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Whose Are We? A reflection for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Rev. Bret Lortie Whose are we? We know something of who we are: A people who care less about what someone believes and more about how we live lovingly into our values. Beyond our individual spiritual paths, however, we often speak of the transcendent–something larger than our individual lives uniting us in purpose and aspiration. What is this force of Love? Is it Justice? God? Nature? Science? The cloud of witnesses whose lives precede and follow our own? Beyond “who am I,” let us also ask, “whose are we?
We will Share the Plate with NAACP Rockford Branch Their mission is to achieve equity, political rights, and social inclusion by advancing policies and practices that expand human and civil rights, eliminate discrimination and accelerate the well-being, education, and economic security of Black people and all persons of color. Click Here to Donate
Happy Birthday to: Jackie Dehler (Jan 13), Chrissie Fischer (Jan 15), Diane Johnson (Jan 16), Tosca DeGennaro (Jan 16), Carole Hunter (Jan 17), Kim Rogers (Jan 17), Meka Francis (Jan 18), William Carter (Jan 18), Cheryl Delgado (Jan 20), Eileen Stephens (Jan 20), & Saundra Berglund (Jan 20)!
Celebration of Life
Jesse Parker
Please join us to celebrate Jesse on Saturday, January 31, at 11 am. We will meet at the UU Church. Reception to follow.
Spam Alert Members and friends: For the past several months (and I hear it may go back a few years), we’ve been targeted by unscrupulous spammers posing as church staff. Their spam emails are “phishing” attacks attempting to solicit funds–aka, steal your money! Here is the big takeaway you need to know: Church staff will never email you asking for money. Ever. We won’t ask you to secretly buy gift cards for members in need. Ever. Any email from staff asking for money is a scam.
I’ve gotten some questions about how this common scam happens. Simply, scammers pull staff information from public church websites, create fake email addresses that look real, and find your email address through hacked personal address books and directories. This is why we don’t publish member directories or put them online.
Just remember: keep your computer’s antivirus software up to date; don’t share member directories; and ignore any appeal for money that comes via email or text. If it doesn’t pass the “sniff” test, please don’t respond!
In faith and service,
Bret
Side with Love T-shirts Order your yellow shirt to stand up and stand out at activist events!
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.
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.
UU 20/30s Group
Join Us Sunday, January 18, at 11:30 a.m. in the Youth Room
UU2030 is a small group for adults in their 20s and 30s who are looking for spiritual and religious community, without the dogma and baggage that can come with traditional religion. We can provide that home here!
We are looking to build a faith community and possibly other social events like potlucks, holiday celebrations, and board game nights.
We hope to see you!
Co-leaders Sara and Hailey
Tax-Free Giving to the Church
Are you age 72 or older?
Are you required to take savings out of your IRA?
Are you tired of paying taxes on these withdrawals? Especially paying taxes to this current government.
For most people, just about the only remaining tax deduction is to use your
IRA withdrawals as a gift to the church (or other charitable group). It is
called a QCD (Qualified Charitable Donation). You instruct the company
managing your IRA to write a check to the church. This does not have to be
the whole withdrawal. Just an amount that you choose to donate to the
church. It will count against your required distribution. But, unlike the rest of
your distribution which is taxable income, this QCD is not taxed.
Many church members are doing this now. If you are not, perhaps you
should consider it. Ask your IRA investment company. You can ask me and
I will tell you what I know, but I am not a tax professional.
Steve Lewis
Child Dedication
We are pleased to announce that the Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford will hold a Child Dedication during worship on Sunday, January 25, 2026. The dedication will be a simple ritual in which the congregation commits to the spiritual welfare and development of the child and their family. Though the ritual is not a baptism, some similar symbolism will be incorporated into the ceremony. Children of any age that have not previously been dedicated are welcome to participate in the ritual. Children who participate are welcome to have their parents and siblings as well as one or two sponsors join them at the front of the sanctuary during the dedication. If you would like to participate in the Child Dedication, please e-mail Lindsay Trank at reuurockford@gmail.com by Wednesday, January 21. We hope you will join us for this special occasion!
Getting to Know UU
Newcomers Welcome!
Sunday, February 8
11:30 – 1:00
Curious about Unitarian Universalism or new to our congregation? Join us for Getting to Know UU on Sunday, February 8, 11:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. This friendly session offers a brief look at our history, theology, religious education programs, and simple ways to get connected in the life of the church.
Come learn, ask questions, and meet others, whether you’re brand new or just ready to find your next step. All are welcome!
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
Sustain Rockford invites the community to its 10th Anniversary Celebration on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 5:15–7:30 p.m. at The Standard (214 E. State St., Rockford). Enjoy hors d’oeuvres (with a cash bar) and help celebrate a decade of local environmental progress; the program begins at 6:00 p.m. The evening includes remarks from Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara and Winnebago County Board Chair Joe Chiarelli, emceed by Paul Logli, plus recognition of local Sustainability Heroes.
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 |
