Sensing Life’s Mystery

What happens when a child of atheists, grown into an agnostic adult who loves ritual and communal exploration of meaning and mystery, begins to feel a call to ministry?

Christina will share her ongoing exploration of this question, which led to applying to the Vancouver School of Theology’s Master of Divinity program.

Service Leader & Coordinator: Christina Swindells-Nader

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Order of Service

Centering Thought

God is the name of the blanket we put over the mystery to give it a shape. ~ Barry Taylor (theologian and former AC/DC road manager) as quoted “close enough for rock’n’roll” by comedian Pete Holmes

Fanfare

The Prince of Denmark’s March (Trumpet Voluntary), by Jeremiah Clarke

Centering Prelude

Postcards, by David Gordon Duke
Paul Rodermond

Opening Words

No Place, by Jennifer Pratt-Walter
Christina Swindells-Nader

Chalice Lighting

A Reminder of What We Share, by Pat Uribe-Lichty
Octavia MacIsaac

Gathering Hymn

#300 With Heart and Mind

Land Acknowledgment and Welcome

Christina Swindells-Nader

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.

Reading

In lieu of meditation, I bring you Pigeon-Rats, by Liz James
Christina

Share the Plate Speaker

Claudia Corona, St. Boniface Streetlinks

Offering

Our Share the Plate Partner for July and August is St. Boniface Street Links.

The offering will be gratefully received, during or after the service. Donation options are at this link.

Offertory

Prelude, by J.H. D’Anglebert
Paul Rodermond

Wisdom for All Ages

Celebrating Our Fourth Principle, inspired by Erika Hewitt
Christina

Joys and Concerns

Christina

Pastoral Hymn

#83 Winds Be Still (sung seated)

Reflections

Sensing Life’s Mystery, by Christina Swindells-Nader

Hymn

#324 Where My Free Spirit Onward Leads

Joyful Movement

Our Roots of Resilience, by Kimberlee Anne Tomczak Carlson
led by Octavia MacIsaac

Meditation

To Bless and Be Blessed, by Tania Y. Márquez
led by Christina

Closing Hymn

#318 We Would Be One

Announcements

Christina Swindells-Nader and others

Closing Words

Much of ministry is a benediction, by Susan Manker-Seale
Christina

Chalice Extinguishing

by Elizabeth Selle Jones SLT #456

Carry the Flame

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: Christina Swindells-Nader
  • Coordinator: Christina Swindells-Nader
  • Music Director: Shannon Unger
  • Music: Paul Rodermond (piano)
  • Coordinator Lifespan Religious Exploration (CLRE): Ana G.Castañeda Aguilera
  • Tech Team: Khalil Nader, Olivia Velazquez, Theo Hawley
  • Centering/fanfare videos: Ashlyn Noble
  • This service’s ushers, greeters, and hospitality volunteers, including Janet Toews, Cheryl Simmonds, Marian Siemens, 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!

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