Saratoga Springs, NY — Melissa O’Brien has been appointed Interim Pastor of the Saratoga Unitarian Universalist congregation, returning to serve the community where she was raised. O’Brien grew up in Saratoga Springs and attended Lake Avenue Elementary School and Saratoga Springs High School before continuing her education at St. Lawrence University, then earning a Master of Education from the University of Vermont and a Master of Arts in pastoral care from Fordham University. Her professional background includes work as a hospital and hospice chaplain, Congregational minister, teacher, writer, and community leader.

In her interim role, O’Brien will focus on strengthening congregational life, supporting lay leadership, and guiding the community through a period of transition and discernment as they prepare for a dynamic new chapter in the life of their congregation, including the construction of a gorgeous new meeting house on Louden Road in Saratoga. O’Brien will serve the congregation for the next six months. “I’m very much looking forward to being back in my hometown, near friends and family, and engaging with this great group that has deep ties and meaningful history here,” says O’Brien. “We are living in a time when spiritual connection to self and neighbors are more important than ever. I look forward to doing the important work of building community and, hopefully, inspiring others to fill this world with more love, acts of kindness and joy.”

Please join us on Sundays at 10 am in our meeting house at 624 N Broadway.