Speckulations, October 2025

I have been on the job now for three months. I look out my window to see the leaves changing color and then falling on the ground. Fall is a time where Mother Nature starts her process of regeneration by shedding what isn’t needed to make room for something new. UURMAPA has a new board as of July and we have been working to continue the success of the previous board under the leadership of Susan Rak.

We had a retreat in August that allowed us to focus on the longer term of UURMAPA. We will report what we have been up to at the Fall Conference in just a few weeks. You may have noticed that we are still in the transition to the new membership system. We are still working out some kinks to allow people to securely find other members of UURMAPA. But to do this, we will need everyone to authorize others finding them. We sent out instructions earlier but will refine them and send them out again.

Our upcoming conference will focus on our stories about freedom. The theme for the fall conference is “Stories of the Faith behind Freedom.” I hope that you will register and attend via Zoom or gather with others in a Pod to participate in what is shaping up to be another deeply meaningful conference for us.

We have also welcomed in newly retired ministers and partners in September. If you missed the presentation, we recorded it and will have it hopefully available on our website soon. We had 44 ministers who retired and 23 partners were listed with them. We hope they will bring their energy and commitment to join with us in continuing to build our association. Some have already jumped into activities such as our connection groups and the fall conference.

We are establishing a small chaplain group to be available to all members including partners should the need arise. We are being pro-active to address potential conflicts when ministers and their partners seek to join congregations where they have not served before. We hope that the settled or contract ministers will welcome retired colleagues and partners to those congregations. But if conflicts arise, we want to be able to support our members appropriately.

We are looking at new ways to reach out to each of you with special programs throughout the year. We are planning a webinar with the Office of Church Staff Finance to address any questions we might have about our retirement plans. We also are looking at a program that might involve the UUA Vice President to talk about the UUA and its plans for the future.

We are looking at other ways to strengthen connections among us. We now have over 1400 people as members of UURMAPA. These include those who have been retired for a while as well as the newest who have just joined. As we move more into a technical future with our programming, we don’t want to leave people behind. We want to create a small group of tech savvy members who would be available to work with those who need help with our technology. If you would like to be one of those people, contact me.

The bottom line is we are working for you. Let us know where we can meet your needs. We will do our best to create something for you. Happy Fall.

Richard Speck, UURMAPA President

The Rev. John Fordon

The Rev. John Fordon died on October 4, 2025, at the age of 99 (1925−2025).

John is survived by his daughters, Nancy Guardia, Karen Newell, Susan Fordon, and Kathy Olszewski; his sons, Jeffrey Fordon and Doug Fordon; and stepson, Phillip Reed.

A private family gathering will be held to celebrate his life.

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

Notes of condolence may be sent to Karen Newell, 86 Chesham Rd., Marlborough NH 03455.

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.

About WORSHIP at the Fall ’25 Conference

Our gathering (October 20–22) opened and closed with worship services produced by a team of people led by Joan Van Becelaere. Creating the service are Jan Carlsson-Bull, Jef Gamblee, Sylvia Howe, Marion Vissel, David Bumbaugh, Lynda Sutherland and Ruth Gnagey.

The opening service has traditionally been a way to center ourselves and focus our attention on the theme of the conference, which is “Stories of the Faith behind Freedom.” The service will address the importance of story in our lives, and how we can change the world as our story changes. As a catchphrase, “the Faith behind Freedom” was first used during World War Two by Unitarians as the theme of a worship service. At that time, people were dying in Europe and Asia as they fought to protect our freedoms. We realized that we must defend our freedoms today as well, and that our faith gives us the strength to resist tyranny.

The heart of the conference will be the sharing of personal stories; stories of that faith which sustains us and drives us to resist bullying and authoritarian menace. Together, listening to these stories, we hope to reinvigorate our spiritual and physical selves to resist the abrogation of our freedoms.

The closing worship will offer the space and time to reflect on our experiences during the conference, and provide us guidance as we leave each other and return to our separate lives.

Joan Van Becelaere has led the worship team for two conferences and she is honored to work with the creative group of colleagues who comprise the worship team. She said, “We weren’t sure how we would work together when we have team members in different locations, but everyone worked together wonderfully to make it happen. I personally love working collaboratively and believe that the best creative energies are released in that structure. It is a little unusual for many of us to design worship as a team, but this team pulled it off with real style.

“We were blessed with a plenitude of poetic resources to draw from and Jef Gamblee to put together the visual elements. Jan Carlsson-Bull and Sylvia Howe researched and lovingly created meaningful obituaries for the remembrance service to honor our departed colleagues. David Bumbaugh and Marion Visel created the closing worship. Ruth Gnagy, Lynda Sutherland and I worked on the opening. And we are grateful to North UU Congregation in Lewis Center, Ohio for lending us their pulpit to record the worship elements.”

The Rev. Dr. Patrick T. O’Neill

The Rev. Dr. Patrick T. O’Neill died on February 11, 2025, at the age of 77 (1947-2025).

Patrick was born on March 13, 1947, in New York City NY, to William O’Neill and Elizabeth O’Neill. The youngest of seven children in an Irish Catholic family, he was raised with an emphasis on education, ethics, mutual love, and respect. Religion played a central role in his upbringing. He received his early education in the Catholic parochial school system.

As he grew older, Patrick began to question the theology of his church. His youthful impatience led him to wonder why his faith community was not actively engaged in what he considered a pursuit of righteousness. By his sophomore year of college, he had grown disenchanted with the Catholic Church. During this period, his interest in social activism grew, and he became affiliated with the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). Seeking a spiritual path that aligned more closely with his evolving beliefs, he became involved with the Unitarian Church. His first Unitarian worship service at the Central Unitarian Church in Paramus NJ, was a pivotal experience. He was deeply drawn to Unitarian Universalism’s emphasis on freedom, reason, tolerance, and love—values that resonated profoundly with him. This experience marked a turning point in his spiritual journey.

In 1969, Patrick graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in American history from St. Peter’s College in Jersey City NJ. Following graduation, he spent a year teaching at a public high school in Hasbrouck Heights NJ, before transitioning to social work. From 1970–1974, he dedicated himself as a social worker, gaining a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by individuals and communities. Gradually, Patrick felt a calling to the Unitarian Universalist ministry, recognizing it as a path that would allow him to integrate his passion for social justice with his spiritual beliefs. Following this call, in 1979, he earned his Master of Arts in Theology from the University of Chicago Divinity School and his Doctor of Ministry from Meadville Lombard Theological School.

The Rev. Dr. O’Neill was ordained to the UU ministry in 1979. He served as a settled minister for several congregations, beginning with the UU Church of Yakima WA (1979–1982), followed by the Northlake UU Church, Kirkland WA (1982–1985), the First Parish in Framingham MA (1985–1996), and the First Unitarian Church of Wilmington DE (1996–2005). During his ministry in Wilmington, he became a figure of national repute, receiving the 1999 Vision of Justice sermon award, the UUA/UUMA 2001 Annual Stewardship sermon award, and preaching for the Service of the Living Tradition at the 2005 General Assembly. His ministry at Wilmington was powerful and change-making. Under his leadership, the congregation became a Welcoming Congregation and entered into a partnership with a Transylvanian church.

From 2006–2007, the Rev. Dr. O’Neill was an interim minister for the Unitarian Congregation of West Chester PA. Thereafter, he continued his ministry as a settled minister at the First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn NY (2007–2011) and later at the Rosslyn Hill Unitarian Chapel, London (2011–2016). In recognition of his lasting contributions, the First Parish in Framingham MA, honored him as their minister emeritus in 2016.

The Rev. Dr. O’Neill was an excellent preacher, an approachable pastor, and a thoughtful and effective leader. His ministry thrived with pride and pleasure in his high-quality, meaningful sermons, the great spirituality he introduced into the services, and the greater community presence he brought about using talks, meetings, and public presences.

Beyond his congregational leadership, the Rev. Dr. O’Neill was engaged in many denominational committees and interfaith clergy groups. He served the UUA Ministerial Fellowship Committee and sat on the board of the Starr King School for the Ministry from 2002–2004. He also contributed significantly to the UUMA, serving as a trustee and as a member of the UUMA Commission for Continuing Education. He was a long-time member of the Cedar Hill Study Group (1985–2016) and was the convener of the Northwest UU Ministers Study Group. He taught Thematic Preaching at Andover Newton Seminary.

The Rev. Dr. O’Neill was recognized for his exceptional ministry with several honors throughout his career. He received the Meadville Lombard Billings Prize for Excellent Preaching in 1979 and the O. Eugene Pickett Award for Congregational Growth in 1990. In 2004, his classmates honored him by selecting him to deliver the sermon for their 25^th Ordination Anniversary celebration.

Patrick is survived by his wife of 39 years Patricia Williams; stepdaughter Michelle (Steve); stepson Aaron (Corrina); grandchildren Alison and Jack; sister Nora (Lou); and numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at University Unitarian Church, 6556 35^th Ave NE, Seattle WA 98115. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UUA’s Living Tradition Fund, World Central Kitchen, or Doctors Without Borders.

Notes of condolence may be sent to Patricia Williams at petalpat@aol.com or written here. UURMaPA contributed to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

The Rev. Penelope Witte Allderdice

The Rev. Penelope “Penny” Witte Allderdice died on May 23, 2025, at the age of 93 (1932-2025).

Penny is survived by her son, Jacob (Sharon), daughter Frances, and her five grandchildren: Jasper, Morgan, Celeste, Rowan, and Lillian. She was preceded in death by her son Edward, and her husband Bill.

A celebration of life will be scheduled for 2026.

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

Notes of condolence can be written here.

Details for Onsite “PODS” during the Fall 2025 UURMaPA Conference

JUMP TO:
Seabeck Conference Center
Wilmington, Delaware
Kingston, Massachusetts
Waverly, Ohio
Winnsboro, South Carolina

*********Seabeck Conference Center, Washington State

Jaco ten Hove is hosting the 4th annual pod at the Seabeck Conference Center on the Hood Canal, west of Seattle. He says, “Seabeck has incredible views of the Olympic Mountains, an excellent campus with modern comforts, and nine delicious meals (that we don’t have to cook or clean up after). For three nights over four days, 30 retired colleagues and partners get to share meaningful face-to-face discussions and local programming, take walks and laugh together, and participate in the virtual conference on a large screen.”

For more information, call or text Jaco at 206/200-5403 or send a message to jbthishere@gmail.com

*********Wilmington, Delaware

Richard Speck is justifiably proud of Wilmington. He writes, “The world famous Longwood Gardens bring people from all over the world. We also have Winterthur, a large museum dedicated to the American arts of furniture and collections of fascinating objects. The Brandywine River Museum of Art, the Delaware Art Museum, the Delaware Museum of Nature and Science are all nearby and easily accessible. There is much colonial-era history to explore, including Valley Forge and the Brandywine Battlefield.

“The First Unitarian Church of Wilmington will host for both large presentations and small breakout groups. You might consider bringing a laptop or tablet for use during the breakout sessions. The church has a strong wi-fi signal throughout the building.

“The church is about 20 miles south of the Philadelphia airport. Hotels are located 1-2 miles from the church. Some shared meals will be at the church with opportunities to go to area restaurants. Where possible, we will offer transportation from either location and from the church to the hotels.”

For more information, write Richard Speck, rgspeck@comcast.net or call him at 302/239-6286.

*********Kingston, Massachusetts (now closed)

If you live in eastern Massachusetts or Rhode Island, you might make a short drive to Kingston MA, where another pod is organized by Judy Campbell. Why go to Kingston? Judy says, “First is to see and hug one another in person after several years of online conferences. Secondly, there are major attractions within an easy drive of the church. Coastal Massachusetts, Kingston and Plymouth, have any number of historic, and cultural attractions, not to mention some wicked good restaurants. The views of the harbor and ocean are stunning.

“The Pilgrim Hall Museum offers outstanding early colonial history and a Wampanoag history and culture collection. The Plymouth Guild for the Arts is a museum of local artists and features an elegant gift shop. Plimoth Patuxet is the oldest town in New England and their living history museum is fascinating: https://plimoth.org

“The pod will meet just a few miles north of Plymouth center at the First Parish Church in Kingston. More information is available by visiting www.kingstonuu.org. The website has everything you need to know about the location and has a map, directions to the church, and pictures of the buildings.”

Contact the organizer, Judy Campbell, at 781/422-6519 or 508/939-1391, or send a message to revdocmom@comcast.net. NOTE: Pod now closed.

*********Waverly, Ohio

Once again, we are gathering at Bristol Village for our on-site fall UURMaPA Conference. We invite you to join us for a laid-back time with beautiful scenery, conversations with friends, and quiet time alone. You must register for the UURMaPA conference on their website.

Seven cottages are available for our use. Lodging cost at $100 is per cottage, not per person. Please let me know which cottage you want and if you will be sharing a cottage with someone.

203 Robin. 2 BR, 1 Queen, 2 twins, 2 full baths. Walk in shower and a bathtub.
320 Robin. 2 BR, 2 Queens, 2 baths with walk in showers.
307 Robin. 2 BR, 2 Queens, 1 full bath.
307 Wendy. 2 BR, 2 Queens, 1 full bath + ½ bath
402 Robin. Handicap Accessible, 2 BR, 1 Queen, 2 twins, fold out couch, 1 handicap bathroom, 1 full bathroom.
202 Robin. 2 BR, 1 Queen, 2 twins, 1 bath, pet friendly.
214 Lee. 2BR, 2 Queens, 1½ baths, very low toilets, therefore not handicapped.

There is a cafe where you can have breakfast and lunch (at no cost because Joan and Ruth are using their resident’s accounts), a swimming pool, walking paths and lots of private space. Since there are kitchens, you may bring your own food.

The cottage where we will meet has two comfortable meeting rooms, a full kitchen, dining area, a pool table, and a large television screen for easy conference viewing.

To register or for more information please contact: Sylvia Howe sylhowe42@gmail.com

978-317-0013

*********Winnsboro, South Carolina

LoraKim Joyner and Meredith Garmon are hosting a pod in Winnsboro SC at their home, and their One Earth Retreat Center.

Meredith says, “When I retired from 21 years of UU ministry this summer, the two of us moved to our new home on 34 wooded acres and set about furnishing it to be a retreat center, which we call One Earth Retreat Center (OERC). LoraKim, also a UU minister, continues her Community Ministry as co-director of One Earth Conservation.

“We have beds for 11 guests, which will go to the first 11 people who register for them. If you have (and love) an RV, parking it on our property would be an option (though we don’t have water/electricity hook-ups), and for hardy souls who enjoy tent camping, we have a very big back yard where a tent can be pitched.

“If you’d like to come to our pod, but stay in a hotel, peruse the internet for hotels in Ridgeway SC (about 12 minutes from OERC), or Winnsboro SC (about 15-20 minutes from OERC). Wherever you spend the nights, all meals are included in the cost of registration.

“One Earth Retreat Center is 12 minutes from Lake Wateree State Park. https://southcarolinaparks.com/lake-wateree. We are also about an hour from downtown Charlotte NC, and 37 minutes from the center of Columbia SC.”

To get a sense of the facility, the floorplans and some photos are here: http://hotetsuzen.blogspot.com/p/the-one-earth-retreat-center

Our One Earth Retreat Center website is under construction – you can take a look at what we have up so far: oneearthretreatcenter.org

Also LoraKim has put up some posts on the OERC facebook page: facebook.com/oneearthretreatcenter

To register for our pod (which is separate from registering for the conference itself), email us at garmonjoyner@uuma.org, with your name, contact info, and your choice of accommodation, as below:.

∙ I’d like one of OERC’s beds, please. (Includes 2, 3, or 4 nights depending on whether you may choose to arrive on Sunday, Oct. 19 evening, depart on Thursday, Oct. 23 morning, or both, and 3 meals a day). $400.

∙ I’d like to stay on the property in an RV or tent (includes all meals). $350.

∙ I’ll make other lodging arrangements, and join the pod for the conference (includes lunch and dinner). $250.

Dorothy Meek

Dorothy Meek passed away on September 4, 2025, after a long, good life, age 92. Dorothy May Caldwell was born in Boston MA on July 21, 1933. She was the fourth of six children of Rita and Ralph Caldwell, who raised them in the Boston area, finally settling in Medford. They attended Medford Hillside Universalist Church, where Dorothy taught Sunday school and sang in the choir. After graduating from high school, Dorothy got a medical secretary degree at Mt. Ida Junior College (Newton MA).

It was at Medford Hillside that she met Alexander “Scotty” Meek, an intern from Crane Theological School, and they married in 1956. Their son Stevan was born during their time at the Orange MA church, and their daughter Sherry joined the family while at the church in Lynn MA.

In Lynn, Dorothy found her calling: working with children. Over the years she cared for countless preschoolers in the many communities her family called home. Summers included time at Ferry Beach, the UU retreat center in Saco ME, where the family built lifelong friendships and memories by the ocean.

In 1983, after raising their children in Lynn MA and Rochester MN, Dorothy and Scotty served a series of interim ministries across the country—and even one in New Zealand. They lived in places as varied as Brooklyn NY; Little Rock; Houston; Laguna Beach, and Kansas City, always returning to General Assembly, which they attended faithfully for over 50 years. They cherished the camaraderie and good friends they found there.

For fun Dorothy loved games, crafts, and puzzles. She was a master cribbage player, and the dominos inevitably fell her way. She liked all sports, and their frequent moves gave her many “home teams” to root for. For many years their home base was Sun Lakes AZ, where they enjoyed being part of their desert community. After Scotty’s death, Dorothy moved to Arlington TX to be near her son Steve and his wife Lynn. She looked forward to visits from grandchildren and daughter, Sherry.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband and siblings. She is survived by her son Steve, daughter Sherry and grandchildren. As a memorial, please be kind to small children and large animals—especially giraffes. Donations in her memory can be made to Ferry Beach Retreat & Conference Center: 5 Boardwalk Drive, Saco ME, 04072. UURMaPA will also contribute to Ferry Beach.

Newly Retired Ministers and Partners Welcome Event: Sept 22, 2025

In lieu of a new member welcome lunch at GA every June, UURMaPA now has a Virtual New Member Welcome Event on Zoom every year. This year’s 90-minute event is scheduled for Monday, September 22 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (12:00 p.m. Central; 11:00 a.m. Mountain; 10:00 a.m. Pacific)

If this is something of interest to you, we ask that you please follow this link to attend this event. Then use:
Meeting ID: 253 582 3727; Passcode: welcome

TO Existing UURMaPA members:
You are invited to join us and help welcome our newest members!

TO Newly retired ministers and partners:
As you begin this new phase of life, those of us who have preceded you into the “realm of retirement” are eager to welcome you. This will be a helpful introduction to an organization that we hope will continue to add value to your lives in the days ahead.

At this event, you can look forward to:
• Welcome words from UURMaPA leaders and members
• Introduction of new members to what UURMaPA offers
• Information from the UUA’s Office of Church-Staff Finances
• Time for small-group checking in with colleagues

Also, we invite you to consider joining a Connections Group, coordinated by UURMaPA Board member Janet Tillman. These virtual groups meet regularly to check in and discuss whatever topics might be of mutual interest. Two groups have a specific focus: a Caregivers Support Group for members who have particular roles as caregivers within their households, and a Grief Support Group for those recently bereaved. We also welcome the formation of other special focus groups.

If you’re interested in joining a UURMaPA Connections Group, either of general interest or with a special focus, please e-mail Janet Tillman at connections@uurmapa.org. Based on those who express interest, she’ll help designate two co-conveners for each group and send them the names of new members interested in joining. We are excited to have you join us,

We look forward to seeing you on September 22.
Warmly,
Charles J. Stephens, Vice President, UURMaPA

The Rev. Linda DeSantis

The Rev. Linda DeSantis died on August 29, 2025, at the age of 76 (1949−2025).

Linda is survived by her children, Rick and Sarah (Sean), and her grandchildren, Cecilia and Calvin.

A private memorial service was held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UU Church of Washington Crossing, 268 Washington Crossing-Pennington Rd, Titusville NJ 08560. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be sent to Sarah DeSantis at Sarah DeSantis 1655 Flatbush Ave. #B905 Brooklyn NY 11210 or via email at rememberinglindad@gmail.com.

The Rev. Sandra L. Ingham

The Rev. Sandra “Sandy” L. Ingham died on August 23, 2025, at the age of 80 (1944-2025).

Sandy is survived by her daughter Holly Henrikson, her son Steve Smith, her sister Robbie Hart, her brother Jim Miller, three grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will not be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Sandy’s name 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.

Notes of condolence may be sent to Holly Henrikson, 10064 Gappa Road, Kabetogama MN 56669.

*********Winnsboro, South Carolina

In lieu of a new member welcome lunch at GA every June, UURMaPA now has a Virtual New Member Welcome Event on Zoom every year. This year’s 90-minute event is scheduled for Monday, September 22 at 1:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (12:00 p.m. Central; 11:00 a.m. Mountain; 10:00 a.m. Pacific)

TO Existing UURMaPA members:You are invited to join us and help welcome our newest members!

TO Existing UURMaPA members:
You are invited to join us and help welcome our newest members!