2019 to 2020 Services

As the calendar page turns, let us regather and note the start of the new church year. It’s time to reflect on the summer (such as it was!) and shake hands with people we might not have seen for a while.

1 Welcome by Rev. Brian Kiely 0:00
2 Prelude “Gymnopedie (piano) No. 3 - Lent et grave” by Erik Satie, Frank Glazer piano 2:05
3 Opening Words “Come, Gather In” by Andrea Hawkins-Kamper 4:21
4 Chalice Lighting 5:22
5 Hymn 361 “Enter, Rejoice and Come In” 5:36
6 Responsive Reading 442 “We Bid You Welcome” 7:24
7 Sharing Our Abundance 8:49
8 “Violin Concerto No. 3 in G, K. 216, III. Rondo - Allegro”, Richard Tognetti & Emma-Jane Murphy - Master and Commander, Soundtrack, 2003 9:37
9 Receiving the Offering 10:57
10 Reading “Grounding” by Jess Reynolds 11:29
11 Hymn 1008 “When Our Heart Is in a Holy Place”  13:20
12 Sermon “Finding Our Ground” by Rev. Brian J. Kiely 15:45
13 Meditation in Song 1031 “Filled with Loving Kindness” 31:55
14 Meditation in Words “We Are Whole” by Beth LeFever 34:16
15 Meditation in Music “Gabriel's Oboe” by Ennio Morricone - Yo-Yo Ma & Roma Siofonietta 36:06
16 Hymn 352 “Find a Stillness” 39:16
17 Closing Words 41:36
18 “Carry the Flame” 41:54
The End 42:36

The Unitarian Church of Edmonton is a liberal, multi-generational, religious community. We celebrate a rich mosaic of free-thinking, spiritually-questing individuals joined in common support and action. We welcome diversity including diversity of beliefs from divine believers to humanists, from pagans to atheists and agnostics. We believe in the compassion of the human heart, the warmth of community, the pursuit of justice and the search of meaning in our lives.

We gather with gratitude on traditional Cree lands that are now a part of Treaty Six and shared by many nations. A treaty is an inheritance, a responsibility and a relationship. May we be good neighbours to one another, good stewards to our planet and good ancestors to our children.

UCE - https://www.uce.ca/
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/41659071349/
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurch/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/EdmUnitarian
Twitter - https://twitter.com/UnitarianUCE
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unitarianuce/
SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-189401827/

Unitarian Church of Edmonton

“Finding Our Ground,” Rev. Brian Kiely, 1 Sep 2019

It can be difficult to be part of a religion that has no creed. What connects us? Inspires us? Guides us? I think it is a set of ideas and principles based on a common theology.

The Unitarian Church of Edmonton is a liberal, multi-generational, religious community. We celebrate a rich mosaic of free-thinking, spiritually-questing individuals joined in common support and action. We welcome diversity including diversity of beliefs from divine believers to humanists, from pagans to atheists and agnostics. We believe in the compassion of the human heart, the warmth of community, the pursuit of justice and the search of meaning in our lives.

We gather with gratitude on traditional Cree lands that are now a part of Treaty Six and shared by many nations. A treaty is an inheritance, a responsibility and a relationship. May we be good neighbours to one another, good stewards to our planet and good ancestors to our children.

Responsive Reading “Reflection on Our Seven Principles” By Michael E. Sallwasser: https://www.uua.org/worship/words/opening/reflection-7-principles

1 Welcome by Rev. Brian Kiely	0:00
2 Prelude “On the Lakes (Flutes & Bird Sounds)”, Native American World Drums	2:43
3 Kindling of the Chalice	4:31
4 Hymn #113 “Where Is Our Holy Church”	5:55
5 Responsive reading “Reflection on Our Seven Principles” by Michael Sallwasser	10:01
6 Sharing Our Abundance	13:21
7 “Native American Flute I”	14:49
8 Receiving the Offering	16:47
9 Reading “Experience Connection” by Peter Morales	17:21
10 Hymn #358 “Rank by Rank”	19:26
11 Sermon “On Unitarian Ground” by Rev. Brian J. Kiely	22:54
12 Meditation, Hymn #380 “Rejoice in Love We Know and Share”	38:53
13 Meditation in words “We Need a Religion” by Scott Alexander	40:10
14 Meditation in music “When I Fall in Love (feat. Christoph Both, Jeff Reilly, Peter-Anthony Togni)”, Sanctuary	42:00
15 Next Sunday's music	44:57
16 Closing Hymn #1028 “The Fire of Commitment”	45:19
17 Closing Words	48:47
18 “Carry the Flame”	49:05
The End	49:44

UCE - https://www.uce.ca/
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/41659071349/
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurch/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/EdmUnitarian
Twitter - https://twitter.com/UnitarianUCE
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unitarianuce/
SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-189401827/

“On Unitarian Ground,” Rev. Brian Kiely, 8 Sep 2019

Today we install the Board of Trustees that will guide our church in the next year. And while my title is a bit pretentious, it’s important to remember that the ground of this congregation is its people, especially those willing to serve and lead. Erin Vandermolen-Pater will be our guest musician, courtesy of Larry and Louise Charach.

The Unitarian Church of Edmonton is a liberal, multi-generational, religious community. We celebrate a rich mosaic of free-thinking, spiritually-questing individuals joined in common support and action. We welcome diversity including diversity of beliefs from divine believers to humanists, from pagans to atheists and agnostics. We believe in the compassion of the human heart, the warmth of community, the pursuit of justice and the search of meaning in our lives.

We gather with gratitude on traditional Cree lands that are now a part of Treaty Six and shared by many nations. A treaty is an inheritance, a responsibility and a relationship. May we be good neighbours to one another, good stewards to our planet and good ancestors to our children.

1 Welcome by Rev. Brian Kiely 0:00
2 Introduction of Erin Vandermolen-Pater 1:40
3 Prelude “Wood River” by Connie Kaldor, sung by Erin Vandermolen-Pater 2:04
4 Reading “Communities of Memory and Promise” by Kendyl R Gibbons 5:38
5 Kindling the Chalice, Unison Reading 457 7:02
6 Hymn 389 “Gathered Here” 7:45
7 Kindling of Young People´s Chalice, Hymn 1059 “May Your Life Be as a Song” 9:08
8 Reading “I Want to Be with People” by Dana Worsnop 10:27
9 Sharing Our Abundance 13:35
10 “Bridge Over Troubled Waters” by Paul Simon, sung by Erin Vandermolen-Pater 14:40
11 Receiving the Offering 18:57
12 Meditation in music 1031 “May I Be Filled with Loving Kindness” 19:29
13 Meditation in words “Anyone's Ministry” by Gordon McKeeman 21:48
14 Meditation in music “Migratory V” by Audra McDonald, sung by Erin Vandermolen-Pater 24:16
15 Sermon “On This Rock” by Rev. Brian Kiely; Installing the New Board 26:21
16 Closing Hymn 323 “Break Not the Circle” 45:17
17 Closing Words 46:57
18 “Carry the Flame” 47:14
19 Postlude “Sonya Alone” by Dave Malloy, sung by Erin Vandermolen-Pater 47:54
The End 51:27 3086.57

UCE - https://www.uce.ca/
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/41659071349/
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurch/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/EdmUnitarian
Twitter - https://twitter.com/UnitarianUCE
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unitarianuce/
SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-189401827/

“On This Rock,” Rev. Brian Kiely, 15 Sep 2019

In these days of polarization about nearly everything, it seems the world is out of balance. The Taoist philosophy of seeking balance and harmony might be a useful base on which to build.

1 Welcome by Rev. Brian J. Kiely 0:00
2 Prelude “Harp Orient Music”, Tai Chi Music - Chinese Songs New Age & Classical Relaxing Music for Tai Chi Chuan, Reiki & Yoga 3:15
3 Opening Words by Mo Tse 4:45
4.1 Kindling the Chalice, Responsive Reading 602 by Lao Tsu 5:12
4.2 Chalice Response 362 “Rise Up, O Flame” 6:08
5  Kindling the Children's Chalices and Recessional 118 7:06
6.1 Sharing Our Abundance 7:57
6.2 “Free Spirit (Tibetan Flute)”, Tai Chi Music 8:44
6.3 Receiving the Offering 10:46
7 Hymn 119 “Once to Every Soul and Nation” 11:20
8 Sermon “Yin and Yang” by Rev. Brian J. Kiely 13:46
9.1 Meditation in Song 123 “Spirit of Life” 32:34
9.2 Meditation in Words “A Vessel So Sacred” by Lao Tsu 33:44
9.3 Meditation in Music “Sounds of Nature Music for Tai Chi Chuan”, Tai Chi Music 34:49
10 Closing Hymn 100 “Peace Like a River” 38:05
11 Closing Words 40:41
12 “Carry the Flame” 40:53
The End 41:37

UCE - https://www.uce.ca/
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/41659071349/
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurch/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/EdmUnitarian
Twitter - https://twitter.com/UnitarianUCE
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unitarianuce/
SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-189401827/

“Yin and Yang,” Rev. Brian J. Kiely, 22 Sep 2019

The UCE Social Justice Working Group is committed to supporting the calls to action that came from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. This service continues this commitment.

1 Prelude “Moon Drumming Song” by the North End Winnipeg Women's Centre drumming group 0:00
2 Opening Words 1:54
3 Welcome, Rev. Audrey Brooks 2:19
4 Introduction, Social Justice Working Group and Truth & Reconciliation 3:05
5 Chalice Lighting, Christine Mowat 6:01
6 Kindling the Youth Chalice 7:00
7 Sharing Our Abundance 8:28
8 Story of the Orange Shirt, read by Eryn Straube 11:19
9 “Sacred Ground” by David R. Maracle 17:40
10 Hymn 121 “We'll Build a Land” 21:08
11 Presentation “A Look at the Missing and Murdered Women Report” by Christine Mowat 24:42
12 “Merry Go Round” 43:25
13 Drumming for Becky H. by Rev. Audrey 47:05
14 Meditation in Words 49:11
15 Meditaton in Song 50:04
16 Closing Words 51:49
17 “Carry the Flame” 52:07
End of track 52:39 3159.02

UCE - https://www.uce.ca/
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/41659071349/
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurch/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/EdmUnitarian
Twitter - https://twitter.com/UnitarianUCE
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unitarianuce/
SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-189401827/

“Walking with Our First Nations Families,” Rev. Audrey Brooks & Eryn Straube, 29 Sep 2019

With only three months to go before my final service at UCE, it’s time to think a bit about what that means for me and for the congregation. I won’t be suggesting a future course for you, that’s no longer my place, but I can discuss the transition from my perspective.

1 Welcome by Rev. Brian Kiely 0:00
2 Opening Words by Mark Morrison Reed 1:25
3 Kindling the Chalice, Oberlin Ohio UU Fellowship 2:17
4 Hymn of the Month “One Flame” 2:46
5 Sharing Our Abundance Camp fYrefly 5:28
6 Cups (Pitch Perfect’s “When I’m Gone”) by Anna Kendrick 6:47
7 Receiving the Offering 9:25
8 Reading “Letting Go” by Jay Wolin https://www.uua.org/worship/words/chalice-lighting/letting-go 10:03
9 Hymn 324 “Where My Free Spirit Onward Leads” 11:28
10 Sermon “The Future is Nigh!” Rev. Brian Kiely 14:26
11 Meditation in Song 391 “Voice Still and Small” 32:15
12 Meditation in Words “Meditation on Letting Go” by Carol Allman-Morton https://www.uua.org/worship/words/meditation/meditation-letting-go 33:20
13 Meditation in Music “Al Di Meola - First Snow” 34:41
14 Hymn 322 “Thanks Be for These” 37:25
15 Closing Words 39:34
16 “Carry the Flame” 39:49
17 track end 40:24

UCE - www.uce.ca/
Facebook Group - www.facebook.com/groups/41659071349/
Facebook Page - www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurch/
YouTube - www.youtube.com/user/EdmUnitarian
Twitter - twitter.com/UnitarianUCE
Instagram - www.instagram.com/unitarianuce/
SoundCloud - soundcloud.com/user-189401827/

“The Future is Nigh!,” Rev. Brian J. Kiely, 27 Oct 2019

A Mother’s Day service that looks at our basic curiosity about our origins as children and then as more thoughtful adults. 
Guest Musician: Maria Jenkins
 
00:00 1 Welcome by Rev. Brian
02:35 2 Opening Words #596 “Metta Sutta”
03:16 3 Kindling the Chalice, and Mother’s Day Candle
05:22 4 Hymn 95 “There Is More Love Somewhere”
07:24 5 Story for All Ages--“Amelia” by Gail Sphar, read by Rev. Brian
14:05 6 Sharing Our Abundance, “Youth Empowerment and Support Services”
14:52 7 “How Far I’ll Go” from Moana, sung by Maria Jenkins
17:32 8 Receiving the Offering
18:06 9 Silent and Spoken Candles of Care and Connection
20:55 10 Meditation in Song 123 “Spirit of Life”
22:06 11 Meditation in Words “Transcendental Etude” by Adrienne Rich
23:35 12 Meditation in Song, “Gartan Mother's Lullaby” by Hughes and Mac Cathmhaoil, sung by Maria Jenkins 
25:47 13 Sermon “Where Do I Come From?” by Rev. Brian
42:19 14 Closing Words
42:38 15 “Carry the Flame”

The Unitarian Church of Edmonton is a liberal, multi-generational, religious community. We celebrate a rich mosaic of free-thinking, spiritually-questing individuals joined in common support and action. We welcome diversity including diversity of beliefs from divine believers to humanists, from pagans to atheists and agnostics. We believe in the compassion of the human heart, the warmth of community, the pursuit of justice and the search of meaning in our lives.

We gather with gratitude on traditional Cree lands that are now a part of Treaty Six and shared by many nations. A treaty is an inheritance, a responsibility and a relationship. May we be good neighbours to one another, good stewards to our planet and good ancestors to our children.

UCE - https://www.uce.ca/
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/41659071349/
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurch/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/EdmUnitarian
Twitter - https://twitter.com/UnitarianUCE
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unitarianuce/
SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-189401827/

“Where Do I Come From?” Rev. Brian J. Kiely, 12 May 2019

Many people have made their way to Unitarianism because they were dissatisfied when given pat answers about the existence and nature of God. But many of us are still curious. Is there a concept of the divine we can support?

David Pohl, “We Come to This Time and This Place”, https://www.uua.org/worship/words/reading/we-come-to-this-time
 
00:00 1 Welcome
02:53 2 “Being Green” sung by Kermit the Frog
05:28 3 Opening Words “We Come to This Time and This Place” by David Pohl
06:03 4 Kindling the Chalice
06:26 5 Hymn 118 “This Little Light of Mine”
07:51 6 Kindling the Children’s Chalice
08:51 7 Sharing Our Abundance: YESS (Youth Empowerment and Support Services)
10:10 8 “Atheists Don’t Have No Songs” by Steve Martin & the Steep Canyon Rangers
13:55 9 Receiving the Offering
14:28 10 Silent Candles of Care and Commenction
15:54 11 Meditation in Words: “The Oversoul” by Ralph Waldo Emerson
19:09 12 Meditation in Music: “God Is a River”
23:08 13 Community Question: “God?”
24:14 14 Hymn 51 “Lady of the Season’s Laughter”
27:25 15 Sermon: “Divinty Curiousity” by Rev. Brian
45:08 16 Closing Hymn 30 “Over My Head”
48:10 17 Closing Words
48:28 18 “Carry the Flame”

The Unitarian Church of Edmonton is a liberal, multi-generational, religious community. We celebrate a rich mosaic of free-thinking, spiritually-questing individuals joined in common support and action. We welcome diversity including diversity of beliefs from divine believers to humanists, from pagans to atheists and agnostics. We believe in the compassion of the human heart, the warmth of community, the pursuit of justice and the search of meaning in our lives.

We gather with gratitude on traditional Cree lands that are now a part of Treaty Six and shared by many nations. A treaty is an inheritance, a responsibility and a relationship. May we be good neighbours to one another, good stewards to our planet and good ancestors to our children.

UCE - https://www.uce.ca/
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/41659071349/
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurch/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/EdmUnitarian
Twitter - https://twitter.com/UnitarianUCE
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unitarianuce/
SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-189401827/

“Divine Curiosity,” Rev. Brian J. Kiely, 19 May 2019

My favourite question has long been “What’s next?” Where do we go from here? How do we set a course for sailing into the future?

Special thanks for our guest musician Margaret Fisher (French Horn) who is a member of Orchestra Borealis.

00:00 1 Welcome
02:22 2 Prelude “Amazing Grace” arr. by Paul Basler, played by Margaret Fisher & Gordon Ritchie
04:46 3 Opening Words
05:16 4 Hymn 361 “Enter, Rejoice, and Come In”
06:57 5 Kindling the Chalices
08:37 6 Sharing Our Abundance: YESS Youth Empowerment and Support Service
09:18 7 “Under the Greenwood Tree” by Thomas Arne arr. by Thomas Bacon, played by Margaret Fisher and Gordon Ritchie
11:33 8 Receiving the Offering
12:04 9 Silent and Spoken Candles of Care and Connection
14:39 10 Meditation in Words: “Help Us” by Harry Meserve
16:19 11 Meditation in Music “Abide With Me” arr. by Paul Basler, played by Margaret Fisher and Gordon Ritchie
18:45 12 Reading “A Thousand Small Sanities” by Gabino Iglesias
22:27 13 Community Question “Where Are We Going? Are you optimistic or pessimistic?”
24:26 14 Hymn 159 “This Is My Song”
26:28 15 Sermon “And in the Future?”
45:22 16 Hymn 1028 “The Fire of Commitment”
48:24 17 Closing Words
48:48 18 “Carry the Flame”

The Unitarian Church of Edmonton is a liberal, multi-generational, religious community. We celebrate a rich mosaic of free-thinking, spiritually-questing individuals joined in common support and action. We welcome diversity including diversity of beliefs from divine believers to humanists, from pagans to atheists and agnostics. We believe in the compassion of the human heart, the warmth of community, the pursuit of justice and the search of meaning in our lives.

We gather with gratitude on traditional Cree lands that are now a part of Treaty Six and shared by many nations. A treaty is an inheritance, a responsibility and a relationship. May we be good neighbours to one another, good stewards to our planet and good ancestors to our children.

UCE - https://www.uce.ca/
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/41659071349/
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurch/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/EdmUnitarian
Twitter - https://twitter.com/UnitarianUCE
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unitarianuce/
SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-189401827/

“And in the Future?” Rev. Brian J. Kiely, 26 May 2019

This Pride Service is hosted by our Youth to celebrate diversity and the value of all peoples.

UCE Youth: Violet, Nakai, Lillyanna, Lily, Kadance, Elora, Alya, Alex

0:00:00 1 Welcome by Kadance
0:01:12 2 Prelude “Love Train” by The O’Jays
0:04:19 3 Opening Words & Kindling the Chalice “Inherent Worth and Dignity” by Steve Stock, read & lit by Lily
0:04:44 4 Hymn 1053 “How Could Anyone”
0:06:03 5 Story for All Ages “Morris the Moose Is Lonely” by William Adair, read by Rev. Brian Kiely
0:11:58 5 Sharing Our Abundance, read by Elora
0:13:14 6 “Girls Like Girls” by Hayley Kiyoko
0:18:20 7 Receiving the Offering
0:18:57 8 Responsive Reading “Proud” by Amanda Uldis-Kessler, read by Ayla 
0:20:16 9 Song “I Am What I Am” by Harvey Fierstein, performed by RuPaul’s All Star cast 
0:23:34 10 Silent Candles of Care and Connection, intro by Violet
0:24:02 11 “Don't Give Up on Me” by Andy Grammer ft. PS22 Choris
0:28:23 12 Reading “Pride Service” by Erica DeNeve and Youth
0:48:36 13 Hymn 1014 “Standing on the Side of Love” by Mark Hicks
0:50:38 14 Meditation in words “Mattering” by Mark Hicks, read by Alex
0:56:38 15 Reading 2 “Pride Events Cancellation” by Rev. Brian Kiely
1:00:52 16 Closing Hymn “A Cleansing Rage” by Jason Shelton
1:02:31 17 Closing Words “May We Live the Spirit of Pride” by Elizabeth Ketcham, read by Nakai
1:04:21 18 “Carry the Flame”
1:04:57 19 Postlude “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga

The Unitarian Church of Edmonton is a liberal, multi-generational, religious community. We celebrate a rich mosaic of free-thinking, spiritually-questing individuals joined in common support and action. We welcome diversity including diversity of beliefs from divine believers to humanists, from pagans to atheists and agnostics. We believe in the compassion of the human heart, the warmth of community, the pursuit of justice and the search of meaning in our lives.

We gather with gratitude on traditional Cree lands that are now a part of Treaty Six and shared by many nations. A treaty is an inheritance, a responsibility and a relationship. May we be good neighbours to one another, good stewards to our planet and good ancestors to our children.

UCE - https://www.uce.ca/
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/41659071349/
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurch/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/EdmUnitarian
Twitter - https://twitter.com/UnitarianUCE
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unitarianuce/
SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-189401827/

“Pride Service,” UCE Youth, Erica DeNeve, Rev. Brian Kiely, 9 Jun 2019

1 Welcome by Declan 0:00
2 “Dancing with Myself” by Billy Idol 1:52
3 Chalice Lighting by Maria Jenkins 5:07
4 Hymn 123 “Spirit of Life” by Orange County Unitarian Universalist Choir 5:45
5 1st Reflection by AJ 8:44
6 “Isolation Groove” by Martin Kerr and Ann Vriend 10:20
7 2nd Reflection by Elora 13:22
8 “Super bad tranmittable contagious awful virus” by Daniel Matarazzo 15:20
9 Offering Response 17:15
10 3rd Reflection by Declan 17:45
11 Meditation in Music “Cause” by Infinity Ripple 18:58
12 4th Reflection by Violet 22:10
13 5th Reflection by Maria Jenkins 24:59
14 Extinguishing the Chalice by Violet 28:25
15 “Carry the Flame of Peace and Love” 28:57
16 Postlude “Cats and Netflix” by The Doubleclicks 29:42

The Unitarian Church of Edmonton is a liberal, multi-generational, religious community. We celebrate a rich mosaic of free-thinking, spiritually-questing individuals joined in common support and action. We welcome diversity including diversity of beliefs from divine believers to humanists, from pagans to atheists and agnostics. We believe in the compassion of the human heart, the warmth of community, the pursuit of justice and the search of meaning in our lives.

We gather with gratitude on traditional Cree lands that are now a part of Treaty Six and shared by many nations. A treaty is an inheritance, a responsibility and a relationship. May we be good neighbours to one another, good stewards to our planet and good ancestors to our children.

UCE - https://www.uce.ca/
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/41659071349/
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurch/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/EdmUnitarian
Twitter - https://twitter.com/UnitarianUCE
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unitarianuce/
SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-189401827/

“How to Connect in This Time of Physical Isolation,” UCE Youth, 29 Mar 2020

Every continent has its proverbs: single sentences crafted with wisdom and passed down through the generations. Africa is no exception, and each of its countless ethnic groups has its own set of traditional sayings. Some are comical, some are cryptic, but all of them offer subtle grains of truth that remain relevant today–no matter where you live or what your circumstances may be. #UU #YEG

1 Welcome by Gordon Ritchie 0:00
2 Prelude “Bayasibiza” by the University of Pretoria Camerata 0:40
3 Opening Words from An African Prayer Book by Desmond Tutu 3:41
4 Kindling the Chalice “This Is the Hour” by Rev. Connie Simon, First Unitarian Church of Cincinnati 5:17
5 Sharing Our Abundance 6:25
6 “Rainmaker” by Stellenbosch University Choir, South Africa 8:31
7 “From You I Receive, to You I Give” 13:10
8 Reading An Ashanti Prayer from West Africa 13:43
9 Spoken Hymn “Cherish the Earth” by Susan Ruttan 14:48
10 Musical interlude “Konke Okkungaphakathi Kwam’” by University of Johannesburg Choir 15:39
11 Reading “African Proverbs and Their Meanings” by Anouk Zijlma, read by Gordon Ritchie 18:46
12 Story “The Lion Who Thought He Was a Sheep” from “Rediscovering Life” by Anthony de Mello, read by Karen Mills 23:53
13 Reflection “Lion Energy” by Gordon Ritchie 25:20
14 Responsive Reading “Litany for Peace” from the Kikuyu people of Kenya 28:23
15 Extinguishing the Flame “Do Your Little Bit of Good” by Desmond Tutu 29:38
16 Postlude “Bonk’abaphandle” by the University of Pretoria Camerata 30:12
17 “Carry the Flame” 32:30

The Unitarian Church of Edmonton is a liberal, multi-generational, religious community. We celebrate a rich mosaic of free-thinking, spiritually-questing individuals joined in common support and action. We welcome diversity including diversity of beliefs from divine believers to humanists, from pagans to atheists and agnostics. We believe in the compassion of the human heart, the warmth of community, the pursuit of justice and the search of meaning in our lives.

We gather with gratitude on traditional Cree lands that are now a part of Treaty Six and shared by many nations. A treaty is an inheritance, a responsibility and a relationship. May we be good neighbours to one another, good stewards to our planet and good ancestors to our children.

UCE - https://www.uce.ca/
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/41659071349/
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurch/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/EdmUnitarian
Twitter - https://twitter.com/UnitarianUCE
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unitarianuce/
SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-189401827/

“Wisdom From Africa,” Karen Mills and Gordon Ritchie, 5 Apr 2020

Mike Jenkins, City of Edmonton, will talk about native species as pollinators, how to encourage them, and why they're important even if you aren't interested in honey. #UU #YEG

1 Welcome by Beth Jenkins 0:00
2 Congregational Call by Gloria Krenbrenk 0:34
3 Prelude “Gathering the Dew” by Gordon Ritchie 2:22
4 Lighting the Chalice words by Mark Causey 5:05
5 Sharing Abundance / Stewardship 5:54
8 “From you I receive, to you I give” 7:35
9 Reading “A Seed Knows How to Wait” 8:12
10 Musical Interlude “Mist of Cape Breton” by Gordon Ritchie 11:31
11 Guest Speaker Mike Jenkins “Protecting Pollinators” 14:27
12 Closing Words 45:33
13 Extinguishing the Chalice 46:04
14 “Carry the Flame of Peace and Love” 46:45

The Unitarian Church of Edmonton is a liberal, multi-generational, religious community. We celebrate a rich mosaic of free-thinking, spiritually-questing individuals joined in common support and action. We welcome diversity including diversity of beliefs from divine believers to humanists, from pagans to atheists and agnostics. We believe in the compassion of the human heart, the warmth of community, the pursuit of justice and the search of meaning in our lives.

We gather with gratitude on traditional Cree lands that are now a part of Treaty Six and shared by many nations. A treaty is an inheritance, a responsibility and a relationship. May we be good neighbours to one another, good stewards to our planet and good ancestors to our children.

UCE - https://www.uce.ca/
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/41659071349/
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurch/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/EdmUnitarian
Twitter - https://twitter.com/UnitarianUCE
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unitarianuce/
SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-189401827/

“Protecting Pollinators,” Beth Jenkins and Mike Jenkins, 26 Apr 2020

What comes to your mind when you think of Sabbath? Do you think of rest? A break from work? What might it mean in this time of uncertainty and unrest? What does it mean to be and do good? We'll ponder all these questions as we look at the wisdom Jewish tradition may hold for us now. #UU #YEG

1 Welcome by Gordon Ritchie 0:00
2 “Al Shlosha D'varim” performed by Spivey Hall Children's Choir 0:45
3 Opening words - Jewish Unitarian Universalists - Beliefs & Principles read by Karen Mills 4:16
4 Kindling the Chalice, from a Jewish Passover Haggadah, read by Gordon Ritchie 6:31
5 Responsive Reading “May We Seek to Serve Life” by Monica Jacobson-Tennessen, read by Gordon Ritchie & Robert Begg 7:15
6 Reading “Higher Than Heaven” by Shula Bryski, read by Rev. Audrey Brooks 9:14
7 Sharing Our Abundance 12:35
8 “Ose Shalom” by John Leavitt performed by Hal Leonard Choral 13:45
9 “From You I Receive” 17:33
10 Reading “Pandemic” by Lynn Ungar, read by Karen Mills 18:05
11 Candles of Care and Connection 19:18
12 “Jerusalem of Gold” performed by Shulem Lemmer 19:36
13 Reading “Ecological Spiritual Delight” by Patricia Guthmann Haresch, read by Karen Mills 24:00
14 Reading “Ten Blessings” by Rev. Ana Levy-Lyons, read by Gordon Ritchie 32:39
15 Extinguishing the Flame: Closing words “It Is Our Journey Together” by Debra Haffner  35:19
16 “Carry the Flame of Peace and Love” 35:58

The Unitarian Church of Edmonton is a liberal, multi-generational, religious community. We celebrate a rich mosaic of free-thinking, spiritually-questing individuals joined in common support and action. We welcome diversity including diversity of beliefs from divine believers to humanists, from pagans to atheists and agnostics. We believe in the compassion of the human heart, the warmth of community, the pursuit of justice and the search of meaning in our lives.

We gather with gratitude on traditional Cree lands that are now a part of Treaty Six and shared by many nations. A treaty is an inheritance, a responsibility and a relationship. May we be good neighbours to one another, good stewards to our planet and good ancestors to our children.

UCE - https://www.uce.ca/
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/41659071349/
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurch/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/EdmUnitarian
Twitter - https://twitter.com/UnitarianUCE
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unitarianuce/
SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-189401827/

“Jewish Traditions for Today’s UUs,” Karen Mills & Gordon Ritchie, May 3, 2020

Beginning with the OWL curriculum, we UUs teach and believe that family comes in myriad constellations. We celebrate LGBTQ+ chosen family, extended family, aunties of all sorts, and brothers and sisters from other mothers and misters. Join us today as we celebrate family, caretaking, and being loved throughout the ages. Especially today, as we are more likely than not to be physically distant from some of our loved ones, let us reflect on how love, care, and tenderness manifest in unexpected ways. #UU #YEG

1 Welcome by Rev. Audrey Brooks 0:00
2 Prelude “One Voice” by the Wailin’ Jennies 2:42
3 Kindling the Chalice “For Mother’s Day” by the Jo-Anne Elder Gomes 6:17
4 Hymn – South African “Babethandaza” 7:22
5 Sharing Our Abundance with Andrew Mills 10:13
6 “Here’s My Hand” by Gordon Ritchie 12:36
7 Homily by Dr. Jennifer Askey 16:38
8 Hymn “Spirit of Life” by composer Carolyn McDade and choir 31:09
9 Meditation “Mother Wisdom Speaks” by Christine Lore Webber 34:29
10 Closing Words 36:17
11 “Carry the Flame of Peace and Love until We Meet Again” 37:50

The Unitarian Church of Edmonton is a liberal, multi-generational, religious community. We celebrate a rich mosaic of free-thinking, spiritually-questing individuals joined in common support and action. We welcome diversity including diversity of beliefs from divine believers to humanists, from pagans to atheists and agnostics. We believe in the compassion of the human heart, the warmth of community, the pursuit of justice and the search of meaning in our lives.

We gather with gratitude on traditional Cree lands that are now a part of Treaty Six and shared by many nations. A treaty is an inheritance, a responsibility and a relationship. May we be good neighbours to one another, good stewards to our planet and good ancestors to our children.

UCE - https://www.uce.ca/
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/41659071349/
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurch/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/EdmUnitarian
Twitter - https://twitter.com/UnitarianUCE
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unitarianuce/
SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-189401827/

“Cultures of Motherhood,” Rev. Audrey Brooks & Dr. Jennifer Askey, May 10, 2020

Our commitment to “justice, equity, and compassion in human relations” draws us to social justice and compels us to contribute our resources-donations, volunteering, or political action-to that end. But as Thackeray asked, and as we must ask ourselves, “Who can tell the mischief which the very virtuous do?”

1 Welcome by Rev. Anne Barker 0:00
2 Welcome/Tawâw by Jeff Bisanz 0:59
3 Lighting the Chalice, words by Starhawk 2:15
4 Prelude “It’s Happening” by Ann Vriend and students at Sifton Elementary School 3:18
5 Hymn 131 “Love Will Guide Us” with Carrie Day 7:46
6 Sharing Our Abundance with Andrew Mills 9:51
7 “Someday” by Carrie Day 11:47
8 Sermonette 1 “Is Charity Helpful or Toxic or Both?” by Jeff Bisanz 15:42
9 Community Question 25:04
10 Sermonette 2 “Who Decides How to Change the World?” by Jeff Bisanz 31:10
11 Reading “I Am Only One” by Edward Everett Hale 42:32
12 Hymn 128 “For All That Is Our Life” with Carrie Day 43:42
13 Extinguishing the Flame, Closing Words by Rabindranath Tagore 46:07
14 “Carry the Flame of Peace and Love Until We Meet Again” 46:30

The Unitarian Church of Edmonton is a liberal, multi-generational, religious community. We celebrate a rich mosaic of free-thinking, spiritually-questing individuals joined in common support and action. We welcome diversity including diversity of beliefs from divine believers to humanists, from pagans to atheists and agnostics. We believe in the compassion of the human heart, the warmth of community, the pursuit of justice and the search of meaning in our lives.

We gather with gratitude on traditional Cree lands that are now a part of Treaty Six and shared by many nations. A treaty is an inheritance, a responsibility and a relationship. May we be good neighbours to one another, good stewards to our planet and good ancestors to our children.

UCE - https://www.uce.ca/
Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/41659071349/
Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurch/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/EdmUnitarian
Twitter - https://twitter.com/UnitarianUCE
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/unitarianuce/
SoundCloud - https://soundcloud.com/user-189401827/

Westwood Unitarian Congregation & Unitarian Church of Edmonton

“What Does It Mean to Do Good?”, Rev. Anne Barker & Jeff Bisanz, May 17, 2020

The Unitarian Church of Edmonton is a liberal, multi-generational, religious community. We celebrate a rich mosaic of free-thinking, spiritually-questing individuals joined in common support and action. We welcome diversity including diversity of beliefs from divine believers to humanists, from pagans to atheists and agnostics. We believe in the compassion of the human heart, the warmth of community, the pursuit of justice and the search of meaning in our lives.

We gather with gratitude on traditional Cree lands that are now a part of Treaty Six and shared by many nations. A treaty is an inheritance, a responsibility and a relationship. May we be good neighbours to one another, good stewards to our planet and good ancestors to our children.

“The Future is Nigh!,” Rev. Brian J. Kiely, 27 Oct 2019

Unitarian Church of Edmonton (UCE)

Related tracks