It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by negative things that happen, to rebel against things we don’t like, to push back on others to compel them to act (or even believe) in certain ways. We criticize others – our family and neighbours, this group or that, sometimes society as a whole – and this can lead us to spend a lot of time minding others’ business instead of minding our own. And we often drive ourselves crazy in the process. The philosopher John Ruskin suggested that we would all do better to emphasize and develop what’s right with ourselves rather than focus on what we perceive to be wrong with others. “You will find it less easy to uproot faults, than to choke them by gaining virtues,” he said.
We will recognize the upcoming National Day for Truth and Reconciliation during this service. A quilt by Darlene Payne, titled 215 – My mother’s hands, is on display in the sanctuary this Sunday and next Sunday, October 4th. This is the artist’s statement:
I began this quilt after the discovery of the first 215 potential unmarked graves at the site of the Kamloops Tk̓emlúps Residential School. Through the process I kept seeing my mother’s hands as I cut, sewed and hand stitched the quilt. I recognize the privilege I have had as a white settler in being able to watch my mother’s hands as she taught me to sew, to cook, to knit…I knew her hands so very well.
So many children did not get to know their mother’s hands, or their father’s hands.
This quilt is to honour the children who never returned home.
Service Leader: Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Service Coordinator: Cate Ziegler
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Order of Service
Centering Thought
You will find it less easy to uproot faults, than to choke them by gaining virtues ~John Ruskin
Fanfare
The Prince of Denmark’s March (Trumpet Voluntary), by Jeremiah Clarke
Choral Prelude
When Our Heart Is in a Holy Place
The Choir, with soloist Angela Haig, accompanied by Daniel Clark, led by Shannon Unger
Opening Words
Autumn Speaks, by Robert T. Weston
Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Chalice Lighting
Autumn Fire, by Stefan Jonasson
Gathering Hymn
#313 O What a Piece of Work Are We
Land Acknowledgment and Welcome
Cate Ziegler
Affirmation
Love Is the Spirit
Love is the spirit of this church, the quest for truth its sacrament, and service is its law.
This is our great covenant: to dwell together in peace, to seek truth in love, and to help one another to the end that all souls shall grow into harmony with life.
Joys and Sorrows
Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Responsive Reading for Truth and Reconciliation
Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Pastoral Hymn
#296 O Ye Who Taste That Love Is Sweet (sung seated, chant and alleluia led by the Choir)
Offering
Our Share the Plate Partner for September is Trails Manitoba. Diane Pearce will share more about them.
The offering will be gratefully received, during or after the service. Donation options are at this link.
Offertory
Allemande from Partita Number 2, by J.S. Bach
Xilo Rader, violin
Wisdom from Our Living Tradition
from The Ethics of the Dust, by John Ruskin
Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Meditation
led by Cate Ziegler
Anthem
Constellation, by Mark Burrows
The Choir, led by Shannon Unger, accompanied by Daniel Clark
Sermon
On the Plus Side, by Rev Stefan Jonasson
Closing Hymn
#6 Just as Long as I Have Breath
Announcements
Cate Ziegler and others
Closing Words
Making Life Worthwhile, by George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans)
Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Chalice Extinguishing
Carry the flame of peace and love until we meet again (x2)
Then we shall see a world of light and a world of joy
Carry the flame of peace and love until we meet again.
Gratitude
Gratitude to all who made this service happen, including
- Leader: Rev. Stefan Jonasson
- Coordinator: Cate Ziegler
- Music Director: Shannon Unger
- Music: Daniel Clark (piano), Xilo Rader (violin), the Choir
- Coordinator Lifespan Religious Exploration (CLRE): Ana G.Castañeda Aguilera
- Childcare: Caroline Lentz
- RE Volunteers: Debby Lake and Carl von Baeyer
- Tech Team: Xilo Rader, Rafiq Nader, Christina Swindells-Nader, Theo Hawley
- Centering/fanfare videos: Ashlyn Noble
- This service’s ushers, greeters, and hospitality volunteers, including Paula Keirstead
- Maintenance and set up: Jessica Hamm and Olivia Velazquez
- Music for Affirmation: P.J. Buchan
- Chalice Sculptor & Banner Designer: Jo’Anne Kelly
- Chalice Logo Designer: Nancy Gilbert
- Minister and Pastoral Care: Rev Stefan Jonasson
- Lay Chaplain: Christina Swindells-Nader
- Website, Office Support, and Rentals: Nathalie Waite
To contact SunServ (Sunday Services Team) with feedback or ideas for future services, please email worship@uuwinnipeg.mb.ca
Want to help on Sunday mornings? You can sign up for a hospitality setup or cleanup shift. Please contact the Volunteer Resources Committee for other ways to help.
To welcome and include all in our beloved community, please
- limit fragrances and scented products as much as you are able,
- turn off or mute electronic devices during the service,
- refrain from taking photographs or recording unless you have the express permission of everyone involved, and
- keep aisles clear for people with mobility challenges.
Thank you!