President’s Report – February 2011
Friends…
Well, my year started very well with a visit from one of my oldest friends who came from Regina to help celebrate my 56th birthday. I met him in grade 7. He wasn’t the first friend I made; but was certainly the one that lasted. And even though I moved to Brandon 2 years later, he and I have kept in touch over the many years that have passed since then. We have grown up sharing all the important things – relationships, marriage, kids, divorce, aging parents – and we have many common interests - music, politics, and as we get older, spiritual things. It is one of those friendships where we just pick up where we left off, no matter how long it’s been. He is one of those people who truly makes my life more enjoyable and fulfilling. I feel very blessed to have him as a friend.
After a recent Board meeting at the church, I was reflecting on other friends who have graced my life. I was thinking how fortunate I am to be able to work with people who have similar values and goals and that these are not just fellow church members but good friends as well. Let me tell you about a few of them …
Rev. Millie Rochester
Our beloved spiritual leader has yet another initiative. The Board recently passed a motion to affirm that we desire to be a “teaching church” again. This means that we will begin preparations to hire a ministerial intern in the future (possibly 2012-13). Millie has been a ministerial intern and also mentors a student intern and an ordained minister. She feels strongly that this kind of reciprocal relationship is transformative for those involved. Millie tells you more about this in her column, Riverside Reflections.
Andrea James, Director of Religious Education (DRE)
We are extremely fortunate to have such a hardworking DRE. As usual, Andrea has been using her exceptional organizational skills to juggle the many responsibilities she fits into her 25 hour work week. In addition to supporting teachers, coordinating curriculum, managing budgets, planning special events, and collaborating with Millie and other committees, in the past year, Andrea has organized and hosted both Our Whole Lives and Youth Advisor Training for the Western Region (Thunder Bay to the Rockies). However, Andrea tells me the hardest part of her job this year has been recruiting teachers. As a former highly rewarded RE teacher and youth advisor, I encourage you to think how you can help Andrea and the RE Committee in continuing to offer a valued program for our children and youth - the future of our congregation.
Bruce Roe, Board Vice President
Bruce and his partner, Margo Lane (RE Committee co-chair), have three kids in the RE program and are one of those very busy couples who both work full time but still find time to keep the church functioning on many levels. Bruce has been on the Board for the past 3 years and his thoughtful leadership has provided the Board with valued direction and advice and has also enabled him, over the past year, to lead the updating of our bylaws. Please watch for opportunities soon to meet with him to discuss the bylaw revisions.
Don Ayre, Barb Fuller, and Carolyn Hill-Carroll - Shared Ministry Team members
Church elders, Don, Barb, and Carolyn are involved in a very important initiative - the development of a Covenant of Right Relations for the members of the church. As part of their mission to strengthen the quality of ministry within the congregation, they will lead us through a process to raise awareness of how we look after each other. Watch for more news soon from this important group of friends.
Brian Klowak, Chair - Our Whole Lives (OWL) Committee
Brian has been a quiet force at the church since long before I joined 20 years ago. He has been the co-chair of the Harvest Committee forever, is a former Chair of the RE Committee, and is the current Chair of the OWL Committee that oversees the great multi-age sexuality and health education program offered by our church. As Chair, one of his many jobs is organizing the annual OWL fundraising cabaret, which includes hiring a local band, and I have had the great pleasure of joining him on his scouting missions (tough job but someone has to do it!!). As a great sax player and member of the local jazz community, Brian is well connected and always puts on a great party, so plan on attending the cabaret on Saturday, Feb. 19 with blues band, Hillbilly Burlesque. You can hear the rootsy blues band lead by fabulous female singer, Angel Calnek, on Myspace at http://www.myspace.com/hillbillyburlesque.
Just a few of the many wonderful church friends who have blessed my life!
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