In this experiential workshop we will walk the labyrinth and reflect on the experience.

In addition, we will explore a “laundry list” of 18 ways in which labyrinths seem to resonate with UU theology, perspectives and outlook.

To register please contact Helen Iacovino by email.

An Introduction to Unitarian Universalism and First Unitarian:

• Explore what it means to be a Unitarian Universalist.
• Learn about our history and traditions of worship and governance.
• Examine your own spiritual journey and how it intersects with the UU tradition.
• Connect with newcomers and seasoned members alike.
• Talk with our minister and intern minister.

Lunch included; coffee and muffins at 9:15.

To register contact Diane Wagner via email.

By observing how you move, you notice unnecessary tension and improve your overall coordination and flexibility. Participants lie on the floor, (bring a mat),and are verbally guided through small, gentle incremental movements, helping to ease painful backs, necks, shoulders and chronic discomfort. Saturday, May 4, 9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Suggested Donation $5.00 or pay what you can.

Register with Margo Holland.

The Coming of Age Youth and Rev. Shawn Newton.

3 OUTSTANDING UNITARIAN WOMEN

Lynn Hughes reviews The Lives of Margaret Fuller: A Biography by John Matteson; Gerta Moray reviews Daughter of Boston: The Extraordinary Diary of a Nineteenth-century Woman, Caroline Healey Dall.

We meet in the library, usually on the first Sunday of the month, 12:15-1:30 pm (unless otherwise indicated) when two congregation members present reviews of recently accessioned books followed by an open discussion.

Suggestions for topics and books, and volunteers to review them, will be very welcome. Please contact Gerta Moray by Email.

Mahmoud Jaballah

Mr. Jaballah is an Egyptian refugee, a school teacher, who was arrested in 1998. Since that time he has been detained, subject to a Security Certificate, on claims that he has ties to terrorists. In 2007 he was released from prison, but is still under a harsh form of house arrest. His wife and children, accepted as refugees, and now Canadian citizens, have become his jailers.

In the Spirit Play Room. A light lunch will be served.

For more information click here.

Calling all Young Adults at First!

Our “Twertysomethings” are invited to meet with Rev. Shawn Newton, Doug Buck and Terry Lee to talk about the Building for the Future Task Force's work.

If you are between 20 & 39 years old, this is your chance to weigh in on the weighty decision before First, to renovate or move to a new home.

To learn more, and RSVP for the meeting, visit the facebook page for the event here.

We Agnostics is a program like Alcoholics Anonynmous in which participants are not asked to believe in anything except that recovery is possible. See WeAgnostics.com for more information.

Are you in your 20s or 30s? Then you are a Twerty-Something!

On the 2nd Friday of every month beginning at 7:30pm, join us for a Deep Sharing session and begin to build bonds.

Afterwards we head down to the pub.

Contact Lis Kean by email for more information or seek out our Facebook group.

After years of development and its debut at Toronto Fringe Festival last summer, Ladies-in-Waiting is coming as a fundraiser for First Unitarian.

Seduction, betrayal, beheadings... the wives of King Henry VIII have a few things they'd like to set straight!

Ladies-in-Waiting is a play that brings together several generations of women to explore aging, power, regrets, hindsight, and the pain of unrequited love. As Henry VIII lies dying, his six wives convene to throw his welcome to the afterlife party. This play will stimulate your brain, tug at your heartstrings, and give you something interesting to talk about!

Co-written and directed by Toronto First's very own Kate Kudelka, (NOW Magazine's "emerging artist to watch").

Find out how to ensure your wishes for medical treatment are followed. There is much more to writing an Advance Care Plan than simply filling in a form. The most important part of the planning process is to take time for reflection and discussion to ensure your Plan reflects your values, beliefs and wishes for end of life care.

Greg Robinson MD and Margo Holland, both members of First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto and dedicated members of Dying with Dignity, Canada, help you to understand all your choices in this important, interactive workshop.

Tea and coffee provided.  $10.00 or pay what you can.

All men are welcome to this discussion group.

For information contact StanYack@FirstUnitarianToronto.org

Rev. Fulgence Ndagijimana, Minister of the Unitarian Church in Burundi, with Rodrigo Solano-Quesnel and Rev. Shawn Newton.

Rev. Ndagijimana is on the executive of the International Council of Unitarians and Universalists, and has worked closely with our UU friends in Kenya, playing an important role in the spread of our faith into Africa.

He will speak during and after the service about about these topics, about the tragedy in his country and the capital city of Bujumbura, and about the power of UU congregations in Africa to be a healing force of social action and justice.

Harley died on March 21.

Those who knew him will recall the indomitable spirit of life that, in his mid-90s, kept him climbing stairs, even with a walker, in order to take part in the life of our congregation.

He will be dearly missed.

We Agnostics is a program like Alcoholics Anonynmous in which participants are not asked to believe in anything except that recovery is possible. See WeAgnostics.com for more information.

Sermon by Lori Kyle, Seminarian.

When I was growing up we lived out in the country and grew huge gardens. Like the theologies of many religions, my dad provided very concise instructions about planting, weeding and harvesting. Being a Unitarian means we're not offered precise instructions on how to plant, harvest, or use tools. Instead, we're invited to explore which seeds require what kind of planting in our sacred internal gardens. We're called to appreciate the growing seasons of our lives, to seek out what there is to unearth within ourselves, to ponder how deeply we plant which seeds that potentially bring us new life.

Like roots that draw nutrients from the earth, do our hearts leap at the opportunity to absorb the richness of many of the theological traditions that exist in the world around us?

Lori

We Agnostics is a program like Alcoholics Anonynmous in which participants are not asked to believe in anything except that recovery is possible. See WeAgnostics.com for more information.

Sacred Circle Dance

“Come, come whoever you are!” In the spirit of community we dance for hope, for healing and for fun. No dance experience necessary.

Newcomers are always welcome. Sacred Circle Dance takes place on the 4th Friday of the month from 7:30 to 9:30 pm in Shaw Hall.

Refreshments provided. Suggested donation $5.00.

For more information contact Margaret Rao at 416-658-0998 or margaretrao@rogers.com

An afternoon of conversation with parenting expert Alyson Schafer, discussing:

• parenting styles
• obedience vs. co-operation
• praise vs. encouragement
• the purpose behind a child's misbehaviour

How to raise children who are caring, capable, co-operative, curious and empowered is a noble goal. But how to do that when confronted with issues like anxiety, dawdling, lying, tantrums and other forms of protest?

Workshop leader Alyson Schafer is a psychotherapist and frequent speaker who will use experiential activities to explain a framework for parenting. Alyson provide tools tactics and solutions to implement immediately!

Register by email.

In Shaw Hall; no childcare available; light snacks will be served.

Sermon by Rev. Shawn Newton.

Please bring flowers to contribute to our communal bouquet!

Reception for the Art Show in Sunderland Hall during May, featuring the work of Joanne Mitchell.

How is your bicycle? Have you pedalled it around yet this spring?

Find out you how to keep your bikes in good condition, how to change a tire, how put the chain back on if it falls off, etc.

You can bring your own bike so you can try those techniques yourself, but if you don't have a bike or are unable to ride to the Church, this workshop will still be a great learning experience for you.

Bike Works and Cycle Toronto of Ward 22 will be here, and Toronto Cycle will provide information about safe cycling and what their organization is doing to make Toronto's streets safer to ride.

This is a free Event to help promote safe cycling.

A Unitarian Universalist Memorial Service focuses on celebrating in an individual way, the life and achievements of the person who has died. Time and again people from other denominations who attend a UU Memorial Service are impressed by its warmth and its personal nature.

Join Margo Holland and Kate Chung for this interactive workshop that helps you to create a Celebration of Life Service that reflects your own unique self.

$5.00 or pay what you can (bring a sandwich).

"Taming Capitalism Run Wild"

Bill Moyers interviews economist Richard Wolff, author of Capitalism Hits the Fan: The Global Economic Meltdown and What to Do About It , and activist Saru Jayaraman.

In Shaw Hall at 12:15 pm.

We Agnostics is a program like Alcoholics Anonynmous in which participants are not asked to believe in anything except that recovery is possible. See WeAgnostics.com for more information.