Matthew’s Memo
December 5, 2023
 
It’s been a while, beloveds.  I was traveling for both work and the holiday, and then Autumn, our office manager, was out and Kairos was preset.  So it has been a month since my last column. 
 
I have been holding, as I know you have, our Music Director, Tim Anderson, in my prayers.  The loss of his beloved was shocking and tragic.  We are providing him with as much bereavement leave as he desires.  I’m grateful to Jesse Parker, Dave Lantz, Timm Adams, Jean Anderson, and Lisa Redd who have combined to offer coverage for music for the time being.  Ron and Jannie, who played Sunday, were already scheduled, and I’m thankful for their contribution as well. 
 
We have two special holiday services: Tonight, December 5^th, is the Blue Christmas Service, led by Rev. Joyce.  And we have our traditional Christmas Eve service at 5 pm on Dec. 24^th.  Please plan to come and bring your family/friends. 

Because Christmas Eve is a Sunday, the staff decided a while ago that we would offer ONLY the 5 PM candlelight service.  There will be NO morning service on the 24^th.
 
That’s the business. How is the spirit? 
 
I am trying to embrace the theme for December, “mystery.”  The nights come very early – it felt like it was dark at 4 pm yesterday.  And in the quiet of the evening, to sit and read by the tree is a gift.  The night air feels like waiting, as we must do in this season.  None of us really know what’s next.  To embrace mystery is to open our heart and our mind to possibility. 

So we light candles, get still, and embrace the ancient practices of contemplation and patience.  At least, I’m trying!  I hope you try with me.
 
In faith,
Matthew

We will be holding our annual holiday collection to support Rockford MELD again this year.  Look for the small MELD tree near the stairs in the narthex.  You are invited to choose an ornament from the tree with an item requested by a family listed on the back of it.  You may choose more than one ornament.  Once you have purchased the items listed on the ornament, place them in the bin in the narthex designated for MELD donations.  Please do not wrap the items that you donate.
 
Thank you for supporting Rockford MELD, a non-profit social service agency started in 1981.  The organization provides programs and services for young parents and their children in the Rockford community.  MELD offers emergency shelter and housing, parenting information, life and job skills training, support, resources, and prevention education.
 
 Donations will be collected through Sunday, December 10. 

Church is More than The Big Picture
There are also small things.

• Who answers the phone with a smile when you don’t know how to get into the church database?
• Who takes a bunch of 2-year-olds outside Monday – Friday at Woodsong Nature School rain or shine? Not me.
• Who finds musicians to spice up our choir’s special music?
• Who cleans up after Sunday service? Even if there is no coffee hour.

During this holiday season, would you like to remember the staff for the small details that make this church run? Add to the “Holiday Gift Fund”  before December 14. Two ways:
 

1. Drop off a check to the office, or the Sunday offering, labeled “Holiday Gift Fund”.
2. On-Line. Go to Donate and make sure to select “Holiday Gift” as the fund.

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE & RECEPTION
 Tuesday, December 5th at 6:00 PM

Join us for music and reflections on the season for those who
have feelings of loss or sadness during the holidays. Or for those 
who would appreciate a quiet start to the holiday season. 
Bring a friend with you.

Nanette Felix will share her beautiful harp music with us.

We will have a reception with hot chocolate and treats in the Library after the service.

All Are Welcome to Attend

Child Dedication
We are pleased to announce that the Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford will hold a Child Dedication during worship on Sunday, December 17, 2023.  The dedication will be a simple ritual in which the congregation commits to the spiritual welfare and development of the child and their family.  Though the ritual is not a baptism, some similar symbolism will be incorporated into the ceremony.  Children of any age that have not previously been dedicated are welcome to participate in the ritual.  Children who participate are welcome to have their parents and siblings as well as one or two sponsors join them at the front of the sanctuary during the dedication.  If you would like to participate in the Child Dedication, please e-mail Lindsay Trank at reuurockford@gmail.com by Wednesday, December 13.  We hope you will join us for this special occasion!

Parents’ Night Out
Thursday, December 14th

5:30 – 8:00pm
Drop the children off at church and enjoy some 
time to yourselves.

Meal provided

Register using this link by December 12th.

https://uurockford.breezechms.com/form/35eed2

for  Adults

Do you people do anything but talk about sex? No. Not really. The Unitarian Universalist Association has developed a stellar comprehensive sex education curriculum known as Our Whole Lives. As the title suggests, it is not a one and done, but rather a topic to be revisited as we grow and mature. Join us as Wendy Bennett and Leah Krippner facilitate an adult exploration of sexuality in the 21st century. Anyone 18 and up is welcome to join. 

This month we will discuss Sexuality and Aging, focusing on the stages of sexual life, abilities and the aging body including the effects of medication, as well as ageism. Folks are welcome to join for a single session or sign up for all six. 

Eliminate Racism 813

Film Discussion
Friday December 8, 2023 
6:00 p.m.
We will watch Meeting the Enemy: Acclaimed Muslim filmmaker Deeyah Khan, speaking with fascists, racists and proponents of alt-right ideologies, attempts to discover new possibilities for solutions. Her own prejudices are challenged & her tolerance tested. Join us at the Baha’i Center 1650 N Alpine: Lower level in Highcrest Shopping Center.  We will show the film at The Baha’i Center in person with a facilitated discussion after the showing of the film. The film discussions are presented in partnership with The Baha’i Community of the Rockford Area and Rockford Public Library.

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.

Rare Earth Food Collective is an online farmers’ market featuring local food and products. We help producers work together to meet the growing demand for local, sustainable food in Winnebago, Boone, and McHenry Counties. Instead of you driving all over the countryside to buy from different farms, we collaborate to bring the food to you. You can choose home delivery or a nearby pickup location. We deliver orders every Tuesday, year-round. There is no minimum order, and no requirement to order every week. Ordering from REFC helps to build and support our local food community, preserve our agricultural land for future use, and reduce our carbon footprint. It also provides you with fresh food that tastes delicious and is good for you. 

For members who already attend UU regularly, we will be there on Tuesdays in Deale Hall to pack our orders for distribution – meaning you could place an order for Tuesday pick up right at the Church! 

To register as a customer visit: https://refc.localfoodmarketplace.com/

The next pick-up will be on December 12, 2:30 – 3:00. This time period may be adjusted.

The buying window on the website will go live with products (for shopping) from Saturday at Noon, until Monday at Noon, but you can sign up as a customer at any time!

We look forward to serving you!

The first step to becoming an ally to transgender and nonbinary people is to learn more; thank you for taking that step with us!

It can be tough for trans and nonbinary people to bear the burden of educating others about their lived experiences.

This guide is an introductory educational resource that covers a wide range of topics and best practices to help you better support the trans and nonbinary folks in your life, to create a safer, kinder, more accepting world.

The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL  |   4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107   |   815-398-6322    |   uurockford.org  |