Javier Delgado Memorial
Last Week to Donate
Last year, Javier Delgado, the beloved parter of our Music Director, Tim Anderson, died suddenly and unexpectedly. Members of the congregation asked how folks might offer their support through any kind of memorial fund or project.  Tim was in Costa Rica over the summer and able to supervise the completion of a memorial in Javi’s honor at the local school – a safe playground for the children.  I’m pasting below some details from Tim and some pictures of this playground.  We are raising funds to help with this project, and you can give by making a contribution by check to the minister’s discretionary fund, and noting “Javier memorial” in the memo line.  If you give electronically, you can go to https://uurockford.org/connection/donate/, and select “other.”  After you make the donation, send an email to office@uurockford.org saying that this is the purpose of your donation. 
 
Here is more from Tim about this memorial:
 
Last November, many people asked if there was some sort of memorial to which they could contribute in memory of Javier. Things in Costa Rica are different than they are here. However, I wanted to let you know that we have completed a project at the school where Javier was serving as Director, something that was part of a list of improvements he hoped to see completed during his time there. Many of Javi’s and my friends here have contributed generously to help see the project through to completion. The preschoolers now have a secure area in which to play. There was already an area enclosed by a fence in which students planted a tree in Javier’s memory. That area has been cemented and covered with artificial turf, and a playset has now been installed along with extra security. As you can see in the pictures, it looks wonderful. I think Javier would be very proud, and I am pleased that, with the help of friends both here and there, one of his dreams has been realized.
 
 . . . . Javier’s dedication to his profession and to all the schools and students he served during his career is beyond question. This project is just one final tangible proof of that dedication, one realized by many because of their love for a wonderful human being taken from us too soon. TQM.
 

You’re Invited!
Faith in Practice: Mission and Vision workshop
Sunday, September 22
12:30pm – 3pm

We are an ever-evolving church in a Living Tradition!  Now is the time to join again and articulate who we are and where we are going, through exploring new mission and vision statements.  It’s been eight years since we last created a mission and vision for ourselves.  Our congregation continues to build on its journey of strong lay leadership as we come back to life in the wake of the pandemic in new ways; this workshop is what we have been planning and working towards. Whether this is your first or the thousandth, you’re invited to join in putting our UU Faith in Practice through this generative and energizing workshop.  Your input and creativity will be part of the process towards crafting our congregation’s new Mission and Vision!

Our congregation is joining UUs nationwide to revive our commitment to climate justice! We are collaborating locally with the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rock Valley to offer two days of free programming.  Saturday’s event in Rockton, Climate Justice: From Conversation to Action, invites you to join the discussion about climate justice and actions we can take to make a positive change in our local communities! The weekend continues in Rockford on Sunday with 10am worship and an Organizing Hour following service in collaboration with UU the Vote. 

• September 28: 1-5pm at UU Congregation of Rock Valley in Rockton

• September 29: 10am Worship and Organizing Hour at UU – Rockford

Register for the Saturday program HERE. Childcare is available! Additional printed information is available in the Narthex and in Deale Hall. If you have any questions, please reach out to Rebecca Beneditz.

Wonderful Wednesday: Deep Listening through Non-Violent Communication
Wednesday, October 2
6:00 pm in the Library

In difficult interactions with people, deep listening lets us hear the universal human needs that are hidden behind bitter or aggressive words.  Non-Violent Communication, developed in the 1960’s and 1970’s by Marshall Rosenberg, gives us the tools to do just that.  Join us for an evening of discovery, empathy, and some fun games using our Grok card decks!  

Wesley Willows Group
The Wesley Willows group will meet the following days and times this coming year in the reflection room at the Town Center.

November 18th, Monday, at 3 pm
Jan. 22nd, Wednesday, at 9 am
April 24, Thursday, at 10 am

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.

Our Vision: A loving congregation that connects with ourselves, one another, and the larger community.  

Our Mission: We care for ourselves, each other, and our neighbors while taking risks acting for justice. We are continuously building an inclusive, empowered, anti-oppressive, anti-racist, multicultural congregation. Our connections foster radical love for ourselves and others.

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