Matthew’s Memo November 7, 2023

Joy and sorrow are woven fine. 
 
I’m celebrating the beauty around us of these fall days, with the changing leaves and glorious sky.  We’ve have many new visitors to church, and some programs are really thriving.  Good conversations are happening in the community about critical needs and exciting possibilities.  I leave Monday for my annual study group, and I’m thrilled to engage in deep conversations with my friends and colleagues.  (I’ll be guest preaching in Kansas City and then away for Thanksgiving after that, so functionally off for two weeks, and back on the 27^th). 

And the world suffers.  Mass shootings, war with the death of innocents, terror, acts of hatred.  In such a world of beauty, how can it be?  Sometimes we simply need to sit with our grief first, and then dust ourselves off for the work. 
 
And there are more intimate sorrows, closer to home.  We live not forever.  We’ve had three deaths in the last two weeks in the church – Jan Scott on Oct 27^th, Louise Mayhall on Oct. 27^th, and Marge Elliot on Nov. 4^th.  They were each remarkable women in their own ways, who were devoted to their community, their children, and their own creative spirit.  We’ll celebrate Louise’s life at Wesley Willows (in the Town Center Building, Club Room on the 1^st floor) on Saturday, November 11 at 2 p.m.  We’ll celebrate Marge on Nov. 27^th at Fitzgerald Funeral Home on Mulford Rd. at 12 p.m. visitation at 10:30 a.m.  We’ll celebrate Jan on Dec. 2^nd at 1 pm here at the church. 

This community can hold joy and sorrow, and we honor each other through the milestones of life and acts of memory and love.  I hope that you will come to these services if you knew these remarkable women, and honor them with your presence.
 
In faith
Matthew

Out of the Office

Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson will be on study leave starting November 13th – November 19th and on vacation from November 20th – 27th. In that time please contact Office Manager Autumn Powell at office@uurockford.org if you need anything.

The office will be closed November 22 – 24.

Office Manager Autumn Powell will be on vacation from November 27th – December 3rd. 

Kairos articles for the November 21 and 28 Kairos are due November 20 by 8:00 p.m.

Join us for a Neighborhood Pantry conversation!

Tuesday, Nov. 7th, 5-6PM 

The permanent pantry is up and running and we are looking for feedback! Gather at the pantry and we’ll head inside together for a conversation. We will chat about how we can maintain and continue to improve the pantry based on community ideas. All are welcome!

What’s Really in the Bible?
Sunday, 11:45-12:45, Nov 12
No advance sign up required.  Do bring a bible if you have one, but not required.  Any translation is fine. (we will compare).  

You do not need to attend all sessions, but it will be helpful, as they build on each other.  
In the sanctuary.  

Wonderful Wednesday
November 15, 6pm
Ellyn Ahmer

With 40-50% of Rockford children at the poverty level, Family to Family saw a transformative opportunity to significantly affect the kids living at The Grove.

Last year, a tutoring program was tested & very well received by the parents & students. This is a major focus of the efforts now.
 
On the Wonderful Wednesday of November 15, a founder & current team members will share their experience & answer questions.  You’ll hear more ways you can contribute to have an impact including how to be involved in bringing Rockford Promise to The Grove.

This month for our theme Gratitude, I want to highlight a brochure we have with a collection of 16 well written short prayers, graces, and chalice lightings for children and families to use in the home. Prayers represent a variety of cultures and faith traditions. 

The brochures are on the Guest Table and on the brochure rack next to the Library.

In faith,
Rev. Joyce

Soul Matters Groups are small groups that meet for deep listening and support. We have group openings for new people to join existing Soul Matters Groups.
 
Groups meet at the following times:
Judy Johnson 2nd and 4th Mondays in the evening 6pm (Church Library)
 
Neita Webster 2nd and 4th Tuesdays 9:30 – 11:30 (Church Library)
 
Jami Edmonds 3rd Tuesdays 6pm (Church Library)
 
Roger Benedict 2^nd and 4^th Thursday 9:30 – 11:00 (Church Library)
 
Gloria Perez 2nd and 4th Thursdays 11am – 12:30pm (Online)
 
Teresa Wilmot & Matt Menze 2nd and 4th Thursdays 4pm (Online and In Person)
 
If you are interested in a group, please email revjoycepalmer@yahoo.com

OWL
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 Explore Gender focusing on gender roles and stereotypes, sex vs. gender, transgender, and the queer umbrella. Folks are welcome to join for a single session or sign up for all six. 

 

Date	Topic	Click Link to sign up
Wednesday Nov 15 6:30pm	Exploring Gender	Sign up!
Wednesday Jan 17 6:30pm	Sexuality & Aging	Sign up!
Wednesday Feb 21 6:30pm	Experiencing the Sexual Other	Sign up!
Wednesday March 20 6:30pm	Sexuality & Relationships	Sign up!
Wednesday April 17 6:30pm	Sexuality & Spirituality	Sign up!
Wednesday May 15 6:30pm	Sexual Pleasure	Sign up!

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 Collective is 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! 

To register as a customer visit: https://refc.localfoodmarketplace.com/

The next pick-up will be on November 7, 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!

We look forward to serving you!

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