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What Might Change?
October 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person Rev. Joyce Palmer
What might change if we treated ourselves with the same compassion we so freely offer to others? This week, we’ll spend time exploring what it means to turn that kindness inward as we learn to show ourselves compassion in small, intentional ways. Together, we’ll reflect on how grace toward ourselves can open room for healing, renewal, and deeper connection with others.
We will Share the Plate with Remedies Renewing Lives
Remedies Renewing Lives offers shelter from domestic violence and treatment for substance abuse for residents of Winnebago and Boone Counties. They have hotlines for domestic abuse and human trafficking. https://www.remediesrenewinglives.org/ Click Here to Donate
Happy Birthday to: Dorota B Smith (Oct 22), Finn Davis (Oct 22), Jennifer Riley (Oct 22), Francie Barnes (Oct 24), Cooper Kruchten (Oct 25), Troy Doetch (Oct 25), Diana Creer-Berti (Oct 26), Wendy Bennett (Oct 26), Wendy Singery (Oct 26), Hazel Ruszczak (Oct 27), Mary Edlen (Oct 27), Gary Lawrence (Oct 28), Linda Lawrence (Oct 28), Maddy Dorr (Oct 28), & Paula Christensen (Oct 28)!
Call For Donations! Click to Donate: 2025 UU Auction Donation Form Donation Deadline: November 2 (but sooner is better)
Questions? Talk to Rebecca Beneditz or Alexis Simmons
The NVC practice group meets this Tuesday at 6:00.
Sex & Gender Justice Team meets after church on 10/26.
UU 20/30s Group
Join Us This Sunday, October 26, at 11:30 a.m. in the Youth Room
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 and Hailey
Safer Congregation Discussion and Online Resource Sunday, November 9th After service
Our congregation strives to be both safe and welcoming for all. Complete safety may not be possible, but together we can take thoughtful steps to create a community where learning and growth happen within an environment of care. Join us for an open conversation about creating a safer congregation.
Guest Minister Rev. Jules Taylor will lead the discussion on congregational safety. If you would like to participate in an online course UU Institute has a course available. https://uuinstitute.org/product/safercongregations110/
Questions see Rev Joyce or Rev Bret
UU Common Read 2025–26
This year’s UU Common Read is Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection by racial justice advocate Deepa Iyer. The book offers a powerful framework for individuals and communities to engage in collective action for equity and justice. Through ten social change roles from builder to storyteller you’ll discover ways to strengthen your impact.
Together, we’ll explore how to deepen our commitment to justice and strengthen our roles in collective action. Copies are available through inSpirit: The UU Book and Gift Shop: https://uuabookstore.org/. The church is ordering books to purchase.
Come read, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversation with us!
Racial and Economic Justice Team
DRUUMM is proud to co-host a 6-hour Multiracial Intersectional Antiracism Training occurring on Saturday, October 25 at Unity Temple in Oak Park, IL.
October 25, 9 AM to 3 PM
This in-person program will be facilitated by Justice Movement, Rev. Jason Lydon, and DRUUMM Community Minister Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons. The training is open to all and includes opportunities for caucusing in racial groups.
Cost CORRECTION: The cost is $50.00 for DRUUMM members and $120.00 for General registration. If you would like to attend and need financial assistance, please let Rev Joyce know. revjoyce@yahoo.com.
Starting Point: Deepening Your UU Journey Small Group Mondays October 27 – November 17 6 – 7:15pm
Ready to go beyond “getting to know us” and truly experience Unitarian Universalism? Starting Point is a four-session series full of conversation, connection, and discovery. We’ll practice deep listening, share stories, and honor the wisdom we each bring to the circle. Whether you’re new and curious or a longtime member wanting to reconnect, join us for a meaningful and fun way to grow in community together.
“Bring Your Friends”: What Is the UUWF Affiliate Program?
UU Rockford is now an affiliate member of the UU Women’s Federation, which offers support, resources, education and networking opportunities related to women+ issues and gender equality. But what does this mean for us? Big questions are coming up–How does UUWF define “Women+? What about someone who is non-binary, gender-fluid or agender? Our church used to have a women’s group and a men’s group, but is gender-based grouping too exclusive and binary?
October 30 at 6:30 pm is your chance to learn more about UUWF. Bring your tough questions. Bring the issues that matter to you, because, as progressive as our church may be, gender inequality is still a global problem.
The meeting is open to all members of our church, of all genders.
CREATING A HOME ALTAR Wonderful Wednesday November 12, 6 pm (second Wednesday of the month)
Join us for an evening of reflection and creativity as we explore the practice of creating a home altar — a personal space for grounding, gratitude, and renewal. Together, we’ll discuss simple steps for designing an altar that reflects your values and spiritual journey. Come discover how this practice can deepen awareness and nurture the sacred in everyday life.
Sunday Morning Meditation Now Every Sunday!
9:15 a.m. in the Library
We meet to meditate together and center ourselves for the day. Please join us for Sunday Morning Meditation.
Community Events
Pilgrim Baptist Church
1703 S. Central Ave. Rockford, IL
Vision:
A loving, spiritual congregation that lives our values through belonging, reason, and action.
Mission:
Like the nature that surrounds us, we evolve as a habitat for spiritual development.
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 Board of Trustees:
President: Wendy Bennett
Vice President: Diane Kuehl
Clerk: Scott Garwick
Treasurer: Bob Spelman
Trustees: Kendra Asbury, Clark Logemann, Neita Webster
The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL | 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107 | 815-398-6322 | uurockford.org |
