Vulnerable Love

person making a heart with their hands with sunlight coming through the heart
One popular notion of vulnerability speaks to openness: the willingness to share authentically. For some people who are disabled or elder, vulnerability is additionally a fact of life relating to barriers and risks encountered as one moves/lives in the world. Drawing from lived experience and musings captured on video chats with spouse, Shelly Rohe, Rev Ren reflects on the complex, humorous, and frustrating reality of falling in love.

Service Coordinator: Cate Ziegler

Sermon Video

Sermon text: Vulnerable Love- Rev Ren McFadyen March 5, 2023
(copyright 2023: Please obtain permission before posting or reproduction in whole or large part; short quotes may be used citing the author- rmcfadyen@uuma.org )

Order of Service

March 5, 2023, 10:30 am

Centering Thought

The strongest love is the love that can demonstrate its fragility.

~ Paul Coelho

Centering Music

“Don’t Know Much” by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil and Tom Snow, performed by Daniel Clark

Welcome

Cate Ziegler

Gathering Hymn

#325 Love Makes A Bridge

Chalice Lighting

By Ben Soule, read by Rev. Ren Rhoe McFadyen, chalice lit by Cate Ziegler

Opening Words

By Mia Mingus, read by Rev. Ren Rhoe McFadyen

Affirmation

Love Is The Spirit

Story Wisdom

Carol Lindsay

Sing and Rejoice

Singing children down to their rooms

Sharing and Caring

Led by a member of the Pastoral Care Team

Unison Words

As we set aside this time for quiet, may we hear the heart-felt whisperings of our spirit, and also that of others. May those who share from their hearts today feel the power of our attention and the strength of our love. May we all feel uplifted by words of comfort, and be supported by the presence of our caring community. 

Hymn

“There is Love” by Elizabeth Norton

Meditation

#391 Voice Still and Small; introduced by Cate Ziegler Words: by Rev. Naomi King, read by Rev. Ren Rohe McFadyen

The sound of the bell and two minutes of silence will follow the spoken meditation.

Offering

Marian Siemens

Thank you  for supporting the church with your funds, time, talent and energy.  Direct deposit or post-dated cheques simplify giving.  You may use a donation envelope, which is located at the back of the grey hymnal, to receive a tax receipt for accumulated cash gifts over $10.  Please ask an usher for details if you do not find an envelope.

Share the Plate Partner for March is Manitoba League of Persons with Disabilities

Offertory

“Hey There”, by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross; arr. by Dan Coates performed by Daniel Clark

Reading

“Reversals of Fortune” (from Spilling the Light: Meditations on Hope and Resilience by Theresa I. Soto, Skinner House, 2019) read by Rev. Ren Rhoe McFadyen

Sermon

Vulnerable Love – Rev. Ren Rhoe McFadyen

Hymn

#1018 Come And Go With Me

Announcements

Cate Ziegler

Closing Words

By Joseph Cherry, read by Rev. Ren Rhoe McFadyen

Chalice Extinguishing

Carry the Flame

Gratitude

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

  • Leader: Rev. Ren Rohe McFadyen
  • Coordinator: Cate Ziegler 
  • Tech Team: Christina Swindells-Nader, Arthur Burstow, 
  • Music: Paul Rodermond, Daniel Clark 
  • Sharing/Caring: Cheryl Simmons 
  • Webmaster: Karin Carlson
  • Chalice Creation: Joanne Kelly
  • To contact the Sunday Services Team please email worship@uuwinnipeg.mb.ca