Connections Coordinator

Job Description
Updated and approved by the UURMaPA Board on January 27, 2026

Rationale: As a member of UURMaPA’s Board of Directors, the Connections Coordinator creates structures and facilitates affiliations through which UURMaPAns create, deepen and sustain personal relationships with one another.

Expectations: The Connections Coordinator’s duties include:

1. Upon notification of newly retired ministers/partners, deceased ministers/partners, and the relocation of ministers/partners do the following:
a. Send newly retired ministers an email with an overview of opportunities to connect with other UURMaPAn(s) and connect the new UURMaPAn(s) with their Area Connector, if area has an identified Area Connector.
b. When there is a death of a UURMaPA member with a surviving partner, notify the Area Connector of the death and the survivor’s contact information.
c. When a retired minister and/or partner moves from one Area to another, notify both the prior and the current Connectors of the address change.

2. Upon notice of an UURMaPAn’s interest in joining or forming a General-Interest- Zoom Group, either:
a. Introduce interested UURMaPAns to ongoing Groups, or
b. Facilitate interested UURMaPAns to form and launch new Groups.

3. Annually, beginning in May & completing in August:
a. Determine the willingness of current Area Connectors to continue service for the upcoming year.
b. For Areas with continuing Connector(s), send an All-Area-UURMaPAN email announcing the Connector(‘s’) continuing service.
c. For Areas with no continuing Connector, send an All-Area-UURMaPAn email soliciting interest in serving as a Connector.
d. For Areas in which a new Connector is identified, send an All-Area-UURMaPAn email announcing the beginning of their service.
e. Email all Connectors a roster of current Area UURMaPANs, with street addresses, phone numbers, email addresses updated as of August 1.
f. Contact Open Focused-Interest-Zoom-Group Facilitators to ascertain the Group’s plans for continuation and facilitation in the coming program year.
g. Send an All-UURMaPAn email soliciting interest in forming/facilitating new Focused-Interest Groups for the coming year.

4. Semi-Annually, in September & March, contact General-Interest-Zoom-Group Facilitators to determine:
a. The number of Group Members wanting to continue in the Group for the next six months
b. The identity of the Facilitator of each Continuing Group for the following six months
c. The openness of each Continuing Group to welcome new group members and partners.

5. In alignment with UURMaPA’s purpose to be an inclusive, multicultural community that serves the interests and enhances the well-being of retired Unitarian Universalist ministers and their life partners, recruit conveners for Focused-Interest Groups to address the needs and challenges of all UURMaPAn(s), e.g., LGBTQIA+, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), and people with disabilities.

6. Semi-Annually in September & April convene a Zoom-Conclave of General-Interest-Zoom-Group Facilitators to discuss best practices and plans/desires.

7. At each All-UURMaPA Conference:
a. Publicize opportunities to form or join General-Interest-Zoom-Groups
b. Publicize all Open Focused-Interest Zoom Groups
c. Solicit proposals to form new Focused-Interest Zoom Groups

8. Following each All-UURMaPA Conference, send an All-UURMaPA-Announce notice:
a. Soliciting interest in entering or forming a General-Interest-Zoom Group
b. Soliciting interest in forming any proposed Focused-Interest-Zoom Groups and publicizing all on-going Open Focused-Interest-Zoom-Groups

9. Annually, in January/February:
a. Ask all Area Connectors to make personal contact (by email if available, by phone or mail if necessary) with All-Area UURMaPAns to confirm or update Membership Database with current street addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses.
b. For Areas with no Connector, send an All-Area-UURMaPAn email encouraging members to update their profiles on Church Center if any changes have occurred in the last year.
c. Convene a Connectors “Zoom Swap Shop” to provide mutual support and share success/challenges in facilitating local connections.

Drafted by Fritz Hudson, May 9, 2024
Updated by the UURMaPA Board, January 27, 2026

The Rev. Robert T. Latham

The Rev. Robert T. Latham died on June 14, 2024, at the age of 92 (1931-2024).

Robert was born on December 10, 1931, in Wichita Falls TX to Floyd Charles Latham and Artie Thelma Latham. He grew up in the Southern Baptist tradition, began preaching at 13, led revival meetings during his mid-teens, and was ordained at 18. Robert received his Bachelor of Arts in Religion and History from Baylor University in Waco TX in 1954, a Master of Divinity from Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1963, and a Master of Theology from Southeastern University in 1966.

His seminary education exposed him to the concepts of mythology and historical and literary criticism, which led to a disaffection with Christianity. Furthermore, his experience as a chaplain during the Vietnam War revolutionized his views toward religion; his cultural perspectives were transformed. In the wake of these transformations, he discovered Unitarian Universalism. Further study of the history, orientation, and social posture of UUism led him to believe that ministry within this body would be a personally gratifying experience. He wanted to use his skills, expertise, and knowledge in ministry to benefit liberal religionists and entered the UU professional ministry in 1969.

Rev. Latham served as a settled minister at the UU Congregation of the Quad Cities, IA (1970–1973); All Peoples Church UU, TX (1973–1976); and the UU Church West, WI (1976–1979). He was a special minister at the UU Church of Las Cruces NM from 1980–1981 and an interim minister at large for the Pacific Northwest District, WA (1981–1985). Subsequently, he served as an interim minister at the Community UU Church, TX (1985–1986); and the First Unitarian Universalist Society of San Francisco CA (1986–1987). In 1988, Rev. Latham accepted a call from the Jefferson Unitarian Church, CO where he would serve until his retirement in 1997.

After his retirement, he served in interim ministries at the First Unitarian Church of Oakland CA (2000–2002); the UU Congregation of Princeton NJ (2002–2004); the UU Church of Tucson AZ (2004–2006); and the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington DE (2006–2007). From 2011 to 2013, he served the Pacific Central District as an Interim District Executive. In 2015, the Jefferson Unitarian Church, CO honored him as their minister emeritus.

Rev. Latham was a compelling spiritual and intellectual leader of imagination and commitment stimulating vibrant, dynamic congregational life. His creation of the Committee on Ministry (as opposed to the former Ministerial Relations Committee) and shared ministry were revolutionary in effect, bringing about greater congregational engagement and notable growth. His interim ministry helped congregations transform and grow in membership while regaining the congregation’s spirited attention through the worship experience and advanced workshops.

Rev. Latham made a significant contribution to the denomination serving as a consultant and trainer for the UUA Extension Department. He was co-designer and speaker for the Unitarian Universalist Sunday morning radio program, in Milwaukee WI (1976–1980). During the 1980s, he served the Pacific Northwest and Western Canada districts as UUA International Minister at Large. Furthermore, he chaired the Mountain Desert District committee to create a District Leadership School and designed its program and curriculum. He served as a speaker at the Jefferson Unitarian Church Community Events Forum.

Robert was head of MYTHing Link Consulting which provided a variety of services to liberal congregations and organizations. In the community, he provided his services as a facilitator of a special training program for administrators, social workers, therapists, etc. on Disability and Sexuality for the Texas Department of Human Services. He participated in state, county, and Denver CO area Youth and Violence Program and was a member of the Planning and Zoning Commission, Davenport IA.

He also published several of his works including The Unitarian Universalist Extension Manual (1985), Moving On From Church Folly Lane (2006), A Tale of Boxes (2009), a chapter entitled “The Temptation to Rush the Search” in the book In The Interim (2013), and a brochure entitled “Lessons From Vietnam: Why Nothing Has Changed” (2011), and American Democracy: Suicide Or Revolution? (2020).

He enjoyed writing, travel, reading, hiking, biking, movies, art, music, sports, and poker in his leisure time.

Robert is survived by his spouse Cindy Latham; daughter Sherry Kay Latham; stepchildren Christy Le Lait and Harry C Green, IV; granddaughters Ture and Miranda Latham; step-grandson Samuel Pitts; as well as his great granddaughter Gemma Miller.

A celebration of Robert’s life was held on August 3, 2024, at Jefferson Unitarian Church, 14350 W 32nd Ave, Golden CO 80401.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jefferson Unitarian Church. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolences may be sent to cynthialatham@comcast.net.

Treasurer

Job Description
(Approved by the Board on 5/16/24)

Rationale: The Treasurer maintains all financial records for UURMaPA, handles all income and expenses, and reports to the Board monthly on the financial status of the organization. The Treasurer sends memorial gifts for deceased members. For each fiscal year (January-December), the Treasurer prepares an annual Income/Expenses Report and a proposed Budget, in consultation with the Board. They work with the President on any fundraising appeal for contributions from our members. The Treasurer works with the VP to ensure that a periodic financial review is conducted. The Treasurer will periodically submit articles to Elderberries regarding UURMaPA’s financial status.

Expectations: Specific tasks of the Treasurer include the following:

Financial Records: The Treasurer requests authorization from the Board to open accounts in a bank or other financial institutions as needed and is empowered to oversee execution of needed agreements to complete the process.

Income:

Contributions – UURMaPA’s chief source of revenue is voluntary contributions from members. The Treasurer works with the President to send appeal letters to encourage contributions and sends acknowledgement notes for those funds received.

Memorial Donations and Bequests – UURMaPA regularly receives donations in memory of deceased members and has at times been notified that the organization is the beneficiary of bequests taken out by members through gifts to the UUA. Memorial gifts are currently placed in the UURMaPA Endowment Fund or other fund as determined by the Board. Large bequests may be allocated to projects as determined by the Board. The Treasurer may be given responsibility for acknowledging any of these gifts on behalf of the Board.

Endowment Fund – As of 2013, the UURMaPA Endowment Fund was invested in the UUA Common Endowment Fund. The Treasurer was empowered to execute that initial transaction and to make future deposits upon receipt of endowment contributions.

Grants – UURMaPA may apply for and receive grant funds to support special projects. The Treasurer keeps separate accounting for these grant funds and prepares timely reports as needed.

Expenses:

Reimbursements – UURMaPA will reimburse expenses incurred on behalf of the organization by Board members and others. The Treasurer should be consulted by anyone planning to incur non-routine expenses. The Treasurer requires receipts and documentation submitted by those requesting reimbursements.

Memorial gifts – Currently, $50 gifts are sent by the Treasurer upon the death of a member. If a ministerial death, the gift goes to the UUMA Endowment Fund; for a partner death, the $50 goes to a charity of the family’s choice. If there is no designation, the $50 will go to the UUMA Endowment Fund.

Reports: Contributions to UURMaPA are tax deductible. The Treasurer annually files with the IRS the required non-profit corporation forms (including a tax return if UURMaPA annual income should exceed $50,000.) The Treasurer also files an annual report with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in November. They may file online at https://corp.sec.state.ma.us/corp/loginsystem/login_form.asp?FilingMethod, CID# is: bx3k28 and the PIN is:8958.

Compiled April 2023; minor revisions made May 2024 – Richard Speck, Treasurer

CONNECTIONS CORNER

Do you want to strengthen your connections with other UURMaPAns? Here are three opportunities:

Join a PEER SUPPORT ZOOM GROUP:

70 UURMaPAns are now involved in 11 regular Zoom Groups.
Though self-governing as to format and schedule, most groups:

> Have 5-8 members
> Choose a Convenor/Facilitator member
> Meet monthly for a 90-minute session to:

* open and close with a reading
* give each member 5 minutes to share “How is it with thy Spirit?”
* spend the remaining time discussing a topic chosen at the prior session (and choosing the next session’s topic.)
> At 6-month intervals, free all to “depart with thanks” or re-commit for 6 months more.

To explore joining or forming a Peer Support group, email fhudson@uuma.org.

Try out a SPECIAL INTEREST ZOOM GROUP:

We currently have 2 open Special Interest Groups. Learn more by contacting the Convenors directly.

> Care-givers: Makannah Morris (revs2uu@aol.com); Sylvia Howe (sylhowe42@gmail.com) > Grief Support: Duane Fickeisen (dfickeisen@uuma.org)

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Partner with (or become) a LOCAL AREA CONNECTOR:

Our membership is clustered into 33 Geographical Areas. In 8 areas, Area Connectors now offer:

> orientation to newly retired & new-to-area UURMaPAns
> annual check-in contact with continuing Area UURMaPAns > support to survivors at an Area UURMaPAn’s death

Check out your Area’s listing: https://uurmapa.org/resources/#Area-Connectors > If your Area has a Connector, contact them to join in their ministry.
> If your Area has no Connector, email fhudson@uuma.org to become one.

Let’s Connect!
Fritz Hudson, Connections Coordinator

Update from the UU Organizations Retirement Plan

MAY, 2024

Dear Friends,

Good news! At our request, Empower added a housing allowance check box to their RMD (required minimum distribution) form.

As you hopefully already know, retired clergy taking distributions may choose to complete a Housing Allowance Distribution Form, rather than the other Empower withdrawal forms, to have taxes suppressed (not withheld) and to receive a form 1099-R that states “taxable amount not determined.”

What is new this month is this: If you wish to request a housing allowance RMD payment and have Empower calculate the RMD amount, you can now complete the RMD form and select the YES box for housing allowance. Call Empower to complete this over the phone or have them send you the RMD form (833-882- 2023).

You can follow this link to see instructions: Completing the RMD Form for Housing Allowance. Please contact us with questions.

In partnership,
The UUA Retirement Plan Team:

Rev. Richard Nugent, Church Staff Finances Director
Gloria Guldager, Retirement Plan Director
Jackie Toone, Retirement Plan Employer Liaison
Anna Gehres, Retirement Plan Specialist

retirementplan@uua.org, (617) 948-6421

Rev. Dr. Arthur E. Curtis

The Rev. Dr. Arthur “Art” E. Curtis died on June 8, 2024, at the age of 90 (1934-2024).

Art was born on May 11, 1934, in Oneonta NY, to Elbert Lewis Beers Curtis and Catharine Simon Curtis. He grew up in a family that encouraged curiosity about the human and natural worlds and fostered a strong love of learning. Art received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Swarthmore College PA in 1955. He then traveled widely, participated in cultural immersion programs in Europe and the Middle East, and spent three years teaching at the International College in Beirut, Lebanon.

After Beirut, he pursued studies in modern European History, earning a Master of Arts from Cornell University NY in 1964. He taught college-level courses afterward and worked as an assistant professor in the Social Science Department of Eastern Kentucky University (1967–1968, 1969–1972). In 1971, he earned a Ph.D. in history from the University of Oregon. From 1972–1979, he worked as an executive director for the Humanities Council, Lexington KY.

In 1974, Art discovered the UU movement in Lexington KY, and quickly became active in the lay-led church there. He took on various leadership roles, serving as board chair, search committee chair, president of the district, and president of the local ACLU chapter. His experience leading the congregation without a minister led him to consider ministry. For him, being in ministry would give him an opportunity and a base for civic involvement and community service. In pursuit of this calling, he enrolled at Meadville Lombard Theological School, and graduated with his Master of Divinity in 1984.

The Rev. Dr. Curtis was ordained on March 25, 1984, by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington KY. Following ordination, from 1984–1987, he served as an extension minister for the Auburn UU Fellowship and the UU Fellowship of Montgomery, both in Alabama. He then served as an interim minister at the UU Church of the Palouse, Moscow ID (1987–1988) and the Unitarian Congregation of Saskatoon, SK, Canada (1988–1989). In 1989, the Rev. Dr. Curtis accepted a call from the Anchorage UU Fellowship AK where he would serve until 2001. During his time, the fellowship experienced significant growth and transitioned from the historic Log Cabin Church to its current location on Turnagain Street. Upon his retirement in 2001, the Anchorage UU Fellowship honored him by conferring the title of minister emeritus.

The Rev. Dr. Curtis was a dynamic and thoughtful leader who quickly adapted to the needs of the congregation. He familiarized himself with the church and congregation and was a warm, sympathetic, and caring human being who was always available when needed. Pastoral ministry was his strongest suit. Beyond his congregation, he served the denomination as a member of the UUMA. In 1988, he shared his passion for environmental reverence by leading a workshop on “Gaia: Reverence for the Earth” at the Pacific NW District Annual Meeting.

Art had aesthetic sensitivity combined with a high level of social concern. He was also very sensitive to ethical imperatives for justice and peace in the world and placed his commitment into action. He emphasized an affirmation of life values. From 1972–1979, he served as vice-chair, chair, and secretary for the Central Kentucky Civil Liberties Union. He played a pivotal role in helping the National Interreligious Commission on Civil Rights organize a hearing in Montgomery on civil rights in Alabama and went on to serve as its first secretary (1986–1987). He also volunteered at the AIDS-Saskatoon (hotline) and at Crocus Coop (talking with mental health patients who used it as a social center).

In his leisure time, he found joy in outdoor activities including jogging, hiking, skiing, ice skating, swimming, and tennis, and aesthetic pursuits including ballroom dancing, singing in choral groups, playing violin, reading, and writing poetry, and immersing himself in art books.

His wife Susan shared: “Music was his special love despite being born with an inherited hearing loss. For many years he was able to enjoy his music with the help of a hearing aid. Later, however, he realized he could no longer hear well enough to stay in pitch, so he donated his prized violin to a young violin student. Later still, at the age of 78, he had surgery that enabled him to hear certain voices with a cochlear processor, but music less well.

“Fortunately, he still had the out-of-doors, the night sky, his many friendships, visits with family members, and poetry and art to sustain him. He especially loved sharing poems he had collected over the years. Favorite poems included “Fern Hill” by Dylan Thomas, “Sunday Morning” by Wallace Stevens, “Little Elegy with Books and Beasts” by Nancy Willard, and “Wolf Moon” by Mary Oliver. He also took pleasure in studying closely the paintings of the Flemish masters. He was truly his own Renaissance man!”

Art is survived by his wife Susan Lyden; sister Emily Mandelbaum; sister-in-law Ellen Curtis; nieces Ruth and Audrey Mandelbaum, and Erica and Brenda Curtis; nephew Rodney Curtis; five grandnephews; two grandnieces; as well as three first cousins Jim, Anne, and Tom Conway. He was preceded in death by his brother Charles Curtis.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of one’s own choosing. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

The Rev. Kent McKusick

The Rev. Kent McKusick died on June 4, 2024, at the age of 72 (1952-2024).

Kent is survived by his spouse James Perrin; brother John McKusick; and nieces Amy O’Connel, Lisa Levasalmi, and Diane Wiley Czarnick.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on August 15, 2024, at the UU Society of Bangor, 120 Park St, Bangor ME 04401.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the local theater where you live. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolences may be sent to James Perrin at james.d.perrin@gmail.com or 5509 Wiltshire Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76135.

A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed. It will be published in an upcoming issue of Elderberries and posted on the UURMaPA website.If any readers would wish to contribute information or reminiscences, we would welcome them. Please send them to UURMaPA’s clergy obituary editor, Rev. Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.

The Rev. Frances Ann Dew

The Rev. Frances “Fran” Ann Dew died on June 1, 2024, at the age of 83 (1941-2024).

Fran is survived by her children Jennifer Dew de Castro (Jose) and Robert Paul Dew (Alison Wright); her granddaughter Isadora Dew de Castro; stepdaughters Patricia Dew Pender, and Roberta Conant (recently deceased (Peter); sisters Bonita Robertson (Donald), and Dorothy Weatherbee (Greg); brothers Ronald King (Diana), Robert King (Helen), Clarence King, Lewis King, Charles King (Karen), William King (Cindy); her step-granddaughters and step-grandsons, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

A memorial will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Dixboro United Methodist Church, 5221 Church Rd, Ann Arbor MI 48105.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalist
Service Committee
<https://donate.uusc.org/give/188649/#!/donation/checkout?utm_source=topnav&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=website>.

Notes of condolences may be sent to Jennifer Dew de Castro at
dew.jennifer@gmail.com or mailed at 449 Bark Drive, Redwood City CA 94065
<https://www.google.com/maps/search/449+Bark+Drive,+Redwood+City,+CA+94065?entry=gmail&source=g>.

Major David John Turner

David Turner died peacefully on May 31, 2024, while in palliative care at the Charlotte County Hospital in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, Canada. This was after more than 20 years living valiantly with Parkinson’s. He was born Feb. 10, 1941, in Croydon, UK, to parents George John Turner of Leicester Sussex and Hilda Burgess of Kent, UK. He was married to the Rev. Carole Martignacco.

David joined the Royal Marines as a bugle boy at the age of 15; he was a fitness trainer and served in active duty in Borneo, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Malta, and Northern Ireland. In 1976 he immigrated to Canada and took a position as Cadet Commander at Bishop’s College School in Sherbrooke Quebec where he also served as Athletic Director, and Houseparent. He retired in 2005 as Deputy Headmaster.

He is the recipient of several accolades, medals, and awards, notably the Queen’s Jubilee Award in 2002. In 2019 David and Carole moved from North Hatley to the coastal town of St. Andrews in New Brunswick.

David is survived by his loving wife Carole; sons Clifford (Suzanna), Darren, daughter-in-law Shelley Hughes; previous wife Patricia; and stepchildren Michael and Diana Henderson. David is mourned also by stepdaughters Maria, Anna, Lisa and Juliana Martignacco; his brother Malcolm Horsley and sister Wendy Shaw-Kew, and 8 grandchildren. Major Turner is fondly remembered by numerous past students and colleagues from his nearly 30 years at Bishop’s College School, as well as many friends in the Quebec Eastern Townships and in St. Andrews NB.

A memorial was held in St. Andrews on August 25. A second service will be held 1 pm EDT, September 28 at Bishop’s College School in Sherbrooke Quebec. The family appreciates the medical team at Charlotte County Hospital for their excellent care in his last days, and all the kind wishes of family, friends and this supportive maritime community.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to the David Turner Scholarship at Bishop’s College School to honour and continue Major Turner’s legacy of steadfast and selfless leadership.

The Rev. Dr. Kenneth Torquil MacLean

The Rev. Dr. Kenneth “Ken” Torquil MacLean died on May 29, 2024, at the age of 97 (1926-2024). Ken is survived by his partner Terry Watson and son Derek MacLean.

A memorial service will be held at 2 pm on September 21, 2024, at the Cedar Lane UU Congregation, 9601 Cedar Ln, Bethesda MD 20814.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made tohttps://www.cedarlane.org/.

Notes of condolences may be sent to: Cedar Lane UU Congregation, 9601
Cedar Ln, Bethesda MD 20814.

A more complete obituary will follow.

Job DescriptionUpdated and approved by the UURMaPA Board on January 27, 2026

Job Description(Approved by the Board on 5/16/24)

Job Description
Updated and approved by the UURMaPA Board on January 27, 2026

Job Description
(Approved by the Board on 5/16/24)