Matthew’s Memo 2/21/23
 
On Sunday, we made an announcement about a bequest gift from Stuart and Evelyn Johnson.  If you weren’t there Sunday or were able to watch, here are the details. 
 
Evelyn and Stuart Johnson joined the church decades ago.  They were both very involved for many years, including with Trash and Treasure and Building and Grounds.  As they aged, they came less and less, but loved Music Sunday and seeing their friends.  They were part of a social group with other folks who had kids about the same age.  Stuart “Stu” died in 2018 and Evelyn “Evie” died in 2021 – aged 98.  They had long and good lives.
 
They did not have any children of their own, though they were close with their nieces and nephews and with the children of their friends.  Stuart was successful in business and they lived modestly, leaving a large estate.  The church is receiving a portion of that estate. 
 
Taxes are still being calculated and we should get the final disbursement in a month or two.  The total gift will be about $850,000. 
 
This is the largest gift the church has received, and will almost double our “Legacy Funds.”  These funds, given by members over the years, are used to fund both regular and special programs at the church.  The Investment Panel uses a formula (more or less a rolling average) to calculate how much to draw each year so that the principle is maintained.  It’s usually a little less than 5% of the balance.  Some of these funds are designated for ministry and program, some for social justice, and some for building.  Evelyn and Stuart designated their gift to be added to the building fund. 
 
The finance committee plans to allocate 1/3 of the earnings to support the regular annual building costs, and 2/3rds to be added to our capital fund – a fund that pays for modest repairs and improvements.  Each year, we’ll be able to do a few more projects that improve our safety, energy use, aesthetics, and building function. 
 
It is a remarkable gift – a gift from the past to the present and the future.  As we say, “we drink from wells we did not dig.”  Evie and Stu loved this building, and their gift will help to take care of it in perpetuity. 
 
If you haven’t designated a portion of your estate, trust, will, or insurance policy to come to the church, consider it.  No matter the amount, these bequests and gifts are a remarkable way to honor the mission for all time to come.  If you have any questions about how to do this, please ask Steve Lewis, finance committee chair, or myself.
 
In faith,
Matthew

Chili Cook-off
Saturday, February 25 4-7pm
Deale Hall
 
ENTER contest: bring a crockpot of chili and your favorite toppings!
BRING: place setting and games for playing inside or outside
PROVIDED: power strips, cords, coffee, and water
AWARDS: Best Display & Best Chili (latter wins a parking space)
Come Hungry!
 
Just eaters are welcome, too.  COME ONE, COME ALL!
 
Shhh!  Don’t tell anyone, but chili is actually healthy.  Consumer Reports explains that the heat in chili comes from capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-cancer and blood glucose regulating effects.  And the tomatoes have lycopene, a potent anti-oxidant which is actually increased by cooking.  Canned tomatoes are even healthier than raw ones.  Beans have protein, fiber, potassium and folate.  Don’t tell a Texan this, but the meat in chili is the least nutritious ingredient.  It can be replaced by mushrooms, whole grains, tofu, or jackfruit.  Other vegetables can be snuck in like grated carrots, diced sweet potatoes or winter squash.  And it can be served over brown rice. If you don’t believe me, go to this website:
 
https://www.consumerreports.org/healthy-eating/is-chili-good-for-you-a8713219751/
 
Submitted by Teresa Wilmot

Wonderful Wednesday
March 15 at 6pm In person Library
Let’s Get Ready for Spring!
 
UU Church Rockford member and experienced gardener, Kim Lowman Volmer, will share her passion for native plants and discuss how even a small area can make a big difference. Kim will highlight the beauty, durability, and importance of native plants. Come get some tips and techniques for starting your own garden area. Find out how easy it is to garden this way. Your ideas and questions are welcome!

West Side Showroom

HIR
FEB 17 – MAR 4, 2023

WRITTEN by Taylor Mac
DIRECTED by Epic Jones
Somewhere in the suburbs, Isaac has returned from the war in Afghanistan to help take care of his ailing father, only to find that his sister Maxine is now his brother Max and every expectation he had for a normal homecoming is turned upside down.

His mother Paige is inspired by Max’s transition to ride the tidal wave of shifting paradigms currently rolling through the traditional households of America!

Taylor Mac’s slyly subversive comedy will leave you gasping for breath between bouts of gut-busting laughter and incisive social satire that hits all too close to home.

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