For most people, eulogies provide the longest biographical narrative ever written about them, recording details of their lives and perceptions of their character. What’s the story of your life? What has animated you? What do you wish to be remembered for? In the end, each of us curates the stories of our own lives.

Following the service, the church’s Memory Garden will be dedicated (outside).

Service Coordinator: Steve Lennon
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Sermon Video

Sadly, we lost the beginning of the sermon recording to computer issues.

Memory Garden Dedication Video

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Order of Service

Centering Thought

“Bring yourself uniquely and fully into bloom… Don’t just weed your garden.”

— Stephen C. Paul

Prelude

Morning Has Come

UU Church of Winnipeg Choir, led by Vic Hooper, accompanied by Daniel Clark

Welcome

Steve Lennon

Gathering Hymn

#360 Here We Have Gathered

Chalice Lighting

from Anam Cara by John O’Donoghue

Rev. Stefan Jonasson

Opening Words

by Anne Peart

Steve Lennon

Affirmation

Love Is the Spirit

Story Wisdom

The Coffee Mill (a Danish folktale)

Rev. Stefan Jonasson

Sing and Rejoice

as people return to their seats

Joys and Sorrows

Steve Lennon, with guidance from Andre Vanderstoep

If you have a Joy or Sorrow to share in our upcoming service, please follow this link.

Pastoral Hymn

#1031 Filled with Loving Kindness (sung seated, three verses)

Reading

The Story of My Life by Helen Keller

Rev. Stefan Jonasson

Share the Plate Offering

Steve Lennon

Our Share the Plate Partner for September is Wildlife Haven.

The Memory Garden at First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg

Words of Dedication

Composed by Rev. Stefan Jonasson, inspired by the words of Ecclesiasticus 44

Let us call to remembrance the great and the good, those whose hands helped shape the world in which we live,
whose hearts radiated love around them, and whose minds stirred with curiosity and insight.

We remember those who were leaders of the community in their time,
along with all those who served with humility and grace,
giving of themselves to noble causes and human needs.

We remember those who struggled day by day, sometimes falling short of their own aspirations,
but nevertheless seeking to meet the challenge.

We recall those who were bruised by the world, yet still made it sweeter by
their presence and their works, however humble.

We recall the stories of their lives, the wisdom of their words, and the inspiration of their example.
We cherish their days of health and abundance, even as we grieve their final parting.

We give thanks for their legacy, for the rich inheritance they left behind,
and for hopes yet to be fulfilled.

May this garden be a place of inspiration and peace, reconciliation and remembrance,
where leaf and blossom remind us of the goodness of life and the brevity of our days.

In their name, and in the spirit of all that is honourable and true,
we dedicate this Memory Garden for the safekeeping of their earthly remains,
recalling the example of their lives, the truths they cherished,
the love they embodied, and the hope that never dies.

Please refrain from taking photographs and making recordings during and after the service unless you have the express permission of all people involved.

Some in our beloved community are affected by exposure to the ingredients or chemicals in scented products. We ask that you join our efforts to accommodate their health concerns by being mindful and where possible avoiding scented products such as hair spray, perfume and deodorant when attending services.

Please keep aisles clear, particularly for people with mobility challenges and turn off electronic devices during the service. Thank you!

Topics: Life and Death