The Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Plattsburgh is writing to share news that affects all of our members and friends. With a sad heart, we are announcing that Rev. Nicoline Guerrier has decided to step down as Minister of our Congregation. This decision has been weighed carefully from all sides and with great care. Rev. Nicoline has sent a letter explaining her decision and how she arrived at it.  Her last day with the congregation will be July 25th.  The UUFP Board has responded and their letter can be found below.  If you wish to see Rev. Nicoline’s letter, please reach out to a Board member directly and they can assist you.

It is with great sadness that the Board of Trustees has accepted Reverend Nicoline’s letter of resignation.  While we mourn the loss for our congregation, we respect Reverend Nicoline’s decision and understand how the change in border policies has led to a situation where she no longer feels safe with the repeated border crossings that are necessary to her position here. Reverend Nicoline has the full support of the Board in her decision, even though we wish the situation were otherwise.

There will be many decisions to make going forward.   Board members have already met with  Rev. Alia Shinbrough, our Primary Contact with the UUA’s Central East Region,  who has been very helpful in offering a sense of next steps. The Board will continue to work with Rev. Alia and with the UUA Transitions team to put together a list of options and decisions that the congregation needs to make.  We will present this to the congregation in a few weeks.  Based on congregational input, we will decide whether to have a special meeting in May or discuss this at our scheduled congregational meeting on June 8.  For now, a few Board members will remain after the service on Sunday, May 4, at noon to answer any questions from the congregation.  A Board member will also be available over Zoom at the same link used for service. We welcome immediate input and ideas from anyone in the congregation, even though it will be a few weeks before we have a formal meeting.

With love and solidarity,

The Board of Trustees, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Plattsburgh

Connie Shemo (Co-chair)

Nicholas Hunt-Bull (Co-chair)

Ursula Jones (Treasurer)

Mark Preston

Tana Hanley