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Until We Are All Free
January 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Rev. Allison Farnum & Keith Talley In challenging times that call us to live out our religious values, join Rev. Allison Farnum and Keith Talley of the Unitarian Universalist Prison Ministry of Illinois as we explore how we “get free” from the lens of Unitarian Universalist prisoner solidarity work.
Keith Talley (he/him) is a system-impacted Muslim leader working at the crossroads of reentry, faith, and narrative justice. He serves as Prison Solidarity Specialist with the Unitarian Universalist Prison Ministry of IL, Reentry Program Coordinator at Phalanx Family Services, and Founder & CEO of Revolutionary Reentry Hub. Introduced to UUPMI through the Pen Pal Program while caged, Keith found not a call to conversion, but a deep alignment of values. Today, he works to build bridges between spiritual traditions and to transform how we see and stand with those returning from prison.
Rev. Allison Farnum (she/her/ella) is the Director and Minister of the Unitarian Universalist Prison Ministry of IL, and a lifelong Unitarian Universalist. She is dedicated to the vision of collective liberation, one mindful act of care at a time.
We will Share the Plate with Welcome with Good Shepherd YMCA We’re pleased to share the plate with the Good Shepherd YMCA, the newest Y in our area. The YMCA strengthens community life by offering programs that support health, youth development, and connection for individuals and families. Giving is one way we put our values into motion. When we contribute together, we help expand access to welcoming spaces and provide practical support that can make a real difference in everyday lives. Click Here to Donate
Happy Birthday to: Cheryl Delgado (Jan 20), Eileen Stephens (Jan 20), Saundra Berglund (Jan 20), Carrie Meyer (Jan 22), Nicole Ranz (Jan 23), Larry Swacina (Jan 24), & Thomas Jones (Jan 24)!
The congregation of Our Souls Unitarian Universalist Church in Kansas City, MO voted 94% in favor of calling Erin Margit Dajka Holley to settled ministry in Kansas City, MO. Erin grew up in the Rockford congregation and is the daughter of Teresa Wilmot.
Celebration of Life Jesse Parker
Please join us to celebrate Jesse on Saturday, January 31, at 11 am. We will meet at the UU Church. Reception to follow.
Spam Alert Members and friends: For the past several months (and I hear it may go back a few years), we’ve been targeted by unscrupulous spammers posing as church staff. Their spam emails are “phishing” attacks attempting to solicit funds–aka, steal your money! Here is the big takeaway you need to know: Church staff will never email you asking for money. Ever. We won’t ask you to secretly buy gift cards for members in need. Ever. Any email from staff asking for money is a scam.
I’ve gotten some questions about how this common scam happens. Simply, scammers pull staff information from public church websites, create fake email addresses that look real, and find your email address through hacked personal address books and directories. This is why we don’t publish member directories or put them online.
Just remember: keep your computer’s antivirus software up to date; don’t share member directories; and ignore any appeal for money that comes via email or text. If it doesn’t pass the “sniff” test, please don’t respond!
In faith and service,
Bret
Sex & Gender Justice Team will meet at 11:30 this Sunday in the youth room.
Need some things to do in the new year? There are a few events from our annual auction back in November that still have open spots! The events that are available are listed below with the Buy It Now price.
If you are interested in joining any of these events, please email Steve Lewis (lewissk@aol.com) or Rebecca Beneditz (rebecca.beneditz@gmail.com).
Are you tired of paying taxes on these withdrawals? Especially paying taxes to this current government.
For most people, just about the only remaining tax deduction is to use your
IRA withdrawals as a gift to the church (or other charitable group). It is
called a QCD (Qualified Charitable Donation). You instruct the company
managing your IRA to write a check to the church. This does not have to be
the whole withdrawal. Just an amount that you choose to donate to the
church. It will count against your required distribution. But, unlike the rest of
your distribution which is taxable income, this QCD is not taxed.
Many church members are doing this now. If you are not, perhaps you
should consider it. Ask your IRA investment company. You can ask me and
I will tell you what I know, but I am not a tax professional.
Steve Lewis
Child Dedication
We are pleased to announce that the Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford will hold a Child Dedication during worship on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The dedication will be a simple ritual in which the congregation commits to the spiritual welfare and development of the child and their family. Though the ritual is not a baptism, some similar symbolism will be incorporated into the ceremony. Children of any age that have not previously been dedicated are welcome to participate in the ritual. Children who participate are welcome to have their parents and siblings as well as one or two sponsors join them at the front of the sanctuary during the dedication. If you would like to participate in the Child Dedication, please e-mail Lindsay Trank at reuurockford@gmail.com by Wednesday, January 21. We hope you will join us for this special occasion!
Saving Energy at Home: A Presentation by Barb Basaj Sunday, February 1
After Service in the Library
We all know that saving energy is helpful for the planet as well as our budget. Most of us have done some things to reduce our energy usage, but what if there’s something we’ve missed? Or what if we know we have a drafty, poorly insulated home, but don’t know where to start? And what about those new technologies that are out there–do they live up to the hype? If these questions are on your mind, you’re likely to learn something useful during this presentation. Information will also be provided on local rebates and incentives.
Getting to Know UU
Newcomers Welcome!
Sunday, February 8
11:30 – 1:00
Curious about Unitarian Universalism or new to our congregation? Join us for Getting to Know UU on Sunday, February 8, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. This friendly session offers a brief look at our history, theology, religious education programs, and simple ways to get connected in the life of the church.
Come learn, ask questions, and meet others, whether you’re brand new or just ready to find your next step. All are welcome!
Sunday Morning Meditation 9:15 am
We meet on Sunday morning to meditate and center ourselves for the day. You are welcome to join us each Sunday morning.
Community Events
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 |
