Standard message and data rates may apply. You have the right to OPT-OUT receiving messages at any time. TO OPT-OUT, reply "STOP" to any text message you receive from us.
That’s How the Light Gets In
November 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Rev. Eric Kaminetzky
Reverend Eric Kaminetzky 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.
Reverend Kaminetzky will 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.
But he says you don’t have to attend the Saturday workshop to enjoy the Sunday service!
He writes, “This is a sermon about opening our eyes to see past the surface and opening our hearts to love past our limits. This sermon is about taking a chance on a more magnificent future, knowing that now and again taking chances can pay off for us all!”
Last Sunday, we raised $359.04 for Nature at the Confluence
We will share the plate with Second First Church Overnight Cafe in Rockford
At the Overnight Cafe, unhoused guests (and others needing warmth) are met with food, clean and warm clothing, and shower and laundry facilities. They spend the night playing cards, watching movies, and talking to others. Guests are treated with respect throughout their stay in an effort to restore their dignity and build rapport.
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:
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!
Last Sunday for Focus Groups:
The Longtime Member Focus Group will meet at 11:30 after the service in the Sanctuary.
A Men’s Focus Group will meet in Deale Hall during Coffee Hour. Look for the binoculars sign.
Join in the spirit of this Thankful Season as we act to help Rockford’s unhoused community and learn more about the Overnight Café.
Gather in Deale Hall at 6 pm:
The Eco Justice team will provide seasonal snacks. (You are invited to bring your favorite, too.)
Help us reach our goal of creating 100 Care Bags to share with unhoused Rockford citizens. We will pack compostable baggies with tissues, bus passes, handwarmers, and resource cards. You are invited to bring snacks or other small, useful items that will fit into a sandwich bag, but YOU are the most important element to bring.
Karen Hill will present about Rockford’s Overnight Café, a seasonal nighttime shelter that provides hot meals and safe sleeping at Second First Church. We regularly support their efforts from our Sunday collection.
Rev. Joyce will share information about how our church community intends to respond when unhoused individuals make their way onto church property.
This multigenerational evening will include music and words of gratitude and thanksgiving: All ages are invited and welcomed. We are grateful for all of us.
R.E. Parents of Children & Youth
We invite folks who are raising school aged children and the children in their lives to join us for food and fellowship!
Thursday, November 19
5:00 – 7:00 pm (drop in any time!)
Deale Hall (please remain inside Deale Hall)
Bring your own reusable water bottle/beverage
*If you have the bandwidth and would like to bring a dish to share or a side such as fruit, veggies, chips and salsa, or a dessert, feel free. Reusable plates or utensils would be a bonus too.
*Can’t bear the thought of being responsible for one more detail but would love the company of other adults? We’ve got you! Show up as you are, we’d love to have you!
Choir Rehearsal Update
We have some changes to our rehearsal schedule leading up to our December Music Sunday.
