“I must choose to receive the truth, no matter how it bears on myself,” wrote William Ellery Channing. “I must follow it, no matter where it leads, what interests it opposes, to what persecution or loss it lays me open, from what party it severs me, or to what party it allies.” In short, he maintained that the first prerequisite in discerning truth was an attitude of impartiality in considering the evidence before us, coupled with a commitment to follow the truth wherever it leads. This may be why truth, especially inconvenient truth, isn’t more popular than it is.
The Choir will sing.
Service Leader: Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Service Coordinator: Norm Cobb
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Order of Service
Centering Thought
I tore myself away from the safe comfort of certainties through my love of the truth; and truth rewarded me.” ~ Simone de Beauvoir
Fanfare
Daniel Clark, with nature video by Ashlyn Noble
Choral Prelude
Building Bridges, by the women of Greenham Common peace occupation
UU Winnipeg Choir, led by Shannon Unger, accompanied by Daniel Clark
Welcome and Land Acknowledgement
Norm Cobb
Gathering Hymn
#187 It Sounds Along the Ages
Opening Words
Apart from the Workaday World, by Maryell Cleary
Norm Cobb
Chalice Lighting
Welcome and Wholeness, by M. Maureen Killoran
Rev. Stefan Jonasson
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.
Joys and Sorrows
Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Pastoral Hymn
#1008 When Our Heart Is in a Holy Place (sung seated)
Reading
from Self-Culture (1838), by William Ellery Channing
Rev. Stefan Jonasson
Offering
Our Share the Plate partner for February 2026 is Manitoba Underdog Rescue.
The offering will be gratefully received, during or after the service. Donation options are at this link.
Offertory
Waltzes, Op.39, No. 2&3, by Johannes Brahms
Daniel Clark
Meditation
Led by Charlene Zelanko
Anthem
Imagine, by John Lennon, arranged by Jay Althouse
UU Winnipeg Choir, led by Shannon Unger, accompanied by Daniel Clark
Note: We will begin recording the sermon after the anthem.
Sermon
Unveiling the Truth, by Rev Stefan Jonasson
Closing Hymn
#293 O Star of Truth
Announcements
Norm Cobb and others
Closing Words
Loyal to the Truth, by Vincent B Silliman
Rev Stefan Jonasson
Chalice Extinguishing
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 Stefan Jonasson
- Coordinator: Norm Cobb
- Music Director: Shannon Unger
- Music: Daniel Clark (piano), the UU Winnipeg Choir
- Coordinator Lifespan Religious Exploration (CLRE): Ana G.Castañeda A.
- Childcare Provider: Paulina Hernandez
- RE Volunteers: Amari Poponne, Debby Lake
- Tech Team: Khalil Nader, Alejandra Nikkel
- Centering/fanfare videos: Ashlyn Noble
- This service’s ushers, greeters, and hospitality volunteers, including Paula Keirstead, Michael Thiessen, Cheryl Simmonds, Janet Toews, Alejandra Nikkel, and others
- Maintenance and set up: Jessica Hamm and Alejandra Nikkel
- Music for Affirmation: P.J. Buchan
- Chalice Sculptor & Banner Designer: Jo’Anne Kelly
- Chalice Logo Designer: Nancy Gilbert
- Pastoral Care: Rev Stefan Jonasson
- Website and office support: 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 or Norm Cobb or Jim Gardiner for other ways to help.
Please limit fragrances and scented products as much as you are able, so we may include all in our beloved community.
Please keep aisles clear, particularly for people with mobility challenges, and turn off electronic devices during the service.
Please refrain from taking photographs and making recordings during and after the service unless you have the express permission of all people involved. Thank you.
Topics: Communication, Listening, Truth