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Friday Update

Workshop
Feb. 9^th, 12:30-2:30, Deale Hall.  What are our Goals?
After a brief review of the draft mission and vision, we’ll start working on goals.  What should we accomplish in our lives, in the church, and in the wider world over the next 3-5 years?  What difference will we make?  Be part of this very important conversation as we shape our collective future. 
Child care will be available.

One of our main goals this year is to update our vision, mission, goals, and strategic plan.  It has been many years and the world has changed a few times since then.  We’ve changed to.  What is our work now?  What is the church for?  What difference will we make in the world and in our lives?
 
You kicked off this work with a mission and vision workshop, led by Rev. Allison Farnum, on Sept. 22^nd.  About 20-25 people attended and shared what they valued about the church and their sense of purpose for us.  A writing team, consisting of Teresa Wilmot, Teresa Palmeno, Barb Basaj, Sue Molyneaux, and Gloria Perez, took the notes from that meeting and created a vision and a mission statement.  The Board received that draft at its Dec. 4^th meeting, and made some minor changes. 
 
The vision is a short statement of who we seek to be.  It is almost like a motto.  The mission is a statement of our purpose – why we exist. 
 
Here is the current draft:
 
 
Vision Statement
A loving, spiritual congregation that cultivates belonging.
 
Mission Statement
Like the nature that surrounds us, we evolve as a safe haven for spiritual development.  
Our deep roots connect us to a wealth of resources that nourish us to grow as a beacon for justice, anti-racism, and liberation. 
Our listening cultivates diverse and multicultural relationships that bridge divisions, heal hearts, and foster safety for all. 
Our canopy of loving acceptance inspires us to extend branches that lift up our communities and protect our environment. 
 
 
The next step in this process is a workshop on Feb. 9^th after church.  Mark your calendars and plan to attend!  There will be a time for feedback about this vision and mission, and then a turn to begin to articulate our goals or “ends.”  Given this purpose, what will we accomplish in the next 3-5 years?  What difference will we make in the lives of those we serve and in the world?  How we will use our wealth of resources to nourish our community? You will begin to articulate 2-5 major goals.  This will incorporate the insights from the change team, which has focused on our anti-racism, anti-oppression, and multicultural goals. 
 
At the last workshop, on March 9^th after church, you will refine these “ends” and brainstorm tactics and strategies.  Given the goals, what action steps, programs, shifts in culture and policy, and so forth should we make? 
 
In April and May, the staff and lay leaders will refine this plan, select tactics to achieve the goals, identify needed resources, timelines, and accountabilities, and finalize a draft.  You’ll be asked to vote on the mission and vision, and to give your general endorsement to the strategic plan, at the annual meeting on June 8^th, 2025. 

Parents’ Night Out
February 13th 5:30 – 8:00

Bring your children to church for snacks, playing
and fun while you have some time to yourselves.

Sign-up using the link below:
https://uurockford.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2754446

Questions? email revjoycepalmer@yahoo.com

UU Who’s Who?
                    featuring Bob Spelman (current Board Treasurer)

1. What do you enjoy about being a member of the Board? 
Answer: As a Board member I got to see all the inner workings of the church, from Policies and Procedures, to Finance, to Personnel, to Building and Grounds, et al.  As 1/7th of a governing body, I got to be part of all the decisions that affect the total operation of the church.  


Matthew is very transparent in the way he runs the church.  I learned there are no secrets.  Learning this was very comforting.  Being involved is very rewarding.  I feel very privileged to serve.       


2. How did you get your position? 
Answer: I “volunteered” (Ha).  I am currently in my second stint on the Board.  I “volunteered” for this too.  Both involved a little coercion.     


3. What was the first position you volunteered for at the church?
Answer: I served as Clerk from 2022-23 (July1-June 30 fiscal year), and am currently serving as Treasurer from 2024-2026 (2 year term).  

Please nominate someone to help serve the church at: nominating@uurockford.org

Join us at our Feb. 11th meeting at 6:30pm at Unitarian Universalist Church, 4848 Turner St.  We will be hearing from pro-choice municipal candidates about their campaigns for RVC Board of Trustees, Rockford City Council and Rockford Township Trustees. A lot is happening on the federal level but we need to focus on protecting reproductive rights on our local level. Don’t take your eye off the ball. Democracy is not a spectator sport!

Sara Dady, WCCC Pres.
Attorney

The Board of Trustees: 
President: Matt Menze
Clerk: Kim Lowman Vollmer
Vice-President: Wendy Bennett
Treasurer: Bob Spelman
Trustees: Clark Logemann, Rebecca Beneditz, Neita Webster