Eric and I were overwhelmed by the sweetness of the Farewell Party the church threw for us after the service on Sunday, May 19.  We so appreciate everyone turning out to say good-byes, and all the lovely notes that folks left in the box for us.  (Melanie is especially tickled by Liam McDade's tribute, which she will treasure always.)

We are grateful for the lovely lil gifts -- the seeds of love, hope, joy, and happiness; the great new backpack (which will see lots of use at future Jazz Fests!); the gorgeous Belgian handkerchief; the great Allen Toussaint secondline handkerchief; the handmade earrings; the cute refrigerator magnet; the music CD;  the Maya Angelou book; the "gift certificate" for a dozen praline handmade by rev. Josie (OMG!); the $25 MasterCard giftcard; the shiny new lucky penny; and the painting, handmade card and clay flowers from the children and youth of the Sunday School.

And of course we are especially touched and grateful for the $1500 given to us by parishioners.  As some of you know the challenges that might lie ahead for us in terms of expenses like health insurance and so on, this was a wonderful thoughtful loving gesture that touches us deeply.

I still have 4 more office days before the ministry ends, and I will be in the office some extra days in order to complete the process of packing and removing my personal items from the office.  Help with that process would be tremendously appreciated! especially on my last day May 30 when everything has to be gotten into vehicles and brought to our house.  Call or email me if you can help with any of that.

It has been my honor to serve my home congregation and while I had hoped to serve you longer, I am glad for what we accomplished and wish First Church nothing but the best in the future.

More grateful than I can say,
Rev. Melanie