We all struggle with fears, big and small, rational and irrational, but they’re something that we all share. Octavia invites all of us to take a moment and look inward and reflect on our fears, and find solidarity in that your deepest darkest fears are, more likely than not, other people’s fears as well. It’s time that we shed the veneer of superficial confidence and embrace fear and uncertainty. When you embrace your fears they can no longer control you, or your narrative.
Service Coordinator: Christina Swindells-Nader
Sermon Video
Order of Service
Centering Thought
“Alone, we are vulnerable and afraid. If we try to go to the ocean as a single drop of water, we will evaporate before we ever arrive. But if we go as a river, if we go as a community, we are sure to arrive at the ocean.”
— Thich Nhat Hahn
Centering Music
Ombra (Shadow), composed and performed by Octavia MacIsaac
Opening Words
Beloved is Where We Begin, by Jan Richardson
Christina Swindells-Nader
Chalice Lighting
Embrace the Night, by Jennifer Gracen
Christina Swindells-Nader
Gathering Hymn
#1012 When I am Frightened
Songleader video
Welcome and Land Acknowledgement
Christina Swindells-Nader
Affirmation
Love Is the Spirit
Reading
The Difference Between a Struggle and a Challenge Is Connection, by Katherine Morgan Schafler
Octavia MacIsaac
Meditation
Octavia MacIsaac
Joys and Sorrows
Andre Vanderstoep
If you have a Joy or Sorrow to share in our upcoming service, please follow this link.
Pastoral Hymn
1015 I Know I Can (sung seated, note lyrics change in last verse: “So cousins take my hand, And siblings sing my song”)
Share the Plate Offering
Excerpt from Wînipêk : Visions of Canada From an Indigenous Centre, by Niigaan Sinclair
Christina Swindells-Nader
Our Share the Plate Partner for September is Wildlife Haven.
- The offering will be gratefully received, both right now, and continuing when our stream ends. Donation options are at this link.
Offertory
Improvisation
performed by Octavia MacIsaac
Hymn
#1053 How Could Anyone
Songleader video
Note: We will begin recording the sermon after the hymn
Sermon
Invitation to Explore Fear, by Octavia MacIsaac
Closing Hymn
#1014 Answering the Call of Love
Songleader video
Announcements
Christina Swindells-Nader
Please submit congregational announcements to worship@uuwinnipeg.mb.ca before 9:00 am each Sunday morning.
Closing Words
When all is quiet and we are small and the night is dark, by Jane Rzepka
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 (Zoom only)
Arthur Burstow or Simer Kaur (Zoom only)
Gratitude
Gratitude to all who helped make this service happen:
- Leader: Octavia MacIsaac
- Coordinator: Christina Swindells-Nader
- Music: Octavia MacIsaac, Debby Lake
- Songleader Videos: PJ Buchan, Music Director, and the FUUW Choir; Paul Rodermond, accompanist; Josh Robern, editor
- Coordinator Lifespan Religious Exploration (CLRE): Ana Castañeda Aguilera
- Childcare: 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
- Set Up/Maintenance: Michael Thiessen
- Hospitality: Marian Siemens, Janet Toews, 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.
Some in our beloved community are affected by exposure to the ingredients or chemicals in scented products. We ask that you join our efforts to accommodate their health concerns by being mindful and where possible avoiding scented products such as hair spray, perfume and deodorant when attending services.
Please refrain from taking photographs and making recordings during and after the service unless you have the express permission of all people involved.
Please keep aisles clear, particularly for people with mobility challenges and turn off electronic devices during the service. Thank you!
Topics: Fear, Spirituality