Big Momma Makes the World May 14, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.Onlineand in-person
Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson The wonderful re-imagination of the creation story, Big Momma Makes the World, suggests a way we might exercise the creative power of mothers, parents, caregivers, and those who support them to make a better and beautiful world. We’ll celebrate the creative power of all kinds of Mommas and ask how every one of us can be part of making the world better for all our children – which is all of them.
We will share the plate with Planned Parenthood of Illinois For over 100 years, building healthy communities has been Planned Parenthood’s mission. Everyday, Planned Parenthood of Illinois helps all kinds of people get the health tools and information—and above all the care and compassion they need—to prevent unintended pregnancies or to plan for families when they are ready. Click Here to Donate
Happy Birthday to: Carol Fox (05/09), Christe Lunsford (05/09), Colleen Smitherman (05/12), Janet Wasson (05/12), Molly Soper (05/12), Stephanie Burt (05/12), Sandra Locke (05/13), Allison Cummings (05/13), Hannah Kaytonah (05/16), Sara Dady (05/16), & Mary Kate Herriges (05/16)!
Shari Smallwood had surgery and is recovering at Wesley Willows Rehab Center and would love visits and calls from all of you.
Volunteers for Sunday, May 14 Greeters: We Need 2 Volunteers
Guest Table: We Need 2 Volunteers
Ushers: Pam Wilson & Barb Wilson
Coffee Hosts: Phil Hjemboe & Spitty Tata Please note that if you volunteer for coffee host you will need to clean up afterward and run the cups through the sanitizer. Spitty and others are happy to help you become familiar with how to handle this easy job. Sign Up Here
Thank you to all of you who have already turned in your commitments to support the church in the coming fiscal year. If you haven’t done so yet, please fill it out today:https://uurockford.breezechms.com/form/20b2b47025.
Matthew’s Memo May 9th, 2024
Sunday, I did a Tarot card reading during the sermon, on behalf of the church. Here are the cards I drew:
Here’s what this reading means to me.
There are two strong themes in this reading. Once is about balance, represented by the reversed two of pentacles in the “near future” position and the reversed Temperance card in the “hopes and fears” position. To me, this suggests that we need to attend to balance, harmony, and holding the spectrum of who we are becoming. How do we do things like integrate new folks with long-term folks? How do we balance the in-person and on-line parts of the church? How do we balance being a place of comfort with being a place that is changing and growing? We need to attend to this question with some skill.
The second big theme is about proclaiming love. The “querent” card, the reversed page of Cups, suggested that we want to proclaim our love and values but need a little push. In the advice position, the Knight of Cups suggests that we just need to do it. Go for it. Act. Be bold. And the three of cups in the outcome position suggests that community, joy, and togetherness can happen if we proclaim these values – and attend to balance as we do so.
That’s what I see – but maybe you see something different.
In faith,
Matthew
Interested in being a delegate? Please let Matthew know ASAP
PHOTO OF THE WEEK Welcome to our new members!
TODAY FROM 6:30 PM – 7:45 PM May 9 – WCCC Meeting- Destigmatize Abortion through Language
The Unitarian Universalist Church, 4848 Turner, Rockford, IL
Join Planned Parenthood’s National Virtual Volunteers leading this teach-in.
By the end of the teach-in, you will:
– Understand the power of language as a form of social activism,
– Know how to use language to destigmatize abortion,
– Have the resources needed to take further action.
Hope to see you there!! WCCC meets monthly on the 2nd Tuesday of the month.
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!
Woodsong is looking to hire a substitute teacher who loves working with young children and being outdoors! Anyone experienced in working with 2-3 year olds will be considered (regardless of education/certification). Candidates must have consistent availability at least some weekday mornings from 8 to noon. Competitive pay offered. If interested, send your resume to director@woodsongschool.com. If you know of someone who would be a good fit for this position, please pass this information along to them!
PRAIRIE BURN – PRAIRIE BLOOM
This tapestry was inspired by Dean Tollesrud’s poem. Prairie Hues
Brown is the color of a season’s growth. Orange are the flames rising from a prairie fire. Black are the ashes that remain. Gray are the spring rains soaking the ashes. Yellow is the sun arming the darkened soil Green will be the renewed growth. Purple come later with new Coneflowers.
It was designed by Robin Gausebeck and stitched by Sandi Campbell, Robin Gausebeck, Susan Halvorsen & Leigh Lakey. Elizabeth Williams, professional long-arm quilter, executed the quilting designs that enhanced the themes of each section. This project was made possible by the Floyd Palm Memorial Fund. Every spring the prairie is burned and that is usually when this tapestry is hung in the sanctuary. The two panel dynamic, colorful and symbolic quilt hanging was completed in 2006.
Our Caring Team is a support network within UU Church Rockford that seeks to provide compassionate and caring assistance to members on an as-needed basis. Here are just a couple of the many ways we can connect volunteers to members who have a specific need:
We organize the preparation and delivery of meals and the completion of errands for members following surgery or during an illness.
We set up rides for members of our community to attend worship services and go to medical appointments.
You can contact Rev. Joyce f you need assistance or know someone who needs support in one of these or other ways.
We would love for you to join our Caring Team. If you are able to help by preparing a meal, dropping off carry-out, running an errand, providing a ride, or something else along these lines for one of our members, feel free to reach out to Rev. Joyce at revjoycepalmer@yahoo.com The strength of our community is reflected in the ways we support each other and our aim is to continue to grow this important ministry!
WINNEBAGO COUNTY RESOURCES
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
Inscape Collective is a great place to shop local for Mother’s Day gifts while also supporting a good cause! If you&/or your parents/friends have stories about visiting Just Goods that used to be in our space or 7th Street back in the day, please share them with us atinscapecollective@gmail.com.
The Board of Trustees:
President: Judy Gustafson
Clerk: Bob Spelman
Vice-President: Spitty Tata
Treasurer: Steve Blomgren
Trustees: Sarah Greer, Jami Edmonds, & Rebecca Beneditz
The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL | 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107 | 815-398-6322 | uurockford.org |
