The Marvel of an Ordinary Life

Woman enjoying a hot coffee or tea while sitting alone on a patio with the morning sun.

There was a time in my life when I dreamed of fame and fortune, before realizing that I would rather be known well by a few than by a multitude, and that material excess can weigh you down – but not before I wasted too much time in the pursuit. “Do not ask your children to strive for extraordinary lives,” writes poet William Martin; “Help them instead to find the wonder and the marvel of an ordinary life.” Looking back, my parents were relatively indifferent to outward signs of success, distilling the extraordinary from the ordinary. I should have paid closer attention.

Service Coordinator: Steve Lennon, Octavia MacIsaac

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Order of Service

Centering Thought

“Those who know that enough is enough will always have enough.” 

― Lao-tzu

Centering Music

September – Hunter’s Song from The Seasons Op. 37a by P. Tschaikowsky, performed by Daniel Clark

Welcome

Octavia MacIsaac

Gathering Hymn

#21 For the Beauty of the Earth

Chalice Lighting

Words by Philip Simmons from Learning to Fall, read by Octavia MacIsaac

Opening Words

Words by John O’Donohue from Matins, read by Steve Lennon

Affirmation

Love Is the Spirit, music written by PJ Buchan

Story Wisdom

Reverend Stefan Jonasson

Sing and Rejoice

Singing the children to RE

Pastoral Reflection and Practice

Steve Lennon

Pastoral Hymn

#175 We Celebrate the Web of Life

Meditation

Words from The Invitation, by Oriah Mountain Dreamer, read by Steve Lennon

Offering

Our Share the Plate Partner for September is The Peaceful Village. The Peaceful Village is an afterschool program for newcomer youth and their families, which is facilitated by Manitoba School Improvement Program (MSIP). The Peaceful Village operates at seven Winnipeg schools Monday to Friday for three hours a day providing students with academic support, learning materials, snack, and other activities to engage with. There are also optional activities for students during PD days and school breaks. The Peaceful Village also operates during the summer to provide activities and opportunities in activity-based learning over the break.

Offertory Music

Air from Water Music, by G.F. Handel, performed by Daniel Clark

Hymn

#53 I Walk the Unfrequented Road

Sermon

The Marvel of an Ordinary Life  Rev. Stefan Jonasson

Closing Hymn

#1052 The Oneness of Everything

Announcements

Steve Lennon

Closing Words

Adapted from words by John O’Donohue, read by Octavia MacIsaac

Chalice Extinguishing

Carry the Flame

Transition for Breakout Rooms

Arthur Burstow

Gratitude

Gratitude to all who helped make this service happen:

  • Leader: Rev Stefan Jonasson
  • Coordinator: Steve Lennon, Octavia MacIsaac
  • Coordinator Lifespan Religious Education (CLRE): Ana Gabriela Castaneda Aguilera
  • Accompanist: Daniel Clark
  • Tech Team: Ashlyn Noble, Arthur Burstow, Christina Swindells-Nader
  • Music for Affirmation: Composed by P.J. Buchan
  • Ushers: Krishna Nimmagadda, Norm Cobb, Jim Gardiner, and others.
  • Greeter: Paula Keirstead
  • Set Up/Maintenance: Michael Thiessen, Jim Gardiner, Norm Cobb, others
  • Hospitality: Shar Lynn, John Burstow, Marian Siemens, others
  • Chalice Sculptor: Jo’Anne Kelly
  • Chalice Logo Designer: Nancy Gilbert
  • Website Support: Karin Carlson
  • Communicator Editor: Marjorie Doyle
  • All-Church Email Bulletin: Lorie Battershilll

To contact SunServ (Sunday Services Team), please email worship@uuwinnipeg.mb.ca

Want to help setting up on Sunday mornings? Please contact Norm Cobb or Jim Gardiner.

We ask that you refrain from taking photos and making recordings during and after the service unless you have received express permission from all people involved. Please turn off all electronic devices during the service.