We are pleased to announce that our next spring conference opens on Monday, April 27. We have organized eight sessions: three on Monday, three on Tuesday and we’ll close the conference with two on Wednesday. As in recent years, the conference will be transmitted via Zoom, an online video conferencing platform available to you on your computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone or (audio-only) a telephone.
See DRAFT Conference Schedule HERE.
Barbro Hansson, who has guided numerous conferences for the Board, said, “I have loved every minute of this ministry, which helps our members connect with one another and explore what really matters, like how to keep our focus in these challenging times.”
Theme. Our theme is “Keeping it Together While Democracy Is Falling Apart,” and will be presented on the second day by Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout. Dr. Rideout is a worship artist and longtime leader in UU communities, and he suggests that as elders, we should not withdraw, but remain, and bear a posture of openness that teaches us what is still possible, even when we least expect it to last, and when the songs still need to be sung.
See more on the theme HERE.
Odysseys. The conference will feature a minister’s odyssey with the Rev. Diane Miller, and a partner’s odyssey with Barry Finkelstein. Diane said, “As an elder, I find myself looking back at decades of ministry and asking, ‘What was that all about?’ I hope that sharing my Odyssey will provide some insights.” Barry reminds us that sharing our life journeys is a wonderful way of connecting with one another and embracing our common humanity, and so important in these dark times.
Worship. The opening worship service will be produced by Wayne Arnason and Kathleen Rolenz. As always, our memorial service will honor those colleagues and partners who have left us. Tom Schade has gathered several people to produce the memorial service and a closing worship.
Connections. Connecting rooms, where we can interact with others on a deeper level, are planned for three sessions. One session will follow the theme presentation and be guided by what we learn from Dr. Rideout and our own experiences and hopes for the preservation of democracy.
Concert. The last session on Tuesday will feature Dr. Rideout in a concert of music that underscores the theme and inspires us to live into our role in keeping it together in challenging times. There’s more to this conference, so be prepared for connections, inspiration, and fun when we meet in April.
Pods. Regional pods and local watch parties offer a way to experience our virtual conference in community. They are for people who long to worship, reflect, and learn alongside others, and to share meals and conversation while participating fully in conference programming. Pods offer in-person connection, care, and the joy of being together rather than watching alone. Currently, pods are being developed in Kingston, Massachusetts and Wilmington, Delaware. See more information about these pods HERE.
Registration is open. Please visit https://uurmapa.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3106236
Fees. Inflation and tariffs have caught up to us, and we regret that we must raise our fee for the conference to $70. However, if you register before April 6th, your cost will only be $50, unchanged from last fall. Early registrations help us make better plans for the conference.
Assistance. Help with all things registration is available from Barbro Hansson, the registrar. Scholarships are available if you need help with the fee. If you have never attended a UURMaPA conference, the board happily waives your fee. If you would like a scholarship or you are a newbie, please send a message to conferences@uurmapa.org for more information. You will receive a special code to use when registering.
Eyes on the Prize. We look forward to greeting you in April at our spring conference. In the meantime, know that every one of us has a part to play in our struggles for inclusivity and justice. If you live in the USA, you might be a little closer to the heat, but if you are not, you are still here, you are more than a witness, and we’re all in this together.