Unitarian Church of Edmonton (UCE)

'Tis the time of the year when the veil is the thinnest between this world and the next. We will gather around the bonfire to reflect on the season and our connection to the earth. Then we will go on a journey through the labyrinth to remember departed loved ones.

Our congregations, cultures, communities, our world, are in the midst of profound transition. How do we bring the spirit of our UU faith into this process? ORDER OF SERVICE Chimes Welcome and Announcements Land Acknowledgement Prelude Chalice Lighting Hymn 361 - Enter, Rejoice, and Come In Sharing Our Abundance - Camp fYrefly Hymn 402 - From You I Receive (Sing 2X) Service Leader Reflection - Rev. Rosemary Morrison Hymn 1003 - Where Do We Come From Responsive Reading 512 - We Give Thanks This Day Meditation Meditation Music Candles of Joy and Concern Message - When Spaghetti Meets Spirit - Guest Minister Rev. Anne Barker, CUC Congregational Life Lead & Transitional Executive Director Hymn 1014 - Answering the Call of Love Extinguishing the Flame/Benediction Carry the Flame Postlude

When Turkeys Fly: Doing the Impossible with Gratitude October 12, 2025 Reverend Rosemary Morrison Service Leader: Yvonne Mireau Order of Service Chimes Welcome and Announcements Land Acknowledgement Prelude Chalice Lighting Come into this circle of community. Come into this sacred space. By Andrew Pakula Come into this circle of community. Come into this sacred space. Be not tentative. Bring your whole self! Bring the joy that makes your heart sing. Bring your kindness and your compassion. Bring also your sorrow, your pain. Bring your brokenness and your disappointments. Spirit of love and mystery; help us to recognize the spark of the divine that resides within each of us. May we know the joy of wholeness. May we know the joy of being together. Hymn 349 We Gather Together by Dorothy C. Senghas Sharing Our Abundance Hymn 402 From You I Receive (Sing 2X) Service Leader Reflection Hymn 346 Come, Sing a Song with Me by Carolyn McDade Meditation Candles of Joy and Concern Video Grateful – Empty Hands Music – not recorded https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO2o98Zpzg8 Gratitude Activity Greet your neighbours while bringing up your non-perishable items Reading Message Hymn 131 Love Will Guide Us by Sally Rogers Extinguishing the Flame When the world numbs… by Rev. Cameron Trimble Spirit of Breath, When the world numbs, soften us. Melt the armor we’ve built around our own tenderness. Guard us not with distance, but with discernment. Help us feel deeply without drowning. Let us carry pain without being consumed by it. Let us keep loving without illusion. May our hearts of flesh remain responsive, vulnerable, and true Benediction Carry the Flame Postlude

Chorealis Service - Cultivating Compassion October 5, 2025 Welcome, Announcements and Land Acknowledgement Prelude Theme from Cheers Chorealis Opening Words We Lay Down Our Burdens by Kate Steinberg (adapted) Kindling the Chalice Rekindled by Albert Schweitzer Reading When the World Numbs, Stay Tender by Rev. Cameron Trimble Musical response Open Our Hearts Chorealis Sharing Our Abundance From You I Receive Reading Compassion - Rabbi Esther Adler Hymn #6 Just As Long As I Have Breath by Alicia S. Carpenter Candles of Care and Connection Service leader reflection by Karen Mills Meditation In words Tending by Rev. Dr. David Breeden In silence In music Sanctuary by Carrie Newcomer, arr. by Gordon Ritchie Chorealis Two Readings for Times When Compassion is Hard Prayer for Cultivating Compassion When It Feels Difficult Generous Assumptions by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer Hymn #1031 Filled With Loving Kindness. -traditional Buddhist Meditation arr. By M. Hayes Closing Song There Is More Love Somewhere Chorealis Extinguishing the Chalice Practice the Growing by Rev. Dr. David Breeden Carry the Flame

ORDER OF SERVICE Chimes Welcome and Announcements Prelude - Shaman’s Call by Carlos Nakai (not recorded) Land Acknowledgement Chalice Lighting - breathe by Craig Rowland Hymn 163 - For the Earth Forever Turning Reading – The Earth Does Not Belong to Us: We Belong to the Earth by Chief Seattle Sharing Our Abundance - Bent Arrow Traditional Healing Society Hymn 402 – From You I Receive (sing 2x) Reading - What Does It Mean to Belong to the Earth? by Barbara Ford Hymn 175 - We Celebrate the Web of Life Guest Speaker - Cheryl Whiskeyjack Reflection of Orange Shirt Day Candles of Joy and Concern A Prayer for Orange Shirt Day Responsive Reading – We Are the Fundamentalists by Charles Thomas Closing Words – inspired by Bell Hooks Hymn 207 - Earth Was Given Extinguishing the Chalice - by Adam Slate Carry the Flame

Showing Up in Community: We Belong There Too September 21, 2025 Reverend Rosemary Morrison Guest: Juan Vargas Order of Service Chimes Welcome and Announcements Land Acknowledgement Prelude Chalice Lighting Hymn 188 Come, Come, Whoever You Are. By L.A. Unger Sharing Our Abundance Hymn 402 From You I Receive (Sing 2X) Time for All Ages I Am We by Susan Verde –not recorded Candles of Joy and Concern Song We Shall Be Known by MaMuse (Lyrics below) Reading Excerpt from Effective Organising for Congregational Renewal by Michael Gecan Message Showing Up In Community: We Belong There Too Hymn 1017 Building a New Way By M. Sandefer Extinguishing the Flame Benediction Carry the Flame Postlude We Shall be Known by MaMuse Lyrics: We shall be known by the company we keep by the ones who circle round to tend these fires We shall be known by the ones who sow and reap the seeds of change alive from deep within the earth It is time now It is time now that we thrive It is time we lead ourselves into the well It is time now, and what a time to be alive In this great turning we shall learn to lead in love In this great turning we shall learn to lead in love

Service Leader: Karen Mills Order of Service Chimes Welcome and Announcements Land Acknowledgement Prelude Chalice Lighting Hymn 389 ""Gathered Here" Sharing Our Abundance: charity of Sept: Bent Arrow Hymn 402 From You I Receive (Sing 2X) Invitation to greet your neighbours Service Leader Reflection by Karen Mills Meditation Meditation Hymn 123 "Spirit of Life" Candles of Joy and Concern Song "Tend to the Spark" by Heather Houson Reading Excerpt from "Community: The Structure of Belonging" by Peter Block Message "The Structure of Belonging" by Rev. Morrison Hymn 1020 "Woyaya" Extinguishing the Flame "The Welcome We Extend" by Rev. Michelle Collins Benediction Carry the Flame Postlude

September 7, 2025 You Belong Here: A Homecoming Celebration Reverend Rosemary Morrison Service Leader: Lynne Turvey Order of Service Chimes Welcome and Announcements Land Acknowledgement Prelude Chalice Lighting The Spirit of Water by Katie Sivani Gelfand We light this chalice as a symbol of reunion. We reunite in this sanctuary to share the flow of our hearts with one another. We gather together in ritual to celebrate our fountains of joy to hold each other through storms of grief to guide one another through rapids of transformation to rest together on ponds of stillness. Together, we honor the spirit of water, its many forms, and its life-giving essence. Hymn 1000 Morning Has Come by J. Shelton Sharing Our Abundance Hymn 402 From You I Receive (Sing 2X) Ingathering Ritual with Calling of Directions (Response: Hymn 389 Gathered Here. By P.A. Porter) Invitation to greet your neighbours Service Leader Reflection Video Sing Along: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ADNit5IXoeQ Swimming to the Other Side by P. Humphries – not recorded Candles of Joy and Concern Hymn 1007 There’s a River Flowing In My Soul. By P. Mayer and H. Prichard Message and Water Ceremony Hymn 1064 Blue Boat Home Extinguishing the Flame May The Waters Gathered Here by Susan Karlson May the Waters gathered here remind us of what each of us brings to this community and of the waters that nourished us before we were even born, that continue to give us sustenance and energy for our life journeys. and for all creatures on this earth. May we gratefully continue to swim to the other side. Benediction: Carry the Flame Postlude

The Earth Laughs in Flowers June 15, 2024 Reverend Rosemary Morrison Service Leader: Yvonne Mireu Please bring a flower to share to our annual Flower Communion. This beloved Unitarian Universalist tradition started decades ago with Rev. Norbert Capek, a Unitarian minister persecuted for his inclusive values. Celebrate with us on this important and colourful day! Order of Service: The following video was played before the service: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xrt5-tz3Coc (a compilation of songs about roses) Chimes Welcome and Announcements Land Acknowledgement Prelude Chalice Lighting Like the First Hint of Green by Jennifer McGlothin As the first hint of green begins to peek through the barren ground As that little sprig grows into a healthy stem As that stem grows into a stalk and forms a bud As that bud slowly opens with each new day To form a yellow daffodil Let us be, like that first hint of green, renewed by the warm of the sun’s rays And ready to emerge with a new energy, ready to face the day. We light this chalice to bring a glimmer of that warmth into our space. Hymn 63 Spring Has Now Unwrapped the Flowers words by P. Cantiones (1582) Service Leader Reflection Sharing Our Abundance Hymn 402 From You I Receive (Sing 2X) Flower Communion Blessing by Amy Zucker Morgenstern Each of us is a flower, with a delicate beauty uniquely our own. We may be like sunflowers, turning always towards the light. May our lives bloom like the flowers. We may be like night-blooming cereus, only displaying our fragrant petals when it is dark and we think no one can see. May our lives bloom like the flowers. We may be hothouse flowers, far from our native lands, cautiously tended within a harsh and unfamiliar climate. May our lives bloom like the flowers. We may be gray-headed like dandelions, eager to launch the new generation with the first strong gust of wind: past our own bright youth, but ready to pass our wisdom on in precious gossamer-carried seeds. May our lives bloom like the flowers. Some of us, sometimes, spring up overnight and fade in the hot glare. May our lives bloom like the flowers. Some of us, sometimes, are roses, slowly assembling petal after tightly-wrapped petal, and revealing our full glory only when everything is in place. May our lives bloom like the flowers. Sometimes we are roadside weeds, loveliness bursting improbably from the dust and debris. May our lives bloom like the flowers. May we offer our beauty with the simplicity of flowers, expecting no recognition, hoping for nothing, giving out of what we are, and knowing it is enough. May our lives bloom like the flowers. Hymn 65 The Sweet June Days (words by Samuel Longfellow) Message With Flower Celebration Meditation de Colores, Flower Communion Meditation by Rev. Dan Schatz- video not recorded https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LPYQsjz_ZCx4XU2La4y9CtLz9MyE5444/view?usp=sharing Candles of Joy and Concern Hymn 1018 ACome and Go with me to That Land (African American Spiritual) Extinguishing the Flame Delighted and Renewed by Rebekah Savage As we come to the end of service, may you depart from our time together Buoyed by the Spirit of Life, Delighted by the warmth of our gathering, and Renewed in soul and mind. As we extinguish the flame of our chalice, may its lingering spark be carried in your heart until we are together again. Benediction Carry the Flame Postlude

Sunday, June 8, 2025 "Take PRIDE in who you are!" Order of Service Service Leaders: Gordon Ritchie, Maria Ouderkirk and Declan Kiely Welcome and Announcements Prelude- video [not recorded] "It's Not Easy Being Green" Land Acknowledgement Chalice Lighting "Honoring Our Common Connection and Our Uniqueness" by Adam Slate Hymn 305 "Des Colores" Reading " A Seed Knows How to Wait" by Hope Jahren Sharing Our Abundance - Charity of the Month: George Spady Society Hymn 402 From You I Receive (Sing 2X) Reading "Litany for Becoming" by enfleshed Hymn 1019 " Everything Possible" Service Leader Reflection by Maria Ouderkirk Responsive Reading - Our Common Life Is Enriched from Religious Institute, a multifaith organization dedicated to advocating for sexual, gender, and reproductive health, education, and justice in faith communities and society. Hymn 1053 "How Could Anyone" Uniqueness Ritual Candles of Care and Concern Video [not recorded] "True Colours" Responsive Reading "Love Is Hard" by Carey McDonald, Terasa Cooley Hymn 1014 "Answering the Call of Love" Extinguishing the Flame: Responsive Reading "In Love" by Charles Thomas Closing Words "Rainbow Blessing" by Cricket Hall "Carry the Flame" Postlude "I'm Coming Out" [not recorded]

All Creatures Great and Small: Animals Bless us Every Day June 1, 2025 Rev. Rosemary Morrison, Service Leader: Karen Bilida All Creatures Great and Small: Animals Bless us Every Day June 1, 2025 Order of Servcie Chimes Welcome and Announcements Land Acknowledgement Prelude Chalice Lighting All Animals Are Our Relatives by Florence Caplow We light this chalice in honor of the animal realm, Furred and hoofed, two-legged, four-legged, many-legged, Fanged and clawed, gentle and fierce, wild and tame. May we remember that all animals are our relatives, Worthy of our care and respect. Hymn 38 Morning Has Broken by E. Farjeon Sharing Our Abundance Hymn 402 From You I Receive (Sing 2X) by J. and N. Segal Service Leader Reflection Hymn A Place in the Choir (Words below) Animal Companionship Responsive Reading By Karen G. Johnston Leader: Ours is a world alive and aloud with the presence of creatures and critters. Animals abound, interwoven in our human lives and wholly independent. This is the interdependent web of all existence of which we are a part. People: We give thanks for animal companionship in our lives and on this earth. Leader: Some of us have known animals who have saved our very lives. Sometimes, this is metaphor; sometimes, it is literal fact. For so many of us, we are better human animals because we have known animal animals as part of our story. People: We give thanks for animal companionship in our lives and on this earth. Leader: Animals are not only cuddly and cute, companions of solace and delight. Animals are deeply wild, with the capacity to defend and to kill, even the ones we have pronounced tamed. Let us always show forms of proper respect for this wild way. People: We give thanks for animal companionship in our lives and on this earth. Leader: There is the painful reality that some animals suffer needlessly at our hands. There are animals who encounter human cruelty – left hungry or maltreated, used for mean-spirited profit, habitat stolen and built upon without regard for our shared mutual existence. Let us do what we can to be able to give thanks for animals without hypocrisy or heartless dominance. People: We give thanks for animal companionship in our lives and on this earth. Leader: There are animals in our daily lives whose labor makes our own lives easier, safer, more accessible. Animals who lend us their fur or hair or feathers or fleece or milk or eggs that we might be sustained without their loss of life. Animals whom we raise or hunt – may it always be compassionately and with respect for the wider web, though we know this is mostly not the case – whose lives are sacrificed that some of us eat or cover our bodies. May we move ever closer to that ideal to live lightly on the earth, taking only what we must, and no more. People: We give thanks for animal companionship in our lives and on this earth. All: We bless all animals. We bless those we know and love; we bless those unknown to us who have benefited our lives. We bless even the ones that can harm us, affirming with humility their place in the interdependent web. We affirm the impulse for humans to live in right relation with all other animals on this earth. May we honor our best presence as part of the animal family. Video Happy Dogs and Cat in Australia Pharrell Williams (Music) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DePFiF-nNoE&t=16s Pet Blessing/Minister Reflection Meditation Candles of Joy and Concern Hymn 1010 We Give Thanks by W.L. Perkins Extinguishing the Flame That Which is Worthy of Doing by Steve J Crump That which is worthy of doing, create with your hands. That which is worthy of repeating, speak with a clear voice. That which is worthy of remembering, hold in your hearts. And that which is worthy of remembering, hold in your hearts. And that which is worthy of living, go and live it now. Benediction Carry the Flame Postlude

J.M. Barrie wrote in Peter Pan: The moment you doubt whether you can fly you cease forever to be able to do it. What do you think UCE is capable of? In what ways have we clipped our own wings? Let’s explore possibilities together! ORDER OF SERVICE Chimes Welcome and Announcements Land Acknowledgement Prelude Chalice Lighting - Nurturing Imagination by Rev. Michelle Collins Hymn 389 - Gathered Here Sharing Our Abundance - Y.E.S.S. Candles of Joy and Concern Pastoral Response - Rev. Rosemary Morrison Hymn 123 - Spirit of Life Meditation Reading - by Wilferd A. Peterson Hymn 1051 - We Are… Service Leader Reflection - Theresa Wilkinson Video - Imagine - John Lennon (not recorded) Message - Learning to Fly and Other Imaginings - Rev. Rosemary Morrison Moment of Reflection Hymn 1024 - When the Spirit Says Do Extinguishing the Flame - To Kindle New Fires in the World by Rev. Michelle Collins Benediction Carry the Flame Postlude

The Heart and Soul of UCE May 18, 2025 Rev Rosemary Morrison and the Pastoral Care TEam Order of Service Chimes Welcome and Announcements Land Acknowledgement Prelude Chalice Lighting We Light Our Chalice Imagining by Rev. Brigitte Bechtold We light our chalice, imagining What lies in the liminal space Between the flame and its circle What dwells in the interstitial space Between the cracks in our lives’ pavements And the threads of our days’ fabrics What meanings are hidden Between the words that we know And those we have yet to conceptualize What compassion flutters Between me and you and all of us Between the known and the mystery And we color it all with love Hymn 354 We Laugh, We Cry. by S.J. Denham Sharing Our Abundance Candles of Joy and Concern Pastoral Response Service Leader Reflection Rev. Rosemary Time for All Ages Gloria Krenbrenk and her Power Song! Reading Love after Love by Derek Walcott The time will come When, with elation, you will greet yourself arriving At your own door, in your own mirror, and each will smile at the other’s welcome, and say, sit here, Eat. You will love again the stranger who was your self. Give wine, Give break. Give back your heart To itself, to the stranger who has loved you All your lie, whom you ignored For another, who knows you by heart. Take down the love letters from the bookshelf, the photographs, the desperate notes, Peel your own image from the mirror. Sit. Feast on your life. Hymn 1023 Building Bridges. Quaker round Service Leader Reflection Gloria Krenbrenk Video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WO-KjEvEG0&t=341s Service Leader Reflection Carol Hutchings Meditation Meditation Music 1053 How Could Anyone Service Leader Reflection Alec Mooji Moment of Reflection Hymn 1008 When Our Heart is in a Holy Place by L Roderick Extinguishing the Flame Benediction Postlude Carry the Flame

audio1710343720 by Unitarian Church of Edmonton (UCE)

Creating Pathways: Letting Go May 11, 2025 Rev. Rosemary Morrison Service Leader: Brandie-Moller Reid Order of Service Chimes Welcome and Announcements Land Acknowledgement Prelude Chalice Lighting Mother's Day Chalice Lighting by Claudene (Deane) Oliva We light this chalice for mothers and mothering; to celebrate those who have taken on the task of nurturing a young one-baby, child, or youth-into adulthood; to celebrate those who have nourished the light of truth and compassion in growing minds and hearts; to celebrate those who have committed time, money, energy to the growth of others in this world. We light this chalice to celebrate and hold dear this flame of love. By Claudene (Deane) Oliva Hymn 188 Come, Come Whoever You Are Sharing Our Abundance Hymn 402 From You I Receive (Sing 2X) Candles of Joy and Concern Pastoral Response Hymn 301 Touch the Earth, Reach the Sky Service Leader Reflection Responsive Reading Wild Geese by Mary Oliver You do not have to be good. __You do not have to walk on your knees for a hundred miles through the desert, repenting. You only have to let the soft animal of your body love what it loves. __Tell me about despair, yours, and I will tell you mine. Meanwhile the world goes on. __Meanwhile the sun and the clear pebbles of the rain are moving across the landscapes, over the prairies and the deep trees, the mountains and the rivers. Meanwhile the wild geese, high in the clean blue air, are heading home again. __Whoever you are, no matter how lonely, the world offers itself to your imagination, calls to you like the wild geese, harsh and exciting-over and over announcing your place in the family of things. Video Martyn Joseph Folding https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZNYWxbpvTQ Reading Meditation Message Hymn 1020 Woyaya Extinguishing the Flame Let us sing the magic of Imagination by Susan L. Van Dreser Let us sing the magic of imagination by which we know one another and learn the lives of eras gone by. Let us sing the magic of creation by which we build the world of our soul and teach its wisdom to others, young and old. Let us sing the magic of our lives together, holding and shaping by the movement of breath from heart to lung all new life that is to come. Go now with singing. Go now with magic in your fingertips. Touch this world with life. Benediction Carry the Flame Postlude

Practicing the Future Together adrienne maree brown said, “Science fiction is simply a way to practice the future together.” In this service, join Chorealis to practice the future together not through science fiction, but through song. We’ll use lyrics, melody, harmony and rhythm to spark our imaginations and sort through thoughts both dark and light

Guest Spearker Guy Milner talks on his experiences advocating for AIDS victims and the gay community. ORDER OF SERVICE Welcome, Announcements and Land Acknowledgement Prelude Kindling the Chalice - The Hearth of the Chalice by Bear W. Qolezcua Hymn 347 - Gather the Spirit Introduction of Guy Milner Part 1 presentation by Guy Milner Sharing Our Abundance - Child Haven International Offertory Response - From You I Receive (2x) Part 2 presentation by Guy Milner Video (not recorded) Reading - What Is the Spiritual Message / Moral of The Star Thrower “Starfish” Story? by Loren Eiseley Hymn #325 - Love Makes a Bridge (verses 1, 2, 3 & 5) Candles of Joy and Concern Responisve Reading - Together in a Sacred Space by Lorelei Greenwood-Jones Hymn 345 - We Laugh, We Cry Extinguishing the Chalice – Go Forth in Simplicity by Sam Trumbore Closing Words - Our Connection to Each Other and this Community Remains by Kathy A. Huff Carry the Flame Postlude

"The Earth Brings Us Life and Joy" April 20, 2025 Easter Sunday lands right before Earth Day this year, so it seems fitting that we celebrate nature in its joyful renewal. Order of Service - Service Leader: John Sproule Chimes Welcome, Land Acknowledgement, Announcements Prelude - pianist: Andrew Glover Chalice Lighting "Alleluia!" by Jeanne Lloyd Hymn 21 "For the Beauty of the Earth" Sharing our Abundance: charity for April: Child Haven International - childhaven.ca Sung Response: Hymn 402 "From You I Receive" Offertory "Blue Skies" – Andrew Glover and Andrea Graham Service Leader Reflection John Sproule Hymn 61 "Lo, the Earth Awakes Again" Activity: Presenting new name tags Musical Presentation - Andrew Glover Minister Reflection - Rev Rosemary Chocolate Communion Candles of Joy and Concern Hymn 118 "This Little Light" Extinguishing the Flame "This Joyful Game" by Rev Scott Tayler Benediction Postlude - Andrew Glover "Carry the Flame" Musical Presentation - "Sweet Georgia Brown"– Andrew Glover and Andrea Graham

"Joy, Give Into It" - Service Leader: Talia Welsh April 13, 2025 - Order of Service Chimes Welcome, Announcements, Land Acknowledgement Prelude Opening Words Chalice Lighting "Come Into This Place" By Margaret Weis Hymn 1000 "Morning Has Come" Sharing our Abundance: Charity of the Month: Child Haven International Offertory Response "From You I Receive" Service Leader Reflection - Talia Welsh Reading "From Beauty" by John O’Donohue Hymn 163 "For the Earth Forever Turning" Meditation Meditation Music "Spirit of Life" Candles of Joy and Concern Video "This Joy" by the Resistance Revival Choir (video not recorded) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1TbDPwA09Bc Message "Joy, Give Into It" Hymn 1030 "Siyahamba" Extinguishing the Flame "Joy: A Benediction" by David Breeden Benediction "Carry the Flame" Postlude

Reverend Rosemary and Chorealis approach joy from multiple perspectives - because you just never know where you will find it!