December 18, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson To mark my 15th year as your minister, I’m exploring 10 big ideas that are shaping my thinking. Panpsychism is the idea that everything that exists has a quality of “mind” – that in each quark there is something that thinks. Theologically, this can be connected to a deep incarnation, a sense that the holy is in all of matter and energy – an appropriate idea to consider in this season. Prepare to reconsider what you think you know.
We will Share the Plate with MELD
MELD is a non-profit social service agency started in 1981. Through our programs and services, MELD offers emergency shelter and housing, parenting information, life and job skills training, support and resources and prevention education. Click Here to Donate
Happy Birthday to: David Black (12/15), Mike Ullrich (12/16), Leslie Mills (12/16), Jim Callahan (12/17), Jennifer Hartzog (12/17), Theresa Parrish (12/18), & Misha Sanders (12/21)!
Volunteers for Sunday, December 18
Ushers: Dick Lake & Myrna Lake
Greeters: We Need 2 Volunteers
Guest Table: Gloria Perez & We Need 1 More Volunteer
Coffee Hosts: We Need 2 Volunteers
Please note that if you volunteer for coffee host you will need to clean up afterward and run the cups through the sanitizer. Reminder to coffee hour hosts: please make sure the heater is off and the machine master switch is off when you leave. Thank you!
In a few weeks, 2022 will come to a close and a new year will begin. I’ve soured on resolutions, but I do think the new year is a good time to be intentional about our habits. Is there something you’ve been meaning to start doing or stop doing? “After the holidays” is a good time to go for it. This can be a new financial habit or a health habit. It can be learning a new skill or setting new personal boundaries. It can be using a new tool to organize your time or priorities.
And maybe it means reconnecting or connecting for the first time, with religious community. We are living in a strange time – folks are at once overwhelmed and under-connected. We’re just trying to get through, but we long to find meaning and community. Taking the time to come to church and be with others can be a way to reset ourselves and “resist the headlong tumble into the next moment.” If you, or someone you know, has been longing for more community, invite them to church!
Christmas Eve is a great time to make that invitation – our service is at 5 pm, and for folks who long for the ritual of the Christmas Candlelight service with traditional music but unorthodox theology, this can be a liberating experience.
In January, we will be focused on “finding our center” as our theme – and this is what many are searching for.
So, think of someone who you haven’t seen in church in a while, or someone you think is searching for “something more.” Invite them to join you on a particular Sunday – meet them here, go out to lunch afterward – it might be just what they are longing for.
In faith,
Matthew
Last Chance to Donate to the Holiday Fund!
Who runs around the office desk to open the locked door? With a smile.
Who plans to take the kids outside on bad weather Sundays? Not me.
Who finds singing masks to keep the choir safe? Have you heard them yet?
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”. Two ways:
Drop off a check to the office, labeled “Holiday Gift Fund”.
On-Line. Go to Donate and make sure to select “Holiday Gift” as the fund.
Board Report
The Board approved a new Code of Ethics and Firearms and Transportation policy. We discussed a revision to our disruptive behavior policy. We voted to appoint Rebecca Beneditz to the board to fill an unexpired term. We heard a report from the Investment Panel.
Blue Christmas Service Wednesday, December 14 at 6pm
Prayers Harp Candles
Our Blue Christmas Service provides an opportunity to share the losses, vulnerabilities, and despair some of us experience at this time of year. We invite those who have a special need for comfort, hope, and healing to attend this service with a friend. Music provided by harpist Nanette Felix. Service leaders, Rev Joyce, and our Caring Team members.
If you would like a ride to the service, please let Rev Joyce know at revjoycepalmer@yahoo.com or 815-398-6322 ext. 3.
Luminary Walk Saturday, December 17 at 5:30pm – Please select the link below to register and receive meeting instructions.
Starting Point is small group ministry especially designed for newcomers and those looking to discover Unitarian Universalism and their church all over again. This program will help participants live Unitarian Universalism more fully, bring our history and theology to life, and leave everyone feeling grounded, connected and renewed.
Join Rev. Joyce, newcomers, friends and members looking to make connections and “dig deeper” into Unitarian Universalism.
Starting Point is a 4-week program, we will meet Sunday afternoons from 11:30 – 1:30 pm. Session dates January 15, January 22, January 29 and February 5.
Thank you to everyone who has given assistance to the family from Afghan. Family members have work, access to a car and the young man has a driver’s license and laptop. They have received many of the household items they need thanks to your generosity. There are a few more items needed to assist with daily living and to create a feeling of home. If you can assist with any of the following items, either by donating the item or giving cash, please let Scott Garwick know at scottgarwick@gmail.com or (815) 703-4751.
Afghan Family Items Needed
Vacuum Cleaner (we would like to a purchase one)
Blender
Mixer
Blankets (5)
Large Area Rug (approx. 15 X 20)
WINNEBAGO COUNTY RESOURCES
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
Book Discussion
Thursday December 29, 2022 6:00 p.m.
Join us by zoom for a discussion of An Inconvenient Minority by Kenny XU. This book chronicles the political and economic repression of Asians and renaissance of a long ignored racial identity group and how they are central to reversing America’s cultural decline and preserving the dynamism of the free world.
Please read the book on your own and we will discuss it.
The Board of Trustees:
President: Judy Gustafson
Clerk: Bob Spelman
Vice-President: Spitty Tata
Treasurer: Steve Blomgren
Trustees: Sarah Greer & Jami Edmonds
The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL | 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107 | 815-398-6322 | uurockford.org |
