In the Interim, part 1 

This month, I joined Rev. Joyce, Tim, Lindsay, and Autumn on UU Rockford’s program staff as Interim Senior Minister.

The “interim” part of my title means I come “pre-fired.” I’m here to walk with you through this season of transition and then, no matter what, I must move on. That’s the nature of interim ministry. I’m trained through the Interim Ministry Network to guide congregations through these steps, offering both support and perspective. Interim ministry has a unique freedom: you can say what you truly need for the health of your congregation, and I can speak what I believe needs saying, guided by love and reason, without worrying about whether it secures my job. That’s the gift of being “pre-fired.”

The “senior” part of my title simply means I’m stepping into the leadership role left by Rev. Matthew. On a staff with more than one minister, this is the customary title. My work will include partnering with the board on governance, mission, and leadership development, as well as helping shape your UUA Congregational Record into a bright, clear invitation for future candidates.

The “minister” part is the heart of it all. Since my ordination in 2006 (yes, nearly 20 years ago now!), I’ve understood ministry as lifting up truth, beauty, and goodness; caring for and nurturing the congregation; and venturing into the world to comfort the afflicted and, when needed, to afflict the comfortable. There is a lot of “comfort” out there right now to challenge and confront!

This year, Rev. Joyce and I will share ministry in creative ways. She will take the lead on pastoral care and membership, while I will focus on governance and interim tasks. We will share responsibility for worship and empowering lay leadership in our areas. Both Rev. Joyce and I will preach, roughly, twice a month.

Transitions often stir up anxiety, grief, and plenty of questions. Some may worry I’ll shake things up just for the sake of change. I want to reassure you: that is not my approach. Some congregations need deep restructuring, but UU Rockford is not one of them. I’ve heard you described as “solid,” “mature,” and simply “a good group of folks.” I believe that. So my work will center on listening, building consensus, fostering clear communication, and helping you move forward with confidence. Having served Unitarian Universalism in this region for many years—in Oak Park, Geneva, Evanston, and the Central Midwest District office—I’ve long respected this congregation.

Still, even for a strong community, change brings grief. Part of my role is to help us name and honor that grief, while also making space for joy, hope, and excitement about what comes next. Love has been shared here, and that love will now take new forms. Some faces will leave, and new ones will join. I promise to hold this tender space with care, attending to both loss and promise. I invite you to feel what you feel, and to honor it fully.

And of course—there will be questions. Our startup workshop with Rev. Sharon Dittmar next month will help us begin naming them together. I will also be weaving those questions into my sermons throughout the year. Even when they don’t sound like questions, trust that I’m holding them in mind. I’ll be listening.

In faith and service, 

Rev. Bret

Dear Friends,

September 7 is our Homecoming Sunday.  This Sunday is also a Welcome Sunday as  we join together to welcome Rev. Bret Lortie into our Church Community! 

This is a crucial period for our beloved Church Community and for each of us. It is an opportunity to open our arms and hearts to welcome possibility. 

As we bring our separate vials of water with us in order to pour them together, let us make room for that new river of possibility awaiting all of us over the coming year.

Love,
Wendy Bennett

Sacred Reading: An Invitation to Slow, Reflective Spiritual Practice
Wonderful Wednesday
September 3, 6:00pm
Library

In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to rush through words without letting them nourish us. Sacred reading—also known as lectio divina or contemplative reading—is a spiritual practice that invites us to slow down, listen deeply, and engage with texts that awaken the heart and spirit. In this session, we’ll explore sacred reading in a Unitarian Universalist context, using selections from poetry, scripture, and wisdom literature.

We’ll experiment with simple methods of reflection and sharing, allowing the text to speak to us and through us. If you like, bring titles of your favorite readings. All are welcome—no prior experience needed.

Blessing of the Backpacks
Sunday, September 7th

We are blessing the backpacks and the school year of our children this Sunday. Children are encouraged to bring their backpacks to service on Sunday. Ms. Lindsay has a special gift for each child. We’ll see you on Sunday!

Sunday Morning Meditation
1st and 3rd Sundays 
9:15 in the Library

The next session is September 7

We meet to meditate together and center ourselves for the day. Please join us for Sunday Morning Meditation. 

Unicantors Choir Rehearsal
Sunday, September 7 at 9:00 am

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 Tuesdays, September 9 and 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.

Sustain the Shell  –  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. How about helping out? 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, dip into our own pockets to make these additional repairs.  Can we all step up to take a piece of responsibility for getting this church building into great shape?

Here are some ideas:
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. Probably stops the cold air from leaking in. Think about it. Stop the leaks, and you might not need that $234 imported Irish wool sweater. Don’t buy the sweater, donate to the fixes. Not your tastes, or budget, how about a $57 fleece?

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. Don’t know if Rev Bret is worth the whole $2817? It works out to $54 per sermon. How about helping fund 1,2,3 sermons worth? Until you decide if he is worth it.

Concrete Patching –  to prevent the total collapse.  $23,762 to patch up 47 spots where the rebar shows and is rusting. How about helping? There are small $100 holes to patch. And larger ones. Some down low, some 40 ft up. Want to donate the entire $23,762 (or even half)? We’d talk about putting you in the aerial lift to go up 40 feet to scratch your initials in the wet concrete.
 
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/ 

Submitted by Steve Lewis

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.

• 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  |