I submitted the following letter to the secretary of Upper Chapel, the British Unitarian congregation I’ve been attending while in Sheffield, for publication in the next issue of the congregation. As I reflect on my time among these people and how much it has changed and shaped me, I truly feel grateful but also sad that I must leave. I wish I could stay, but the next chapter of my life calls.
Dear Friends,
As I write these words, I’m only a couple weeks away from returning to the states to begin the next phase of my life as a seminarian at Meadville Lombard Theological School. This is definitely a turn of events I did not foresee when I first came to Sheffield a year ago. In many ways, this year has been one of the most challenging in my life, spiritually, personally, and academically. I’ve come out of it with a new purpose and perspective and am ready for what lies ahead of me these next four years.
When I first came to Upper Chapel, I was exhausted and drained, in the middle of an existential crisis that was leaving me lonely and miserable. Most of you did not and probably still do not know this. Yet, without question, you welcomed me into your lives, worshiping with me, strolling with me, enjoying music with me, drinking tea with me, and even welcoming me into your homes. You truly have been kind friends and spiritual companions during my time with you, and I am grateful beyond words. Truly, “I was a stranger and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35, NRSV)
I’m sure these next four years will challenge me in ways I cannot yet imagine. I know I will be a member of another congregation once I get back to the states and will probably one day even pastor my own congregation. Yet they will never compare to my experiences at Upper Chapel in Sheffield. Truly, I will always think of Upper Chapel as my mother congregation. There will always be a place in my heart for each of you and a place in my home should your paths take you through Louisville, Kentucky.
I will not make this a good bye, merely until next time. May we find each other again as we walk our paths through the world. As the late American writer Kurt Vonnegut said, “Peculiar travel suggestions are dancing lessons from God.”
Yours,
Chris Rothbauer
