SEA does an annual litter pickup on Highway 2 just north of the airport turnoff. We do the east side of the highway, all the way up to the next turnoff, about 3.2 kilometres.
This year, we are meeting at 11:00 am Sunday, September 12, 2010.
We plan to spend about 4 hours
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
7:00 – 11:00pm
The Billiards Club
That’s right! Summer is upon us and so we just decided to make this one a free-for-all. If you happen to have a topic that you would like to bring along and moderate, feel free. If you’d just like to come and chat to people about how you came to atheism, what atheism is, or how to best discuss things with family, friends, and co-workers, we’re up for that too.
As usual, the discussions will continue at the downtown Elephant & Castle pub once we leave the library.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
7-11pm
The Billiards Club
10505 82 Ave
Religions are powerful institutions in society; so, too, are the military, especially the enormous US military might. Of concern over the past several years is that role that religion, especially the right-wing evangelical faith, plays within the US military. What is the proper role of religion in the military? Does a pro-Christian culture permeate the armed forces? Is the experience different in the Canadian Forces, or do we have similar concerns?
Also, the old canard “There are no atheists in foxholes.” continues to circulate in the public consciousness, despite the clear tradition and fine examples of freethinkers in both the US and Canadian military who nobly serve their countries while being true to their own beliefs. Our own resident foxhole-dweller, Paul Welke, will shatter this myth, and provide comment and insight on his experience within the Canadian Armed Forces.
One group, founded by Michael L. “Mikey” Weinstein in 2005 to address the growing concern of religion in the military, is the Military Religious Freedom Foundation . The MRFF also maintains a blog. Another such group is the Military Association of Atheists and Freethinkers , which among other issues advocates for secular counselling for the ranks to access, a role traditionally filled only by the military chaplain. The financial support for such a chaplain in under constitutional scrutiny in the US for potentially violating the doctrine of separation of church and state, and this doctrine may be a way to stem the tide of undue influence on American military power in the future.
Join us for a round table discussion on these issues and more at the Edmonton Public Library, one of our monthly series of subjects intended to provide for thoughtful discussions among our members and the public. All are welcome to attend.
We look forward to seeing you and hearing your voice!
The 2010 Solstice Party went as well as we’d hoped, with 28 adults and 5 children making appearances. We had tons of food and great weather…and then we had torrential rain. Some of the party moved on to hang out and play games at the house of a SEA member, and a few determined souls stuck around until the sun came out again and their hamburgers were finished cooking.
This was our largest Solstice Party to date, and we hope they keep getting larger!
Some Damp Atheists
Here are some photos from yesterday’s parade. Thanks to long time SEA member Bill Burris for these. Check out his other photos on Flickr.
Pens and t-shirts for sale
Flying Spaghetti Monster
The FSM and SEA banner
SEA table after the parade
Thank you to everyone who came out to help or stopped by our table at Edmonton’s Gay Pride Parade today. It was a roaring success!
Our pirate-costumed group, including a significant and wonderfully costumed UAAA contingent, marched down Jasper Ave. with our Flying Spaghetti Monster (more photos coming soon). More than one spectator requested a touch from His noodly appendages during the parade, and we received plenty of cheers.
Afterward, at the table in Churchill Square, we had many, many people stop by to say that they were glad to see us there, exclaim over the FSM, and generally make the day a whole lot of fun. Thank you also to everyone who purchased a SEA membership, t-shirt, pen, or just donated some change. We couldn’t afford these events without you.
For anyone sad that they missed us, you can still come out to the Summer Solstice picnic next weekend!
On Saturday, June 12 the Society of Edmonton Atheists is participating in the Gay Pride Parade. Assembling for the parade will take place just south of Jasper Avenue on 108 Street at 12:30pm. The parade starts at 1:00 pm.
After the parade is over, SEA has a coveted booth on Churchill Square. We will need volunteers to man the booth until 7:00 pm. The booth will be next to the pool in front of City Hall.
We’ve booked a park this year, so we’ll be able to throw a Frisbee around. All are welcome. This is intended to be an all ages event.
This is a potluck. There are small wood-burning BBQs on site. We’ll also have a Coleman stove. We also recommend bringing your own lawn chairs or picnic blankets as picnic table space may be limited. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on city parkland, so this is a dry event.
Summer Solstice Party
Saturday, 19 June 2010 at 16:30
Emily Murphy Park Edmonton, AB
RSVP HERE!