An Opportunity for Transformational (Co)-Ministry!
Some Things Change. Others Don’t!

Starting next month, you’ll notice a few changes to the website and the order of service. Beginning March 1st, Rev. Joyce and Rev. Bret will be temporarily changing their job titles to better reflect the scope of their portfolios and areas of authority. More significantly, their relationship will no longer be defined as “Senior Minister” and “Assistant Minister.” Rather, they will both be “Co-Ministers.” It may feel like this is a big change, but in reality, nothing day-to-day will be done differently. In fact, this change reflects how they have been working together for the past six months: through collaboration and consensus, with clearly defined portfolios and an eye toward using a co-ministry model in their work.

Rev. Joyce’s full title will be Co-Minister for Congregational Life. She will hold portfolios for pastoral care, membership and hospitality, small groups and programs, and faith and justice, and she will be the primary point of contact for rites of passage. Rev. Joyce will preach once a month and assist with guest speakers on occasion.

Rev. Bret’s full title will be Co-Minister for Interim Transformational Ministries (taken from new language at the UUA). He will hold portfolios for Board leadership, worship and preaching, denominational connection, transitional development, and staff supervision and support. Rev. Bret will preach twice each month and coordinate guest speakers for additional Sundays. When requested, and in coordination with Rev. Joyce, he may occasionally lead rites of passage.

This shift in language reorients our understanding of ministry from something that can sometimes be perceived as top-down to something that moves from the center-out. The center of the congregation is, of course, you! Our ministers serve you as equal partners in professional ministry—supporting, encouraging, and guiding you on your congregational journey. Now their job titles reflect their practice. 

A few brief words about the nuts and bolts of this change:

• It does not change the total cost of ministry. We have equalized compensation for two ministers working three-quarter time.
• This change is temporary. Following the transitional period, Rev. Joyce wishes to return to her previous job title, portfolios, and hours.
• This is an experiment. Interim periods are a time to try new models for ministry and to adapt to opportunities presented by a congregation’s maturational growth needs. This is an excellent opportunity to consider something new. 
• Ministers will collaborate, yet each is responsible for decisions within their program areas and portfolios. For example, Rev. Bret is primary for staffing and worship decisions. Rev. Joyce is primary for pastoral care and programs. Each minister will report directly to the Board.

More possibilities
A final result of this “experiment” is that it may expand the scope of your ministerial search. You will be advertising a Senior Minister position. However, at the discretion of the soon-to-be-empaneled search team and Board of Trustees, you have the option to expand your search to include co-ministry teams. These are most often married clergy couples who share a single position. Who knows—co-ministry might be something you’re interested in down the road, or not. Let’s see how productive, energizing, and even fun this change in perspective might become.

Paying Attention with Listening Circles: 
March 1st after the service

On March 1st during the worship service, the Rev. Marlene Walker will address the Soul Matters theme of the month,”Paying Attention.” Using the lens of Appreciative Inquiry, which encourages the practice of active listening, we will start to explore our congregation’s identity as the next phase of our transitional process. At the core of this exploration are your perceptions of this community, your hopes for it, and the ways it impacts your lives. 

After church the Transition Team will offer Listening Circles as an opportunity to practice what we’ve just learned. You don’t need to sign up, but if you want to let us know you’re coming, it will help us plan. Just follow this link: 

https://forms.gle/V74KRGJVLUvL11h66

As we continue through our period of transition and transformation, your church leadership wants to listen to the stories and dreams you want to share through a guided discussion.

What does it mean to really listen to another? Passive listening is something we do everyday. Maybe someone is sharing a story and, while they’re speaking, we’re already thinking about an exit, next activity, or our own response. Or maybe we’re running so fast we can’t find space to settle into deep conversations, even when we want.

With active listening we attempt to turn off our own internal conversations to better hear another’s. It’s a mindfulness practice where we watch what our thoughts are doing and, when they drift away from the task at hand (let’s say, listening), we coax them back into focus. Away from us, toward another.

-Rev. Bret

Unicantors rehearsal schedule

Please note the following change in the choir rehearsal schedule for the end of February:

Tuesday 24 February at 7:00 pm

We will resume our regular Thursday night rehearsal schedule in March.

Wednesday, February 25
6-8 pm
Deale Hall

Join members and friends of Stateline Indivisible and Ogle County in Singing Resistance gatherings as we lift our voices in songs of love, hope, peace, and justice. This is a simple, spirited way to build solidarity and get ready for the No Kings March on 3/28. No singing experience needed, just a willingness to show up and sing together. 

If you’d like to be part of the group, we’re meeting Wednesdays from 6-8pm at the UU Church. Starting Wednesday, February 25th.

Submitted by Rev Joyce and Donna Ducharme

Starting Point Sessions
Thursday, February 26th at 6 pm
4-Session Program

Starting Point is four rich sessions of connection, exploration, and learning that continue from our Getting to Know UU sessions. The sessions won’t just talk about Unitarian Universalism, we’ll experience it! Sessions are ideal for newcomers, members, and friends who would like to learn more and go deeper into Unitarian Universalism.

Childcare provided-let Rev. Joyce know if you would like childcare.
Register https://uurockford.churchcenter.com/registrations/events/2477841

The Music of Florence Price

In honor of Black History Month, each of the worship services in February will include a piano composition by Florence Price (1887-1953), a remarkable American composer whose music remained relatively unknown until hundreds of manuscripts of her compositions were discovered in 2009. Since then, her works have enjoyed a well-deserved popularity among performers and audiences alike. To learn more about Florence Price, you can visit this website: https://florenceprice.com/.

Settled Ministry Search Committee Nominations
Please thoughtfully reflect on the following questions prior to our call
When we contact you to ask about potential nominees for the Settled Ministry Search Committee, we’ll focus on the qualities below. Our goal is to form a committee that is trusted, representative, and well-equipped to serve the whole congregation.

1.Representation & Trust

We want a committee the congregation can have confidence in.

Reflect individually and as a family:

 

• Is this person trusted and respected across the congregation?
• Do they bring a perspective that helps reflect the diversity of our community (age, identity, involvement, viewpoints)?

2.Connections to the Congregation

Strong relationships help the committee listen well and communicate clearly.

Reflect individually and as a family:

• How well does this person know the congregation?
• Are they connected to different groups, ministries, or generations within the church?

3.Collaborative Qualities

Search work requires teamwork, listening, and thoughtful dialogue.

Reflect individually and as a family:

• Does this person work well with others, especially when opinions differ?
• Are they a good listener who can balance speaking up with making space for others?

4.Commitment and Integrity

This role requires time, care, and discretion.

Reflect individually and as a family:

• Can this person commit the necessary time and energy to the search process?
• Are they known for acting with integrity, confidentiality, and the best interests of the congregation at heart?

Thank you for helping us recognize who might serve this important role in the life of our congregation.

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