Dear South Fraser Unitarians,

Perhaps entering a new congregation-minister relationship is a bit like traveling to a foreign country for the first time.

There's joyful anticipation, mingled with trepidation.  We are gratified to see the Mona Lisa in person, and distressed at the curtness of the café waiter.  Our disorientation may tempt us to seek the familiar – to order the hamburger instead of the foie gras, to flock with the tourists to see the Impressionists instead of venturing to a remote suburb to experience the new science museum.

But it is only in our willingness to explore, to take risks, that the purpose of our journey is revealed. It is in those moments when, having missed our bus, we strike out on foot into a mysterious neighbourhood, that we receive the breathless delight of discovery.

So, perhaps, with ministry. The great Zen teacher Sunryu Suzuki stressed the importance of retaining "beginner's mind," that attitude of humility and openness, in the spiritual journey.

And so as we prepare to meet, I could tell you that I've been a UU minister since 1993, that I've served five churches, that I'm a playwright and a spiritual director, and that I always root for Canada in international sporting events.  But it seems more important to offer you something more valuable – my intention to keep my beginner's mind.  And to tell you how very much I am looking forward to encountering your own beginner's minds!

We have this rare and precious opportunity to discern, together, SFUC's calling – and to strike out, off the beaten path, into the neighbourhoods that are not featured in the guidebook – but where, to our surprise and delight, a friendly welcome, a delicious treat, an awesome vista await.

Faithfully, and in joyous anticipation,

Rev. Amanda Aikman

(You can read more about Rev. Aikman here.)