Self Compassion to Undercut Ableism

Communities that focus on action and productivity often celebrate achievement. Within achievement-oriented cultures, however, it can be difficult to sustain ourselves when we are not on top. The way we value ourselves can also be projected onto others. Understanding how we are prone to this can help us truly live our first principle of respecting the inherent worth and dignity of every person. Developing self compassion, acknowledging, and even embracing vulnerability in ourselves can help ground us in the diversity of human experience. Recognizing the value each person contributes by participating in community as they are able is important work to undercut ableism.

Janine Reid discusses how wrestling with these concepts through the intersecting lenses of Unitarian Universalism, academia, and medicine has been part of her learning as a resident doctor in physical medicine and rehabilitation.

Self Compassion to Undercut Ableism

July 19, 2020

“You are imperfect, you are wired for struggle, but you are worthy of love and belonging.” – Brené Brown

Centering

Lost In My Mind by The Head and the Heart

Welcome

M.C. Ziegler

Hymn of the Month

66 When the Summer Sun is Shining

Chalice Lighting

“Little Flame” by Kathryn Estey

Opening Words

excerpt from “Wild Geese” by Mary Oliver

Affirmation

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

Candles of Caring

Unison Words:

We set aside this time to quiet our minds – to listen to the spirits of others and to create a space for them within our own hearts. May those who have lit candles feel the power of our attention and the strength of our love. Such is our ministry of listening. Such is the gift of our hearts.

Pastoral Hymn

Though I May Speak with Bravest Fire performed by Koine

Offering

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.

Our Share the Plate Partner for July and August, receiving half of the collection taken each Sunday, is Villa Rosa.

Offertory

8mm by Yann Tierson

Reading

excerpt from Daring Greatly by Brené Brown (currently in stock at McNally Robinson

Hymn

1028 The Fire of Commitment

Meditation

excerpt from Becoming Human by Jean Vanier

Sermon

The Logical Song by Supertramp

Janine Reid

Hymn

When Our Heart is in a Holy Place performed by UUSGU Music Directors Bob Nicoll and Barry Hall

Announcements

M.C. Ziegler

Benediction

by June Ellis, as quoted in Plain Living: A Quaker Path to Simplicity

Chalice Extinguishing

Carry the Flame, performed by the First UU Winnipeg Choir

Transition to Connecting & Conversation Time

Dismantle by Peter Sandberg

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

  • Leader: Janine Reid
  • Coordinator: M.C. Ziegler, Sunday Services Team
  • Zoom Tech Host: Mel Leslie
  • Zoom Chat Moderator: Marjorie Doyle
  • Candles of Caring Host: Pastoral Care Team
  • Songleader Videos: PJ Buchan, Music Director; Paul Rodermond, accompanist; Josh Robern, editor