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Spring is a wonderful time of year when the beauty of nature really comes to life. Birds return from migration to nest, wildflowers rise up from the ground, and amphibians emerge from dormancy to sing and breed in woodland ponds. James has spent years observing and photographing these wonders and will highlight some of the species that can be encountered in our local area. He will also describe how nature is changing: new species moving in while other resident species are disappearing and explore the possible causes.
A special reflection and tribute to all those who have mothered us and also to those of us who have mothered.
Luke's Place is a safe space for all self-identified women (including two-spirited, trans and cisgender women) who have been subjected to woman abuse by their intimate partner. Samantha will talk about her work supporting women at Luke's Place in Oshawa.
Today's talk will encompass what Neopagan Druidry is and is not from the perspective of Ár nDraíocht Féin: A Druid Fellowship (ADF) and the ghosti* principle that we are both a guest and host in each other's lives. 
Whether we rejoice at the miracle of Jesus' resurrection or delight in the Springtime glory of nature, Easter is traditionally a time of celebration, fun and family. However, in the midst of heartache and dismay, is it even possible to roll away that stone of despair, lifting our spirits in defiance and hopefulness.
We live in an area of historic towns, with dining, shopping and an incredible diversity of wildlife including eagle, osprey, hawk varieties, waterfowl by the thousands, herons, muskrats, otter, beavers, turtles, deer, bear even cougar, fishers and mink.
We have a tsunami of growth heading inevitably toward us as part of the burgeoning GTA. We have had the excellent Greenbelt Protection Act and the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Act and official plans developed by each municipality that seemed to be sensitive to protection of the environment. However, change is inevitable. What can we do to protect our environmental inheritance so that we can pass on a healthy environment to future generations? We all need forgiveness, for ourselves, for loved ones and even for our adversaries. The problem is, how to offer it. Join us for a service about forgiveness that includes a ritual where we can practice safely using it.
Friends, it has been an honour and a pleasure to serve as your minister for the last 4.5 years. I will always treasure my time with you, and this congregation has always and will always have a special place in my heart. For my final service as your minister, I invite you to come for reflections on blessings - my blessings for you and for UUCD going forward, and a celebration of the blessings we give and receive in the world. This service will also mark the debut of the UUCD Tone Chime Choir, reminding us that there is always a new song, a new way to connect, a new blessing around the corner. Until we meet again, some blessings for the road ahead.
In the midst of stress, burnout, and tension, how do we find our calm as individuals and as a community? How can we appreciate what was and also rebuild and reconnect? In the midst of challenge and transition, we'll explore the concept of Jubilee, which has several meanings related to reconciliation, forgiveness, new beginnings, and hope for the future.
In the midst of changes in the seasons, in our congregation, and the world, how do we hold on to that which is worth preserving and also embrace change? Let go of 'the way we've always done things' without losing the important things along the way? To say goodbye and hello with grace and love?
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We look forward to meeting you!
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