Matthew’s Memo
May 24, 2023
 
I’ve been paying attention to trends in our congregational life and ministry.  Nationwide, Unitarian Universalists are having a conversation about the status of congregational life in this “post-lockdown” era (not exactly post-Covid).  This conversation is happening in other denominations as well.  Long-standing trends accelerated during Covid, and must now be dealt with head-on. 
 
Some of these trends include less attendance and giving in many congregations.  Most of our congregations are way down in membership and giving (we are down some for membership but not giving, thankfully).  There are exceptions, mostly among very small congregations and our congregations in the South. 
 
Another trend is an increasing shortage of ministers.  There are many less ministers entering parish minister – about 60% of what it was 10 years ago.  This started affecting small churches first, but now it is affecting everyone.  Only 21 of the 38 congregations searching for interims this year got one.  Smaller and more rural congregations are particularly affected.  Ministers are less likely to move to take a congregation, since they are often the 2^nd income in a household.  And there are states that some of our ministers can no longer move to, because it is not safe for them and their families. 
 
What’s next?  I don’t know.  Adaptative and deep questions about the structure of congregational life need to be asked and discussed.  How can congregations make congregational-based ministry more attractive?  (I wish more of our congregations empowered, respected and supported their minister like you do).  Are there things the UUA should be doing to support congregations more in this transitional time? Do we need to think about lay leadership and digital ministry in new ways, especially for small congregations? 
 
I will learn more at our national meeting next month, and in the year to come as we discuss this.  I’ll let you know what I find out.
 
In faith,
Matthew

Who Makes a Difference in Our Community?

The Social Justice Team is seeking nominees for the Connolly Community Service Awards for 2023. A bit of history of the awards and the nomination procedures follow. If you know someone – or a group of people — you think should receive one of these awards, please turn in nominations to the church office.

History: In 1993 the church initiated a community service award to recognize a member of the congregation for significant contributions to the community. The award was named for Dr. Charles Parker Connolly, minister of our congregation from 1913 to 1942, and a recognized community leader.

To date the award has been presented to the following individuals: Walt Lewis, Mary Caskey, Martha Logemann, Pat Tollefsrud, Sandra Locke, David Weissbard, Lynn Liston, Pat Lewis, Jon McGinty, JoAnn Shaheen, Leigh Lakey, Roger Oehlke, Lola Gustafson, Allen Penticoff, Colleen McDonald, Jackie Dehler, Bob Arevalo, Dave Black, Myrna Lake, Dave Lantz, Barb Giolitto, Duane Wilke, Ellyn Ahmer, Dale Dunnigan, Nikki Ticknor, Bob Babcock, & Shiraz Tata, & Allyson Rosemore.

More recently an award was established to recognize a young person, 8th grade through high school, for service to the church and community. Recipients to date are Emma Stocker, Katie Whitworth, Sandra Hill, Jackie Whitworth, Emily Pfleiderer, Max Freund, and Ari Almonaci.

The Social Justice Council has decided to have a “group” award.  This award will be for a group of people, formally or informally organized, who have done the work of justice in our community. Two years ago the award went to the Cornucopia Group.

The awards are presented at the annual meeting of the congregation.

The nominations should include:

 A detailed description of volunteer and/or professional involvement and accomplishments, tasks, performed and issues addressed impact on others, and other relevant information.

 A signed statement that the nominee is willing to be nominated.

A nomination should include the name of the nominator and is due in the office (Send to Autumn uurockford@gmail.com) by June 6th. The nominations will be reviewed and a selection made by the Social Justice Team before the annual meeting.

Child Dedication
We are pleased to announce that the Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford will hold a Child Dedication during worship on Sunday, June 11, 2023.  The dedication will be a simple ritual in which the congregation commits to the spiritual welfare and development of the child and their family.  Though the ritual is not a baptism, some similar symbolism will be incorporated into the ceremony.  Children of any age that have not previously been dedicated are welcome to participate in the ritual.  Children who participate are welcome to have their parents and siblings as well as one or two sponsors join them at the front of the sanctuary during the dedication.  If you would like to participate in the Child Dedication, please email Lindsay Trank at reuurockford@gmail.com by Wednesday, June 7.  We hope you will join us for this special occasion!

Our Caring Team is a support network within UU Church Rockford that seeks to provide compassionate and caring assistance to members on an as-needed basis. Here are just a couple of the many ways we can connect volunteers to members who have a specific need:

• We organize the preparation and delivery of meals and the completion of errands for members following surgery or during an illness.
• We set up rides for members of our community to attend worship services and go to medical appointments.

You can contact Rev. Joyce f you need assistance or know someone who needs support in one of these or other ways.
We would love for you to join our Caring Team. If you are able to help by preparing a meal, dropping off carry-out, running an errand, providing a ride, or something else along these lines for one of our members, feel free to reach out to Rev. Joyce at revjoycepalmer@yahoo.com
The strength of our community is reflected in the ways we support each other and our aim is to continue to grow this important ministry!

The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL  |   4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107   |   815-398-6322    |   uurockford.org  |