Topic: Connections

Remembrance [hybrid]

Heather has been a member of Lakeshore for over 40 years. With war raging in Europe, her thoughts returned to her childhood days in London in the 1940s – where she sees certain parallels. Cities destroyed, people fleeing, mothers clutching their children, fathers and brothers joining the armed forces to rid their country of a pernicious enemy – led by a charismatic leader.
It never occurred to her at the time – and for many years after – that this experience had ‘affected’ her in any way – but of course it did. She will talk about children caught up in war. 

We Will Build This World From Love

Belonging can be thought of as a “longing to be.” Being is our capacity to find our deeper purpose in all that we do. It is the capacity to be present, and to discover our authentic, whole selves. This is both an individual capacity, and a community capacity. Community is the container within which our “longing to be” is fulfilled. Come join Rabbi Sherril Gilbert as she returns to share stories, insights, and reflections on what it might mean to build a community that warmly welcomes and deeply values belonging and inclusion.

Empire of Wheat: 1887-1939 [hybrid]

Nicholas Tošaj (Ph.D. Toronto) is a professor of history at John Abbott College and an active participant in the Oxford Symposium of Food and Gastronomy. 
He will explore the history of bread and staple carbohydrates; its cultural importance in shaping the modern French colonial empire of France, colonial Morocco and French Indochina. He will address themes as varied as colonization, technology and cultural exchange, which provide insight into how dietary habits have shaped the modern world.

Deeply Caring Love [Zoom only]

Clifford Lincoln writes: As we gather in peace to celebrate love for one another and understanding among all peoples, we cannot but turn our thoughts towards those countless innocent fellow human-beings who, at this very hour, are the victims of the indescribable savagery and senseless brutality of war. And I could not help thinking of an episode in my own life’s experience involving Russia in another autocratic era of oppression and cruelty, and a remarkable Russian citizen, Vera Parnes, who defying the injustice of an all-powerful regime, became a living symbol of freedom and liberty for oppressed peoples.

Becoming an Opera singer, or The Highs and the Lows

Meet Claire de Sévigny Sunday April 3rd, who will discuss her passion for opera and performing. She will share the highs and lows from her career thus far. She will discuss the trials, tribulations and realities for a singer on the road, and the struggles that live arts workers have faced during the pandemic. Claire will speak to the importance of live music and its essential need in everyday life!

What the World Needs Now – A Larger Love

One feature of pandemic time is our continually shifting social landscape. Activities, events, appointments and gatherings are cancelled and endlessly rescheduled; schools and businesses close and reopen repeatedly. It used to be the snowy weather.
For one constant in today’s world, we need look no further than the timeless theme of love. Call it Universalism writ large — together let’s re-imagine what love looks like in our time.

Celebrations

The children and youth are working hard to put together this December holiday themed service. They will share what they have learned about Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Christmas and there will be poetry reading and singing!

This service is for ALL ages. We hope everyone will come out to support our children and youth, in person or virtually. We are looking forward to a great end to the 2021 year!

Honouring Women

Jeannie Jane of Saturviit, a non-profit organization created 15 years ago to represent the voice of Inuit women from Nunavik at all levels of government. Jeannie will speak on the successes and concerns of Inuit women. 
We will also recognize the 31st anniversary of the Polytechnique massacre and light candles in memory of those who lost their lives as well as for missing and murdered women across Canada.

Celebrating Indigenous Voices

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JoAnne Fishburn, producer, and Julianna Peter-Paul, Mi’kmaq podcaster, present INDIGENOUS 150+, a film and conversation series dedicated to putting Indigenous voices centre stage, which led to a podcast and leadership training initiative for Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth.

Helping Others

Chad is a Mohawk of Kahnawake, working at Aboriginal Initiatives in conjunction with Corrections Canada as an Assistant Elder and Cultural Facilitator. In his spare time, he is a volunteer fire fighter and first responder, as well as a Pow-wow drum carrier, drummer and singer. In his words, “I try to live my life as a positive role model and inspiration to others.” He was dealt a deck of cards that included many challenges … He says: I would not change them if I could. I accept these, because they are a part of me, just like my left arm, or foot are. They have allowed me the opportunity to grow, test myself and through the knowledge and experience gained – HELP OTHERS.