Bold and Embodied

Photo of green graffiti on a yellow-tinged wall, reading RESPECT EXISTENCE OR EXPECT RESISTANCE
Respect existence or expect resistance by George Kourounis

“Practice corporeal politics,” advises Timothy Snyder in his book On Tyranny. “Make
new friends and march with them.” Instead of passively watching in horror, we must
work together to resist the authoritarianism that masquerades as populism. As Unitarian theologian James Luther Adams proclaimed, “we deny the immaculate conception of virtue and affirm the necessity of social incarnation,” and so organize and show up to make a difference. As we mark the 200th anniversary of the founding of Unitarian denominational associations in both Britain and the United States, while preparing to march in next week’s Pride Parade, we will reflect on the importance of embodied faith, embodied resistance, and embodied community.

Service Leader: Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Service Coordinator: Jill Moats

Welcome and Zoom Link

Thank you for joining us this morning! If you’re visiting today, please fill out this Visitor Form so we can help you feel connected to our community.

Connect to the service with Zoom. Learn more about Zoom connections here.

Order of Service

Centering Thought

Power wants your body softening in your chair and your emotions dissipating on a screen… Get outside. Put your body in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar people. Make new friends and march with them.

— Timothy Snyder

Centering Music

Six Pieces for Children, Op. 72: No.1 Allegro non troppo, by Felix Mendelssohn

Daniel Clark

Opening Words

The Demands of a Progressive Age, by William Ellery Channing

Rev. Stefan Jonasson

Chalice Lighting

Connected Through the Web of Life, by Jennifer Gracen

Jill Moats

Gathering Hymn

#1017 We Are Building a New Way

Welcome

Jill Moats

Affirmation

Love Is the Spirit

Story Wisdom

The Bundle of Sticks, a tale from Aesop, retold by Rev. Stefan Jonasson

Sing and Rejoice

As children go downstairs to Religious Exploration

Joys and Sorrows

Rev. Stefan Jonasson

Pastoral Hymn

#1002 Comfort Me (sung seated)

Reading

Integrity and Congruity, by Mark Mosher DeWolfe

Rev. Stefan Jonasson

Words for Offering

We Make It Possible, by Jessica Lin

Jill Moats

Offering

Our Share the Plate Partner for the May is the Main Street Project.

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

Offertory

Boogie Woogie, by Serge K.

Daniel Clark

Meditation

To Light the Darkness and Begin Again, by D. Scott Cooper

Jill Moats

Anthem

We Believe, by PJ Buchan

First UU Church of Winnipeg Choir, accompanied by Daniel Clark

Note: we will begin recording the sermon after the anthem. Barring technical problems it will eventually be shared on our YouTube and Buzzsprout channels.

Sermon

Bold and Embodied, by Rev. Stefan Jonasson

Closing Hymn

#1014 Answering the Call of Love (note updated lyrics)

Announcements

Jill Moats

Please submit congregational announcements to worship@uuwinnipeg.mb.ca before 9:00 am Sunday.

Closing Words

Stand By This Faith, by Rev. Olympia Brown

Rev. Stefan Jonasson

Chalice Extinguishing

Carry the Flame

Transition to Breakout Room

Zoom only

Following the service, please join us for community and refreshments in the sanctuary, including cakes to celebrate everyone’s birthdays. We will also have a breakout room for zoom participants to share community and conversation.

Gratitude

Gratitude to all who made this service happen, including

  • Leader: Rev Stefan Jonasson
  • Coordinator: Jill Moats
  • Music: First UU Church of Winnipeg Choir, Daniel Clark (piano), Debby Lake (lyrics coordination, hymn consultation), Kelvin Seifert and Esther Kathryn (hymn consultation)
  • Music for Affirmation: Composed by P.J. Buchan
  • Coordinator Lifespan Religious Exploration (CLRE): Ana Castañeda Aguilera
  • Childcare: Paulina Hernandez
  • Tech Team: Ashlyn Noble, Arthur Burstow, Bryan Enaje, Christina Swindells-Nader, Charan Brar, Vladymyr Martynov, Ihor Pushkar
  • Ushers:  TBD
  • Set Up/Maintenance: Michael Thiessen, Jessica Hamm
  • Greeter: Paula Keirstead and others
  • Hospitality: Marian Siemens and many others
  • Chalice Sculptor & Banner Designer: Jo’Anne Kelly
  • Chalice Logo Designer: Nancy Gilbert
  • Share the Plate committee: Sara Allen, Lynn Clark, Paula Keirstead, Diane Pearce
  • 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!