May 5, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Rev. Jim Winkler
Jim Winkler is the Chair of the Board of Americans United for Separation of Church and State. He recently retired as President and General Secretary of the National Council of Churches, the nation’s leading ecumenical organization. Prior to that role, he was General Secretary of the United Methodist General Board of Church and Society, their justice arm. He lives in Byron, IL, and we are honored to have him as our guest preacher to kick off our month on pluralism. Few Americans are more qualified to speak on this issue, and the threat of Christian Nationalism to our civic and religious life.
We will Share the Plate with Missouri Faith Voices Compelled by our faith MFV is committed to transforming the lives of ordinary individuals and families who have been historically impacted due to racism and injustice by equipping them to challenge the systems that create those conditions and inviting community stakeholders to co-create a moral vision for Missouri and engage in the prophetic action necessary to make it a reality. Click Here to Donate
Volunteers for Sunday, May 5
Thank you to our Board for volunteering for hospitality this Sunday! Contact Rev. Joyce to sign up at assistminister@uurockford.org
Happy Birthday to: Ruth Penticoff (May 1st) Roger Benedict (May 2nd), Randy Pellman (May 2nd), Clark Logemann (May 2nd), Robert Vogl (May 2nd), Leigh Kuyper (May 3rd), & Ed Foster (May 4th)!
As many of you know, Randy Locke is in the hospital at UW Madison to learn the source of symptoms of serious concern. His Caring Bridge site from 2011 has been reactivated so that family and friends can know new developments as our son Randall posts them. You can learn more, and send us a note if you wish, by creating your own password at caringbridge.org/visit/randylocke
Matthew’s Memo
April 30, 2024
The theme for May is pluralism. Pluralism has always been a core Unitarian Universalist value, both within our congregations and in society at large.
Within our faith, we have affirmed that each person has a conscience and has their own wisdom and access to the divine. We value character, ethics, justice, and compassion more than creeds. So we have said that “we need not think alike to love alike” and we have also explicitly endorsed the concept that we have many different ideas about the holy, metaphysics, scripture, prophets, and so forth.
In the wider world, we value pluralism because we believe that people as a whole should be free to choose their faith, if any. Having rich multireligious civic space is a great gift and worthy of effort.
I think we are invited, though to turn toward pluralism beyond creedalism. Though there are things I think we should NOT accept (and I’ll talk more about this, this month in worship), I think we liberals and radicals need to do a slightly better job of recognizing pluralism in life stance. We reach different conclusions about parenting, working within systems, consumerism, priorities, how we spend our time, conflict styles, taste, and interests. Sometimes I think we get into a righteous space where we judge others on these things. I know I do! But accepting the wide diversity of ways of being – within limits, sure, but not tight ones – is more humane, kind, and realistic.
One of the dangers of righteousness is that we don’t give grace to one another, and we don’t give it to ourselves either. Instead of curiosity, we move to perfectionism. Embracing pluralism and being curious is a great remedy for this, and reminds of that we each have our own story – and we are not the authors for someone else.
As we enter this month, I hope you will take the opportunity to be curious and open with one another.
In faith,
Matthew
Our 2024-2025 Stewardship Campaign is underway! We are collecting your pledges for the fiscal year that begins on July 1st. We need EVERYONE to play their part so we can nourish our roots and open our wings.
What does that mean? Nourishing our roots means paying our staff a fair wage and keeping up with rising personnel costs. The vast majority of the money you give goes to pay our staff salary, health insurance, and retirement. Nourishing roots also means doing our part to help the Unitarian Universalist Association thrive.
Opening our wings are all the things we do with that staff and our programs and activities. Music, worship, small groups, faith in action, and so much more. If you value these things, and our community, please contribute.
We strongly encourage you to sign up for a Stewardship Gathering. You can do that on Sunday or through this form: https://uurockford.churchcenter.com/people/forms/727071. You’ll get to spend time with other UUs, make new friends, and have a good time while giving.
New Database Update
We are moving to a new database at church, and need your help. Please go to uurockford.churchcenter.com and sign in. (It’s easy!) Update your information and look out for emails to fill in info and add yourself to the directory. You can also scan this QR code:
Do it today!
Board Update
The Board had a short meeting after the Seder, and thanks Teresa Wilmot for her amazing work to make that event happen. We accepted the Memorial and Special Gifts committee’s recommended policy changes. We approved the Rev. Pam Rumancik as the sabbatical preacher for Rev. Matthew’s upcoming sabbatical. We discussed GA delegates – let Rev. Matthew know if you are interested. We talked about the nominating committee’s work and clarified our hopes for the Nominating Panel and Covenant and Safety Team membership. We brainstormed names for a “Change Team” that will move forward on our anti-racism and multicultural work.
Non-violent Communication Practice Group
Wednesday, May 1 at 6 pm
NVC is open to anyone interested in learning about practicing the Nonviolent Communication process. The intention of the group is to deepen our NVC consciousness, develop our awareness and practice our skills. Join us Wednesday May 1 and May 29 at 6pm in the Sanctuary.
Tickets are $10 ($5 for students) at the door, cash or check only
In conjunction with Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), the Camerata Emanon Singers will present Donald McCullough’s Holocaust Cantata: Songs from the Camps. This poignant work comprises songs written by prisoners in Nazi concentration camps in Majdanek, Buchenwald, and Brzezinka, along with readings based on Holocaust archival materials.
Following this remembrance of the Holocaust will be a selection of contemporary choral works and traditional Jewish pieces as a musical offering for healing, hope, and peace.
Wonderful Wednesday Worship In Person and Online Choosing Joy! Annual DRUUMM Public Worship Wednesday, May 8th at 7pm
Diverse & Revolutionary Unitarian Universalist Multicultural Ministries (DRUUMM) is the oldest and largest Unitarian Universalist People of Color ministry and anti-racist community organization based in North America. Each year they hold a public worship that is open to both members and to white anti-racist allies and members of multiracial families. Join this virtual worship at 7pm on May 8th – register here to view from home online: https://www.druumm.org/events/ or come to UU Church Rockford to worship together.
Our church used to have a full kitchen and shared a cook with a daycare center. Sharon prepared all the food for the Seder, her single biggest meal of the year. But I prefer our cooperative Seder, where many members come together as a community to serve each other.
This year’s Seder also included members of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rock Valley in Rockton, Illinois. We welcomed them to our table.
We welcomed Rev. Marlene Walker, part-time minister of the Rockton congregation, who participated in the ritual readings, and Jesse Parker, who sang several blessings in Hebrew, teaching new songs to the group.
Five children gave their energy to the evening and enjoyed finding the afikomen at the end of the ritual.
Providing this year’s Seder were 15 volunteers who committed ahead of time to cook, set-up, or clean-up for the seder. In addition, many others volunteered to serve their tables the 5 courses of food. Others just stepped up to help in the kitchen. This is community in action!
Thank you to all of the attendees who helped make this year’s Seder a success!
Submitted by Teresa Wilmot
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 & Rebecca Beneditz.
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 3rd. The nominations will be reviewed and a selection made by the Social Justice Team before the annual meeting.
Connect Rockford Neighborhood Project Support Sunday, May 12th After service
We are getting to know our neighbors better. Whether you have experience with connecting with your neighbors or you’re feeling a little shy about reaching out, we can take steps together to make these relationships stronger.
Let’s meet to discuss our ideas and support one another in reaching out to our neighbors.
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 in our final session, we will discuss Sexual Pleasure. Folks are welcome to join for just this single session even if you missed the others.
Grounds News
After our successful prairie burn, we undertook to remove all the invasive plant growth in our prairie.
With the exception of two burr oak trees, the prairie slate has been wiped clean. Oh, there are still
many critter holes and mounds out there and we have areas that will need some reseeding late in the
year. But overall the prairie will be looking great this summer as the tall grass grows and the flowers
bloom it will look better than it has in years. Special thanks to Kim Lowman for her autonomous removal
of unwanted vegetation. Such help is always welcome.
Also, there has been an oak tree growing inside the big serviceberry bush at the SW corner outside of Deale Hall for many years. We decided it’s time for the unveiling has arrived. The serviceberry was cut to the ground, where it will grow back as a lower bush to protect what will someday be a grand tree. Because of trimming and confinement, this oak has no low limbs (an advantage, as this is where vehicles access the west side of the church building). It will be tall and straight and a great accent to our splendid building. Stop by and say “hi” to our new tree.
Another area nearby that was formerly a buckthorn “woodchuck haven” is under construction to provide clean space for a new memorial tree. There will be an announcement on that in the near future.
Spiritual Direction at UU Church
Join Gloria Perez, trained Spiritual Director, and a small group of seekers for a spiritual direction group. The group meets on the second Wednesday of the month at 6pm on Zoom.
Spiritual Direction explores a deeper relationship with the spiritual aspect of being human. Simply put, spiritual direction is helping people tell their sacred stories everyday.
If you are interested in joining the group, contact Gloria at gjp68@me.com for more information.
Calling all Small Group Leaders!
We are updating our database and entering small group leaders and participants. If you are a small group leader, please email me with your contact information, brief description, and the names of people who participate in your group.
Small Groups gather to connect and pursue shared interests. I have Soul Matters, Spiritual Direction and New Moon group leaders.
We are pleased to announce that the Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford will hold a Child Dedication during worship on Sunday, June 9, 2024. 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 who 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 e-mail Lindsay Trank at reuurockford@gmail.com by Wednesday, June 5. We hope you will join us for this special occasion!
Supporting WNIJ-FM
I admit, I’m an NPR junkie. If you have your preset on 89.5 and listen to “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered,” you’re probably already donating to this station. But your dollars can go even farther if you donate to them through this church. One hundred percent of the dollars donated specifically to WNIJ on our website will go to WNIJ over time as we fund spot announcements of our Rockford congregation. It’s still a donation for IRS purposes, but to the church, and it supports our “addiction,” as well.
Submitted by Teresa Wilmot
Getting to Know UU Sessions
Join us for our welcome program designed 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 any time. Sessions will repeat monthly.
*Watch 4 Introduction Videos Prior to In-Person Sessions*
April 28 Our Story with Rev. Matthew
Hope to see you!
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 Collectiveis 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!
The next pick-up will be on May 7th, 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!
List of resources that may be helpful to you or someone you know.
VICTIM/SURVIVOR SERVICES
Family Peace Center – 1-779-348-7600
Remedies Renewing Lives – 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-815-962-6102
OLDER ADULT SERVICES
Catholic Charities Long Term Care Ombudsman Program – 1-815-316-0040 or 1-800-369-0895
Mercyhealth at Home/Older Adult Services – 1-815-971-3502
Lifescape Community Services – 1-815-963-1609 or 1-800-779-1189
SERVICES/ADVOCACY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Center for Sight and Hearing – 1-815-332-6800 P
RAMP – 1-815-968-7467
The ARC – 1-815-965-3455
The MidAmerica Region is coming together – both online and at the First Unitarian Society of Madison, WI on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 of 2024 for a multiplatform Regional Assembly!
Our Keynote address will be given by the Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, and Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ.
There will be workshops, the Annual Business Meeting of the MidAmerica Region, and opportunities to meet many UU Leaders from across our faith tradition.
For those who are in person, there will even be opportunities to tour this historic church designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
But most importantly, it is a time for us to come together as Unitarian Universalists from across the MidAmerica Region.
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 Board of Trustees:
President: Spitty Tata
Clerk: Kim Lowman Vollmer
Vice-President: Matt Menze
Treasurer: Steve Blomgren
Trustees: Clark Logemann, Sarah Greer, & Rebecca Beneditz
The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL | 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107 | 815-398-6322 | uurockford.org |
