Our seventh principle is affirming and promoting respect for the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. This applies to recognizing our interdependence with all animals and the ecology in addition to our fellow humans. We’ll be delving into the seventh principle, and taking advantage of our Zoom service to honour and bless the animals in our families. Please be ready to bring them to your screens (or your screens to them!) during this service.
Service Coordinator: Marian Siemens
Share your own candle of caring on future Sundays by emailing candles@uuwinnipeg.mb.ca before 9am Sunday morning. Be sure to let us know if you do not wish to have your candle shared with Our Caring Community Email Group.
Click here to join our service by Zoom.
All Creatures Great and Small
January 31, 2021
“What, exactly, are we doing when we invite love into our lives? Surely we know that it’s much tidier without it, when things stay at a distance. And yet: I’m sucked in every time, seduced by the possibility of an expanded heart. I hope that never changes. I hope every tiny, fuzzy, combative, ridiculous kitten asks me to open my heart just a tiny bit more. I know myself well enough: I’ll say yes.” — The Reverend Amanda Poppei
Centring
Welcome
Marian Siemens
Hymn
94 What Is This Life
Chalice Lighting
“All Animals Are Our Relatives,” The Reverend Florence Caplow
Opening Words
“The Calling of the Creatures,” The Reverend Ian W. Riddell
Affirmation
Love is the Spirit sung by First UU Winnipeg Choir
Story Wisdom
PJ Buchan
Candles of Caring
The journey of our lives has brought us this morning to this place, to be here, together. What a miracle this is to share these moments and to be nourished by each otherʼs presence. May we approach this time with gratitude and hope. So may it be.
Hymn
49 Stillness Reigns
Share the Plate Testimonial
The Reverend Meghann Robern, for the Winnipeg Humane Society
Offertory
The Lone Wild Bird, Honey Whiskey Trio
Blessing Our Animals
Andrea James, Nicole McKay, The Reverend Meghann Robern,
Hymn
203 All Creatures of the Earth and Sky
Meditation
“when your best friend has four or so legs,” The Reverend Theresa I. Soto
Homily
The Reverend Meghann Robern
Hymn
1052 The Oneness of Everything
Announcements
Marian Siemens
Benediction
“We Give Thanks For The Animals,” The Reverend Gary Kowalski
Candle & Chalice Extinguishing
Carry the Flame sung by the First UU Winnipeg Choir
Transition to Connecting & Conversation Time
Finale (from Carnival of the Animals), Camille Saint Saens
Gratitude for our staff and our lay leaders who made this service happen:
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- Leaders: Rev. Meghann Robern, Nicole McKay, Andrea James, PJ Buchan
- Coordinator: Marian Siemens, Sunday Services Team
- Tech Host: Lauren Bailey, Tech Team
- Chat Moderator: Ashlyn Noble, Tech Team
- Candles of Caring Host: Marlene Schellenberg, Pastoral Care Team
- Songleader Videos: PJ Buchan, Music Director, and the FUUW Choir; Paul Rodermond, accompanist; Josh Robern, editor