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Work that is Real
September 1, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Onlineand in-person Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson
On this Labor Day weekend, we’ll talk about the dignity of work – both work for pay and not. What does it mean to do our work, whatever it is, with intention and purpose? And how might we think about what kinds of work we should spend our time on?
We will share the plate with UU the Vote UU the Vote is a bold initiative created by the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Side With Love team, providing UUs a thoughtfully crafted “plug-and-play” opportunity to bring our democratic values to life in the crucial struggle to build a genuine multiracial democracy. UU the Vote engages people in voter registration, issue education, get-out-the-vote drives, voter protection, state leadership development, and more.
Now, in 2024, we have progressed to shift from just election-year organizing to year-round movement-building work toward building a truly inclusive democracy. Click Here to Donate
Volunteers for Sunday, September 1st Thank you to the Board and Finance Committee for volunteering for hospitality this Sunday!
Contact Rev. Joyce to sign up at assistminister@uurockford.org
Happy Birthday to: Eugene Duncanson (Aug 27), Lorna Tapfield (Aug 28), Sandee Poznan (Aug 28), Lynn Liston (Aug 29), Mike Stopka (Aug 29), Shavonne White (Aug 30), Barb Giolitto (Sep 01), Charlotte Fellars (Sep 01), & Donna Ducharme (Sep 03)!
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
We send our sympathies to Suzanne Wang, whose eldest son Russell (Wang) Wolf recently died unexpectedly. Russell was a devoted son, father, and husband. If you would like to send Suzanne a card, her address is 3142 Carriage Trail, Rockford,IL 61109.
Matthew’s Memo August 27, 2024
Tomorrow is the first day of School for Rockford Public School K-12 students. My younger son will be starting his freshman year of High School (!). Time flies, to put it mildly.
Students in the Harlem district and some others have already begun. Spectrum School, our long-term renter, started yesterday. And Woodsong Nature School, our own 2-year-old program, begins its fall session on the day after Labor Day. Homeschool kids are sliding out of their summer and back into more routine and learning time. Friends of mine across the country have been sharing pictures of their kids’ first days. It’s heartwarming and joyful.
We hope for the best for the year to come – that students will learn, be happy, experience joy and friendship, and enjoy their time. We hope that teachers will enjoy their jobs, and all the staff will know they are doing meaningful and worthwhile work. We hope for great science projects, school plays, winning sports teams, mind-opening books, insightful papers, and rich conversations. This Is our longing for our children and all children.
And there is also trepidation. Will the teacher care for our unique students? Will the classroom be encouraging or all about controlling behavior? Will the homework load be manageable? Will our student – especially if they are disabled, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, or otherwise different from their peers – be bullied? And now, no parent sends their kids to school without worrying about school shootings. We try not to worry too much, but we worry.
So there are big feelings right now. Among our kids and parents and all who love them. We long for the best and try not to let our worries overtake us.
I offer my blessings on all of us – parents, kids, staff, community – at the beginning of this school year. We will offer a backpack blessing at the Homecoming service on Sept. 8th, so please come and bring your backpack too.
One more thing: please drive carefully around bus stops and schools!
In faith,
Matthew
Javier Delgado Memorial
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.
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.
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.
Starting Point
Begins Wednesday, September 11th at 3:00 – 4:30 pm
UU Church Library
Starting Point is four rich sessions of connection, exploration, and learning that continues from our Getting to Know UU sessions. The sessions won’t just talk about Unitarian Universalism, we’ll experience it! And rather than simply hearing about UU, participants will have a chance to practice deep listening and sharing. We will have an opportunity to honor the important insight, experiences, and perspectives of our fellow travelers.
The Starting Point series is offered two to three time throughout the year. We invite prospective and current members to participate. If you’ve been attending services or checking us out on the website and curious to learn more, or if you are already a member and wanting to renew your sense of community, join church leaders, other new folks, and members for meaningful and fun connection as well as information.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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: The Earthly Frame by David Sehat
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
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 |
