Leading Change in a Polarized World

word cloud in shape of black lives matter fist, liberate, empower, progress, transcend, let go

Grassroots movements like Black Lives Matter, Defund the Police and Climate Activists are calling for essential, transformative changes, but what is actually needed to make this happen? How do we get there? What would a progressive defunding of the police look like in Winnipeg? How can we possibly get a Green New Deal? We need to look in the mirror and let our values and ethics guide us. Education and courage are needed to hold the important conversations, meaningfully involve more people, be a good ally, share power and lead necessary change. Join us on October 25, 2020 at this Social Justice Team led service as speaker Molly McCracken of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives explores these questions and the role of spiritual communities in leading transformative change in a polarized world.

Service Coordinator:  M.C. Ziegler

Click here to join our service by Zoom.

Leading Change in a Polarized World

October 18, 2020

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” — the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Centring

Skin Deep, Playing for Change

Welcome

M.C. Ziegler

Hymn of the Month

306 Sing of Living, Sing of Dying

Chalice Lighting

“A Spark of Hope,” by Melanie Davis, read by Marlene Schellenberg

Opening Words

“The Bright Thread of Hope,” by the Reverend Gretchen Haley, read by Marlene Schellenberg

Affirmation

Love Is The Spirit, words by James Vila Blake (adapted); music by P.J. Buchan

Story Wisdom

Winter Garden,” told by Rob Malo

Candles of Caring

Unison Words:

Spirit of Life, help us to sense that beneath us is the strength we need to keep us grounded. Help us to feel that behind us is the protection we need to feel safe facing our fears. Help us to know that before us lies the beauty we seek to feel astounded. Help us become aware of the vastness of our sky and of our spirit, and help us to know that within our hearts lies the love we need to complete the circle of connection in our lives. May we use all of our gifts to bring Love into this hurting world; this world which we so value, which we cherish.

Hymn

155 Circle ‘Round For Freedom

Meditation

“We Can Change The World,” by Dorothy Day, led by Lara Hunter

The sound of a singing bowl and two minutes of silence will follow the meditation.

Offering

For October, as part of our Share the Plate program, our Social Justice Team has chosen Candance House as our community partner. Their Mission is to provide a safe and comforting day refuge for victims and survivors of crime navigating the court process. Their Healing Haven offers a safe place to take a break, eat, debrief or prepare, in a setting of privacy and confidentiality that also provides resources and amenities.  Please visit their website at candacehouse.ca to learn more.

Our online-only format is a morally sound response by our community to the current pandemic on our planet. This also means that we are emphasizing remote giving during our offering this morning:

  • Donations can now be sent via e-transfer/Interac to office@uuwinnipeg.mb.ca; in the note, you MUST include your name and if your donation is for the Sunday offering, your pledge, or our capital campaign.
  • You may always mail cheques to the church!
  • We are also using Canada Helps to receive online donations. Go to their website to donate in this way.

Offertory

Higher Ground, Playing for Change

Reading

Who We Can Turn To,” by the Reverend Aisha Ansano, read by Lara Hunter

Hymn

1028 The Fire of Commitment

Sermon

Molly McCracken

Hymn

1064 Blue Boat Home

Announcements

M.C. Ziegler

Benediction

“Wherever We Are, Love Is,” by the Reverend Debra Haffner, read by Brent Kroeker

Chalice Extinguishing

Carry the Flame sung by the First UU Winnipeg Choir

Transition to Connecting & Conversation Time

Everyday People, Playing for Change

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

  • Leaders: Molly McCracken and our Social Justice Team
  • Coordinator: M.C. Ziegler, Sunday Services Team
  • Zoom Tech Host: Mel Leslie, Tech Team
  • Zoom Chat Moderator: Tech Team
  • Candles of Caring Host: Sharon Wickman
  • Songleader Videos: PJ Buchan, Music Director and the FUUW Choir; Paul Rodermond, accompanist; Josh Robern, editor