BRUCE MACLEAN

.M «rs: \

9,... :‘;.»...»W.WKM W M

208

treated with tokenism. The benefits of this have been reaped over the years as the next generations have carried on to pro- vide similar support to the young people thus developing a very active community of shared leadership. Personally, I was one to enjoy this kind of encouragement and even to this day feel their support in whatever I may have achieved personally or professionally. I recall such wonderful people asjean Miller who gave so much to CGIT and her girls. It was a privilege for some of us later as young student nurses to give just a lit- tle back toJean and provide palliative care at home in her bat— tle with cancer. This sense of giving whatever one can in little ways to make the lives of those around you and your com- munity a better place to live is truly exemplary Christian love. Looking after your neighbour is a part of the life within this congregation.

The second one is perhaps less commonly encountered and that is the tradition of openness within the congregation to welcome anyone regardless of creed, culture, status or what- ever sometimes is perceived as being different from the norm. The diversity of the congregation has become its strength and not a barrier to inclusiveness. The sense of fellowship and sup- port to each other in times of need is what makes this church so strong and healthy and able to withstand challenges and change and still carry on the principles of faith on which it was founded.

Personally the importance of the church was always a part of family life and a priority for my parents. This sense 0f responsibility carried through to the life of the church and to its leadership. The foundation built here and then mentort‘id through my teenage years by the Rev. Ralph Johnston and others has provided me with a strong basis for my own farni‘ ly life and future responsibilities. One cannot underestimate the importance of such formative years in one’s life, futllIc happiness, and foundation of faith for a lifetime.

Bruce is the son of Dorothy and Willis MacLean.'Bruce is an

oﬁicer in the Canadian Armed Forces. Like so many young people in Canada during the early 19895’ I found myself moving away from my small rural community

LOT 16 UNITED CHURCH AND ITS PEOPLE