Vancouver Unitarians
Staff preview
Autumn 2026
September to November 2026, with December dates to save. Everything in one place: browse by theme here, or turn to the back for the whole season by date.
The Vancouver Unitarians are a welcoming congregation with shared values and diverse beliefs. Our campus at 49th and Oak is a safe haven for honest reflection, dedicated to spiritual growth, social justice and reverence for nature and all life. We welcome all ages, orientations, abilities and identities in our joyous search for meaning.
We gather every Sunday at 11am in the Sanctuary, and online at vanu.ca/live, to find meaning and live more deeply. Worship creates connections within, among and beyond us, calling us to our better selves. Children have a place in worship, with their own classes in the Hall after the wisdom story.
Most people start with a Sunday, a potluck or one of the groups in this guide. Every event shows who it is for and how to join, and the welcome team can point you to a good first step.
The Program Guide is published three times a year, in autumn, winter and spring. Everything listed happens on our campus at 949 West 49th Avenue unless noted otherwise.
Who each event is for
Sundays from 13 September, 11:15am
Stories, crafts and big questions for children during the Sunday service. Children join the whole congregation for the first part of the morning, then head downstairs together.
Drop in any time
Sundays from 13 September, 1:30pm
Games, food, service projects and honest conversation for teens, with our youth leaders. New faces are always welcome.
Vancouver Unitarian community
Sundays from 20 September, 12:30pm
Our celebrated lifespan sexuality education programme, taught by trained facilitators in a safe, values-grounded circle. Places are limited and parents register in advance.
Registration required
Sunday 13 September, 12:30pm
Bring a blanket and a plate to share on the lawn after Ingathering Sunday. The whole neighbourhood is welcome: this is the easiest possible first visit.
Open to the public
Mondays from 14 September, 6pm
A friendly monthly read and discussion of queer writing old and new. Newcomers welcome at any point in the book.
Open to the public
Wednesdays from 16 September, 10:30am
Conversation, tea and companionship for elders of the community, meeting weekly. Come every week or whenever the morning suits.
Drop in any time
Fridays from 18 September, 7pm
Simple, meditative dances from many traditions, taught fresh each evening. No experience or partner needed.
Drop in any time
Saturdays from 26 September, 6pm
A relaxed shared supper in Hewett Hall. Bring a dish if you can, bring yourself either way, and let us know you are coming so we set enough tables.
RSVP requested
Tuesdays from 8 September, 7pm
A small facilitated circle where each person is heard without interruption or advice. A quiet anchor in the month for many of us.
Vancouver Unitarian community
Sundays from 13 September, 12:45pm
After coffee hour, a monthly conversation about a book chosen together, from fiction to theology to the state of the world.
Vancouver Unitarian community
Mondays from 14 September, 9:30am
A gentle weekly practice combining sitting meditation with chi gong movement, suitable for every body and every level of experience.
Drop in any time
Thursdays from 24 September, 7pm
Our long-running introduction to earth-centred spiritual practice returns for an eight-week autumn series. One of the most-loved courses we run; register early.
Registration required
Saturdays from 3 October, 2pm
Two Saturday afternoon talks with invited speakers on ethics in public life, followed by discussion and refreshments.
Open to the public
Sunday 18 October, 1pm
A single-afternoon deep dive into contemplative practice, led by our minister. Bring a journal and comfortable clothes.
Registration required
Thursdays from 10 September, 7:30pm
Our choir sings most Sundays and welcomes new voices each season. Talk to the music director before your first rehearsal.
RSVP requested
Sundays from 20 September, 12:45pm
A monthly gathering centring Indigenous, Black and people of colour voices in our community, with allies alongside.
Vancouver Unitarian community
Wednesdays from 23 September, 7pm
The governing board meets monthly and community members are welcome to observe. Agendas are posted in advance.
Vancouver Unitarian community
Sundays from 4 October, 12:45pm
Climate action, zero waste and the pollinator garden: the team that keeps our environmental commitments practical. New members always wanted.
Vancouver Unitarian community
Meeting details shared on contact
Sponsorship, settlement support and friendship for newly arrived families. For the privacy of the people we work with, meeting details are shared on contact.
Contact the team to take part
Sunday 13 September, 11am
The church year begins as we pour our summers into one bowl. Bring a little water from somewhere that mattered to you this year.
Open to the public
Sunday 11 October, 11am
A service of gratitude for the harvest and for one another, with the choir in full voice and the sanctuary dressed for autumn.
Open to the public
Sunday 1 November, 4pm
A quiet candlelit evening service remembering those we have loved and lost, with music and space for every name.
Open to the public
Sunday 8 November, 11am
We mark Remembrance Day together with reflection on peace, memory and the costs of war.
Open to the public
December and the new year, at a glance. Full details in the Winter edition.
Sunday 13 December
11am · The children of the community tell the season's story their way. Reliably the best-attended Sunday of December.
Monday 21 December
7pm · An evening of fire, song and stillness for the longest night, in the earth-centred tradition.
Thursday 24 December
7pm · Carols, candlelight and the old story told gently. Arrive early; the sanctuary fills.
Sunday 3 January
11am · We open the new year by writing what we release and what we resolve, and giving both to the flame.
Every date in this guide in one list, the way it will read on the booklet's back pages. Tap a category to see just its dates.