The Return of the Light

sunrise over icy water in winterThe turning of the year has brought us back around to the longest night in the northern hemisphere, and the slow return of light to our lives. Come celebrate with us through story and song as we say thank you and farewell to the season of darkness, and turn to our shared future together.

Service Coordinator: M.C. Ziegler

Share your own candle of caring on future Sundays by emailing candles@uuwinnipeg.mb.ca before 9am Sunday morning. Be sure to let us know if you do not wish to have your candle shared with Our Caring Community Email Group.

Click here to join our service by Zoom.

The Return of the Light

December 20, 2020

“Like vessels, the stories carry us across the stormy, flotsamy, slippery edge of night. […] Snuggle with the egg in the dark.”

Carolyn McVickar Edwards, The Return of the Light

Centring

Solstice Carol, The Wyrd Sisters

Welcome

M.C. Ziegler

Hymn of the Month

43 The Morning, Noiseless

Chalice Lighting

“The Nights of Midwinter,” The Reverend Dawn Fortune

Opening Words

“Calling the Directions,” The Reverend Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe

Affirmation

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

Story Wisdom

“Winter Solstice Story,” Piaf Azul, Director of Religious Education for Wildflower UU Church in Austin, Texas

Candles of Caring

Unison Words:

Spirit of Life, help us to sense that beneath us is the strength we need to keep us grounded. Help us to feel that behind us is the protection we need to feel safe facing our fears. Help us to know that before us lies the beauty we seek to feel astounded. Help us become aware of the vastness of our sky and of our spirit, and help us to know that within our hearts lies the love we need to complete the circle of connection in our lives. May we use all of our gifts to bring Love into this hurting world; this world which we so value, which we cherish.

Hymn

55 Dark of Winter

Offering

For December, as part of our Share the Plate program, our Social Justice Team has chosen the Winnipeg chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace as our community partner. They’re a volunteer organization that builds beds for kids who are sleeping on the floor. Please visit their website to learn more.

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.

Offertory

The Longest Night, Peter Mayer

Story Wisdom

“The Pull-Together Morning,” Sukuma, Tanzania, told by The Reverend Meghann Robern

Hymn

58 Ring Out, Wild Bells

Meditation

“Winter Meditation,” The Reverend Tess Baumberger

Story Wisdom

“The First Song: A Tale of How Yule Got Its Name,” by Andras Corban Arthen, told by Andrea James, Director of Lifespan Faith Development

Hymn

226 People, Look East

Announcements

M.C. Ziegler

Benediction

“Release and Thank the Directions,” The Reverend Sunshine Jeremiah Wolfe

Chalice Extinguishing

Carry the Flame sung by the First UU Winnipeg Choir

Transition to Connecting & Conversation Time

Carol of the Bells (for 12 cellos), The Piano Guys

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

  • Leaders: Rev. Meghann Robern, Andrea James, Nicole McKay
  • Coordinator: M.C. Ziegler, Sunday Services Team
  • Zoom Tech Host: Kristin Jimmy, Tech Team
  • Zoom Chat Moderator: Marjorie Doyle, Tech Team
  • Candles of Caring Host: Marlene Schellenberg, Pastoral Care Team
  • Songleader Videos: PJ Buchan, Music Director and the FUUW Choir; Paul Rodermond, accompanist; Josh Robern, editor

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