Sunday, January 17, 2010

Sunday, January 17 at 11:00 a.m. – DISPOSED TO BE HAPPY – Benjamin Franklin observed that there are two sorts of people—those who are "disposed to be happy" and, well, all the rest! Those who go through life with an unhappy air tend to be "discontented themselves, and by their remarks, sour the pleasure of society, offend personally many people, and make themselves everywhere disagreeable." In contrast, I choose to be disposed towards happiness. Rev. Stefan M. Jonasson will preach.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Sunday, December 20 at 11:00 a.m. – CHRISTMAS SERVICE – Our annual family Christmas service is a time of homecoming, caroling and reflection. As is our custom, we invite those joining us for this service to bring gifts for The Mitten Tree—clothing, nonperishable food items, toys and gifts—to be passed on to the Arborg Cheer Board. Rev. Stefan M. Jonasson will preach and the Arborg Unitarian Chorus will sing.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Sunday, December 6 at 11:00 a.m. – ON SAINT NICHOLAS – "A Visit from St. Nicholas" (better known as "The Night Before Christmas"), first published anonymously in 1823, is largely responsible for the modern conception of Santa Claus, including his physical appearance, the night of his visit, his mode of transportation,the number and names of his reindeer, and the tradition that he brings toys to children. Prior to the poem, American ideas about Saint Nicholas and other Christmas visitors varied considerably. On the anniversary of the death of Nicholas of Myra in 346, we will explore the life of this historic ‘saint’ and how he became Santa Claus. Sylvia Sigurdson will preach.

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Sunday, November 15 at 11:00 a.m. – A BURNING KISS FROM GOD – Francis Dávid, the apostle of Unitarianism in Transylvania, described his call to preach as "a burning kiss from God." On this day each year, our Transylvanian sisters and brothers commemorate his martyr’s death in a cell at Castle Déva while celebrating his life and influence. We will join them this year in recalling the provocative teachings of this prophet of our faith, whose portrait addressing the Diet of Torda hangs in all of our churches in Manitoba, as in countless Unitarian churches and homes around the globe. Rev. Stefan M. Jonasson will preach.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Sunday, November 1 at 11:00 a.m. – LINGERING AT THE BONE ORCHARD – Whenever we would wander by the community cemetery out at Point Roberts, my grandfather would always refer to it as the "bone orchard." I don't think I'm especially morbid, but I've always found great comfort and inspiration wandering among the weathered stones of cemeteries. They feel more like "soul orchards" to me, gardens of memory and, curiously enough, of hope. At this time of year when we seem most conscious of the things of the spirit, I'd like to reflect on the life-celebrating value of cemeteries. Rev. Stefan M. Jonasson will preach.

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Sunday, October 18 – OUR REFRESHING FAITH – I recently received a message from an old friend who took exception to the theme for this year's regional gathering of Unitarians from across Western Canada, which was: "Unitarianism: An Evolution of Faith." In particular, he objected to the word faith, which he equates with uncritical belief—"blind faith"—and considers one of the most destructive products of human culture. He’s not alone: many Unitarians seem to have an allergy to words like 'faith' … and 'religious'! If my friend had been on the receiving end of the accusation directed at me by a fundamentalist some years ago—"Oh, ye of little faith!"—he would have gladly replied, "That’s for sure!" Not me! I'm overflowing with faith and I'm willing to bet that you are, too! On the sesquicentennial of the birth of John Dewey, author of A Common Faith, we'll explore our refreshing and remarkable faith. Rev. Stefan M. Jonasson

Services begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Arborg Unitarian Church, Ingolfs Street at River Road, followed by light refreshments. Everyone welcome!

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Sunday, September 20 - INTO THE DRAGON'S DEN - One of my favourite television shows is Dragon’s Den, which airs on CBC. The program features five prominent Canadian venture capitalists, who review proposals for new business ventures or expansions, offering their bottom-line judgments by actually buying a piece of the action in those ventures they deem promising. They each have a keen sense of economic value, yet is this truly what’s most important in human life? I sometimes fantasize about appearing on Dragon’s Den to pitch them the promising enterprise we know as liberal religion. I wonder if any of them would invest? Rev. Stefan M. Jonasson

Services begin at 11:00 a.m. at the Arborg Unitarian Church, Ingolfs Street at River Road, followed by light refreshments. Everyone welcome!

Gimli Unitarian Church is now closed for the winter months. Services will resume there next summer.