December 11, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson
Our annual interactive telling of the nativity story. Participation welcome! All ages. We tell the old story and seek out meaning for our time. Lots of singing, too.
We will Share the Plate with Families in Transition
The Families in Transition program in our Rockford public schools does an excellent job of providing services for those students who have no permanent place to live i.e. homeless. One thing they cannot provide is school uniforms, and for many years we have helped to fill this need. Our Share the Plate this Sunday will ease this concern for a required uniform and foster many confident happy kids and grateful families. Thank you for your generosity. Click Here to Donate
Volunteers for Sunday, December 11
Ushers: Pam Wilson & Barb Wilson
Greeters: Jennifer Riley & We Need 1 More Volunteer
Guest Table: Rev. Joyce Palmer & We Need 1 More Volunteer
Coffee Hosts: Phil Hjemboe & We Need 1 More Volunteer
Please note that if you volunteer for coffee host you will need to clean up afterward and run the cups through the sanitizer. Reminder to coffee hour hosts: please make sure the heater is off and the machine master switch is off when you leave. Thank you!
Protect Illinois Communities Act
How many times have we said, “someone needs to do something about mass shootings?” Well, someone is doing something. Rep. Morgan, who represents Highland Park in the Illinois General Assembly, has filed a bill called “Protect Illinois Communities Act.” It strengthens the “Red Flag” system, bans assault weapons and assault ammo, works to restrict the importation of guns from out-of-state, and prohibits people under 21 from having guns (with an exception for military members). It moves IL forward and could be a model for other states.
So, please take literally one minute to file a “witness slip” before Monday’s hearing on the bill (Dec 12th). (The Bill won’t be voted on until the spring, but hearings start now). Go here: https://my.ilga.gov/Hearing/HearingDetail/19657and select “create a new witness slip.” Enter your info, select proponent, and check “Record of Appearance Only.” These things actually matter to swing legislators, and it is important for them to know there is support. Please do this and share this with your networks.
Church is More than The Big Picture
There are also small things.
Who runs around the office desk to open the locked door? With a smile.
Who puts our religious education programs together and runs Woodsong Monday – Friday?
Who runs the choir and finds all our wonderful music for us to hear on Sundays?
Who cleans up after Sunday service? Even if there is no coffee hour.
During this holiday season, would you like to remember the staff for the small details that make this church run? Add to the “Holiday Gift Fund” before December 14. Two ways:
Drop off a check to the office, or the Sunday offering, labeled “Holiday Gift Fund”.
On-Line. Go to Donate and make sure to select “Holiday Gift” as the fund.
Our MELD donation tree is back in the narthex this year! When you choose an ornament from the tree, you will find an item requested by a family listed on the back. You may choose more than one ornament. Once you have purchased the items listed on the ornament, place them in the bin in the Narthex designated for MELD donations. Please do not wrap the items that you donate.
Donations will be collected through Sunday, December 11.
If you are not able to select an ornament from the tree in person, you might consider ordering an item on Amazon and having it shipped directly to the MELD organization. Items can be shipped ℅ Terry Lynch 620 Kishwaukee St. Rockford, IL 61104. Items that are always in high demand are warm socks for babies, children, and adults.
Thank you for supporting Rockford MELD, a non-profit social service agency started in 1981. The organization provides programs and services for young parents and their children in the Rockford community. MELD offers emergency shelter and housing, parenting information, life and job skills training, support, resources, and prevention education.
Blue Christmas Service Wednesday, December 14 at 6pm
Prayers Harp Candles
Our Blue Christmas Service provides an opportunity to share the losses, vulnerabilities, and despair some of us experience at this time of year. We invite those who have a special need for comfort, hope, and healing to attend this service with a friend. Music provided by harpist Nanette Felix. Service leaders, Rev Joyce, and our Caring Team members.
If you would like a ride to the service, please let Rev Joyce know at revjoycepalmer@yahoo.com or 815-398-6322 ext. 3.
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 Facebook and YouTube pages.
Personal Invite from Shiraz Tata who will be there this Saturday!
The Board of Trustees:
President: Judy Gustafson
Clerk: Bob Spelman
Vice-President: Spitty Tata
Treasurer: Steve Blomgren
Trustees: Sarah Greer, Jami Edmonds, Rebecca Beneditz
The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL | 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107 | 815-398-6322 | uurockford.org |
