This is a CUC (Canadian Unitarian Council) service prepared with readings and music suggested by the CUC for live presentation, and with a pre-recorded sermon by Rev. Shawn Gauthier. In the 1930s, our spiritual forebears bravely asked “whether the organised religious movement known as Unitarianism has any real function to perform in the modern world.” Come and hear their bold response, and Reverend Shawn Gauthier’s equally powerful invitations to us all.
Service Leader: Rev. Shawn Gauthier (pre-recorded video: This sermon was offered in October 2025 at the installation of Rev. Danie Webber in Hamilton, ON and recorded in November 2025 at VanU)
Rev. Shawn Gauthier is the Settled Minister at Vancouver Unitarians. Previously, he served for 16 years as the Minister at the First Unitarian Congregation of Toronto. Rev. Shawn loves to travel, to take in theatre and classical music, and to explore alongside his husband Bob.
Service Coordinator: Christina Swindells-Nader (live at 603 Wellington Cres.)
Welcome and Zoom Link
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Order of Service
Centering Thought
It should be sufficient to say that a religious value is something in which religious persons actually find value. ~ 1936 Report of the Commission of Appraisal to the American Unitarian Association: Unitarians Face A New Age
Fanfare
The Prince of Denmark’s March (Trumpet Voluntary), by Jeremiah Clarke
Pollinator video by Ashlyn Noble, music by the Canadian Brass
Centering Prelude
Sinfonia from Cantata 156, by J. S. Bach
Shannon Unger
Opening Words
We Gather In Reverence, by Sofia Lyon Fahs #439 SLT
Christina Swindells-Nader
Chalice Lighting
by Dag Hammarskjold #455 SLT
Christina Swindells-Nader
Gathering Hymn
#370 All People That on Earth Do Dwell
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.
Reading
A Network of Mutuality, by Martin Luther King, Jr. #584 SLT
Christina Swindells-Nader
Offering
Our Share the Plate Partner for May is Artbeat Studio.
The offering will be gratefully received, during or after the service. Donation options are at this link.
Offertory
Flower Duet from Lakmé, by Leo Delibes
Shannon Unger
Joys and Concerns
Christina Swindells-Nader, with blessings from GlitterBlessed: Blessings for Queer and Trans Lives, edited by Rev. Sean Neil-Barron
Pastoral Hymn
#6 Just as Long as I Have Breath (sung seated)
Meditation
led by Christina, Transcendental Étude, by Adrienne Rich #665 SLT
Sermon
Unitarians Face a New Age, by Rev. Shawn Gauthier
Closing Hymn
#324 Where My Free Spirit Onward Leads
Announcements
Christina Swindells-Nader and others
Closing Words
by Rev. Shawn Gauthier
Christina Swindells-Nader
Chalice Extinguishing
by Elizabeth Selle Jones SLT #456
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: Rev. Shawn Gauthier
- Coordinator: Christina Swindells-Nader
- Music Director and piano: Shannon Unger
- Coordinator Lifespan Religious Exploration (CLRE): Ana G.Castañeda Aguilera
- Childcare Provider: Paulina Hernandez
- RE Volunteers: Carl von Baeyer
- Tech Team: Arthur Burstow, Olivia Velazquez, Theo Hawley
- Centering/fanfare videos: Ashlyn Noble
- This service’s ushers, greeters, and hospitality volunteers, including Janet Toews, Alejandra Nikkel, Olivia Velázquez, Paula Keirstead, Michael Thiessen
- Maintenance and set up: Jessica Hamm and Alejandra Nikkel (with help today from yesterday’s rental event staff)
- 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
Want to help on Sunday mornings? You can sign up for a hospitality setup or cleanup shift. Please contact the Volunteer Resources Committee for other ways to help.
To welcome and include all in our beloved community, please
- limit fragrances and scented products as much as you are able,
- turn off or mute electronic devices during the service,
- refrain from taking photographs or recording unless you have the express permission of everyone involved, and
- keep aisles clear for people with mobility challenges.
Thank you!