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Forging the Platinum Rule: Love Beyond the Law October 19, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person Rev. Bret Lortie
We’ve all heard of the Golden Rule: “So in all things, do to others what you would want them to do to you—for this is what the law and the prophets are all about” (Matthew 7:12, First Nations Version).
What if instead of treating others how you wish to be treated, you treated them the way they would want to be treated? This so-called Platinum Rule comes from the business world conceived to sell people more stuff they probably don’t need. But what if we adapted it to conceive a way that transcends our experience to the experiences of others–especially those who might view the world quite differently? This is love beyond the law.
AFTER THE SERVICE: Grab a cup of coffee and join Rev. Bret in the sanctuary for his first “Chancel Chat.” This week’s topic will field questions about last week’s startup workshop, the interim process in general, or just life.
We will Share the Plate with Midwest Reproductive Health Midwest Reproductive Health is an independent abortion clinic opening up in Rockford, IL. As our name suggests, we aim to provide care not only to the Rockford community, but everyone in the Midwest (and further) seeking reproductive healthcare. Strategically chosen in an accessible area, this clinic will offer abortion care, STI/STD testing, and birth control. We aim to be a resource center for the community and have partnered with many local organization to ensure a whole patient approach. Rockford Family Planning Foundation is a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization that provides support for Midwest Reproductive Health, PLLC.
Happy Birthday to: Connor Rose Johnson (Oct 15), Sev Fernandez (Oct 15), Tom Walsh (Oct 18), & Benjamin Granados (Oct 19)!
Call For Donations! Click to Donate: 2025 UU Auction Donation Form Donation Deadline: November 2 (but sooner is better)
Questions? Talk to Rebecca Beneditz or Alexis Simmons
WCCC
Greetings all,
On Tuesday, the 14th, WCCC (Winnebago County Citizens for Choice) will have a very important meeting with a very important guest speaker! We are so fortunate to have a new candidate for the 16th congressional district, Paul Nolley.
He is running against a ten year incumbent, Darin LaHood, who has consistently voted against women’s reproductive rights! He has bowed down to Trump, allowing him to ruin our country as well as many lives!
We need to get to know our voting choices and lend a hand getting them elected.
So be sure to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity this Tuesday, 6:30 PM at the Unitarian Church, 4848 Turner in Rockford.
Sara Dady
WCCC President
Wonderful Wednesday, October 15, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Meet at Midwest Reproductive Health Care, 4236 Maray Drive, for an update on the clinic now that they are operational. Their services include medical (pill) and in-clinic (surgical) abortion, as well as STD testing and birth control. We will tour the clinic and find out how we can support them.
Walk with Us to End Hunger! Sunday October 19th
Join the UU Rockford CROP Hunger Walk Team and help fight hunger locally and globally. Can’t walk? You can still support by making a gift to our team! Every step and every donation makes a difference.
Sign-up in Deale Hall on Sunday or use the link below.
Liz Long joined us in September 2025 as an Assistant to Rev. Joyce Palmer – Assistant Minister, and to Lindsay Trank – Director of Religious Education. She will also serve as the lead caregiver/teacher in the Grade K+under classroom on Sundays. Liz has enjoyed working with children for many years. She is a Rockford native and a graduate of Auburn High School and Rock Valley College. She is a proud Auntie of 4 awesome children, a cat mom, and she loves art, music, and being in nature. She is very excited to begin working with the UU Church.
The fall scene currently hanging in the front of the Sanctuary is the work of a local artist: Margo Shryack-Pagh. The medium is batik. The artist characterizes the creation as a “Trickster Triptych.” Triptych refers to the three panels. The “trickster” is a coyote that is not depicted, but is the cause of the one panel being fertile and the other barren.
The artwork is a gift from the Eliseo family in memory of Delores Eliseo
UU Common Read 2025–26
This year’s UU Common Read is Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection by racial justice advocate Deepa Iyer. The book offers a powerful framework for individuals and communities to engage in collective action for equity and justice. Through ten social change roles from builder to storyteller you’ll discover ways to strengthen your impact.
Together, we’ll explore how to deepen our commitment to justice and strengthen our roles in collective action. Copies are available through inSpirit: The UU Book and Gift Shop: https://uuabookstore.org/. The church is ordering books to purchase.
Come read, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversation with us!
Racial and Economic Justice Team
The Nonviolent Communication Practice Group will meet on October 22.
DRUUMM is proud to co-host a 6-hour Multiracial Intersectional Antiracism Training occurring on Saturday, October 25 at Unity Temple in Oak Park, IL.
October 25, 9 AM to 3 PM
This in-person program will be facilitated by Justice Movement, Rev. Jason Lydon, and DRUUMM Community Minister Rev. Joseph Santos-Lyons. The training is open to all and includes opportunities for caucusing in racial groups.
Cost CORRECTION: The cost is $50.00 for DRUUMM members and $120.00 for General registration. If you would like to attend and need financial assistance, please let Rev Joyce know. revjoyce@yahoo.com.
Starting Point: Deepening Your UU Journey Small Group Mondays October 27 – November 17 6 – 7:15pm
Ready to go beyond “getting to know us” and truly experience Unitarian Universalism? Starting Point is a four-session series full of conversation, connection, and discovery. We’ll practice deep listening, share stories, and honor the wisdom we each bring to the circle. Whether you’re new and curious or a longtime member wanting to reconnect, join us for a meaningful and fun way to grow in community together.
Sunday Morning Meditation Now Every Sunday!
9:15 a.m. in the Library
We meet to meditate together and center ourselves for the day. Please join us for Sunday Morning Meditation.
Community Events
Saturday, October 18
11am – 1pm CDT
Location: Haight Park 451 Lafayette Ave Rockford, IL 61107
Pilgrim Baptist Church
1703 S. Central Ave. Rockford, IL
Vision:
A loving, spiritual congregation that lives our values through belonging, reason, and action.
Mission:
Like the nature that surrounds us, we evolve as a habitat for spiritual development.
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 Board of Trustees:
President: Wendy Bennett
Vice President: Diane Kuehl
Clerk: Scott Garwick
Treasurer: Bob Spelman
Trustees: Kendra Asbury, Clark Logemann, Neita Webster
The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL | 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107 | 815-398-6322 | uurockford.org |
