Dear UUFP Family and Friends:

This is a note to share my deep gratitude to all of you, in response to your decision to call me as the UU Fellowship of Plattsburgh’s first settled minister!

Many congregations call their minister at the start of their shared ministry, or within the first two years of their time together. In your case, it has taken longer, but with hindsight, I’d say these first four years have been exceptionally well spent.

The challenge of developing meaningful, mutual trust is long, slow work. It requires discernment on both sides. When allowed to slowly unfold, I believe this trust creates a solid and necessary foundation for the years ahead.

And so, I am honored, humbled, and excited to enter this next stage of our journey together.

I hope that each of you knows the role you have played in welcoming me into ministry with the fellowship. You have opened your hearts, your homes, and your struggles with life’s most challenging questions. Together we have grappled with how to serve in a world that is at once broken, and beautiful. And, we’ve practiced how best to support one another on this journey that requires both learning and unlearning, all for the greater good.

Your announcement following the vote proclaimed: “There will be cake.

My response? “May it be so!”

Plans for cake – and for a celebration – are already in the works. We’ve chosen Sunday, October 2nd, in the hopes that by early fall it will be possible to celebrate in person. We also hope to gather at a larger venue with space enough for friends, family, community partners and delegates from our larger UU movement.

(And by the way, if you are someone who likes to be on the planning end of a celebration, please reach out to either me: minister@uuplattsburgh.org or Connie Shemo, Board Co-chair: shemoconnie@gmail.com)

In the meantime, please mark your calendars! And may we look forward together to a continuation of trust and shared ministry in the years to come.

In love, gratitude, and service,
Rev. Nicoline