Spring 2026 Conference Theme

“Keeping It Together While Democracy Is Falling Apart”

Our spring conference opens on Monday, April 27. We have arranged for eight sessions—three on Monday, three on Tuesday the 28th and two on the 29th. Our theme—“Keeping It Together While Democracy Is Falling Apart”—will be presented during the first session on Tuesday.

We are lucky to have Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout to present the theme. He is a writer, worship artist, and longtime leader in UUcommunities, where his work has centered on how people remain human, responsive, and connected during seasons of profound change.

Drawing on music, ritual, and close pastoral attention, he has accompanied communities across generations—especially elders—through moments when familiar forms no longer steady life in the same way. He understands Unitarian Universalism at its best as a tradition that turns anxiety about the unknown into a relationship with it, inviting each life into deeper rapport with mystery rather than retreat from it. His writing and teaching attend to thresholds rather than answers, and to the practices that help people move with time rather than withdraw from it. Glen lives in Minnesota. His ministry is alive wherever love and the people call him.

Dr. Rideout believes there are seasons of life when time stops behaving like a straight line and begins calling to itself from multiple directions at once. He said, “For the elder, this widening is often felt immediately—when the forms we trust most no longer hold us in the familiar old ways: memory answering memory, body and story renegotiating their terms.”

When asked how our members might adapt to the challenge of our theme, he replied, “The work, then, is not to retire into withdrawal but to remain—to know when to recline and when to rise, to relax in order to revive, to return transformed—bearing a posture of openness that teaches us what is still possible, even where we least expect it to last, when the songs need to be sung.”

Other features of our conference are two worship services and a service of remembrance, a minister’s and a partner’s odyssey, connecting rooms for stronger and more personal interactions, and a concert on Tuesday evening.

Registration is now open. Please visit uurmapa.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3106236
The fee is $70, but tariffs have been deferred until April 6th. If you register before that date, the fee is only $50.

If you have never attended one of our conferences, the board is happy to waive your registration fee. If you need assistance with the fee or the registration process, help is available from our registrar, Barbro Hansson. Write her at conferences@uurmapa.org

We look forward to greeting you in April at our spring conference. In the meantime, know that every one of us has a part to play in our struggles for inclusivity and justice. If you live in the USA, you might be a little closer to the heat, but if you are not, you are still here, you are more than a witness, and we’re all in this together.

2026 Spring Conference News

We are pleased to announce that our next spring conference opens on Monday, April 27. We have organized eight sessions: three on Monday, three on Tuesday and we’ll close the conference with two on Wednesday. As in recent years, the conference will be transmitted via Zoom, an online video conferencing platform available to you on your computer, laptop, tablet, smartphone or (audio-only) a telephone.

See a DRAFT Conference Schedule HERE.

Barbro Hansson, who has guided numerous conferences for the Board, said, “I have loved every minute of this ministry, which helps our members connect with one another and explore what really matters, like how to keep our focus in these challenging times.”

Theme. Our theme is “Keeping it Together While Democracy Is Falling Apart,” and will be presented on the second day by Dr. Glen Thomas Rideout. Dr. Rideout is a worship artist and longtime leader in UU communities, and he suggests that as elders, we should not withdraw, but remain, and bear a posture of openness that teaches us what is still possible, even when we least expect it to last, and when the songs still need to be sung.
See more on the theme HERE.

Odysseys. The conference will feature a minister’s odyssey with the Rev. Diane Miller, and a partner’s odyssey with Barry Finkelstein. Diane said, “As an elder, I find myself looking back at decades of ministry and asking, ‘What was that all about?’ I hope that sharing my Odyssey will provide some insights.” Barry reminds us that sharing our life journeys is a wonderful way of connecting with one another and embracing our common humanity, and so important in these dark times. See more about the Odyssey presenters HERE.

Worship. The opening worship service will be produced by Wayne Arnason and Kathleen Rolenz. As always, our memorial service will honor those colleagues and partners who have left us. Tom Schade has gathered several people to produce the memorial service and a closing worship. See more about the Remembrance Service HERE.

Connections. Connecting rooms, where we can interact with others on a deeper level, are planned for three sessions. One session will follow the theme presentation and be guided by what we learn from Dr. Rideout and our own experiences and hopes for the preservation of democracy.

Concert. The last session on Tuesday will feature Dr. Rideout in a concert of music that underscores the theme and inspires us to live into our role in keeping it together in challenging times. There’s more to this conference, so be prepared for connections, inspiration, and fun when we meet in April.

Pods. Regional pods and local watch parties offer a way to experience our virtual conference in community. They are for people who long to worship, reflect, and learn alongside others, and to share meals and conversation while participating fully in conference programming. Pods offer in-person connection, care, and the joy of being together rather than watching alone. Currently, pods are being developed in Kingston, Massachusetts and Wilmington, Delaware.
See more information about these pods HERE.
Find a one-page PDF of the Pod Financial Aid Request Form HERE.

Registration is open. Please visit https://uurmapa.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/3106236

Fees. Inflation and tariffs have caught up to us, and we regret that we must raise our fee for the conference to $70. However, if you register before April 6, your cost will only be $50, unchanged from last fall. Early registrations help us make better plans for the conference.

Assistance. Help with all things registration is available from Barbro Hansson, the registrar. Scholarships are available if you need help with the fee. If you have never attended a UURMaPA conference, the board happily waives your fee. If you would like a scholarship or you are a newbie, please send a message to conferences@uurmapa.org for more information. You will receive a special code to use when registering.

Eyes on the Prize. We look forward to greeting you in April at our spring conference. In the meantime, know that every one of us has a part to play in our struggles for inclusivity and justice. If you live in the USA, you might be a little closer to the heat, but if you are not, you are still here, you are more than a witness, and we’re all in this together.

The Rev. Christopher G. Raible

The Rev. Christopher “Chris” G. Raible died on February 10, 2026, at the age of 92 (1933−2026).

Chris is survived by his wife of 71 years, Patricia Woolven Raible, his three children, John Raible, David Raible, and Anne Raible Beasley, six grandchildren and a growing number of great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may go to Planned Parenthood and/or the American Civil Liberties Union. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be emailed to Anne at anicholson410@gmail.com.

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.

Gloria Evadnee Gray

Gloria “Bebe” Evadnee (Carter) Gray, 92, passed away peacefully Feb. 9, 2026 at D’Youville Center for Advanced Therapy. She was the beloved wife of Rev. Duke T. Gray. Gloria passed away just one day after their 46^th wedding anniversary.

Born on October 13, 1933 in Georgetown, British Guiana, she was the daughter of William McKenzie and Janie (Carter) Wong. She was raised and educated in British Guiana before moving to Canada in 1961.

In Toronto, Gloria worked as a domestic before continuing her career working at the University of Toronto bookstore and later at the Samuel L. Sigman Library. It was during her years in Toronto that she met her husband, Duke, who was serving as a minister at a Unitarian church.

Gloria was known for her grace and personal style, always carrying herself with elegance and care. Above all, her life was deeply rooted in faith and service to others. In the early 1980s, she became actively involved in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal at Holy Rosary Parish in Toronto, where she served as a leader. This experience marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to missionary work that continued annually for many years, only pausing during the COVID pandemic.

Through her involvement with the international ministry, The Choices We Face, Gloria became a member of a missionary “Fire Team,” traveling extensively to share her faith, lead prayer and teaching, and support local communities. Her missions took her to Ghana, Kenya, and several countries in Eastern Europe, including Slovakia and the Czech Republic. While serving in Slovakia, she devoted special attention to members of the Roma community. Throughout her life, she spent extended periods each year on retreat or in mission, offering spiritual guidance, encouragement, and service wherever she was called.

Closer to home, Gloria also led a Bible study group in Malden and worked part-time as a health care aide at The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto and at Scarborough Centenary Hospital. Her life was a quiet but powerful example of faith in action.

In addition to her husband, Duke, she is survived by her stepchildren, Theodore “Ted” Gray and his wife Julia of Chicago; Arthur Gray of North Carolina; her sister, Ann-Jane Wong of Toronto; her brother, Ronald Hosford Carter of Toronto; her step-sister, Bridgett Hughes of England; and five grandchildren. She was predeceased by her stepbrother, Hilbert Wong.

The Rev. Robert Harold Flanders

The Rev. Robert Harold Flanders died on February 8, 2026, at the age of 81 (1944−2026).

Robert is survived by his daughter Alexa, his son Gabriel, his ex-wife and dear friend Rice, his grandchildren, Luke, Eva, Malcolm, and Margot, and many cousins.

A private memorial service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, PO Box 905, Fort Davis TX 79734. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be sent to Gabriel Flanders, 48 Maine Street, Warren ME 04864.

UURMaPAns Can Access the New Hymnal!

As you may know, the UUA has published a new hymnal, Sing Out Love, in an online format. (More info about this hymnal HERE) Subscription access to this hymnal is available only to institutions. Individuals can browse, but if you want to download, say, lyrics to a hymn, chords, a piano part, or if you want to have your copy transposed into a key you can sing, you have to sign up through an institution, usually, a church.

Your UURMaPA leadership has negotiated (and paid for!) access for retired UU ministers. We can have up to 999 people with log-in credentials, so…really, even if you just want to peak, you can get access.

Just Click this link: Access to Sing Out Love

Fill out the form, click submit, and the Sing Out Love staff will get you all signed up. (Might take a few days…be patient!)

Need help? Email Christine Robinson.

The Rev. Margaret A. Barnhouse

The Rev. Margaret “Meg” A. Barnhouse died on January 13, 2026, at the age of 70 (1955−2026).

Meg is survived by her wife, the Rev. Kiya Heartwood, their two sons, Sam Barnhouse Durrett and Ned Durrett, and five grandchildren. She is also survived by her stepmother, Bethie Barnhouse, her sisters, Ruth Story and Lucy and Joana Barnhouse, her stepsister, Mindy Cardenas, her stepbrother, Miguel Cardenas, and her nephew, Aidan, and niece, Lillia.

Two memorial services are planned. One will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at the UUChurch of Brazos Valley, 1719 E 29th Street, Bryan TX 77802. A second service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the First UU Church of Austin TX, 4700 Grover Ave, Austin TX 78756.

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

Notes of condolence may be sent to dearmegb@gmail.com.

William Herman Decker III

Early in the morning of Dec 29, 2025, Bill Decker was with a doctor and said, “I cannot see out of my left eye and I cannot lift my arms.” Within minutes, he died of a massive stroke. He could not be revived. His sudden loss of life has been keenly felt by his family and friends.

Bill was born April 22, 1949, and grew up in Battle Creek, MI, the son of William Herman Jr. and Verna (Brown) Decker. He graduated from Battle Creek High School and attended Michigan State University, majoring in Urban and Ethnic Relations. He then founded Celebration Candle Company with his sister. Bill and Sue designed and created candles which were sold internationally. After 5 years, Bill sold his share of the business to his sister to pay for his Master’s in Social Work at University of Michigan. The business was sold to Hallmark. His sister, Susan Decker Bradley, preceded him in death.

He spent 5 years in Michigan as a Substance Abuse Prevention Educator working in schools with teachers, students and families. Developing strong self-esteem was the watchword of the program.

Bill studied Tai Chi with master Chung Liang Huang and developed a spiritual life practicing both Transcendental Meditation and Tai Chi. He taught Tai Chi at the UU Church of Greater Lansing MI. The minister, The Rev Denise Tracy, was in his class. Their connection was immediate. They married in 1982, and were married two weeks shy of 44 years. Their marriage was a gift to both of them.

Denise accepted a position with the UUA requiring a move to Chicago. Bill changed his life to support Denise’s ministry. He worked with Ridge Associates, teaching Fortune 500 Executives to supervise, build teams, and resolve conflicts. He traveled the world teaching.

Bill and Denise adopted three children. Two girls from Thailand, Tracy Boontip Decker, and Clarke Li Decker Tracy, and a son, Kyle Liam Tracy Decker. They were the loves of his life. He shepherded them to sports, arts and academic activities. His focus on building self-esteem made him a superior parent. He had three grandchildren.

Bill enjoyed gardening, creating hand-built pots and reading. He and Denise bought old houses and restored them, two in Oak Park IL and their present home in Elgin IL, which was featured on the Elgin Historic House Walk in 2024. People stood in line for several hours to see it.

Bob had friends from kindergarten, high school, college, graduate school and from all his jobs. He kept in touch with everyone with monthly zoom groups.

Bill’s Memorial service was held April 11 at the UU Community Church in Park Forest IL. Denise had preached there often and Bill loved the friendship the congregation extended to him. Memorial contributions may be made to UUCCPF: 70 Sycamore, Park Forest IL or to Act Blue in memory and in honor of William Herman Decker III.

The Rev. Patricia Trudeau

The Rev. Patricia “Pat” Trudeau died on December 27, 2025, at the age of 73 (1952−2025).

Pat is survived by her husband, Wilburn, and her son, Donovan. Memorial service information will be shared at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Unitarian Council or to a 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 mailed to the Canadian Unitarian Council, and they will forward them to the family, c/o Canadian Unitarian Council, Center for Social Innovation #302-192 Spadina Avenue, Toronto, ON M5T 2C2.

The Rev. Harry C. Green, III

The Rev. Harry C. Green died on December 27, 2025, at the age of 82 (1943−2025).

Harry is survived by his partner, the Rev. Linda Hart Green; his children, Christine Green LeLait (Alain) and Harry C. Green IV; and his grandson, Samuel Pitts (Abby). He is also survived by his sister, Penny Green Reid, and by his nieces, Kate Weidenbenner (Barry), Megan Nelson, and Emily Routt. He was preceded in death by his younger brother, James Bradshaw Green.

A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 27, 2026, at Story and Song Bookstore Bistro / Center for Arts and Culture, 1430 Park Ave., Fernandina Beach FL 32024.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Amelia Island Museum of History or Doctors Without Borders. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

Notes of condolence may be written here.