Now that the congregation has made its decision, I have about 33 days in which to make farewells to First Church members and friends, and to clean out the office for the next minister.

UUMA Guidelines strongly suggest that former ministers refrain from intentional formal contact with former parishioners, in order to clear a spiritual space for their successor minister. This does not mean that I can't speak to you after the ministry ends on May 31, but it does mean I cannot perform any pastoral functions or do social things with First Churchers after that time.

If you'd like to spend some time with me before I leave on May 31, please call me on my cell or at the office to make an appointment, or email me at melanie.morelensminger@gmail.com (I will be transitioning away from using minister@firstuuno.org). If you have time to come help box up books and clear out the office, that too will be gratefully received.

Please know that I will always be glad that I was able to come home to serve First Church and New Orleans, and honored to have been your minister. I will always be happy to greet you at GNOUU and CELSJR events, or if we should see each other at festivals or the grocery store. My time serving you has been a joy.

Rev. Melanie