UURMaPA offers worthwhile ways for members to stay connected, socialize, share ideas, and continue learning. Scroll down (or jump to link) for more about:

Awards

We recognize member’s contributions with three different awards. The Unsung UURMaPAn award is given in recognition of vital contributions and generous service on behalf of the community of retired UU ministers and partners. The Creative Sageing award is given for creativity in pursuing new ventures in retirement. To learn more, read about recent awardees, and find out how to nominate someone ==> click here.

Rainbow History Project

UURMaPA’s Rainbow History Project focuses on the UU Journey Toward LGBTQIA Rights. As a part of Project, we hosted two conferences in 2019 recognizing the Golden Anniversary of UU work in addressing LGBTQIA rights since the Stonewall Uprising, 50 years ago. Both conferences were led by LGBTQIA colleagues.

The project, beyond the conferences, is collecting and highlighting stories of LGBTQIA ministers, their partners and allies who influenced and were affected by the sometimes uneven trajectory of LGBTQ+ issues within the UUA.

Both conferences included opportunities for recording video interviews with LGBTQ+ colleagues, partners and allies, sharing their experiences. We have created a website, and use it and social media as well as library archives to keep alive the stories of a significant turning point in UU history. And plans are to edit a book capturing the historic challenges and contributions of UUs from the beginning of the gay rights movement.

This project and the conferences are supported in part by a grant from the UU Funding Program.

For information, see the website and cover stories in Elderberries, Spring and Autumn 2019. Have stories, sermons, or memorabilia you would like to contribute to the archives? Contact the project coordinator.

Local Gatherings

Our Area Connections Contacts help members in specific geographic regions keep in touch with one another. Events, such as a luncheon gathering or dinner outing, are sometimes organized by members within the Connections Area. If you would like to organize or host a small gathering contact your Area Connections Contact person. To find your area and who the contact is, check out the Area Connections Directory, found on the Publications page.

Ministry Days and General Assembly Gatherings

In a typical year at Ministry Days we present a “collegial conversation” to address retirement issues, and we host a luncheon to welcome new UURMaPA members during General Assembly. We also take part in the special luncheon that is hosted by the UUA for surviving family members of ministers who have died that past year.

But in 2020 and 2021, with Ministry Days and General Assembly being virtual, we held online Ingatherings. In 2022 we held two: in-person at GA in June and a July virtual event. See a summary of both HERE.

At these occasions we enjoy the opportunity to recognize and welcome the newest members to join the ranks of retired ministers (and partners) and we provide an overview of UURMaPA. Special guests usually speak briefly about resources available to retirees from the UUA Department of Ministries and Faith Development and the Office of Church Staff Finances. And there is time to check in and share with each other.

Retirement Seminar

UURMaPA and the UUMA have collaborated to present two Retirement Planning Seminars supported by grants from the UU Funding Program. The UUA is now running the project. Contact the UUA Office of Church Staff Finances for information.

Targeted Ministry Program (TMP)

UURMaPA and the UUA have teamed up to create a program where experienced ministers with special training can offer short-term ministry with specific (targeted) goals. Retired ministers might well find this an attractive post-retirement opportunity. Two trainings have been held. For more information, contact the UUA Transitions Office. Learn more here.