And the Wonder Grew

3D render of psychedelic metallic abstract mandala symmetrical shape of a fractal. The mandala has razor sharp edges with glowing blue light, and the concentric design looks a bit like a stylized eye.

In The Sense of Wonder, Rachel Carson opined, “If I had influence with the good fairy who is supposed to preside over the christening of all children, I should ask that her gift to each child in the world be a sense of wonder, so indestructible that it would last throughout life.

…” We often think of this sense of wonder as the special province of childhood, but a spirituality that is grounded in experience rather than doctrine can inspire a sense of awe and wonder throughout the lifespan. A meaningful spirituality should open our hearts and minds to the wonder that surrounds us.”

The Choir will sing.

Service Leader: Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Service Coordinator: Cate Ziegler

Welcome and Zoom Link

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Order of Service

Centering Thought

A spirituality grounded in experience rather than doctrine can inspire a sense of awe and wonder throughout our lifespan. A meaningful spirituality should open our hearts and minds to the wonder that surrounds us. ~ Rachel Carson

Choral Prelude

Jazz Alleluia, by Tom Benjamin

UU Winnipeg Choir, directed by Shannon Unger, accompanied by Daniel Clark, piano, and Jennifer Bright, clarinet

Opening Words

from Entertaining Angels, by Forrest Church

Rev. Stefan Jonasson

Chalice Lighting

Light of All Lights, by Jacob Trapp

Cate Ziegler

Gathering Hymn

#338 I Seek the Spirit of a Child

Welcome and Land Acknowledgement

Cate Ziegler

Affirmation

Love Is the Spirit

Love is the spirit of this church, the quest for truth its sacrament, and service is its law.

This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace, to seek truth in love, and to help one another to the end that all souls shall grow into harmony with life.

Joys and Concerns

Rev. Stefan Jonasson

Pastoral Hymn

#1031 Filled with Loving Kindness (sung seated)

Story Wisdom

Waiting for the Whales, by Sheryl McFarlane, illustrated by Ron Lightburn

Rev. Stefan Jonasson

Sing and Rejoice

Offering and Share the Plate Speaker

Kimi Bawa, Community Coordinator, Willow Place, introduced by Cate Ziegler

Our Share the Plate partner for January 2026 is Willow Place.

The offering will be gratefully received, during or after the service. Donation options are at this link.

Offertory

Song for a Raggy Boy, by Richard Blackford

Daniel Clark

Reading

from The Sense of Wonder, by Rachel Carson,

Meditation

led by Cate Ziegler

Anthem

Lean on Me, by Bill Withers

UU Winnipeg Choir, directed by Shannon Unger, accompanied by Daniel Clark

Sermon

And the Wonder Grew, by Rev Stefan Jonasson

Closing Hymn

#1051 We Are…

Announcements

Cate Ziegler and others

Closing Words

Heavy with Wonder, by Abraham Joshua Heschel

Rev. Stefan Jonasson

Chalice Extinguishing

Carry the Flame

Carry the flame of peace and love until we meet again (x2)
Then we shall see a world of light and a world of joy
Carry the flame of peace and love until we meet again

Gratitude

Gratitude to all who made this service happen, including

  • Leaders: Rev. Stefan Jonasson
  • Coordinator: Cate Ziegler
  • Music Director: Shannon Unger
  • Music: Daniel Clark (piano)
  • Coordinator Lifespan Religious Exploration (CLRE): Ana G.Castañeda A.
  • Childcare Provider: Paulina Hernandez
  • RE Volunteers: Amari Poppone
  • Tech Team: Arthur Burstow, Alexey Sokadeev
  • Centering/fanfare videos: Ashlyn Noble
  • This service’s ushers, greeters, and hospitality volunteers, including Claire Nimmagadda, Norm Cobb, Paula Keirstead, Michael Thiessen, Janet Toews, Kathie Beach Nelson, and others
  • Maintenance and set up: Jessica Hamm and Alejandra Nikkel
  • Music for Affirmation: P.J. Buchan
  • Chalice Sculptor & Banner Designer: Jo’Anne Kelly
  • Chalice Logo Designer: Nancy Gilbert
  • Pastoral Care: Rev Stefan Jonasson
  • Website and office support: Nathalie Waite

To contact SunServ (Sunday Services Team) with feedback or ideas for future services, please email worship@uuwinnipeg.mb.ca

Want to help on Sunday mornings? You can sign up for a hospitality setup or cleanup shift. Please contact the Volunteer Resources Committee or Norm Cobb or Jim Gardiner for other ways to help.

Please limit fragrances and scented products as much as you are able, so we may include all in our beloved community.

Please keep aisles clear, particularly for people with mobility challenges, and turn off electronic devices during the service.

Please refrain from taking photographs and making recordings during and after the service unless you have the express permission of all people involved. Thank you.

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