Reserves of Reverence

person reaching toward the night sky and the milky way

“A religion, old or new, that stressed the magnificence of the Universe as revealed by modern science might be able to draw forth reserves of reverence and awe hardly tapped by the conventional faiths,” declared Carl Sagan in his book Pale Blue Dot. People commonly associate reverence with religion – and traditional piety, at that – but it seems to me that reverence is a feeling, an attitude, a way of relating that can spring as easily from science or philosophy and it’s as relevant to politics and family life as it is to faith. At a time when it’s easy to succumb to cynicism and despair, we need to draw upon our reserves of reverence, wherever we find them.

Rev. Stefan Jonasson is minister of the Gimli Unitarian Church, editor of the Icelandic community newspaper, Lögberg-Heimskringla, and chair of the board of regents of the University of Winnipeg.

Coordinator: Marian Siemens

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Reserves of Reverence

October 17, 2021

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Centering Thought

To have reverence in the face of life is to be in the grip of the eternal, unoriginated, forward-pushing will, which is the foundation of all being.

Centering Music

The Lone Wild Bird, Words: H.R MacFayden, Adapted by Nylea L. Butler Moore, sung by UU Virtual Singers, Unitarian Church of Los Alamos

Welcome

Marian Siemens

Gathering Hymn

Hymn 354  We Laugh, We Cry

Chalice Lighting

The Light for Everyone Who Comes into the World, Rev. Elizabeth Strong

Opening Words

These Bodies, These Blessings, Rev. Erika Hewitt

Affirmation

Love Is The Spirit (song sheet)

Story Wisdom

Andrea James

 For Small Creatures Such as We: Rituals for Finding Meaning in Our Unlikely World, by Sasha Sagan

Candles of Caring

Marlene Schellenberg

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

Hymn 159 This is My Song

Meditation

If We Do Not Venture Out, Rev Marni Harmony

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

Anthem

Hymn 203 All Creatures of the Earth and Sky

Offering

Marian Siemens

Our Share the Plate partner for October is Oak Table. Oak Table provides hospitality, support and advocacy for those in need of a safe, respectful community. They support individuals experiencing homelessness, addictions, income and food insecurity, and isolation.

Thank you  for supporting the church with your funds, time, talent and energy.  Direct deposit or post-dated cheques simplify giving.  You may use a donation envelope, which is located at the back of the grey hymnal, to receive a tax receipt for accumulated cash gifts over $10.  Please ask an usher for details if you do not find an envelope.

Offertory

Come, Come, Whoever You Are

Readings

From Civilization and Ethics, Albert Schweitzer

From Reverence: Renewing a Forgotten Virtue, Paul Woodruff

Sermon

Reserves of Reverence, Rev Stefan Jonasson

Hymn

Hymn 194 Faith is a Forest

Announcements

Marian Siemens

Benediction

May the Love that Gives to Life it’s Beauty, Rev. George G. Brooks

Chalice Extinguishing

Carry the Flame (song sheet)

Transition Music

My Roots Go Down, by Sarah Pirtle, sung by Rev. Christopher Watkins Lamb and Kara Shobe

Gratitude

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

  • Leader: Rev Stefan Jonasson
  • Coordinator: Marian Siemens
  • Tech Files: Odell Havsdotter
  • Tech Host: Tech Team
  • Chat Moderator: Tech Team
  • Candles of Caring Host: Marlene Schellenberg
  • 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