Transitions in Religious Education

Dear Friends & Families of First UU,

I'm writing to let you know of my decision to resign from my position as Director of Religious Education this Fall. It's been a privilege to work with and for all of you for these past six years and change, and I've learned, I'm sure, more than I could ever teach. I want to thank all of you for what you've brought to my experience on this job, particularly those of you who are younger than twenty years of age, and who have graciously allowed me this connection to your growing up process.

As many of you know, since Katrina I have been working, first as a volunteer and now as a staff member, with the Common Ground Health Clinic, which is very near my home in Algiers. A few months ago, my workload at the clinic increased, and, as an unschooling parent, I've had to to make some choices in search of balance in my life.

Although I am moving on from the position of DRE, I have no plans to leave New Orleans nor the world of UU religious education and youth work. I am very excited about my new direction in my work with the clinic, and also about the possibilities now open to me to engage with this congregation in a new way: as a member and enthusiastic volunteer.

I am also committed to doing all that I can to ease the transition for my successor and to support the work of the team that will be engaged in the search for him or her. The entire community will benefit from a fresh perspective, I'm sure, and at the same time, the entire community has a role to play in orienting the new staff person when s/he comes aboard. For those who would wish to be actively involved in the search process, I would urge you to contact our minister as soon as possible to convey your interest.

And now what? I will be continuing with my work of getting the ball rolling for Fall programs through November or December, depending on the speed of the search process. So, you'll be hearing plenty from me about RE events and volunteer opportunities, as usual!

With love and gratitude, Coleen Murphy