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Empathy is Not a Sin October 12, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person Rev. Joyce Palmer
In times of conflict and division, what does it mean to embody true compassion? This Sunday, we reflect on the life of Clara Barton, a nurse, humanitarian, and founder of the American Red Cross, and the radical lesson her actions on a Civil War battlefield still teach us today. Together, we’ll explore how empathy, far from being a weakness, can be a powerful response to human suffering and a source of healing for our communities and ourselves.
We will share the plate with WCCC Scotti’s Fund
Scotti’s Fund gives financial assistance for reproductive care. Click Here to Donate
On the Friday evening, October 10th, I invite you to join me for a special Startup Workshop hosted by MidAmerica Region’s Rev. Sharon Dittmar. This workshop kicks off the next two years of interim work together, so you won’t want to miss it! As a congregational life consultant, Rev. Sharon will lead a discussion exploring the hopes and fears of transition as well as some pivotal moments in the congregation’s history. There is a potluck from 6PM – 6:45PM before moving into group conversation. Although it’s always fun to join in person, we will offer the main discussion via Zoom. Please email Rev. Bret, minister@uurockford.org, for the link. Youth are encouraged to participate in the main discussion, and while not geared toward young children, Rev. Sharon says she like to include them before families might need to leave for bedtimes, etc. It is fine if people come late or leave early. See you there, Rev. Bret.
Startup Workshop with UUA Region Staff
The Zoom link for tonight’s Startup Workshop
Our annual auction is coming up on Saturday, Nov. 15 and we need items to bid on! We encourage you to get creative – host a dinner, teach a class, put together a basket with a church group you are a part of, solicit a donation from a favorite local business/organization, donate tickets to a show – you name it! If you are new to the auction and are looking for inspiration, please reach out to Rebecca Beneditz or Alexis Simmons and we’d be glad to help you brainstorm! We prefer that you submit your donation directly on the website by clicking this link: 2025 UU Auction Donation Form, but paper forms are also available on the table in the Narthex and in the church office. Thank you for your creativity and generosity!
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 |
