Summer Serendipity

From June 27 to August 29 we will have summer serendipity services. These are are informal sit-in-a-circle or get-outdoors summer gatherings, usually of about 4-20 people. The service facilitator speaks on a topic of interest to them or leads an activity or a discussion. Visitors are very welcome!

27 June: Favourite Hymns: Sing with Body, Mind and Spirit

Led by Rebecca P
Experience hymns with a spin led by Westwood's effervescent Choir Director.

4 July: Quaker Service

Led by David D & Robert K
Join us to learn about the Religious Society of Friends and experience a Quaker-style service.

11 July: Haiku - huh?

Led by Trudy G
Haiku - a Japanese type of poems - have been called "small words, big moments". They capture little bursts of experience in 17 syllables or less and appeal even to people who normally don't care for poetry. We will share classical and modern haiku (including Edmonton based authors) and have some fun writing haiku as a group. If you have a favourite haiku, bring it along!

18 July: Shared Housing for Old and Young: The Next Step

Led by Elaine R, Fabian J, Linda J
Join a beginning conversation about housing for elders or, better yet, a mix of younger and older. It's about living and aging in community in housing that's directed by those who live there. Perhaps, it's about, "Live free or die" or, "Don't let warehousing happen to you" - although both do sound a bit more like the concern of elders. Could be about housing co-ops or co-housing. Maybe in the context of row housing or an apartment or separate homes in a common neighbourhood. Who knows? It's about brainstorming. What possibilities can we turn up? Can we find some partners-in-action to work with to make one or more of them real?

25 July: A Spiritual Yoga Practice

Led by Connie K
Come dressed in loose clothing to allow comfortable movement.

1 August: Simplicity Circle

Led by Lindsay M
Come learn and share about intentional simplicity. A Westwood favourite revisited!

8 August: "The earth does not argue, is not pathetic, has no arrangements" (Walt Whitman)

Ecological reflections led by Jim L

15 August: Garden Tour

Led by Dennis and Marj F
Come visit the gardens of Westwood members, including gardens on the Westwood grounds. In Marj and Dennis's lovely garden, enjoy refreshments and share your readings and thoughts on gardens and how gardens and plants affect your life.

22 August: The Blessing of Trees

Led by Allison A
Come join us in the "West wood" under our Tree of Life banner. We'll explore the significance of trees in our lives and their meaning as a religious symbol across many cultures. Bring your own tree-related poems or stories. We may even take a short walk among trees so wear comfortable shoes.

29 August: Spirituality in the Music of the Moody Blues - CANCELLED

5 September: Open House

Hosted by Carl U and Rev. Anne B
Do you want to learn more about Westwood Unitarian Congregation? Here's your chance - join us for an informal and informative session.

September 12, 2010 - Ingathering

Wherever you wander this summer, collect a bit of water and a story to share as part of our celebration of gathering together once again in the fall. (The water doesn't have to be drinkable.) September 12 kicks off the formal worship service year, including the Installation Ceremony of Westwood's Board celebrating our leadership for the coming year. Bring goodies to share at a potluck following the serivce.

September 19, 2010

Come share your vision of Westwood's Winter Solstice celebrations after the September 19 service.