“How Goes the Journey?”

Greetings church. I realize it’s been a minute since my last Kairos update, and there’s a lot to share.

First, about the interim work. I’ve been fielding many questions about the timeline and if we’re “behind” the curve. We are in no way behind any curve. In fact, your Nominating Committee is right now putting together an amazing plan for assembling the search team. Next spring, they will have a slate to present to the congregation at the annual meeting. Empaneling a search committee requires a congregational vote and lots of transparency, which then kicks off the search season starting later in 2026.

There is therefore wisdom in doing a two-year search. For a one-year search, a search team really needs to be up and running by the start of the church year. We would be behind the curve if that were the case! Spreading out the search lowers our anxiety because we have ample time to do the important spiritual work of discernment. An interim period isn’t a process to get through, but one that invites us into the big and important questions that can shape the next several decades of your ministry and work together: Who are we as a church and agent of change in the community? Where have we been historically, and where do we want to be? What unchangeable features of our community are essential to who we are, and where are we curious about change and new ideas?” And so many more!

I am your guide through the interim process, and Rev. Joyce and I have divided our portfolios to make this happen. She is the primary point of contact for pastoral care, membership, and community. My portfolio focuses on worship, preaching, interim work, and leadership engagement. We have you covered.

Something I do want to clear up is regarding my schedule and time. Generally, I’m “on the clock” Sunday through Thursday. No, I do not just work on Tuesdays; that’s just when I’m most often in the office for meetings and appointments. I’m also at church a couple of Wednesdays throughout the month (more meetings and appointments), plus the occasional weekend evening for important social events like the auction. I work from home the rest of the week, taking Friday as sabbath and Saturday as my day off to watch Belle and Dorothy, my two granddaughters. Even though I’m not full-time, I’m checking and answering email throughout the week and am available for phone and Zoom calls.

So far, so good! We are moving along “at the speed of church,” and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of your journey. 

Rev. Bret Lortie

WCCC

Greetings everyone,

Please join us on Tuesday, November 11, at 6:30 PM to hear two 17th Judicial candidates.  We may also have an update from Planned Parenthood.
Know who you’re voting for!  
Hope to see you there.  Unitarian Universalist Church, 4848 Turner, Rockford.

Sara Dady, WCCC President

Do you have a creative side?

Are you artistic? Can you see a creative way to arrange things, people, and ideas? Do you just love to rearrange the furniture or repaint the walls?

Awesome! We have a great job for you!

We need a few creative folks to work on the arrangement of things in the Church. Don’t worry, you won’t have to actually move things around. We just need your creativity.

Where should the portraits of past ministers hang? Can we make the Narthex more interesting? Could we make Deale Hall more inviting? We need your creativity and artistry.

If this idea speaks to you, reach out to Rev. Bret via email or phone. You can also contact Wendy Bennett.

CREATING A HOME ALTAR
Wonderful Wednesday
November 12, 6 pm
(second Wednesday of the month)
Join us for an evening of reflection and creativity as we explore the practice of creating a home altar — a personal space for grounding, gratitude, and renewal. Together, we’ll discuss simple steps for designing an altar that reflects your values and spiritual journey. Come discover how this practice can deepen awareness and nurture the sacred in everyday life.

Stand for Justice – Public Witness at AT&T This Sunday!
Join us this Sunday from 1 – 2 pm as we raise our voices in a public witness outside AT&T to call attention to their support of ICE. Together, we’ll stand for compassion, human dignity, and justice for all people. Bring your spirit, your signs, and your voice — all are welcome!
We gather at the East State AT&T Building
Brings signs like AT&T (heart) ICE
Park in the Old Chicago lot across Puri Parkway.
Contact Teresa W. for more information

Camerata Emanon Singers Presents
BOUNTIFUL:  An American Thanksgiving

Sunday, Nov. 16 at 3:00pm
Second First Church
318 N. Church St, Rockford

Tickets:  $15 at the door, $5 for students

Celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving with Camerata Emanon and new artistic director Timm Adams of Rockford University.  Our own Tim Anderson retired as director last spring after leading the vocal group for 10 years.

Centerpiece of the program is Dan Forrest’s uplifting “I Thank You God for Most This Amazing Day” for choir, piano, strings and percussion.

Questions?
Kathy Scarpaci
815-391-4401

• 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  |