Matthew’s Memo
 
I have three important pieces of church business to let you know about.  Each of these, in their own way, reflects well on you as a congregation – your thoughtfulness, deliberation, and steadfastness. 
 
First is a change to our masking policy for the church.  The Board and Staff have agreed that so long as cases remain low, we will move to “recommended by not required” for masks throughout the church.  Previously, we asked folks to wear masks while singing and had them optional at other times.  Your relative lack of drama and strife over this is marked contrast to many other places, and we thank you for it.  To be clear, masks are recommended – and if you or a loved one is particularly vulnerable, a high-quality N95 mask is a great thing.  We also strongly recommend that everyone be fully vaccinated.  A new booster will come in the fall – make sure you get it, just like you get your flu shot.  And if you have any symptoms, stay home and watch online. 
 
Second, the Board, on the recommendation of the finance committee, advances to you a balanced budget.  We had some significant losses in stewardship season from folks who stopped coming in covid or moved away and have stopped giving – but the generosity of those still here and the new people (welcome!) means we have a basically even level of giving.  But our non-pledge income – from legacy gifts, Woodsong tuition, and the Spectrum rental allows us to give the full recommended salary increase to all of the staff (me excluded – I’ll get ½ the recommendation, which is still generous).  This vote of confidence in the staff is meaningful and important.  Thank you. 
 
Third, the nominating panel has a wonderful and full slate of nominees for leadership in the church.  A lot of congregations are struggling to get board members, so it means a lot that folks here said “yes!”  Thanks to the committee for doing the asking and to all who said yes.
 
We are ready, now – leaders ready, staff ready, volunteers returning, books balanced and rolls accurate – to embrace the future and create what is next.  I’m excited for what is to come.  Let’s do it.
 
In faith,
Matthew

Board Update
We approved upgrades to our security system, instructed our GA delegates to vote against a proposed business resolution, approved the budget for the annual meeting, and discussed those nominated for Board roles. 

Who Makes a Difference in Our Community?

The Social Justice Team is seeking nominees for the Connolly Community Service Awards for 2023. A bit of history of the awards and the nomination procedures follow. If you know someone – or a group of people — you think should receive one of these awards, please turn in nominations to the church office.

History: In 1993 the church initiated a community service award to recognize a member of the congregation for significant contributions to the community. The award was named for Dr. Charles Parker Connolly, minister of our congregation from 1913 to 1942, and a recognized community leader.

To date the award has been presented to the following individuals: Walt Lewis, Mary Caskey, Martha Logemann, Pat Tollefsrud, Sandra Locke, David Weissbard, Lynn Liston, Pat Lewis, Jon McGinty, JoAnn Shaheen, Leigh Lakey, Roger Oehlke, Lola Gustafson, Allen Penticoff, Colleen McDonald, Jackie Dehler, Bob Arevalo, Dave Black, Myrna Lake, Dave Lantz, Barb Giolitto, Duane Wilke, Ellyn Ahmer, Dale Dunnigan, Nikki Ticknor, Bob Babcock, & Shiraz Tata, & Allyson Rosemore.

More recently an award was established to recognize a young person, 8th grade through high school, for service to the church and community. Recipients to date are Emma Stocker, Katie Whitworth, Sandra Hill, Jackie Whitworth, Emily Pfleiderer, Max Freund, and Ari Almonaci.

The Social Justice Council has decided to have a “group” award.  This award will be for a group of people, formally or informally organized, who have done the work of justice in our community. Two years ago the award went to the Cornucopia Group.

The awards are presented at the annual meeting of the congregation.

The nominations should include:

 A detailed description of volunteer and/or professional involvement and accomplishments, tasks, performed and issues addressed impact on others, and other relevant information.

 A signed statement that the nominee is willing to be nominated.

A nomination should include the name of the nominator and is due in the office (Send to Autumn uurockford@gmail.com) by June 6th. The nominations will be reviewed and a selection made by the Social Justice Team before the annual meeting.

Child Dedication
We are pleased to announce that the Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford will hold a Child Dedication during worship on Sunday, June 11, 2023.  The dedication will be a simple ritual in which the congregation commits to the spiritual welfare and development of the child and their family.  Though the ritual is not a baptism, some similar symbolism will be incorporated into the ceremony.  Children of any age that have not previously been dedicated are welcome to participate in the ritual.  Children who participate are welcome to have their parents and siblings as well as one or two sponsors join them at the front of the sanctuary during the dedication.  If you would like to participate in the Child Dedication, please email Lindsay Trank at reuurockford@gmail.com by Wednesday, June 7.  We hope you will join us for this special occasion!

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