Christopher B. Nelson died March 28, 2024, from Parkinson’s disease. He was born in Winchester MA, June 16, 1936, the son of John and Kathleen Nelson. He grew up in Quincy and earned a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from MIT in 1958. Family friends set him up with (later Rev.) Roberta “Bobbie” Martin. She was the love of his life, and they married in June 1960.
Chris retired in 2001 after 36 years of service with the federal government, first at the Lexington Lab (HHS) and then with the newly established EPA in Washington D.C. In its Department of Radiation Programming, he was an expert in modeling radioisotope transport and estimating radiation dose and risk from exposure. His work provided an important basis for EPA’s radiation protection regulations. He was also an integral part of Bobbie’s ministry, from co-writing curricula to teaching Sunday school.
In 2001, he and Bobbie built their dream home on the Bagaduce River (Maine). Chris volunteered at the Sedgwick Elementary School, and sang with the Bagaduce Chorale, their treasurer for several years. He was active in town meetings.
Chris enjoyed sailing, kayaking, traveling, reading and keeping up with the news. He and his wife were lifelong proponents of social justice.
In 2015, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. As the disease progressed, he moved to Parker Ridge Assisted Living, where he received wonderful care and support from the staff.
Chris was predeceased by his wife of 54 years, and is survived by their daughters Heather of Surry, Jennifer of Portland ME, and Joy and her husband John Saams of Gambrills MD; his brother John Nelson (Irene) of Amherst MA, and three grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brothers Peter and Mark.
A memorial service was held April 6, at the UU Church of Ellsworth ME.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to: The Bagaduce Chorale (bagaducechorale.org) and Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org).
Job Description (approved by the Board on 3/21/24)
The editor creates a 16-page newsletter printed in black and white four times each year. Issues are currently sent to the printing service during the last week in January, April, July and October. The editor may use any suitable software program for newsletter creation. The editor is encouraged to ask multiple volunteer proofreaders to review each issue before it is printed.
The newsletter is sent in electronic format to a printing service for printing and mailing. The editor asks the Membership Coordinator to send a file containing recipient names and addresses to the printing service. The printing service is currently Minuteman Press in Portland, Oregon.
The newsletter is sent by USPS to all members, except those who have opted out of receiving a paper copy. Copies are also sent to the UUA, to the UUMA, and to the Andover Harvard Library for the archives. The editor sends an electronic copy of the newsletter to the UURMaPA webmaster, who posts it on the website. UURMaPA members are notified by email that the newsletter has been posted on the website.
At the discretion of the editor, a longer color version of the newsletter may be created and posted on the UURMaPA website. The longer electronic version allows for content with more depth to better support the goals of the UURMaPA Board, as well as allowing for greater creative expression by members. Typical content includes, but is not limited to, business of the Board, a periodic list of recently retired ministers and partners, updates concerning the UUA retirement plan, and obituaries as provided by the clergy obituary editor and the partner obituary editor.
The editor may develop an informal network of advisors to generate content ideas or to review the ideas. The editor will encourage the Board to weigh in on the suitability of potentially controversial content in advance of publication.
The editor will prepare detailed notes for the successor editor.
Draft prepared by Ann Schranz, March 14, 2023 Revised at the Board meeting, February 15, 2024, and modified by Ann Schranz February 20, 2024
Most Recent (21st C.) Editors:
George Buchanan, Summer 2024 – Anne Schranz, Summer 2022 – Summer 2024 Jaco ten Hove, Summer 2018 – Spring 2022 Nancee Campbell, Summer 2017 – Spring 2018 Judy Welles, Summer 2013 – Spring 2017 Eleanor Richardson, Spring 2013 Chuck Campbell, Fall – Winter 2012 – 13 Chris Lilly Backus, 2008 – Fall 2012 Eleanor Richardson, 2004 – 08 Ed Lane, 2000 – 2004
The Rev. Frederick “Rick” Turner Koyle died on March 15, 2024, at the age of 79 (1944-2024). Rick is survived by his cousins: Alice Kaseberg and Pete Bluett; Deerfield Academy classmates; as well as his colleagues and friends.
A graveside service will be held at 1 pm on Monday, March 25, 2024, at Elmhurst Cemetery, 1510 Dale St N, St Paul MN 55117.
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. Notes of condolence can be written here.
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. Elizabeth “Betsy” Boyd Stevens died on March 14, 2024, at the age of 91 (1932-2024).
Elizabeth Boyd Stevens
Betsy was born on November 29, 1932, in Boston MA to Elizabeth Bigelow and Robert St. Barbe Boyd. She was raised in Milton and Duxbury MA, and attended Milton Academy through elementary and high school, graduating in 1950. Her family were life-long Unitarians. Betsy led an active extracurricular life, but her prime goal was to get to college. On a part-time basis, she taught sailing and worked in a camp for children with cerebral palsy. She entered Smith College (MA) in 1950 and married in her junior year to a cadet from West Point, who was assigned to Korea after his graduation. During this time, Betsy remained in college and graduated with a major in Sociology (1954). She worked at Jordan Marsh as well as volunteered at Peter Bent Brigham.
For the next twenty years, Betsy and her husband lived in varied Army installations throughout the world. They had a son and a daughter and in 1966, returned to the United States and lived in Alexandria, VA.
After re-locating in Alexandria, Betsy got an opportunity to become active in a parish. From 1971 to 1983, she served the Mt. Vernon Unitarian Church, Alexandria VA first as the 2nd grade teacher, then the interim DRE, and then the DRE. She restructured the church’s youth programs, put Unitarian Universalism in the curriculum, and organized bi-yearly trips to the Boston area to teach the youth about their religious heritage. She served the Mt. Vernon church for thirteen years as a strong leader in the intergenerational forums. In 1981, she completed the UU Independent Study Program.
Rev. Stevens was ordained to the ministry of religious education by the First Church and Parish in Dedham MA on February 24, 1985, where she served as a Minister of Religious Education from 1984 to 2003. She helped plan and carry out a well-balanced RE program that enriched the church. The church became more vibrant and caring with a fine RE program. Rev. Stevens equally paid attention to the people of the church, their growth in RE skills, and their growth as individuals in the community. She was an excellent group leader in adult and youth education programs, facilitating discussion, exercising initiative, and interacting effectively.
She retired from her active ministry in the parish in 2003. That year, Meadville Lombard Theological School honored her with a Doctor of Divinity, and in 2004 the First Church and Parish in Dedham honored her as their minister emerita.
Rev. Dr. Stevens was active on the denominational level serving as a designated legal resident for LREDA, MRP advisor, and MRE Focus Group convener. Furthermore, she provided her services to the Continental Women and Religion Committee, the Council on Church/Staff Finances, Good Offices for LREDA and UUMA, the District Minister Advisory Committee, the District Safe Congregation Outreach Team, the UU Historical Society board, and many more. Additionally, she served the Ballou Channing District, Brockton MA from 2001 to 2003.
Rev. Stevens received the Larry E. Axel Award, Modified Residence Program, Meadville Lombard Theological School (1977); and the Angus H. Maclean Award for Excellence in Religious Education, UUA (2001).
In Duxbury, Betsy served as chairperson of the Water Activities Committee for their 350th Anniversary celebration. She was a volunteer for the Duxbury Bay Maritime School “Women Under Way” program, a trustee of the Duxbury Cemetery, and a board member at the Council of Aging. In 2013, she was awarded the Duxbury Community Volunteer Award.
Betsy’s passion was sailing. She won her first season trophy in 1946 at the age of 14. She enjoyed sailboat racing in Duxbury Bay for many summers and received many South Shore trophies through the years. In 1979 and 1981, she won the Massachusetts Bay Women’s Championship.
Betsy is survived by her husband Frederick A. Stevens, Jr., and her two children: Wyatt Stevens (Giselle) and Elizabeth (Lisa) Giannechini (Tony). She also leaves her two granddaughters, Alice Stevens and Libby Giannechini; her sister, Alexandra (Sandy) B. Earle, and one great-grandson.
A memorial service was held on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the First Parish Church UU, 842 Tremont St.(Rte. 3A), Duxbury MA 02331.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Duxbury Bay Maritime School, 457 Washington St, Duxbury MA 02332. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.
A pod is a central location where UURMaPA members may gather to participate in our virtual conference. The pod may utilize a church with appropriate audio-visual technology to allow group participation for major presentations like the keynote address and also have the capacity for small group breakouts. Alternately, a pod may use a conference center that has the capability of hosting this type of gathering. Whichever is used, it must be fully accessible for our members.
Team Leadership
Each pod should have a team of individuals to share the organization of the pod. At least two people will be responsible for the various needs to put together a successful pod. Three to four would be ideal so that all aspects are covered. One person should be sophisticated in audio-visual technology, or have access to someone to contact in the event of technical issues that may come up during the conference.
Sleeping Accommodations
Organizers using a church should consider where travelers might find sleeping arrangements. The location should be near hotels or motels with different price points. Some pods may offer a list of alternative accommodations such as Airbnb or bed and breakfast locations nearby. If using a conference center, make sure rooms are accessible.
Meals
A pod provides food during the conference. It may provide catered meals on premises where people share the cost or provide a list of local restaurants where people can partake of differing cuisines. Coffee, tea and water should be available throughout the conference. A pod using a conference center will have the meal service provided as part of the cost of the center. Healthy snacks, such as fruit or energy bars, should also be available. A system of reimbursement for alcoholic beverages will allow those who partake to do so without burdening the cost of the pod unnecessarily.
Transportation
Some people may use public transit to travel to the pod location. The pod organizers should identify which modes of travel are convenient to get to the pod. If possible, pick up and drop off for those using public conveyances should be offered. Also, helping people travel from hotels to the church daily should be considered. An alternative is using Lyft or Uber services if they are available.
Technology
Since this is an online and in-person event, the host site should have the capability for adequate interactions with those online and in the room. Robust wireless connections for laptops and a strong, reliable internet connection for the video projector are critical. A person familiar with the host technology is required should technical issues arise. Also, sound amplification is needed for interactions between the pod and others online. This might mean a microphone for speakers who are interacting with a keynote or other presentation. There is also the possible need for assisted hearing devices for individuals.
BreakoutSpace
There are times for small group sessions as part of the conference. Separate rooms where smaller groups of pod participants can gather will be needed. These spaces should also have wireless connectivity. Comfortable seating will allow for a pleasant experience. Depending on the size of the pod, two to four rooms may be needed to keep the breakouts to no more than 6 individuals.
Costs
Each pod should be self-sufficient financially. Individuals may apply for scholarships to reduce the cost of registration. Each pod should develop a budget for food. The pod location may request reimbursement for the use of the space and or supplies for meals. Pod organizers should not bear the total cost of the pod. A possible solution is to ask everyone attending a pod to contribute the same amount to cover shared meals and drinks excepting alcohol. A pod at a retreat center may apply for an advance to cover the cost of making a reservation. The advance will be paid back through registrations at that site.
Publicity
Each pod will coordinate with the planning committee to publicize the pod location so people may make choices of where to travel. Each pod should highlight local attractions that might entice attendees to come to that pod location. One member of the pod team should be designated as contact to answer questions and create a list of attendees.
Health Concerns
Given that covid continues to affect the our society, the pod organizers need to follow the national and local protocols concerning precautions for in-person meetings, social distancing and mask wearing. Organizers and attendees also need to follow the protocols and mandates of the specific location where the pod will be gathering. The current conditions should be communicated to any who might attend so that they can make their own health risk assessment.
Our association is fortunate to host Joyce Gilbert for an Odyssey presentation at the spring conference. Joyce is married to the Rev. Richard Gilbert, longtime minister of the First Unitarian Church in Rochester NY.
Joyce Timmerman descended from Palatine Germans who were drawn to the message of Universalist ministers in New York State after the French and Indian War. Growing up in the Universalist Church of Fort Plain NY, she met minister-to-be Dick Gilbert at Unirondack, the Universalist summer camp in the Adirondacks. Their paths continued to cross and merged 63 years ago.
Music in and beyond churches has always been central in her life. A founder of the UU Musicians Network (now AUUMM), she regarded that group as her third child—after sons Matthew and Douglas. Her theme? “Life is but a song to sing.”
The conference is scheduled for April 15th through the 17th online or in person at Wilmington, Delaware or Kingston, Massachusetts. You can register for the conference at the UURMaPA website <uurmapa.org>. The conference fee is $45 per individual and scholarships are available. For more information and program details, check the Activities page on our webpage: <uurmapa.org/activities>.
The Rev. Barbara Jean Kulcher died on February 20, 2024, at the age of 92 (1931–2024).
Barbara was born on June 26, 1931, in Winnipeg, Manitoba to James M. McClughan and Edna May McClughan. She was an only child and raised in the Anglican tradition. Her family frequently moved and for a while lived in a rural section of Ontario, Canada. Barbara did quite well in school, completed her high school education at a fundamentalist school in Saskatchewan (1948), and received her RN in psychiatric nursing in 1953.
She then took a position as the sole clinical person in an isolated power station in northern Manitoba. Over the years Barbara worked in orthopedics, obstetrics, and neurosurgery. She moved to Ontario with her husband and had four children before their separation.
While in Ontario, Barbara became active at the First Unitarian Hamilton, Ontario. She served the church, first as a church school director from (1965–1968) and then as a church administrator (1969–1974). As a church administrator, she served a key role in the life of the church as she bridged the gap between the departure of the minister Rev. Bob Hemstreet, and the development of the church into a dynamic fellowship. She worked closely with the church service committee to provide meaningful Sunday services which blended people from the church and the larger community with visiting UU ministers. She went beyond the role of administrator, initiated several groups in the church, and kept abreast with new RE developments.
Over years of growth and transformation into a warm, caring religious community, her function became more pastoral than administrative, and she was able to acknowledge her desire to serve as a minister. Unitarianism offered her a chance to grow, as she was exposed to an affirming, reconciling, religious experience. In 1979, she received her Master of Divinity from Bangor Theological Seminary.
Rev. Kulcher was ordained on September 28, 1980, by the First Unitarian Church of Hamilton, Ontario. From 1980 to 1981, she served the UU Congregation of Jamestown NY, and then spent her predominant years as a chaplain at the following institutions: Ontario Correctional Institute, ON; Huronia Regional Center, ON; Hamilton Wentworth, ON; Toronto Jail, ON; Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital, ON; and Brantford Jail, ON. In a newspaper
article (Hamilton Spectator) in 1985, she was quoted as stating the importance of “befriending the forgotten and offering words of grace and hope to the frightened and often lonely inmates.”
Rev. Kulcher was a strong supporter of the denomination. She was extensively involved with the Canadian Unitarian Council, St. Lawrence UU District, the UU Women’s Federation, and Unicamp of Ontario (1977).
Barbara was famous for her pies, specifically apple and lemon meringue. She was an avid reader, enjoying history, historical fiction, and science fiction. She was a prolific writer, who spent many hours revising and perfecting her heartfelt and deeply engaging papers, articles, and sermons. She greatly valued the act of saying kind or funny things to bring a smile to someone’s face.
Barbara is survived by and loved and remembered by her four children: David Kulcher, Lisa Kulcher-Heaney (Kieran Heaney), Laurie Kulcher, and Kelly Kulcher (Lori Kulcher); six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
A graveside service took place on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the First Unitarian Church of Hamilton, 170 Dundurn St S, Hamilton, ON L8P 4K3, Canada.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Peter’s Residence at Chedoke, 125 Redfern Ave, Hamilton, ON L9C 7W9, Canada.
Job Description (approved by the Board on 2/14/24)
The Connections Coordinator’s duties include:
➢ Upon receipt of an Intent to Retire notice, send the new member(s) a welcoming email A. to provide an overview of opportunities to connect with other UURMaPAns B. to connect the New Member with their Area Connector (if identified)
➢ Annually, in July-September A. Determine the willingness of current Area Connectors to continue service for upcoming year B. (for Areas with no continuing Connector), send an All-Area-Member email soliciting interest in serving as Connector C. Contact Open Special Interest Group Facilitators to determine identity of Facilitator for coming year (if any) D. Send an UURMaPA-Announce notice soliciting interest in forming/facilitating new Special Interest Groups for the coming year
➢ Semi-Annually in October and April A. Contact Peer Support Group Facilitators to determine a. Identity of Group Members desiring to continue in the Group for the following six months b. Identity of the Facilitator of each Continuing Group c. Openness of each Continuing Group to welcome new Members B. Send an UURMaPA-Announce notice a. soliciting interest in entering or forming a Peer Support Group b. publicizing all Open Special Interest Groups C. Assign and introduce interested new Members to ongoing Groups. D. Facilitate interested Members to form & launch new Groups
Geographical Areas of UURMaPA’s membership may be served by one or more Connector(s), whose duties include: ➢ Upon receipt of the Connection Coordinator’s welcome letter copy, make contact with each new Member. ➢ Annually, make contact with each ongoing Area Member A. to ascertain accuracy of directory information and notify Membership Coordinator of updates B. to assess/support Members’ interest in UURMaPA activities (Most recent list of members living in each Area is available on website, www.uurmapa.org, under Publications/Directories/Area Connections Directory, password WISDOM.) ➢ Upon receipt of UURMaPA-Announce notice of an Area member’s death, make personal contact with survivor(s) ➢ Upon learning of the death of an Area Partner-Member, send notice to the Assistant Connections Chair.
Revised by the Board 4/12/16 and 9/14/16 Reviewed and approved by Art Severance, Connections Chair 2019-2021. Revision proposed by Fritz Hudson, Connections Coordinator, January 17, 2024 Revised version approved by the Board, February 15, 2024
Our association is fortunate to host the Rev. Anita Farber-Robertson for an Odyssey presentation at the spring conference. She retired in 2020 after 40 years of active ministry, serving congregations in New England as a settled minister and as an Accredited Interim Minister.
She taught at Andover Newton Theological School as the adjunct Professor of Communication. She chaired the UUA’s Racial and Cultural Diversity Task Force with Leon Spencer from 1992–97. She authored two books: Learning While Leading, Increasing Your Effectiveness in Ministry (Alban Institute), and Called to Community: New Directions in Unitarian Universalist Ministry, with Dorothy Emerson. Both are available in paperback and Kindle through Amazon. She has a coaching/consulting practice for clergy and congregations.
The mother of two and stepmother of two, grandmother of their combined eight children, Anita lives by the sea in Swampscott MA, with her dog Tinker.
The conference is scheduled for April 15–17 online or in person at Wilmington DE or Kingston MA. You can register for the conference at the UURMaPA website <HERE>. The conference fee is $45 per individual and scholarships are available. For more information and program details, check the Activities section on our webpage <HERE>.
The Rev. Janne Eller-Isaacs died on February 14, 2024, at the age of 71 (1953-2024).
Janne is survived by her son Jonah; daughters: Jessie (Andy), and Hannah (Tim); grandchildren: Lewis, Mira, Levi, and Benjamin; brothers: David (Abby), Jim (Jeannie), John (Margy) as well as her beloved nephews and a niece. She was preceded in death by her husband Rob (2022).
Two memorial services are being planned. One on April 27, 2024 (time TBA) at the First Unitarian Portland, 1211 SW Main St. Portland OR; and the other at Unity Church-Unitarian, 733 Portland Ave., St. Paul MN at 3 pm on May 11, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Unity Church- Unitarian and the UUMA. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.
Notes of condolences may be sent to Hannah Franco-Isaacs, 4770 NE Going St, Portland OR 97218.
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.
