Matthew’s Memo
July 1, 2024

I hope this finds you well and keeping cool.  If you’re reading this, you have probably already read the news that I will be completing my service as your senior minister this August, as I take up a new role with our Unitarian Universalist Association.  This column is a modified version of an email I sent to members with more details about how the next two months will go. 

First, I would love to meet with you before I go, if you would like that.  You can schedule a meeting at https://calendly.com/uurockrev.  Or email me and suggest some times. Especially, but not only, if we need closure on something, do reach out.  

Second, some clarity about my time and schedule.  I start my work with the UUA on July 7th.  Starting at that time, I’ll be spending about half my time on UUA work and half my time on church work.  The UUA will be paying me full time, and the church 1/4 time — this is a generous act on the UUA’s behalf.  Regardless of who I’m working for, I’ll be in the office during much of this time, until the end of August.  

Third, around duties:  For the church, I’ll be preaching (more on that below), supervising staff, providing oversight, and performing essential tasks.  In addition, I’ll be packing my office, saying thank you and farewell, and transferring over logins and such to new folks (mostly Autumn).  I will not be doing community work (I’m already unwinding my work with various boards and committees), work with the UUMA, future planning, and routine pastoral care (which Rev. Joyce does already).  For the UUA, I’ll be onboarding – learning their systems and processes, reading files, and getting up to speed.  I won’t start working directly with other congregations until late August.  
 
Folks have asked about those community activities and if folks from the church might move into those roles.  I’d welcome a conversation with you if you are interested.  I’ve been working in three main areas recently – on Universal Newborn Home Visiting through Alignment Rockford, with the 17^th District Court’s Family Violence Coordinating Committee – including the “Underserved Populations” subcommittee, which would be a good role for someone with a lot of connections, and on the board of Midwest Reproductive Health Care, the clinic on Maray Dr., which I’d love to see someone from church join.  Let me know and I’ll connect you. 

Fourth, my schedule: I am here this week and open for meetings and conversations.  July 5-12, I’ll be at church camp in Ohio, but I’ll be back to do one of my favorite services on the 13th: the annual Q and A.  I’ll be in Seattle to visit family July 17-22.  Then I’ll be mostly here through August 24th, and preaching all of those Sundays — July 27, Aug 3, 10, 17, and 24.  The 24th will be my last work day for the church.  I have some great topics planned.  

Fifth, parties.  The Board is setting these up, but I know that there will be one on Friday, Aug. 22nd, and of course, after church on the 24th.  Details to come from the Board, but you can mark your calendar.  

Sixth, what’s next?  That you will hear from the Board on.  They are hard at work on the UUA processes and will share with you directly when they have things they can share.  I have very little role in that, other than singing your praises to prospective ministers.  Trust the process and be patient – things will be known soon, and they will share that with you.  I’m confident in their leadership and that you will have a strong and good ministry going forward.  

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask.  This is a time to over-communicate, so expect to hear these things more and more.  And since not everyone reads the newsletter, do share this info with other church folks. 

In faith,
Matthew

Commentary and quote from the book Waste Wars, The Wild Afterlife of Your Trash

    Monday is pick-up day for trash and “recyclables” on my stretch of Parkview Avenue.
This got me to thinking about the Basel Convention. This was a response to public disclosure of the rampant transfer of toxic wastes from developed nations to other less developed countries. (Alexander Clapp discusses it at some length in the book.)

    The agreement went into effect in March of 1989 and has had beneficial effects, but as with so many agreements, there were loopholes. The treaty has had positive effects on the toxic waste trade. If, however, material was being transferred for reuse if wouldn’t be considered waste. To quote Mr. Clapp:

    “The highly lucrative world of post-industrial waste export gave way to the incomprehensibly lucrative world of post-consumer waste export. The plastic forks you discarded after a single use were going to villages in Vietnam. The broken TV you put out on your curb was going to the slums in Nigeria. Your worn-out automobile tires were going to the interior of India. Your unwanted clothes were going to the deserts in Chile. Your spent batteries were going to Mexico.”

    “The rampant invocation of recycling–pushed in marketing campaigns and school curricula and community boards across the 1990s–amounted to, yes, a deliberate deception foisted on residents of rich countries, who were led to believe that being a prodigious consumer was compatible with being a planetary steward.”

    Much of the post-consumer materials exported end up being burned, strewn across the landscape, or buried. 

    I recently had lunch with my good friend Jon McGinty. We talked about this issue, and Jon pointedly asked, “What can we do about it?” Good question. A tough question since 70% of our economy depends on consumption. As was hinted at in earlier quotes, unlimited growth isn’t sustainable. I continue to think that having some grasp of the problem’s scope is a good first step, so I’ll continue my little contributions. Till next week. In the meantime, visit your local Marshalls or Home Goods type store and look at the inventory in light of what you’ve just read here.

Gaen McClendon

Sunday Morning Meditation
1st and 3rd Sundays 
9:15 in the Library

The next session is July 6

We meet to meditate together and center ourselves for the day. Please join us for Sunday Morning Meditation. 

Science Saturday: Nature’s Blueprints

• 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  |