An Opportunity for Transformational (Co)-Ministry!
Some Things Change. Others Don’t!

Starting next month, you’ll notice a few changes to the website and the order of service. Beginning March 1st, Rev. Joyce and Rev. Bret will be temporarily changing their job titles to better reflect the scope of their portfolios and areas of authority. More significantly, their relationship will no longer be defined as “Senior Minister” and “Assistant Minister.” Rather, they will both be “Co-Ministers.” It may feel like this is a big change, but in reality, nothing day-to-day will be done differently. In fact, this change reflects how they have been working together for the past six months: through collaboration and consensus, with clearly defined portfolios and an eye toward using a co-ministry model in their work.

Rev. Joyce’s full title will be Co-Minister for Congregational Life. She will hold portfolios for pastoral care, membership and hospitality, small groups and programs, and faith and justice, and she will be the primary point of contact for rites of passage. Rev. Joyce will preach once a month and assist with guest speakers on occasion.

Rev. Bret’s full title will be Co-Minister for Interim Transformational Ministries (taken from new language at the UUA). He will hold portfolios for Board leadership, worship and preaching, denominational connection, transitional development, and staff supervision and support. Rev. Bret will preach twice each month and coordinate guest speakers for additional Sundays. When requested, and in coordination with Rev. Joyce, he may occasionally lead rites of passage.

This shift in language reorients our understanding of ministry from something that can sometimes be perceived as top-down to something that moves from the center-out. The center of the congregation is, of course, you! Our ministers serve you as equal partners in professional ministry—supporting, encouraging, and guiding you on your congregational journey. Now their job titles reflect their practice. 

A few brief words about the nuts and bolts of this change:

• It does not change the total cost of ministry. We have equalized compensation for two ministers working three-quarter time.
• This change is temporary. Following the transitional period, Rev. Joyce wishes to return to her previous job title, portfolios, and hours.
• This is an experiment. Interim periods are a time to try new models for ministry and to adapt to opportunities presented by a congregation’s maturational growth needs. This is an excellent opportunity to consider something new. 
• Ministers will collaborate, yet each is responsible for decisions within their program areas and portfolios. For example, Rev. Bret is primary for staffing and worship decisions. Rev. Joyce is primary for pastoral care and programs. Each minister will report directly to the Board.

More possibilities
A final result of this “experiment” is that it may expand the scope of your ministerial search. You will be advertising a Senior Minister position. However, at the discretion of the soon-to-be-empaneled search team and Board of Trustees, you have the option to expand your search to include co-ministry teams. These are most often married clergy couples who share a single position. Who knows—co-ministry might be something you’re interested in down the road, or not. Let’s see how productive, energizing, and even fun this change in perspective might become.

Wednesday, March 4th
6-8 pm
Deale Hall

Join members and friends of Stateline Indivisible and Ogle County in Singing Resistance gatherings as we lift our voices in songs of love, hope, peace, and justice. This is a simple, spirited way to build solidarity and get ready for the No Kings March on 3/28. No singing experience needed, just a willingness to show up and sing together. 

If you’d like to be part of the group, we’re meeting Wednesdays from 6-8pm at the UU Church.

Submitted by Rev Joyce and Donna Ducharme

Starting Point Sessions
Thursday, March 5th at 6 pm
4-Session Program Ends on March 19th. 

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.

Childcare provided-let Rev. Joyce know if you would like childcare.
Register https://uurockford.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2477841

WCCC

Join us for our last WCCC meeting before the March 17th primary!  We will be discussing City of Rockford’s vote for a new contract with FLOCK which has a history of violating Illinois State law and, in one instance, allowed a sheriff’s office in Texas to illegally access data collected in Illinois to search for a woman believed to be seeking abortion care in Illinois. See link to article below. As the criminalization of people seeking reproductive care, we must do what we can to safeguard privacy rights in Illinois. Hope you will join us in this important work.

https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2025/10/flock-safety-and-texas-sheriff-claimed-license-plate-search-was-missing-person-it

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.

The leadership of the UU Women’s Federation, the International Convocation of UU Women (ICUUW), and Sister Souurce welcomes you to our annual celebration.

We are upholding this year’s United Nations theme, RIGHTS. JUSTICE. ACTION. For ALL Women and Girls. 

You will have two opportunities to join the festivities: our morning option on Tuesday, March 3rd at 10:30 am ET, or our evening option on Thursday, March 5th at 7:30 pm ET. 

Each event will feature the leadership of our three organizations, along with music from our special guest, bēheld! (pictured here)

This moment allows us to showcase women here at home and abroad. Spend some time with us, grounding yourself in the joy and love of women supporting women. 

You are also able to participate in our special International Women’s Day donation, encouraging giving to support the work of the UU Women’s Federation, the International Convocation of UU Women, and Sister Souurce. This MEDIA KIT makes it easy for you to use in worship, announcements, and during your collection plate time.

Both events are open to ALL GENDERS, so share this with friends in your networks. 

• 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  |