WENDY FISH

Associate Minister
First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus
93 West Weisheimer Road
Columbus, Ohio 43214

Associate Minister
Rev. Wendy Fish
Email: _WendyFish@FirstUUColumbus.org

The path of life is a unique journey for each of us. For the Reverend Wendy Fish, the path has taken her from New England to Southern California and from there to the Heartland. She has been student, educator, wife and mother, administrator and pastor.
Wendy's calling to the ministry came when she was in her 30s. Her decision to follow resulted in many long commutes from San Diego to Los Angeles to attend divinity school, and in receiving her Masters of Divinity degree from the Claremont School of Theology in 1995. That same year, the First UU Church of San Diego ordained her, and she was called to be minister of the Chalice Unitarian Universalist Church of Poway, California.
While at Chalice UU Church, Wendy played a key role in starting a dialogue of reconciliation with a neighboring UU congregation. "The two congregations were the result of a breakup of one larger one," Wendy relates. "Years had passed, and the reasons for the separation needed discussion among the people involved. Some of us felt it was time for a dialogue towards reconciliation." The two congregations are now reunited.
"I'm told that I am a good listener," Wendy comments, "and that my responses are reassuring and caring. I certainly hope so."

Rev. Wendy Fish was called to the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Columbus in August 1999. As its Associate Minister, she and Senior Minister, The Rev. Dr. Mark Belletini, serve a congregation of over 600 members. "For me, working with another minister can allow each to develop a more personal style and identity, and I find that particularly gratifying," she observes. Rev. Fish wears many hats at First Church, and she has been placing special emphasis on pastoral care and in working with families and young people.

"It's so easy to focus on the adult aspects of congregational life," Wendy says with conviction. "It's vitally important that we not neglect our next generation. We must provide them with the love and attention they need to grow into responsible adulthood, as UUs or not." As witness to this vision, Wendy has taken many initiatives to ensure that young people have opportunities for involvement in congregational life.

Wendy was born and educated in Boston. She has worked as a tutor, pre-school educator and a church office administrator. The mother of an adult son and daughter, Wendy is a proud grandmother. In her off-duty time, Wendy enjoys dining with friends, going to movies, skiing, taking quiet walks, and getting in as much golf as possible. (She doesn't keep careful scoring records.) Food is a passion, and Wendy's kitchen is reputed to be never "out of stock" when it comes to chocolate.

Loving care and compassion are hallmarks of Wendy's ministry. Her life's journey has led her to us, and she would welcome hearing from you about the path that has brought you here.

last update 3/21/07