Principles of Unitarianism
As Unitarian Universalists we covenant to affirm and promote:
- The inherent worth and dignity of every person;
- Justice, equity, and compassion in human relations;
- Acceptance of one another and encouragement to spiritual growth in our congregations;
- A free and responsible search for truth and meaning;
- The right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large;
- The goal of world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all;
- Respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part;
- Individual and communal action that accountably dismantles racism and systemic barriers to full inclusion in ourselves and our institutions.
Our Covenant
Love is our doctrine,
The quest for truth is our sacrament
And service is our prayer.
To dwell together in peace,
To seek knowledge in freedom,
To serve life,
To the end that all souls shall grow into harmony with the divine.
Thus do we covenant with each other and with all.
Letter from Our Board Co-Chairs, Tanya Cothran and Chris Lee
Regardless of the challenges we faced this year, FirstU has once again navigated them with grace, commitment, and kindness. It has been our pleasure to serve you with the new co-chair shared leadership model.
We extend our gratitude to the 2024-2025 Board of Directors: Rich Bailey, Peter Brydon, Jill Caskey, Helen Iacovino, Nacia Miller, Owen Smith, and Brigit Swenson. The board revised seven policies to ensure they align with our values, practices, and current laws, and we had some fun along the way!
In collaboration with the Financial Sustainability Committee, we successfully worked our way back to solid financial ground through truly generous support from our members and other friendly sources.
While waiting to complete our building renovations, we adapted by holding services in several different locations, hosting several joint services with Neighbourhood UU Congregation, and experimenting with afternoon services.
Finally, we share a special thanks to Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kūpono Kwong, who joined us as interim lead minister this year. Moving to a new country and serving a congregation without a regular home or consistent in-person services is no easy task. We’ve appreciated RevJ’s willingness to embrace the situation, share their gifts, and care for our community and remind us of our shared spiritual work to increase the sum total of love and justice in this world. We wish them all the best in their next endeavours.
Turning to next year, we’re pleased to welcome Rev. Linda Thomson and Rev. Victoria Ingram to minister to us as we search for our next settled minister.
Letter from Our Interim Minister, Rev. Dr. Jonipher Kwong
Our short time together began with a warm Canadian welcome by self-organized “Neighbourhood Explorations” throughout Toronto all the way to Unicamp. We also found creative ways of meeting in person, including renting space from NIA and Neighbourhood (holding joint services), game nights, and “spirited conversations” on Halloween. A special shout out to our faithful virtual attendees as well!
I also had an opportunity to connect with ministers serving other UU congregations in the GTA as well as your previous ministers. I even attended anniversary celebrations for three congregations FirstU helped seed: Mississauga (70th), Neighbourhood (25th) and Don Heights (70th).
Finally, I would like to acknowledge the fabulous Transition Task Force, who guided the Mission Statement refresh process and prioritized interim tasks that will be continued next year and beyond. We also worked together with the Building Connection Oakwood Vaughan team in leading anti-racism training to key leaders in the congregation.
Our New Home
Members of the Real Estate Task Force (“THE FRET”): Karen Dunk-Green (Chair), Richard Kirsh, Craig Mahood, Beth Ann McFadden, David Priebe, Loo Russell, Greg Suttor
This summer, the congregation will celebrate the culmination of twenty years of discernment, decision-making, planning, and implementation work to bring FirstU into its new home at 473 Oakwood.
We did it! – and we did it together.
- More than a dozen committees, advisory groups, task forces and working teams contributed their time and wisdom and hands-on work
- Nearly 200 donors contributed a total of over $2.2MM to our Capital Campaign
- Nearly 100 skilled tradespeople and professionals contributed their expertise and labour to renovate 473 Oakwood Avenue
- More than 200 members and friends attended dozens of congregational meetings to ask questions, make suggestions, and reach decisions
- Countless hours were spent and countless difficult choices were made about the final design for a building that is in many ways more accessible, more environmentally sustainable, more functional, and more appealing to renters, than our previous building.
A Thousand “Thank You’s” to Everyone!
Programs and Initiatives
Building Connections with Oakwood-Vaughan Committee
Members: Sue Berlove, Judy Clarke, Catherine Lake (Chair), Karen MacDuffee, Nacia Miller, Lynda Robson, and Gilbert Salgado.
Throughout the past year and with RevJ’s guidance, the Building Connections with Oakwood-Vaughan Committee (BCOV) worked through CUC, UUA, and other resources and programs that explain white supremacy culture and help us understand how and where it shows up. Learning about white supremacy/colonial mind characteristics can be uncomfortable and we’ve challenged one another to stay open and to focus on positive transformation as we live into our shared 8th Principle.
Our goal is to prepare FirstU to interact effectively in the community and to inspire and model a welcoming and accessible place of worship, connection, and community at 473 Oakwood.
Even without a physical home this past year, BCOV continued to represent the FirstU community in our new neighbourhood by regularly attending community meetings, volunteering for events, and nurturing new connections in the Oakwood/Vaughan area. We’ve also provided information to congregants on community events and opportunities through regular First Light announcements. We want people to get to know our new amazing neighbourhood!
Lifespan Religious Education
Angela Klassen, Director of Lifespan Religious Education
As we navigated another year of transition, one constant remained: our steadfast commitment to living into the 8th UU Principle. Through our Lifespan Religious Education programs, we continued to build the Beloved Community—a place where all are truly welcome.
While in-person gatherings were limited this year, our children’s program offered a warm and inclusive welcome to children and youth, from nursery through the Coming of Age program for teens. Each child was met with care and supported by skilled leaders who honored their unique learning styles.
Our Time for All Ages stories during worship were selected to highlight diverse authors, characters, cultures, and themes.
Our adult learning community explored both practical and philosophical aspects of end-of-life in Date with Death Part II, in which we continued our reflective “margin and center” practice, asking questions like “Who’s missing here, and why?” and “How would the quality of our learning have changed if they had been present?” Participants also had the opportunity to receive small group coaching on Advance Care Plans with Dr. Barbara Bresver.
We offer heartfelt thanks to the leaders of our affinity groups, who help sustain our connections, and to the approximately 110 members and facilitators across 13 Journey Groups. Special appreciation also goes to the team behind The Journey, our monthly publication. This year’s themes included invitation, healing, power, and activism.
As we look ahead with excitement to our new home and the opportunities it brings, we extend our deep gratitude to the staff, leaders, volunteers, and members whose unwavering commitment, resilience, and grace have carried us through.
Music Program
Dallas Bergen, Director of Congregational Music
This past congregational year has been one of transition, resilience, and quiet beauty. Even without a building to call our own, music has remained a steady presence—offering comfort, continuity, and moments of wonder amid change.
We began the year with a moving Water Communion service at Nia Centre for the Arts—our first with RevJ—where music brought vitality to a new congregational chapter and helped anchor our sense of shared ritual and sacred space. Later, gathering for in-person services at Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist Congregation brought renewed joy—especially the gift of singing together again, in a sanctuary with a beautiful aesthetic and acoustic.
Our music program has remained active and grounded. While its scope was naturally reduced during this transitional period, participation stayed strong, with ~25 dedicated choir members. St. Matthew’s United has served as a great rehearsal location—but we are ready to be ‘home’.
We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have four remarkable pianists: Adam Sakiyama, and guests Gregory Oh, Susanne Maziarz (also as Music Director), and Chris Tsujiuchi. Each brings unique skill and intention. (Did you notice ‘Big Yellow Taxi’ after parking lots were referenced in the service? Thank you, Adam!)
Highlights included Gaby Byrnes’ stunning performance of This Woman’s Work, and O Eternal Beauty with Karen Dunk-Green on Earth/Easter Sunday.
Gratitude to John Cummings (music library), Adele Massena (organization!), and Mary Anne Roche (St. Matt’s rental—huge win!).
As we look ahead, excitement builds. We’re ready to expand and evolve—through soul-touching music rooted in love.
Spiritual Care Team
Angela Klassen, Director of Lifespan Religious Education
First Unitarian’s Spiritual Care Team (SCT) provides confidential support for members and friends of the congregation during times of transition, discernment, loss and varied life passages. The SCT extends the care provided by our minister and was supervised by Rev. J as approximately 35 people received direct, one-on-one care this year.
Our team welcomes members and friends who may benefit from one-time support or a series of three to five meetings, whether in person, by phone, zoom, email or text.
Certified through the Unitarian Universalist Association’s (UUA) Lay Spiritual Care training program, each team member’s background is also checked.
Team members this year were Donald Cole, Tanya Cothran, Jane Larimer and Barb Wentworth. We also extend our deep gratitude to Yvonne Raaflaub whose service concluded in the 2024-5 year.
On behalf of the congregation and as a colleague serving on the team, thank you to the Spiritual Care Team for the commitment each member offers to ongoing education, and to the quiet, powerful ministry of deep listening.
Transition Task Force
Members: Wendy Dines, Kalvin Drake, Karen Dunk-Green (Chair), Sandy Henbest, Stephanie Hodnett
The Transition Task Force (TTF) supports RevJ as interim minister and facilitates congregational discernment during ministerial transition.
We organized a series of Neighbourhood walks to introduce RevJ to Toronto and our members and friends. In monthly meetings, we provide perspective and history to RevJ, and we consider if FirstU’s operations, policies and structure could benefit from a fresh approach.
We prioritized working on FirstU’s Mission Statement, taking a fresh look at our purpose before we enter our new community and meet neighbours at 473 Oakwood.
FirstU is in transition from many changes beyond ministerial staff; the congregation, our volunteers, leaders and staff, are already working hard to re-stabilize in our new home. TTF chose not to introduce more new initiatives until next year when we will discuss the TTF mandate and priorities with Rev Linda.
Amnesty International Group 142
Chairperson: Ted Wood
Amnesty Group 142 campaigns to stop and prevent human rights abuses with our primary focus on the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
The UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) calls on all states to honour treaties and agreements with Indigenous Peoples, to protect Indigenous languages and cultures, and to uphold Indigenous Peoples’ rights to lands, territories, and resources. We support Indigenous peoples standing up for their rights in the face of widespread violence and oppression.
In addition to Indigenous rights, in the last year we have called for a ceasefire in Israel and the Palestinian Territories, and we supported the rights of refugees and migrant workers, women’s rights, 2SLGBTQQIA+ communities, and environmental and human rights defenders.
On Sunday, December 8, 2024, we celebrated International Human Rights Day focusing on Freedom of Expression and participating in Amnesty’s annual Write for Rights campaign and held a special collection for Amnesty International.
We have been posting actions and news in First Light. Our group meets virtually once a month to plan activities. We look forward to moving into our new building when we can once again hold letter signing after Sunday services.
We are thankful for the ongoing support of the congregation for the extremely important human rights work of Amnesty International.
Green Sanctuary Group
Members: Gwen Harris, Linda Heron, Marg Wiebe
Activities included:
- Participated, along with the RWG and other members of the congregation, in the annual River Run march for justice for Grassy Narrows First Nation. (Sept. 2024)
- Organized a three-session online course, From Climate Distress to Hope, facilitated by Patricia Lane, lawyer and climate activist from B.C., including one session on how to talk to children and youth about climate change. A follow-up survey indicated a positive response. (Feb. 2025)
- Participated in planning our annual Earth Day service with guest speaker Professor Stephen Scharper, and chose the Greenbelt Foundation as recipient of our Earth Day special offering.
- Consulted with and received support from the board and worship team, resulting in more mention of nature and the climate crisis in our worship services.
Future plans include:
- Show film: The Magnitude of All Things
- Lunch and Learn potluck conversations
- Meet with SCAN (Seniors for Climate Action Now) members of Oakwood-Vaughn community.
Reconciliation Working Group
Members: Judy Clarke, Doug Buck, Maya Ferguson Klinowski, Lynda Robson, Gilbert Salgado (co-facilitator), Melanie Willson, Wendy Youens (co-facilitator)
Our WHY is to inform and inspire congregants to take actions towards reconciliation and right relations with the Indigenous Peoples in Canada motivated by the eight principles of Canadian Unitarian Universalism and FirstU’s covenant. We are all Treaty People.
This year we were pleased to:
- walk in solidarity for Justice for Grassy Narrows First Nations with members from the Amnesty Group, Christie Gardens and the Green Team
- attend Indigenous theatre / musical events
- be a multi-generational team at the MMIWG2ST Feb. 14th “20th Year Strawberry Ceremony”
- welcome Patti Pettigrew of Thunder Woman Healing Lodge Society in conversation with RevJ and Maya
- fundraise to support Patti’s vision to transform 209 Carlton Street to provide healing programs and housing for Indigenous women who have been in conflict with the law
- create a new “WHY, HOW and WHAT” for RWG
- update the Truth before Reconciliation: Indigenous Learning Resources.
Refugee Sponsorship and Settlement Program (RSSP)
Steering Committee: Merrilee Brand, Richard Kirsh, Sue Meggs, Wendy Peebles, Margaret Postlethwaite, Beth van der Weerd
Private refugee sponsorship is a legal commitment made to Canadian Immigration to provide twelve months of financial/settlement support to refugee newcomers. FirstU supports congregation sponsorships and co-sponsorships.
2024-2025 has been joyous and busy! 5 arrivals!
We were thrilled to welcome an Afghan man in February in a sponsorship supported by twenty active volunteers and by the FirstU community who provided funding and household donations to set up his first home in Canada.
Co-sponsored newcomers were welcomed:
- Eritrean brother joined his sister, November 2024
- Syrian cousin joined his cousins, November 2024
- Syrian mother and daughter joined family, April 2025
Families are eagerly awaiting 2026 arrivals of loved ones:
- Syrian family of 3
- Syrian family of 6 (congregation sponsorship)
In process:
- Syrian family of 4
- 2 Afghan sisters
- 1 Afghan woman
In addition to direct sponsorship work, RSSP led inspiring services about our work at First U and Don Heights Unitarian Congregation. Contact the group at: RSSP@nullfirstunitariantoronto.org
Team Generosity
Stephanie Hodnett, Chair
Team Generosity has completed its annual pledge campaign to fund our operating budget for 2025/26. While final numbers are not yet available, we can report on general trends and progress to date. We have received pledges from 161 households, totalling $331,000. Although our pledges have declined in recent years due to not having a permanent home and regular in-person services, I am pleased to report that the average pledge has risen from $1,950 to $2,054, a growth of 5 percent.
We are deeply grateful to the many people who sustain the life of our congregation with their generous donations. Special thanks to our volunteers, including Mo MacMahon, John Cummings, Robin Dever, Winnie McDonagh, Kathleen O’Hara and Jill Caskey.
Financial Sustainability Committee
Members: Karen Dunk-Green (Chair), Bill Dunk-Green (Finance Coordinator), Michael Sims (Treasurer), Greg Suttor (FRET Finances)
The purpose of the Financial Sustainability Committee (FSC) is to support FirstU’s financial sustainability by examining current/forecasted financial health and recommending strategies and tactics to support financial well-being
Financial Sustainability means:
- sufficient cash on hand and/or liquidity in investments to pay bills
- capacity to collect revenue through various means
- reasonable forecast of solvency for 2-5 years
- ideally, sufficient investments held to address emergencies or shortfalls
The FSC advised the Board regarding a projected cash flow shortage in 2025. Supported by a congregational vote to obtain credit up to $1MM, FirstU secured $300k from a City of Toronto eco-retrofit loan, a temporary bridge loan from the Unitarian Fellowship of North West Toronto, and over $200k in promissory note loans from our largest donors.
The next few years will be a time of rebuilding our financial reserves. We can achieve this by maximizing rental income, working on membership growth, and inspiring higher donations.
A Note of Gratitude from the Board of Directors
FirstU depends on the generosity and goodwill of members and friends for the delivery of our programs and services. We gratefully acknowledge the rich contribution of all our working groups and committees to the life of the Congregation. Detailed information on their initiatives and ways to get involved can be found on our website.
A deep and heartfelt thanks to the volunteer finance and investment teams, who provide dedicated and expert service to the Board and Congregation throughout the year: Michael Sims, Treasurer; Garrett MacLean, Chair, Funds Management Committee; Bill Dunk-Green, Financial Coordinator; Winnie McDonagh, Payments Coordinator; and Mo MacMahon, Donations Coordinator.
A special shout-out this year to Mo MacMahon for managing all the technical elements of moving our email and filing system to Google Workspace for Nonprofits software. Without Mo’s commitment and technical expertise, this modernization of our administrative processes would not have been possible.
To our many donors, we extend our deepest appreciation for your belief in the power of community to build greater love and justice in the world.
To members of the Unitarian network, including the Canadian Unitarian Council and the Unitarian Universalist Association, your steadfast friendship and encouragement is invaluable. We are deeply grateful to St. Matthew’s United Church for being kind and generous hosts during our three-year interim stay.
And, finally, to our staff – Rev. Jonipher Kwong, Dallas Bergen, Angela Klassen, Mary Anne Roche – our thanks for staying the course on the way to 473 Oakwood Avenue.