The Canadian Unitarian Council’s Lay Chaplaincy program started in 1971, from a belief that everyone has a right to a rite, no matter their religious affiliation. The program, to paraphrase the CUC, helps people in need of meaningful rite of passage ceremonies that recognize their personal beliefs and the needs of everyone attending the ceremony, reflecting Unitarian and Universalist values. The thresholds innate to rites of passage can be daunting. John O’Donohue wrote, in To Bless the Space Between Us, “To acknowledge and cross a new threshold is always a challenge. It demands courage and also a sense of trust in whatever is emerging.”
Join us on May 12th as Christina Swindells-Nader explores the specific rites and rituals that have shaped her and how they led to becoming a lay chaplain.
Service Coordinator: Cate Ziegler
Sermon Video
Sermon text: Five Funerals, Some Weddings, and Not Enough Child Dedications Sermon by Christina Swindells-Nader May 12 2024” (copyright 2024: Please obtain permission before posting or reproduction in whole or large part; short quotes may be used citing the author – contact Christina through the Church Office at 204-474-1261.)
Order of Service
Centering Thought
“Rarely, if ever, are any of us healed in isolation. Healing is an act of communion.”
– bell hooks
Prelude, with the Unitarian Universalist Church Choir
If Every Woman in the World, by Karen McKay and Nancy L Nordlie, directed by Joseph Nguyen, accompanied by Daniel Clark
Opening Words
The Codes of Seeds, by Rebecca Campbell, read by Cate Ziegler
Chalice Lighting
Every Life Is a Flame, by Charles G. Girelius, read by Norm Cobb
Gathering Song
#359 When We Are Gathered
Welcome and Land Acknowledgment
Cate Ziegler
Affirmation
Love Is the Spirit
Story Wisdom
Dancing With Our Ancestors, by Sara Florence Davidson and Robert Davidson, read by Christina Swindells-Nader
Sing and Rejoice
as children and youth go downstairs for Religious Exploration
Joys and Sorrows
Andre Vanderstoep, Pastoral Care Coordinator
If you have a Joy or Sorrow to share in our upcoming service, please follow this link. Alternatively, Andre can be reached at 204-558-7464 or email him at care@uuwinnipeg.mb.ca
Pastoral Hymn
#197 There Are Numerous Strings (sung seated)
Meditation
Thresholds, by John O’Donohue, led by Cate Ziegler
Share the Plate Speaker
Andy Russo, Pulford Community Living Services
Share the Plate Offering
Cate Ziegler
Our Share the Plate Partner for April is Pulford Community Living Services.
The offering will be gratefully received, both right now, and continuing when our stream ends. Donation options are at this link.
Offertory Music
Laudate Dominum, K339, by W.A. Mozart, performed by Daniel Clark
Anthem, with the Unitarian Universalist Church Choir
The 23rd Psalm, by Bobby McFerrin, directed by Joseph Nguyen, accompanied by Daniel Clark
Note: we will begin recording after the anthem.
Sermon
Five Funerals, Some Weddings, and Not Enough Child Dedications, Christina Swindells-Nader
Closing Song
#131 Love Will Guide Us
Announcements
Cate Ziegler
Please submit congregational announcements to worship@uuwinnipeg.mb.ca before 9:00 am each Sunday morning.
Closing Words
from The Ones We Carry With Us, by Sara O’Leary, read by Christina Swindells-Nader
Chalice Extinguishing
Carry the Flame
Following the service, please join us for community and refreshments in the sanctuary. For Zoom participants, please consider staying for conversation in our breakout room.
Transition for Breakout Room
Arthur Burstow or Simer Kaur (Zoom only)
Gratitude
Gratitude to all who helped make this service happen:
- Leader: Christina Swindells-Nader
- Coordinator: Cate Ziegler
- Music Director: Joseph Nguyen
- Accompanist: Daniel Clark
- Coordinator Lifespan Religious Exploration (CLRE): Ana Gabriela Castaneda Aguilera
- Childcare Provider: Paulina Hernandez
- Pastoral Care: Andre Vanderstoep (Coordinator)
- Tech Team: Arthur Burstow, Simer Kaur, Ashlyn Noble, Christina Swindells-Nader
- Music for Affirmation: Composed by P.J. Buchan
- Ushers: Kristin Jimmy, Bromley Basford, Joan Carolyn, Ken Nicholson, Norman Mayer, Cheryl Simmonds, et al
- Greeter: Paula Keirstead, Ann LeDuc
- Set Up/Maintenance: Michael Thiessen
- Hospitality: Marian Siemens, Liz Redson, Dylon Martin, et. al.
- Chalice Sculptor: Jo’Anne Kelly
- Chalice Logo Designer: Nancy Gilbert
- Website Support: Karin Carlson
- Communicator Editor: Marjorie Doyle
- All-Church Email Bulletin: Lorie Battershilll
To contact SunServ (Sunday Services Team), please email worship@uuwinnipeg.mb.ca
Want to help setting up on Sunday mornings? Please contact Norm Cobb or Jim Gardiner.
Please refrain from taking photographs and making recordings during and after the service unless you have the express permission of all people involved. Also, please turn off electronic devices during the service. Thank you.
Topics: Chaplaincy, Ministry