Riverside Reflections

February 2011

Rev. Millie Rochester

One of the characteristics of Unitarian Universalism is our interest in reaching beyond ourselves. This is evident in the work of committees such as Global Outreach, Green Action, Pastoral Care, Religious Exploration, and Denominational Connections. We had the pleasure of making, renewing, and strengthening connections with other UUs a few months ago, when we hosted the Western Region Fall Conference, and soon will have another opportunity, as we host Basic Youth Advisor Training.

A common element in all outreach is the sharing that occurs – shared knowledge, shared resources, shared commitment – the mutuality of relationship. We are all products of such sharing. Sometimes this process occurs without our even being aware of it, but often it is the result of a conscious decision.

Churches are wonderful places to learn, because the atmosphere of acceptance encourages us to stretch our capabilities without fear. We develop leadership skills by serving on committees, leading or participating in classes with other adults, leading classes and activities with children and youth, and other activities. A lot of learning is experiential.

Ministerial skills are developed in much the same way, through a combination of study and applying the theoretical concepts that have been learned, through active engagement with a congregation. The setting for such experience is the “teaching church.” The particular experience is ministerial internship, a requirement of every prospective minister. For Canadians, finding a promising UU internship site is sometimes difficult, as there are relatively few churches. The student minister almost always has to live away from home for the 9-month duration, and the stipend paid by the congregation is minimal, about $13,000. It is a life-changing experience in every way.

Ministerial internship is truly a reciprocal relationship, one that is transformative for the student and the congregation, affected by interactions on both personal and program levels, for every aspect of church life is included in this learning experience. Churches often grow in size as a result of the work an intern accomplishes; both intern and congregation grow in other ways that cannot be quantified.

As long-time members know, our congregation was a teaching church some time ago. What a gift it would be to renew that commitment, for by extending ourselves as a community, by reaching out to connect with the future, everyone benefits and the potential for the influence of liberal religion is strengthened.

Warm blessings,

Millie