Democracy on the Line
August 25, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Onlineand in-person Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson Unitarians and Universalists have long cared about democracy. Our faith that each person could access the holy through their own conscience and mind carried over, 250 years ago, into a commitment that people should have the freedom to govern themselves without kings or dictators. In these perilous times, what – beyond voting – might our commitment to democracy ask of us? How might we build up civil society, fight loneliness and fascism, and protect our collective rights and freedoms?
We will share the plate with Rockford Promise
Rockford Promise is a non-profit 501(c)(3) location-based scholarship program that offers full-tuition scholarships to deserving graduates of Rockford Public School District 205. Modeled after Promise programs around the nation, our goal is to increase educational attainment in our community while providing a powerful economic incentive for residents and businesses to locate in the Rockford region. Click Here to Donate
Volunteers for Sunday, August 25
Greeters: 2 Volunteers Needed
Guest Table: 2 Volunteers Needed
Ushers: Barb Wilson and Pam Wilson Coffee Hosts: Teresa Palmeno & We Need 1 More Volunteer
Contact Rev. Joyce to sign up at assistminister@uurockford.org
Happy Birthday to: Beverly Baxter (Aug 22), Gisele Cortes (Aug 23), KI Skogen Johnson (Aug 23), Robert Spelman (Aug 23), Emma Burchardt (Aug 26), & Eugene Duncanson (Aug 27)!
LOST JACKET
Within the last two weeks a medium blue men’s ORVIS brand rain jacket may have decided to go home with someone other than me.
If found please return it to church and/or contact Gaen McClendon at
815.222.3515
Matthew’s Memo Aug 20, 2024
Last year, Javier Delgado, the beloved parter of our Music Director, Tim Anderson, died suddenly and unexpectedly. Members of the congregation asked how folks might offer their support through any kind of memorial fund or project. Tim was in Costa Rica over the summer and able to supervise the completion of a memorial in Javi’s honor at the local school – a safe playground for the children. I’m pasting below some details from Tim and some pictures of this playground. We are raising funds to help with this project, and you can give by making a contribution by check to the minister’s discretionary fund, and noting “Javier memorial” in the memo line. If you give electronically, you can go to https://uurockford.org/connection/donate/, and select “other.” After you make the donation, send an email to office@uurockford.org saying that this is the purpose of your donation.
Here is more from Tim about this memorial:
Last November, many people asked if there was some sort of memorial to which they could contribute in memory of Javier. Things in Costa Rica are different than they are here. However, I wanted to let you know that we have completed a project at the school where Javier was serving as Director, something that was part of a list of improvements he hoped to see completed during his time there. Many of Javi’s and my friends here have contributed generously to help see the project through to completion. The preschoolers now have a secure area in which to play. There was already an area enclosed by a fence in which students planted a tree in Javier’s memory. That area has been cemented and covered with artificial turf, and a playset has now been installed along with extra security. As you can see in the pictures, it looks wonderful. I think Javier would be very proud, and I am pleased that, with the help of friends both here and there, one of his dreams has been realized.
. . . . Javier’s dedication to his profession and to all the schools and students he served during his career is beyond question. This project is just one final tangible proof of that dedication, one realized by many because of their love for a wonderful human being taken from us too soon. TQM.
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.
The Sex & Gender Justice Team meets this Sunday after church, at 11:30 am in the Youth Room.
Wednesday, August 28, 6:00 – 7:30, in the Library
Observation – in place of judgment or assumption.
Feeling – what feeling is alive in me, in you?
Need – what human need is underneath the feeling?
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.
R.E. Grade K-1 OWL 2024 Parents
Hello Everyone!
This is a quick note to let you know that we will be offering the Our Whole Lives Sexuality Education curriculum to children in grades K-1 at church this fall. Sessions will be led by Amy Brandon and myself. The Parent Orientation will be held after service on Sunday, September 15. OWL sessions will be held after service from 11:30 – 12:15 from Sunday, September 29 through Sunday, November 17. A hearty snack will be provided. 😉
No commitment is necessary at this time. I just wanted to be sure the dates got on everyone’s calendars before they filled up with school year commitments. Feel free to reach out with any questions before the orientation.
We hope you join us!
Lindsay
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 |
