Matthew’s Memo
January 16, 2024
 
It’s cold out there!  I hope you are finding ways to stay warm this week, and are safe wherever you are.  I have been remembering the Polar Vortex we had some years ago when it was often 20 below or worse; this is much milder.  But it’s still cold, and it is a reminder of the fragility of our lives and how much we depend on the built environment around us for safety and well-being. 

I have been leaning into learning more about housing in Rockford.  We are facing a national housing crisis, and that is very true here as well.  There are simply not enough homes for all the people who want them. It’s math.  The 2008 housing crash caused a lot of construction companies to close up shop, and there weren’t enough people to build homes.  This, and the cost of materials, has raised the cost of building such that for most homes, the builders can’t sell it for a profit. 
 
But there are solutions, and these are being practiced in other communities.  Infill, midrise, and dense housing is a key part of the solution.  Building mid-size apartment buildings and six-plexes and quad-plexes helps to fill in the “missing middle” of the needed housing stock and can be profitable for companies to build.  The “missing middle” is housing that is great for folks new to the market, for folks who want to downsize from a home, and for those who want to live in more dense, walkable areas. 

When you build more housing – of any kind – it has a positive effect on the overall market. Building senior housing, for example, gives folks who want to downsize an option, which opens up the home they have been in for a family who needs more space.  Building luxury housing opens up the places those folks move out of.  Building subsidized affordable housing opens up the rental market.  Creating more emergency housing keeps folks from being unhoused.  All housing is good – and the more it is in-fill and dense housing, the better.

Dense, in-fill housing is good for community building, the environment, and public health.  Walkability is a key metric in community health. 

And on these measures, Rockford is failing.  “Walkability” scores in our neighborhoods are horrible (can you walk to the grocery store and to restaurants?  In most of the town, the answer is no.). I heard recently that the vacancy rate for rentals is 1%.  This is much worse than other places.  When I travel to similar-sized cities, I see new “missing middle” construction and the creation of walkable areas.  We can do better.
 
I think that housing is a key tool for economic, ecological, and racial justice, and an essential tool in cultural vibrancy and public health.  These cold days are surely a reminder of the importance of having a home you love.  I hope you’ll join in asking our leaders “Why aren’t we doing what other places are doing?  Why aren’t we doing better?”
 
In faith,
Matthew

“Musica Sacra:  Liturgical Song,”
Camerata Emanon Singers Winter Concert

Saturday, January 20, 2024, 7:30pm
Trinity Lutheran Church, 200 N. 1st St., Rockford

The Camerata Emanon Singers, led by Tim Anderson, will perform “Musica Sacra:  Liturgical Song,” an evening celebrating the rich choral tradition of setting liturgical texts to music.

The program includes works by Victoria, Mozart, Durufle, Murrill, Lauridsen and Halmos, culminating in the Rockford-area premiere of the new setting of the “Missa Brevis” for choir and organ by renowned British composer John Rutter. Accompanist for this concert is organist Jean Anderson.

 Tickets:  $10 at the door, cash or check

Getting to Know UU Sessions

We have revised our newcomer and welcome program to provide newcomers with the opportunity to learn about the congregation and how to get connected. We hope you will find this community to be a religious home.

There are 4 sessions, the first is a series of videos and the other three are in person on Sundays in the Sanctuary from 11:15 – 11:45. You can complete the sessions at anytime. Sessions will repeat monthly.

January 14 Our Story: UU History and Theology with Rev. Matthew. Hear the story of our congregation and tour the building.

January 21 Living Our Faith with Lindsay Trank, Director of Religious Education and Social Justice Team representative. We share our religious education program and ways we engage with our community.

January 28 Getting Connected with Rev. Joyce Palmer. Creating community is an important part of our being together. 
 
The link for the videos and January’s session dates and topics are below. 

Video session takes about 30 minutes to complete
1. A History of Unitarianism: BaseCamp: 5 Minute History of Unitarianism
 

BaseCamp: 5 Minute History of Unitarianism

2. A History of Universalism: BaseCamp: A History of Universalism in 5 Minutes
 

BaseCamp: A History of Universalism in …

3.   UU theology video by Rev. Matthew Johnson: (12 minutes): UU theology by Matthew Johnson
 

UU theology by Matthew Johnson

4. After you’ve watched Matthew’s Theology video, watch this video of “Holy Now” by Peter Mayer: Peter Mayer “Holy Now” (with lyrics in captions)
 

Peter Mayer “Holy Now” (with lyrics in…

Questions, email Rev Joyce at revjoycepalmer@yahoo.com

for  Adults

Do you people do anything but talk about sex? No. Not really. The Unitarian Universalist Association has developed a stellar comprehensive sex education curriculum known as Our Whole Lives. As the title suggests, it is not a one and done, but rather a topic to be revisited as we grow and mature. Join us as Wendy Bennett and Leah Krippner facilitate an adult exploration of sexuality in the 21st century. Anyone 18 and up is welcome to join. 

This month we will discuss Sexuality and Aging, focusing on the stages of sexual life, abilities and the aging body including the effects of medication, as well as ageism. Folks are welcome to join for a single session or sign up for all six. 

The Zanzen Meditation group is meeting in the church library every Saturday from 8:00 am to about 10:00 am for silent meditation and friendly discussion. We would like to invite all who are interested to check us out. There is no need to sign up or commit to anything. If you show up and behave we will probably be delighted to have you join us.

Rare Earth Food Collective is an online farmers’ market featuring local food and products. We help producers work together to meet the growing demand for local, sustainable food in Winnebago, Boone, and McHenry Counties. Instead of you driving all over the countryside to buy from different farms, we collaborate to bring the food to you. You can choose home delivery or a nearby pickup location. We deliver orders every Tuesday, year-round. There is no minimum order, and no requirement to order every week. Ordering from REFC helps to build and support our local food community, preserve our agricultural land for future use, and reduce our carbon footprint. It also provides you with fresh food that tastes delicious and is good for you. 

For members who already attend UU regularly, we will be there on Tuesdays in Deale Hall to pack our orders for distribution – meaning you could place an order for Tuesday pick up right at the Church! 

To register as a customer visit: https://refc.localfoodmarketplace.com/

The next pick-up will be on January 23, 2:30 – 3:00. This time period may be adjusted.

The buying window on the website will go live with products (for shopping) from Saturday at Noon, until Monday at Noon, but you can sign up as a customer at any time!

We look forward to serving you!

Eliminate Racism 815

Our Vision: A loving congregation that connects with ourselves, one another, and the larger community.  

Our Mission: We care for ourselves, each other, and our neighbors while taking risks acting for justice. We are continuously building an inclusive, empowered, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, multicultural congregation. Our connections foster radical love for ourselves and others.

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