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The Courage to Love: When Universalism Came to America
October 4, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Rev. Bret Lortie In 1961 two streams merged into what is now Unitarian Universalism. Before then, unitarianism and universalism were theologies, ways of viewing the world, not organized religions. This week celebrates 256 years of Universalism in North America, with its boundary shattering message: “All are loved.”
Happy Birthday to: Stanley Campbell (Sep 30), Ann Bowling (Oct 02), Myrna Lake (Oct 02), Ellowyn Asbury (Oct 04), Khanh Oehlke (Oct 04), Audrey Hart (Oct 06), & Kate Hutchins (Oct 06)!
Saturday, November 14: Break Barriers, Build Beliefs (B4) Workshop
More details will be shared as this gets closer, but for now – save the date!
Submitted by Rebecca Beneditz (Search Committee Communications Coordinator)
Small Group Ministries & Connection at UU Rockford
Soul Matters Looking to dive deeper into monthly themes and connect with fellow congregants? Soul Matters groups offer a space to share reflections, personal experiences, and spiritual journeys in an intimate, supportive setting. Several of our existing groups currently have openings for newcomers. Whether you are new to the church or looking to reconnect, there is a place for you.
Evensong We are excited to launch Evensong, a warm and reflective gathering starting Thursday, October 1 at 6:00 PM for six weeks. Led by Gloria with support from Rev. Joyce, Evensong offers a familiar yet fresh opportunity to gather, share thoughts, and hold space for one another’s stories.
Interested in joining either group? Reach out to Rev. Joyce to get connected, revjoycepalmer@yahoo.com
Singing Bowls
This Sunday, October 4, in the Sanctuary
11:30 – 12:30
Join us for a restorative sound bath experience. Promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and inner balance.
Listen to a gentle meditation while immersed in the soothing sounds of crystal singing bowls.
Led by Sarah Greyson
Wonderful Wednesday
October 7, 6 pm
How We See the Gray-Book Discussion
by Rachel Leon
Local author Rachel Leon writes a multi-perspective, documentary-style story set in Rockford, IL.
The story examines the perspectives of caseworkers, birth parents, foster parents, and foster children, creating a “community story” where each character’s fate is interconnected.
Come support a local author!
The UU Fourth Sunday Book Discussion Group meets at noon on the fourth Sunday of every month (Surprise!) in the church library.
The next meeting will be October 25 at noon.
This month, we will be reading “The Fountains of Paradise” by Arthur C. Clarke
Admission if Free
Membership is Free No strings are attached
UU NIGHT WITH THE ICE HOGS
Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Gather friends, family, fellow Halloween haunters and join the UU Church Rockford at the afternoon Ice Hogs Game against the Texas Stars.
Point of contact: Sandi Campbell, 815-997-6891
Tickets are available now in Sections 223 & 224
$20. Per person
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
Earthrise 815 Sustainability Conference
Friday, Nov 6th at the Rockford Embassy Suites!
Connect with community leaders and innovators to explore solutions for a more climate-resilient Rockford region. Enjoy inspiring talks, workshops, and networking opportunities. Register now at earthrise815.com—early bird registration ends 09/06. Speak to Rev Joyce for sponsorship opportunities.
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: Diane Kuehl
Vice President: Sandi Campbell
Clerk: Scott Garwick
Treasurer: Teresa Wilmot
Trustees: Kendra Asbury, Neita Webster, Jason Peckels
The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL | 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107 | 815-398-6322 | uurockford.org |
