Barking to the Choir

chalice tapestry with stars and colors

All services are streamed via Zoom; connection details are below.

We will explore what Father Gregory Boyle, of Homeboy Industries, means by “the power of radical kinship” and how it can serve us as we re-imagine what our futures might be and how we can continue to work for our dreams.

Barking to the Choir

April 26, 2020

I was not aware that I had saved any lives—I remain utterly convinced that my life has been saved, repeatedly, by the homies.

Father Gregory Boyle

Centering

You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban

Welcome

Steve Lennon

Hymn of the Month

59 Almond Trees, Renewed In Bloom

Chalice Lighting

excerpt from Barking to the Choir by Father Gregory Boyle

Opening Words

excerpt from Barking to the Choir by Father Gregory Boyle

Affirmation

Love Is The Spirit, words by James Vila Blake (adapted); music by PJ Buchan

Story Wisdom

Right Now I Am Fine by Dr. Daniela Owen

Candles of Caring

Unison Words:

Each of us enters this place with different needs. Some hearts are full of gratitude and joy. May we rejoice with them. Some hearts ache with sorrow. May our presence and compassion bring them comfort. Some hearts are searching. May the knowledge that we too are searching restore their hope and give them courage. May we, in our common need, give strength to each other as we share our joys, lighten each others’ burdens, and support our caring community.

Hymn

1013 Open My Heart

Reading

excerpt from Barking to the Choir by Father Gregory Boyle

Anthem

(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher performed by Bruce Springsteen and All Star Band

Meditation

“In the Time of Physical Distancing” by Steve Lennon

Offering

Our online-only format is a morally sound response by our community to the current pandemic on our planet. This also means that we are emphasizing remote giving during our offering this morning:

  • Donations can now be sent via e-transfer/Interac to office@uuwinnipeg.mb.ca; in the note, you MUST include your name and if your donation is for the Sunday offering, your pledge, or our capital campaign.
  • You may always mail cheques to the church!
  • We are also using Canada Helps to receive online donations. Go to their website to donate in this way.

Our Share the Plate Partner for April, receiving half of the collection for the month, is Climate Change Connection.

Offertory

Something So Right performed by Annie Lennox

Sermon

Rev. Meghann Robern

Hymn

1017 Building A New Way

Announcements

Steve Lennon

  • Thinking about raising your own vegetables and fruit this year? Consider getting a rain barrel or two to water your garden. Rain barrels reduce your use of treated municipal water for watering plants outside and reduce the strain on our storm sewers during heavy rain events. Our barrels are made from re-purposed food-grade containers. Accessories are also available. Delivery is now on Friday May 29. All proceeds will be used for new refugee sponsorships to reunite a family from Burundi. Please order by May 18 at http://rainbarrel.ca/uuwinnipeg. Questions? Email FriendsofRefuge@gmail.com Thank you!
  • Zoom Connections
    • Evening Vespers, Wednesdays, 7pm. Join us for this casual mid-week service of words and music, followed by the opportunity to connect and chat with other attendees.
    • Drop-In Community Chat, Thursdays, 12:30-1:30pm. Everyone needs to eat lunch, so whether you’re still at a workplace or at home, Zoom allows for us to connect with others no matter the location. This is a drop-in conversation space with no topics and no agendas.
    • All Zoom information, including for dialling in by phone, can be found on our Zoom Connections page on our website: https://uuwinnipeg.mb.ca/connection/zoom-connections/
  • Next Sunday is MUSIC SUNDAY! The debut of our annual Music Sunday will not be stopped due to physical distancing! We will share the power of music in our lives, and feature recordings of our own congregational choir during this time when they cannot gather with us in person.

Benediction

excerpt from Barking to the Choir by Father Gregory Boyle

Chalice Extinguishing

Carry the Flame

Transition to Connecting and Conversation Time

The Power of Love by Huey Lewis and the News

Gratitude for staff and lay leaders who made this service happen:

  • Leader: Rev. Meghann Robern, Minister
  • Coordinator: Steve Lennon
  • Zoom Tech Host and Story Wisdom: Andrea James, Director of Lifespan Faith Development
  • Candles of Caring Host: Ashlyn Noble
  • Songleader Videos: PJ Buchan, Music Director; Paul Rodermond, accompanist; Josh Robern, editor
  • Zoom Chat Moderator: Carol Lindsey, Lifespan Faith Development Assistant