Standard message and data rates may apply. You have the right to OPT-OUT receiving messages at any time. TO OPT-OUT, reply "STOP" to any text message you receive from us.
Listening to Catastrophe
August 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Rev. Kelly Asprooth-Jackson
Disaster is a popular topic for large budget films, and important subject in the study of ancient civilizations, and what feels like a more and more present reality in our age of climate crisis. But how humans react to the worst, when it comes, can be a lesson for us in our own lives, and our own navigation of an uncertain world.
Rev. Kelly Asprooth-Jackson is one of the Co-Senior Ministers of the First Unitarian Society of Madison, where he has served since 2021. Prior to Madison, he previously served as minister to the First Parish Church in Beverly, Massachusetts, and to Pullman Memorial Universalist Church in Albion, New York. Before all of that, he was a hospital chaplain. Kelly is a lifelong Unitarian Universalist, a vegan, a trivia buff, and a father. His interests include tabletop role-playing games and other modes of fantasy and science fiction, cooking spicy meals, and spending time with his beloved kids.
We will share the plate with Girls 4 Girls GHANA At G4G our goal is to make sure young girls in Africa with limited resources stay in school and focus on their education; as well as educate them on prevention of STI’s and unplanned pregnancies. Arming these young girls with this education we hope that they become productive and successful individuals in their community. Click Here to Donate
Happy Birthday to: Laura Patterson (Jul 28), Paul Runestad (Jul 28), David Zinn (Jul 29), Shiraz Tata (Jul 29), Tim Anderson (Jul 31), Amelia Berle (Aug 01), Nancy Holstrum (Aug 01), Ray DeGennaro (Aug 01), Jason Peckels (Aug 02), Mike Ranz (Aug 03), Steven Hall (Aug 03),& Peter Bell (Aug 04)!
Please keep David Arnold’s family in your thoughts and prayers. David died Sunday, May 17th, 2026. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford, 4848 Turner Street, at 10:00 a.m. on September 19, 2026 Obituary
We will host the Memorial Reception after the service. If you are available to assist with set up, provide finger foods and/or clean up, please get in touch with Teresa P. at teresacecelia52@gmail.com
Linda Zuba hosts an intimate conversation with immigrants who share their real-world experiences navigating the immigration system in the United States. Through personal stories and firsthand perspectives, this event offers an honest look at the challenges, uncertainty, resilience, and humanity behind the immigration process. Co-sponsored by UU Church, UU Racial and Economic Justice Team
Singing Bowls
Sunday, August 2
11:30 – 12:30
Join us for a restorative sound bath experience. Promotes relaxation, mindfulness, and inner balance.
Listen to a gentle meditation while immersed in the soothing sounds of crystal singing bowls.
Led by Sarah Greyson
The UU Fourth Sunday Book Discussion Group meets at noon on the fourth Sunday of every month (Suprise!) in the church library.
The next meeting will be August 23 at noon.
This month, we will be reading the second half of “Basic Teachings of the Buddha” by Glenn Wallis
Admission if Free
Membership is Free No strings are attached
The Sex & Gender Justice Teams’ next meeting will be on September 27 in the youth room.
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
UNITY FEST
Please consider attending or Volunteering to help at the Unity Fest! There will be a parade, music, performances, activities for kids, and food.
Sponsored by Eliminate Racism 815, NAACP, and Rockford Park District.
Location: Levings Lake, 1420 S. Pierpont St.
Date: August 8, 2026, Saturday
Time: 12:00-4:00PM
Be sure to wear your yellow “ Stand with Love” shirt if you have one.
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: Diane Kuehl
Vice President: Sandi Campbell
Clerk: Scott Garwick
Treasurer: Teresa Wilmot
Trustees: Kendra Asbury, Neita Webster, Jason Peckels
The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL | 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107 | 815-398-6322 | uurockford.org |
