Registration is Now Open

Registration is now open for Earthsong 2026. You must fill out a registration form if you wish to attend.

What is Earthsong, you ask? Read on for all the details.

JOIN US FOR EARTHSONG 2026: July 13 to July 17

Whether you are a seasoned singer or new to singing there is a place for you in Earthsong.

Build connections with Earth and other people as we lift our voices in song and explore movement, community and spiritual practices which will encourage creative expressions of gratitude, lament and hope for Creation. Making time for joy is a practical way to heal ourselves and heal Earth.

All you need is a desire to sing and love for Earth. NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED.

Download a 11×17 inch pdf version of the Earthsong poster for printing.

Download a single Earthsong handbill for printing.

Download a sheet of six Earthsong handbills for printing.

Promotional Video

Jeremy Vallance has created a video describing what Earthsong is about. Check it out and share it with your friends.

WHAT WE WILL DO

Intentionally create community

We will get to know one another and include space for storytelling and expressing our emotions. We will strive for a safe and supported time to be with others who share similar commitments about singing and respecting Earth. We hope to envision connections beyond the week to sustain the community we experience.

Be attentive to our bodies

Stretching and breathing will be the start to each day. Our bodies are our instrument and sound their best when tuned up before playing. Movements will be simple and alternatives for differing abilities will be provided.

Root ourselves in reflection

Drawing on the wisdom of many traditions we will set our intentions and deepen our spiritual connections. There will be some time to explore creative options such as art, writing, walking, and prayer.

Play!

Body percussion, rhythm training, boomwacking, dancing, laughing, laughing, laughing.

Touch the Earth

We will have time to move out of the building to connect with creation.

And most of all we will Sing! Sing! Sing!

There will be singing throughout the day: songs that connect us with gratitude to the beauty of our earthly home, songs that touch the heart and move the soul, fun and silly songs. Some of the music will be taught by ear, some will have scores to follow.

We will gain a better understanding of ways we can use our singing voice to express ourselves! The human voice is capable of doing AMAZING things! Human voices brought together in ensemble are DIVINE! And contrary to what a lot of us have been taught to believe, everyone can learn to sing.

Payment

We wish we could provide Earthsong for free, but we can’t. We have an early-bird rate of $300 per person if you pay by May 14. After May 14 you must pay $350 per person. You can pay by e-transfer or cheque.

e-Transfer

Please send the e-Transfer to ucm@ucim.org and put “Earthsong” in the message.

Cheque

Please make your cheque payable to “United Church in Meadowood” and include “Earthsong” in the memo. You can send it to us by delivering it in person from Monday to Friday during 9:00 am to 5:00 pm or mailing it to us. In either case our address is 1111 Dakota Street, Winnipeg MB, R2N 3T7

Leadership

Jeremy Vallance will lead the singing

Jeremy Vallance

Director/Teacher, Clarinet, Voice, Piano, B.Mus., B.Ed. University of Manitoba 1991

Jeremy loves leading people, and it shows. Building community, creating connections and helping people overcome their inhibitions to discover the joys of self-expression have been at the heart of every project in which Jeremy’s been involved. He has delighted audiences, choristers and students with his humor, high energy and enthusiasm for singing, along with his passion for making music accessible, inclusive and fun. His approach lifts people, inspiring plenty of laughter as he skillfully helps choristers reach their collective goals.

When we learn to open up and not let our fears or those of others shut us down, we feel more alive, more energized and more connected to everyone around us as we share the joy within. In Winnipeg, Vancouver and Ottawa, Jeremy has led community choirs, drop-in singing events, music retreats, tours, workshops and camps, and has worked as a public school teacher, a television reporter, producer and director, and as an entrepreneur with his own music school. Jeremy is currently the Music Director at UCiM.

Planning Team

Joining Jeremy in the planning of the week are Karen Tjaden, Lynda Trono and Cassandra Lanyon. They are experienced educators, skilled at facilitating the integration of thought, heart and action. Singing is one way they practice their commitment to right relationship with all of God’s creation.

This year we have two new members in the Planning Team: Cathy Taylor and Andrea Hurst. They are longtime members of UCiM.

Karen Tjaden

Karen Tjaden is a diaconal minister living in rural Manitoba, with decades of experience in community ministry and a passion for climate justice. She has provided leadership for “Wild Church”, a worldwide movement exploring spiritual practices outdoors. She enjoys singing, gardening, camping, kayaking, skiing, and spending as much time outdoors as possible. Karen is committed to encouraging and equipping people for life giving service that doesn’t cost the earth or individuals but rather builds creative, regenerative, sustainable and thriving communities!

Lynda Trono

Lynda Trono is a Winnipeg Grandma (and a Raging Granny) who is devoting much of her retirement time and energy to climate activism. Singing is part of that activism! As a diaconal minister in the United Church, she has had many years of working in community and facilitating groups.

Cassandra Lanyon

Cassandra Lanyon is an enthusiastic and dedicated UCIM choir member with a deep passion for singing. With a degree in visual arts, she worked as a graphic designer before venturing into entrepreneurship, owning and managing businesses. After over a decade as a real estate agent, she transitioned into the financial sector, where she gained valuable experience in business supervision. Her final role as a communication manager allowed her to utilize her expertise in leadership and collaboration. Having led and worked with diverse teams throughout her professional career, she brings a wealth of experience fostering connections and strong leadership. Now retired, she is eager to share her love for music. She uses her talents to inspire and unite others through singing and positively impacting the community through her passion for music.

Cathy Taylor

Cathy Taylor is a longtime UCiM member that has served on several committees over the years. She worked over 30 years in the travel industry. Retiring early, she was able to devote more time to her family, especially her much loved grandchildren. An avid recycler and composter she strives to make a difference. Cathy has a deep appreciation for music from baroque to rock and almost everything in between. Music has been a part of her life from a young age.

Andrea Hurst

Andrea has been part of UCiM since 1988 when she joined the choir. She worked for 19 years as Office Administrator for UCiM. She has four grandchildren and enjoys watching their games and spending time with them. Andrea loved participating in Earthsong last year and is looking forward to another enriching fulfilling year this year. Andrea loves sitting on her deck listening to the birds and looking at her garden.