Love on the Line August 18, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Onlineand in-person Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson
In the current political and social context, how do we let love guide us? What does love ask of us in how we relate to our neighbors? How might we practice loving speech and deeds – love that is truthful, and courageous, but also kind? Words of encouragement and hope for the season before us.
We will share the plate with RAMP
RAMP is a non-profit, non-residential Center for Independent Living (CIL) that emulates the Independent Living Philosophy with a mission to build an inclusive community that encourages individuals with disabilities to reach their full potential. RAMP services enrich individual’s lives. Oftentimes we meet with individuals who have experienced a traumatic or life-changing event (i.e. child recently diagnosed with a disability, accident resulting in permanent disability, etc.). These life-changing events can leave an individual reeling, as well as their family, and not knowing where to turn or what to do. It is this grassroots effort and philosophy to “meet someone where they are at” that drives this organization. Click Here to Donate
Volunteers for Sunday, August 18 Thank you to the Caring Team for volunteering this Sunday!
Ushers: Dick Lake & Myrna Lake
Contact Rev. Joyce to sign up at assistminister@uurockford.org
Happy Birthday to: Ross Ticknor (Aug 13), Susan Erbe (Aug 13) Judy Johnson (Aug 14), Thomas Brace (Aug 16), Phil Curtin (Aug 17), Regina Brenmark-French (Aug 17), & Kathy Young (Aug 19)!
The memorial service for Randy Locke will be held on Saturday, August 17 at 11:00 a.m. at the church.
Matthew’s Memo Aug 13, 2024
Well, well, well.
Two weeks ago, my kids and I started a two-week vacation – we went to see my family in Seattle and then flew to Anchorage to explore Alaska. It was stunning, mostly but not totally rainy, and a one-in-a-lifetime trip. We did see both Denali and some humpback whales, so all the boxes were checked and all had a great time. I wanted to get this long-wished for trip done before my eldest’s Senior year began, so this was the time. I’m so glad we did it.
Now I’m back and working for the next four weeks before the first part of my sabbatical begins. Over the next four weeks, I’ll be preaching about the upcoming election – and wow, things have changed since late June, haven’t they? – and our spiritual work in this time. We’ll celebrate Homecoming on September 8th with a potluck after service and be glad to be together again. The choir will start up (please think about joining!). Small Groups will ramp back up (join one!). Religious Education will return to full-speed mode (bring your kids!). We’ll remember our beloved Randy Locke this Saturday at 11 am. The Board will have its retreat and we’ll make plans for the upcoming year. There’s a lot to do between now and then.
While I’m on sabbatical for part of the coming year, it is a wonderful time for you to really engage in lay leadership at the church. We need folks to engage, start and attend programs, participate in teams, and make this church YOUR church.
The themes this year are centered around the idea of “practice.” The Practice of Invitation, the Practice of Repair, the Practice of Joy, and so forth. It’s a good reminder that spiritual practice is effort – it requires doing, learning, and trying again. It’s not just about thinking or feeling, but also about doing. And that practice is not perfection – but trying. So I really encourage you to try.
Join a small group, participate in programs, and come to the Sunday Morning Meditation group that’s starting before service. Ground yourself in the things that give you meaning, joy, and hope.
See you in church!
In faith,
Matthew
Rockford Pride Parade Photos
If you took any photos of the Rockford Pride Parade that you are willing to share, especially of the group from our church, please send them to me. I will make a photo collage or album to commemorate this historic moment. My contact information is in the online and the paper directory, or come find me on Sunday morning. Thanks!
Submitted by Lia Gima
Getting to Know UU Sessions
Sessions are designed for newcomers to learn about our church and meet other newcomers. We meet in the Sanctuary from 11:15 – 11:45. If you are curious about and considering membership, this is a great place to start.
August 18th Our Story with Rev Matthew
Winnebago Co. Citizens for Choice (WCCC) will hold its next exciting meeting on Tuesday, August 13th at the Unitarian Church, 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL
Our guest speaker will be Elizabeth Lindquist who will discuss :
1. How to make certain you vote for the candidates who represent your values and priorities.
2. The dangers of the Republican plan “2025”, which, if they win, will totally destroy our democracy.
3. The importance of becoming an activist for Kamala Harris, who will bring back reproductive freedom for all!
We will also announce plans for a March for Reproductive Rights in September. We need all hands on deck to help spread the word.
Thank you,
Barb Giolitto
WCCC President
UU 2030: Young Adult 20s and 30s Ministry Workshop Sunday, August 25 11:30 – 1:30
Join members and staff for a workshop and spiritual discussion to kickstart a new 20s and 30s young adult ministry at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford. Facilitated by the ministry advisory group UU 2030, we will begin building a dedicated, spiritually-focused community for folks in their 20s and 30s that will include weeknight spiritual discussion groups, socials, potlucks, and more. We’ll learn how UU 2030 kickstarted their first program at Neighborhood UU Church of Pasadena, CA, and went from an initial 4 to over 40 active participants in their programs.
If you are a member or visitor in your 20s or 30s, this is for you and we’d love for you to join. Childcare will be provided.
Request – what can I ask of you, or of myself, to meet the need?
Communication for deeper connection, where everyone’s feelings and needs are heard and valued–it takes practice. Come practice with us! Beginners welcome.
Do you want to make a difference in the November election?
Maybe you don’t want to write postcards, phone voters or go door-to-door.
What can you do?
You can fund the UU the Vote Team. It costs $ .56 to mail one postcard and $ .73 to mail one letter. We use special postcards that we buy from a printer. Consider donating a sheet of postcard stamps or a sheet of forever stamps for handwritten letters. We can spend cash for printed postcards.
Forever stamps should not include a flag or a dog; we are targeting disadvantaged voters who may have bad vibes about those stamps.
You can donate stamps or money at the membership table on Sunday, or mail a check to the church with “UU the Vote” on the memo line.
By funding our 22 volunteers on the UU the Vote Team, you are making a difference.
Please join the UU Neighborhood Free Pantry Team on Saturday, September 7 from 11 am-1 pm for a mural painting party and picnic!
Our pantry mural painting is designed and led by local artist Jenny Mathews, and all who come will be able to help paint and fill in the design on the pantry structure! There will be free boxed lunches from Jason’s Deli while supplies last (or you can bring your picnic lunch if you prefer), kid’s activities provided by Spectrum Progressive School, a visit from the RPL Mobile Library, and more. Let’s make this a party! If you are interested in helping out with setup, cleanup or volunteering during the event, please reach out to Dawn Nimmo.
Please join us for the 2nd Annual Free Clothing Swap! Bring clean baby, kid, and adult clothes to Deale Hall to swap on Sunday, September 15 from 2-3:30pm. All types in wearable condition (including maternity, Halloween costumes, shoes, and swim) are welcome! Volunteers will be on hand to help you put your items in the appropriate sections. You are not required to bring clothes to participate. Choose some “new to you” items to take home; all items left at the end of the afternoon will be donated. If you have any questions or would like to help out, please reach out to Alexis Simmons or Rebecca Beneditz.
Wesley Willows Group
The Wesley Willows group will meet the following days and times this coming year in the reflection room at the Town Center.
August 22nd, Thursday, at 9 am
November 18th, Monday, at 3 pm
Jan. 22nd, Wednesday, at 9 am
April 24, Thursday, at 10 am
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.
Our UU Library has added this book to our collection: Godless – by Dan Barker and Richard Dawkins
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
Join our community canvassing team to spread awareness on pretrial justice and public defense! Each canvass will include a brief training session to help you feel comfortable and confident while out in the community. On September 18th, 2023, the Pretrial Fairness Act went into effect making Illinois the first state in the nation to end money bond. As the number of people in jails decrease, the fight for pretrial justice continues to ensure not only a smooth transition to a new system but also adequate funding and resources for those navigating the criminal legal system. At the moment, 60% of Illinois’ 102 counties do not have a full time public defender meaning that legal counsel for those accused of crimes is a barrier to pretrial justice and equity. Be in conversation on expanding resources for public defense through the FAIR Act! Sign-up for a community canvass and help us pass the FAIR Act:bit.ly/FairActCanvass
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: Matt Menze
Clerk: Kim Lowman Vollmer
Vice-President: Wendy Bennett
Treasurer: Bob Spelman Trustees: Clark Logemann, Rebecca Beneditz, Neita Webster
The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL | 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107 | 815-398-6322 | uurockford.org |
