Matthew’s Memo
 
If you were in worship or watching online on Sunday, then you know that I received word during the service that my grandmother had died that morning and that I asked Rev. Joyce to read the sermon I had written. 
 
My grandmother, who we universally called Oma, was born in Germany in 1920.  She came to rural Washington State when she was 9 with her siblings and parents, hardly speaking any English.  She had two children – my mom and my aunt – and two husbands.  The first died from a heart attack when she was in her late 40s, the second just before the pandemic. She was a remarkable woman, not just for her 104-year lifespan, but for her intellect, strength, and values.  She was the one who brought our family into Unitarian Universalism and was a vital part of my childhood.  My children adored her.  And though we knew she was fading in the last few months, it’s hard not to think that someone who had lived so long would just live forever.
 
I was already headed back to Seattle for the holiday, so I’ll be helping my sister and mom clean out her apartment and telling stories of her life.  A service will be held in March at her UU congregation there – which I will NOT be officiating.

I’m grateful to Rev. Joyce for doing such an excellent job reading a script she had not seen before. If actions preach louder than words, then I hope making space for my vulnerability made the message I had written, and she delivered, come alive.  And thank you for your warm wishes in person, by email, or on Facebook.  Many of you have heard her stories from me before and know how important she was to me. 
 
As I gather with my family, I hope you also have a wonderful Thanksgiving with your friends, family, and/or with yourself.  I will be giving thanks for the precious gift of life, and reflecting on what lessons from her life (in addition to “eat fresh food”, one key to her long life – she grew her own food most of her life) I wish to take into mine.  Many – reading, thinking freely, civic engagement – are already a deep part of who I am.  As is, of course, this very faith itself. 
 
Rev. Joyce will be preaching this Sunday, and I’ll be back for Music Sunday on Dec. 8^th.  See you then!
 
In faith,
Matthew

Religious Education and Woodsong Staffing Note
For the Congregation
 
Hello all –
 
I want to give you an important update about our staffing for our Religious Education and Woodsong Programs. 
 
If you don’t know about our Woodsong program, this is the weekday program we run for 2- and 3-year-old children.  Each day from Monday through Friday, 16 little ones play, explore nature, learn to be with others, and experience our values and care.  This program has brought many new families into the church.  This program has been run by its Co-Directors, Lindsay Trank and Lauren Smith. 
 
Lindsay has been our Director of Religious Education for almost a decade now, and Lauren was the Assistant Director, focusing on the K and under room, as well as supporting O.W.L. (our sexuality education program) and things like Parent’s Night Out. 
 
Lauren resigned from her position at the end of her maternity leave in October, while I was on sabbatical. 
 
This has made things very difficult.  And we need your help. 

First, we need more volunteers.  Especially if you are NOT a parent of a young child, we need you to volunteer for our religious education program.  We need consistent reliable volunteers who the children and parents can get to know.  We provide the activity plan and there is great support.  We make it simple.  If we value the presence of children and families in our community, then we must have more folks help.  It is put up or shut up time, to be frank. 
 
Here is what we need:
 
We need at least one, and preferably two more people, to be O.W.L. instructors.  This literally life-saving program is offered after church for various age groups, so you won’t miss worship if you do this.  If you are comfortable talking about sex and relationships, and willing to do the training, we need you.  Contact Lindsay at reuurockford@gmail.com if willing. 
 
We need at least one, and preferably two more people, to be in the K and under room.  These precious littles – mostly 3 and 4 years old – are fun and joyful.  They play, hear a story, and do fun simple activities.  We’d love folks willing to do 2 Sundays each month but can work with 1 reliable Sunday.  Right now, Lindsay and I’s respective High School Seniors are filling in here – but that’s not sustainable and they are missing Youth Group to do this. Contact Lindsay at reuurockford@gmail.com to volunteer.
 
We need at least one more volunteer, and would prefer two more, for EACH of the 1^st-3^rd and 4^th-6^th grade rooms.  We have an anchor staff person for each room, but need more adults to help out in each room.  We are looking for one reliable Sunday each month from each volunteer in this group.  They are curious, fun, and insightful kids – and you’ll learn about UUism and other topics too! Contact Lindsay at reuurockford@gmail.com to volunteer.
 
Thanks to Lindsay’s hard work, and with Rev. Joyce playing a role, we are staffed for the youth program. 
 
What we do NOT really need is folks who say “call me if you need me.”  We need reliable folks who do it regularly to build a relationship with the children.  It is relationship, not content, that is the main goal of the program. 
 
That’s the volunteer situation.
 
As far as Woodsong Staff goes, DCFS rules mean that we need to have a “Director-Qualified” person on site.  Lindsay is all we have right now.  We do have two great teachers who are working with her each day, but Lindsay can now not take a day off – let alone the 5 weeks we had promised in a short sabbatical to restore herself after covering for Lauren’s maternity leave.  The finance committee has recommended to the Board some financial compensation in lieu of that sabbatical, and money is useful but it is not the same as time. 
 
While Lindsay can’t really be absent from Woodsong, we can give her some Sundays off – so that she can actually have a 2-day weekend instead of just 1 day a week off.  During December, we are making this happen.  This means we especially need volunteers now to help cover these days.  Please come forward to help and make this a truly shared ministry. 
 
As we rebuild after Covid, we are seeing more participation in many programs.  We are definitely seeing more children and youth participate in our church, and new families coming (half of which start from the Woodsong program).  We need the volunteers to keep this program going.  It is not fair, wise, sustainable, or just for us to put the full load on one staff person.  It is a shared ministry, and we need you.  Especially if you are not an overwhelmed parent – please consider doing this important ministry. Once a month of 1 hour of your time will make a huge difference. 
 
Thank you.

Annual MELD Donation
 
Keep an eye out for the MELD donation tree in the narthex!  You will find an item requested by a family on the back of each ornament hung on the tree.  Donated items should be placed in the bin in the narthex designated for MELD donations.  Please do not wrap the items that you donate. 
 
Donations will be collected through Sunday, December 15.
 
Rockford MELD is a non-profit social service agency started in 1981.  The organization provides programs and services for young parents and their children in the Rockford community.  MELD offers emergency shelter and housing, parenting information, life and job skills training, support, resources, and prevention education.

In keeping with the theme of Repair, let’s take a look at the our economy from a corporate point of view. For an hour or so let the digital assistant, SASHA, lead a tutorial in the five areas of business that you, as a corporate leader, must master, in order to keep production and consumption humming without regard for the consequences. Watch Buy Now, The Shopping Conspiracy, on Netflix.

Submitted by Gaen McClendon

Martha Daniels Rockford Promise Scholarship
Thank you notes

“Dear Martha Daniels Foundation. My name is Isabel Pinedo, this is my second year here at Rock Valley thanks to the Rockford Promise and our generous donors. I am currently enrolled in microbiology, ENG-103, PSY-270, and intro to Non-Western Music. My current favorite class is PSY-270 because I am learning about life span development which is interesting to me. Thank you for your constant support, it never goes unnoticed. I will continue to work hard toward my ultimate goals. Sincerely, Isabel”

“With the support of the Rockford Promise and our generous donors, I’m having a successful first semester! I’m currently taking ENG-101, SPH-131, SOC-190, CIS-102, and CIS-170. My favorite class so far has been sociology because it consistently provides me with new information about our society.  Outside of my regular studies, I am taking part in NCL (National Cyber League) maybe not directly just yet, but learning about my career as I go. Right now I am excited about my upcoming speech about how the internet might be limiting my creativity.  Thank you for your continued support and investment in my education. I am grateful for this opportunity and will continue to work hard toward achieving my academic goals. Gratefully, Allan Sanchez”

Blue Christmas Service
Wednesday, December 11th 6pm

The holiday season is a complicated time for many of us, especially those who are missing loved ones. Whether it is a first season or 10th season without our loved ones, we come to acknowledge the loss. 

We come to be seen and accepted, to have our complicated feelings embraced, to know we are not alone. Our worship service will include beautiful music by harpist Nanette Felix.

You are welcome to join us.

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*
December 8 Getting Connected with Rev Joyce
Hope to see you!
Video session takes about 30 minutes to complete.
 
1. A History of Unitarianism: BaseCamp: 5 Minute History of Unitarianism
  
2. A History of Universalism: BaseCamp: A History of Universalism in 5 Minutes
  
3.   UU theology video by Rev. Matthew Johnson: (12 minutes): 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)
  
Questions, email Rev Joyce at revjoycepalmer@yahoo.com

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.

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.

Dear ACLU Supporter,

                There is little doubt that the results of the 2024 Presidential election have been disappointing and distressing to many of us. The incoming administration headed into the White House presents a clear, existential challenge to basic civil rights and civil liberties across the country. We see threats to free expression and bodily autonomy, as well as proclamations that the President-Elect will use the military in order to engage in a scheme of mass deportations. That reality has many of us, supporters of the ACLU, wondering what we can do to push back against abuses of basic rights.

                While our collective response will evolve over time, it is critical that we find common cause to work together to create the kind of community we want at the local and state level.  This is why several ACLU members in Rockford and Winnebago have come together in hopes of creating an ACLU group in your community. 

                We would love to have you be part of this effort.  Please join us on Tuesday, December 10th at 6 PM at the Rock Valley College Student Center Atrium for an informational meeting.  You will hear from your neighbors about their concerns for civil liberties, learn about strategies to extend and strengthen basic protections in Illinois from ACLU staff, and find out how you can play a role in protecting civil liberties.

ACLU Rockford and Winnebago County Community Meeting
Tuesday, December 10, 2024 6 PM
Rock Valley College – Student Center Atrium
3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61114

Please join us for this event. Together, we can be stronger in our home counties.  And, more important, we can be part of the solution for protecting those most vulnerable in our communities. Feel free to reach out with any questions or let us know if you are interested in being part of a local ACLU group but cannot attend to events@aclu-il.org.

We look forward to seeing you soon. 

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  |