Topics of Interest Up for Discussion at Spring 2024 Conference
The spring 2024 conference will feature small break-out sessions in which specified topics of interest will be addressed by the group. The break-out sessions are scheduled for Wednesday, April 17 at 4 pm, Eastern. You can choose which discussion you will join at that time. Learn more about the conference and register by visiting https://uurmapa.org/activities/ Below are the titles of each group and some information about the leader of each session.
1. S O S: Climate Change Seeks Leaders
We have the skills and the conviction of our Seventh Principle to make a difference for life and welfare on our planet. Let’s share what we know and what we hope to accomplish. The leader is Lucy Hitchcock, who retired in a sustainable community in Salem, Oregon. Her spiritual disciplines are planting trees and native plants, organizing and advocating for climate mitigation and justice, and making personal habit changes to benefit Nature.
2. As the partner of a retired minister, how do I fit into congregational life?
The role of a minister’s partner is determined by the partner, of course. Some choose to involved in parish life, others may not. Does this dynamic change in retirement? The leader is Barry Finkelstein, the partner of Rev. Roberta Finkelstein, who retired almost two years ago. Barry has had a charmed life as a minister’s partner throughout Roberta’s more than thirty years in ministry, in various settings. His current roles include playing upright bass and accordion in bands at two churches, serving as a volunteer greeter, and working very part time as a stewardship consultant.
3. Good Grief
An open forum to share grief stories and support one another in bereavement. Grief is a life-long presence and represents the love we have for our partner who has died. The leader is Duane Fickeisen, who grieves the loss of his spouse 3½ years ago. He facilitates a monthly virtual support group for UURMaPA members who are grieving the loss of a spouse and has offered a class in grief and the holidays at First Unitarian Church (Portland, OR) where he is a member. His recent sermon on grief is here: https://dfickeisen.wordpress.com/2024/02/12/good-grief-embracing-grief-and-the-trouble-with-not-doing-so/
4. Challenges of Caregiving
Are you a caregiver for a partner, extended family member, friend? Join us for a conversation about caregiver challenges, concerns, ideas, and resources. Learn about our monthly UURMaPA Caregivers Group. The leader is Makanah Morriss, who retired in 2006 and enjoys the country life near Lynchburg, VA with horses, dogs, cats and partner, Bob. She is a member of the UU Congregation of Lynchburg. Makanah and Sylvia Howe began the UURMaPA Caregivers Group in 2019.
5. Writing as Spiritual Practice…and self care.
The leader is Judy Campbell, a semi-retired community minister, author, and crazy cat lady, living, literally, on the coast of southeastern Massachusetts. Still (gratefully) writing poems and mysteries, and leading writing workshops and retreats. And coordinating an in-person UURMaPA retreat pod in Kingston, Massachusetts.
6. Housing Alternatives for Seniors: Cohousing
The leader is Jaco ten Hove, who, with his spouse Barbara, has enjoyed living in Bellingham WA Cohousing (begun in 2000) since retiring seven years ago. With 35 households and lots of “noble chores,” it has been a boon through the pandemic and beyond. That and other modes of non-silo living are worth considering, as we shall endeavor to do in this conversation.
7. Issues of Aging for LGBTQ+ people
The leader is Brendan Hadash, who has been retired since 2013 and helps with various committees at St. Johnsbury, Vermont where he is minister emeritus. He has been with his spouse Alan for more than 40 years.
8. As a retired minister, how do I still contribute to Unitarian Universalism?
The leader is Roberta Finkelstein, who retired almost two years ago, and after some fits and starts, has found happiness sitting in the pews in Arlington, VA, where she volunteers at the Sunday Welcome Table and helps with the food pantry.
9. The Soul of Aging
Come experience a sample of the curriculum “The Soul of Aging,” in which we will creatively approach the art of aging intentionally and the many soulful invitations our maturing years offer us—to understand, surrender to, and be transformed by the aging process.
The leaders are the Rev. Shay MacKay and the Rev. Diana McLean, a Unitarian Universalist clergy couple based in Minneapolis. Their entrepreneurial ministry, Sacred Depths LLC, exists to help individuals deepened their connection to the sacred through creativity and contemplation. You can find them at www.sacreddepths.com.
10. Informal Socializing
If none of the above scintillating topics push your buttons, you can join Barbro’s Meet ‘n’ Greet. This is a chance to chat and hang out with your colleagues and perhaps make a new acquaintance. Hosted by Barbro Hansson, the convenor of the conference planning team.