Black History Month: The Promise and the Practice - a podcast by Unitarian Church of Edmonton (UCE)

Black History Month: The Promise and the Practice
Unitarian Universalist congregations across the continent claim to be welcoming congregations. But are we . . . really? This service will center the experiences of people of color in Unitarian Universalism. Their stories will be told in their voices.
Come and learn how to be more welcoming to anyone whose culture is different than ours.

Gathering Music
Always - Written & Performed by Gordon Ritchie

Toward a Place of Wholeness - Written by Viola Abbit for the Promise and the Practice service


Chalice Lighting
A Beloved People - Written by Rebekah Savage

We light our flaming chalice as a beloved people
united in love
and thirsting for restorative justice.
May it melt away the tethers that uphold whiteness in our midst.
May it spark in us a spirit of humility.
May it ignite in us radical love that transforms our energy into purposeful action.
This a chalice of audacious hope.
This chalice shines a light on our shared past,
signaling our intention to listen deeply, reflect wisely,
and move boldly toward our highest ideals.

Opening Song
There is More Love Somewhere #95


Reading #1
There is More Love Somewhere
Written by Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout

Candles of Connection

Meditation in Music
Drumming

Reading #2
Missing Voices
Written and Presented by Connie Simon for the Promise & Practice Worship Service

Song
Hush #1040

Homily
Tired of Being Silent
Written by Rayla D. Mattson

Song
There’s a River Flowin’ in My Soul #1007


Sharing Our Abundance
https://www.uce.ca/support-our-work-donations-planned-giving/
https://ihuman.org/

Song
From You I Receive #402

Fitted for this Day
Written by Kimberly Quinn Johnson



A benediction written by Rev. Kimberly Quinn Johnson for use in The Promise and the Practice service. Rev. Johnson is the minister of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the South Fork. Among her specialties are anti-racism and youth ministry. Pay heed to how she empowers us and believes in us:

We are the ones we have been waiting for.*
We are not perfect, but we are perfectly fitted for this day.
We are not without fault,
but we can be honest to face our past as we chart a new future.
We are the ones we have been waiting for.
May we be bold and courageous to chart that new future
May we have faith in a future that is not known
We are the ones we have been waiting for.*


Chalice Extinguishing
Kindle New Sparks
Written by Debra Burrell, a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Birmingham, Alabama

We have basked in the warmth and beauty
of this flame and this community.
As the chalice flame is extinguished,
let us carry its glow within.
Let us kindle new sparks within these walls and beyond.

Closing Song
Carry the Flame





Unitarian Church of Edmonton website: https://www.uce.ca/
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/41659071349/
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurch/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/UnitarianUCE
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unitarianuce/

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.


#BlackHistoryMonth #BLM
#UU #UnitarianUniversalist
#Unitarian #Church of Edmonton #YEG
#WelcomingCongregation
#BelovedCommunity

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