Fall 2023 Conference Highlights

by Terence Ellen

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. Marni Harmony, 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.

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.

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 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

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.

Notes of condolences can be written here
<https://www.bisslerandsons.com/obituary/RevSteven-Protzman#tributewall>.

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. James E. Grant

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 D. Marcy

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.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Unitarian Universalist Congregation of South County, 27 North Road, Peace Dale, RI 02879, for a Memorial Leaf in his honor for its Tree of Life; or The WARM Center, 56 Spruce Street, Westerly, RI 02891; or The Domestic Violence Resource Center of South County, 61 Main Street, Wakefield, RI 02879.

The Rev. Patience Jane Gardner

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.

The Rev. Olivia Holmes

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.

The Rev. Cynthia B. Johnson

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.

A memorial service will be held in December.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Unity Hospice
<https://www.unityhospice.com/>, the UU Fellowship of Door County <https://uufdc.org/>, the Door County Land Trust
<https://www.doorcountylandtrust.org/> or your favorite Door County cause.

Notes of condolence can be sent to Al Johnson, 7455 State Highway 57, Baileys Harbor WI 54202 or amjohnsonbhwi@gmail.com.

A more complete obituary will follow.

The Rev. Walter S. Jonas

The Rev. Walter S. Jonas died on November 10, 2023, at the age of 80 (1943-2023). Walter is survived by his children, son Jacob and daughter Rachel.

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.

The Rev. Dr. Carolyn Sheets Owen-Towle

The Rev. Dr. Carolyn Sheets Owen-Towle died on October 23, 2023, at the age of 88 (1935-2023).

Carolyn was born on July 27, 1935, in Upland CA to Millard O. Sheets and Mary B. Sheets. She grew up in Southern California and was the second of four children. As the daughter of a prominent California artist, she enjoyed the benefits of warm, nurturing family relationships and exposure to high moral and intellectual as well as artistic standards. She spent 15 years of her young adulthood volunteering in cultural, social, and educational organizations within the communities in which she lived.

Carolyn received her Bachelor of Arts in Art and Art History from Scripps College CA (1957), following which she worked as a library assistant, salesperson, interior designer, and research assistant for a business consultant. She married Charles Russell Chapman and embraced the roles of wife, mother, and community volunteer. She was active in Pasadena organizations such as the Junior League, Pacific Oaks Pre-School, and the Unitarian church.

After her first marriage ended, Carolyn felt a calling to the UU ministry. Her affiliation with the UU church strengthened her attributes and consolidated her beliefs. She found that she was involved daily with people not simply on committee levels but across the board in many aspects of lives: births, deaths, and all the in-between. As time went on, she shifted her volunteer energies from the larger community to the church community. This outlined a sense of direction she was seeking. She realized that she was able to utilize all aspects of her personality in the most creative and meaningful ways becoming a UU minister. She wanted to enter a church, build upon its foundations, foster spiritual, intellectual, and personal growth, and leave it stronger than when she arrived.

In 1973, Carolyn married Rev. Tom Owen-Towle. In 1974, she began her ministerial equivalency training through the UUA Independent Study Program, and in 1978, she graduated from the University of Iowa Graduate School of Religion. She received an Honorary Doctorate from Meadville Lombard Theological School in 1994.

Carolyn was ordained by the First UU Church of San Diego CA on December 3, 1978, where she served together with husband Rev. Tom Owen-Towle for 24 years (1978–2002). During her co-ministry, she worked knowledgeably and agilely with children, youth, and adults and was involved in broadening educational programs for all ages. She initiated the Jr. and Sr. High programs giving significant time to junior high youth, leading to an outstanding commitment program and revitalizing an LRY group. Both ministers worked to sponsor a welcoming congregation and modeled an environment of shared ministry. They created an accepting and nurturing community that fully connected the congregation to the UU movement. The church became one of the major association supporters financially and in lay participation in denominational affairs. She retired from her active ministry in 2002 and upon retirement, the First UU Church of San Diego honored her as their minister emerita.

Rev. Owen-Towle’s ministry strived to help people evolve. Her art was to evoke power in others with sensitivity and skill and to combine the capacity to nurture with the ability to lead. She was a trailblazing leader and an early example of women in ministry. She served the denomination as a founder and president of the UU Ministerial Sisterhood (1980–1982); as the first women president of the UUSC (1983–1985); and as vice-chair and board member of the Meadville Lombard Theological School (1987–1992). She was also the first woman president of the UUMA; a settlement consultant for the Department of Ministry and a candidate for President of the UUA (1991–1993). From 2002 to 2009, she served on the Ministerial Fellowship Committee.

In San Diego, Carolyn served on the board of Planned Parenthood, the Human Rights Advisory Committee, the United African American Ministers Action Council, and the San Diego Organizing Project. She also served on the board of the Mingei International Museum, the Ilan-Lael Foundation, and the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation, reconnecting with her lifelong love for the arts. She was a recipient of multiple community awards, including the Dr. A. Brad Truax Award for her service to the HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ communities. At the end of her career, she was honored with a City Council Resolution recognizing her overall ministry and community contributions.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Tom; her brother, Tony Sheets; her four children, seven grandchildren, one great-grandchild, their mates and partners; and extended family members.

A memorial service to celebrate Carolyn’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the First UU Church of San Diego, 4190 Front Street, San Diego, CA:
<https://www.google.com/maps/place/4190+Front+St,+San+Diego,+CA+92103/@32.7536779,-117.1696739,760m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x80d954d64e3ca327:0x8d1b0f2486e73aa5!8m2!3d32.7536735!4d-117.1651892?hl=en>.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the charity of one’s own choosing or to the First UU Church of San Diego:
<https://www.firstuusandiego.org/donations.html>.

Notes of condolence can be written here
<https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/sandiegouniontribune/name/carolyn-owen-towle-obituary?id=53457847>.

The Rev. Susan K. Weickum

The Rev. Susan K. Weickum died on October 8, 2023, at the age of 75 (1948-2023).

Susan is survived by her husband Michael Rich; her children: Scott (Kelly) and grandsons Michael and Nicholas; Jessica Ribeiro (Rich) (Daniel) and granddaughter Avielle; and Mareike Dieplinger (Hoermann); as well as exchange daughter and her family. Susan was big sister to Patty, Diana, Janice, Sally, and their families.

A memorial service will be held at noon on November 18, 2023, at the UU Church of Indianapolis, 615 W. 43^rd Street, Indianapolis IN.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a 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.

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.