Let’s Welcome Rev. Bret! Reception
Sunday, Sept. 21, After Service

Join us as we warmly welcome our Interim Minister
Food. Fellowship. Cake.

Let’s gather in community to share conversation, celebration, and a sweet beginning to the new chapter together.

Sustain the Shell  –  We Need Your Help
 
Church – For sure, it is searching for the Spirit. For sure, it is building Community. For sure, it is bettering the World. But the Sustaining Shell of all this Church is the Building. By now, you know that we have several unexpected building expenses this month. As the guys were pulling the siding off the building, they found some additional unanticipated problems that need fixing now.  We need your help to donate to help with these repairs.

You probably recall that we drew on our Permanent Building Reserve Fund to cover the significant expense of the new siding. Good fiscal advice suggests keeping Permanent Funds permanently invested. Then, distributing only the earnings from them each year, going into the future. So, rather than further reducing these reserves, how about we, the current members, the current users of this great church building, help to make these additional repairs.  Can we all step up to take a piece of responsibility for getting this church building into great shape?

Window Frames and Caulking the Sanctuary –  Those 12 windows at the top of the sanctuary are rotten and leak cold air. $10,797 fixes them. $899 per window. 

Preacher Killing Wall – you know that the NW wall segment is loose and blowing in the wind. Right above the pulpit.  $2,817 will stop it from falling on the preacher. 

Concrete Patching –  to prevent the total collapse.  $23,762 to patch up 47 spots where the rebar shows and is rusting. There are small $100 holes to patch. And larger ones. Some down low, some 40 ft up. 
 
How to donate. Use your normal method and designate it to the “Building Reserve Fund” in the drop-down menu. Here is a link that will get you to the Give button on the UU Rockford web page – https://uurockford.org/connection/donate/ 

Planning Ahead: Memorial Service Planning Sheet

As a congregation, we know how important it is to honor each person’s life in a way that reflects their values, spirit, and story. To help with this, we now have a Memorial Service Planning Form available for members to complete. This form gives you the opportunity to share your wishes and preferences—whether it’s music you love, readings that inspire you, or how you’d like your life to be remembered.

Filling out the sheet now is a gift to your loved ones and to the congregation. It provides guidance at a time when decisions can feel overwhelming, and it helps ensure that your memorial service reflects what matters most to you.

You can follow the link below to complete the form and submit it. If you prefer to hand write your form, you can pick up a copy at church or request one by email. Once completed, please return your sheet to the church office, where it will be kept on file.

If you have any questions—or if you’d like to talk through the planning sheet together—please reach out to me directly.

With care,
Rev. Joyce

revjoycepalmer@yahoo.com

Unicantors Choir Rehearsal
1 in 6 people in America sing in choirs. Singing in groups has been linked to better mental and physical health, a sense of belonging, and feeling connected to others, among many other benefits.

Choir will begin evening rehearsals on Tuesday, September 16, at 7:00 pm. 

The choir will rehearse on their regular Thursday night beginning on September 25.

You are invited to join the choir and make something beautiful happen for yourself and the congregation!

Questions, see Tim Anderson, Music Director, or any member of the choir.

Calling All Veggie Gardeners!

Are your zucchini plants overproducing? Do you have tomatoes coming out of your ears? Donate extras to the UU Neighborhood Free Pantry! Please place fresh produce directly in the pantry on the church grounds. If putting the produce directly in the pantry is physically difficult for you, please reach out to Rebecca Beneditz or Dawn Nimmo. Thanks for your generosity!

UU 2030 Young Adult Group
Sunday, September 21, after service

Are you a young adult looking for connection, conversation, and community? Our church’s Young Adult Program, UU2030 is a space to get to know one another, share stories, and explore spirituality in meaningful ways. Join us for fellowship, reflection, and fun as we grow together in spirit and friendship. Sunday, September 21, after service.

Getting to Know UU
Sunday, October 5
After Service

Newcomers and those interested in learning more about the congregation and membership are welcome.

Come Learn About
Our Story
Living Our Faith
How to Get Connected

Childcare provided

Uncaged Art: Voices From Detention
“Art They Tried to Throw Away”

Art Scene at UU Church Rockford
Friday, October 3  5 – 9pm
Saturday, October 4  4-9pm

Panel Discussion 
Sunday, October 5  1 – 3pm
Sara Dady- immigration law and threats to it
Cristina Gloria- the immigrant experience
Diego Valdivia- services for immigrants and asylum-seekers

• 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  |