UUMA News the Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers’ Association

UUMA News The Newsletter of the Unitarian Universalist Ministers’ Association

March 2004 — February 2005

From the President

Inside this Issue: W e have so much to provide for each other. Professional Days 2005 2 UUMA members of every sort – community, parish, MRE, retired, candidate, settled, interim, part-time, and in all manner of From the Editor 3 combinations – have much to give and receive in support, advice, Administrator Column 3 encouragement, common effort, and camaraderie. And We Remember . . . 4 So our chapter gatherings (and clusters too) are generally more than just dutiful, but helpful, restorative, and often fun. C.E.N.T.E.R. Fold 10 At least, that’s how it has seemed to me, visiting six chapters in the last few years to co- lead preaching workshops, and five more last church year as a representative of the News from the Dept. of 12 UUMA Exec. Ministry & Professional Leadership Speaking to one chapter last winter, thanking them for the chance to be with them, I blurted out that “I like UU ministers. I do. I like the people who are drawn to our Events of Interest 13 profession. And I like the conversation that goes on when UU ministers get together.” Community Ministry News 14 I hope you feel that way, too. I hope your memories of past UUMA gatherings are positive and that you await future meetings with at least some fond anticipation. Continuing Education at 15 Members of the UUMA Exec look forward to visiting as many chapters as possible, Starr King School hoping to hear any issues on your mind. District Staff Openings 15 In addition, each year at GA the Exec meets with colleagues who represent a variety of concerns and interests. This year our schedule included Bill Sinkford, Ralph Mero, Personals 16 ministerial candidates, and representatives from the Transition Committee for Wholeness UUMA Publications 18 and Justice; the UUMA Committee on Ministry for Anti-Racism, Anti-Oppression, and Multiculturalism; the UUMA Nominating Committee; the UUMA Community Ministry Focus Group; the UUA Commission on Compensation, Benefits and Pension; the MFC; and Part-Time Ministers. We bid good-bye with thanks and admiration to members leaving the Exec: President Kendyl Gibbons, Vice-President Bobbie Nelson, Patricia Jimenez (who has had the portfolio for anti-racism, anti-oppression, and multiculturalism), and continental Good Offices person Ruppert Lovely. And we welcomed our new members, Vice-President Mary Katherine Morn, continental Good Offices person Susan Manker-Seale, and Clyde Grubbs (anti-racism, anti-oppression, and multiculturalism). I appreciate the trust and responsibility that you have placed in us on the Exec in the years ahead. If there are times when you think we could serve or represent you better, I hope you’ll let one of us know. As president, I am both grateful to Kendyl for her help and accomplishments, and full of hope that the UUMA will continue to make it possible for us in the UU ministry to provide for each other. All best wishes, Ken Sawyer UUMA President [email protected]

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Winter 2005 UUMA News

UUMA/LREDA Professional Days Are you ready for Fort Worth, Texas Professional Days 2005? June 21—23, 2005 Registration opens March 1, 2005 Register by May 21 to take advantage of special Early Registration Rates. Visit www.uuma.org for registration forms or to access online registration.

Don’t miss the opportunity for wonderful collegial gatherings, worship, annual meetings, inspiring speakers, and workshops. Workshops topics to include (not all are listed): Hospitality Important 2005 Dates to Remember Mentoring Matters Conversations on Ministerial Internships • May 21 Deadline for Early Registration RE Credentialing • May 21 Deadline for Education Grant Ministers Entering Search • June 10 Pre-Registration Closes Building Healthy Congregations ------Sewing Your Parachute • June 21 On-site Registration & Check-In Urban Social Justice Fort Worth Convention Center Creative Staffing • June 24 UUMA Student Breakfast Ministry to families

For a complete program guide visit www.uuma.org or call the UUMA office at 617-848-0498.

An Encore Presentation at Professional Days —

At one time they were "used cars," now they are "pre-owned!" At one time they were "re-runs" now they are "encore presentations."

At the Birmingham Convocation we enjoyed "An Evening of Performing Arts" featuring...us. Let's have an Encore Presentation at Professional Days!

On Wednesday evening of Professional Days we will enjoy a dessert buffet, plus performing arts performed by UU Professionals.

If you would like to participate--sing, dance, play an instrument, tell a story (no sermons!)-- please email Jim Grant who is serving as sub-committee to plan our entertainment for Wednes- day evening of Professional Days.

Your colleagues look forward to encouraging you with rounds of applause, so don't be square, let us hear from you! Please send a brief description of your performance to Jim Grant at [email protected]

Contact: Rev. James E. Grant, Pacific Unitarian Church 5621 Montemalaga Drive Rancho Palos Verdes, CA 90275 Office: 310-378-9449 Home Office: 619-275-3474, Cell: 619-787-0371.

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UUMA News Winter 2005

From the Editor . . . Dear colleagues: Take a deep breath. This is an experiment. The very first online edition of the UUMA Newsletter. Sure, some back issues are posted on this website, but this is the first to be "delivered" to you this way, on a secure site that requires a password. Anything posted on our general website is open to the public, and we have been putting in more and more colleagues' contact information -- some of which may need to be removed before this current edition becomes a publicly available back issue. There may of course be technical glitches ... please let us know (nicely is always preferable) and we will work them out. There may be hesitation -- folks' degree of comfort with e-communication varies. If you find that getting UUMA news this way simply isn't to your comfort, you can still receive a printed copy. Some of you are reading this because you paid attention to the letter I sent a few weeks back announcing that the newsletter was coming online, and saved the piece of paper with the username and password. Some of you are reading it because you looked at the email I sent announcing that the newsletter was "up" and providing an index. Some of you have wandered in after somebody else told you -- "oh yeah, the newsletter, it's on line now." However you arrived, welcome. This was a long time coming, and the delay is my responsibility. Some of you are delighted to see this -- you've been telling me not only that web publishing is the wave of the future, but that folks prefer this means of getting news over paper copies. And some of you are not so sure -- you've been telling me that folks really prefer a copy they can hold in their hands and read. And there's no way to tell how many any of you speak for, beyond your own preference, until we try it. Because of the diversity of opinion, and because not everyone has access (or at least easy access) to the web, an updated paper copy of this issue will be sent out to all members (except those who tell us not to bother, because the website copy will be updated at the same time), around the middle to end of March. March 15 is the deadline if you want to alter or add an article. For now it's an opt-out choice; you'll get the paper copy too, UNLESS you tell us not to send it. We're making that as easy as possible: if you DON'T want the paper copy in a few weeks (in other words, if you DO want just to read it online) then click the link on this site that says "Skip the Paper Copy." Or send an email to the administrator Janette Lallier, ([email protected]) or myself ([email protected]) that carries the same simple message "Skip the Paper Copy." Be sure to include your name, especially if your email address is [email protected]. Your UUMA will save printing costs, postage, labor and trees. How well (or not) you take to this means of communication will help determine how we do things in the future. Give it a fair shot. Let me know what you think. While you're at it, please let me know also if the content of what we communicate is what you need. There'll be a Collegial Conversation scheduled on "Communication" at Professional Days at Fort Worth; meanwhile, you know how to get hold of me.

- Roger Brewin, Publications and Online Communication Email: [email protected] Phone: (773) 881-4028

Administrator’s Column

What an exciting year it has been! I have really enjoyed my first year here in the office - what a great learning curve and how much fun it has been. I am so grateful to be in a position where I can use my talents as an administrator and be able to pursue my dream of being an opera star. Things have been running smoothly! Renewal letters went out to all members in late October. With the stream-lining of the office credit card system we were able to offer an online membership renewal process. Over 100 of you took advantage of renewing your membership on the web. This change has also allowed us to begin selling our publications online. Is your library complete? In other improvements on the web – I learned how to create both locked web pages and drop down menus. The most recent re- design is intended to make the site a bit more friendly and information easier to find. I have color coded the site—the public area is blue, the Members Only is green, and the Executive Committee Pages are purple. If you need a password to access please con-

(Continued on page 18)

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Winter 2005 UUMA News And We Remember...

ADAMS JELLIS AGNEW KNAPP The Reverend John C. Agnew died of complications from ANASTOS NAYLOR Alzheimer’s disease on Saturday, July 10, 2004. He was 84 BOSVELD OSBORN years of age. CAVILEER PONTIER Rev. Agnew was born April 29, 1920 in Plattsburgh, New York. COPE RAIBLE He graduated from Plattsburgh High School, received a ISOM WESTMAN bachelor’s degree from St. Lawrence University, and a GORDON WESTWOOD bachelor’s degree in sacred theology from Harvard University. In 1954 he received Preliminary Fellowship and, in 1955, was The Reverend Eugene H. Adams died Wednesday, August 11, ordained by the Channing Memorial Church, Newport, Rhode 2004 of cancer. He was 87 years of age. Island. Rev. Adams was born June 7, 1917 in Boston, Massachusetts. He served congregations in Auburn, Maine; Newport, Rhode In 1942 he received an A.B. from Tufts University, and an Island; and Brookfield, Mendon, and Rockland, Massachusetts. A.T.B. from Crane Theological School in 1945. He also After retiring in 1995, he was named Minister Emeritus by the attended Simmons School of Social Work and Columbia Brookfield Unitarian Universalist Church where he served from University. He received Preliminary Fellowship in 1945 and 1977 to 1995. was ordained April 24, 1944 by the Universalist Church of America and the Massachusetts Universalist Convention at the Rev. Agnew served in the United States Army during World Universalist Church, Cambridge, Massachusetts. War II. He attained the ranks of Sergeant and Chief Clerk of the Judge Advocate General’s Office at the Central Pacific Base Rev. Adams served congregations in East Boston, Medford, Command in Honolulu. Orange, and Worcester, Massachusetts; Binghamton and Jamestown, New York. He served as Chaplain and Secretary at After completing his military service in 1945, he worked as a the YMCA in New York City. The Unitarian Universalist staff reporter for several publications, including the Burlington Church of Medford named him Minister Emeritus upon his Free Press in Vermont, The Plattsburgh Press-Republican and retirement in June 1987. the Watertown Daily Times, both in New York, The Providence Journal, and The Patriot Ledger in Quincy, Massachusetts. In He was a member of The Fraters of the Wayside Inn. A 1966 he joined the Worcester (Massachusetts) Telegram & membership organization founded in 1903, the Fraters is a group Gazette as a religion writer and suburban staff reporter and of Unitarian Universalist ministers’ who meet annually for a worked there until 1985. retreat at the Wayside Inn in Sudbury, Massachusetts. In the late 1950’s he was elected to the Rhode Island General In 1965, while serving at the First Universalist Church in Assembly House of Representatives, serving two terms. Worcester, he joined with local clergy to follow Dr. Martin Luther King in the march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. His wife Rosemary; two daughters Judy Turgeon and Jill He remained active in the civil rights movement as a member of McIntosh, both of Lewiston, Maine; two stepsons, Michael the Medford, Massachusetts branch of the National Association Clarke of Los Angeles and Thomas Clarke of Holden, for the Advancement of Colored People, the Greater Boston Massachusetts; and three grandchildren survive Mr. Agnew. Civil Rights Coalition and the Medford Human Rights Messages of remembrance may be sent to Mrs. Agnew at Commission. He also served as head of Medford’s Fair Housing 20 Claudette Drive Commission. In a show support for migrant farm workers, he Apartment 5 wore denim in the pulpit for three years. Milford, MA 01757 As a teenager, Mr. Adams boxed professionally under the name A memorial service was planned for late summer or early fall. of “Red Adams.” His boxing career ended in 1938 by way of a knockout at the old Boston Garden. The Reverend Elizabeth Anastos died on October 14, 2004 Surviving Mr. Adams is his wife, M. Caroline (Brown) Adams, after suffering a massive stroke. She was surrounded by her and four sons: Richard of Prince Frederick, Maryland; John of family and a number of close friends and colleagues. She was Nobleboro, Maine; Peter of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and 77 years of age. Thomas of Livermore, Maine. Messages of remembrance may be sent to Mrs. Adams at: Rev. Anastos was born November 15, 1926 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She was certified in 1967 as a Director of 72 Myrtle Street Religious Education and received an H.L.D. from Meadville Medford, MA 02155-4120 Lombard in 1990. A memorial service was held on Saturday, August 28, 2004, in A prominent Minister of Religious Education, she was the UUA the Unitarian Universalist Church of Medford, 147 High Street, Education Consultant from 1980 to 1982 and the UUA Co- Medford, Massachusetts 02155. The Reverend Henry Peirce Coordinator of Curriculum Development from 1982 to 1992. officiated. (Continued on page 5)

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UUMA News Winter 2005

(We Remember… Continued from page 4) served the poor as a housing paralegal the Legal Aid Society of She also served in the Department of Ministry as Interim Columbus. Settlement Director in 1997. She also served as Director of Surviving Rev. Bosveld are his wife Jennifer and stepsons Religious Education in Haverhill, MA 1960-1962; Weston, David J. DeRhodes and Christopher D. Groce. Also surviving MA 1962-1969; and later as MRE at Cedar Lane Unitarian are his father Louis Bosveld; brother Roger of Minneapolis, Church, Bethesda, MD from 1969-1980. Minnesota; brother John of Dubuque, Iowa; six grandchildren, She served as President of LREDA (The Liberal Religious and several nieces and nephews. Messages of remembrance Educators Association) 1971-1973 and was one of the leaders may be sent to Mrs. Bosveld at: of the movement to create the Ministry of Religious Mrs. Jennifer Bosveld Education. Broadly active in Unitarian Universalist religious 81 Shadymere Lane education, Anastos took leadership roles at numerous religious Columbus, OH 43213 education summer conferences at Star Island, Ferry Beach, etc., and was highly regarded and loved. She retired to Cambridge A memorial service was held April 3, 2004, 10:00 a.m., at the upon her retirement. First Unitarian Universalist Church, Columbus, Ohio 43214. Elizabeth is survived by her children Peter Philip Anastos and Mr. Steve Abbott directed the service. his wife Lori in Yarmouth, ME; Kathryn Anastos and her husband John Wallen of Yonkers, NY; Ellen Anastos of Portland, ME; and George Anastos and his wife Andrea of The Reverend Jesse Raymond Cavileer died Friday, June 4, Greenfield, MA. She is also survived by six grandchildren. 2004. He was 87 years of age. Elizabeth's daughter, Beth, predeceased her in 1984. Rev. Cavileer was born December 7, 1916 in Forestville, Messages of remembrance may be sent to the family in care of Maryland. He received an A.B. from Syracuse University and a Rev. Andrea L. Anastos who will see that they are put into a B.D. from Union Theological Seminary. book form for the family. For those who are unable to attend the service, you are invited to send memories in written form to Rev. Cavileer received Preliminary Fellowship on April 3, 1952 Andrea, and these will also be included in the book. Andrea's and was ordained April 20, 1952 by the Unitarian Society of address is: Cleveland, Cleveland, Ohio. He served congregations in Cleveland, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; 62A Laurel Street Missoula, Montana; and the Unitarian Church in Glasgow, Greenfield, MA 01301 Scotland. Upon his retirement in 1985, the Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where he A memorial service was held October 21, 2004 at the First served from 1985 to 1989 named him Minister Emeritus. Parish in Cambridge (UU), 3 Church Street, Cambridge, MA. The Rev. Dr. Thomas Mikelson led the service. Active in community affairs, he chaired the Civil Liberties Clearing House in Cleveland and was on the Board of the American Civil Liberties Union in Pittsburgh. He was also active in local anti-poverty programs and neighborhood The Reverend James L. Bosveld died Thursday, March 18, alliances. 2004, following a recurrence of cancer. He was 56 years of age. Rev. Cavileer leaves no known survivors. Messages of remembrance may be sent in care of: Rev. Bosveld was born March 28, 1947 in Red Oak, Iowa. He received an Associate of Arts (Liberal Arts) from North Iowa Ms. Linda Deafenbaugh Area Community College, an Associate of Arts (Paralegal Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church Studies) from Kirkwood Community College, a Bachelor of Unitarian House Arts from the University of Iowa and a Masters of Divinity 1110 Resaca Place, Pittsburgh, PA 15212-4517 from the Methodist Theological School in Ohio. He received Preliminary Fellowship on May 15, 2003 and was ordained by Messages may also be sent to Ms. Deafenbaugh’s email All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Bellville, Ohio. address: [email protected] Rev. Bosveld served as Chaplain at the Mount Carmel Medical A memorial service was held on Saturday, July 10, 2004 at the Center from 1999-2001 and at the Twin Valley Behavioral Allegheny Unitarian Universalist Church, 416 W. North Health Care, both in Columbus, Ohio from 2001-2002. He was Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA a Congregational Representative for the Central Ohio Cluster of Unitarian Universalist Congregations. Additionally he was involved with special events/exhibits management for the The Reverend Robert L. Cope died Wednesday, September 1, Unitarian Universalist Poets Cooperative, serving the Unitarian 2004, at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Center. He was 81 years of age. Universalist Association General Assembly and the Poets Born in Manhattan, New York on October 3, 1922, the son of Cooperative home office. He was also Chief Financial Officer LeRoy B. and Mabel L. Cope, he was raised in Teaneck, New and Co-proprietor of Pudding House Writers Innovation Center. Jersey. He received a B.A. from St. Lawrence University and a Rev. Bosveld was a life-long labor union activist in Iowa City, Iowa and Columbus, Ohio. Prior to becoming a minister, he (Continued on page 6)

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Winter 2005 UUMA News

(We Remember . . . Continued from page 5) B.D. from St. Lawrence Theological School. He also did graduate studies at both Union Theological School and The Reverend Clifton B. Gordon died on Wednesday, Columbia University. He was ordained June 22, 1946 at St. September 22, 2004. He died peacefully in his sleep, having Lawrence University. dealt with the aftereffects of a devastating stroke for many years. He was 91 years of age. Rev. Cope served congregations in Princeton, New Jersey; Henderson, New York City, and Buffalo, New York; and. He Rev. Gordon was born November 15, 1913, in Lowell, served as a Professor of Religious Education at the St. Massachusetts, the son of John H. and Elizabeth K. Gordon. Lawrence University School from 1957-1960. He received a B.A. from Eastern Nazarene College and a S.T.B. from Harvard Divinity School. He also studied at Boston Upon retiring from the ministry, he worked as a vice president University School of Education, Sacramento State College, and of sales for a multi-media production company In New York San Francisco State College. He received Preliminary City. Fellowship in 1949 and was ordained June 29, 1949 by the First He is survived by his wife, Patricia Bateman Cope of Quechee, Church of Sterling, Massachusetts. Vermont; son Christopher R. of Hartford, Connecticut; and He served congregations in Sterling, Massachusetts; Wilton daughter and son-in-law Catherine and Christopher Cavalier of Center and Milford, New Hampshire; and Modesto, Yuba City Boston, Massachusetts. Messages of remembrance may be sent and Bakersfield, California. Upon his retirement in 1988, the to Mrs. Cope at: Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Kern County of One the Village Green Bakersfield, California named him Minister Emeritus. P. O. Box 1077 Rev. Gordon was a high school teacher and guidance counselor Quechee, VT 05059-1077 in the Milford, New Hampshire public schools. He also taught Psychology at Sacramento State College for several years. Mr. At Rev. Cope’s request, there will be a private family service. Gordon served in the United States Army during World War II, Burial will be at the Hilltop Cemetery in Quechee. in the Army Medical Department, and was later transferred to the Transportation Corps. He served in the Pacific Theatre in New Guinea, Philippines, and Japan. The Reverend John Branch Isom died Friday April 23, 2004 His wife Helen Gordon and three stepchildren, Bruce Winn, following complications from surgery for a broken hip. He was Brent Winn, and Holly Winn Wilner survive Mr. Gordon. 94 years of age. Messages of remembrance may be sent to Mrs. Gordon at: Rev. Isom was born on December 9, 1909 in Crossville, Alabama. He received an AB from Howard College and a 3775 Modoc Road, LPC 135 Santa Barbara, CA 93105 Master of Theology from the Southern Baptist Theological

Seminary. A private service was held on October 9, 2004 in Santa The Ruhama Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama ordained Barbara. A memorial service was held in Bakersfield at a later Mr. Isom in 1935. He transferred his credentials to the date. American Unitarian Association and received Preliminary Fellowship January 1953 and Final Fellowship in 1955. He served congregations in Louisville, Kentucky; Wichita, The Reverend Arthur B. Jellis died Friday morning, May 28, Kansas; and Des Moines, Iowa. Following his retirement in 2004 of a cerebral aneurysm. He would have celebrated his 1975, the First Unitarian Church of Des Moines named him 81st birthday on June 30th. Minister Emeritus. He served as an Army Chaplain during Rev. Jellis was born June 30, 1923 in Lexington, World War II. Massachusetts. He received a Certificate in Accounting from Rev. Isom was active in the civil rights movement and was a Boston University, a B.A. and M.A. from Tufts University and strong supporter of labor unions throughout his life. from Crane Theological School (Tufts) a S.T.M. Surviving Mr. Isom is his wife of 64 years, Elien Newsome He served congregations in Northborough, Concord, and Isom. Also surviving are his daughter Rose E. and her husband Grafton, Massachusetts; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Rockville Murphy Bowser; daughter Mary Elizabeth Isom and her and Lutherville, Maryland; Houston, Texas; and Ottawa, husband, Wayne B. Koral; two granddaughters; and his sister Ontario, Canada. Annabelle Garrison. Messages of remembrance may be sent to During World War II he enlisted in the United States Navy, Mrs. Isom at: specializing in aviation. Having no desire to fly fighter planes, 1532 N. Coral Bells Drive he became a blimp pilot, flying reconnaissance over the South Tucson, AZ 85745-5216 American coast. After the war, he enrolled in college, planning to study accounting. However, he discovered Unitarianism, A memorial service was held September 11, 2004 in the First changed his plans, and became a minister. Unitarian Church of Des Moines, IA, 1800 Bell Avenue, Des In 1957 he was called to serve as minister at the First Parish in Moines, Iowa. The Reverend Mark Stringer officiated. Concord, Massachusetts. While there he became active in the

(Continued on page 7)

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UUMA News Winter 2005

(We Remember… Continued from page 6) Surviving Mr. Knapp is his wife Ruth Gregory Knapp, four peace and civil rights movements. In the early 1960’s he joined children: Gregory; Steven; Jane Walling; and Scott. Messages the Committee for a Sane Nuclear Policy, was a founder of the of remembrance may be sent to Mrs. Knapp at: organization for the Boston area, and became a leading local 1605 Glen Echo Road advocate against nuclear arms. Nashville, TN 37215-2907 Rev. Jellis was an avid vegetable gardener, enjoyed woodworking and spent his leisure time building and restoring A memorial service was held April 10, 2004 at the Greater wooden boats. Nashville Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 374 Hicks Survivors include five children: Julie Anne Medjanis and her Road, Nashville, Tennessee. The Rev. Dr. Dan Rosemergy husband Gunars of Harvard, Jennifer J. Burke of Ayer, officiated. Cassandra J. Werthman and her husband Dean of Jackson, Tennessee, Joshua C. Jellis and his friend Janet Curra of Freeport, Maine, and Susan J. Veligor and her husband Vincent The Reverend Norman V. Naylor died November 18, 2004. of Portland, Maine; four stepchildren: Stephen Bayne and his He was 68 years of age. wife Sharon of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Linda Bayne of Rev. Naylor was born in Plainfield, NJ, on January 17, 1936. Sutton Mills, New Hampshire, Christopher Bayne and his wife He received a BS from Trenton State College in 1958 and a Linda of Quakertown, Pennsylvania, and Andrew Bayne of Masters from St. Lawrence Theological School in 1962. He Chesapeake, Virginia; eight grandchildren; two step- received fellowship in 1962 and was ordained in October 1962 grandchildren; one brother, Leonard Jellis of Peabody; and one by the First Unitarian Congregational Society in Brooklyn, New sister, Christiana E. (Betty) Kirkland of Concord. Messages of York. remembrance may be sent to the family in care of: He served congregations in Brooklyn, New York; Winnipeg, Ms. Julie Anne Medjanis Manitoba; Oak Park, Illinois; Brockton, Massachusetts; 102 Old Mill Road Pasadena, California; East Lansing, Michigan and Troy, Harvard, MA 01451 Michigan. He served as Secretary-Treasurer and later President for the Pacific Southwest District Chapter of the UUMA of and A service was held June 4, 2004, at the First Congregational was a Board Member for the Pacific Southwest District. Unitarian Church, On the Common, Harvard, Massachusetts. Rev. Naylor was the founder of the Malibu Study Group for UU ministers and the author of a booklet about the UU Principles. He was a member of a support group for people with The Reverend Calvin Raymond Knapp died Saturday, March HIV and AIDS, and was a hot-line counselor for the Religious 13, 2004. He was 78 years of age. Coalition for Abortion Rights. He was also an organist and a Calvin Raymond Knapp was born October 28, 1925 in East St. singer with various musical groups throughout his life. Louis, Illinois. He received a Bachelor of Arts from DePauw Surviving is his wife, Mary Beth Grim of Southfield, Michigan. University and a Bachelor of Divinity from Garrett Theological Seminary. Originally ordained as a Methodist minister, he Ms. Grim’s address is: transferred his credentials and received Fellowship in April 24560 Martha Washington Drive 1973. The Unitarian Church of Quincy, Illinois ordained him Southfield, MI 48075-2535 November 7, 1971. A memorial service was held on Saturday, November 20, 2004 Rev. Knapp served congregations in Alton, Hutsonville and at the Emerson Church Unitarian Universalist, 4230 Livernois Quincy, Illinois; Danville, Evansville and Terre Haute Indiana. Road, Troy MI. A simple reception followed the service. The Unitarian Universalist Church of Evansville, Indiana named him Emeritus Minister on May 22, 1994. The First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Terre Haute, Indiana The Reverend Dr. David Paine Osborn died Wednesday, named him Emeritus Minister November 15, 1998. On June 1, August 4, 2004 of complications from heart surgery. He was 1999, the Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Hendricks County, Danville, Indiana also named him Emeritus 79 years of age. Minister. Dr. Osborn was born January 20, 1925 in South Weymouth, Massachusetts. He received an AB from Boston University, a After his retirement and subsequent move to Nashville, he BD and a DD from Meadville Lombard Theological School. became the enabler of Credo, the humanist study group; and He was a Merrill Fellow at Harvard University in 1968. He was the initiator-leader of a series of four Jesus Seminar Study was ordained November 11, 1951 by the First Unitarian Church Groups. of Brooklyn, New York. Prior to entering the ministry he was a partner in the family Dr. Osborn served the North Shore Unitarian Universalist livestock and farming businesses. He served in the United Society, now known as the Unitarian Universalist Congregation States Navy Hospital Corps as a surgical technician from 1944- at Shelter Rock, Manhasset, New York from 1976-1990. Upon 1946. his retirement that congregation named him Minister Emeritus. (Continued on page 8)

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Winter 2005 UUMA News

(We Remember . . . Continued from page 7) 12 Grant Avenue He also served congregations in Brooklyn, New York; Lambertville, NJ 08530 Marblehead, Massachusetts; Adelphi, Maryland; Paramus, New Jersey; and in Lewisham and Hackney in England. A memorial service was held April 17, 2004 in the Lakeland Throughout his ministry he was dedicated to a wide range of Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 231 Parish Drive, Wayne, New Jersey. social justice issues, as well as to the arts and education. He was active with the Greater Washington Area Unitarian Universalist Congregations and served as its President. It was The Reverend Doctor Peter Spilman Raible died Monday, through this organization that he became deeply involved in May 17, 2004, of congestive heart failure in a hospice in addressing institutional racism, fair housing concerns, the Seattle, WA. He was 74 years of age. women’s movement, and supporting the emerging gay and lesbian community. Dr. Raible was born November 22, 1929, in Peterborough, NH. His father, Robert Jules Raible, was a Unitarian minister active As a young man he played the trombone in dance bands, in the denomination for 40 years, including 22 years at the First marching bands and chamber music groups. After graduating Unitarian Church of Dallas, TX. from the School of Arts and Science at Boston University he taught Spanish, World History and Theater at the Fountain The Rev. Peter Raible received a Ph.D. from the University of Valley School in Colorado. Shortly after leaving Fountain Chicago, a B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley, Valley School, he entered Meadville Lombard Theological and an M.Div and ST.D. from Starr King School for the School and with both a musicians’ card and a bartender’s Ministry. He received Preliminary Fellowship in 1953, was license, he supplemented his income while at theological ordained by the Unitarian Church of Providence, RI, in 1954, school. He would later serve as President of Meadville and received Final Fellowship in 1956. Lombard’s Board of Trustees. During his 50 years in the ministry, he served congregations in He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Janet Hooper Osborn. Providence, RI; Lincoln, NE; Seattle, WA; Tacoma, WA; Messages of remembrance may be sent to her at: Tulsa, OK; Kirkwood, MO; and Bainbridge, WA. Following his 36 years as minister there, the congregation of the 10220 Carraro Place, NW University Unitarian Church in Seattle, WA, named him Albuquerque, NM 87114-4505 Minister Emeritus in 1997.

There will be no funeral or memorial service. He both preached and worked for social justice throughout his life, traveling to Selma, AL, to join civil-rights marchers in 1965, speaking out against the Vietnam War, and leading the Reverend Raymond J. Pontier who died Monday, January 12, church to defy the U.S. government by offering sanctuary to people fleeing civil war in Central America in the 1980s. He 2004. He was 89 years of age. also spoke out for gay rights and helped found the Interfaith Rev. Pontier was born December 6, 1914 in Clifton, New Council of Washington. Jersey. He received a Bachelor of Arts from Rutgers University and a Master of Divinity from New Brunswick Theological He was Executive Director for the Pacific Northwest District Seminary. Originally ordained by the Reformed Church in from 1962 to 1964, and served as Interim Director of America in May 1941, the Ministerial Fellowship Committee Settlement at the UUA in Boston in 1997-98. granted him Fellowship in 1980. He served the Lakeland In 1985 he wrote The Manual for Ordination and Installation Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Wayne, New Jersey from Services in Unitarian Universalist Churches, a guide still used 1979 to 1989. Upon his retirement in 1989 the congregation by UU congregations today. named him Emeritus Minister. He also served the Upper Dr. Raible is survived by his brother, the Reverend Christopher Delaware Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Milanville, Raible of Creemore, Ontario; by his children, the Reverend Pennsylvania as a Consulting Minister from 1987 to 1996. Deborah Raible and husband Kevin Clark, of Seattle; Stephen He served the cause of peace and justice throughout his life. He Raible and wife Susan Brand of Stanwood, WA; Robin Raible was a lifelong member of the American Civil Liberties Union of Seattle; and Robert Raible and wife Palmer Raible of and served on the board of the New Jersey ACLU. Danville, CA; and by his eight grandchildren. In addition to being the author of two books, On the Cutting Messages of remembrance may be sent to: Edge in 1978 and Rescuing Jesus from His Friend in 1999, he

wrote a monthly column for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Paterson newspaper The Beacon for many years. The Rev. Deborah Raible 1704 36th Ave. Surviving Rev. Pontier is his wife, Barbara Van Buskirk Seattle, WA 98122-3419 Pontier; three children, Sharon Pontier of Newton, New Jersey; [email protected] Glenn Pontier and wife Elizabeth Bucar of Jefferson, New York; and Gregory Pontier and wife Deborah Mercer of Lambertville, New Jersey; his sister Marguerite Pontier Gilbert of Chatham, New Jersey; and seven grandchildren. Messages of remembrance may be sent to Mrs. Pontier at: (Continued on page 9)

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UUMA News Winter 2005

(We Remember… Continued from page 8) and Social Sciences. th A memorial service was held Sunday, June 6 at the University He was ordained in 1938 by the First Congregational Church Unitarian Church, 6556 35th Ave., Seattle, WA 98115. The (Unitarian), West Bridgewater, Massachusetts where he served Reverend Jon M. Luopa officiated. from 1936-1938. He also served congregations in Somerville. Fairhaven and Brewster, Massachusetts; Houston, Texas; Woodstock and Hartland Four Corners, Vermont; Summit, New Jersey; St. Paul, Minnesota; Victoria, British Columbia; The Reverend Dr. Carl J. Westman died October 14, 2004 of Annapolis, Maryland; and Schenectady, New York. In 1950 he congestive heart failure. He was 93 years of age. was called to the First Unitarian Church in Houston, Texas Dr. Westman was born in Boston, Massachusetts, October 4, where he served for 22 years. In 1972 that congregation named 1911. He received a BA from St. Lawrence University in 1950 him Minister Emeritus. and a Masters from St. Lawrence Theological School in 1951. Dr. Westwood was a Chaplain with the United States Marine In 1965 St. Lawrence Theological School awarded him an Corps, holding the rank of Lieutenant Commander. Most of his honorary Doctor of Divinity degree. He received fellowship in service, from 1942 to 1945, was spent in the South Pacific. 1951 and was ordained in June 1951 in the Independent Christian Church (Universalist) in Gloucester, Massachusetts Active in the denomination, he served the Association in many by the Massachusetts Universalist Convention. capacities, such as the Board of Trustees, the Ministerial Fellowship Committee, and the New Hampshire-Vermont He served congregations in Gloucester, Massachusetts; District. Bridgeport, Connecticut; Rochester, New York; Plainfield, New Jersey; Lakeland, Naples and Port Charlotte, Florida. The Survivors include a brother, the Reverend Arnold F. Westwood Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Lakeland named him of Cummington, Massachusetts; a daughter-in-law, Teresa Minister Emeritus in 1988. He served as District Executive for Westwood-Smith of Atlanta, Georgia; five grandchildren and the Metropolitan New York District of the Unitarian six great-grandchildren. His wife of 66 years, Virginia Wallis Universalist Association from 1968 to 1976 and was also a Boyd Westwood, predeceased him in 2002. He was the father Settlement Representative for the Florida District. Extension of the late Joan W. Andersen and Wallis F. Westwood. work for the Universalist Church of Ohio and responsible for Messages of remembrance may be sent to: education, First Universalist Church, "11/1956-12/1960 The Rev. Arnold F. Westwood Akron, Ohio" 104 Windsor Bush Road Dr. Westman was known for his activism. He spoke out Cummington, MA 01026-9621 forcefully in protection of the first amendment freedoms during A memorial service was held on October 17, 2004, at the First the McCarthy era. He was also active in the civil rights th movement. Unitarian Church of New Bedford, 71 8 Street, New Bedford, Massachusetts. The Reverend David A. Johnson officiated. Surviving Dr. Westman are his children, Marjorie A. Yasueda of San Francisco, California; John W. Westman of Atlantic Beach, Florida; and William W. Westman of Brazilia, Brazil, and son-in-law, Ronalds Newton, of Hubbard Oregon. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. A daughter, Janet Newton predeceased him in 2003. Messages of remembrance may be sent to the family in care of: UUMA Newsletter

Mr. John W. Westman Submission Guidelines Please read the guidelines carefully. Material should be 2213 Alicia Lane submitted by e-mail, if possible, to publica- Atlantic Beach, FL 32233 [email protected]. Send the material as an attached file.

If you do not have e-mail, you may submit material on a A memorial service was held November 23, 2004 at the 3.5" disk, readable by IBM-compatible systems. Mate- Unitarian Universalist Church of Sarasota, 3975 Fruitville rial should be saved on the disk in RTF. For all submis- Road, Sarasota, FL. The Reverends Polly Leland-Mayer and sions, please avoid excessive formatting (indentations, Clark Wells officiated. hanging indents, tabs, hard returns) . In addition to the article for publication, please include your name, title, and e-mail address as you would like them to appear in The Reverend Dr. Horace Frederick Westwood died print, your current home and business addresses (not to Saturday, August 28, 2004, of complications from a hip injury. be printed unless you request it), daytime and evening He was 93 years of age. telephone numbers. Please also send hard copy by fax Born March 15, 1911 in Youngstown, Ohio, he was the son of or regular mail, in the event a file is corrupted or lost. If the late Dr. Horace Westwood and Florence Wright Westwood. you have any questions, please contact the editor, Roger He received an A.B. and an S.T.B. from Tufts University and a Brewin [email protected] — 773-881-4028. D.D. from Meadville Lombard. He also attended Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s School of Humanities

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The C.E.N.T.E.R.-fold

CENTER DAY 2005 June 22, 2005 ~ Fort Worth, Texas

America as 'Dry Drunk': From Domestic Abuse to Global Bully

Loring Abeyta and Tink Tinker If there is one area of intellectual inquiry that eludes most Americans, it is their ability to be honest about their historical journey of violence. Violence haunts all of America from the private sphere to the public, from the personal to the global, from the local to national policy and foreign affairs, and yet we are bewildered and mystified by this new era of violence which was inaugurated on September 11. As a society, we have failed to see that terrorism has been a reality on this continent for some 400 years-from Miles Standish's foraging raid on an innocent Cape Cod Village in 1620 to Lt. Col. Custer's invasion of the Black Hills in search for gold. Instead, our common discourse - among ourselves, in the media, emanating from our governmental leaders - is a continual projection of blame for violence to forces outside of our own society. Indeed, the comfortable denial (or increasingly, uncomfortable denial) in which Americans live most resembles collective addictive behavior, and as a result we have generated a government that persistently functions on the basis of satisfying our underlying sense of need for violent responses to the world around us. Any intervention must begin with historical honesty. Thus, Tinker and Abeyta argue that a deep and reflective confession (in religious terms), a fearless "owning" of one's past (in psychological jargon), must somehow involve the whole body politic of our country today. It will require a great deal of intellectual insight, emotional courage and abiding trust to own the dysfunctional behaviors that have characterized America since the beginning of the European conquest. While the churches of America have too consistently pled naïveté or patriotism in their complicity in national acts of violence, we see faith communities, perhaps especially the theologically diverse religious movement that characterizes the UUA, as the only hope for the kind of incisive intervention in this addictive behavior that can result in real change, both personal and structural/systemic. Ms. Loring Abeyta is a teacher, student, mother, and wife. She is completing her doctoral dissertation at the University of Denver Graduate School of International Studies, where she has specialized in human rights and Latin America. Ms. Abeyta teaches a variety of higher education courses at various Denver-area institutions, including courses on race, gender, and class; cultural anthropology; eco-justice and social transformation; and U.S. foreign policy. She was a winner of the Templeton Foundation course award prize for a course that she developed and co-taught with her husband, Dr. Tink Tinker, on indigenous knowledge and Western science. Ms. Abeyta has traveled on several occasions to Latin America and the Caribbean, and has been a member of human rights delegations to Haiti. She looks forward to a career in teaching, research, and writing upon the completion of her doctoral degree. Tink Tinker, a member of the Osage Nation, is professor of American Indian Cultures and Religious Traditions at Iliff School of Theology. A long-time community activist, he currently serves on the leadership committee of the American Indian Movement of Colorado. As a scholar, he is committed to a scholarly endeavor that takes seriously both the liberation of Indian peoples from historic oppression as colonized communities and the liberation of White Americans, the historic colonizers and oppressors of Indian peoples. He is the author of Missionary Conquest: The Gospel and Native American Genocide (Fortress, 1993); co-author of Native American Theology (Orbis, 2001); co-editor of Native Voices: American Indian Sovereignty and Identity (U. Kansas, 2003) and author of the forthcoming Fortress Press volume, Spirit and Resistance: Political Theology and American Indian Liberation.

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Professional Day Chapel Check It Out on the Web This year our chapel is in a large and naturally lighted room. It will be Don’t forget that CENTER has many resources decorated with flowers and candles. There will be places to sit or lie down. available on the UUMA Web site. Just click on Identify a chapel activity you may like to participate in by checking the CENTER at www.uuma.org to get information program you receive during registration. We hope to have programs in, on having a chapter presenter, back issues of yoga, meditation, guided relaxation and chanting. If you wish to help or- “Currents” and “Streams” (thought pieces and ganize activities or decorate the chapel, please contact Christine Robinson. bibliographies), the new Resource for Continu- Email: [email protected] ing Education Planning, and much more.

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Winter 2005 UUMA News

News from the Department of Ministry and Professional Leadership

from the UUA Office of Church Staff Finances IRS Mileage Rates for 2005 Disability Insurance The IRS announced new mileage rates that took effect January 1, 2005: Employees may benefit from paying their own premiums for long-term disability insurance: any benefits received will be The provision of most direct concern to ministers: For business exempt from income tax. If the employer pays the premiums, purposes, taxpayers may deduct 40.5 cents per mile, up from any benefits received will be taxed like ordinary income. 37.5 for 2004. 40.5 cents per mile is what employers should reimburse employees who use their personal cars on company Persons enrolled in the UUA's long-term disability insurance business, and is the amount that congregation should reimburse with MetLife who want to maximize this benefit should ministers and other church staff from their professional expense A. Write a note to the church treasurer by September allowances. 30th stating they want the premiums paid with Ministers using a church-owned or leased automobile for after-tax dollars. THEN: personal business should reimburse the church 40.5 cents for B. Each month give your church treasurer a personal each mile driven that is not related to the performance of one's check made out to UU GIP for the disability duties. premium to be mailed to the UUA, OR Also of interest: Taxpayers may deduct 15 cents per mile for C. Let the church pay the disability premium and ask miles driven to receive medical services or for moving to take a that the annual total for these premiums be new job. This is up from 14 cents in 2004. These miles are not reported to your W-2 form as "additional income." reimbursable to a church staff person from a professional expense allowance, although this may be reimbursed to a new The monthly premium for our disability insurance is 1.2% of a employee from a moving allowance. minister's salary and housing allowance. The income tax on this amount won't be too much, and the after-tax benefit can be And, for volunteer services on behalf of a charitable considerable should you have an illness or accident that organization, taxpayers may deduct 14 cents per mile, which is prevents employment for more than three months. the same as for 2004. Church members may itemize this Disability insurance pays 60% of wages. This step deduction for miles driven as members of committees or to eliminates the taxes and makes the benefit more attend religious or denominational events where they are like 90% of usual wages. volunteering. It is not clear that simply attending a worship service qualifies one for this deduction, as presumably there are other benefits derived from doing so. - Ralph Mero, [email protected] UUA Office of Church Staff Finances

~ Update on Ministerial Settlement ~

The Opportunities for Ministry page (http://h5.uua.org/ministry_opps.asp) now accurately distinguishes between congregations seeking to settle a minister in 2005 and those seeking to settle in '06. Congregations with no "date open" specified are either somewhere earlier in the transition process or simply mysterious. Including churches whose Congregational Records are expected but not yet received, this year should feature the following array of full-time positions in ministry, give or take a few. Order by the size of the S&H offered, with "A" lowest and "E" highest, they are: A-19, B-7, C-9, D-8, E-0. There also 2 offering substandard S&H. That's a total of 45. Usually about 10 percent of congregations in search do not find a minister, which means that we can expect 40 or 41 ministers in search this year to find full- time positions. This compares to 48 last year. Of the total positions this year, two will be assistant positions, three will be associate positions, and three will be MRE positions. It is surprising to note that by Thanksgiving, only 73 different ministers had clicked on one or more congregations so far, a ratio of minister to open congregation of 2.1::1. Last year at this time the ratio was 2.5::1. In view of this low participation, perhaps my dismay over the small number of congregations has been misguided. As always, I welcome calls to discuss your plans, your hopes, and sometimes, yes, your concerns. - John Weston, Settlement Director, [email protected]

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UUMA News Winter 2005

Events of Interest to Colleagues

• Second Southern Civil Rights Tour For the second time, an eight-day tour of southern civil rights sites is being offered by the Rev. Gordon Gibson of the UU Fellowship of Elkhart, Indiana. Rev. Ed Harris will be an on-board resource. Gordon was a participant in the early stages of the Selma voting rights campaign and was the UU minister in Mississippi 1969-84; Ed Harris grew up in Birmingham and has recently published “Miracle in Birmingham,” describing that experience up to the time he went "into exile" in 1965 because of his civil rights activities. The tour, April 9-17, 2005, will travel by bus from Birmingham to Marion, Selma, Montgomery, Hayneville, Philadelphia, Jackson, Greenwood, Money, Ruleville, Oxford, and Memphis. Conversations with veterans of the movement will again be a key feature. Information for newsletter use and posting on bulletin boards will gladly be made available. Registration is limited to 30 and is on a first-come basis. For details, go to www.uufe.org or e-mail [email protected]

• Chaplaincy Event—Intensive Listening Plans are being made for a workshop on our concept of the Circle of Listeners involving the practice of intensive listening without the rules and constraints of conventional small groups. This will be held in Hamilton, Ontario on Saturday afternoon, May 21, 2005. There will also be an opportunity to participate in the Canadian Unitarian Council event on chaplaincy on the preceding day as well as other sessions during their Annual CUC Conference on the Victoria Day weekend. Contact: Paul Yonge, Unitarian Laity League, Syracuse, New York Email: [email protected] Internet: www.unitarians.info

• UU Christian Fellowship Revival 2005 Revs. Peter Gomes and Thomas Anastasi will keynote the 2005 UUCF Revival, Nov. 3-6, 2005 at First Jefferson UU Church, Fort Worth, TX. The overall theme of Biblical spirituality will mark UUCF’s 60th year with lectures, workshops, worships, small groups, and free resources. This is the fifth UUCF Revival. Keynote Presenter Rev. Peter Gomes from Harvard University, is a renowned preacher, lecturer and author who has, since 1970 served in The Memorial Church, Harvard University; and since 1974 as Plummer Professor of Christian Morals and Pusey Minister in The Memorial Church. He is a member of the Faculty of Arts and Sci- ences and of the Faculty of Divinity of Harvard University. Gomes was included in the summer 1999 premiere issue of Talk magazine as part of its feature article, The Best Talkers in America: Fifty Big Mouths We Hope Will Never Shut Up. American Baptist minister and the charismatic preacher and dynamic musician Rev. Thomas Anastasi has served the Shoreline UU Church in Seattle since August, 1990. He grew up in a Pentecostal Christian environment, and as a young adult studied for the ministry in the Church of God. In the 1970s Thomas became a professional musician, playing and singing with rock bands which traveled around the country. Later, he worked as a piano bar musician, and much of his present theological and spiritual substance was informed by this experience, what he calls “Cheap Theology.” Revival coordinators are the Rev. Priscilla Richter, interim minister at Community UU Church of Plano, Texas, and Rev. Felicia Urbanski, minister of the UU Church of Stillwater, Oklahoma, along with Rev. Craig Roshaven of the host church in Fort Worth. For more information contact Rev. Ron Robinson, Executive Director, UU Chris- tian Fellowship: [email protected], Internet: http://www.uua.org/uucf/

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Winter 2005 UUMA News

Community Ministry —

COMMUNITY MINISTRY FOCUS GROUP UPDATE eight stories of specific ministries. The introduction describes five different forms of community ministry: healing ministries This year's Steering Committee continues to meet monthly via (pastoral), social justice ministries (prophetic), ministries of conference call. Current representatives include: Roger spirituality and the arts (priestly), ministries of education Brewin (UUMA Exec liaison), Hope Engeseth, Anita Farber- (pedagogical), and organizational leadership (administration). Robertson, Jean Heriot, Patricia Shelden (Society for Commu- A short statement at the end identifies the potential for com- nity Ministries liaison) and co-conveners Bonnie Meyer and munity ministry to expand the impact of Unitarian Universal- Dorothy Emerson. ism in the world and the challenges this growing form of min- All ministers who are UUMA members and engaged in com- istry bring to our movement. munity ministry (in all categories of fellowship) are consid- The full book is currently in development and will hopefully ered part of the Community Ministry Focus Group. We would be published by Skinner House in 2006. In the meantime, love to know who you are and what you are doing, but a com- ministers, students, congregations, and individual Unitarian plete list of UUMA members currently engaged in community Universalists will find much useful information and food for ministry does not yet exist. Please contact Bonnie Meyer to thought in this Preview Edition. make sure you receive communications about our efforts to ensure equity for community ministers within the UUMA. Copies of the Preview Edition may be ordered for $20 (or ([email protected] or 859-441-4772) whatever you wish to contribute), plus $3 shipping. Please use the order form at www.uuscm.org. Your purchase of the book YOU ARE INVITED helps support its development. The Community Ministry Focus Group will hold is annual Called to Community Editorial Committee: Roger Brewin, meeting and reception on Tuesday evening, June 21, from Barbara Davenport, Deborah Holder, Charles Howe, Kathleen 5:30 to 7:30 PM at the Convention Center during Professional Parker, and Maddie Sifantus. Theology Editor: Anita Farber- Days in Fort Worth. This is our one annual opportunity for a Robertson. Coordinating Editor: Dorothy Emerson. face-to-face meeting of UUMA community ministers. We hope to see you there. LOCAL EVENT: MASS BAY DISTRICT WHO’S WHO IN THE COMMUNITY MINISTRY COMMUNITY MINISTRY RETREAT WORLD AND WHAT ON EARTH ARE THEY DOING? The Mass Bay District is sponsoring a retreat for community With the growth of community ministry outpacing the devel- ministers and students, Saturday, June 4, at Andover-Newton opment of institutional structures to accommodate its unique Theological School. Community ministers from beyond the needs and challenges, several different organizations have MBD are also welcome to attend. The retreat will provide an emerged to support community ministers. Beginning with a opportunity for community ministers to meet and share their Summit in 2003, these various groups have been seeking ways ministries—both successes and challenges—and strategize on to work together. These groups include: the UUMA Commu- ways to develop skills and support. Offers of assistance in nity Ministry Focus Group, Society for Community Ministries planning and coordinating the event will be greatly appreci- (formerly Society for the Larger Ministry), the UU Commu- ated. Please send your comments and expressions of interest to nity Ministry Center, and the UUA Ministry and Professional Dorothy Emerson, [email protected] or 781-391-6455. Leadership Staff Group. In December 2004 Bonnie Meyer and Dorothy Emerson repre- sented the Focus Group in a three-day meeting with the other groups. The goal of the meeting was to improve our ways of working together as advocates and supporters of community ministry. Look for future developments and reports to come.

NEW RESOURCE: CALLED TO COMMUNITY: UNITARIAN UNIVERSALISM AND COMMUNITY MINISTRY The Preview Edition of a new book on community ministry is now available. This 100 page spiral-bound book includes three essays on theological/biblical grounding for community ministry, a detailed timeline of community ministry history, and

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UUMA News Winter 2005 Continuing Education at Starr King School

Online 2003 Wilbur History Colloquium Publication Online this spring: "UU History" (Dr. Alicia Forsey); "UU A few copies remain of “The Role of the Dissenter in Congregational Polity" (Rev. Mark Harris), as well as two Western Christianity: From Jesus Through the Radical new courses, "Children's Literature: A Religious Education" Reformation.” This is a compilation of papers presented at (Rev. Keith Kron) and "UU Community Ministry" (Rev. the fifth Earl Morse Wilbur History Colloquium, (January 23- Tawna Cooley). 25, 2003), with additional contributions by leading scholars Coming this fall: "World Religions" (Rev. Tawna Cooley); and Starr King students. Copies may be obtained by writing "Our Theological House" (Rev. Roy Phillips); and a new to Cathleen at the address above. Cost is $50 plus shipping. course, "Islams: Multiplicity in Unity," (Nayer Taheri.) Summer Session For the latest information concerning online courses, visit our website at http://online.sksm.edu, or contact Cathleen at The GTU Summer Session collaborative is finalizing courses [email protected]. You may also write to Rev. Alicia McNary to be offered during the summer of 2005. Confirmed are: Forsey, Ph.D., Professor of Church History, Starr King School "Exploring Our Spiritual Selves Through Dream Work" with for the Ministry, 2441 LeConte Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709. the Rev. Jeremy Taylor (Aug 8-12); "The Beat Face of God: Tel: 510-845-6232. The Beat Generation of Writers as Spirit Guides," with the Rev. Stephen D. Edington, and "Writing with Spirit: Creative On-line Resources Encounters with Sacred Text," with Julia Watts Belser. All will be sponsored by Starr King School. To learn more about “In Their Own Words” is available online. We sold out of the the GTU Summer Session, or to register for courses, visit original publication, which marked an important occasion in the http://www.gtuss.org/. history of the school-the reunion in January of 2001 of people who were active in Black Empowerment controversies within Restitution of Christianity the Unitarian Universalist Association during the late 1960s and early 1970s. You may read In Their Own Words online for The "Restitution of Christianity" by Michael Servetus (1553) $10.00. Please charge the fee to your credit card by calling is in its final stages. Two of the world's leading scholars, Cathleen Young at (510) 845-6232, x119. Angel Alcalá and Marian Hillar, will contribute to the finished publication. Starr King School for the Ministry “Our Unitarian Heritage” has been available online for some educates people for religious leadership, especially Unitarian time, and now, the more sophisticated two-volume set of Universalist ministry. Wilbur's history is also online. This document may also be read

for $10.00. For assistance, call Cathleen as above.

District Staff Positions Open The following four open positions on the UUA’s district staff team have been posted at: www.uua.org/hr/openings.html

1.District Executive in the Mass Bay District (full-time, starts July 1) 2. District Executive in the Mountain Desert District (full-time, starts July 1) 3.Program Consultant in the Pacific Central District (full-time, starts July 1) 4.Program Consultant in the Clara Barton District (full-time, starts July 1) Join a Transformational Staff Having been a UU minister for 31 years I have seen many changes. One of the most important recently is recognizing that our Districts should be places to support transformational ministry at the congregational level. While District Staff still has a number of roles to fill as a "mid-level judicatory" type position, most of us now see our key role at helping congregations develop stronger ministries from each congregation's mission position. Exciting things are happening at the District level across the continent. We can only continue to move in this direction as more qualified professionals apply for the openings available. Among the perks are base salaries that start in the mid $50,000 with the strongest benefits package possible, 11% retirement, 80% of your medical plan costs (not insignificant in today's world), life and disability insurance plus professional expenses that vary in the Districts but in most are over $10,000. Having served congregations of all sizes during my ministry, I now enjoy the work with colleagues and congregational leaders to create stronger congregations across the Pacific Southwest Dis- trict. I am willing to talk to anyone who might consider applying for any of the open positions on the District Staff. - Ken Brown, District Executive, Pacific Southwest District [email protected]

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Winter 2005 UUMA News

Personals ~ New Online Forum on An Uncommon Denomination Prayer and Spiritual Disciplines Our denomination is uncommon indeed. This fact is reflected in the insights that emerging from the 45th annual gathering of the The newest online community sponsored by the UU Christian Refugio Group. The group met November 2-4 at a quietly beau- Fellowship is open for subscription now. It is UUCF-Prayer, for tiful and secluded retreat center in Santa Barbara, La Casa de sharing prayers and prayer requests, conversation on prayer, and Maria. The site is at the foot of mountains rising to 4000 feet and sharing and discussing various spiritual practices and disciplines only a mile from the ocean. (either within the broad Christian tradition or other religious traditions). You can learn more and also subscribe by going to The Refugio Group is a continuing education experience for UU this link: http://lists.uua.org/mailman/listinfo/ or for more infor- ministers. The major speaker for this years meeting was Dr Carl mation contact: Ron Robinson, Executive Director, UUCF, Scovel. Carl was for many years minister at Kings Chapel in (founded 1945) www.uuchristian.org Boston, one of the earliest UU churches to develop in the US. He was the first choice to address the theme, “Drinking from Deep Wells: A Search for the Sacred.” In this moving and thoughtful encounter, Dr Scovel outlined the Demonstrate UU Support for Civil Marriage typical stages of religious and spiritual growth as: Desire, Dis- covery, Disappointment, Disclosure. If you're within driving distance of Boston I urge you and the communities you represent to consider joining us this upcoming Desire for meaning is a dominant motive in humans. This per- June 11th for what we hope to be the largest yet demonstration sistent and pervasive desire presses us toward Discovery of a of Unitarian Universalist support for civil marriage, civil rights worldview that makes sense of our experience, that relieves us and the way of love over creed. We hope to attract at least five of confusion, anxiety, and uncertainty. However, as we grow in hundred Unitarian Universalists and maybe fifty to sixty congre- understanding and experience, we may sense the existence of a gations for the June 11th Boston Gay Pride Day parade. new level of insight lying just out of reach. Uncertainty about the validity of our earlier discovery begins to emerge, and this in The plan is to kick off Saturday June 11th with a worship service turn leads us into a state of Disappointment with the discovery at Arlington Street Church. In a show of support for the GBLT that earlier answered the need for meaning. The disappointment community, Bill Sinkford and Kay Montgomery will lead the leads us to Disclosure, and to the rediscovery of Desire. march. In liberal religion these stages of religious development emerge By gathering as many UUs together as we can we expect to be out of our own direct, personal experience of life and the world. by far the largest contingent at the Boston Gay Pride Parade. So, We rely, not on external authority, but on personal experience please have representatives of your congregation contact the and insight. This is the deep well from which we drink, Scovel MBD Gay Pride Day Committee: [email protected] for de- said in conclusion; this is where we find the sacred. We are an tails. uncommon denomination. I feel deeply honored to be involved in this & I look forward to If you would like to be on Refugios mailing list, let Program joining with many of you in this good work. Chair Judith Walker-Riggs know at [email protected] - James Ford, [email protected] President, Massachusetts Bay Chapter, UUMA Senior Minister, First Unitarian Society in Newton Video on Black Empowerment Controversy Each District office has received a copy of "Wilderness Journey: The Struggle for Black Empowerment and Racial Justice within How Ministry Relates the Unitarian Universalist Association 1967-70." This documen- to the Wider Community. tary was made by a committee of the Mass Bay District and pri- marily consists of interviews with participants in the events of In the interest of understanding better how our ministries are those years. related to the larger community and how we can, as a professional organization, support those ministries that serve the wider The reverberations from the conflict among BUUC, BAC, world, the UUMA Exec and the Community Ministry Focus BAWA, FULLBAC, and the UUA administration continue to- Group have placed online a survey -- day and affect people who have only hazy awareness of those www.uuma.org/Survey/MinSurvey.htm -- to identify who we acronyms and what they reflect. What could have provoked a are as ministers and find ways to communicate better. This sur- young housewife named Denny Davidoff to confront the UUA vey is designed to collect information on our various ministries, Board? What might have been the perceived racial dynamics with a special focus on how ministers see their work as serving that caused former LRY President Bill Sinkford to drop out of the wider community. Please take time to respond. It will help us Unitarian Universalism for many years? This video is an excel- in planning for the future. (Continued on page 17)

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UUMA News Winter 2005

(Personals — Continued from page 16) lent tool for beginning to understand the dynamics of that era. It has, however, not been widely publicized and so you may need to be insistent in asking your District office to find it to loan to UURMAPA Workshop you. If you want further background, Victor Carpenter's To all UUMA Chapters. If you have not used the service of the “Long Challenge: The Empowerment Controversy (1967-1977), trained Financial Educators provided by UU Retired Ministers published in 2003, (available from the UUA Bookstore - Item and Partners Association you have missed a vital service to our 6078. $12.00) is a full exploration from a participant in the ministry. These people provide information which we all need events and student of them. to manage our finances and live responsibly. Please consider Rev. Gordon D. Gibson having one of these people present a workshop, cost paid, at a Minister, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Elkhart, Indiana UUMA meeting this year. The names of the trained ministers [email protected] or [email protected] can be gotten by contacting Ralph Mero's office or by emailing Nancy Doughty at [email protected]. Professor of Theology Journal of Religious Humanism Meadville Lombard Theological School invites applications for The latest issue of the twice yearly publication of HUU- the position of Professor of Theology, to begin September manists (the membership organization for humanists with 2005. Affiliated with the University of Chicago and historically UU affiliations) contains articles on Reverence by our col- identified with Unitarian Universalism, Meadville Lombard pre- league Kendyl Gibbons and UU scholar Jerome Stone, pares women and men for Unitarian Universalist ministry, lib- along with a "sympathetic letter to Creationists" and a his- eral religious scholarship and other forms of liberal religious tory of and invitation to the training for religious leaders leadership. offered by the Humanist Institute. The Heritage selection The ideal candidate will possess deep understanding of the ori- is from Elizabeth Cady Stanton's "The Woman's Bible." gins of liberal religion, with special concern for 19th and 20th The editor guarantees at least one decent sermon idea or century American Religious movements; will understand or be illustration in each issue. able to become conversant with Unitarian Universalism; will Discount rates are available to UU ministers and semi- have an understanding of and concern for the process of ministe- narians Single copies are available for $8, yearly sub- rial formation; possess a Ph.D. or Th.D. and a distinguished re- scriptions for $15 ($28 for two years). The Journal is also cord of academic publication; and exhibit a willingness and abil- included with each membership in HUUmanists, dis- ity to function as part of a small, highly collegial faculty. Rank counted at $35 for one year and $65 for two years. Col- will be determined by the qualifications of the successful candi- leagues should place discount orders through the editor, date. Rev. Roger Brewin at 10559 S. Wood St. Chicago, IL Persons from traditionally underrepresented groups are encour- 60643, [email protected] (773) 881-4028 aged to apply. Please send vita, three recommendations and a cover letter to: Office of the Academic Dean, Meadville Theo- logical School, 5701 South Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637 or contact Rev. Susi Pangerl at [email protected]. Review of applications will begin March 1, 2005.

Have you visited uuma.org lately? The UUMA website is rich with information & resources! Visit the page for access to

• Members Only Password protected • Executive and Chapter Leadership page containing membership directory. Contact Information • Order UUMA Publications Online • Professional Days Registration • Alias and Online List-Serves • Online Membership Renewal • Guidelines and UUMA News • CENTER Pages • Links to Conferences and Resources • And much much more. • Information about Sermon Awards

Log on today

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Winter 2005 UUMA News

(Administrator Column – Continued from page 3) the Chapter Leader Newsletter sometime in March. Also, treas- urers may visit the website to request their Chapter Subsidy tact me in the office. The user name and password will be (available once the office has a correct listing of leadership and changed each November 15th and the new information mailed retreat dates). out with receipt of your membership renewal. On a personal note, my singing has been going very well. In the The fall also saw the advent of the new picture membership fall I made my debut with Opera Providence and participated in cards. I was very happy with how they came out! By the num- a number of concerts in Milton, MA. After a very busy audition ber of applications I can see there has been a great need for this season, I was cast as an understudy with two New York opera service. If you have not received a card and would like one you companies. may fill out a request on the new member web site. I will have a During the months of December and January I worked with digital camera at GA and will be taking pictures and making Bronx Opera understudying the lead role in Menotti’s The Con- cards at the UUMA Booth. The cards have many wonderful fea- sul and then with Chelsea Opera also understudying the lead in tures: aside from containing a photo and being laminated, they Cavalleria Rusitcana. With the support of the Exec and UUMA have also been color coded to indicate membership status. Blue: Personnel Committee I was successfully able to work remotely Regular, Green: Candidates, Purple: Associate, and Gold: Life. from NYC while singing in the evenings. I have a few programs On February 17th, the Professional Day Packets hit the mail via planned for May and continue to study and grow in my craft. a bulk mailing to all current members. Look for yours sometime Thankfully, my singing engagements wind down about the time before March 1st. If you simply can’t wait for the US Postal we will all be meeting in Fort Worth. I so enjoyed meeting so Service you can visit web site to see all the information. many of you last June and I look forward to our continued work In conjunction with the bulk mailing all lapsed members were together! sent a reminder notice. If you membership has lapsed remember If you need to contact me I can be reached most easily via email you can renew anytime online! Waiver forms are also available at [email protected] or by phone at 617-848-0498; I hope either online or through the office. you will call to say hello! Next I will be turning my attention to registration for Profes- Warm Regards, sional Days (begins March 1). I plan to continue to make im- Janette Lallier provements to the website and to focus on updating the posted Administrator [email protected] Chapter information. Chapter leaders should keep an eye out for

UUMA Publications Text Publications www.uuma.org/main/textpublications.htm • Current and Past Volumes of UUMA Selected Essays $ 5.00/ volume Volumes available include: 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002. • Anti-racism Sermon Collection $ 10.00 • Odysseys collection edited by Alice Blair-Wesley $ 10.00 • Leaping from Our Spheres: The Impact of Women on UU Ministry edited by Gretchen Woods $5.00 • 1997 Worship Materials Collection. Edited and compiled by Andy Backus. $10.00 (CDRom only) • Handbook on Sabbatical Leave $ 10.00 • Celebrating Christmas available through IUniverse.com at a list price of $24.95, plus shipping and handling. Videotapes & DVDs www.uuma.org/main/videopublications.htm

• Each Convocation Videotape costs $20.00 + $5.00 for shipping and handling. Birmingham Lectures: Each day’s lectures are available on one tape. Morning Worship and Vespers : Each Day’s two Worship services are available on one tape. Special Presentations: both events are available on one tape Opening Celebration: One tape Social Witness: Both events are available on one tape • 2000-2004 Berry Street Lectures: $15.00 each + $5.00 for shipping and handling

Order online at www.uuma.org or send check with order to: Or call or fax in your order and credit card information: UUMA Administrator Voice: (617) 848-0498 25 Beacon St Fax: (617) 848-0973 Boston, MA 02108

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UUMA Office Administrator JANETTE LALLIER 25 Beacon Street, Boston, MA 02108 Administrator Voice: 617-848-0498; Fax: 617-848-0973; Email: [email protected]

UUMA Executive Committee 2004-2005 KEN SAWYER First Parish in Wayland, Unitarian Universalist; P.O. Box 397; Wayland, MA 01778 President (‘07) 508-358-6133; [email protected]

MARY KATHERINE MORN 2108 N. Inglewood Street, Arlington, VA 22205 Vice President (‘07) 202-387-3411;[email protected]

MARK CHRISTIAN First Unitarian Church of Oklahoma City, 600 NW 13th Street, Oklahoma City, OK 73103 Secretary (‘06) 405-232-9224; fax 405-232-3843; [email protected]

KATHLEEN ELLIS Live Oak Church, 3315 El Salido Parkway, Cedar Park, TX 78613 Treasurer (‘05) 512-478-9231 [email protected]

WENDY FISH First Unitarian Universalist Church, 93 West Weisheimer Rd., Columbus, OH 43214 Arrangements (‘05) 614-267-4946 x23; [email protected]

ROBERT SCHAIBLY 7835 SE 15th Ave, Portland, OR 97202 Chapter Visits (‘05) [email protected]

SUSAN MANKER-SEALE 3601 W. Cromwell Dr., Tucson, AZ 85741 Good Offices (‘07) 520-579-7094 [email protected]

ROGER BREWIN 10559 S. Wood Street, Chicago, IL 60643 Publications and Online Communications (’06) 773-881-4028; [email protected]

WAYNE WALDER Neighbourhood Unitarian Universalist Church; 79 Hiawatha Ave, Toronto, ON M4L 2R6 CENTER (‘06) 416-686-6809; [email protected]

CLYDE GRUBBS Treasurer Coast UU Church, 21 SE Central Parkway; Stuart, FL 34994 Anti-racism, Anti-oppression, and Multiculturalism (’07) 772-223-5020; [email protected]

UUMA News Nonprofit Organization Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association U.S. POSTAGE PAID 25 Beacon Street BOSTON, MA Permit Number 56200 Boston, MA 02108

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