Board Update

The Board held its first meeting of the fiscal year.  They approved paying some of our teens to work in the nursery for Lauren’s sabbatical. We set liaisons for the teams and committees and prepared for the retreat and senior minister evaluation.  The board agreed to ask the finance team to help the board with providing hospitality on the 1st Sunday of the month. 

Phishing
Yet another “Phishing” attempt is underway.  Someone creates an email address (this time “pastoronline . . . “) and pretends to be me and asked for gift cards.  
1. Always look at the actual address – pastoronline is a pretty obvious scam. 
2. I NEVER will ask you for gift cards.  
3. Report it as phishing and block the address.  

Be careful out there!

In faith,
Matthew

Note from Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson

Greetings!  

I am on vacation until August 12th. If you need something from the church, email Autumn Powell, office manager, at office@uurockford.org.

Stay safe and be well!
In faith,
Matthew

Getting to Know UU Sessions

Sessions are designed for newcomers to learn about our church and meet other newcomers. We meet in the Sanctuary from 11:15 – 11:45. If you are curious about and considering membership, this is a great place to start.

August 4th Living our Faith with Lindsay and Gloria
August 11th Getting Connected Rev Joyce
August 18th Our Story with Rev Matthew

UU 2030: Young Adult 20s and 30s Ministry Workshop
Sunday, August 25
11:30 – 1:30
Join members and staff for a workshop and spiritual discussion to kickstart a new 20s and 30s young adult ministry at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford. Facilitated by the ministry advisory group UU 2030, we will begin building a dedicated, spiritually-focused community for folks in their 20s and 30s that will include weeknight spiritual discussion groups, socials, potlucks, and more. We’ll learn how UU 2030 kickstarted their first program at Neighborhood UU Church of Pasadena, CA, and went from an initial 4 to over 40 active participants in their programs.
 
If you are a member or visitor in your 20s or 30s, this is for you and we’d love for you to join. Childcare will be provided.

UU the Vote:  How Soul Matters Prepares Us
 
UU the Vote encourages “Deep Canvassing.”  I’m learning and practicing this communication method this week.  But I’ve already had a preview:  our Soul Matters small group experience.
 
Soul Matters uses a two-step communication structure.  The first step is one member of the group talking about their experience with the month’s topic.  During that time, other members listen only.  We concentrate on the speaker, what I call deep listening. 
 
The second step, after all members have shared their experiences, is to reflect on just one of the members’ sharing.  I thank that member and then describe an experience of mine that was triggered by that sharing.
 
Deep Canvassing starts by asking an open-ended question of the prospective voter and then listening deeply to their response.  I look for some connection to my experience.  When I respond, I am creating a link to that prospective voter.  The goal of this communication is relationship, just as with Soul Matters.
 
Please email me at Teresa.wilmot@gmail.com or corner me after the worship service on Sunday.  I can send you an invitation to the UU the Vote Team.
 
Submitted by Teresa Wilmot

Wesley Willows Group
The Wesley Willows group will meet the following days and times this coming year in the reflection room at the Town Center.

August 22nd, Thursday, at 9 am
November 18th, Monday, at 3 pm
Jan. 22nd, Wednesday, at 9 am
April 24, Thursday, at 10 am

The Zanzen Meditation group is meeting in the church library every Saturday from 8:00 am to about 10:00 am for silent meditation and friendly discussion. We would like to invite all who are interested to check us out. There is no need to sign up or commit to anything. If you show up and behave we will probably be delighted to have you join us.

Our Vision: A loving congregation that connects with ourselves, one another, and the larger community.  

Our Mission: We care for ourselves, each other, and our neighbors while taking risks acting for justice. We are continuously building an inclusive, empowered, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, multicultural congregation. Our connections foster radical love for ourselves and others.

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