by Joel Tishken, Sabbatical Minister
“According to psychologists, a crush lasts on average for four months, if feelings persist beyond that, one is considered to be ‘in love’.” This quote is from the website factualfacts.com. If it’s not just a fact, but a factual fact, it must be true, yes? Well, despite the website’s claim that their facts are factual, I find this statement not accurate. For starters, the website cites no sources beyond “psychologists.” Without reference to where the information is coming from, it’s just another unsubstantiated sentence on the internet. Also, I loved you all long before my four months as sabbatical minister was over. And I was feeling loved by you. These four months have gone fast. I have enjoyed my time with you. It was a pleasure and honor to be your minister.
I arrived as the sabbatical minister in February struggling in a number of ways. I was struggling with making a decision about my professional future. I was struggling with my self-confidence. And I was struggling with my sense of ministerial authority and presence. I remain conflicted about my professional future. However, that is not the case on the latter two counts. I depart with renewed self-confidence and with an increased belief in myself as a minister and preacher. Thank you for those gifts. And saying thanks is appropriate as those things came because of you. I can say with certainty that these things would not have come about without you. From warm welcomes in February, to sad goodbyes in May, to all the services, shared experiences, conversations, meetings, rituals, and pastoral care encounters in between—all the people and staff of UUCM have been wonderfully supportive of me across my four months. It is very difficult to choose a favorite memory from my past four months because there are so many precious ones. But if I had to choose, I would say it was our hug party following Sunday service on February 24th. The atmosphere of all of UUCM seemed to change a bit after that Sunday. It seemed to me, and was confirmed by others, an important contribution to congregational health and renewal. I strived to be mindful of congregational renewal and restoration throughout my time. It is my sincere hope that the things I did made positive contributions to the congregation’s well-being.
As often happens during sabbatical leaves, some of the church’s tensions increased in intensity in recent months. I have full confidence and faith that all people at UUCM want the same thing—a safe, healthy, and supportive space to be Unitarian Universalists. Unitarian Universalism, since day one, has had a lofty yet challenging vision—to bring together all people, from all parts of the theological and spiritual spectrum, and re-imagine how we can live in better and stronger community as our true selves. I encourage everyone to be mindful of our principles and the reasons we choose to enter into community together. When we strive to be our best selves and serve the best interests of the community, only good things can come. I envision good things for the future of UUCM and all of its wonderful people.
What do I envision for my future? At this moment, I do not know. That’s a bit scary. It is also freeing in that there are no limits. Lee Ann and I, along with our animal friends Vulcan, Vesta, Calliope, Clio, Flora, Faunus, and Juno, will just have to see what our futures bring. I wish everyone at UUCM the very best. As my “people” would say, ačiū (thank you).
Su meile (with love),
Joel
Minister Joel