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Simple Church June 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Rev. Bret Lortie “Simplify, simplify,” said Henry David Thoreau in Walden. “Our life is frittered away in detail, simplify, simplify.” What would church look like if we aligned our programs to a clear vision, and then focused everything on accomplishing our mission? I suspect it would look similar but simpler, and with a big exception. Instead of hearing “I love coming to this place but I get lost,” we might hear, “I love coming to this place, and we have found a way, together, to help make the world better.”
We will share the plate with our Free Pantry
Believing that, together, we can create something big out of something “little,” The Free Pantry initiative addresses food insecurity while fostering neighborhood engagement within local communities. Click Here to Donate
Rockford Pride Parade 2026 is on Saturday, June 6
Here’s what you need to know to participate in the parade this Saturday, June 6
We will meet on Market Street between 3rd and State at 11:00 am. You can park on nearby side streets.
The parade is divided into six zones. We are in the Yellow Zone with the other church groups. When you get to Market Street, look for the Chief Marshal with the pink flag, who will tell you where to line up.
The parade will start at Market Street and State Street and travel west on State across the river, ending at Wyman Street.
At least one vehicle will be parked at the end of the parade, if you need a ride back to your car.
Dress for the weather, and wear comfortable shoes. All the “Side With Love” loaner shirts have been given out except one size small, but you can wear whatever you are comfortable in, the more colorful, sparkly and fabulous the better.
Feel free to call or text Lia at 414-915-3426 with any questions.
Let’s show up for LGBTQIA+ Pride and have fun!
The Annual meeting will be this Sunday, June 7th, after service.
Tuesday, June 9, 6:00 pm, in the library. Part 2 of “Disclosure”, a film about Hollywood’s portrayal of Trans people and its impact on the Trans community, followed by discussion. If you’d like to watch part one (the first 50 minutes), it’s on Netflix, however, this is not a requirement. Light refreshments will be served.
Child Dedication
We are pleased to announce that the Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford will hold a Child Dedication during worship on Sunday, June 14, 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, June 10. We hope you will join us for this special occasion!
Eco Justice June Event
Planting Day at Wild Roots Nature Center at Prairie’s Edge
Saturday, June 13, 9am-12pm
888 S. Lyford Road
In lieu of a regular Wonderful Wednesday event, the Eco Justice Team has decided to directly support an event of one of our partners, Severson Dells (which is going through a rebranding and will be known as Wild Roots Nature Center going forward). We will be joining the Wild Roots team at Prairie’s Edge (the former Elliot Golf Course) to help plant native plant plugs on the property.
This is an all-ages event, and you do not need to commit to attending for the full morning – if you have something else going on that overlaps the planting window, you are welcome to attend for just part of it. Every little bit helps! Staff at Wild Roots encourage you to wear long pants, closed-toed shoes, and sun protection. Bring a water bottle and a shovel of any size if you have one! Park in the main parking lot by the clubhouse and look for Liz or Caedyn, who will be wearing orange safety vests.
If you would like to participate, please talk to Rebecca Beneditz after service or email her at rebecca.beneditz@gmail.com so she can let the Wild Roots staff know approximately how many people will be in our group for planning purposes. We hope you will join us!
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 |
