Category: Uncategorized

The Rev. Helen “Christine” Brownlie

The Rev. Helen “Christine” Brownlie died on September 15, 2022, at the age of 75. 

Chris was born on August 24, 1947, in Dearborn MI to Robert Lesman and Helen Chervinsky. She attended Lutheran, Presbyterian, and Methodist churches during childhood and early adolescence. Church had always been an important influence and source of solace in her life. Over time, Chris felt uncomfortable with many of the doctrines and creeds. Once she attended college, she discovered a Unitarian Church. This discovery was a wonderful relief for her as she found a place where she could feel both comfortable and challenged by the teachings, she encountered each week.

Chris received her Bachelor of Arts in 1970 from the New School for Social Research, NY. Thereafter, she worked full-time as a medical social worker and part-time as a Director of Religious Education (DRE) at the First Jefferson Church, Fort Worth TX (1984–1997). While a DRE, she led a process resulting in the adoption of a congregational policy for staff and volunteers who worked with youth. In 1997, she graduated from Brite Divinity School, TX with her Master of Divinity.

Rev. Brownlie was ordained on October 25, 1998, by the First Jefferson Church in Fort Worth. From 1998 to 1999, she served the UU Fellowship of Montgomery AL as an interim minister. The fellowship was in the early stages of the canvass and Rev. Brownlie took an active part in the planning process with the Finance Committee. She worked closely with the Ministerial Search Committee and prepared the fellowship to welcome a full-time minister. Furthermore, she encouraged children’s participation in worship services and was very effective in counseling those in distress, ill, and the aged.

In 1999, Rev. Brownlie accepted a call from the UU Congregation, Blacksburg VA where she served until 2011. She guided and supported the work of the board and committees and helped the congregation develop a sense of vision and purpose. The congregation showed great improvement under her leadership, particularly in the areas of welcoming, sense of community, and integrating new members. Under her leadership, the RE program grew tremendously; she was very dedicated to the children and presented meaningful adult RE offerings. In 2011, the congregation honored her as minister emerita.

Rev. Brownlie’s denominational work included serving as a chaplain for the Southwest District YRUU camp (1996). She facilitated numerous workshops for the Southwest District R.E conference and the RE development program at the district Summer Institute. Moreover, she was a member of the Southwest District RE Committee (1990–1995), UUMA, and LREDA.

Through her sermons, Rev. Brownlie encouraged, challenged, and guided both the congregation and individuals to be active seekers of truth, goodness, and understanding. She was a friend to the congregants, whatever their age and circumstance; she stood with them in times of grief, celebrated in times of joy; and provided a steady source of care and encouragement throughout. She knew the congregation well and addressed people with relevance to their lives, was very attentive to being available, and created a welcoming environment.

Additionally, Chris’ involvement in the community and her leadership in addressing social justice concerns were remarkable. She served on the advisory council of Planned Parenthood of Blue Ridge VA, sat on the board of Court Appointed Special Advocated (CASA), and was active with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She volunteered for Hospice West and delivered meals for Meals on Wheels, both in Tuscaloosa AL (1997–1998). In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, gardening, sewing, walking, music, and various crafts.

Her son Colin shared, “I remember in high school, when my mom was driving my friends and me somewhere, listening to the radio when a Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young song came on the radio. My mom and I sang along together, not caring that anyone else was listening to us.”

Her son Matthew noted, “Some parents make unconditional love look easy. My mom did. Her love for her two sons was as predictable and consistent as air or sky. What I really learned from my mom is that this steadfast, predictable, unconditional love is not to be reserved for your children, or your family, or friends, or immediate community. This kind of love becomes a practice, and this practice can and should be applied to everything. Whatever you encounter: you don’t have to like it, but you can try to love it.”

Her sister Diane shared, “Chris was the first of four daughters, and we would all agree that even as a young child she was serious, an avid reader, and purpose-driven; as her sisters, we didn’t understand that part until we were older. When she announced her decision to become a member of the clergy, this seemed a fit. Attending her ordination was a moment in time when she was truly joyous.”

Christine is survived by husband Russell Flack of Radford VA; sons Matthew Brownlie of Houston TX and Colin Brownlie of Hanoi, Vietnam; and sisters Diane Lesman of Rougemont NC, Claudia Boysen of Eden Prairie MN, and Vicki Estrem of Edina MN.

A memorial service was held on October 8, 2022, at the UU Congregation, Blacksburg VA. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to a charity of one’s own choosing. Notes of condolences can be written to Russell Flack at 1307 Tyler Avenue, Radford VA 24141.

The Rev. David P. Keyes

David Keyes

The Rev. David P. Keyes died on September 13, 2022, at the age of 77.

David was born on January 21, 1945, in Kansas City MO to G.J. Keyes and Carolyn Keyes Ellis. He spent his childhood years in Kansas City and Gallatin MO, mostly with his grandparents. His own Parish Minister, Dr. Jack Wilson (Baptist) was a strong role model for him. David led his high school church youth group but soon became alienated by small-mindedness and began wandering. He could no longer stand the Baptist literalism; in 1960,he joined All Souls Church in Kansas City. (Dr. Wilson later became an Episcopalian.) From the first Sunday at the Kansas City church, David felt that the Unitarians took him in and showed a larger world, one filled with tolerance, new ideas, and a love of knowledge, art, culture, and music. He felt a sense of gratitude and a sense of belonging.

Shortly after joining All Souls, he was off to the University of Missouri, graduating with his Bachelor of Science in Education (1966) and earning a Master of Arts in Journalism (1971). He worked for fifteen years as a teacher, journalist, editor, and public relations executive before following his call to ministry. In 1985, he received his Master of Divinity from Starr King School for the Ministry. In 1997, he earned his Doctorate in Ministry from San Francisco Theological Seminary. His doctoral dissertation is titled: “Global Partnership: Mission and Identity for Congregations.”

Rev. Dr. Keyes was ordained on May 5, 1985, by All Souls in New York. He served his first settled ministry at the First Parish Church in Taunton MA (1986–1987). His ministry marked significant gains in membership, Sunday attendance, Church School enrollment, and pledge income. He organized a youth group and choir and initiated a long-range planning process. 

From 1987 to 1988, Rev. Dr. Keyes was an interim minister at Boise UU Fellowship, ID. He developed a program that led to the construction of a new church building. Next, Rev. Dr. Keyes served his second settled ministry at the Skyline Community Church, Oakland CA (1990-1994). He helped rebuild the Religious Education program and provided leadership for several community programs, including tutoring and violence prevention. All his subsequent ministries were interim, while he maintained his home in San Francisco.

At the Congregational Community Church in Sunnyvale CA (1995–1997), Rev. Dr. Keyes helped the congregation to turn itself around and learn to trust. The pledging doubled in his first year and the congregation became a full-service church. The UU Fellowship of Santa Cruz County, CA (1997–1998) widely appreciated Rev. Dr. Keyes for his courage in naming conflictual congregational issues and creating the necessary congregational momentum and structures to address them.

Likewise, Rev. Dr. Keyes guided the UU Church Davis, CA (1998–2000) through the interim tasks. He was very diligent in pastoral care and reimagined church governance adopting a modified version of the John Carver Model. He provided valuable insight, advice, and necessary goading to All Souls Church Unitarian, Washington DC (2000–2001). He reorganized lay leadership that had drifted, worked with lay leaders to reshape church governance, and tackled an array of programs including a declining church school. 

Subsequently, he served the First Unitarian Church of Rochester NY (2002–2003) and made significant progress in the exploration of new models of governance, initiation of a small group ministry program, and a major overhaul of the canvass.

From 2003 to 2004, Rev. Dr. Keyes served the Neighborhood UU Church of Pasadena CA and then the UU Congregation of Atlanta GA from 2005 to 2007. At the Atlanta congregation, he elevated the needs of Youth Religious Education (YRE), encouraged YRE to be more vocal about its needs, and advocated strongly for them during the search process for a new minister. He did it in a way that strengthened the connection between YRE and leadership. Thereafter, he provided his interim services to the following congregations: the First UU Congregation of Ann Arbor MI (2007–2008); the First UU Church of Houston TX (2008–2010); Eliot Unitarian Chapel, MO (2010–2012); the UU Church of Arlington VA (2012–2014) and Foothills Unitarian Church, Fort Collins CO (2014–2015). He retired in 2016.

Rev. Dr. Keyes’ mission in ministry was to strengthen congregations in times of transition. In every interim ministry position he held, he made notable progress in raising awareness of the importance of R.E., recruiting teachers from a wider cross-section of the congregation, and having children and youth be more visible in worship. He encouraged and empowered new lay leadership. In 1998 he earned the Accredited Interim Minister (AIM) designation. He was also a marvelous preacher and brought a depth of faith rooted in the history and traditions of the church.

Rev. Dr. Keyes served as an associate faculty of Starr King School for the Ministry (1991–2002). In 1993, he spent his sabbatical leave among Unitarians of Hungary and Transylvania lecturing on UU history and theology at the seminary in Kolozsvar, Transylvania. He was also active in international church relations, visiting congregations in Hungary, India, and the Philippines. 

In addition, he was the Founding President of Project Harvest Hope, a UUA-affiliated foundation for economic justice and development (1995–2001) and was President of the UUMA Pacific Central District Chapter (1997–1998). He was a trainer of interim ministers of the UUA (1999–2003) and chaired the UUA Interim Ministry Steering Committee (2001–2002). In 1997, he delivered the Minns Lecture titled, “A Global Vision for Unitarian Universalism,” out of which came his book “Most Like an Arch: Building Global Church Partnerships.” In 2013, the UU Partner Church Council awarded Rev. Dr. Keyes the Louis C. Cornish Living the Mission Award for Outstanding Contribution to International Partnership.

In the community, David served as a Disaster Service Volunteer for the American Red Cross; a founder of the Oakland Coalition of Congregations Violence Prevention Project (1993). In his leisure time, he enjoyed baseball, opera, and hiking.

David is survived by his wife of 52 years, Judy Droz Keyes, their daughter Tracy Droz Tragos, son-in-law Christian Tragos, and grandchildren Charlotte and Sam Tragos; his daughter Tanya Mackenzie, son-in-law Ian Mackenzie, and grandchildren Ian and David Graham, and Leah Patrick; and his son Paul Keyes and daughter-in-law Christina Keyes.

A memorial service was held on Thursday, November 3, 2022, at Grace Cathedral, 1100 California St, San Francisco CA 94108. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to WRAAP, 2633 Lincoln Blvd., #338, Santa Monica CA 90405, or to a similar organization. Notes of condolences can be written HERE

The Rev. charles “charlie” g. kast

The Rev. charles “charlie” g. kast died on July 18, 2022, at the age of 81.

charlie is survived by his sisters and his loving friends and colleagues.

A celebration of charlie’s life was held on Saturday, August 20, at 11:00 am at the Community Church of Chapel Hill, Unitarian Universalist, 106 Purefoy Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

Memorial gifts may be made to the National LGBTQ Task Force, P.O. Box 96415, Washington, DC 20077-9763. Notes of condolences can be sent to the Community Church of Chapel Hill, Unitarian Universalist (address above).

The Rev. Jack Young

Jack Young

The Rev. Jack Young died on August 17, 2022, at the age of 89 (1933-2022).

Jack is survived by his wife Diane Bates; his children: Sidney Young (Linda), Scott Young, and Anne-Bates-Young; stepchildren: Jennifer Bates, and Nicholas Bates (Diana); grandchildren: Andrew, Meghan (Paul Finizio), Bryan (Alicia), Nico, Isabella, and Olivera; as well as great grandchildren: Maia, Otto, Kaylee, and Madison. He was predeceased by his parents Irene Louise McGill and Frank M Young, and his sister Joanne Watkins.

A memorial service is being planned. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson’s Association. Notes of condolence can be sent to Diane Bates, 7105 White Ridge Lane, Fairfax Station, VA 22039.

A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed.

The Rev. Manuel R. Holland

ManuelHolland

The Rev. Manuel R. Holland died on August 2, 2022, at the age of 92.

Manuel was born on May 9, 1930, in Hazleton PA to Raleigh Lee Roy Holland and Pearl Shook Holland. He spent his early childhood in Pennsylvania, North Carolina, and California. When he was nineteen, he received his local preacher’s license from the Methodist church and later had a Methodist charge consisting of four small rural churches in western North Carolina. For a year and a half (1949–1951), Manuel assumed responsibility for the complete programs of these churches, preached an average of three times a Sunday, conducted funerals, marriages, and baptisms as needs arose among the parishioners, and at the same time carried a full course at college.

Subsequently, Manuel served as a Youth Counselor for six months at the Congregational Unitarian Church, Littleton MA, working with Rev. Palmer Clarke. Since then, his pulpit experience changed. Theologically, he could no longer agree with the Methodist Church; he had found a spirit of freedom, a dedication to truth, and a concern for the welfare of humankind in the Unitarian Church. He soon realized that the kind of ministry he wished to pursue would be most meaningful and successful among the Unitarians.

In 1951, Manuel left for the Army. After receiving an honorable discharge in 1954, he went to college graduating with two degrees in 1960: a Bachelor of Arts with a major in Sociology of Religion from Boston University, MA, and a Bachelor of Divinity from Tufts University, MA.

Rev. Holland was ordained by the First Parish Unitarian, Groton MA on June 17, 1956. His tenure at First Parish (1955–1960) marked increased Sunday morning service attendance and growth in the religious programs. With the new facilities of the Youth Center and the installation of a library and bookstore, excellent education programs were developed. The new youth choir was added to the worship service. 

In 1960, Rev. Holland accepted a call from the First Parish in Framingham MA where he would serve until 1966. He played the most active role in the support, growth, proliferation, and maturation of the congregation. Under his leadership, a series of adult courses were offered, and the church school enrollment increased. People looked to the church for leadership in Education, Social Action, and Service.

From 1966 to 1970, Rev. Holland served as the first District Executive of the Thomas Jefferson District of the Unitarian Universalist Association. These years were formative in establishing the identity and functional character of the district of 47 churches and fellowships. His responsibilities included extension ministry, ministerial settlements, religious education, fundraising, communication media liaison, pulpit supply, and many others. 

Thereafter, Rev. Holland served the UU Church of Greensboro, Jamestown NC (1971–1973); the UU Fellowship of Winston-Salem NC (1973–1974); and the UU Congregation of the Lowcountry, SC (1981–1986). His ministry and endeavor made churches a dynamic force in the community, as he was passionate about social justice and strove to uplift the oppressed, impoverished, and voiceless. He helped strengthen the moral and spiritual needs of the members of the parish and community. His genuine and dynamic concern for the welfare and well-being of his fellow human beings made him one of the truly outstanding ministers. 

In 1986, the Lowcountry congregation honored Rev. Holland as their minister emeritus. His last message to the congregation and the community asked that we love one another, for, in the end that is all we have.

Rev. Holland’s integrity, industry, loyalty, devotion, and dedication to the UU movement were of the highest caliber. He was the winner of the Clarence R. Skinner award (1958) for the best sermon that most expressed the social implications of Universalist principles. Furthermore, Rev. Holland took an active role in the Central Massachusetts District of UU Churches serving as Vice President and Chairman of Denominational Affairs. He was a member of the UU Committee on Camps and Conferences and chaired the UUA Committee on Lay Leadership. 

He also served on the board of the Church of the Larger Fellowship (1958–1962); was Chairman of the Star Island Religious Education Institute (1961) and Southern N.E. Social Relations Committee (1961–1962). From 1962 to 1965, he provided his services as Vice President of the Central Massachusetts District, and as Chairman of the Southeast UU Summer Institute in 1968.

In Framingham MA, Manuel served as Vice President of the Framingham Ministers Association, as a founding member and Director of the Framingham Fair Housing Practices Committee, and as a member of the Framingham Chapter. He was an executive committee member of the Framingham-Ashland United Fund (1962–1966).

He had a broad range of interests, some of which included woodworking, biking, camping, and graphic arts.  He also had several of his works published including, “If We Had Given a Damn” (Universalist Leader, Sept. 1959) and the UUA Pamphlet, “Salvation From What?”

Manuel is survived by his stepson David Lowe; his granddaughter, Jessica Lowe; and his three children from a previous marriage: Charles Holland, Elizabeth Holland, and Robert Holland. He was preceded in death by his wife of 51 years, Olive Holland.

A memorial service was held on Sunday, August 7, 2022, at the UU Congregation of the Lowcountry, 110 Malphrus Rd, Bluffton, SC 29910. Memorial donations can be made to The International Rescue Committee, P.O. Box 6068, Albert Lea, MN 56007-9847, or Feeding America. Notes of condolences can be sent HERE.

Elizabeth Gartner Maloney

Betty Maloney died Feb. 2, 2022 when, although fully vaccinated, she succumbed to COVID. She was the widow of Rev. Thomas J. Maloney.

She was born June 8, 1923, in Boston MA, to Walter and Elizabeth (Zepfler) Gartner. She attended Needham schools. Betty’s childhood summers were spent at her grandfather’s beach cottage in Minot on Boston’s south shore. Her fondest memories later in life were of Minot. She was a graduate of Middlebury College VT, with a major in economics; received an M.A. in Economics from Columbia University; and later an M.A. in Education from Southern Illinois University.

She married fellow Needham High graduate Thomas J. Maloney in 1948, a man possessed with Wanderlust. Tom completed degrees from Northeastern; the University of Colorado in Boulder; a Divinity degree from Harvard; and a PhD in Sociology/Anthropology from Washington University in St. Louis. In the year that Tom and Betty spent in Boulder, they became active in the Unitarian Fellowship (the first fellowship chartered by the American Unitarian Association) and welcomed their first daughter, Susan. Daughter Greta was born in Massachusetts; Lisa, was born in Davenport IA; and son Thomas Jefferson was born in Quincy IL.

Tom served ministries in Davenport IA; Quincy IL; and Boulder CO. He also taught Anthropology and sociology in Boulder; in Las Vegas NM; at Southern Illinois University; and started the Anthropology Dept. at Ripon College WI.

In Boulder, beyond raising four children, Betty was active in the League of Women Voters, Shares In the Future (anti-nuclear weapons), and library services to Boulder County. She helped obtain funding for a bookmobile and volunteered with the librarian. She was president of the League of Women Voters. In 1967 the family moved to Ripon, WI, where Betty was a fifth- grade teacher. In Edwardsville IL, she worked as a reading tutor.

In Edwardsville Betty really came into her own in community service: the Human Relations Commission, the Edwardsville Township Community Improvements Corporation, and the Historic Preservation Commission. Maloney counted the months of her service in Edwardsville with bricks from demolished buildings. “Oh, dear,” she would say, “this was a three brick month!”

She helped to create the N.O. Nelson Historic District, the Goshen Preservation Alliance, and Friends of the Edwardsville Public Library. She administered the Community Development & Rehabilitation Fund and oversaw surplus food programs for Edwardsville Township. She worked tirelessly for passage of the Equal Rights Amendment and debated Phyllis Schlafly on the issue. She received the NAACP Award, the Women’s Award, and the Jefferson Award for Distinguished Public Service in the St. Louis area.

In 2005 her husband Tom, “the light of her life, left her.” In 2013 she moved to Balfour in Louisville to be closer to daughter Greta. In 2016, due to increasing dementia, Betty moved to The Academy at Bella Vista. In 2019 Betty lost her eyesight to glaucoma but remained engaged in the world. She was a trivia champion at Bella Vista, a lifelong gardener, an artist, and very interested in genealogy. For years she sent individually painted holiday cards and cards with pressed flowers. As family historian, she compiled numerous books on branches of her family.

Betty is survived by her sister, Louise Birkhead of Slingerlands NY; daughters, Susan Thomae (Edmundo) of Mexico City; Greta Maloney (Bob Palaich) of Boulder CO; and Lisa Maloney Hahn (Dan Maloney Hahn) of Groton NY; her son, Tom (Jeff) Maloney (Lori) of Worden IL; seven grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Donations in Betty’s memory can be made to:

The League of Women Voters (https://www.coloradogives.org/LWVColorado) The Madison County Historical Society (https://madcohistory.org/joindonate) or the Poudre River Public Library (https://www.poudrelibraries.org/donate)

The New Normal: Fall 2021 Conference

Our Fall Conference was held virtually (on Zoom) on October 18-20, 2021. Recordings of the conference are being processed and may become available here when they are released. Meanwhile, here are a few details:

Our theme speaker was the Rev. Bruce Marshall on the topic “The New Normal: Adjusting to a New World,” in which he focused on both the COVID pandemic and retirement as opportunities to consider a possible New Normal.

The conference included a service of remembrance of the UURMaPA members who had died since our last conference, two odysseys (by the Rev. Charles Stephens and Kathleen Hunter), topical breakout group conversations, and opportunities for worship and fellowship.

See full conference report in the Winter 2022 Elderberries.

The conference planning team included: Barbro Hansson, Convener; Roger Rochester, Registrar; Rosemarie Smurzynski, Publicity; Dave Hunter & Kerry Mueller, Worship Co-Coordinators; Marni Harmony, Odyssey Coordinator; Johanna Nichols, Small Group Coordinator; Richard Speck, Virtual Support and Virtual Choir Director; and Anne Spatola, UURMaPA Board.   Virtual Producer: Jon Claney

Conference schedule (all times are Eastern Daylight):

Monday, October 18
1:00 – 2:30 pm    Ingathering & Small Group Check-In
4:00 – 5:00 pm    Greetings from UURMaPA Leaders & Updates on  Special Programs
5:00 – 6:00 pm    Small Breakout Groups
7:30 – 9:00 pm    Service of Remembrance

Tuesday, October 19
1:00- 2:30 pm     Theme Presentation, Rev. Bruce Marshall
4:00 – 6:00 pm    Theme Exploration continues
7:30 – 9:00 pm    Odyssey Presentation

Wednesday, October 20
1:00 – 2:30 pm Breakout Groups: Topics of Interest
4:00 – 4:30 pm Greetings from the UUMA
4:30 – 6:00 pm Odyssey Presentation
7:30 – 9:00 pm Greetings from the UUA, UURMaPA at Your Service, Closing Worship

The Rev. Gail A. Berger

The Rev. Gail A. Berger died on June 28, 2021, at the age of 67.

Gail is survived by her sister, Kathy Ockenfels, and partner, Ernie Arellano; her brother, Don Berger, and his wife, Cynthia Moss; her niece, Natalie; and nephews, Jackson and Peter Berger; as well as a great group of very special friends.

A celebration of her life will be held by her friends and family on Saturday, October 23, 2021, in her recent retirement community in Durham, North Carolina. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity International, the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, or the Northeast Animal Shelter of Salem, Massachusetts. UURMaPA will contribute $50 to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

A more complete obituary will be forthcoming after biographical research has been completed.