Changing Your Life
March 3, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson
If you want to transform your life, how might we go about it? What makes personal transformation possible, sustainable, and attractive? What motivations are worthy of our effort? What spiritual resources will we need?
We will Share the Plate with Sustain Rockford
Sustain Rockford’s main vision is to be a community organization that educates and advocates for practices and policies that protect our community’s land, air, and water to benefit all. We work to accomplish this by close collaboration with those citizens, organizations, businesses, and governmental bodies that have a heart for our community and its ongoing sustainability and resilience. Sustainability is not just about air, water, and clean energy. It is also about social equity, economic stability, equal opportunities, and health. We often talk about the triple bottom line – people, planet, and profit. True sustainability must include all three. Click Here to Donate
Volunteers for Sunday, March 3
Thank you to our Board for volunteering for hospitality this Sunday! Sign Up Here
Happy Birthday to: Andrea Schultz (02/28), Susan Cooling (03/01), Daniel Fellars (03/01), Krysta Wasilewski (03/01), Keith Kruchten (03/03), Art Beneditz (03/03), & Steve Booth (03/03)!
Matthew’s Memo
Feb 27, 2024
One of the most powerful moments in my life was my visit to Israel and Palestine in 2016. I spent time in Galilee, Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Bethlehem (in the West Bank.). I met wonderful people who love their families and long for peace, where Israelis of various religions and Palestinians of various religions can all live with dignity and freedom. Polls of both places confirm that is the majority view. Yet, incentives of war-making, international failure (including the United States), fractured coalition governments, and corruption (on both sides) have frustrated peace-making for decades.
Since October 7th, my main response to the terrorist attacks by Hamas and the atrocious overreaction by the Netanyahu government has been mostly sorrow. I weep for the lost lives, stolen futures, traumatized children, and misery. The leaders fail their people and their obligations. I have joined calls for a ceasefire and release of all hostages and my long-standing support of a two-state solution. I am gravely concerned about the planned assault of Rafah, where 1 million Gazans have sought refuge, and are now told to leave again – and go where? It is a disaster, and I call on the Netanyahu government to turn back from this course. We know from our own experience in Iraq and Afghanistan, and all of human history, that militant terrorist groups are never defeated by an enemy on the battlefield, but only when democracy shows a better way. Yet I doubt very much that policymakers in Washington, let alone Israel or Palestine, care what I think. I say it anyway because it should be said. American public opinion, which strongly favors an end to violence and deep concern about Netanyahu’s actions, has pushed the Biden administration to work for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange, which is getting close to being agreed to. (May it be so). We should continue to encourage that while recognizing that while America has and can make things worse, only the people who live there can solve this in the end.
The UUA recently released a statement condemning the violence and calling for a ceasefire, which you can read here:
https://www.uua.org/pressroom/press-releases/uua-condemns-violence-urges-ceasefire If you are deeply concerned about this, in addition to sending messages to your Senators and the White House, you can reach out to learn more and show solidarity with those affected here. Do so with compassion, wisdom, and without righteousness. This is a very complicated place and story, and not a place for armchair quarterbacks or binary thinking. Listen and love and let that make more peace where we can.
In so doing, we join other religious bodies who cry out for peace and human dignity. We also join many Jewish and Palestinian activists, as well as other Christians, Muslims, and secular people, who are trying to make peace and a new future.
In faith,
Matthew
Wonderful Wednesday Conversation and Practice February 28, 6 pm Church Library
Nonviolent Communication – A Language of Compassion
The founder of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), Marshall Rosenberg, believed that it is our nature to enjoy giving & receiving in a compassionate manner. He developed a way of speaking that leads us to give from the heart – to balance our logic & feelings in a way that leads to genuine connection with other people.
NVC teaches how to
Transform potential conflicts into peace dialogues
Break patterns of thinking that lead to anger & depression
Speak your mind without creating hostility
Communicate compassionately using the healing power of empathy
Hear whatever is said to you as a “please” or “thank you”
Make life more wonderful for yourself & others
If you have any questions, please contact Ellyn Ahmer at 520.456.4366.
Liberation and the UU Church: Saturday, March 9th, 9:30 am-12:30 pm at the Church.
All members and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Workshop
Faith communities have been grappling for many years with the ways that cultural and congregational practices in church settings still reflect historical and institutional patterns of racism and white supremacy culture. This interactive workshop will provide an opportunity to feel and think together about opportunities and challenges for liberation and transformation in Unitarian Universalist congregations. Together, we will look at the frameworks that we are currently engaging in Unitarian Universalism to close the gap between the values we espouse and the values we practice with regard to anti-racism. We will consider some anti-racism tools, and how they can help us in this journey. Join us for an authentic exploration of the work we need to do to continue to bend the arc toward justice in our congregations and in our communities.
Julica Hermann de la Fuente is a coach, trainer and facilitator for liberation, transformation and justice, and is currently completing her path toward ordination in Unitarian Universalism. In addition to this freelance work, she also serves as the Special Advisor on Justice and Equity at the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. Born and raised in Mexico City, she first became committed to social justice when she came to the United States for college. Since then, Julica has been an anti-racism/anti-oppression educator and trainer in a variety of capacities over the past three decades. In addition to a Lay Community Ministry degree from Meadville Lombard Theological School, she also holds an MSW from the University of Michigan and is certified as a master life coach. Julica stubbornly believes that liberation is found at the intersection of joy and justice. When not on shift for the resistance, you will find her playing with fabric, planning her week-long costume extravaganza for Halloween, looking for more excuses to frost fancy cakes, and reading optimistic sci-fi and fantasy possibilities of a just and equitable universe.
Gently Used Shoes Collection Hi, UUs! This is Kathy Spataro McGinty, Jon’s wife. My church, 1st Congregational UCC in Pecatonica is collecting gently-used shoes—all sizes & styles—to send to developing nations to start their own micro-businesses—that’s right! Selling used shoes! Recycle and Empower! A collection bin will be in the narthex until the deadline, March 10. Please help! Thank you!
A MESSAGE FROM INSCAPE COLLECTIVE: THANK YOU SO MUCH for your generosity when you shared the plate with us in January, and for your interest and engagement when you came for a field trip to our space where you listened and shared valuable input with us. Please feel free to let us know your ideas and ways you may like to be involved. We are now offering more health-related programs in our Community Room and hope you can join us or help us spread the word. I want to highlight the
PARENT & ME YOGA WORKSHOP WITH JESSICA HEWITT, CERTIFIED CHILDREN’S YOGA TEACHER ON THIS SAT, MARCH 2 FROM 10-11 AM. To get more info and sign up please go to this link from our own church member and owner of Healing Home Ayurveda, formerly Calm Yoga, Miranda Buell.
Our Faith in Action Team leaders encourage you to fill out this Community Health Assessment for Winnebago County. It takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is a way to have our UU Principles and values represented in local policy making on social justice issues such as housing and food access. Click here or scan the QR code to get started!
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 & Relationships, focusing on selecting partners, navigating potential miscommunications (what constitutes rape?), and considering obstacles to long-term relationships. Folks are welcome to join for a single session or sign up for all of them.
Book Discussion
Thursday February 29, 2024 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Join us by zoom for a discussion of The LightMakers Manifesto: How to Work for Change Without Losing your Joy by Karen Walrond who asks us to name the skills, values, and actions that bring us joy, identify the causes that spark our empathy and concern and then put it all together to change the world.
Please read the book on your own and we will discuss it.
Book discussions are presented in partnership with Rockford Public Library.
Looking for a copy of one of the books? The Rockford Public Library is pleased to offer the books for our discussion series in multiple formats. In addition to in print, RPL has many in the Cloud Library which may be accessed with your RPL card. Titles are available in audio and e-book formats.
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 Collectiveis 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!
The next pick-up will be on March 5, 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!
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
Severson Dells Nature Center
Wednesday, March 13, 5:30-7:00 pm
8786 Montague Road
Rockford, IL, 61102
Seasoned Severson steward or an eager beaver ready to serve? Join us for a fun evening of community, snacks, and learning! We are looking to grow and strengthen our team of education volunteers! For the returning volunteers, we want to hear your voice and vision as we plan for an exciting season of programs. If you are new, learn all about the opportunities you have to help children connect with nature! Join us from 5:30-7:00 pm at Severson Dells on March 13; hors d’oeuvres provided.
Rockford’s First Official Pride Parade will be held downtown on June 1st, 2024! We need lots of volunteers to make this a success. Please sign up to help out at https://www.rockfordareapride.org/contact-8
The MidAmerica Region is coming together – both online and at the First Unitarian Society of Madison, WI on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 of 2024 for a multiplatform Regional Assembly!
Our Keynote address will be given by the Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, and Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ.
There will be workshops, the Annual Business Meeting of the MidAmerica Region, and opportunities to meet many UU Leaders from across our faith tradition.
For those who are in person, there will even be opportunities to tour this historic church designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
But most importantly, it is a time for us to come together as Unitarian Universalists from across the MidAmerica Region.
Our Vision: A loving congregation that connects with ourselves, one another, and the larger community.
Our Mission: We care for ourselves, each other, and our neighbors while taking risks acting for justice. We are continuously building an inclusive, empowered, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, multicultural congregation. Our connections foster radical love for ourselves and others.
The Board of Trustees:
President: Spitty Tata
Clerk: Kim Lowman Vollmer
Vice-President: Matt Menze
Treasurer: Steve Blomgren
Trustees: Clark Logemann, Sarah Greer, & Rebecca Beneditz
The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL | 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107 | 815-398-6322 | uurockford.org |
