Hi friends!  

I’m absolutely THRILLED that we will be hosting the legendary Holly Near in concert, with her trio of musicians, on Thursday, July 20th, at 7 pm.  Holly Near is a prolific singer/songwriter and peace and justice activist.  You know her song, “We Are a Gentle Angry People.”  This is a real treat to have her here.  Please come and be part of this special event.  

Advance tickets are required – $25/ticket.  You can buy your ticket(s) and learn more about Holly Near here: https://uurockford.breezechms.com/form/8ffe3d.  

Please spread the word and invite your friends to come as well!  

In faith,
Matthew

Matthew’s Memo
 
I’m back!  For a moment.  Last week I was at Central East Regional Summer Institute, a Unitarian Universalist all-ages camp that takes place in Western Pennsylvania.  The kids and I have been going since 2015, excluding the pandemic, and it is a wonderful time.  This year, I attended a workshop in the Enneagram, the theme speaker presentations on “Preemptive Radical Hospitality”, many worship services, a few days of a writing workshop, and every night of Trivia.  I also attended the very popular “nap workshop” in which I went back to my dorm room and napped.  I needed it. 
 
If you are interested in attending a UU Summer Camp, I hope you will!  It is a great experience.  There is a closer one – Midwest UU Summer Assembly.  This year, they met for a weekend in Naperville; historically they’ve met both in Missouri and at Lake Geneva (which folks from this church used to attend).  Their location for next year is TBD, but we’ll keep you posted – I’d love folks to go.  It’s a great way to deepen your UU connections and have fun.  And for children, who find Sunday often booked, attending camp can ground them in our faith in a powerful way.  It has for mine. 
 
FYI, I will be here for two weeks and then depart again for a solo vacation to Northern Europe.  I’m going to six cities in 14 days and I can’t wait.  It is a trip I have long planned for and desired.  I’m sure you’ll hear all about it when I get back.  (In mentioning this trip to folks, it occurred to me that though I have not kept it a secret, I have not shared that my most recent long-term relationship came to a close late last year. C’est la vie.)   I’ll be back on August 14^th, and we’ll be ready to rock and roll this fall at church.  Get ready for some fun, deep, and important work for us to do together. 
 
In faith,
Matthew

Stretching from floor to ceiling in the sanctuary, and greeting each spring, is the triptych we call the “Linda Banners.”

The Weissbard family chose local artist Virginia Noerr to design and create a memorial to Linda Weissbard, Dave’s wife who succumbed to cancer in 1987.

These hand-printed fabric panels of unique and wonderfully colorful design are the striking result of that selection.  Dedication of this cherished artwork took place in early 1990.  While Dave Weissbard was our Senior Minister; he is currently Minister Emeritus.

Join us for a conversation on how to continue the learning from the stories in Mistakes and Miracles. We are meeting via Zoom at 4pm on Tuesday, July 25. If you would like to join us, use the link below. Questions? Contact Rev Joyce at revjoycepalmer@yahoo.com

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/86875612940pwd=emx0MmoxMWdlb1RRQ3NCNkoyODNsQT09 

We are growing our Welcome at UU Church Rockford and you are invited to join the team! 
Join us Saturday, August 12th from 9 am – 10:30 am for an orientation to learn about serving as Greeter, Usher, Guest Table Host, and Coffee Hospitality. We will discuss helpful phrases to use when speaking to newcomers, review procedures, and select dates to serve. Snacks and Coffee are included.

Parents’ Night OUT!
Thursday, August 24th
5:30 – 8:00 pm

Treat yourself to a night out while we watch the kids!
Pizza – Snacks – Drinks – Movie
Donation of $5 Requested, NOT Required

Sign-up using this link by Monday, August 21st.
https://uurockford.breezechms.com/form/35eed2

Worship Associate

I’m looking for 1-2 more folks to join our worship associate crew.  You will serve as a worship associate about once every eight weeks — leading a few parts of the service and offering your testimony on that day’s topic.  Worship associates love the experience and the invitation to think deeply and share with the congregation.  If you are interested, send an email to uurockrev@gmail.com.  There is training included and coaching on testimonies.  It is a two-year term, running from Sept. 2023 to Sept. 2025.  

In faith,
Matthew

Rare Earth Food Collective is 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 Tuesday’s in Deale Hall to pack our orders for distribution – meaning you could place an order for Tuesday pick up right at the Church! 

To register as a customer visit: https://refc.localfoodmarketplace.com/

The next pick-up will be on July 25th, 2:30 – 3:00. This time period may be adjusted in the first couple of weeks.

The buying window on the website will go live with products (for shopping) from Saturday (the 15th) at Noon, until Noon on Monday the (17th), but you can sign up as a customer at any time!

We look forward to serving you!

Rockford UU Lunch Group
After coffee hour/meetings on Sundays, a group gathers for lunch at various locations. It’s usually Bob Babcock and Doug Rix, often with Sue and Scott Garwick. It’s a time to get to know each other deeper and form a better community. Tap any of us any Sunday and see what we’re doing if you’d like to join us. PLAN ON IT!!! Or Call Bob at 630.417.0042

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