Olympia Brown and Beyond

Olympia Brown

This weekend is the anniversary of Rev. Olympia Brown’s death. She was the first woman ordained by Universalists, and lifting her up in our history before and after she lived is a legacy of Universalist women, especially in Canada, working for justice and the greater good. We’ll explore some of their stories and what gifts they give us now.

Coordinator: Odell Havsdotter

Join the Service with Zoom

Connect to the service via Zoom


Olympia Brown and Beyond

October 24, 2021

Thank you for joining us! If you’re visiting today, please fill out this Visitor Form so we can help you feel connected to our community.


Centering

“Today, the Universalist notion that ‘the doctrine of this church is love’ resonates with many more of our congregations than just the three that arose directly from the historic Universalist movement.”

— Jean Pfleiderer

Centering Music

There Is More Love Somewhere, Traditional Spiritual / arr. Adam and Matt Podd, ft. the First Unitarian Brooklyn Choir

Welcome

Odell Havsdotter

Gathering Hymn

354 We Laugh, We Cry

Chalice Lighting

For the Freedom of Faith,” The Reverend Heather K. Janules

Opening Words

The Reverend Olympia Brown

Affirmation

Love Is The Spirit 

Story Wisdom

Olympia Brown – A Voice and a Vote,” by Janeen K Grohsmeyer; told by Andrea James, DLFD

Candles of Caring

Esmat Elhami

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

1029 Love Knocks and Waits for Us to Hear

Offering

Odell Havsdotter

Thank you for supporting the church with your funds, time, talent and energy.  Direct deposit or post-dated cheques simplify giving.  

Offertory

Everybody Hurts, R.E.M. 

Reading

Excerpt from “Invisible Influence: Claiming Unitarian and Universalist Women’s History,” eds. Jean Pfleiderer, Heather Fraser Fawcett, and Kathy S. Sage

Hymn

78 Colour and Fragrance

Meditation

To Be a Unitarian Universalist,” The Reverend Erika A. Hewitt, inspired by Rev. Elizabeth Nguyen’s chapter, “Our Work for Social Justice,” in The Unitarian Universalist Pocket Guide.

The sound of the bell and two minutes of silence will follow the spoken meditation.

Sermon

The Reverend Meghann Robern

Hymn

212 We Are Dancing Sarah’s Circle

Announcements

Odell Havsdotter

Benediction

We All Emerge,” The Reverend Eric Williams

Chalice Extinguishing

Carry the Flame 

Transition

I Just Called to Say I Love You, Stevie Wonder

Gratitude

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

  • Leader: Rev. Meghann Robern and Andrea James, DLFD
  • Coordinator: Odell Havsdotter, Sunday Services Team
  • Tech Team: Rev. Meghann Robern and Andrea James, DLFD
  • Candles of Caring Host: Esmat Elhami, Pastoral Care Team
  • Songleader Videos: Paul Rodermond, Acting Music Director/accompanist; PJ Buchan, past Music Director; and the FUUW Choir; Josh Robern, editor
  • To contact the Sunday Services Team please email worship@uuwinnipeg.mb.ca