Matthew’s Memo
July 29^th, 2025
 
As I prepare to wrap up my ministry with you, I want to share more about what that means for how I will interact with the congregation and with you after Aug 31^st, my last day as your minister. 
 
First, I should note that I’ll preach for the last time with you on Aug 24^th and be on UUA work after that – so though Aug 31 is technically my last day, functionally it is Aug 24^th. 
 
After that time, I will no longer be your minister. You will have a new minister (as well as continuing to be served by the excellent Rev. Joyce).  It is important that I practice “the ministry of absence” to make space in the system and in your hearts for the new to take root.  I will not provide advice, pastoral care, opinions, resources, or leadership to you, the congregation, or the community of Rockford in my new role.  I will be available to your new interim as needed for the “back-story” or context, but that’s it. 
 
This means that if I see you around town, act like when I was on sabbatical – say hello, but that’s about it.  We won’t talk about the church or anything of substance.  I will be letting go of “friends” on Facebook who are associated with the church and community, and I have wrapped up my community activities.  I won’t be performing rites of passage, preaching, or anything of the sort in Rockford. 
 
The one odd thing is that I will be dropping my son of for youth group until he’s driving for himself.  But as you know, he’s not chatty, and I know you’ll just let him be himself rather than my kid. 

This might feel harsh —  but experience proves how necessary it is for the congregation to move forward.  It’s important for me to let go emotionally and spiritually. 

After your new settled minister is well-established, they and I will enter a covenant, and at that time, I may reenter the congregation’s life in some limited way to support that new ministry.  But that is years down the road. 

These are common best practices and important for all of us.  I want to be clear about them so you are not surprised later.  I am so excited for your future and what you might dream and become to meet this moment, and that is your work to do. 
 
In faith,
Matthew

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

The next session is August 3rd. 

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

• 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  |