small form, still waters
attention pools and deepens
ripples of meaning

Drawing on classical haiku traditions and contemporary examples, Dr. Watson will explore how three short lines—through silence, juxtaposition, and seasonal awareness—can create moments of insight that feel both ordinary and sacred. Blending literary reflection with personal storytelling, Dr. Watson will trace a creative journey that led to a way of noticing the extraordinary hidden in everyday life. Celebrating International Haiku Poetry Day (on April 17), we are invited to slow down, pay attention, and rediscover joy in small moments and creative expression.

Service Leader: Dr. Christine Watson
Service Coordinator: Christina Swindells-Nader

Welcome and Zoom Link

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Order of Service

Centering Thought

every step we take
creates possibilities
for the dreams we dream ~ Dr. Christine Watson, @prairiehaiku

Fanfare

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

Kelvin Seifert, with nature video by Ashlyn Noble

Centering Prelude

Impromptu #4, Opus 90, by Franz Schubert

Kelvin Seifert

Opening Words

We Come Together This Morning, by Rev. David Usher

Chalice Lighting

Lighting the Chalice (Ostara), by Allison Ehrman

Gathering Hymn

#22 Dear Weaver of Our Lives’ Design

Welcome and Land Acknowledgement

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.

Raise Your Hand If

Dr. Christine Watson

Offering

Our Share the Plate Partner for April is Teen Stop Jeunesse.

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

Offertory

Variations on ‘Simple Gifts,’ arranged and played by Kelvin Seifert

Reading

from Daily Prayer with the Corrymeela Community, by Pádraig Ó Tuama

Joys and Concerns

Rev. Stefan Jonasson

Pastoral Hymn

#1031 Filled With Loving Kindness (sung seated)

Meditation

Into the Heart by Cynthia Sharp

Hymn

#34 Though I May Speak with Bravest Fire

Reflections

Small Poems, Big Joy: Haiku Poetry as Spiritual Practice, by Dr Christine Watson

Closing Hymn

#313 O What a Piece of Work Are We

Announcements

Christina Swindells-Nader and others

Closing Words

Beauty Is Our Birthright, by Rebekah Savage

Chalice Extinguishing

Extinguishing the Chalice (Ostara), by Allison Ehrman

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: Dr. Christine Watson
• Coordinator: Christina Swindells-Nader
• Music Director: Shannon Unger
• Music: Kelvin Seifert (piano)
• Coordinator Lifespan Religious Exploration (CLRE): Ana G.Castañeda A.
• Childcare Provider: Paulina Hernandez
• RE Volunteers: Pat Lane
• Tech Team: Khalil Nader, Alexey Sokadeev, Theo Hawley
• Centering/fanfare videos: Ashlyn Noble
• This service’s ushers, greeters, and hospitality volunteers, including Janet Toews, Alejandra Nikkel, Paula Keirstead, Michael Thiessen
• Maintenance and set up: Jessica Hamm and Alejandra Nikkel
• Music for Affirmation: P.J. Buchan
• Chalice Sculptor & Banner Designer: Jo’Anne Kelly
• Chalice Logo Designer: Nancy Gilbert
• Pastoral Care: Rev Stefan Jonasson
• 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

Topics: Mindfulness, Poetry