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Sealing the Book of the Year: Honoring our Unitarian Universalist Sixth Source October 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person Rev. Bret Lortie
This past Thursday was Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism. Yom Kippur concludes the High Holy Days that began on September 22 with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. The Hebrew traditions are a piece of our Unitarian Universalist sources, and this Sunday we honor this connection by exploring the journey from forgiveness and compassion to atonement. For some, atonement is an attempt to be at one with the holy; for others, it’s an admission that like it or not, we are “at-one” with each other, despite broken promises and times of pain. As Elizabeth Strong writes, “here is where the sacred and the holy enter…. Let us rejoice and be thankful that we are together again.”
We will Share the Plate with LIAM Foundation
Which supports the Rockford area LGBTQIA+ community through advocacy, education, and legal help with name changes.
Happy Birthday to: Stanley Campbell (Sep 30), Jonathon Michalek (Oct 01), Ann Bowling (Oct 02), Miller Arwood (Oct 02), Myrna Lake (Oct 02), Ellowyn Asbury (Oct 04), Khanh Oehlke (Oct 04), Audrey Hart (Oct 06), Avery Lindstrom (Oct 07), Eileen Kegel (Oct 07), & Terry Curtin (Oct 07)!
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.
Would You Like To Help?
We will need more hands for setup/cleanup when we get closer, but if you are excited to help take the lead in any of the following roles, reach out to Rebecca Beneditz or Alexis Simmons: Bartender/Drinks, Kitchen/Food, 50/50 Raffle, Live Auctioneer, Bidding Assistance
We are making an effort to have this be a low waste event!
Please let Rebecca know if you have any of these items that we can use for the night:
rectangular cloth tablecloths (neutral/fall colors/patterns,fit a 6-8ft. table)
fall leaf window clings
compostable fall decor (corn stalks, small pumpkins/gourds, dried flowers, etc.)
folding rectangular tables (we could use just a few more)
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.
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
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.
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
Walk with Us to End Hunger! Sunday October 19th
Join the UU Rockford CROP Hunger Walk Team and help fight hunger locally and globally. Can’t walk? You can still support by making a gift to our team! Every step and every donation makes a difference.
Sign-up in Deale Hall on Sunday or use the link below.
UU Common Read 2025–26
This year’s UU Common Read is Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection by racial justice advocate Deepa Iyer. The book offers a powerful framework for individuals and communities to engage in collective action for equity and justice. Through ten social change roles from builder to storyteller you’ll discover ways to strengthen your impact.
Together, we’ll explore how to deepen our commitment to justice and strengthen our roles in collective action. Copies are available through inSpirit: The UU Book and Gift Shop: https://uuabookstore.org/.
Come read, reflect, and engage in meaningful conversation with us!
Racial and Economic Justice Team
The Nonviolent Communication Practice Group will meet on October 22.
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.
Community Events
The Countdown Is On!
Join us for The Gayla: A Celestial Celebration — an unforgettable night of Queer Brilliance under the stars.
Be part of the brilliance:
givebutter.com/c/mbdZ2U
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 |
