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We Are [Still] Made for These Times November 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person Rev. Scott Aaseng
In times like these, it’s easy to freak out, numb out, check out, burn out. But as Bayo Akomolefe says, “The times are urgent; let us slow down.” Let us take care of ourselves and each other, let us gain perspective, let us ground ourselves in deeper places and ask deeper questions. And then as Clarissa Pinkola Estes suggests, let us show the lantern of fully lit soul in these shadowy times, in ways that can make a difference.
We will share the plate with UUANI
UUANI empowers Unitarian Universalists across Illinois to work for spiritually grounded, relationally accountable, and strategically effective action in solidarity with those most impacted by injustice. We provide leadership training, build congregational capacity and organize statewide advocacy efforts in loving accountability with our partners. Our Actions of the Week make it easy for UUs to make a difference. Together, we seek to bend the arc toward justice. Click Here to Donate
Happy Birthday to: Linda Lawrence (Oct 28), Maddy Dorr (Oct 28), Paula Christensen (Oct 28), Abby Elvidge (Oct 29), Elisabeth Elias-Davie (Oct 30), Mason Hodierne (Oct 30), Ellyn Ahmer (Nov 01), Flynn Garner Wilson (Nov 02), Clara McKee (Nov 03), Valerie Stenerson (Nov 03), Bernard Dorner (Nov 04), & Mary Anderson (Nov 04)!
Auction Donation Deadline Is This Sunday, Nov. 2!
The auction is not just a fundraiser for the church – the events and activities that our members offer in the auction help build community throughout the year. Last year we had about 80 items in the catalog and right now we have 28. Let’s fill the catalog!
You can submit your donation directly on the website by clicking this link: 2025 UU Auction Donation Form. Thank you for your creativity and generous support! If you have questions, please reach out to Rebecca Beneditz at rebecca.beneditz@gmail.com.
Call for Pantry Volunteers!
Are you interested in making a difference as a UU Neighborhood Free Pantry volunteer? Volunteers help keep the pantry filled by moving items from the donations table to the pantry. They also make sure that the pantry is clean and in good working order. If you’re willing to lend a hand, please meet with Dawn Nimmo at the donations table in Deale Hall this Sunday, November 2, after the service. Thank you for considering this opportunity to serve!
Safer Congregation Discussion and Online Resource Sunday, November 9th After service
Our congregation strives to be both safe and welcoming for all. Complete safety may not be possible, but together we can take thoughtful steps to create a community where learning and growth happen within an environment of care. Join us for an open conversation about creating a safer congregation.
Guest Minister Rev. Jules Taylor will lead the discussion on congregational safety. If you would like to participate in an online course UU Institute has a course available. https://uuinstitute.org/product/safercongregations110/
Questions see Rev Joyce or Rev Bret
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.
“Bring Your Friends”: What Is the UUWF Affiliate Program?
UU Rockford is now an affiliate member of the UU Women’s Federation, which offers support, resources, education, and networking opportunities related to women+ issues and gender equality. But what does this mean for us? Big questions are coming up–How does UUWF define “Women+? What about someone who is non-binary, gender-fluid, or agender? Our church used to have a women’s group and a men’s group, but is gender-based grouping too exclusive and binary?
October 30 at 6:30 pm is your chance to learn more about UUWF. Bring your tough questions. Bring the issues that matter to you, because, as progressive as our church may be, gender inequality is still a global problem.
The meeting is open to all members of our church, of all genders.
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.
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
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.
Holiday Tree Lighting Friday, November 21 at 5:30pm
Enjoy holiday carols while we await the countdown for the Edgebrook Tree to be lit for the first time this season! Meet in front of Cork, Keg & Spirits (1603 N Alpine Road). Folks can choose to coordinate dinner plans with fellow attendees to further build community!
Carpenters Place Sack Lunch Making Sunday, December 14 after service
Let’s use the season of giving to give back to those that need it most in our community. Meet after service in the lower level of the church to help pack lunches!
Rockford Icehogs vs. Chicago Wolves Saturday, January 18 at 4pm
Let’s all go cheer on the Icehogs together at the BMO Center! Tickets are available now and are $19.90 per person. Click on this link to purchase:
https://www.gofevo.com/event/UUChurch If you would like to attend but the cost is prohibitive, please contact Rev. Joyce about financial assistance.
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
Action of the Week:
Tell Legislators to Use S.A.L.T. Against ICE
The Trump administration is intentionally targeting the state of Illinois, using ICE agents to spread their anti-immigrant agenda. They even want to send the National Guard into our neighborhoods, against our governor’s wishes. This increase in immigration enforcement activity has not made anyone safer, as agents have been escalating their violent tactics to harm as many people as they can, regardless of immigration status. These actions degrade the inherent worth and dignity of Illinois residents and ignore the use of the inclusive democratic process.
Because our Illinois lawmakers have an important, specific role to play we are supporting our partners at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) and their platform called S.A.L.T.: Safety and Action for Liberation Together.
S.A.L.T. includes a series of bills we’re asking our lawmakers to pass, which would…
Bar civil arrests by ICE and other law enforcement agencies at our state’s courthouses
Provide guidance for Illinois hospitals to protect patients and staff from potential law enforcement activity, including ICE actions inside their buildings
Expand the protections provided in the Safe Schools law to pre-K and higher education spaces
Give Illinois residents the right to sue federal agencies for unlawful arrests and detentions
We’re aiming to pass this legislation by the time veto session ends on Thursday. Please urge your Illinois legislators to support S.A.L.T. TODAY!
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 |
