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The Practice of the Possible
April 26, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Rev. Joyce Palmer We are often told to be “realistic,” a word that frequently serves as a boundary for our spirits and our justice work. But what if the “possible” is something we must actively practice, like an instrument or a muscle? Join me this Sunday as we discover how the simple courage of a child’s question and the radical blessing of a song can strengthen our ability to build an inclusive beloved community. We welcome New Members too!
We will Share the Plate with Rockford Family Peace Center
Vision: The Family Peace Center envisions a thriving community where all people have hope and are safe and free from violence.
Mission: Led by the voices of survivors, we will collaboratively build a prosperous community by creating pathways to self-empowerment for survivors of domestic and sexual violence through integrated, long-term services provided with kindness, dignity, and inclusivity. Click here for more information.
Happy Birthday to: Scott Garwick (Apr 22), Gracen Hefty (Apr 24), Jennifer Rose (Apr 24), Pat Littlejohn (Apr 25), Rian Larson (Apr 25), Robin Gausebeck (Apr 25), Melissa Vyborny (Apr 27), Rev. Bret Lortie (Apr 28), Libby Parker (Apr 28), & Susan Wilke (Apr 28)!
Congratulations to Teresa Wilmot, who is about to retire from the Rockford Symphony Orchestra after playing in the viola section for 51 years!
Teresa’s last scheduled appearance with the RSO is the Masterworks Series concert at 7:30 pm Saturday, May 9, at the Coronado Theatre.
Imagineers of the Spirit
by Rev. Bret Lortie
Our annual stewardship campaign is here — and this year truly is different. We’re between settled ministers, envisioning our future, and moving through a pivotal moment. That’s why our theme this year is “Imagine.”
We’re halfway through the drive and about halfway to our budget goal, with more than sixty members and friends already pledging. That’s inspiring — but we can’t celebrate until the last pledge comes in before the end of April. I’m writing to ask if you would consider turning in your pledge form this week.
Unitarian Universalism is, at its heart, a saving faith. It saves people from materialism and selfishness, from the illusion of separateness, from the exclusion some of us felt in other religious communities. Each of us found our way here for a reason. The question today isn’t whether this community matters — it’s how we can support this institution of which we’re so proud.
I grew up near Disneyland, with family ties to Disney’s “Imagineers” — the creative teams who “build experiences meant to connect and inspire across generations.” I went to Disneyland several times each year—in high school often as a performer—and despite what I know today of some corporate failings (every institution must reconcile its history), visiting the park always felt like dropping into a different world filled with creativity, wonder, and global idealism. When I learned our theme this year was “Imagine,” the connection clicked. Our stewardship team, board, council, and leaders are our church’s Imagineers, working to create a home of wonder, peacemaking in our community and world, and counter-cultural power for all who walk through our doors.
Some of us give time. Some give talent. Some give treasure. May each of us give what we are able— and may what you give bring you joy.
There will be Listening Circles next Sunday after the worship service. No sign-up necessary. There will also be two Zoom listening circles on Wednesday, May 6th. One is at 5 pm, and the other is at 8 pm. You will have to sign up for those. There will be sign-up sheets in Deale Hall on Sunday.
Choir Reminder
Sunday morning Choir rehearsals will start at 8:45 a.m. from now until Music Sunday on May 17th.
Nonviolent Communication Practice Group meets on Wednesday, April 22, at 6:00 pm in the Library. Deeper connections through empathy for each other and ourselves. No experience necessary. Join us!
Please note the date change below!
🌿 Prairie & Woodland Work Days – All Are Welcome! 🌿
Did you know that Illinois is known as the Prairie State? Once covered in vast prairies, this unique habitat is now among the most endangered in the country. We’re also proud to support pollinators like the beautiful Monarch butterfly, our state insect. We’re fortunate to have a prairie on our church grounds—a special space that needs ongoing care. Without natural grazers like American bison, prairies and woodlands rely on us for maintenance.
This is a wonderful opportunity for all ages to come together and care for the land! 📅 Date: Saturday APRIL 25
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
🛠️ What We’ll Be Doing:
Trimming and removing small trees
Cutting back vines
Filling holes in the prairie paths
General prairie and woodland maintenance
👟 What to Bring & Wear:
Sturdy, closed-toe shoes
Long pants
Gloves
Optional: long-sleeve shirt
Water bottle (please label with your name)
🌱 This is a multigenerational effort, and everyone is welcome—bring friends, family, and neighbors!
The Sex & Gender Justice Team meets Sunday, April 26, at 11:30 am in the Sanctuary. Visitors and new members always welcome!
Common Read Recap
Do you have a role or a specific action you tend to embody in group projects? Do you know how your role combines with others to move a project forward? The UU Common Read for Spring 2026 provides a strategic map that can help us better work together in church and community programming.
You may not have had time to read Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection by Deepa Iyer, so our Racial and Economic Justice Social Action Team (who led an April 11 book discussion) has put together a quick overview of the strategic mapping that can help us better work together in church and community programming.
Iyer examines social change as an ecosystem framework centering on shared core social justice values –equity, liberation, justice, solidarity–and relying on participants to show up and work together in 10 interconnected roles. Better understanding our natural role (you may embody more than one), as well as roles we may aspire to, creates synergy and project momentum. And reminds us that we are action teams, and not on our own.
This week, we will review two of the social change roles Iyer defines; you can see all 10 roles on the accompanying graphic. We will define the other 8 roles in the coming weeks. If you would like to read the book and learn more about how to work with your strengths, you will be able to check out a copy from our church library. And remember: you are ALWAYS welcome in our three Social Justice Action Teams.
Frontline Responders address community crises by assembling and organizing resources, networks, and messages. You mobilize quickly; maintain calm and capacity during chaos; center consent; stay focused on the big picture and direction.
Visionaries imagine and generate boldest possibilities, hopes, dreams, and remind us of our direction. You see the destination; inspire and motivate others; remain rooted in changing conditions.
Watch coming Kairos for details on the other 8 roles.
Sunday Morning Meditation 9:15 am
We meet on Sunday morning to meditate and center ourselves for the day. You are welcome to join us each Sunday morning.
Community Events
Vision:
A loving, spiritual congregation that lives our values through belonging, reason, and action.
Mission:
Like the nature that surrounds us, we evolve as a habitat for spiritual development.
Our deep roots connect us to a wealth of resources that nourish our growth as a beacon for justice, inclusion, and liberation, especially anti-racism and gender and sexuality justice.
Our listening cultivates diverse and multicultural relationships that bridge divisions, strengthen our communities, heal hearts, and foster safety for all.
Our awareness of our interdependence inspires us to protect the shared environment and natural world in which we live.
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 |
