Author: Jaco ten Hove

Approved by the Board June 27, 2026

Rationale: This role serves as a liaison between the UURMaPA Board and the Convener of the Conference Planning Team, which organizes an annual fall conference and ensures that planning, content, and execution align with UURMaPA’s goals, budget, and policies. 

As a member of the UURMaPA Board, the Liaison to the Conference Planning Team prepares for and attends monthly Board meetings (conducted online via Zoom and, if necessary, in person at an annual retreat), participates in decision-making, and assumes other duties as needed. The Liaison submits monthly reports to the Board and keeps the Conference Convener(s) informed about relevant Board activities.

Expectations: Liaison to the Conference Planning Team is responsible for these tasks:

• With the help of the Conference Planning Team Convener and the Board, recruit the next Convener(s).
• Provide support to the Convener(s), as needed.
• Assist in recruiting UURMaPA members to join the team.
• Assist the Conference Convener(s) in preparing a Proposed Budget for the conference, if needed. Conferences must cover their costs through registration fees unless special circumstances allow for grants.
• Submit monthly progress reports of conference planning to the Board.
• After the conference, arrange for InSpirit gift cards for Conference Planning Team members and Odyssey presenters.
• Be available after completing the term(s) on the Board to transition with the newly elected Board member, if needed.

Compiled by Barbro Hansson, February 2025;
Revised March 2026; Revised May 2026

Desired Learning Opportunities 

From Janet Tillman, UURMAPA Connections Coordinator

UURMAPA members were asked about the learning opportunities they would like to see available through UURMaPA’s Skill-Sharing Network. To date, the responses to this question are:

• Learn from others about maintaining a web site and presence on social media. I am working with a group of individuals who are working to preserve the oldest Universalist Church building in Canada. I see this as an opportunity to promote Universalism’s theology… including an annual Universalist re-union in Nova Scotia Canada.
• Explore with others about the direct line between Unitarian Universalism and the European Enlightenment. I see a theological thread that helps me to have optimism for our future.

As you can see, the sky is the limit regarding knowledge/skills to share and people’s desire for learning opportunities. 

• Is it possible that a facilitator (or co-facilitators) would be interested in a time-limited series of discussions about the direct line between Unitarian Universalism and the European Enlightenment? Groups of this nature could be an abbreviated version of a focused-interest group. Those not wishing to commit to an on-going general or focused-interest group may prefer a 6-8 session format exploring a particular topic.
• Is there someone out there who can share their skills maintaining a website as well as a presence on social media? 

If you can provide the requested skills noted above, or you have a skill to share or would like to add your desired learning opportunity to the Skill-Sharing Network, contact me at connections@uurmapa.org. 

“Perhaps the secret of living well is not in having all the answers but in pursuing unanswerable questions in good company.” -Rachel Naomi Remen

See also:

Skill-Sharing Network: What is it and how does it work?
Current Skills Being Offered 

Current Skills Being Offered 

From Janet Tillman, UURMAPA Connections Coordinator

Noted below are amazing skills offered by four generous UURMaPA members. Check these out to see if any are of interest to you. 

1. Beginning Spanish II – Jeff Jones

We have had a great start for the Beginning Spanish I classes via Zoom offered by Jeff Jones. 

Full Disclosure: I am one of eight ministers and partners in Jeff’s eight-week Beginning Spanish I class that began on April 2. I am thoroughly enjoying the class due to Jeff’s dynamic (yet gentle) teaching style. He is patient, has a great sense of humor, and knows his Spanish! I think everyone in the current class would agree that this is a terrific way to learn Spanish. Each class is interactive and great fun. 

Good News! There are three openings for Beginning Spanish II that starts Thursday, June 4 and ends on Thursday, July 23. The classes are from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. EDT. The classes require about 4 hours of homework per week. If you are interested, please contact Jeff at jeffjonesuu@aol.comby May 15. 

FYI: Part 3 will be in September – October and Part 4 will be in January – February 2027. 

Contact Jeff now while there are three spots available!

2. Composting/Recycling – Jaco ten Hove 
If you’re tossing out your household kitchen waste—such as coffee grounds, vegetable cuttings, eggshells—and you’re not recycling yard waste, such as leaves and grass clippings, you’re likely wasting all the good stuff! According to Jaco, all these items, which might otherwise end up in a landfill, can be productive in your compost bin. As an experienced (and certified!) Master Composter/ Recycler, Jaco can offer counsel and coaching on composting and recycling from general guidelines and pep talks to specific habits and routines that improve the odds for keeping your waste out of landfills. Join Jaco in his new Waste Diversion ministry. Contact Jaco at jbthishere@gmail.com for more information and/or to ask questions. 

3. Appreciating Technology + Tips on Maintaining an Old Building – Norm Horofker 
Norm is a retired mechanical engineer with plant management experience. He is happy to share his optimism for appreciating the present and the amazing future of technology. Norm also have experience maintaining old buildings. Contact Norm at nhorofker@aol.com to begin a conversation about technology or that old building you are maintaining. 

4. Sustainable Investing – Jim Zacharias
Are you invested in oil? Do your investments include tobacco and guns? Most of us simply don’t know where our money is invested. Many funds are not transparent about the screens they use to choose investments. As a result, we may unknowingly support industries and practices that go against our values. Jim believes there is a way forward. In his retirement Jim explored how to live sustainably — without worrying that his money is working against what he holds sacred. That search has been worthwhile, and Jim is glad to share what he has learned. If this resonates with you, Jim welcomes a conversation and wants to hear your story. You can contact Jim at jzacharias1@gmail.com or give him a call at 505-463-3128. 

If you are interested in learning the above skills or have questions about the skill being offered, contact the person offering the skill for more details.

I love those connections that make this big old world feel like a little village. – Gina Bellman

See also:
Skill-Sharing Network: What is it and how does it work?
Desired Learning Opportunities 

What is it and how does it work?

Imagine UURMaPA as a virtual community where members share their unique talents, knowledge, and skills. Skill-Sharing Networks can be fun and transform the virtual community into a vibrant hub of learning and support! These sharing sessions could be one-on-one or in groups. They could be completed in one session or multiple sessions based on the skill/knowledge being shared. 

Within UURMaPA’s membership, the skills and knowledge that could be shared by retired ministers and partners are varied and vast. Skill sharing could relate to cooking, travel, technology, finance, various crafts, photography, downsizing, mechanics, sewing, etc. The sky is the limit! You could view these as opportunities to share practical tips on anything. We all know you can go to YouTube to learn how to do all sorts of things. Sometimes, having a conversation with someone who has experience with the task at hand is the best way to learn. Some examples of skills and practical tips are:

The joy of air frying Taking great photos on your phone Supplies needed to do rock painting Best 5-ingredient recipes What to consider when buying a new computer Is co-housing for me Rewards of being on the planning team for UURMaPA conferences

Caring for orchids Living sustainably Mediterranean cooking made easy How to navigate Ancestry.com Travel tips for seniors First steps in downsizing  Growing herbs indoors Tips on doing electronic photobooks How to use Zoom’s many features

Your input is needed to make this a great success! To determine the types of skills that could be shared. Please send your responses to the following questions to Janet Tillman at connections@uurmapa.org. 

1. What skills or knowledge do you have that you would be willing to share with other UURMaPAns via Zoom? Please be very specific. Remember, the sky’s the limit!

2. What learning opportunities/tips would you like to see available to you via an UURMaPA Skill-Sharing Network?

I love those connections that make this big old world feel like a little village. – Gina Bellman

See also:
•••Current Skills Being Offered 
•••Desired Learning Opportunities