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Like Evergreens in the Forest
February 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Chelsi Berger Evergreen trees and plants have to be more careful than deciduous plants about how they allocate their resources, and which edges they really want to grow, because they don’t get the same opportunity to restore through dormancy. The choices they make inform how they make it through the next winter. In a similar way, as we move into the new year, what goals are worth re-evaluating, and which are important enough to us to commit to? How can we grow into more resilient selves, while helping others along the way? Trees grow best in a forest!
BIO: An aspirant and student of the Meadville-Lombard Theological School’s class of 2028, Chelsi Burger (she/her) has filled many roles since graduating from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries and Wildlife in 2014. She has completed two terms of service with AmeriCorps, served in the US Forest Service’s DC policy office supporting clean air and watershed initiatives, as well as pollinator and habitat rehabilitation programs, before joining the US Peace Corps as a volunteer serving rural farmers in Zambia (RPCV 2015–2017). Since returning, she has grown a small business, Mollusk Mama, which focuses on removing barriers to aquatic animal keeping for underserved groups and educating people about wild aquatic animals and the necessity of their habitats to human health. In October 2025, she commissioned as a Navy Chaplain Candidate. As a member of Tree of Life UUC in McHenry, Illinois, she is a youth programming facilitator for middle school students. She lives with her girlfriend, two cats, and her darling dog, Daisy, at their home in Woodstock, Illinois, where she volunteers at the local library, enjoys gardening, and participates in wacky poetry projects with the Atrocious Poets.
We will Share the Plate with the LIAM Foundation Which supports the Rockford area LGBTQIA+ community through advocacy, education, and legal help with name changes. Click Here to Donate
Happy Birthday to: Ben Gifford (Feb 10), Dave Schubert (Feb 10), Liljana Baddour (Feb 10), Tracey Koppen (Feb 10), James Dehler (Feb 11), Sharon Lundquist (Feb 13), Emma Bruce (Feb 15), Erica Prange (Feb 16), Jon Mark Bolthouse (Feb 16), & Dori Smith (Feb 17)!
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.
Starting Point Sessions Thursday, February 26th at 6 pm 4-Session Program
Starting Point is four rich sessions of connection, exploration, and learning that continue from our Getting to Know UU sessions. The sessions won’t just talk about Unitarian Universalism, we’ll experience it! Sessions are ideal for newcomers, members, and friends who would like to learn more and go deeper into Unitarian Universalism.
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 |
