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Radical Hospitality
September 20, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Rev. Bret Lortie Theologian Matthew Fox calls the kind of hospitality that leaves us vulnerable and even uncomfortable “cosmic hospitality,” building on the term “radical hospitality” made popular by Father Daniel Homan. It’s found in the Christian parable of the Good Samaritan, in Buddhist lovingkindness meditations, and, when we’re aware and on our game, within the walls of the church. [Thinking about the “beginning” of walking into a new place, something that get lost with the decades.]
Our Share the Plate recipient for this week is Comprehensive Community Solutions, Inc. an organization that drives the fundamental transformation of neighborhoods, communities, and the circumstances of young people through the facilitation of workforce development that leads to a sustainable wage, meaningful community engagement, and affordable housing. We will direct our contributions to the Youth Build program which serves 16 – 24 year old individuals who are motivated to improve their lives. Click Here to Donate
Happy Birthday to: Ann Caskey (Sep 16), Cora Hutchins (Sep 16), Richard McKnight (Sep 16), Ed Kuehl (Sep 18), Eric van Est (Sep 18), Ernie Stephens (Sep 19), Gary Huckstep (Sep 19), Rhonda Best (Sep 19), & Judith Boone (Sep 20)!
A Celebration of Life for David Arnold will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the church on September 19, 2026 Obituary
One of the strengths of our faith tradition is its commitment to hearing all voices – which means that the search process includes a lot of different ways for us all to make our voices heard. We acknowledge that there is a lot to keep track of, so we want to highlight three important dates that are coming up this fall.
Friday, September 25, 5:30pm: Potluck/Town Hall
Sunday, September 27: Ministerial Search Survey closes at the end of the day!
Saturday, November 14: Break Barriers, Build Beliefs (B4) Workshop
More details will be shared as this gets closer, but for now – save the date!
Submitted by Rebecca Beneditz (Search Committee Communications Coordinator)
Members, friends & visitors—we want to hear from you! Help shape the next chapter of our congregation by taking our 10–15 minute Ministerial Search Survey.
Our Search Survey is an important opportunity to help shape the next chapter of our congregation. Your honest, anonymous responses will help us better understand who we are today – our experiences, hopes, needs, and priorities – and what we dream of for the future as we search for our next settled minister.
Answer soon – the survey closes at the end of the day Sunday, September 27!
Your voice matters. Add yours to the conversation!
Take the survey by clicking on this link or scanning the QR code below: https://bit.ly/UUsurvey2026 * Printed copies of the survey are available in the office for those who prefer to submit their answers in writing.
Small Group Ministries & Connection at UU Rockford
Soul Matters Looking to dive deeper into monthly themes and connect with fellow congregants? Soul Matters groups offer a space to share reflections, personal experiences, and spiritual journeys in an intimate, supportive setting. Several of our existing groups currently have openings for newcomers. Whether you are new to the church or looking to reconnect, there is a place for you.
Evensong We are excited to launch Evensong, a warm and reflective gathering starting Thursday, October 1 at 6:00 PM for six weeks. Led by Gloria with support from Rev. Joyce, Evensong offers a familiar yet fresh opportunity to gather, share thoughts, and hold space for one another’s stories.
Interested in joining either group? Reach out to Rev. Joyce to get connected, revjoycepalmer@yahoo.com
Mark on your calendar
Saturday, October 17, 2026 Break Barriers, Build Beliefs at Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford
Facilitated by Rev. Patrice Curtis. We will gather for 4 hours together to move ahead on our Search for a Settled Minister. Details to follow.
Rich McKnight, 4B point person from the Ministerial Selection Committee
The Racial and Economic Justice Team would like to invite you to the following event sponsored by Eliminate Racism 815
ER815 Book Discussion
Thursday September 17, 2026 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Montague Branch Library, 1238 S. Winnebago St.
Join us for a discussion of White American Youth: My Decent into American’s Most Violent Hate Movement- And How I Got Out by Christian Picciolini: A look inside the world of violent hate groups by a onetime white supremacist leader who left the group.
Please read the book on your own and we will discuss it.
Unable to make it in person? Join the meeting by zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81211275487 Meeting ID: 812 1127 5487
Book discussions are presented in partnership with Rockford Public Library.
Wonderful Wednesday Exploring Medical Aid in Dying: Overview for Those Curious about End-of-Life Options Wednesday, September 16, 6 p.m
Illinois now has a new law making medical aid in dying legal. Bring your curiosity and learn about the history of medical aid in dying in the United States and the details of the Illinois version. We will address your questions and help you understand end-of-life care options and how to document what matters most to you at the end of life’s journey.
Presenters will be registered nurses Colleen Magee and Megan Oehlke.
Getting to Know UU-Path to Membership Sunday, September 20th at 11:15 Sanctuary
Are you interested in membership at UU Church Rockford? Join us for our next Getting to Know UU program to learn about our theology, religious education, and how to get connected to our small groups. We will meet for about an hour. Our gathering includes a tour of the building. No need to register, just show up. Questions? See Rev. Joyce.
Parent Potluck
We invite folks who are raising school aged children and the children in their lives to join us for food and fellowship!
Thursday, September 24
5:00 – 7:00 pm (drop in any time!)
Deale Hall (please remain inside Deale Hall)
Pizza will be provided
Bring your own reusable water bottle/beverage
*If you have the bandwidth and would like to bring a side such as fruit, veggies, chips and salsa, or a dessert, feel free. Reusable plates or utensils would be a bonus too.
*Can’t bear the thought of being responsible for one more detail but would love the company of other adults? We’ve got you! Show up as you are, we’d love to have you!
Solidarity Central UU Advocacy Network of Illinois
Saturday, September 26th 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Abraham Lincoln Unitarian Universalist Congregation, Springfield, IL
llinois UUs – add your STAR to our CONSTELLATION of power for social change and bring our shared values to life! Starting with the strengths and needs of our Central Illinois siblings, we will converge at Abraham Lincoln UU Congregation for SOLIDARITY CENTRAL, our UU The Vote Solidarity Summit in Illinois!
During this one-day gathering, we will strengthen our mutual support networks and talk about ways to build a better future together. We are building a stronger interdependent web that can weather the storms of authoritarianism, dreaming BIG about what collective faith organizing can look like where we live! Come BUILD with us! See you in Springfield!
The UU Fourth Sunday Book Discussion Group meets at noon on the fourth Sunday of every month (Surprise!) in the church library.
The next meeting will be September 27 at noon.
This month, we will be reading “The Fountains of Paradise” by Arthur C. Clarke
Admission if Free
Membership is Free No strings are attached
The Sex & Gender Justice Teams’ next meeting will be on September 27 in the youth room.
UU NIGHT WITH THE ICE HOGS
Sunday, November 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Gather friends, family, fellow Halloween haunters and join the UU Church Rockford at the afternoon Ice Hogs Game against the Texas Stars.
Point of contact: Sandi Campbell, 815-997-6891
Tickets are available now in Sections 223 & 224
$20. Per person
Sunday Morning Meditation 9:15 am
We meet on Sunday morning to meditate and center ourselves for the day. You are welcome to join us each Sunday morning.
Community Events
Nachusa Grasslands Fall Festival, September 19, 10-4
2075 Lowden Road, Franklin Grove, IL. Food Truck and Kettle Korn
Bison tours by wagon, assortment of various types of hikes all day.
Hands on Discovery Tent, Birds of Prey show, music, face painting & more
Dress: long pants, socks, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent hat, water bottle.
Earthrise 815 Sustainability Conference
Friday, Nov 6th at the Rockford Embassy Suites!
Connect with community leaders and innovators to explore solutions for a more climate-resilient Rockford region. Enjoy inspiring talks, workshops, and networking opportunities. Register now at earthrise815.com—early bird registration ends 09/06. Speak to Rev Joyce for sponsorship opportunities.
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: Diane Kuehl
Vice President: Sandi Campbell
Clerk: Scott Garwick
Treasurer: Teresa Wilmot
Trustees: Kendra Asbury, Neita Webster, Jason Peckels
The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL | 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107 | 815-398-6322 | uurockford.org |
Members, friends & visitors—we want to hear from you! Help shape the next chapter of our congregation by taking our 10–15 minute Ministerial Search Survey.
Answer soon – the survey closes at the end of the day Sunday, September 27!
