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Our Story Continues
April 13, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson We choose to build on our legacy, to be resilient, to hang together, to imagine a better life and a better world. We refuse to surrender in advance. We find joy in generosity and connections. A joyful celebration of our beloved community.
We will share the plate with The Midwest Reproductive Health Center
At Midwest Reproductive Health Care, we believe in fostering a community of support, understanding, and advocacy for reproductive rights. Your involvement can make a significant impact in supporting individuals seeking reproductive healthcare and in breaking down stigmas surrounding abortion.
Your involvement, whether through donation, support organizations, or being an advocate for an open and non-judgmental dialogue, can help create a more supportive and understanding environment for everyone.
Volunteers for Sunday, April 13
Thank you to the Economic & Social Justice team for volunteering for hospitality this Sunday!
Coffee: Hjemboe & Tata
Happy Birthday to: Deb Rose (Apr 10), Kay Hotchkiss (Apr 11), Leslie Mahan (Apr 11), Dick Lake (Apr 11), Linda Spelman (Apr 12), Pat Lewis (Apr 12), Alice Enichen (Apr 13), Michelle Lattanzio (Apr 13), Patterson Dunn (Apr 13), Barbara Kober (Apr 14), Lucille Beneditz (Apr 14), & Vienna Leonard (Apr 14)!
Matthew’s Memo
April 8 2025
I’m back! After 10 weeks of sabbatical time, which finished yesterday, I have returned today to the office. I’m excited to get back in the pulpit and to see all your lovely faces. I’m also steeled and ready to play my part in resisting and responding to the fascist, racist, incompetent, and deadly presidential administration. Ready to both fight and to help build something that will keep us and those we love as safe and connected as we can.
Throughout my time away, I would sometimes worry about how you all were doing. And then I would scan the newsletter or catch a little of the livestream, and I was reminded that you were doing just fine. Indeed, thriving. Part of the goal this year was to hand back more of the shared ministry and leadership to you, the lay leaders of the church. It seems like this has worked well. A big thank you to Matt Menze, board president, and the other members of the board and all the members of the teams and committees who did the work. And a HUGE thank you to the staff, who I know shouldered an extra load – Autumn, Lindsay, Rev. Joyce, and Tim are real treasures. And Rev. Allison, as well as Rev. Bowie, who told me what a joy it was to be with you. We do this together.
During my time, I accomplished my main project, a revision of my 2010 doctoral thesis and book, Newborn Bards: A Theology of Preaching for Unitarian Universalists. I read new books, edited and added to my project, and completed that last week. I sent it off to our UUA publisher to see if they wish to publish it as an e-book; if they decline or take too long, I’ll self-publish the 2nd edition as I did the first. I also have been teaching a worship class at one of UU seminaries (all online, and wonderful students and conversations). I spent three weeks in Seattle with family, including the memorial service for my grandmother, who died last November at age 104. Family time is both lovely and complicated for me. And my eldest, Lee, who will graduate this spring from High School (and, through Running Start, RVC at the same time) has committed to a college for the fall – Lawrence University, in Appleton, Wisconsin. I’m thrilled for him.
This means I will have just one kid with me half-time come the fall, and an enormous Victorian home that’s way too big for us and the life we wish to lead. If you live in my neighborhood, you’ll soon see a “for sale” sign out front – I’ve already got an apartment in downtown Rockford secured for summer move-in and I’m excited to practice my Camino lessons to live simply, with less things and less to manage, so I can focus on what I love — my relationships, adventure, and my calling.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday and to reconnecting.
In faith,
Matthew
WCCC
Greetings all,
We know anti-abortion bans and criminalization of abortion across the nation are hurting our communities. Join WCCC this Tuesday, 4/8, at 6:30 PM at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford, 4848 Turner, for updates, to share your concerns and discuss action plans for our community.
Democracy is not a spectator sport!!
Sara Dady, WCCC
Share the Traditional Ritual and Meal Wednesday, April 16th, 6 pm Children especially welcome Email teresa.wilmot@gmail.com with: Number of adults @ $12.00, Teens $6.00, 12 and Under- Free Phone number; Number of vegans
Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, April 20
We hope that you will join us for our annual Easter Egg Hunt that is lovingly planned and implemented for the children and youth of the congregation. This is a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy each other and the beautiful church grounds. We look forward to having you share the joy of this event!
You can do the following things to help ensure the success of the event:
❖ Remember to bring a basket or bag to collect Easter Eggs.
❖ Be sure that at least one adult supervises each child during the event.
❖ Dress appropriately for having fun outside.
Please contact Lindsay Trank at (815)398-6322 ext. 5 or reuurockford@gmail.com with any questions.
Camerata Emanon
Songs of the Road
Saturday, April 26, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.
Our April 26, 2025 concert will be at The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, at 4848 Turner Street, Rockford, IL 61107.
Tickets are $10 at the door, cash or check.
Getting to Know UU
Sunday, April 27th 12:00
Join church staff and other newcomers to learn about
our story, living our faith, and how to get connected.
Questions, email revjoycepalmer@yahoo.com
Lead Like Lasso Wednesday, April 30th 6pm
Apple TV’s Ted Lasso is funny and uplifting
as he coaches a team in a sport and in a country
he knows nothing about.
Using Brene Brown’s work, we will see how
Coach Lasso successfully manages to be a
vulnerable and courageous leader.
Led by Kendra A., a professional development trainer.
Peasant Revolt Farm is a small scale organic-practice produce farm in Cherry Valley, Illinois. We are very excited to offer weekly or bi-weekly Produce Subscription Boxes (sometimes called “CSA”) throughout the summer season. We’ll have a pickup location at the Edgebrook Farmers Market (Wednesdays 9a-1p) and also offer a home delivery option. We will make any spot with at least 10 full-season subscriptions a pickup spot (UU church, for example!). For more information, please visit our website: peasant-revolt.com/subscription-boxes.html
Representatives from the American Red Cross will visit our church on Sunday, May 4th at Noon to share information about Red Cross services, how to volunteer, and spring severe weather readiness information. They will also offer a free 30-minute Hands-Only CPR class for anyone interested in learning this lifesaving skill. We hope you will join us to learn about the Red Cross!
Our UU Library has added these books to our collection: Shoes Outside the Door by Michael Downing After Buddhism by Stephen Batchelor
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.
April 23, Wednesday, at 10 am
WINNEBAGO COUNTY RESOURCES
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 |
