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Moving On: Stories of Arrival, Struggle, and Faith
October 25, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Paul Goddard
Moving on. What fear does the need to move strike in your heart? What difficulties will you face? We’ve all had to move, and most of us will again. How is moving complicated by having to move to another country? It is so often repeated that this is a nation of immigrants, but, on a personal level, what does that mean? Hear American origin stories of three families in our congregation and reflect upon what your own family, and those around you have gone through to be here in America.
We will Share the Plate with the Midwest Reproductive Health Care We believe that everyone deserves the right to exercise their full bodily autonomy, and that comprehensive reproductive healthcare is a human right that should be accessible to all. We work through grant-making and fundraising to support access to family planning services, research, advocacy, and policy development, with a focus on reproductive health services and education, and empowering individuals and communities to make informed choices about their reproductive lives. Click Here to Donate
Happy Birthday to: Gary Lawrence (Oct 20), Dorota B Smith (Oct 22), Jennifer Riley (Oct 22), Sara Garl (Oct 23), Francie Barnes (Oct 24), Cooper Kruchten (Oct 25), Troy Doetch (Oct 25), Diana Creer-Berti (Oct 26), Wendy Bennett (Oct 26), & Wendy Singery (Oct 26)!
Alice Enichen is now home after a knee replacement. She would love cards and phone calls from her church friends. She is in the directory.
Please keep Tom Little and family in your thoughts and prayers. Ruth Little died on October 15th.
The Search Committee understands that this process asks a lot both of our team and of the church community at large, and with that there can come some fatigue and overwhelm. But because the news of Rev. Joyce’s departure came after the survey was completed, we want to make sure we have an updated understanding of what the congregation needs as we move forward. Below are the questions for the small groups and focus groups:
When our new minister has been with us for a year, how will we know “Yes, this feels right—this is working” or “Something’s not working here—this feels off somehow”?
What is most precious to you about our community and about Sunday service?
How will the new minister continue Rev. Joyce’s work of nurturing a support network within our church community?
For Focus Groups:
If you are a __________, we want to hear from you. What should our new minister know about how best to serve your needs?
If you have thoughts on these questions that you would like to share, sign up for a small group or focus group (links to sign up will be at the end of this announcement). If you are having trouble with the sign-up process or have questions, please talk to any of the Search Team members and we will help you out. If another meeting doesn’t work with your schedule but you have something to say, we understand that too! You can talk to a member of the Search Team or put your thoughts in the form below:
Thank you all for your participation in the search process!
– Submitted by Rebecca Beneditz, Search Committee Communications Coordinator(rebecca.beneditz@gmail.com if you have questions!)
9:30 am-2:30 pm in the Sanctuary
Doors Open at 9:00 am
Light Pastries and Coffee will be available before the workshop in Deale Hall.
We will break for lunch from 11:30 am-12:30 pm.
A variety of soups and bread/crackers will be available for lunch in Deale Hall.
Childcare is available!
This workshop is designed to help our congregation prepare for our ministerial search by examining conscious and unconscious biases around race/ethnicity, gender/gender identity, visible/invisible disabilities, health concerns, and sexual orientation. Our facilitator has asked members of our congregation to answer some questions ahead of the workshop so that he can better prepare for the needs of our specific congregation.
The questions can be found at the following link: Break Barriers, Build Beliefs Questions
About our B4 Facilitator:
Rev. Eric Kaminetzky (he/him) grew up in Unitarian Universalism. He’s an experienced Lay Leader and Parish Minister, now serving as the Interim Settled Ministries Director for the Unitarian Universalist Association. Eric leads the B4 workshop for congregations in transition. Rev. Kaminetzky will also be preaching for us on Sunday in support of and as an extension of the work we will be doing together during our B4 weekend!
Call for Donations
Our annual church auction is coming up on Saturday, December 12 and we need to fill the catalog!
Host a dinner, teach a class, offer a service, put together a basket, bake something delicious – we encourage you to get creative.
You can submit your donation directly on the website by clicking the link below: 2026 UU Auction Donation Form If you are new to the church and want to know more about how the auction works or need if you need help submitting your donation, please reach out to Spitty Tata or Kendra Asbury. Thank you for your generosity!
The Sex & Gender Justice Team meets this Sunday at 11:30 in the Youth Room.
The fall scene currently hanging in the front of the Sanctuary is the work of a local artist: Margo Shryack-Pagh. The medium is batik. The artist characterizes the creation as a “Trickster Triptych.” Triptych refers to the three panels. The “trickster” is a coyote that is not depicted, but is the cause of one panel being fertile and the other barren.
The artwork is a gift from the Eliseo family in memory of Delores Eliseo.
On October 20, the Rockford University chapter of Phi Beta Kappa will welcome as its 2026-2027 PBK Visiting Scholar Tomás R. Jiménez, the Joan B. Ford Professor in the Department of Sociology at Stanford University and the founding Director of Stanford’s Institute for Advancing Just Societies. During his visit, Professor Jiménez will present a public address, offering an exciting opportunity for all to delve into a topic of particular interest in our nation today. We would be delighted if interested community members could join us for this event.
2026-2027 Phi Beta Kappa Visiting Scholar Tomás R. Jiménez from Stanford University
For the last 70 years, the United States’ self-understanding has included the idea that it is a nation of immigrants. How did that idea come about? And is it still relevant today?
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
Big News! The opportunity you have been waiting for has finally arrived!
The library team has an opening for a new member. Applications will be accepted at our October meeting in the library after the service or at any time thereafter.
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
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
Eliminate Racism 815 and NAACP invite you to the Sheriff Candidate Forum on October 22, 2026. Please put this on your calendar.
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. 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 |
