Joy and Justice
March 10, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Julica Hermann de la Fuente
Julica Hermann de la Fuente is a coach, trainer and facilitator for liberation, transformation and justice, and is currently completing her path toward ordination in Unitarian Universalism. In addition to this freelance work, she also serves as the Special Advisor on Justice and Equity at the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. Born and raised in Mexico City, she first became committed to social justice when she came to the United States for college. Since then, Julica has been an anti-racism/anti-oppression educator and trainer in a variety of capacities over the past three decades. In addition to a Lay Community Ministry degree from Meadville Lombard Theological School, she also holds an MSW from the University of Michigan and is certified as a master life coach. Julica stubbornly believes that liberation is found at the intersection of joy and justice. When not on shift for the resistance, you will find her playing with fabric, planning her week-long costume extravaganza for Halloween, looking for more excuses to frost fancy cakes, and reading optimistic sci-fi and fantasy possibilities of a just and equitable universe.
We will Share the Plate with NW River Valley Sierra Club
Northwest River Valleys Group is committed to the protection of wild places, natural resources, and environmental education in northern and northwest Illinois. The Group covers a major portion of Illinois from East Dubuque to Harvard on the northern Illinois border to Sandwich to Serena to Mendota to Amboy to Sterling to Savanna. The region touches the Mississippi on the western edge, the Fox on eastern edge, and encompasses much of the Illinois portion of the Rock.
In addition to numerous state parks, including Lowden State Park, home of The Black Hawk Statue, four counties also contain the highest capacity Canadian tar sands pipeline in the United States. Click Here to Donate
Volunteers for Sunday, March 10
Thank you to the Racial & Economic Justice team for volunteering this Sunday! Sign Up Here
Happy Birthday to: Lawrence Hughes (03/07), Shoko Chien (03/08), Joe Morton (03/08), Wild Darke (03/08), Mary Caskey (03/09), Ken Ring (03/09), Brian Gustafson (03/09), Madeline Arnold (03/10), Stephen Blomgren (03/12), & Dusahn Volk (03/12)!
March 5th 2024 Matthew’s Memo
I hope you are able to attend the workshop this Saturday with Julica Hermann de la Fuente. There’s more information below about the workshop and about Julica. Registration isn’t required (unless you need childcare, which is available), but it is encouraged and you can do that here (insert link).
A few years ago, the board amended our mission to say that we were “continually building an inclusive, empowered, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, multicultural congregation.” That reflected our evolving commitment as a congregation – a long-standing way that this congregation has been, but wanting to name and claim it more clearly. When the board held it’s annual retreat to set goals, moving more into this work was first on the list. Getting more common language, understanding, and direction was the next step, and so the board secured Julica to do this work with us.
This is the congregation’s work – it’s leaders and members. It is not work that you get to just leave on the desks of the staff. It is transformative and spiritual work, that is filled with joy and self-discovery. Julica’s approach, which you’ll hear about at the workshop and the Sunday morning worship, is based in joy and hope – not shame and righteousness.
This is how we will move forward together.
So I hope you will come!
See you then.
In faith,
Matthew
Board Update
The board discussed exempt and non-exempt employees, building repairs and issues, and the church database. We are looking forward to the Liberation and Transformation workshop as well as the spring Stewardship Campaign.
Liberation and the UU Church: Saturday, March 9th, 9:30 am-12:30 pm at the Church.
All members and friends are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Workshop
Faith communities have been grappling for many years with the ways that cultural and congregational practices in church settings still reflect historical and institutional patterns of racism and white supremacy culture. This interactive workshop will provide an opportunity to feel and think together about opportunities and challenges for liberation and transformation in Unitarian Universalist congregations. Together, we will look at the frameworks that we are currently engaging in Unitarian Universalism to close the gap between the values we espouse and the values we practice with regard to anti-racism. We will consider some anti-racism tools, and how they can help us in this journey. Join us for an authentic exploration of the work we need to do to continue to bend the arc toward justice in our congregations and in our communities.
Julica Hermann de la Fuente is a coach, trainer and facilitator for liberation, transformation and justice, and is currently completing her path toward ordination in Unitarian Universalism. In addition to this freelance work, she also serves as the Special Advisor on Justice and Equity at the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. Born and raised in Mexico City, she first became committed to social justice when she came to the United States for college. Since then, Julica has been an anti-racism/anti-oppression educator and trainer in a variety of capacities over the past three decades. In addition to a Lay Community Ministry degree from Meadville Lombard Theological School, she also holds an MSW from the University of Michigan and is certified as a master life coach. Julica stubbornly believes that liberation is found at the intersection of joy and justice. When not on shift for the resistance, you will find her playing with fabric, planning her week-long costume extravaganza for Halloween, looking for more excuses to frost fancy cakes, and reading optimistic sci-fi and fantasy possibilities of a just and equitable universe.
Drumming and Spirituality:
A Rhythm Workshop for All
Sunday, March 24
12:15 – 1:45
@ UU Church Rockford
A chance for people of all skill levels to participate in hands-on rhythm-making. Tour instruments from around the world.
Bring your own drum if you have one for those who don’t, drums will be provided.
Let’s play some music together! Bring your own lunch.
Workshop led by Matt Meyer who has led worship for hundreds of congregations. Traveling the country sharing a message of love and justice through rhythm and song.
WCCC
Please join us on Tuesday, March 12 at 6:30 PM at the Unitarian church, 4848 Turner St.
One of our main focuses is to elect and support, pro-choice candidates, which is more important now than ever if we want to keep our reproductive rights.
Our speakers will include a representative from the State Rep, Maurice West campaign, as well as others from the Winnebago county board. Hope to see you there!
Barb Giolitto
WCCC Pres.
Getting to Know UU Sessions
Join us for our welcome program designed to provide newcomers with the opportunity to learn about the congregation and how to get connected. We hope you will find this community to be a religious home.
There are 4 sessions, the first is a series of videos and the other three are in person on Sundays in the Sanctuary from 11:15 – 11:45. You can complete the sessions at any time. Sessions will repeat monthly.
*Watch 4 Introduction Videos Prior to In-Person Sessions*
March 10 Our Story with Rev. Matthew
March 17 Getting Connected with Rev. Joyce
March 24 Living Our Faith with Lindsay and Allyson
Hope to see you!
Video session takes about 30 minutes to complete.
Gently Used Shoes Collection Hi, UUs! This is Kathy Spataro McGinty, Jon’s wife. My church, 1st Congregational UCC in Pecatonica is collecting gently-used shoes—all sizes & styles—to send to developing nations to start their own micro-businesses—that’s right! Selling used shoes! Recycle and Empower! A collection bin will be in the narthex until the deadline, March 10. Please help! Thank you!
Our Faith in Action Team leaders encourage you to fill out this Community Health Assessment for Winnebago County. It takes less than 10 minutes to complete and is a way to have our UU Principles and values represented in local policy making on social justice issues such as housing and food access. Click here or scan the QR code to get started!
For Adults
Do you people do anything but talk about sex? No. Not really. The Unitarian Universalist Association has developed a stellar comprehensive sex education curriculum known as Our Whole Lives. As the title suggests, it is not a one and done, but rather a topic to be revisited as we grow and mature. Join us as Wendy Bennett and Leah Krippner facilitate an adult exploration of sexuality in the 21st century. Anyone 18 and up is welcome to join.
This month we will discuss Sexuality & Relationships, focusing on selecting partners, navigating potential miscommunications (what constitutes rape?), and considering obstacles to long-term relationships. Folks are welcome to join for a single session or sign up for all of them.
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.
Rare Earth Food Collectiveis 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 Tuesdays in Deale Hall to pack our orders for distribution – meaning you could place an order for Tuesday pick up right at the Church!
The next pick-up will be on March 12, 2:30 – 3:00. This time period may be adjusted.
The buying window on the website will go live with products (for shopping) from Saturday at Noon, until Monday at Noon, but you can sign up as a customer at any time!
List of resources that may be helpful to you or someone you know.
VICTIM/SURVIVOR SERVICES
Family Peace Center – 1-779-348-7600
Remedies Renewing Lives – 24-hour Domestic Violence Hotline – 1-815-962-6102
OLDER ADULT SERVICES
Catholic Charities Long Term Care Ombudsman Program – 1-815-316-0040 or 1-800-369-0895
Mercyhealth at Home/Older Adult Services – 1-815-971-3502
Lifescape Community Services – 1-815-963-1609 or 1-800-779-1189
SERVICES/ADVOCACY FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES
Center for Sight and Hearing – 1-815-332-6800 P
RAMP – 1-815-968-7467
The ARC – 1-815-965-3455
Severson Dells Nature Center
Wednesday, March 13, 5:30-7:00 pm
8786 Montague Road
Rockford, IL, 61102
Seasoned Severson steward or an eager beaver ready to serve? Join us for a fun evening of community, snacks, and learning! We are looking to grow and strengthen our team of education volunteers! For the returning volunteers, we want to hear your voice and vision as we plan for an exciting season of programs. If you are new, learn all about the opportunities you have to help children connect with nature! Join us from 5:30-7:00 pm at Severson Dells on March 13; hors d’oeuvres provided.
Rockford’s First Official Pride Parade will be held downtown on June 1st, 2024! We need lots of volunteers to make this a success. Please sign up to help out at https://www.rockfordareapride.org/contact-8
The MidAmerica Region is coming together – both online and at the First Unitarian Society of Madison, WI on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 of 2024 for a multiplatform Regional Assembly!
Our Keynote address will be given by the Rev. Dr. Sofía Betancourt, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations, and Rev. Dr. Karen Georgia A. Thompson, General Minister and President of the United Church of Christ.
There will be workshops, the Annual Business Meeting of the MidAmerica Region, and opportunities to meet many UU Leaders from across our faith tradition.
For those who are in person, there will even be opportunities to tour this historic church designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
But most importantly, it is a time for us to come together as Unitarian Universalists from across the MidAmerica Region.
Bayside UU Family Camp
Looking for a great summer experience? Join us at Bayside UU Family Camp held at Lutherdale Camp on the shores of Lauderdale Lakes in Elkhorn, WI. This year, camp will take place June 30th – July 6th. This special week includes adult workshops, activities for children, free time for family fun and relaxation, and intergenerational activities. For more information visit our website at baysideuu.wixsite.com/baysideuu or contactbaysideuu@gmail.com.
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 Board of Trustees:
President: Spitty Tata
Clerk: Kim Lowman Vollmer
Vice-President: Matt Menze
Treasurer: Steve Blomgren
Trustees: Clark Logemann, Sarah Greer, & Rebecca Beneditz
The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL | 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107 | 815-398-6322 | uurockford.org |
