Celebrating UU Volunteers!

Canada joins the United Nations, who has declared 2026 as the ‘International Volunteer Year’, to celebrate and deepen volunteers’ collective impact in the world. Goals include rebuilding volunteer infrastructure and sharing stories, to help encourage civic participation. This year, Canada’s National Volunteer Week is April 19-25.

There are so many things to celebrate at 603 Wellington Crescent! Our congregation could not operate without your volunteer energy, skills and love, in partnership with our wonderful staff. We have found a place for seekers to find more meaning in life, for friendships and fun, for working together to better our church community, and indeed our city. A huge thank you from the Volunteer Resources team to our current and future UU volunteers!

Service Leader: Volunteer Resource Committee, with Sonya Watson
Service Coordinator: Norm Cobb

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Order of Service

Centering Thought

The heart of a volunteer is not measured in size, but by the depth of the commitment to make a difference in the lives of others. ~ DeAnn Hollis

Fanfare

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

Daniel Clark, with nature video by Ashlyn Noble

Centering Prelude

Daniel Clark

Opening Words

#435 by Kathleen McTigue

Sonya Watson

Chalice Lighting

By Theodore Parker

Sonya Watson

Gathering Hymn

#128 For All That Is Our Life

Welcome and Land Acknowledgement

Norm Cobb

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.

Story Wisdom

Sing and Rejoice

Recognition of Volunteers: A Litany

by Jay Libby, led by Barb Rudyk

When there was a need, you came forward.

And so we thank you.

In the nighttime or daytime, on weekends and even in the coldest, darkest part of the year, you helped.

And so we thank you.

Elected and duly appointed or quietly, anonymously and unbidden, you did what needed doing.

And so we thank you.

Sometimes with the help of many hands, other times alone, you worked.

And so we thank you.

You gave your time, talent and even your treasure for the life of the congregation.

And so we thank you.

Your families and loved ones supported you in your efforts, worried for you when things piled up and perhaps grumbled at you for the extent of your commitment.

And so we thank your families and loved ones.

For all things great and small you have given this congregation, we take time today to recognize,

To thank you and to honour you.

Joys and Concerns

Brian Klowak

Pastoral Hymn

#168 One More Step (sung seated)

Stewardship Testimonial

Rev. Stefan Jonasson

Share the Plate Partner

Kelly-Anne Reyes, Executive Director of Teen Stop Jeunesse

Offering

Our Share the Plate Partner for April is Teen Stop Jeunesse.

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

Offertory

Daniel Clark

Meditation

Brian Klowak

Reflections

The Benefits of Volunteering Bromley Basford

A View from the Kitchen Sonya Watson

Volunteer Recognition Jim Gardiner

Closing Hymn

#1064 Blue Boat Home

Announcements

Norm Cobb and others

Closing Words

#706 by Kathleen McTigue

Barb Rudyk

Chalice Extinguishing

#456 by Elizabeth Selle Jones