The tension between hope and despair is always with us, as Canadian science communicator Elin Kelsey notes at the beginning of Hope Matters: Why Changing the Way We Think Is Critical to Solving the Environmental Crisis. The lyrics of They Might Be Giants’ song, Birdhouse In Your Soul, grapple with this tension, as they sing about a nightlight, friendship, birds, shipwrecks, and screaming Argonauts. Christina will explore how a metaphorical internal birdhouse, built of wonder, love, and a splash of whimsy, might help us sustain hope and pull us away from despair.
Service Leader: Christina Swindells-Nader
Service Coordinators: Octavia MacIsaac & Charlene Zelanko
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Order of Service
Centering Thought
We, too, are made of wonders, of great
and ordinary loves, of small invisible worlds,
of a need to call out through the dark.
~ Ada Limón, from In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa
Fanfare
Birdhouse In Your Soul, by They Might Be Giants (Live 4/3/1990) with Doc Severinsen and the Tonight Show Band
Centering Music
“Allegro” from Water Music, by G.F. Handel
Daniel Clark
Opening Words
Song of the Universe, by Manish Mishra-Marzetti
Charlene Zelanko
Chalice Lighting
The Imprint of Love, by Rev. Laura Horton-Ludwig
Octavia MacIsaac
Gathering Hymn
#352 Find a Stillness
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.
Joys and Concerns
Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Pastoral Hymn
#55 Dark of Winter (sung seated)
Offering
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
Canon in D by Johann Pachelbel, arr. for 4 hands by Robert Shultz
Kelvin Seifert and Daniel Clark
Reading
In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa, by Ada Limón
Christina Swindells-Nader
Meditation
musical meditation led by Octavia MacIsaac
Hymn
# 391 Voice Still and Small
Reflections
Birdhouse in Your Soul, by Christina Swindells-Nader
Closing Hymn
#108 My Life Flows on in Endless Song
Announcements
Octavia MacIsaac and others
Closing Words
Giver of being and freedom, by George Kimmich Beach
Charlene Zelanko
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
- Leader: Christina Swindells-Nader
- Coordinators: Octavia MacIsaac and Charlene Zelanko
- Music Director: Shannon Unger
- Music: Daniel Clark and Kelvin Seifert (piano)
- Coordinator Lifespan Religious Exploration (CLRE): Ana G.Castañeda A.
- Childcare Provider: Paulina Hernandez
- RE Volunteers: Amari Poppone
- Tech Team: Khalil Nader, Alexey Sokadeev
- Centering/fanfare videos: Ashlyn Noble
- This service’s ushers, greeters, and hospitality volunteers, including Maxine Hébert Malo, Janet Toews, Paula Keirstead, Michael Thiessen, Marian Siemens, 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