for December and May).

Everyone is welcome!

Contacting Rev. Samaya

Contacting Rev. Samaya

You will usually find Rev. Samaya in her church office on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays – unless of course she has a meeting outside the church building. She typically answers emails (minister@calgaryunitarians.ca) first thing in the morning, so if you’d like a response faster than that, please feel free to contact her by text or phone (604-323-4341). Rev. Samaya is not in the office on Wednesdays as that is when she focuses on sermon writing.

For more infomation visit:

https://calendly.com/revsamaya

Book an Appointment

eNews Submissions

If you have community requests or upcoming events you would like us to share, they can be sent to office@calgaryunitarians.ca.  The deadline for submissions is Tuesday at noon, before the eNews goes out.  The eNews goes out every other week on Wednesdays. 

eNews Submission Guidelines:
  • ~50-150 words
  • Please provide any images or links 
  • Please give the contact info for people for seeking more information 
  • Sent in by Tuesday at noon 

For more infomation visit:

office@calgaryunitarians.ca

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office@calgaryunitarians.ca