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
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