Standard message and data rates may apply. You have the right to OPT-OUT receiving messages at any time. TO OPT-OUT, reply "STOP" to any text message you receive from us.
To Begin or not To Begin…
September 27, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Heike Eghardt … that is the question! According to our Unitarian Universalists values, we are called to ‘transformation,’ to being open to change, to new beginnings. And yet, sometimes that is easier said than done. Whether we are considering something major like a career change or something (relatively) minor like picking up a new hobby, leaning into starting something new can be quite challenging. Today’s service is an invitation to explore some of these challenges and to reframe our thinking around new beginnings.
Bio
Heike Eghardt (she/they) earned her M.Div. from Meadville Lombard Theological School and is a candidate for ordained ministry. When Heike is not busy causing “good trouble,” she enjoys cooking and baking, arts and crafts, spending time outdoors and gathering with friends and family.
Heike and her husband have lived and worked in the greater Chicago area for almost three decades. They currently call Evanston, IL their home. However, Heike is a transplant from the Ruhr-Region in Germany where her family of origin still lives. Staying connected to her roots is important to her, and she is always happy to talk about ‘all things German.’
We will Share the Plate with Shelter Care Ministries Who We Are:
Shelter Care Ministries started in 1982 as an outreach of Emmanuel Episcopal Church. A Saturday soup kitchen was the first program. A shelter for homeless families was the next program, followed in 1989 by the Jubilee Center, a drop-in center for adults with mental illness. There are over 450 active Jubilee members and over 200 adults and children housed each year.
In 1994, Shelter Care began its scattered-site housing program for families who were homeless. This program now includes 48 houses and apartments for families, and an additional 15 apartments for individuals were added in 2023.
In 2005, Shelter Care became the managing partner of MAYA’S House (founded by the Junior League of Rockford in 2003) and began sole operation of the program in 2007. MAYA’S House was a daytime Drop-In Day Center for homeless children. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and changing needs in the community, MAYA’S House closed in 2021. Click Here to Donate
Happy Birthday to: Kathie Montgomery (Sep 23), Ava Larson (Sep 24), Bill Stanton (Sep 24), Leah Krippner (Sep 25), Maverick Ticknor (Sep 25), Sarah Buscemi (Sep 25), Kathryn Haun (Sep 26), Kathryn Heyer (Sep 26), & Elizabeth Long (Sep 28)!
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.
Nonviolent Communication practice group meets this Wednesday at 6:00 pm in the Youth Room.
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 Team’s next meeting will be this Sunday, September 27, in the youth room.
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
Wonderful Wednesday
October 7, 6 pm
How We See the Gray-Book Discussion
by Rachel Leon
Local author Rachel Leon writes a multi-perspective, documentary-style story set in Rockford, IL.
The story examines the perspectives of caseworkers, birth parents, foster parents, and foster children, creating a “community story” where each character’s fate is interconnected.
Come support a local author!
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
It’s a family friendly event and we hope you and many will join us for a fun afternoon!
-Shiraz
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!
