How do we live awake and alive in a time that can feel worthy of despair—and what wisdom might creation stories offer us as we navigate it?

In the Beginning- Jan 4th, 2026

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In the Beginning

How do we live awake and alive in a time that can feel worthy of despair—and what wisdom might creation stories offer us as we navigate it?

Join us on Sunday, January 4th, 2026, for a Calgary Unitarians' Service on In the Beginning in Panabaker at 10:30 am.

We hope to see you there!

January 2026 Sermon Series

How do we give and receive? What does generosity look like in action?

Order of Service

How do we live awake and alive in a time that can feel worthy of despair—and what wisdom might creation stories offer us as we navigate it?

Gathering Music: Matthew

Welcome and Land Acknowledgement: Rev. Samaya

Opening Hymn No. 1010 We Give Thanks (Joyce Poley)

Chalice Lighting: Brett

Time for All Ages: Rev. Samaya

Sharing Our Light – As You Go (Kathleen Tracey): Susan

Offering – January 4 Others: Brown Bagging for Calgary’s Kids: Brett

Offertory – Sonata in A-Flat Major, MVT 2 (J. Haydn): Matthew

Joys and Sorrows: Rev. Samaya

Meditation: Rev. Samaya

Silence

Musical Interlude – May I Be Empty (Batya Levine): Susan

Reading – Out of the Depths of Timeless Time (Greg Chute): Brett

In the Beginning: Rev. Samaya

Closing Hymn No. 123 Spirit of Life (Carolyn McDade)

Benediction: Rev. Samaya

Extinguishing the Chalice: Brett

Postlude – Sonata in A-Flat Major, MVT 3 (J. Haydn): Matthew

A special thank you to all those who helped make our worship service is possible today:

Service Reader: Brett Willisko
Director of Religious Education: Rachael Smith
Song Leader: Susan Ridley
AV Operators: Jim Washbrook and Ned Leavitt
Usher(s): Susan Ridley, Lynn Nugent
Aesthetics: Mary-Anna Louise
Welcome Table: Kathy Burniston
Coffee and Goodies: Pamela Rickey
Artist in Residence: Chantal Chagnon
Administrator: Elyse Brazel
Minister: Rev. Samaya Oakley

Announcements

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Calgary Unitarians Seeks a New Music Director

We’re excited to announce that Calgary Unitarians is seeking a new Music Director! A job posting will be shared soon, and we encourage you to think of anyone who might be a great fit for our musical congregation. Please help us spread the word by sharing the upcoming posting with your networks.

Deepening Our Faith: How We Grow
What shapes our faith over a lifetime? Join Rev. Samaya and the Membership Committee at noon in Room 4 for a lively, participatory session exploring Unitarian Universalist religious education, storytelling, and the ways we grow meaning, resilience, and wisdom through all of life’s seasons.

Help us de-deck the halls!
Let’s all take 10–15 minutes after the service TODAY to do the noble work of un-decorating. A few minutes. Lots of hearts. Beloved community in action