The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1923: A Chapter in Canada’s History on Immigration, Through the Lens of the Early Chinese-Canadian Immigrants

bright colorful chalice art

One hundred years ago on July 1st, 1923, Canada passed the Chinese Exclusion Act, which essentially restricted any person of Chinese origin from entering Canada. No other such restrictions were placed on immigrants of any other nationality. This Act had a devastating effect on the Chinese Canadians, about 88,000, already living here, who had come toward the end of the last century to help build Canada’s national railway.

Service Coordinator: Marian Siemens

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Order of Service

Centering Thought    

“We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”

~ Mother Teresa

Centering Music

Symphony #1, 45th Movement by Johannes Brahms, performed by Daniel Clark

Welcome

Marian Siemens

Gathering Hymn       

#1 May Nothing Evil Cross this Door

Chalice Lighting       

Deeping the Spirit by Cynthia Landrum, read by Marian Siemens

Opening Words       

We are Called to Gather in Worship by Kirk D. Loadman-Copeland, read by Marian Siemens

Affirmation            

Love Is The Spirit 

Story Wisdom           

Sister Goose and the Foxes by Faye Mogensen, read by Marian Siemens

Cares and Concerns

A candle will be lit for a minute’s silence as we pause to reflect on joys, sorrows and concerns. (Marian Siemens)

Hymn               

#318 We Would Be One

Reading

The Story of Whiteness, by Sarah C. Steward  read by Marian Siemens with some editing 

Hymn

#134 Our World Is One World

Meditation

In the Midst of a World by Rebecca Ann Parker read by Marian Siemens

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

Offering

Marian Siemens

Our Share The Plate Partner for July is WRENCH.  They are a registered charity that creates stronger, healthier communities by removing barriers to building, repairing and maintaining bicycles with a focus on educating youth and making bikes accessible to the wider community.

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 gray 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. Information about electronic or remote giving can be found on the Give page.

Offertory

Arabesque #4 in E minor by Shuwen Zhang performed by Daniel Clark

Sermon           

The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1923: A Chapter in Canada’s History on Immigration, Through the Lens of the Early Canadian Immigrants, by May Chow

Hymn

#1027 Building a New Way

Announcements       

Marian Siemens

Closing Words           

Mindful of Our Highest Aspirations by Rebecca A Edmiston-Lange, read by Marian Siemens

Chalice Extinguishing

Carry the Flame 

Gratitude    

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

  • Leader: May Chow
  • Coordinator: Marian Siemens
  • Accompanist: Daniel Clark
  • Tech Team: Arthur Burstow, Ashlyn Noble, Christina Swindells-Nader
  • Sharing and Caring Host:  
  • Ushers: Krishna Nimmagadda, Norm Cobb, Jim Gardiner, and others
  • Greeter: Paula Keirstead
  • Set Up and Maintenance: MIchael Thiessen, Norm Cobb, Jim Gardiner, and others
  • Hospitality: Shar Lynn, Adina Lyon, Cheryl Simmonds, and others
  • Music for Affirmation: written by P.J. Buchan
  • Chalice Sculptor: Jo’Anne Kelly
  • First UU Church of Winnipeg Chalice Logo Designer: Nancy Gilbert
  • Webmaster: Karin Carlson
  • Communicator Editor: Marjorie Doyle
  • All-Church Email Bulletin: Lorie Battershill

To contact the Sunday Services Team please email worship@uuwinnipeg.mb.ca