Free to Be Me

In her experience as a trans woman, comedian, writer, producer, and educator Lara Rae talks about matching her insides with her outside, both spiritually and physically, commenting on the verse from John 21:18:

“I can guarantee this truth: When you were young, you would get dressed to go where you wanted. But when you’re old, you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will get you dressed to take you where you don’t want to go.”

Coordinator: Odell Havsdotter


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Free to Be Me

May 30, 2021

“What would it be like if you could trust, unequivocally, that you were valued here for the pieces of yourself that make you feel different, not despite those pieces?” ~ Alex Kapitan

Centering Music

Lifted in Love, by Carl Karush and Lea Morris, performed by Lea Morris

Welcome

Odell Havsdotter

Gathering Hymn

1054 Let This Be a House of Peace

Chalice Lighting

Words by Betsy Darr in “Lifting our Voices; Readings in the Living Tradition” #125, Adapted

Opening Words

“The Welcoming Congregation: Welcome as Spiritual Practice”, by Alex Kapitan

Affirmation

Love is the Spirit

Story Wisdom

Red: A Crayon’s Story”, by Michael Hall. Read by Will Sarris

Candles of Caring

Esmat Elhami

Unison Words

During these times when a pandemic has us more isolated from each other than usual, listening to the meaningful experiences in each other’s lives takes on even more importance. May we feel the love and support of this community, as we share with, and listen to, each other.

Pastoral Hymn

1012 When I Am Frightened

Offering

Odell Havsdotter

Offertory

True Colors | Coming Out, Taul Tales

Reading

“To the people who have mistaken freedom for liberation”, by the Reverend Theresa I. Soto

Meditation

“Humanity’s Psalm”, by Cynthia Frado

Sermon

Lara Rae

Hymn

346 Come Sing a Song With Me

Announcements

Odell Havsdotter

Benediction

“Love”, by Enfleshed

Chalice Extinguishing

Carry the Flame

Transition

1011 Return Again

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

  • Leaders: Members of the Social Justice Team, guest Lara Rae, DLFD Andrea James
  • Coordinator: Odell Havsdotter, Sunday Services Team
  • Tech Hosts: Janine Reid & Norman Cobb, Tech Team
  • Chat Moderator: Marjorie Doyle, Tech Team
  • Candles of Caring Host: Esmat Elhami, Pastoral Care Team
  • Songleader Videos: PJ Buchan, Music Director, and the FUUW Choir; Paul Rodermond, accompanist; Josh Robern, editor
  • To contact the Sunday Services Team please email worship@uuwinnipeg.mb.ca