Standard message and data rates may apply. You have the right to OPT-OUT receiving messages at any time. TO OPT-OUT, reply "STOP" to any text message you receive from us.
Yule–Chanukah–Advent Pageant December 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Rev. Joyce Palmer Join us for our annual intergenerational holiday pageant as we celebrate the many ways people welcome light and hope in the dark of winter. Through story and music our children and youth will share the spirit of Yule, Chanukah, and Advent as they remind us that joy and community shine brightest when we come together.
We will Share the Plate with the Rock House Kids Rock House Kids began in 1999 with a nine-year-old boy who was running away from a dangerous home situation. Our Founder assisted him with food, clothing, school support, and other items he needed. Soon after, his friends joined him and, over the years, RHK has grown to be a safe haven for neighborhood children.
A program was developed to give them a safe place to get off the streets in the evenings where they would be fed a hot meal, mentored by loving staff and volunteers, and supplied with essentials (i.e. hygiene supplies, winter wear, etc.) they would not otherwise have the resources to buy themselves.
Since its inception, RHK has made it our mission to share God’s love with inner-city children through Biblical principles, with physical and spiritual solutions.
Happy Birthday to: Leslie Mills (Dec 16), Mike Ullrich (Dec 16), James Callahan (Dec 17), Jeffery Fellars (Dec 17), Theresa Parrish (Dec 18), Kayden Miller (Dec 19), Kassie Knueppel (Dec 21), Misha Sanders (Dec 21), Charlee Schram (Dec 22), Iris Anderson (Dec 22), & Wendy Vaughn (Dec 23)!
Listening to the Wind
You heard it correctly. I parked my camper in the church parking lot on December 5th. I’ve gotten more than a few comments, generous offers of housing assistance, concern, and questions.
First, the questions, just for fun. Yes, it’s heated–a hydronic in-floor system that’s better than the one in my house! And there’s a bathroom, shower, fridge, and kitchenette. We call our camper the U.U. T.A.R.D.I.S. Sleeping in parking lots isn’t my usual thing, but there was a lot of snow coming down, and it seemed like the best way to get to “church on time.” (Cue David Bowie.) But was I happy, you ask? Oh yes! Who wants to stay in a hotel when you can sleep in your own bed? And to sit there in the middle of a storm, with wrap-around windows, while it’s coming down all around? Magnificent!
Second, the meaning-making. In a time of transition, it’s OK to have unconventional stuff pop up (as long as it’s within the UUMA code of ethics!) that calls into question preconceptions about who ministers are. Your current one happens to have a Thoreauvian streak and would live off-grid in the woods if I didn’t have, you know, a spouse, family, or job. I’m inspired by stories like the one of John Muir, who once headed into a fierce Sierra snow storm with bread stuffed into his wool overcoat–and climbed a tree just to hear the wind. On Saturday, I walked through the church woods listening to the wind, but skipped the tree climb. Saturday night, I got to watch winter transform the church campus into a wonder.
Who knows what kind of minister might come next? What identities might they bring? What intersections do they inhabit? What interests have they cultivated? As this time of Advent reminds us, be ready for the wonder and surprise!
Keeping it real,
Bret
Choir
Please note the choir will meet on Thursday this week, then break for the holidays until Thursday, January 15. The choir will rehearse on Sunday, January 11, at 8:45 a.m.
R.E. Parents of Children & Youth
Hello Everyone!
This is a quick note to let you know that the service on Sunday will be an All Ages Worship Service. We will be enjoying our traditional holiday pageant, and we hope you’ll join us!
The nursery will be open before service, and Ms. Liz will be there as usual for any children that would feel more comfortable in the classroom rather than in the sanctuary. Feel free to utilize the nursery at any time during service. 🙂
See you soon!
Ms. Lindsay
THANK YOU!
A big thank-you to our Caring Team and to everyone who baked and shared cookies for the holidays!
Together, we made and delivered 20 plates of treats, spreading joy and sweetness to members and friends of our congregation. Your generosity and holiday spirit truly brightened the season. Thank you for sharing your care in such a delicious way!
Many hands make light work – and we could use some more hands!
In order to keep the pantry stocked consistently, we need volunteers to take bags of items from the pantry table and use them to stock the pantry. There is a printed calendar above the pantry table in Deale Hall where you can sign up for the days that work best for you. You don’t need to do a long term commitment or the same days every week/month – every little bit helps and you can fit it to your schedule. If you have any questions, see Dawn Nimmo or Rebecca Beneditz.
Non-violent Communication Practice Group
Our next meeting will be tomorrow, December 17, at 6:00 pm. in the Library
The Sex & Gender Justice Team meets Sunday, December 21, at 11:30 in the Youth Room.
UU Christmas Eve Service
We will be having a Christmas Eve service on Wednesday, December 24, at 5:00 p.m., online and in person.
OWL
OWL (Our Whole Lives) is looking for volunteers on January 4th at 11:30 AM. We are looking for approximately 4-5 people to be a part of an LGBTQIA panel. If you are part of the LGBTQIA community, interested, and available, please contact Julie Parks or Billie Callahan.
Rockford Icehogs vs. Chicago Wolves Saturday, January 18 at 4pm
Let’s all go cheer on the Icehogs together at the BMO Center! Tickets are available now and are $19.90 per person. Click on this link to purchase: https://www.gofevo.com/event/UUChurch If you would like to attend but the cost is prohibitive, please contact Rev. Joyce about financial assistance.
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
Rockford Urban Ministries The community is invited to this annual event, remembering those who lost their lives to opioid overdose, as we honor their memory by committing to harm reduction advocacy.
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 |
