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Building Cathedrals: 185 years of Progressive Religion in Rockford
February 8, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Rev. Bret Lortie “Building Cathedrals: 185 years of Progressive Religion in Rockford.” The morning’s anthem plays with the idea “we may be informed by our past, but it doesn’t own us”! Our church’s historical timeline in Deale Hall just came down after more than a month, and using that as a jumping off point we will explore what it means to “build a cathedral of hope” on the foundation of our shared stories.
We will Share the Plate with Howard Brown Health Rooted in LGBTQ+ liberation, Howard Brown Health provides affirming healthcare and mobilizes for social justice. We are agents of change for individual wellbeing and community empowerment. Click here for more information. Click Here to Donate
Happy Birthday to: Andrew Larson (Feb 03), Carla Towns-Gifford (Feb 03), Ruth Little (Feb 04), Robert Francis (Feb 05), Audrey Beneditz (Feb 06), Autumn Powell (Feb 06), Kathryn Dunn (Feb 07), Alexis Simmons (Feb 08), Colleen McDonald (Feb 09), Everett Oczus (Feb 09), Pete Giolitto (Feb 09), Phil Hjemboe (Feb 09), Todd Elliott (Feb 09), Winnifred Chin (Feb 09), Ben Gifford (Feb 10), Dave Schubert (Feb 10), Liljana Baddour (Feb 10), & Tracey Koppen (Feb 10)!
The cost is $12 per person with 6 people per lane. You can sign up with friends or share a lane with other church members. Sign up ends at 12:00pm on February 8, 2026.
Don’t want to bowl? Come hang out or have dinner at the bowling alley!
Two Ways to Sign Up:
1. Sign up virtually
here.
2. Sign up in person on Sunday, February 1st (Look for Art & Rebecca Beneditz) or Sunday, February 8th (Look for Kendra Asbury) after church in Deale Hall.
Two Ways to Pay:
1. CASH – Have exact amount
2. Venmo what you owe to Kendra Asbury Kendra-Asbury-1 (815-979-1432)
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!
Childcare is provided.
Wonderful Wednesday featuring LGBTQIA+ Elders February 18, at 6:00 – 7:30 in the Sanctuary
Our 4 panelists will tell their stories, highlighting episodes that illustrate how things were in the past, and experiences that shaped their unique journey. There will be snacks following in Deale Hall.
Radical Welcoming and the role YOU play!
Saturday, February 21, 2026
10:00 – 12:30
Deale Hall
Help us strengthen how we greet, include, and care for newcomers and longtime members alike.
We invite everyone to come learn and practice welcoming together.
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).
Who do you want to win the Super Bowl? Vote for your favorite team while helping our pantry.
The UU Neighborhood Free Pantry will be collecting canned soup for the next two Sundays, February 1 and 8, in the labeled wood bin in the Narthex. Place your soup cans on the side with the team you hope wins!
Did you stop caring about football when the Packers/Bears lost? Are you only interested in the commercials, food, or halftime show?
Doesn’t matter! The community wins with your donation either way. Thank you for your generosity!
The Music of Florence Price
In honor of Black History Month, each of the worship services in February will include a piano composition by Florence Price (1887-1953), a remarkable American composer whose music remained relatively unknown until hundreds of manuscripts of her compositions were discovered in 2009. Since then, her works have enjoyed a well-deserved popularity among performers and audiences alike. To learn more about Florence Price, you can visit this website: https://florenceprice.com/.
Settled Ministry Search Committee Nominations Please thoughtfully reflect on the following questions prior to our call
When we contact you to ask about potential nominees for the Settled Ministry Search Committee, we’ll focus on the qualities below. Our goal is to form a committee that is trusted, representative, and well-equipped to serve the whole congregation.
1.Representation & Trust
We want a committee the congregation can have confidence in.
Reflect individually and as a family:
Is this person trusted and respected across the congregation?
Do they bring a perspective that helps reflect the diversity of our community (age, identity, involvement, viewpoints)?
2.Connections to the Congregation
Strong relationships help the committee listen well and communicate clearly.
Reflect individually and as a family:
How well does this person know the congregation?
Are they connected to different groups, ministries, or generations within the church?
3.Collaborative Qualities
Search work requires teamwork, listening, and thoughtful dialogue.
Reflect individually and as a family:
Does this person work well with others, especially when opinions differ?
Are they a good listener who can balance speaking up with making space for others?
4.Commitment and Integrity
This role requires time, care, and discretion.
Reflect individually and as a family:
Can this person commit the necessary time and energy to the search process?
Are they known for acting with integrity, confidentiality, and the best interests of the congregation at heart?
Thank you for helping us recognize who might serve this important role in the life of our congregation.
Sanctuary Art
A historical note about the Oriental wall hangings which currently grace the sanctuary:
These beautiful antique obis (broad sashes worn by Japanese Women) were donated to the Church by Rosemary Barnes, a former Church member.
The Furnishings Committee, with Mavis Bell as its helm, had them mounted on harmonious fabric backings, using the same material to create smaller complimentary hangings.
Over the years, these “obis” have become a much appreciated part of our Church
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 |
