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:

Small Group & Focus Group Questions Google Form

Small Group & Focus Group Links:

Small Group Sign Up (Various Times/Locations)

Longtime Member Focus Group (11/15 Sanctuary After Service)

Retirees Focus Groups (2 Times/Locations Available)

Connection to our Land Focus Group (10/26, 6-7pm, ZOOM)

Families With Kids Focus Group (10/28, 6-7pm, ZOOM)

BIPOC Focus Group (11/1, Sanctuary after Service)

LGBTQIA+ Focus Group (11/2, 6-7pm, ZOOM)

Disability/Chronic Illness Focus Group (11/5, 6-7pm, ZOOM)

Music Focus Group (11/15 Choir Area After Service)

Faith in Action / Other Groups Focus Group (11/16, 6-7pm, ZOOM)

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!

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 November 22.

Admission if Free
Membership is Free
No strings are attached

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.

• 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  |