For the spring 2024 UURMaPA conference, two in-person locations will be available for members to meet and enjoy the conference together. One location is in Kingston, Massachusetts and the other is in Wilmington, Delaware. When you register for the conference, you may express your desire to attend at one of these locations. Read below for details about each site.
First Parish UU, Kingston, MA
In Kingston, the conference POD will be at the First Parish UU Church. The site is fully accessible, with plenty of off street parking. The church will be utilized for both large presentations and small breakout groups. There is an option of take-out meals at the church and/or opportunities to go to nearby restaurants. Plan on staying at least three nights and longer if you want to sight-see in the area.
On the Tuesday morning before the conference, a local historian will make a presentation about the history of the congregation, which was established in 1719, and lead a walking tour of the colonial, revolutionary and civil war burying ground.
Many attractions are only ten minutes away in Plymouth: Multiple and varied arts offerings, fine and casual dining, Plymouth Harbor and the Plymouth and Pawtuxet living history museum, Pilgrim Memorial Hall, a Plymouth and Patuxet Wampanoag Arts, Culture and History museum, and any number of shopping opportunities.
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. For general questions, logistics, lodging, parking, special needs, send a message to Tom Schade trschade@gmail.com or Sarah Person person.revsarah@gmail.com.
First Unitarian, WIlmington, DE
In Wilmington, the First Unitarian Church will host an in-person POD to interact with others around the country. The church will host for both large presentations and small breakout groups. The church has an audio-visual system for the major presentations, but you might need a laptop or tablet for use during the breakout sessions. The church has a strong wi-fi signal throughout the building.
Some shared meals will be at the church with opportunities to go to area restaurants. Coffee and tea will be available during the meetings. Snacks, wine and beer will be available for a nominal donation to cover our expenses.
The Rev. David More Maynard died on November 22, 2023, at the age of 77 (1945-2023).
David is survived by his wife, Jane; four brothers; four children; and five grandchildren. A memorial service was held on Friday, December 8, 2023, at the First Unitarian Church of Portland, 1211 SW Main St., Portland OR.
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, Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.
There’s this odd moment in winter, almost at it’s midpoint, where we celebrate Groundhog Day. Many people, perhaps most of the hosts on morning talk shows, will await the verdict to be delivered by Punxsutawney Phil in Pennsylvania, or Shubenacadie Sam up in Nova Scotia, or others of their kind in New York and Georgia and who knows where else. Whether or not these creatures “see” their shadow that morning tells us how much more “winter” we will experience.
And as usual, I expect it will be a mixed message. As it is with just about every other prognostication, the meaning is all up to interpretation. It will depend on where you awaken, and in what part of the country – whether the sun is shining or the morning sky is clouded. But as silly as all that Groundhog Day hoopla is, it reflects something deeply human. We want to know, with as much surety as possible, what is going to happen. Who will win the Super Bowl? How bad is it going to get in Washington? Will democracy survive? Will wars ever cease? What’s next for us?
We are always like this. We want to know, and we hope that the minutiae of weather lore or a statistical study or the latest polls will provide an answer. Sometimes we’ll grasp at anything that gives us a sense that we might actually be sure of something, even if we really don’t believe it. Early February also brings Candlemas, a cross-quarter day that falls between the Solstice and Equinox. It is a holiday that celebrates the beginning of spring – even if the temperature is frigid or ice covers the fields. One of the ancient names for this holiday is Imbolc, which means “in the belly.” And at this time of year the green and growing things are in the belly of the Great Mother, where they hide from our mundane, limited vision.
But as if sensed by a keener and wiser sight, all the stirrings of the season of growth to come — the quickening of life, the mystery of what is yet to be — are there. We are in what the ancient calendar called “fallow times.” Although concern for the fecundity of the fields and the birthing of lambs are far removed from our daily cares, there is something of value to us in marking and celebrating this “fallow time.”
What has this got to do with UURMaPA, you might well ask. As I reflected on those thoughts, I reflected about how “retirement” can so easily end up being month after month of “fallow times.” And that may not be the most healthful and helpful way for us to make our way through these elder years.
It’s often recommended as we retire that we find some meaningful way to contribute to society. I will confess that for a few years that felt to me like a big “ask.” We can’t all be like Jimmy Carter, who was a great exemplar of active service to the greater good. But we can do the smaller things that are of service to our families, to our local communities and organizations.
Even as we are living through some very challenging events in our country and our world, we can turn our thoughts and hearts to a greater sense of possibility. We can cautiously shake off hibernation, to emerge from comfortable burrows and warm caves. It is a time for new beginnings.
So as we welcome another season into our lives, I encourage you to think about where “service” might lead you this year. And in particular, I draw your attention to two particular opportunities right here in UURMaPA! Please read the “Help Wanted” ads in this Elderberries edition and if you can, spring into a new way of supporting your community.
Yours, in the faith, Susan Veronica Rak (retired but not retiring!)
The Fall Conference was a great success. One hundred and seventy-eight of us, including presenters, signed up, making this the most-attended conference ever. Further, 97 of us sent in evaluations afterward—a high percentage—almost all of them very favorable. Such a response attests to the welcoming, engaging, inclusive tone and practice the Planning Committee aimed for.
Our theme was “Blessings and Challenges: Successfully Navigating Change.” This theme cast a wide net, since we retirees are encountering change all around—in our inner lives and with our health, our interests, our relationships with family and loved ones, our professional lives, our present communities, and the wider world with its crucial challenges, to name a few. And also, with such a diverse group as we are, in our three days we simply had programming to give some examples of lives lived in such changes and then allow us to meet in small groups of six or so to share our individual responses to how we each were navigating our own way.
We were fortunate to have three in-person gatherings, “pods,” to creatively do their own programming and blend with our online offerings. Jaco and Barbara ten Hove arranged a pod for nearly 30 people at Seabeck Conference Center, WA (see photo below). Richard Speck arranged one for eight in Wilmington, DE. And Sylvia Howe arranged one for six in Columbus, OH. This allowed for some of us to gather in person and enjoy face-to-face camaraderie, adding another dimension to the conference for those who could make them. For the first time we also had a chaplain available each day. MarniHarmony, John Gilmore, and Diane Teichert each volunteered to provide a safe, caring support for our gathering.
Front row: Sonya Sukalski, Patty Eaton, Geoff Rimositis, Steven Storla, Toni Tortorilla, Lena Breen, Deborah Raible. 2nd row (seated): [Dennis and Suzanne Reynolds, temporarily off campus], Sue Nichols, Lynda Sutherland, Wendy Fish, Linda Horton, [Jaco ten Hove, behind camera]. 3rd row (standing): Barbara ten Hove, Phyllis Morales, Joy Atkinson, Debra Faulk, Flossie Bode, Patti Pomerantz, Millie Rochester. Back row: Lucy Hitchcock, Mitch Sukalski, Lloyd Horton, Duane Fickeisen, Bruce Bode, Peter Morales, Roger Rochester
We began each session with a slide show of pictures and names of everyone who sent them in so that we could connect names and countenances of those we did not know and greet in our hearts those we did. Jeff Briere pulled this together with a worldwide soundtrack he had carefully selected as background. We began and ended our gathering in worship services, with Lynda Sutherland, Susan Rak, Sonja Sukalski, and Barbara ten Hove providing an opening worship that acknowledged the crisis in the Mideast, lifted up the related issues of land acknowledgment for all of us, and welcomed us to this gathering of spirit. One of us wrote, “It was beautifully done. The whole experience moved me and stayed with me.”
We then went to our opening check-in small groups for people to share “How is it with thy spirit?” Sonya Sukalski coordinated these three gatherings, with the support of Barbro Hansson attending to late-comers, and, of course, the wizardry of our talented tech person, Jon Claney. Each group had a facilitator who was trained in our guidelines and foci for the groups. The second gathering was specifically theme-related, and the final was an opportunity to gain closure and share take-aways from the gathering. In an effort to be more inclusive of partners, everyone had the option to be in a group of partners, ministers, or mixed. As one person put it: “It was great to hear what a diverse group of colleagues were doing to maintain focus and meaning in their lives—and to contend with physical and psychological challenges of aging in these troubled times.”
Experimentally, each of the eight program sessions ended with some online socializing of all who wanted to stay on for a bit. These gravitated to reactions to the programming before, and our facilitation improved so that people kept coming back.
The next section began with Wayne Arnason introducing the chaplain of the day and then the presenters from the UUA and UUMA. First were Sofia Betancourt and Jessica York in an open conversation between them about the UUA changes they felt were most important. Wayne then moderated a panel of UUA and UUMA staff on how they saw themselves and our ministers and congregations faithfully navigating change. Jessica York, Jan Gartner, Phillip Lund, and Melissa Carville Ziemer shared, and Richard Speck facilitated the question and answer session that followed.
Eleanor Richardson
The last session of the first day began with a presentation by Linda Olsen Peebles and Roberta Finkelstein on the status of a proposed new UUMA chapter of retired ministers, with Wayne moderating again. Then Charles Stephens began the Odyssey for the evening and invited Peter Richardson to introduce his spouse, Eleanor Richardson, for her Odyssey, followed by questions and reactions. As one person said: “Oh my! What a fascinating life story. Everything was so interesting. What a proactive woman!” Virtual socializing followed.
Ohio “pod” participants included, from left to right: Sylvia Howe, Paul L’Herrou, Lynda Smith, Joan VanBecelaere, Marco Belletini, Suzan McCrystal, and Holly Horn. Ben Maucere also attended.
Our second day began with Roberta Finkelstein introducing and then moderating a theme panel of four of our own numbers, two partners and two minsters, describing how they have been navigating the blessings and challenges of change in their lives. Larry Ladd and Cathie Severance spoke as partners, and Duane Fickeisen and Janne Eller-Isaacs spoke as ministers. There was time for responses from all afterwards. The presentations were deeply personal and varied. One person put it: “It was an incredibly enriching experience. I was deeply moved by their profound sharing. I thank them for their insights into the challenges and rewards of aging, in both our personal and professional lives.”
Our second Tuesday session featured one of the three spotlights on a pod, followed by presentations from our UURMaPA Board on various issues and programs for us retirees. We then broke into our discussion groups to go more deeply into our theme together, inspired by the panel sharings before. Again, a response:”This was a most helpful piece of the program.The panelists were honest and clear and I was impressed with current services to our congregations.”
We finished the day with our customary Remembrance Service for colleagues we lost this past year. Before it, we regretfully announced the death earlier that morning of Carolyn Owen-Towle, whose remembrance will be in the Spring Conference. The service was put together by Lynda Sutherland, Anne Marsh, Barbara ten Hove, Gloria Perez, John Gilmore, Richard Speck, and Terence Ellen. There were opening reflections and music followed by brief biographies of each colleague with the placing of a white rose in a vase in honor and celebration of their life.
The honorings were broken into four sections with different readers and musical interludes between each of the four to provide time for individual reflections. To maintain focus the chat was closed until after the honorings, when all were invited to share both written and spoken remembrances and appreciations. One response was “The warm and effective memorials with visuals, musical interludes, and pacing has reached some kind of pinnacle for an online service of remembrance. Very touching, heart-warming, to hear the stories of the lives of members who died this year.” Afterwards, virtual socializing extended the sharing.
Olav Nieuwejaar
On Wednesday we first heard two brief UUA presentations from Keith Kron (Targeted Ministries) and Anna Gehres (retirement finances), and then heard the Odyssey of Olav Nieuwejaar, who was introduced by his UURMaPA support group. One hearer responded, “One of the most powerful and vulnerable and authentic stories I have heard in a long time. It affected me profoundly.” An open time for responses followed and continued in the virtual socializing.
Our last session included our last break-out groups focussed on our take-aways from the conference. These were followed by a powerful closing worship by Ned Wight of our UUMaPA Board. It brought all of our varied Conference experiences into an integrated, emotional whole with both words and music. One respondent said, “It was the highlight of the conference for me. Superbly prepared and presented.”
Barbro Hansson
Barbro Hansson then said a few “Last Things,” including the date of the Spring Conference, Monday, April 15 to Wednesday, April 17. Although Barbro stayed in the background almost the whole conference, she was the unseen presence bringing it all about by her indefatigable persistence, experience, creativity, organizational abilities, good humor, and warmth on the Planning Committee. She’ll be convening our April conference as well.
The Committee has read through all of the responsive feedback to the various parts of this gathering, and are working them into the planning for the Spring Conference as best we can. There are a number of good ideas, most pronounced of which is the repeated desire for including diversity in all its forms, for example, economic differences, as we select speakers and other programming.
These conferences have evolved under Barbro and others, and with your considered feedback and the continuing support from our UURMaPA Board, will continue to evolve and try new things in order to provide a welcoming, stimulating, and heart-touching combination of pod and virtual community.
With thanks to you all,
Terence Ellen, Publicity, for the rest of the Planning Committee: Barbro Hansson (Convenor) Anne Marsh (Scribe +) Richard Speck (Pod Liaison, Tech Assistant) Lynda Sutherland (Worship) Charles Stephens (Odysseys) Wayne Arnason (Chaplains, Liaison to UUA, UUMA & UURMaPA) Roberta Finkelstein (Theme Panel) Jeff Briere (Slide Show) Sonja Sukalski (Small Groups), and Jon Claney (Tech Professional)
The Rev. Steven Protzman died on January 29, 2024, at the age of 65 (1958-2024).
Steven is survived by his mother, Carol Protzman; and seven siblings: Charles, Chris, Dawn Werling, Kevin, Brendan, Eric, and Marcia Grimes; as well as dozens of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Plans for a memorial service will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s own choosing.
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 Reverend Jim Grant, whose religious journey led him from a Southern Baptist upbringing, through many years of American Baptist ministry, and finally to UU ministry at age 61, died on 6 January 2024, aged 88 (1935-2024).
Jim Grant was one of the gentlest souls ever to enter UU ministry. His deep pastoral presence, insightful preaching, self-effacing humor, lovely singing voice, twinkling eyes and ready smile made him a beloved joy to colleagues and congregations alike. His commitment to interim ministry was guided by a clear vision for the needs of transitional service; congregations appreciated his unpretentious integrity and generosity of spirit.
James Edward Grant was born on 20 June 1935 in Asheville NC, the third of four children, and raised in a large Southern Baptist church with an active, multi-age religious education program. He sang in church choirs from the time he was a young child and participated in the church’s drama group.
Supporting himself after high school with part-time religious education positions in small churches, Jim earned an associate degree from Mars Hill College, a B.A. from the University of Richmond VA in 1957, and an M.Div. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary (Louisville KY) in 1960. Back in Richmond, he completed an M.A. in history in 1962, and then served in the Southern Baptist ministry for 10 years.
As his own theology matured in a more liberal direction along with growing commitment to racial equality, Mr. Grant transferred his ministerial standing to the American Baptist Church. Serving ABC congregations in Massachusetts led Jim to ecumenical work with many UU clergy and to increasing appreciation of, and comfort with the UU tradition. When not on duty with the American Baptists, he often worshipped in UU spaces, including Kings Chapel and First Parish in Weston. Impressed by the UUA’s inclusive language and embrace of multiculturalism, he realized that UU ministry beckoned as the next “home” for his interests and professional abilities. Thus, in the summer of 1996, at age 61, he left 25+ years of professional ministry with the American Baptists, sought standing with the UUA, and relocated to Southern California.
The Rev’d Mr. Grant began his UU service with interim ministry (1996–98) at the UU Inland North County Fellowship (now merged since 2000 to form the Chalice UU Congregation in Escondido CA), during which the congregation’s life was greatly healed and stabilized. Moving on to the Unitarian Society of Santa Barbara CA (1999–2001), his ministry again had a healing and energizing effect that grew the congregation’s numbers and helped it move toward a stronger future. Staff members felt a part of a positive, cooperative team and served as a model for the congregation.
Over the next decade, Jim Grant served interim and contract ministries in Southern California at the UU Fellowship of Laguna Beach (2001–03), the Coronado UU Church (2003–04), Pacific Unitarian Church in Rancho Palos Verdes (2004–05), the First UU Church of San Diego (2006), and the UU Fellowship of San Dieguito in Solana Beach (2007). Ranging farther afield, he extended his ministry to the UU Congregation of Las Vegas NV (2009) and finally to the UU Congregation of Santa Fe NM (2009–10).
In retirement, Jim continued his affiliate status with the First UU Church of San Diego, which he had joined in 1999, and over the years he offered strong pastoral assistance, occasional preaching, and much valued collegial friendship to that congregation’s succession of lead ministers—Tom and Carolyn Owen-Towle, Arvid Straube, Kathleen Owens, and Justine Sullivan—all of whom (except Carolyn) spoke at Jim’s memorial service. “He was the embodiment of Marge Piercy’s poem, ‘To Be of Use,’” said Kathleen Owens.
Throughout his career the Rev’d Mr. Grant was actively engaged in work outside the parish. He served on the board and finance committee of the Massachusetts Council of Churches and as president of the Massachusetts Commission of the United Ministries in Higher Education. In his UU years, he was a consultant for the UUA’s Pacific Southwest District and was active in the UUMA chapter. He worked with various community, civic, and non-profit organizations, and served as an officer and board member of the United Nations Association’s local chapter.
He enjoyed singing all his life and sang with various church choirs and choral groups. In his leisure time, he loved cooking, birdwatching, reading, and art.
At his death, Jim was survived by his spouse of 66 years, Betty Wyatt Grant, siblings Athol Grant and Mary Carolyn Kominowski, children Martha Grant Fuller and James Edward Grant Jr., grandchildren Elizabeth Fuller and Mikhael Fuller, three great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life (video link here) was held on 24 February 2024 at the First UU Church of San Diego. Donations to that church in Jim’s memory are encouraged. Notes of condolence may be sent to Jim’s daughter, Martha Fuller, at mfullerpnp@yahoo.com or 4842 Hart Dr., San Diego CA 92116.
The Rev. Ronald “Ron” D. Marcy died on January 4, 2024, at the age of 87 (1936-2024).
Ron is survived by his wife Judith (Klein) Marcy; his two children: Glenn Lawrence Blumberg, and Suzanne Lynn Marcy; sister Joan Allen; as well as his two nephews: Mark, and David Allen. He was preceded in death by his only grandchild, Emily Rose Blumberg.
Ron’s ashes will be laid to rest by his family this Spring in his beloved Palmer, Massachusetts.
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, Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.
The Rev. Patience Jane Gardner died on January 3, 2024, at the age of 77 (1946-2024). Patience is survived by her son Bryant (Kate); granddaughters: Katherine and Margaret; niece Kirsten; and nephew Chris. She was preceded in death by her brother Bryant, mother Leticia, and father Edward. A memorial service was held on January 20, 2024, at the First Parish UU Church, 842 Tremont St, Duxbury MA 02332.
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 may 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, Jay Atkinson – jayatk40@gmail.com.
The Rev. Olivia Holmes died on December 11, 2023, at the age of 79 (1944-2023).
She is survived by brothers Sidney Holmes (and spouse Ruth) and Leonard Holmes (and spouse Louiselle), nephew, Nicholas Holmes and spouse Mary Katherine, nieces: Sarah Tucker, Danielle Gianesgro, Melissa Holmes, several grandnieces, and her beloved cat, Wiley.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. at the Peterborough UU Church, 25 Main Street, Peterborough NH. Information on a celebration after the service will be forthcoming.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the UUA Living Tradition Fund, P.O. Box 843154, Boston, MA, 02284. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.
Notes of condolences may be sent to Sidney Holmes, 2344 Hunt Club Drive, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48304.
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. Cynthia Barnes Johnson died on November 13, 2023, at the age of 81 (1942-2023).
Cynthia is survived by her husband Albert Johson; her children: Bruce Johnson, Tad Johnson (Beth Von Ohlen), and Ellen Willmore (Charlie Willmore); and her grandchildren: Alexander, Lucinda, Netta, and Wyatt.
