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

Yeah, I know what you’re thinking: he found religion and became a Bible thumper! I actually haven’t changed that much since joining the Unitarian Universalists, at least I don’t think  I have. It’s entirely possible that I’ve misjudged myself and I’ve changed dramatically. In any case, I guess I learned to pay attention to what is important in life. That doesn’t necessarily involve finding God or some supernatural being. For me, the Holy is in this world, and I want to protect it so it can be enjoyed for years to come.

It seems like I have so much to do in the next few weeks! Sunday I’m going to a course in Nonviolent Communication. I need to finalize my health insurance and register for classes. I need to finish my dissertation. I need to buy a hard case for my guitar.  I need to investigate sites for my community studies program. And yet I’m oddly serene. At a time when there could easily be some chaos and stress in my life, I’m feeling calm, collected, and ready to go.

And it’s not just my personal life that’s chaotic right now. There’s been rioting in London all week and it’s spread to Manchester, Nottingham, and Leeds.  Some are taking about martial law. The financial markets are in shambles and the political parties can’t stop their petty bickering. The world around me seems to be falling apart, but I’m ready to face it, to persevere.

The Bible says in Psalm 23:4 (oh no! he’s starting already!), “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff– they comfort me.” The world around me may seem like it’s crumbling, but I can fall back on the Holy, the Ground of Being for comfort. And I strangely take comfort in that right now.

Life is good. I’m ready for another chapter. Bring it on!