We come from many places and many experiences, and now we call this place home. Whatever your path, whatever your passion, this is our church. Can you support TJMC as it has supported you?
A little more than seven years ago, I began attending TJMC-UU. There was no minister at the time, and I actually experienced this as a benefit. Here’s why. My previous church had a wonderful minister–so wonderful that we all had believed he was perfect! Although he was wonderful in the pulpit, when we finally discovered a gap in his skill base (pastoral care for individuals in crisis), it was an unexpected surprise. Through that experience, I learned not to place too much dependence on any minister for my church “satisfaction.” So when I arrived, TJMC-UU’s situation was perfect for me. It gave me time to look at TJMC-UU’s values, congregation and demonstrations of principles of faith without a minister’s influence.
What I found was a place and a people that felt like home. People and beliefs that I could relate to. People who inspired me in simple ways and allowed me to feel loved, honored and supported in my faith journey. It was a comfort to get to know a congregation that did not need a minister to be “the answer.” Everyone was expressing their own answer; I had learned that this was indeed how it is supposed to work. For me, TJMC-UU was and is that place.
–Carol Wise
