Matthew’s Memo
Aug 5, 2025
 
I have a few important projects and tasks I need to complete before my ministry with you comes to a close, and I want to let you know what those are and how you can help, if so. 

One is to shepherd through the process of ordering a replacement projector for the sanctuary.  After a lot of conversation and research, we are moving forward – the building and grounds team is, as I write this, making a recommendation to the Board for their action.  There may be an ask to help raise some funds for this, and more details to come.  We don’t know if the new one will be installed by Sept 7^th, when you begin the new church year, but I hope so. 
 
Two is to recruit a new group of worship associates.  We’re looking for folks willing to take 1 Sunday about every eight weeks, and share their testimony, as well as lead parts of the service.  Your interim minister, Rev. Bret Lortie, working alongside Rev. Joyce and Tim Anderson, might shift the duties and expectations here, so we want folks who are flexible, too.  We like a diverse group of folks who can speak in public well and are thoughtful about what to share.  Interested?  Let me know ASAP. 
 
Three is to clean out my office.  I don’t have room for all my books in my new home office, so ones that I’m not going to use again are staying (just as Dave left many of his for me).  The library team will take what they like from what’s left, but I bet they would welcome your help with that.  Contact Mike Ullrich. 
 
Four is to go through all the passwords and logins and so forth, and make sure that’s all moved to Autumn.  We’ve done many of them, but there’s more to go.  Oy!
 
But these are details – important, but still.  The main thing is to say goodbye, thank you, and I wish you well.  I know Rev. Bret well and am confident you will all do good work together.  Don’t be afraid to make changes!  Just because something I did worked (or didn’t) before, doesn’t mean it is what is needed now or next.  Be of good courage and creativity. 
 
In faith,
Matthew

Beginning Again, In Love

Our long-time minister is following a new path, so
We are now a church in Transition. It’s A time of change, which, let’s face it, can be a little scary.

When Matthew told the Board he was taking a position with the MidAmerica region, we took a collective deep breath and forged ahead.

We followed the steps prescribed to find an Interim Minister who had the skill, experience, and insight to guide us through this liminal space between settled ministers. I want to give my personal thanks to everyone, staff, church leaders, members, and others in the UUA who helped us understand what we needed to do to achieve a successful transition. The Transition Team, which included me, Matt Menze, Dian Kuehl, Kendra Asbury, and Steve Lewis, believes we have succeeded.

Friends, Meet Bret Lortie!

Bret is a seasoned UU minister with an impressive array of talents. A 2007 graduate of Meadville Lombard, he was a member of Unity Temple in Oak Park for many years, where he was A volunteer with youth and social justice teams. Before seminary, he was a journalist —the managing editor of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists—the folks with the doomsday clock! He is a person of sharp intellect, with a strong desire to serve. His long list of interests and abilities includes work on justice and anti racism, an advanced degree in cross-cultural studies, trauma care, and pastoral counseling. He also has a keen interest in church governance. And oh, by the way, he plays the trombone!

Currently, Bret lives with his wife, Cindy, in Madison, WI. His son and grandkids live there too. After seminary, he served churches in San Antonio, TX, and Evanston, IL. And in 2018, he seized his chance to accept a challenge. He became an Air Force chaplain, where he continued to enhance his cross-cultural understanding, his pastoral counseling skills, and his interest in other faith traditions. He told us he wanted to give something back, especially to the Underserved, LGBTQ, and interfaith service members.

While serving in Japan in 2022, he contracted what became long COVID. He was forced to leave the military because of this serious medical condition. But Bret is one determined guy. He has continued expanding his skills and abilities—he’s currently working on a post-graduate program in Spiritual Direction at Loyola University. I think he’s looking forward to deploying his new tool kit right here in our church.

Bret describes himself as a collaborative leader. He sees the connections between belief systems. He has respect for our UU humanist roots. Yet he is affiliated with both UUChristian and Buddhist groups. He labels himself as a nontheist, a free thinker, and a realist. He says that instead of fighting the paradox, he values the struggle—the rational search for meaning.

If you look up some of his old sermons on YouTube, you will see that his sermons and other offerings will be challenging and interesting. You could describe him as an intellectual. I would describe him as a warm, deeply thoughtful person who is excited to be our Interim Minister.

Feel free to ask the Board and Transition Team for the specifics of how and when we will be seeing Bret in Rockford. Believe me, the Transition Team has learned a lot these last 2 months and is happy to share what we learned. WE are a church in transition!

As we send Matthew out into his next best life, let us honor what he has taught us. Let’s work together to begin again in love and hope. Together, let’s welcome Rev. Bret Lortie into our church family as he takes up his next challenge right here with us in September.

Submitted by Wendy Bennett, Board President

UU 20/30s Group
Join Us This Sunday at 11:30 a.m. 

UU2030 is a small group for adults in their 20s and 30s who are looking for spiritual and religious community, without the dogma and baggage that can come with traditional religion. We can provide that home here!
We are looking to build a faith community and possibly other social events like potlucks, holiday celebrations, and board game nights.

We hope to see you!

Co-leaders Sara Greer and Hailey Powell

Job Posting: Assistant to the Director of Religious Education and Assistant Minister
Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL
Part-Time | $20/hour | Approximately 12 hours per week  | Non-Exempt

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford is seeking a compassionate, organized, and dependable Assistant to the Director of Religious Education and Assistant Minister. This part-time role offers a unique opportunity to support the spiritual and administrative life of our vibrant and welcoming congregation.

Key Responsibilities:

This position involves a combination of weekly, seasonal, and ongoing administrative and programmatic tasks, including but not limited to:

• Performing general administrative duties such as document preparation, record keeping, and supply management.

• Assisting with communication, scheduling, and planning for religious education and ministerial programs.

• Supporting Sunday programming through preparation and coordination with volunteers and staff.

• Helping with seasonal events and special services throughout the church year.

Schedule & Hours:

• Regular hours: Mondays and Thursdays, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

• Additional 4 flexible hours per week may be arranged in coordination with the supervisor.

• Total: 12 hours per week

• Compensation: $20 per hour

Ideal Candidate Will Be:

• Organized and detail-oriented with strong communication skills.

• Comfortable working in a progressive faith-based setting.

• Reliable, flexible, and collaborative.

Additional Opportunity:

Preference will be given to candidates who are also qualified and interested in serving as the lead caregiver/teacher for our Kindergarten and under group on Sundays from 9:30–11:30 AM. This Sunday role is an additional paid opportunity and includes:

• Working with young children in a nurturing, play-based, and inclusive environment.

• Collaborating with volunteers to ensure a safe and engaging experience.

• One Sunday off per month, with coverage arranged in advance.

To apply, please send a brief cover letter and resume to reuurockford@gmail.com. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

We look forward to welcoming a new team member who will help support our mission of love, service, and spiritual growth.

Sunday Morning Meditation
1st and 3rd Sundays 
9:15 in the Library

The next session is August 17th.

We meet to meditate together and center ourselves for the day. Please join us for Sunday Morning Meditation. 

• Our deep roots connect us to a wealth of resources that nourish our growth as a beacon for justice, inclusion, and liberation, especially anti-racism and gender and sexuality justice. 
• Our listening cultivates diverse and multicultural relationships that bridge divisions, strengthen our communities, heal hearts, and foster safety for all. 
• Our awareness of our interdependence inspires us to protect the shared environment and natural world in which we live.

The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL  |   4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107   |   815-398-6322    |   uurockford.org  |