Welcome

Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship (LUF) is an inclusive spiritual community promoting a compassionate, just, and sustainable world. We are a member congregation of the Canadian Unitarian Council whose vision “envisions a world in which our interdependence calls us to love and justice.” With a foundation of seven principles and six sources, we aspire to be deeply connected, radically inclusive, actively engaged, theologically alive, and spiritually grounded.

We invite you to attend services, ask questions, learn about Unitarian Universalism (UU), and see whether we offer a community space that can be meaningful to you. In our lay-led congregation each of our services is different, so don’t rely on one service to determine who we are. Once a month we host our part-time UU minister who provides continuity throughout the year, at least until the end of 2019. Many of our members and friends will be glad to talk with you about Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship and Unitarian Universalism, though each person you talk with will likely have a different perspective. Our members may include Theists, Atheists, Humanists, Buddhists, Pagans, Christians, Jews, Moslems, etcetera, and others who may avoid any label at all.

Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship is an open, tolerant and welcoming home for those seeking a spiritual community in which to grow and explore. Sunday Services are an important part of our lives here, but our involvement in activities apart from these services form an essential part of life at LUF. There are many opportunities to join like minded people in activities of learning, social action, church leadership, Adult Religious Education, child and youth programs, and even the humble committees that glue us all together. 

About Our Services

We at the Lakehead Unitarian Fellowship (LUF) believe in the celebration of a variety of religious and philosophical ideas from different cultures. We believe in the never-ending search for truth and encourage individuals to develop their own personal theology.

Shared ministry is how we serve our congregation and the broader community, individually and together. Everyone brings unique gifts to contribute. It happens when newcomers, as well as longtime members, bring questions and they discover that others have those questions as well. It happens when we recognize that each of us in our way supports and nurtures those close to us in community. 

As we at LUF move forward after 65 years, shared ministry is important. We involve active member participation along with visiting ministers to help us move along the path of shared ministry, working together to enhance our spiritual exploration, and encouraging us to be the best we can be.  Our Services may vary depending on the theme and speaker; however, there are a few elements that remain constant.

What is expected of visitors?  We hope that you feel welcome and can take away something that encourages you to be the best you can be.  At no time are you required to participate in any way; although you are welcome to participate as you feel comfortable, for example, feel free to join us in the lighting of Candles.

Our Chalice:  The flaming Chalice is a symbol shared by Unitarian Universalists of hope, the sacred, the quest for truth, the warmth of community, the light of reason, and more.  We light a flaming chalice in our service to create a reverent space for reflection, prayer, meditation, and song.   The Lighting of the Chalice is one of the first elements of our Service 

Candles of Joy, Sorrow and Gratitude:  The lighting of candles is a ritual that binds us together each week; intended to name and honour something deeper, calling us to briefly share a bit of our hearts.  If you choose to participate, you may be as brief as “I would like to have a candle of Joy lit”  or you might clarify your candle with more information such as  “… for a birth in my family.” 

A Time of Reflection:  A few minutes may be spent in silent reflection.

Readings:  A reading or two may be selected that reflects the theme of the morning.  This reading may be a poem or story from the spiritual teachings of Jewish, Christian, Humanist, Indigenous, Buddhist, and / or Earth-centered traditions, to name a few.  

Music:  We have two hymn books of Unitarian Universalist songs.  You may or may not hear from these texts depending on the music selected by the Service Leader and Speaker.  Our goal is to select music that speaks to us in different ways on the topic of the day.  Words will be available on the screen.

Offering:  As a guest, we welcome you to our spiritual home.  You are not required to make a donation, although every bit helps to keep us going and all is tax receiptable.  

Movement and other elements:  At various times, participants may be invited to join in sacred movement– as you are so moved to in body or spirit or,  join in sharing circles, where you may listen or speak or not.   Service Leaders are encouraged to use their creativity to enhance their topic and message with the needs of the spiritual community in mind.

Join us for coffee and conversation after service in the downstairs hall.

How to Find Us

Our services are held at Unitartian Place (former St. Volodymyr’s Church) located at 1502 Mountdale Ave. on the corner of Frederica St. in Westfort, Thunder Bay.