October 23, 2026

Something for the Moment

A Call for UUMA Leadership: Your Nominations Are Needed! The UUMA Nominating Committee is seeking colleagues to serve in leadership positions, including Board Treasurer, President-Designate, and four seats on the Nominating Committee. Do you feel called to serve, or know a colleague whose gifts and leadership would benefit the UUMA? We encourage you to consider putting your name forward or inviting others to do so. Learn more and submit a nomination. Questions or suggestions? Contact the Nominating Committee at nomcom@uuma.org.

Something for the Journey

Duncan Teague, Vice President – UUMA Board of Trustees

[Alt text] Interdependent Web

When the UUMA Board of Directors and staff came to Boston, hosted by the historic King’s Chapel Parish House and the Rev. Eric Cherry, it was understood that we had a full agenda. A few of our concerns would require fresh examinations of our previous Board colleagues’ decisions.

The Board was engaged and thoroughly worked to accomplish our tasks and develop new subcommittees, when we were interrupted. “Interrupted” is not the right word. We were put into a different mindset by hosting the region’s ministers, who came from near and far to join us for lunch. Our work was enhanced by the ministers who came for lunch. I am more appreciative of the luncheon and several people I hugged and greeted.

I was thrilled and encouraged when a dear colleague, who is nearing retirement and who began her formation with me, was the second or third guest arrival. I did not know it, but I needed to see her and hear her support for all I have been doing. An established wise colleague was not on a ZOOM call, but right there holding me and listening intently to my recent set of family and congregational concerns. She is for me a spiritual gift.

It was also ironic that someone with a new ministry also arrived inside the beautiful glass doors to the Parish House foyer. He is someone I admire and whom I am assisting on his first visit to the Ministerial Fellowship Committee. I had not mapped accurately that his new ministry put him in proximity to downtown Boston. He also has family connections there, and it was a joy to go directly to his favorite vendor on the Commons during break.

The luncheon was a success not only because of the numbers of UU Ministers Association members present. There were far more important touchstones reached, and our beloved colleagues provided needed information and direction that influenced the meetings that came afterward. They were anything but an “interruption” to our collective work.

Something for Learning

Julica is conducting a small informal survey to find out: What are the things you did not learn in seminary? This will help Julica plan for winter and spring offerings for lifelong learning. Please email Julica with your wishes! What would you like to learn soon?

Something Extra

The Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley Scholarship: Applications are now open for the Marjorie Bowens-Wheatley (MBW) Scholarship, which supports BIPOC women+ pursuing theological education and leadership within Unitarian Universalism. This scholarship is a vital investment in the next generation of leaders, honoring a legacy of justice, equity, and transformative ministry. By investing in BIPOC women+ in their call to leadership, we help strengthen our faith and movement for the future. Applications are due Nov 1—learn more and apply today!

We want to extend a special invitation to the memorial service for the Rev. Dr. Charles “Chuck” Gaines, who was the last ordained Universalist minister. The service will take place at 2:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the First Parish in Framingham, MA. Colleagues are invited to robe and process. The service will be streamed live on YouTube.

For more obituaries and death notices make sure to check out the Living Tradition Blog.

Upcoming Events

You can view our calendar events here. Please make sure you are logged into uuma.org to see our full calendar as some events are available for members only.