The Rev. Yielbonzie Charles Johnson

The Rev. Yielbonzie Charles Johnson died on June 2, 2023, at the age of 70 (1952-2023).

Yielbonzie is survived by his brother: Claude Johnson Jr. (Danielle); sister: Mary Outland; nieces: RoShona Anderson, Stephanie Johnson, and Shelly Johnson; nephews: Claude Johnson III (Christelle), Sterling Johnson (Liz), and Eric Henderson; his very dear friends: Carlton E. Smith and Francine Campbell (Yusuf); grandnieces and nephews; as well as his other relatives, friends, colleagues, and students.

A celebration of the life of Yielbonzie will take place at 2 p.m., on Saturday, June 10, 2023, at All Souls Unitarian Church, 2952 S. Peoria Ave., Tulsa OK 74114. The service will also be live streamed for those who are not able to attend.

Memorial donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Society for Ministerial Relief, c/o Rev. Susan Suchocki Brown, 80 Mill Glen Road, Winchendon MA 01475. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence can be written here.

A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.

Andy Backus

Andy Backus: I am inspired by the notion of the Cantor, the musical leader of worship, who in concert with the Liturgist, carries the movement of worship forward on wings of words and song. On my site I offer compositions in that spirit. For speakers they are a wonderful opportunity to work within a musical context. For musicians they are a beautiful chance to bring musical drama to the spoken word. Please view them (Adobe Reader) and print them for use. I do not require payment; but I ask that you let me know when you use them. www.andrewbackus.com

Eleanor Motley Richardson

Eleanor Motley Richardson – Mechanic Street: Uncovering the History of a Maine Neighborhood.
Hardcover $29.95, softcover $18.95
North Haven Summers HB, Mailing: $3.50.Grandmoot@aol.com

Rev. Peter T. Richardson

Rev. Peter T. Richardson author of UU-related books New Book: “Sunday Meditations” 162 pp. 102 photos $19.95, $29.95 www.redbarnrockland.com

Rev. George G. Brooks

Rev. George G. Brooks has published “I Took My Own Path: A Scientific Theology”. This is a compilation of many sermons preached over the last 50 years, an attempt to express a modern, rational theistic understanding of our world and universe. Readers will discover that the twain of head and heart can meet – and must if we are to continue our progression as human beings. $15. Bookbroker@hotmail.com.

Dick Gilbert

Dick Gilbert: I used to preach on the “end game” at least once each year. I dealt with the emotional and spiritual dimensions, of course, but also with practical details. I encouraged people to complete an information form with contact information for next of kin, spelling out their wishes for a memorial service (==> Click Here for a copy). Another helpful instrument is the Five Wishes Form, a variation of the Living Will, which is available from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation at Aging with Dignity, P. O. Box 1661, Tallahassee, FL 32302-1661, www.agingwithdignity.org, or 1-888-594-7437.

Dick recently published “In the Holy Quiet” a meditation manual available from him for $12.95 and he is ciurrently working on two books on life span faith development. Contact Dick at rsgilbert@uuma.org

Pat Hoertdoerfer

Pat Hoertdoerfer received her Certified Sage-ing® Leader accreditation in 2003 and has led workshops at academic institutions, community agencies and faith communities, including at GA. “I love this work,” she says, “it has given me an encore ministry!” She served on the Sage-ing Guild’s governing board and was asked to chair the 2012 conference.

Davidson Loehr

Davidson Loehr is a member of the International Big History Association. He’s interested in identifying “the meaning of life” within the newly emerging world/universe view of Big History. The culture of the group is very much skewed to the hard sciences, pretty irritated by all things religious (superstitious nonsense), but unfortunately also very ignorant of the humanities, without which we can’t answer questions about the meaning of human life.

Bill Gates — who I’ve read is bankrolling this movement to the tune of up to $300 million — and set its mission statement “to bring big history to everyone, everywhere” — has hosted a little contest for a statement about “What it means to be human.” Davidson’s entry is posted as a 5-minute YouTube video here.