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Music Sunday: Holding Out Hope in Darkness Solstice Trilogy, text by Jan Elicker and music by Clif Hardin
December 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
The Unicantors and Guest Musicians
It can be easy to wish winter away. We long for days filled with less cold and more light. We feel less like leaving our homes except when we must, which isolates us not only from the cold and dark, but from each other as well. Solstice Trilogy, a new composition by UU composer Clif Hardin based on texts by UU lyricist Jan Elicker, invites us to embrace winter as a time for rejuvenation, a time of peace and rest in full expectation of the light to come at the turning of the seasons. We hope this work will inspire us all to use this time of year for reflection and restoration, all the while keeping hope in warmth and light alive in our hearts.
I’ve known Clif Hardin and his wife, Jan Elicker, for a long time. They are dear UU music friends, and I was happy to see them this summer at the AUUMM conference in Atlanta. One of the repertoire sessions at the conference is regularly dedicated specifically to works by UU composers. It was at that session that I first heard one of the movements of Solstice Trilogy, a new work by Clif and Jan. The piece instantly caught my attention because I had already decided to choose a work for the December Music Sunday featuring winter solstice themes, but my search for a suitable piece had up to that point been a miserable failure. Enter Clif and Jan.
As you would imagine, Solstice Trilogy has three movements. The first movement is called “In Tenebras.” It incorporates the Latin phrase Imus in tenebras – “We go into the darkness or shadows.” The music has a certain Celtic flair and almost a sense of invitation to enter the darkness. This invitation becomes explicit in the middle part of the movement: “Draw closer to the fire, my friends, the time to welcome rest is here. The night enfolds and comforts us, in this, the turning of the year. Come.”
“Solstice Eve” is the second movement. The music reflects the softness and peacefulness awaiting those who accept the invitation to enter the darkness. This was the movement that I heard last summer, and after hearing all of us assembled UU music folks sing it together, I knew that I wanted to share it with you. The text offers reassurance: “Now quiet settles on the night. The moon pulls its light across the sky. All souls find rest as dawn is drawing near, and peace. Here inside, all is well tonight.”
Dawn arrives in the third movement, “Daybreak.” Here, the invitation is to turn to greet the sun and the light of the New Year it brings to all. As you would expect, the music is joyous and again has a bit of a Celtic feel to it. We are also invited to gather with others in celebrating the arrival of Aurora: “Open wide the door. Loved ones come in. Turn to the East. Dance, sing, hope is reborn today with the sun. Arise!”
I am so looking forward to Sunday when the choir (and some of our musical friends) will get the opportunity to share this wonderful piece with you all. I hope you will be able to join us. Even more, I hope the words and music will speak to us all as we face the winter that is already upon us.
Dr. Tim Anderson
We will Share the Plate with the Minister’s Discretionary Fund
The Minister’s Discretionary Fund is to help members in times of need and to help with leadership development. Click Here to Donate
MELD Donation Collection
We will be holding our annual holiday collection to support Rockford MELD again this year. You are invited to choose an ornament from the tree with an item requested by a family listed on the back of it. 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. Contact Lindsay with any questions reuurockford@gmail.com.
Donations will be collected through Sunday, December 14.
Caring Team Holiday Cookies Sunday, December 14 After service
Help us share holiday warmth with members in need of extra cheer!
Bring cookies to share
Join us for packing on Sunday, Dec. 14
Volunteer drivers are needed for delivery
All are welcome to help spread some holiday cheer!
Submitted by Rev. Joyce Palmer
UU2030 Young Adults
Sunday, December 14th
After Service
We’re building a welcoming faith community where young adults can explore spirituality, share experiences, and support one another on life’s journey. Whether you’re new to UU faith or have been part of it for years, you’ll find a space to belong.
Come meet new friends, deepen your connections, and help shape what UU2030 can become together!
Carpenters Place Sack Lunch Making Sunday, December 14 after service
Let’s use the season of giving to give back to those that need it most in our community. Meet after service in the lower level of the church to help pack lunches!
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.
The Board of Trustees:
President: Wendy Bennett
Vice President: Diane Kuehl
Clerk: Scott Garwick
Treasurer: Bob Spelman
Trustees: Kendra Asbury, Clark Logemann, Neita Webster
The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL | 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107 | 815-398-6322 | uurockford.org |
