Riverside Reflections
Rev. Millie Rochester
There was something more than a little incongruous about hearing the ice cream truck’s jingle on neighbourhood streets in the middle of December when Roger and I lived in Florida. Not that it wasn’t appreciated – after all, the temperatures hovered in the 20s (C), so the driver had plenty of business. And the lushness of nature in Florida’s version of wintertime is beautiful, there’s no doubt of that.
Maybe I’m influenced by having lived in Maine as a child, but winter to me has always implied snow, so I’ve not felt any sense that something is missing since we’ve been in Winnipeg. The beauty of ice on the rivers, bright pink sunsets, white-white snow that contrasts with dark tree branches and blue-blue sky…well, it’s spectacular. And that’s not to mention the people, who hesitate not a minute to be outdoors, in spite of the cold.
Another aspect of the season that I look forward to with great anticipation every year, no matter where we are, is the Christmas Eve candle light service. When our children were very young, our home congregation observed this late at night. The steps leading to the church entrance were lined with lanterns, and there was a hushed atmosphere inside, despite the great number of people present.
The littlest youngsters wore their warm winter “jammies,” falling asleep almost as soon as we sat down. The rest sat transfixed, listening along with the rest of us to the music and stories of the service. And at the end, the strains of “Silent Night” filled the air, the first verse sung by the Choir or a soloist. Sleepy children woke up as the congregation joined in singing, and unlit candles we had held throughout the service were lit one by one, until every candle was lit. Finally, humming the tune, we held our lit candles up above our heads, everyone looking around.
Our children are long grown up, now we have two grandchildren, and although we are separated from them by many miles, I imagine them having the same experience, storing up the same memories. I look forward to sharing this special time with all of you. Our Christmas Eve service will begin at 5:00 in the evening, to make attending it easier for families. As is our custom, a special candle will be lit for each child born into our church family this calendar year, so do let me know if you would like your child’s name to be spoken at that time of the service.
May we all hold the light in this season of winter darkness – the light of peace and love – and may we hold one another in our hearts, now and always.
Warmest blessings,
Millie</p
 Riverside Reflections November 2011
Rev. Millie Rochester
A Classic Peanuts comic strip I recall featured Linus writing a letter to Santa Claus. Uncertain what he wanted, Linus suggested that Santa send him a catalog – just more proof that the late Charles Schulz truly created “classics.” At this time of year, wish books, in the form of newspaper flyers and other media ads, in addition to store catalogs, are becoming ubiquitous, and they’re not just for children.
I complain every year about how early this cycle begins, and don’t know why I’m still surprised to hear holiday music two weeks before Halloween. When I was a child, regardless of when the shopping actually began, the kick-off for advertising was traditionally the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, and holiday decorations were ceremonially displayed the day after Thanksgiving (the U.S. version of Thanksgiving, in November).
Historically, as the daylight hours grew shorter and the weather in much of the world colder, I can imagine our distant ancestors drawing closer together, seeking comfort in the presence of one another – the essence of what I associate with both Thanksgiving and the winter holidays.
Imagine for a time your own “wish book,” filled not with things but qualities. Imagine the gifts you bring to others – gifts of generosity and community when we come together, whether to comfort or to celebrate; gifts of loving kindness.
The coming weeks offer many opportunities to give and receive such gifts, some seasonal, some perennial. Perhaps you will be lucky enough to spend time with our children and youth; participate in an Adult Program such as “Articulating Our UU Faith” or a Chalice Circle; volunteer on a Thursday at church for Winnipeg Harvest, whose offerings are especially vital at this time of year; collaborate with one or more of the many committees that do the work of the congregation; or simply attend church services on Sunday mornings. I assure you, when you are absent, you are missed!
The greatest gift of all is our presence for one another, the relationships we form and nurture. May this holiday season that is fast approaching bring you gifts that truly make our world a better place. May you know you are loved.
Warmest blessings,
~Millie
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Riverside Reflections, September 2011
Rev. Millie Rochester
Leafing through the hymnal “Singing the Living Tradition” recently, I came across one of my all-time favourites, “Rank by Rank.” It’s often sung at Unitarian Universalist gatherings on special occasions. It begins:
Rank by rank, again we stand,
From the four winds gathered hither...
The words of the second line always give me a thrill. I’m reminded of that song at this time of the year. For many North Americans, the summer months offer opportunities for leisure – at the beach, city parks, cottages, in travel – or just a slower pace at home, when school is not in session and holidays can be scheduled.
There was a time when this way of life was so prevalent, church “let out” for the summer. With the advent of air conditioning and popular demand, that’s no longer the case, as those who serve on the Sunday Services Committee and anyone who had the pleasure of attending our Summer Services can attest. Not only were speakers inspiring and topics stimulating; volunteers continued greeting, ushering, and serving refreshments; and many members and friends attended weekly.
The Sunday Services Committee is joined in its year ’round presence by the Pastoral Care Team, for illness, loss and grief do not take holidays, as we all know.
Now, those of us who had a summer hiatus, along with those of us who never left, gather hither from the four winds. It’s a time to celebrate being in community, whether we’re long-time members or newcomers. It’s time to stand together again in song, break bread together at potlucks, share stories amid laughter, and even tears sometimes.
Sundays provide the most obvious opportunities for being together, but you can deepen that experience through participating in a Chalice Circle – groups of eight to ten folks who meet monthly to exchange thoughts about specific topics. Contact Linda Henderson, the Coordinator to register for a group that’s convenient for you. You might want to sing in the Choir – contact our fabulous Music Director, PJ Buchan; or enjoy the company of younger folks – let our wonderful Director of Religious Exploration, Andrea James, know! Or perhaps you would like to be one of those indispensible people serve on vital Committees.
The possibilities and potential for joy are endless. I look forward to seeing you and getting to know you better, as we gather together again!
Warmest blessings,
Millie
Last Updated on Sunday, 25 September 2011 17:12
 Rev. Millie Rochester
A frequent observation from people in other parts of the world upon learning that I serve a Unitarian Universalist church in Winnipeg is, “Wow, you’re really isolated!”
It is a fact that Winnipeg is somewhat isolated geographically, and that ours is the only UU congregation for many kilometres, but I do not feel at all isolated. You may wonder how this can be so.
The reason is two-fold – one local in character; the other reaching beyond the boundaries of the city, province, and even the country.
I am fortunate to be part of a vibrant interfaith community, which offers continual opportunities for celebrating both diversity and commonalities in our varied religious traditions right here in Winnipeg. As a member of three interfaith groups, I am delighted by the number of occasions in which I encounter familiar faces, and my heart warms as I get to know these individuals better. By far the most dramatic illustration is the Interfaith Peace Prayer Circle observed in Central Park on September 11th, in which eighteen representatives of ten different faith traditions actively participated. What a powerful experience that was, and how honoured I felt, as a Unitarian Universalist, to affirm the unity among us!
A recent telephone conversation emphasised the second element that I cited. Gary Groot, President of the Canadian Unitarian Council called to check in with our congregation before the CUC Board meeting. He wanted to know not only what is happening in our congregation, but how the CUC can be helpful to us. The assistance of CUC consultants is just one example of how we benefit from the services provided (note the articles elsewhere in this newsletter for details of an upcoming workshop).
October is an eventful month for UU connections. The Western Region Fall Gathering in Edmonton will be an occasion to compare notes with and learn from people in other congregations; ministers will meet with one another for a couple of days after that. As it happens, the Fall Conference of the Liberal Religious Educators Association follows immediately in the U.S. It is always a pleasure to be in personal touch with those colleagues, both ordained and lay leaders, from across North America.
So altogether, I feel connected! I wish the same feeling of camaraderie and union in relationship for you, in our congregation and beyond its walls.
Warmest blessings,
Millie
Last Updated on Sunday, 25 September 2011 17:35
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Whenever I‟m asked what aspect of ministry most attracts me – and it happens frequently – I have to say, “Simply being with you.” Whether on Sunday mornings or between Sundays, the opportunity to be present with you is what I treasure most.
