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An Ethic to Live By for UUs and other Aliens in a Strange and Distant Land
September 28, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person Rev. Joyce Palmer
We live in a time when the world can feel unfamiliar, one marked by division, conflict, and disconnection. How do we find our way in such a “strange and distant land”? This Sunday, we’ll explore what it means to live by a Unitarian Universalist ethic of inclusion and compassion, drawing inspiration from Loretta J. Ross’s Calling In. Together we’ll ask: how can we be people who build bridges instead of walls, who call one another in with love, and who embody our UU values in the midst of division? Join us for reflection, hope, and a vision for how we can walk this path together.
We will share the plate with Inscape Collective
OUR MISSION:
ENCOURAGES artisans by selling paintings, pottery,
jewelry, and clothing at reasonable prices.
ENGAGES the community through outreach and by
providing space for gatherings and free programs.
EMBRACES all people for who they are.
EDUCATES through workshops on health, finance, and art.
Happy Birthday to: Kathie Montgomery (Sep 23), Ava Larson (Sep 24), Avery Bumber (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), John Armstrong (Sep 27), Allyson Rosemore (Sep 29), & Stanley Campbell (Sep 30)!
The Sex & Gender Justice Team meets this Sunday, September 28, at 11:30 in the Youth Room.
Concrete Patching – Thank You
Thank you to everyone who contributed to patching the concrete to stop the deterioration and rusting. The building will be sustained thanks to your contributions.
There is still room for more contributions if you wish to help.
The Nonviolent Communication Practice Group is canceled for September 24. We will plan on meeting on October 22.
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.
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!
Sunday Morning Meditation Now Every Sunday!
9:15 a.m. in the Library
We meet to meditate together and center ourselves for the day. Please join us for Sunday Morning Meditation.
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
On the Friday evening, October 10th, I invite you to join me for a special Startup Workshop hosted by MidAmerica Region’s Rev. Sharon Dittmar. This workshop kicks off the next two years of interim work together, so you won’t want to miss it! As a congregational life consultant, Rev. Sharon will lead a discussion exploring the hopes and fears of transition as well as some pivotal moments in the congregation’s history. There is a potluck from 6PM – 6:45PM before moving into group conversation. Although it’s always fun to join in person, we will offer the main discussion via Zoom. Please email Rev. Bret, minister@uurockford.org, for the link. Youth are encouraged to participate in the main discussion, and while not geared toward young children, Rev. Sharon says she like to include them before families might need to leave for bedtimes, etc. It is fine if people come late or leave early. See you there, Rev. Bret.
Members and Friends of UU Church Rockford are interested in purchasing ticket for a table of 8. Please see Wanda Hoover or Rev. Joyce if you are interested in purchasing tickets for this event. Tickets are $60.00.
Save the Date!
Our annual auction will be held on Saturday, November 15. This is our chance to show our church some love by sharing the things we love! Start thinking about what you’d like to donate and mark your calendars. More information to come!
The UU Ministry for the Earth Common Read
THE UUMFE is hosting a common read of What If We Get It Right: Visions of Climate Futures by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. There will be 9 Zoom sessions on the last Tuesday of each month to discuss the book starting on September 30. If you are interested in more information or want to register to get the Zoom link, please click here: UUMFE Community Read. If you are interested in participating but purchasing the book is prohibitive or if you decide to read the book and would like to discuss it within our congregation in addition to the Zoom meetings, please reach out to Rebecca Beneditz (rebecca.beneditz@gmail.com).
Community Events
Action of the Week: Tell Senator Durbin: No Blank Check for Autocracy
Less than ten days away from a crucial federal funding deadline, Congress appears fully committed to shutting down the government rather than doing anything to stop either lawless authoritarian power-grabs or massive cuts to healthcare and other essential services.
Back in March, Senator Durbin provided one of the few opposition party votes allowing the government to continue operating. We now no longer have a constitution-abiding government but rather an autocratic regime consolidating power for itself and trampling on the rights of everyone else. Funding has been taken away from healthcare, housing and climate and used to crack down on dissent, militarize our cities, and terrorize our communities.
Please urge Senator Durbin not to hand this regime another blank check, but rather to fight to protect healthcare and put meaningful checks on the Trump regime. Customizing your message to add your thoughts and stories greatly increases its impact.
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: Wendy Bennett
Vice President: Diane Kuehl
Clerk: Scott Garwick
Treasurer: Bob Spelman
Trustees: Kendra Asbury, Clark Logemann, Neita Webster
The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rockford, IL | 4848 Turner St., Rockford, IL 61107 | 815-398-6322 | uurockford.org |
