President’s Report – July/August 2011

Our Canadian Unitarian Council (CUC) turns 50 years old

For the past two May long weekends, instead of packing up the van with my wife, our 2 dogs, and my Dad and heading off to the family cottage, I have instead chosen to attend the annual CUC conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM). In 2009 it was held at the University of Victoria. This year, the 50th anniversary of the CUC, we celebrated at the U of T in the heart of downtown Toronto,. Though it meant postponing our annual “opening of the cottage” weekend, I wanted to learn more about the CUC Board and Staff and how they support our congregation. So, on the Friday, I attended the day long AGM as one of our four voting delegates, along with Millie and Roger Rochester and Lueba Franko (when we have 200 members, we will be able to send 5 delegates…we are almost there!). I came away from the business meeting with a much better understanding of the substantial work of our CUC Board and Staff. I also realized that there are a number of UU congregations struggling with similar issues. It was a good reminder that the CUC is our organization... and that congregations like ours can influence their work and future direction.

After the AGM, the 2.5 day conference followed with the usual stuff – a keynote speaker and a variety of workshops, social gatherings, and good food - but, unlike educational conferences I have attended, it included wonderful evening worship services. The keynote speaker was David K. Foot, Professor Emeritus of Economics at the University of Toronto. Foot, the well known author of the best-selling book Boom Bust & Echo: How to Profit from the Coming Demographic Shift, provided thought-provoking information on current demographic trends in Canada’s population growth and the possible implications to a liberal religious denomination such as ours. One thing struck a chord with me - his suggestion that Baby Boomers, many reaching retirement age, are the people with resources (time, energy, education, and money) to pursue spiritual and social justice issues that they might not have had time for before in their busy lives.

In addition, there were a variety of workshops, stimulating discussions, and plenty of opportunities to network with other UU congregational leaders. I have enjoyed many things about the past two CUC conferences and encourage you to consider participating next year. I highly recommend it.

Here are just some of my highlights of the CUC 50th anniversary conference and AGM:

• Sitting among over 1400 fellow UUs attending the Sunday worship service at the University of Toronto’s Convocation Hall (this is 26% of the approximately 5000 UU members in Canada)
• Being one of over 500 registered for the conference, including youth and young adults
• Representing one of 43 congregations present
• Over 100 youth and youth advisors attended CanUUdle, the annual National Youth conference (thanks to Jim Gardiner, Youth Advisor for both ours and Calgary’s youth)
• 25 young adults (age 18-35) registered for the conference and after the Bridging Ceremony to welcome youth into the young adult age group, there were 53 in total
• Great youth and young adult evening worship services
• Participating in multi-generational events
• Honouring 3 of the original founding members of the CUC in 1961
• Participating in the 5 thought-provoking Leadership workshops from UU Rev. Robert Latham
• Welcoming new CUC president is Gary Grout, the CUC Board member from Saskatoon’s congregation
• Following the 50th anniversary events on the new CUC at http://www.cuc50.ca/

The 50th anniversary of the CUC was a great way to wrap up a positive and productive church year. I came back feeling recharged and renewed after a busy winter.

Did you know?

Our City of Winnipeg 2012 property assessment of our church and property is $1,921,000. This is an increase of approximately $100,000 from the 2010 assessment (6%). Being a church, our taxes are very low – only $550 this year. So, with positive real estate appreciation and our efforts to reduce our mortgage over the past decade ($430,000 owing), we have built up substantial equity in our church building and property. We are very fortunate to have such a beautiful church and need to ensure we look after it well.

I am looking forward to a great summer and hope you are too... will you spend some of it enjoying our new deck and patio?

In faith, Craig Edwards