Lackey Rowe

Lackey Rowe, husband of the Rev. Jean McKnight Rowe, died Dec. 8, 2024 of Alzheimer’s. He was born June 12, 1938 in Union City TN, the son of Lester Lackey Rowe Sr. and Helen Miller Rowe.

He grew up all over the south—Alabama, Arkansas, Kentucky and Mississippi—but always returned to Memphis TN with his dog Red, a present on his 6th birthday, who lived 18 years. An only child, Lackey was given all the things most children think they want, like a pony, cars, attention and support. After a long string of schools, he graduated from Columbia Military Academy in Columbia TN.

After high school, Lackey joined the Marine Corps Reserves for eight years and trained at Parris Island SC. He attended Memphis State University, then attained a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Mississippi. After a stint in the Philippines as a math tutor in the Peace Corps, he returned to Ole Miss and earned a law degree in 1966. He had a reputation for his liberal stance on all matters political and/or controversial in Mississippi.

That year, he married Andromache Castanis. They had two daughters, Helen and Nicole.

He was admitted to the Mississippi Bar and hired as a staff attorney with the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law in Jackson. As a civil rights lawyer, he tried cases all over the state, assisted by prominent lawyers from across the U.S. who came to work with the Lawyers Committee. Suddenly he was learning law from the best and brightest lawyers in the country and trying cases with their assistance because he was the only one on staff who was licensed to practice law in Mississippi.

Three days after his first day at work, he was in court challenging the discriminatory jury composition in a criminal case. In 1969, he joined the U.S. Equal Opportunities Commission, working in Memphis and St. Louis. Later employment included real estate and human resources director for Marriott Hotels in New Orleans, Minneapolis and Nashville, and human resources director at The Peabody Hotel in Memphis.

He was divorced in 1991 and in 1994 married Rev. Jean McKnight Rowe. They lived in Memphis until 2005, when they retired to Brevard NC, where he was active in the Unitarian Universalists of Transylvania County, the NAACP, and was an avid writer of letters to newspapers in Memphis and Brevard.

Lackey died with a huge debt of gratitude to lawyers who practiced in Mississippi in the 1960s and who are still fighting for racial equality. If his life stood for anything, it was “equal justice under the law” and abolishing racial discrimination. This is how he wanted to be remembered.

He is survived by his wife Jean; daughter Nicole Rowe Heroux; one granddaughter; one great-granddaughter; stepsons Michael J. Rickard (Julie Jeannine) and Kenneth C. Rickard (Amy Hobby); and two step-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his daughter Helen.

There will be a memorial service at UUs of Transylvania County and another at Neshoba UU Church in Memphis, dates to be determined.

Donations in his memory can be mailed to Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Attn: Development Department, 1500 K Street NW, Suite 900, Washington D.C. 20005.

The Rev. Harry H. Hoehler

The Rev. Harry H. Hoehler died on December 3, 2004, at the age of 95 (1928-2024).

Harry was born on December 5, 1928, in Philadelphia PA, to Harry G. Hoehler and Dorothy Heyden Hoehler. He pursued his education at Haverford College PA, graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor of Arts, following which he earned a Master of Divinity degree from Harvard Divinity School in 1954. From 1955–1958, Harry worked as an Assistant Dean of Freshmen at Harvard University MA. During this time, he met Judith Anderson, who was working in Cambridge and would later attend Harvard Divinity School herself. The couple married in 1956. In 1984, Harry was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Meadville Lombard Theological School.

The Rev. Dr. Hoehler was ordained on June 6, 1954, by the First Parish in Cambridge MA. Following his ordination, he began his career in the UU ministry, first serving as an assistant minister at the First Parish in Milton MA (1955–1958) and then as a minister at the First Parish in Beverly MA (1958–1964). Thereafter, in 1964, he accepted a call from the First Parish Church in Weston MA.

After Judith was ordained in 1975, the two forged one of the first co-ministries in the country, jointly serving the Weston church until their retirement in 1995. During their ministry, significant changes took place in the worship life of the church. While Sunday morning remained the central event, worship services became more varied and dynamic. Regular Thursday vespers and morning prayers were introduced, along with the addition of special days and celebrations to both the Sunday morning calendar and the church calendar of special occasions. The church members became more involved in the organization and operation of the church. There was also considerable growth in the adult education offerings and Sunday School and youth programs flourished, with enhanced curricula and increased participation.

The Revs. Hoehler played an outstanding role not only within the congregation but in the wider community and beyond. In 1994, the UUA honored them with the Award of Distinguished Service to the Cause of the Unitarian Universalism. The following year, in 1995, the First Parish Church in Weston honored the Rev. Dr. Hoehler as their minister emeritus.

Throughout his career, the Rev. Dr. Hoehler was deeply engaged in various leadership roles within the denomination serving on the board of the Church of the Larger Fellowship (1958–196) and the Unitarian Sunday School Society (1959). He was a member of the Committee on Theological Education (1960–1962) and held positions such as President of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers’ Association of Essex County (1960–1961) and President of the Unitarian Christian Fellowship.

In addition to his contribution to the denomination, Harry was known for his leadership in social justice issues. He was active in the civil rights movement, joining the 1963 March on Washington and answering Martin Luther King’s call to northern clergy to come to Selma.

Fostering links between his own congregation and various interfaith organizations, Rev. Hoehler dedicated himself to promoting ecumenical understanding and cooperation. In this vein, he served as President of the Massachusetts Council of Churches, President of the Massachusetts Bible Society, denominational representative to the Greater Boston Church Leaders’ Covenant for Urban Justice, Official Observer at the World Council of Churches in Uppsala, Sweden, and Member, with Judith, of the U.S. Interreligious Committee for Peace in the Middle East. In 1996, he and Judith jointly received the Forrest L. Knapp award for Ecumenism from the Massachusetts Council of Churches.

His leadership extended to youth programs as well, where he directed the Rowe Senior High Camp in 1962. He participated in desegregating the Boston public schools and oversaw the founding of Roxbury Weston Preschool, housed in First Parish to this day. He was a part of the delegation that traveled to California to meet with Cesar Chavez in support of the grape workers’ strike in 1973.

In his writings and public talks, such as the UUA Minns Lectures of 1968 and 1975, Harry developed his ideas on interreligious dialogue, an intellectual trajectory that culminated in his book, Christian Responses to the World Faiths. In addition, he published numerous articles in theological journals, as well as two books of sermons, co-authored with Judith.

Harry had a deep love for classical music and possessed a prodigious command of American and European history.

Harry is survived by his wife of 68 years Rev. Judy Hoehler; his daughters Cynthia Hoehler-Fatton (Robert), and Kristen Hoehler (Spencer); three grandchildren, one step grandchild, and one step great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his eldest daughter Carolyn Hoehler, and his sisters Mary Hoehler Thompson, and Bonnie Metz.

A memorial service was held at 11 am on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at the First Parish Church in Weston, 349 Boston Post Road, Weston MA 02493.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s own choosing. Notes of condolences may be sent to Judy Hoehler at hoehlerjudith@gmail.com.

Donna E. Clifford

Donna E. Clifford, 76, died Nov. 25, 2024, at her home in Woburn MA, after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was the spouse/beloved life partner of the late Rev. Dr. Dorothy Emerson.

Donna was born in Stoughton MA, Dec. 22, 1947. She was the daughter of Ward and Barbara (Batchelder) Clifford. She graduated from Stoughton High School in 1965 and received a B.A. in Philosophy from UMass Amherst in 1970. Donna was a longtime member of the Melrose MA, Unitarian Universalist Church. She was very active in many UU organizations over the years.

Donna and Dorothy shared over 30 happy years together and were legally married in June 2004. They traveled to many places before Dorothy’s sudden passing in May 2019.

Donna worked as a professional financial advisor specializing in socially responsible investments at the company she founded, Rainbow Investment Solutions. She was affiliated with many organizations, including Zonta Club of Medford, Medford Arts Council, NAACP, MUUA and many others.

Donna loved to travel, especially to Provincetown MA, Sedona AZ and Hawaii. She recently enjoyed a wonderful trip to Italy. Her hobbies included photography, hiking, writing poetry, music, reading and art. She loved spending time with her family and many friends and was loved dearly.

Donna is survived by her son, Damian Elrod (Susan) of Michigan, and grandson, Zade Elrod of Michigan. She is survived by siblings: Judy Barrette of Norton MA; Diane (Rich) Rodriguez of Santa Barbara CA; Janet (John) Fahey of Stoughton MA; Joan (Peter) Ouellet of Mashpee MA; Ward (Kristina) Clifford of Hull MA; and Sherri (Kevin) Stone of Bourne MA; as well as many nieces, nephews, uncle and aunt, cousins, dear friends and colleagues. Besides her wife and parents, she was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Robert Barrette.

A Celebration of Life was held Jan. 18, 2025, at the Melrose UU Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center at BIDMC.org; or Melrose UU Church (please make checks to Melrose Unitarian Universalist Church with “in honor of Donna Clifford” on the memo line, 70 West Emerson Street, Melrose MA 02176).

2024 Creative Sageing Award

Unitarian Universalist Retired Ministers and Partners Association presents its 2024 Creative Sageing Award to Carole Martignacco

Former teacher and religious educator Carole Martignacco retired from parish ministry in 2019, after over two decades serving congregations in Minnesota, Quebec, and Vermont. During her Canadian ministry, she served as President and Vice President of UUMOC and on the CUC Board; she also designed and conducted training workshops for lay chaplains all across Canada. During her ministry she published The Everything Seed (Tricycle Press 2006), a contemporary origin myth, as well as a meditation manual Open to the Spirit (AuthorHouse 2018) based on her weekly interfaith newspaper column. Since retiring she heeds her own counsel to reclaim an earlier version of herself as poet and artist, continuing to expand her creative life as a writer in myriad ways:

Exploring reprint possibilities for The Everything Seed in English, Spanish and French, in softcover and as an e-book;
Publishing her first full-length poetry collection entitled A Bowl of Orange Suns (Shoreline Press, QC 2021);
Founding the Fundy Bay Writers in New Brunswick, offering regular poetry readings and twice-monthly online writing workshops;
Teaching writing and other workshops, both in person and online;
Creating and editing Eco Lyrics of Love and Lament, an anthology published in cooperation with the local Sunbury Shores arts center;
Serving on the executive board of Haiku Canada;
Publishing Teasing the Times (Yarrow Press, QC May 2023), a collection of 100 haiku. She writes a daily haiku as spiritual practice;
Creating and editing Porch to Porch, a maritime haiku anthology;
Continuing to write a weekly column with interfaith colleagues for the Record newspaper in Sherbrooke, QC (since 2014);
Leading interfaith retreats and designing e-book meditation manuals in the spirit of her first one, Open to the Spirit: The Soul’s Alphabet;
Leading worship from time to time, often on Zoom — “a modern miracle”;
Offering Labyrinth retreats and earth-based events at a local church;
Launching a new project focused on grief following the death of her husband David Turner in May 2024, employing the 5-line Japanese tanka poetic form.

Deeply committed to improving her craft, Carole maintains a list of projects above her computer, including a memoir in poetry of her years as a single parent, work on five e-books based on her “Open to the Spirit” newspaper column, distilling decades of sermons to a series of one-pagers, and continuing to build a wider community of artistic collaborators. She loves to encourage others’ creativity.

Carole is passionate about claiming this stage of life as richly fulfilling.

“One way I’ve found to keep energy from lagging in these truly ‘golden’ playful years is to go with the flow. I have more creative projects than I can ever hope to complete.” Creativity brings a perpetual renewal of wonder, joy and awe, which serves as her own fountain of youth. She stands by Bob Dylan’s adage, “The purpose of art is to stop time.”

Carole’s wide-ranging creative endeavors writing, publishing and teaching, as well as her passion for drawing people into creative community, inspire us all to follow her lead in keeping creative energy flowing. We are pleased to honor her with UURMaPA’s 2024 Creative Sageing Award.

Presented by her UURMaPA colleagues
at the Fall Conference, October 23, 2024

Maxine (Hertel) Steeves

Maxine S. (Hertel) Steeves, 95, died Nov. 13, 2024. Born March 29, 1929, in Fitchburg MA, Maxine was the daughter of Max and Emma (Lamothe) Hertel. After graduating from Fitchburg State Teachers College, she taught in Fitchburg and Leominster. This drive continued later with home tutoring for students and adults with learning disabilities.

In 1952, she married the one and only love of her life, The Rev. Bertrand H. Steeves (save for a lighthearted crush on author A.D. III, which was well known to Bert and the family). Bert died in 2020 at age 94. They were married 68 years.

From 1956–1994, she joined Bert and his calling at the First Religious Society, UU, in Newburyport MA, where she was not just the First Lady but a passionate advocate for justice and civil rights. Here, as the powerful woman she was, she stood by his side fighting against racial injustices, for LGBTQ and Civil Rights, even going as far as to go out in the middle of the night to spray paint over neo-Nazi skinhead graffiti like some kind of ninja for justice. She marched with MLK, Jr. and fostered a small child from Kenya, who grew up to have a large part in South African apartheid.

At home, she hosted dignitaries from across the globe and shared life in a small New England community. In these roles, she maintained her grace, wisdom, and a sense of delightful humor. She was recognized with many accolades including entrance into the Clara Barton Sisterhood, honoring her enduring legacy of courage and compassion.

Maxine and her family enjoyed wonderful summers at their cottage in Fryeburg ME, soaking in its natural beauty and tranquility. She was known to bring English flashcards along on these vacations, much to the dismay of her children. As if that wasn’t enough, she also forced anyone present to play Scrabble (which she always won and knew she would). If you knew the difference between “There” and “Their,” you had her undivided attention. At the age of 72, Maxine became a published author of booklets, “Glimpses of the Past” and “Root and Branches.”

The gift of her life will continue to be treasured by her children: Jonathan R. Steeves, Kathryn W. Steeves and husband Stephen I. Weiss, and Christopher I. Steeves and husband Thomas J. Brewer; five grandchildren and two step-grandchildren. The family will have a burial at Oak Hill Cemetery, Newburyport, in August 2025, where Bert and Maxine will be laid to eternal rest together.

UURMAPA PERSONAL FINANCES ZOOM

RESCHEDULED TO NOVEMBER 21

On Thursday November 21 at 1 PM Eastern (12 Central, 11 Mountain and 10 Pacific Standard Time), UURMaPA is offering our members an hour together with UUA staff who support our financial needs related to retirements funds and investments, insurance programs, and compensation.

We will be joined for a live Zoom by Richard Nugent, Anna Gehres, and Jan Gartner on video. They will offer brief presentations. The bulk of the hour, however, will be responding to your questions and concerns. Pre-registration is required to receive the Zoom link. There is no charge involved. USE THIS LINK TO PRE-REGISTER.

You might want to attend this session if you have a general curiosity about various aspects of clergy financial support and planning: for example, how and why insurance premiums go up, how your retirement funds are invested and by whom, the continuing transition from TIAA to Empower, Medicare supplements, or Benefits Transitions from and out of employment. You might have a specific question arising from your own situation or a story to tell that you think might be helpful for others to hear.

The session will be recorded and made available on UURMaPA’s website. Direct any further inquiries about this session to Wayne Arnason at warnason@gmail.com.

The Rev. Colleen R. Squires

The Rev. Colleen R. Squires died on October 23, 2024, at the age of 61 (1963-2024).

Colleen was born on March 16, 1963, in Perth Amboy NJ to Elizabeth Louise Fitzpatrick and Robert Anthony Fitzpatrick. She grew up in New Jersey as the youngest of three children in an intact family. Her parents were devout Catholics; faith and church played a central role in guiding their lives. At 14, Colleen moved in with her aunt and uncle, and by 18, she decided to leave the Catholic Church. This break allowed her the freedom to explore other religions and belief systems shaping her perspectives on faith and identity.

She started thinking ahead to college and her future. In 1986, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Fine Arts from Rutgers University NJ. Her college years became a transformative period when she challenged her own beliefs. She took on the role of a college representative speaking to high school students about college life. The Social Studies and Women’s Studies department sought her out as an out-gay student to share her experiences. She had the most rewarding college experience.

In September 1986, Colleen moved to Boston MA, where she began working as a medical secretary at Tufts-New England Medical Center and later at Harvard Medical School-Mass General Hospital. A few months after moving to Boston, she met the love of her life, Linda. Around the same time, she was invited to a wedding at a Unitarian Universalist Church. As she entered the church, she was struck by the banners hanging from the rafters. This was a place of inclusion—a community that honored all beliefs and welcomed all people. She had always believed that religion should unite people in peace and in that moment, she felt truly invited, welcomed, and at home.

Both Colleen and Linda became UUs in 1992. Colleen became involved with the UU church, serving as a lay leader. Inspired by the spirit of inclusion, she felt a calling to ministry. As a UU minister, she wanted to preach meaningful about issues and expose the congregation to a wide variety of teachings, thoughts, and religious practices. Answering this call, she earned her Master of Divinity from Andover Newton Theological School in 2009.

The Rev. Squires was ordained by the First Parish Church in Dorchester MA on June 3, 2012. Following ordination, she accepted a call to serve as the first minister of the All-Souls Community Church of West Michigan, Grand Rapids MI. She served the congregation until 2024. She set up a widow’s support group and a high school group. Her leadership marked steady membership growth and a spirit of inclusiveness. She guided the congregation toward the proper use of time to build community with one another. In 2015, under her guidance, the church started a Black Lives Matter monthly vigil which continues to this day with other churches in the area. The Rev. Squires had a calming and grounding presence and a genuine ability to listen deeply to those who shared their struggles and concerns with her.

Colleen attended the 50^th anniversary March in Selma AL in 2015, honoring the historic civil rights movement and reaffirming her dedication to justice and equality. She was a founding member of the Hyacinth Foundation, a support network for people with AIDS. She served on the leadership team of the Amethyst Women and was a volunteer for Mass Equality. Furthermore, she was an active contributor to the Rapidian (hyperlocal news source and citizen journalism platform powered by the people of Grand Rapids MI), lending her insightful and reflective voice to complex conversations.

Colleen was a talented artist, loved doing home projects, and enjoyed playing games. She was a compassionate listener and a gifted storyteller, always ready to share a tale that could elicit laughter or provoke thought.

Colleen is survived by her wife Linda Squires; her sister Elizabeth (Fitzpatrick) Golden; her brother Robert Fitzpatrick (Barbara Fitzpatrick); her niece Christine Golden (Marc Bellinger), nephew Robert Golden (Faith Stearns), and cousin Kathy Schmidt (Richard Schmidt). She also leaves behind her brothers Art Squires (Barb Squires), and Mark Squires (Nancy Squires).

A celebration of Colleen’s life was held at 3 pm on December 8, 2024, at All Souls Community Church of West Michigan, 2727 Michigan Ave., NE, Grand Rapids MI 49506.

In lieu of flowers, donations in the Rev. Colleen Squires’ name may be made to All Souls Community Church of West Michigan. UURMaPA contributed to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry

Notes of condolences may be written here.

Notes of condolence may be written here.

The Rev. Ronald W. Knapp

The Rev. Ronald “Ron” Wayne Knapp died on October 21, 2024, at the age of 90 (1934-2024).

Ron was born on January 27, 1934, in Kenosha WI, to Harvey J. Knapp and Ellen Packman Knapp. He grew up in Kenosha and graduated from Kenosha High School. His family had a deep connection to the Methodist Church. In his youth, Ron was very much influenced by the ministers in his home church and desired to become a minister. He thought of ministry in terms of people rather than the doctrines and practices of the church. In 1957, Ron earned his Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan College, following which he pursued his theological education at Drew University NJ, obtaining a Bachelor of Divinity (1961). Later in 1973, he received a Master of Arts in Liberal Studies from Dartmouth College NH.

Ron served in the Methodist ministry for eleven years, the first eight years as a student, and the last two and a half years in full-time work. Over time, he reached a crisis in his own life and theology. He discovered that he had forced himself to accept the doctrines and practices he could not accept with an open mind. This theological and sacramental estrangement made him study Unitarian Universalist perspectives. He felt that the presuppositions of UUism reflected his own. This was the place where his actual convictions were more acceptable. He decided to become a minister in the UU tradition and continue in the ministry, exercising a ministry of compassion.

From 1965–1968, the Rev. Knapp served the Federated Church, Avon IL. Subsequently, he served both All Souls Unitarian Church in Windsor VT, and the First Universalist Church in Claremont NH. Eventually he guided the merger of these two congregations into the UU Meeting House in Ascutney VT, where he continued his ministry through 1975. In 1976, he accepted a call from the First Unitarian Church, Omaha NE, and served for the next two decades. His tenure in Omaha was marked by significant achievements, including major renovations to the church, several televised Sunday morning services, and the organization of Nebraska Advocates for Nursing Home Residents. Under his leadership, the church achieved a National Landmark designation, recognizing its historic Georgian Revival architecture. The congregation also celebrated the building’s 75th anniversary, a milestone in its rich history. In 1996, the Rev. Knapp retired from his ministry, and in 1997, the church honored him as their minister emeritus. Following retirement, the Rev. Knapp continued his ministry serving congregations in Yuma AZ, and Auckland, New Zealand. His time in New Zealand included four months of dedicated work with the Auckland Unitarian Church.

The Rev. Knapp was an active and dedicated leader of the denomination, serving as president of two UUMA chapters. He was a board member in two UUA districts and served on extension, nomination, and district executive search committees. He conducted workshops on “Science and Religion” and “Literature and Religion” at the Lake Geneva Summer Assembly. Furthermore, he was a Good Office person for the Prairie Star District chapter of the UUMA.

Ron was involved with several organizations and activities with his interests in peace concerns, community action agencies, libraries, regional health care, Planned Parenthood, prison reform, civil rights, and abortion rights. In Omaha, he was the founder of the Nebraska Nursing Home Advisory and Research Council. He was vice-president and program chairman of the United Nations Association chapter in Battle Creek MI. He published four books, including Of Life Immense, the Prophetic Vision of Walt Whitman and Oneness, Thoughts on a Humanistic Theology of Everything.

Ron was a lover of science, nature, and poetry. He regarded the Earth as sacred, and poetry as scripture. He had a special interest in environmental and wildlife protection issues. He enjoyed nature, hiking, outdoor activities, traveling, and woodworking.

Ron is survived by his wife of 71 years Anne Knapp; his brother Dale Knapp; children John Knapp (Jacki), Kyle Knapp (Gail), Ronda Strimple (Hank), Forrest Knapp, Corellen Allendorfer (Phil); brother-in-law Alvin Doerfler (Duffy); sister-in-law Lillian Knapp; nine grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held on November 9, 2024, at the First Unitarian Church of Omaha, 3114 Harney St, Omaha NE 68131. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Unitarian Church of Omaha NE. UURMaPA contributed to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.

The Rev. Margaret A. Keip

The Rev. Margaret A. Keip died on October 16, 2024, at the age of 86 (1938-2024).

Margaret is survived by her husband Fred F. Keip, and her children David Keip, Jeffrey Keip, and Kristen Cunningham.

A memorial service will be held at the Unitarian Universalists of Grant Pass OR in 2025. (Date to be decided.)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalists of Grant Pass, PO Box 1602, Grants Pass OR 97528. UURMaPA will contribute to the UUMA Endowment Fund in honor of our colleague’s ministry.”

Notes of condolence may be sent to Fred Keip, 1700 Kellenbeck Ave., Apt 107, Grants Pass OR 97527.

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.

Monday Worships at Fall 2024 Conference

An important part of our conferences is worship services. This fall, Ned Wight and Anne Marsh will offer an opening worship service tying together lamentation, gratitude, and commitment. Ned and Anne said, “Our Ingathering worship begins with lamentation, for we gather in troubled times and may feel grief, fear, anger, even despair, for ourselves and for our world. But we also know that we are surrounded by love and beauty, hope and joy. We move from lamentation to gratitude, for in so many ways, we are blessed. One of those blessings is being with each other at this conference, and we close with commitment to a world of greater justice and compassion, and also commitment to being present to each other, listening and learning over our time together.” Please join us during the first session on Monday October 21 for this inspiring service.

Another service we offer is one of Remembrance, a reflective time of worship in which we are bathed in the memories of our colleagues who have recently died. It can be terrifying—this unknown part of life called death, but if we cultivate our memories, if we preserve them and return to them often, we will not lose them nor our colleagues.This fall, Charles Stephens will lead us in a service designed to preserve our memories. He said, “It is a privilege for me to lead the service of remembrance for our colleagues who have died since our spring conference. I know you share the deep sense of gratitude that I have for the gifts they gave us and their support of our Unitarian Universalist movement. I am always moved by the meaningful obituary accounts of friends and colleagues who I knew and appreciated. I hope you will join me on Monday October 21 in the evening session and help me remember and be grateful for them.”

These are our colleagues and friends we will honor during the service:

The Rev. Walter S. Jonas

The Rev. Barbara Jean Kulcher

The Rev. Elizabeth “Betsy” Boyd Stevens

Mr. Christopher B. Nelson

The Rev. David O. Rankin

The Rev. Dr. James “Peter” Hughes

The Rev. Dr. Kenneth Torquil MacLean

Mr. David Turner

The Rev. Frances Ann Dew

The Rev. Kent McKusick

The Rev. Robert T. Latham

The Rev. Stanley Robert Stefancic

The Rev. Sylvia Ann Falconer

The Rev. Marjorie Rebmann

The Rev. Dr. Frank W. Carpenter

Ms. Christine Lilly Backus

The Rev. Walter S. LeFlore

The Rev. Robert C. Sallies

Ms. Ann Clark Howe

The Rev. Carl Arthur Hover

The Rev. Patricia V. M. Tummino