Hello Friends. Congratulations on the hiring of your next minister. What divine timing, that Rev. Viola is coming back to the area right when you have needed new leadership. I will be staying on through July, helping with any transitions, and then returning once a month (or so) as my schedule allows. I can’t imagine … Continue reading PASTOR’S LETTER May 8, 2026
Hi Everyone. First, a hearty thank you to all who brought beautiful flowers for our Easter service. Wow! It was just a riot of color and joy! Thank you! Second, please note that the open conversation around end of life/death and dying we had planned for this Sunday after the service is going to be … Continue reading Pastor’s letter 4-24-26
Once again, many thanks for your patience, kindness and flexibility as I learn the ropes. These first three weeks have been challenging in ways I didn’t even imagine. I like to be organized, but death and weather are good reminders to stay in the flow of life. As you’ve probably noticed, I speak each week, … Continue reading A Note From Pastor Melissa February 2, 2026
Dear Friends, First, thank you so very much for your kindness, compassion and generosity of spirit as I navigated my first week here alongside the death of a young man in our community in Vermont. George was close with my daughter, and his family is well-known and loved in our small town. Sunday was a … Continue reading Letter from Melissa O’Brien, Pastor January 16, 2026
Cup of Joe, March 28, 2025 My Dear UU Saratoga Community, I have been tremendously humbled to hear in these last couple weeks the many and significant ways that my ministry has had an impact on your lives. That my ministry has meant so much to so many of you means a great deal … Continue reading Thank you
Rev Joe’s sermon preached March 16, 2025, can be found here and below. Moving Forward, Centered in Love Rev. Joe Cleveland March 16, 2025 All that you feel is welcome here. All that you are is welcome here. Humans have an incredible capacity for feeling a multitude of feelings in any moment. And in … Continue reading Moving Forward, Centered in Love
Below, please find two letters: one from the Board of Trustees and one from Rev. Joe, as well as closing remarks. Dear Members and Friends of the UU Congregation of Saratoga Springs, After thoughtful and heartfelt conversations about the future of our congregation and Rev. Joe Cleveland’s ministerial aspirations, the Board and Rev. Joe … Continue reading An Announcement Of A Transition In Congregational Life
A brief ceremony took place Thursday, January 23, 2025, to thank the land and the trees of 400 Louden before our contractor started cutting trees and clearing the land. A small group gathered at the driveway access and then walked back in through the trees to just about where the new meetinghouse will be sited … Continue reading Thanking the Land and Trees of 400 Louden Road