The Altona and Roland United Church have a new minister as Reverand Sourav Nag recently arrived in southern Manitoba from India on Aug. 7.
Rev. Sourav applied to be a minister of the United Church of Canada in the fall of 2023. He applied to the post where he would share a full-time minister spot between the Roland United Church and Altona United Church.
“Both congregations were struggling to find a candidate for a half-time ministry position,” said RM of Roland Reeve Jodi Gaultier. “So we joined together to collaborate and share a minster.”
Rev. Sourav was a minister in India for several years before he decided to explore ministry in Canada. He lives in Altona and has been navigating the joys and challenges of completely starting over in a new country.
“I was drawn to Canada by the opportunity to serve in a diverse and inclusive church community,” said Rev. Sourav Nag. “The United Church of Canada has a rich tradition of welcoming people from different backgrounds, and I felt a strong calling to be a part of that. It was also a great chance to broaden my ministry experience and connect with people from different cultural perspectives.”
The two congregations have been helping the new minister settle in as they set up his apartment before he arrived, help him get a bank account and health card. He is currently taking driving lessons and preparing to take his driver’s test in November.
Standard Photo by Jodi Gaultier
Rev. Sourav officially started work on Aug. 15 and had his first service in Altona on Sept. 8 and his first service in Roland on Sept. 15. He currently alternates Sundays between the two congregations.
“We are so excited to have him with us,” said Gaultier. “He is just full of optimism and positive energy.”
Rev. Sourav has been really enjoying his time in southern Manitoba since arriving back in August, and he is quickly getting used to life in a new country.
“Manitoba is a beautiful province, and I’ve been touched by the warmth and hospitality of the people. Getting settled has been going well, and I’m appreciating the slower pace of life compared to some of the larger cities.”
If you’d like to see Rev. Sourav Nag in action, come to the Altona and Roland United Church on Sunday mornings. The Reverend promotes community and inclusion in his services.
“The services have been going wonderfully,” said Rev. Sourav. “Both congregations have been incredibly welcoming, and I feel a strong sense of community here. It’s been a joy to share in worship and get to know the members of the congregation.”
