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Notes from the Inward Sea: Howard Thurman’s Invitation to Depth
February 18, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Rev. Kelli Clement
Must we choose between deepening our spirituality or expanding social justice? How do we determine our next steps in a broken world? A mystic and moral anchor to the Civil Rights Movement, Howard Thurman, offers a practice of discernment and comfort.
The Rev. Kelli Clement comes to Unitarian Universalism from an evangelical upbringing in Texas, by way of the theatre, work in non-profits, and a lifelong quest for meaning making. She serves both the St. Croix Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Wisconsin, and the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis. She led the efforts of First Unitarian as a plaintiff in the lawsuit Doe v. Minnesota, which successfully overturned abortion restrictions in Minnesota law. Combining an art and spirituality practice, Kelli is a fellow of the Jewish Studio Project and is currently working on her doctorate in Social Transformation. She lives in Minneapolis with her husband Mike, daughter Sofia, and mini-poodle Memphis.
We will Share the Plate with Children’s Home & Aid (now Brightpoint)
We started our journey as Children’s Home & Aid and have been serving Illinois since 1883. Children’s Home & Aid was founded on the belief that we had a responsibility to make brave choices to find homes for children. We evolved and now recognize that bravery comes from the daily choices our families make and serves as the spark that ignites the opportunities for children and youth to thrive. Brightpoint promises to be brave with our families and support their brave choices because we know strong families create thriving children.
We understand that navigating obstacles such as poverty, trauma, and systemic barriers to equity can make this journey challenging, and we offer support through the highs and lows. Our work seeks to dismantle system inequities and create a more even playing field for everyone.
At Brightpoint, we put families and children at the forefront of every decision we make. We know prevention works, and we are committed to working with families before small problems become life-altering crises. That’s why we take a data-driven approach to implement research-based solutions that have proven long-term positive outcomes and create brighter futures Click Here to Donate
Volunteers for Sunday, February 18 Ushers: Dick Lake & Myrna Lake Coffee Hosts: Lia Gima
Thank you Caring Team for volunteering for hospitality this Sunday!
MANY COATS LOOK ALIKE
On Sunday, 2/4, someone went home with a black, size L Land’s End jacket belonging to our pulpit guest Rev. Suzelle Lynch. Please check your closet and bring it back to church and we will get it to Rev. Suzelle. The black hooded jacket has grey fleece lining in the body only. Thank you.
Getting to Know UU Sessions
We have revised our newcomer and welcome program to provide newcomers with the opportunity to learn about the congregation and how to get connected. We hope you will find this community to be a religious home.
This Sunday, February 18 Living Our Faith with Lindsay Trank and Allyson Rosemore
Liberation and the UU Church: Saturday, March 9th, 9:30 am-12:30 pm at the Church.
All members and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Workshop
Faith communities have been grappling for many years with the ways that cultural and congregational practices in church settings still reflect historical and institutional patterns of racism and white supremacy culture. This interactive workshop will provide an opportunity to feel and think together about opportunities and challenges for liberation and transformation in Unitarian Universalist congregations. Together, we will look at the frameworks that we are currently engaging in Unitarian Universalism to close the gap between the values we espouse and the values we practice with regard to anti-racism. We will consider some anti-racism tools, and how they can help us in this journey. Join us for an authentic exploration of the work we need to do to continue to bend the arc toward justice in our congregations and in our communities.
Julica Hermann de la Fuente is a coach, trainer and facilitator for liberation, transformation and justice, and is currently completing her path toward ordination in Unitarian Universalism. In addition to this freelance work, she also serves as the Special Advisor on Justice and Equity at the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. Born and raised in Mexico City, she first became committed to social justice when she came to the United States for college. Since then, Julica has been an anti-racism/anti-oppression educator and trainer in a variety of capacities over the past three decades. In addition to a Lay Community Ministry degree from Meadville Lombard Theological School, she also holds an MSW from the University of Michigan and is certified as a master life coach. Julica stubbornly believes that liberation is found at the intersection of joy and justice. When not on shift for the resistance, you will find her playing with fabric, planning her week-long costume extravaganza for Halloween, looking for more excuses to frost fancy cakes, and reading optimistic sci-fi and fantasy possibilities of a just and equitable universe.
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: Spitty Tata
Clerk: Kim Lowman Vollmer
Vice-President: Matt Menze
Treasurer: Steve Blomgren
Trustees: Clark Logemann, Sarah Greer, & Rebecca Beneditz
The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL | 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107 | 815-398-6322 | uurockford.org |
