Can you believe that I’ve been with this congregation for over 11 years? I can still remember meeting the search committee, the congregation and my first day I preached (with the youth!). I admit, the first few years were tough. I had big expectations of myself, and the congregation and I were getting to know one another. It can be a tender time: it takes time to build trust. Trust that we won’t hurt each other; trust that we will be there for one another; trust that we love one another.
Over the years we have seen each other through some difficult times: Fiscal challenges, my twin’s ICU stay, deaths of beloved congregants, crises like Ukrainian housing and a pandemic which brought us closer together and changed the way we do worship. And so much more. Our relationship has deepened – so much so that we are putting our trust in the future together with the new sanctuary.
When I first entered ministry, I wondered what it would be like to be with a congregation so long that you saw children grow up into adults and you held the hands of beloveds when they were dying. Now I know. It’s beautiful, awesome and such an honor. Thank you for these 11 years and I hope to see you all in 11 more.
With love,
Rev. Sian
Rev. Sian Wiltshire is Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church's minister. Please feel free to reach out and say hello! She can be reached by email, revsian@ocuuc.org, or by church phone at (714) 556-2882 (x302).