As Long as the Ale Lasts

Rosy berries hanging from a branch, with a snowy forest background, gently backlit by the sun through the trees in the background

It is said that Hákon the Good, king of Norway in the 10th century, decreed that his subjects should brew a measure of ale before the Yuletide and then keep the feast “as long as the ale lasts.” In this way, Yule grew from three days to a dozen. As we gather on the day of the winter solstice, we’ll explore how the darkest season gave birth to our brightest festival.

Service Leader: Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Service Coordinator: Octavia MacIsaac

Welcome and Zoom Link

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Order of Service

Centering Thought

Let us not wish away the winter. It is a season in itself, not simply the way to spring. — Greta Crosby

Fanfare

The Prince of Denmark’s March (Trumpet Voluntary) by Jeremiah Clarke

Daniel Clark, accompanying video by Ashlyn Noble

Centering Music

Christmas, Don’t Be Late, by Ross Bagdasarian, Sr., arr. by Tom Roed

Daniel Clark

Opening Words

The Season of Growing Darkness, by Rick Kelley

Octavia MacIsaac

Chalice Lighting

Green Leaves, by Eileen Karpeles

Octavia MacIsaac

Gathering Hymn

#55 Dark of Winter

Welcome and Land Acknowledgement

Octavia MacIsaac

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.

Mitten Tree

Joys and Concerns

Rev. Stefan Jonasson

Pastoral Hymn

#50 When Darkness Nears (sung seated)

Offering

Offering words Gifts That Matter by Richard S. Gilbert, read by Octavia MacIsaac

Our Share the Plate Partner for the December is Elmwood Community Resource Centre (ECRC).

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

Offertory

Solstice Carol, by Kim Baryluk of the Wyrd Sisters

Susan and Jon Cowtan and Buffy Davey

Reading

The Shortest Day, by Susan Cooper

Rev. Stefan Jonasson

Meditation

Musical meditation, led by Octavia MacIsaac

Hymn

#54 Now Light Is Less

Sermon

As Long as the Ale Lasts, by Rev. Stefan Jonasson

Closing Hymn

#1063 Winter Solstice Chant

Announcements

Octavia MacIsaac and others

Closing Words

Messengers, adapted from The Beacon Song and Service Book

Octavia MacIsaac

Chalice Extinguishing

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

  • Leader: Reverend Stefan Jonasson 
  • Coordinator: Octavia MacIsaac
  • Music Director: Shannon Unger
  • Music: Daniel Clark (piano), Octavia MacIsaac, Susan and Jon Cowtan, and Buffy Davey
  • Coordinator Lifespan Religious Exploration (CLRE): Ana G.Castañeda A.    
  • Childcare Provider: Paulina Hernandez
  • Tech Team: Arthur Burstow, Alexey Sokadeev
  • Centering/fanfare videos: Ashlyn Noble
  • This morning’s ushers, greeters, and hospitality volunteers, including Cheryl Simmonds, Janet Toews, Paula Keirstead, and Marian Siemens
  • 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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