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The Impossible God: Theologies for Unitarian Universalists April 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Rev. Bret Lortie Each year at our annual auction I let one lucky winner pick the topic for one Sunday in the spring. This year, David Black chose, “The Concept of God for UUs,” in which we will explore theologies, from Transcendentalism to Process Theology, that many UUs find useful in claiming, re-claiming, or just navigating humanity’s perhaps most challenging invention: the notion of God.
We will share the plate with DRUUM
DRUUMM is the oldest and largest Unitarian Universalist People of Color ministry and anti-racist community organization based in North America.
🌿 Prairie & Woodland Work Days – All Are Welcome! 🌿
Did you know that Illinois is known as the Prairie State? Once covered in vast prairies, this unique habitat is now among the most endangered in the country. We’re also proud to support pollinators like the beautiful Monarch butterfly, our state insect. We’re fortunate to have a prairie on our church grounds—a special space that needs ongoing care. Without natural grazers like American bison, prairies and woodlands rely on us for maintenance.
This is a wonderful opportunity for all ages to come together and care for the land! 📅 Dates: Saturdays, APRIL 18 & APRIL 25
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🛠️ What We’ll Be Doing:
Trimming and removing small trees
Cutting back vines
Filling holes in the prairie paths
General prairie and woodland maintenance
👟 What to Bring & Wear:
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
Long pants
Gloves
Optional: long-sleeve shirt
Water bottle (please label with your name)
🌱 This is a multigenerational effort, and everyone is welcome—bring friends, family, and neighbors!
Congratulations to Teresa Wilmot, who is about to retire from the Rockford Symphony Orchestra after playing in the viola section for 51 years!
Teresa’s last two scheduled appearances with the RSO are Masterworks Series concerts at 7:30 pm this Saturday, April 18, and then Saturday, May 9, both at the Coronado Theatre.
20/30s Group Meeting
Young adults in their 20s and 30s are invited to gather after worship on April 19th in the Youth Room for conversation and connection.
Imagineers of the Spirit
by Rev. Bret Lortie
Our annual stewardship campaign is here — and this year truly is different. We’re between settled ministers, envisioning our future, and moving through a pivotal moment. That’s why our theme this year is “Imagine.”
We’re halfway through the drive and about halfway to our budget goal, with more than sixty members and friends already pledging. That’s inspiring — but we can’t celebrate until the last pledge comes in before the end of April. I’m writing to ask if you would consider turning in your pledge form this week.
Unitarian Universalism is, at its heart, a saving faith. It saves people from materialism and selfishness, from the illusion of separateness, from the exclusion some of us felt in other religious communities. Each of us found our way here for a reason. The question today isn’t whether this community matters — it’s how we can support this institution of which we’re so proud.
I grew up near Disneyland, with family ties to Disney’s “Imagineers” — the creative teams who “build experiences meant to connect and inspire across generations.” I went to Disneyland several times each year—in high school often as a performer—and despite what I know today of some corporate failings (every institution must reconcile its history), visiting the park always felt like dropping into a different world filled with creativity, wonder, and global idealism. When I learned our theme this year was “Imagine,” the connection clicked. Our stewardship team, board, council, and leaders are our church’s Imagineers, working to create a home of wonder, peacemaking in our community and world, and counter-cultural power for all who walk through our doors.
Some of us give time. Some give talent. Some give treasure. May each of us give what we are able— and may what you give bring you joy.
Past Sunday Services
Did you know you can watch past Sunday services anytime? We have them on our website under past worship services so you never have to miss a Sunday! Click here to find a service that you haven’t seen yet! You can also always go to our YouTube page.
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 |
