Sunday September 12th, 2021
We are gathering in person this Sunday for our annual Water Ceremony at 10:30am! This is our first time physically together since March 2020 and I am both thrilled and a little anxious. While I have led Zoom services from the Great Hall, having our community together at last is special. And of course not everyone can be there – we have a limit of 60 attendees – and some may not be ready to return – so we will also be together on Zoom as a multi-platform experience. Masks are required indoors and chairs will be spaced into household groups. We won’t be able to sing together but can hum along to Abigail’s beautiful voice. Don’t forget to wear blue and bring water from a special source. More details and the registration form can be found on our website.
In Person
Register here:
https://uucm.ca/waterservice2021/
Please bring some water to pour into the common bowl. A limited number of vials of water will be available for those who forget.
Our safety protocols include:
- Limit to 60 attendees
- Registration in advance
- Children and Youth outside with DLL
- Attendees be fully vaccinated
- Masks must be worn indoors
- Chairs will be spaced into household groups
- Outside until service begins
- Exit outside when service ends
- No congregational singing
- Soloist sings behind plexiglass
- Open windows and doors
We are doing our best to protect our vulnerable population of elders and unvaccinated children while being together. If you have a medical reason for being unvaccinated please contact Rev. Fiona to discuss accommodation.
If this is your first time back at the building, please download our COVID-19 waiver, review and sign. Bring a signed copy of the waiver with you on Sunday or email it to admin@uucm.ca. One waiver per family – please include all your names. Once the waiver is on file you do not need to fill it out again.
Our annual in-gathering service marks the beginning of the new congregational cycle, lifting up the welcoming, healing waters of community. I know I need these healing waters, perhaps you do as well; many are struggling with fear and anxiety about this never ending pandemic, trying to manage risk while returning to school and work, or simply feeling sad and fragile about the state of the world. Others have had a good summer, feeling nourished by nature, happily reconnecting with friends and family and enjoying a more open city. Wherever you are at, whatever you are feeling, you are welcome here.
As we begin another uncertain fall, I know that we can and will get through this together, the chalice holds us even in the midst of mystery.
For Families
Here is a short video for you and your kids about the activities this Sunday.
Looking forward to seeing you then.
https://linksharing.samsungcloud.com/h50GgZ1vUF1Y
By Zoom
For those joining us on Zoom or via the YouTube livestream, please bring a jug of water and glasses with you to the service. While those in the service share their waters into the common bowl, you can engage in a similar ritual at home, expressing gratitude for life sustaining water. This ritual is an energetic experience and I encourage you to be intentional as you fill the jug with water – and fill it as full as you can. Bring one more glass then needed for the people in your household. You can create a beautiful tray of your finest glassware or use your everyday glasses, but take your time in gathering the jug and glasses, being mindful. Meaning will arise in the care you take.
There will also be breakout rooms after the service for visiting.
Sunday Services Zoom Link
Time: September 12th, 2021 10:30 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88155648070
Meeting ID: 881 5564 8070
Phone In via: 647-374-4685
PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A NEW LINK
The YouTube livestream of the Service will also be available to subscribers to the UCM channel:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCD8jh9eDfIPsl51oMKSpqPw?view_as=subscriber
Please be aware our livestream is public. Although it is unlikely for you to appear, if you want to ensure you are not visible please keep your video off during the service.
Blessings,
Fiona