Author Rebecca Solnit writes, “To hope is to give yourself to the future, and that commitment to the future makes the present inhabitable.”   Where do we draw strength from when our dreams are so often of a world we won't live into and how is that future imagined?  How do we, as Unitarian Universalists, recognize that vision is more than eyesight and hope is more than a wish.

Christopher Wulff, is a seminarian at Emmanuel College in Toronto studying for UU Ministry.  A fifth-generation Unitarian Universalist, he is passionate about youth and young adult ministries, developing churches with mission, and building intentional communities.

​The complete sermon can be read below:

We live in a generally secular society that does not place significant emphasis on religious matters.  As people of faith, we recognize the value that practising this faith brings to our lives, and thus our inclination is often to spread the word!  This is especially true when faith communities such as our own are interested in growing. We will explore considerations for marketing not only our faith tradition of Unitarian Universalism, but also what it means to market our UUCD community.

Lori Kyle is a 51 year-old Midwestern (Kansas City) native who moved to Toronto with her family five years ago.  She currently resides with her partner Margaret and two children (Maddie, 15, and Nathan, 13) in Toronto.  In May 2014 Lori completed her Master of Divinity degree, and hopes to be ordained in 2015 following her meeting with the Ministerial Fellowship Committee in April.  Her primary aspiration for ministry is to work in a congregational setting.  Prior to preparing for a career in ministry Lori worked as a social worker in the area of mental health.  Her personal interests include hanging out with her family, hoping her favorite team (Chicago Bears, of course!) will make it to the playoffs, watching non-scary films, and reading a well-written novel.

The complete sermon can be read below:​

The season of autumn is one of both beauty and loss, as shadows lengthen and our memories of summer recede.  Meanwhile, many of us are striving to maintain optimism in the face of significant challenges facing our world.  How can we make this a time of hopeful harvest, gathering the spirit we need for the days ahead?  Where can hope be found in today’s uncertain times?  Today’s message of inspiration weaves together contemporary voices of active hope, including poetry and song to strengthen us for the journey.

Lynn Harrison is a Candidate for Unitarian Universalist ministry.  She served as Intern Minister at First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto in 2013-14 and will complete her Master of Divinity studies at Emmanuel College (University of Toronto) in 2015.
Lynn and her family (husband David and two children aged 20 and 17) are members of Neighbourhood UU Congregation in Toronto’s east end.  Lynn is also an award-winning singer-songwriter whose music has been heard on CBC Radio’s Vinyl Café, Fresh Air and other programs.

The complete sermon can be read below:

We celebrate the welcoming waters of our spiritual community with our annual water in-gathering ceremony.  Remember to bring a small amount of water from your summer experiences to pour into our water chalice.  This will be a multi-generational service.