Where do we seek truth as Unitarians? This week we'll explore our second source, "Words and deeds of prophetic people which challenge us to confront powers and structures of evil with justice, compassion, and the transforming power of love." Sometimes this is easy and we all agree which words and deeds are meaningful examples. Sometimes people's wisdom is obscured through superficial differences or very real imperfections that make it hard for us to hear their message. And sometimes it is the follow through that is hardest - to really allow others' words and lives to challenge us to step out of our own ways of seeing and doing things. Today we'll explore the power of learning from others' experiences. 

​Volunteer litter pickers can make a massive difference to their local park and neighbourhood. Anna will talk about how she got involved in picking up litter, what she has learned in the process, and the truly big difference that she has made in her neighbourhood. Being a volunteer litter picker is not just about cleaning up after others, it's about showing pride in where we live and setting a positive example of love for our planet. 

​Science, rationality, and fact make many UUs sceptical of miracles of any supernatural kind. What, then, is our understanding of miracles? And of healing, both physical and spiritual? This Easter morning, what might we learn from the Christian understanding of Jesus' life, death, and rebirth about justice, healing, and the transformative power of love? 

​Most of us are more familiar with our Principles than our Sources as Unitarians (don't forget the 7 Principles challenge - check out our newsletter for links to Curtis hula hooping and reciting them!). We all know that we don't look to only one tradition or scripture alone, but where then do we find truth? In this series exploring our Unitarian Universalist sources, we'll start with our first source "Direct experience of that transcending mystery and wonder, affirmed in all cultures, which moves us to a renewal of the spirit and an openness to the forces which create and uphold life." What does it mean to find meaning and wisdom in this source? 

Craig Brochman - Erasing Indigenous Identity with the Sixties Scoop
​​A powerful, personal & heart wrenching story.  Craig was a Native child who was placed in foster care, then was adopted by a white family.  He now works for the Mississaugas of Scugog island as a professional speaker, educating the public about native issues.

Rev. Carly Gaylor - Footnotes in Unitarian Universalism
​​Today we'll look at some of the stories from Unitarian and Universalist history that are less widely known. Like any history, UU history includes stellar moments, ones that we remember with pride, and challenging moments that we don't relish as part of our lineage, along with a good smattering of mundane ones, too. What do some of our untold stories tell us about who we were, who we are, and who we may yet become? 

Katie Fortune - Sex Trafficking
​​Katie Fortune of the OneChild Network will be giving a short presentation on child sex trafficking. Her speech will examine how trafficking can happen, real stories of trafficked children, and how we as adults and members of the church can get involved to end this awful crime. OneChild believes in the right for every child to have a carefree and happy childhood and so we call on UUCD to fight for the inherent right to justice for these children and to join the fight in ending the trade.
 
OneChild is the first organization in the world empowering a movement of children and youth to take action against the sexual exploitation and sex trafficking of children through prevention education, advocacy and engagement, survivor care and survivor empowerment. 

Sometimes the best of intentions yield unexpected and undesirable results. At the end of the day, intentions are important but impact even more so. We'll look at some controversial ways help is offered, especially across cultural differences, and examine our own intentions and hopes as we work for good in our community and world.

​This thought-provoking presentation focuses on "mental health", and how the underlying (often unexamined) “stories” that we have and share about it are very consequential. We will discuss the pros and cons with the dominant (medical/pathology) narrative, and highlight other perspectives through which to understand the subject of mental health. We can be much more effective and helpful when we have more than one lens through which to understand the issue.

​What does it mean to be part of serving and leadership in a congregation like ours? Is it a duty or obligation? A necessity for the congregation to function? Part of your spiritual practice? A chance to connect with others? A headache some days and a source of fun on others? We'll reflect on what it means to serve with more grace and less frustration and burnout, and how we can nurture ourselves and one another as we continue to build a meaningful community together.