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In Search of the Inbetween
August 11, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Onlineand in-person Rev. David Kraemer
Exploring connection, liminality, and social change, featuring a story for all ages, “The Mouse and the Inbetween” written by Chet Celenza, a member of the UU congregation in Waukesha, and illustrated by Chet’s daughter Adeline Celenza.
We will share the plate with UUANI
UUANI empowers Unitarian Universalists across Illinois to work for spiritually grounded, relationally accountable, and strategically effective action in solidarity with those most impacted by injustice. We provide leadership training, build congregational capacity and organize statewide advocacy efforts in loving accountability with our partners. Our Actions of the Week make it easy for UUs to make a difference. Together, we seek to bend the arc toward justice. Click Here to Donate
Volunteers for Sunday, August 11 Thank you to the Racial & Economic Justice team for volunteering this Sunday!
Coffee Hosts: Spitty Tata & Phil Hjemboe
Contact Rev. Joyce to sign up at assistminister@uurockford.org
Happy Birthday to: Connor Young (Aug 07), Kathren Conrad (Aug 07), Alexandra Larson (Aug 08), Gianna Carrillo (Aug 08), Michael Griffith (Aug 08), Norman Erickson (Aug 08), Frances Hodierne (Aug 09), Katherine Larson (Aug 09), Casandra Goldsmith (Aug 10), Cindy Fischer (Aug 10), Darrell Polfliet (Aug 10), Sara Dorner (Aug 10), Julian Tannous (Aug 11), Ray Baert (Aug 12), Ross Ticknor (Aug 13), & Susan Erbe (Aug 13)!
Please keep Sandra Locke and her family in your thoughts and prayers, Randy Locke died on July 16, 2024. A memorial service will be held on August 17 at 11:00 a.m. at the church.
Please keep Cindy Fischer and her daughter Chrissie Fischer in your thoughts and prayers. Cindy’s Aunt Lita Sherman died on Thursday, July 25th.
Note from Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson
Greetings!
I am on vacation until August 12th. If you need something from the church, email Autumn Powell, office manager, at
Rockford Pride Parade Photos
If you took any photos of the Rockford Pride Parade that you are willing to share, especially of the group from our church, please send them to me. I will make a photo collage or album to commemorate this historic moment. My contact information is in the online and the paper directory, or come find me on Sunday morning. Thanks!
Submitted by Lia Gima
Getting to Know UU Sessions
Sessions are designed for newcomers to learn about our church and meet other newcomers. We meet in the Sanctuary from 11:15 – 11:45. If you are curious about and considering membership, this is a great place to start.
August 11th Getting Connected Rev Joyce
August 18th Our Story with Rev Matthew
Winnebago Co. Citizens for Choice (WCCC) will hold its next exciting meeting on Tuesday, August 13th at the Unitarian Church, 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL
Our guest speaker will be Elizabeth Lindquist who will discuss :
1. How to make certain you vote for the candidates who represent your values and priorities.
2. The dangers of the Republican plan “2025”, which, if they win, will totally destroy our democracy.
3. The importance of becoming an activist for Kamala Harris, who will bring back reproductive freedom for all!
We will also announce plans for a March for Reproductive Rights in September. We need all hands on deck to help spread the word.
Thank you,
Barb Giolitto
WCCC President
UU 2030: Young Adult 20s and 30s Ministry Workshop Sunday, August 25 11:30 – 1:30
Join members and staff for a workshop and spiritual discussion to kickstart a new 20s and 30s young adult ministry at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford. Facilitated by the ministry advisory group UU 2030, we will begin building a dedicated, spiritually-focused community for folks in their 20s and 30s that will include weeknight spiritual discussion groups, socials, potlucks, and more. We’ll learn how UU 2030 kickstarted their first program at Neighborhood UU Church of Pasadena, CA, and went from an initial 4 to over 40 active participants in their programs.
If you are a member or visitor in your 20s or 30s, this is for you and we’d love for you to join. Childcare will be provided.
Wesley Willows Group
The Wesley Willows group will meet the following days and times this coming year in the reflection room at the Town Center.
August 22nd, Thursday, at 9 am
November 18th, Monday, at 3 pm
Jan. 22nd, Wednesday, at 9 am
April 24, Thursday, at 10 am
The Zanzen Meditation group is meeting in the church library every Saturday from 8:00 am to about 10:00 am for silent meditation and friendly discussion. We would like to invite all who are interested to check us out. There is no need to sign up or commit to anything. If you show up and behave we will probably be delighted to have you join us.
Our UU Library has added this book to our collection: GOD, the Most Unpleasant Character in All Fiction by Dan Barker
List of resources that may be helpful to you or someone you know.
VICTIM/SURVIVOR SERVICES
Family Peace Center – 1-779-348-7600
Remedies Renewing Lives – 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-815-962-6102
OLDER ADULT SERVICES
Catholic Charities Long Term Care Ombudsman Program – 1-815-316-0040 or 1-800-369-0895
Mercyhealth at Home/Older Adult Services – 1-815-971-3502
Lifescape Community Services – 1-815-963-1609 or 1-800-779-1189
SERVICES/ADVOCACY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Center for Sight and Hearing – 1-815-332-6800 P
RAMP – 1-815-968-7467
The ARC – 1-815-965-3455
Join our community canvassing team to spread awareness on pretrial justice and public defense! Each canvass will include a brief training session to help you feel comfortable and confident while out in the community. On September 18th, 2023, the Pretrial Fairness Act went into effect making Illinois the first state in the nation to end money bond. As the number of people in jails decrease, the fight for pretrial justice continues to ensure not only a smooth transition to a new system but also adequate funding and resources for those navigating the criminal legal system. At the moment, 60% of Illinois’ 102 counties do not have a full time public defender meaning that legal counsel for those accused of crimes is a barrier to pretrial justice and equity. Be in conversation on expanding resources for public defense through the FAIR Act! Sign-up for a community canvass and help us pass the FAIR Act:bit.ly/FairActCanvass
Our Vision: A loving congregation that connects with ourselves, one another, and the larger community.
Our Mission: We care for ourselves, each other, and our neighbors while taking risks acting for justice. We are continuously building an inclusive, empowered, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, multicultural congregation. Our connections foster radical love for ourselves and others.
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
The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL | 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107 | 815-398-6322 | uurockford.org |
