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Gathering the Waters
September 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. Online and in-person
Rev. Joyce Palmer & Rev. Bret Lortie All Ages Service: Our annual ingathering service brings the community back together after the summer break. Our Soul Matters theme of “Beginnings” captures the energy of this second transitional year and a hope for society striving to “begin again” amidst the chaotic and backward trends of our times. Return again.
We will Share the Plate with Rockford Promise Boosting education and economic opportunity to build a stronger Rockford community. Click Here to Donate
Happy Birthday to: Ann Pellman (Sep 11), Gary Soper (Sep 12), & Kullen Cravens
(Sep 14)!
A Celebration of Life for David Arnold will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the church on September 19, 2026 Obituary
Search Committee
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.
Interim Co-Minister’s Availability
For clarity, here are my office hours for the new church year. Starting September 1st, I am available Tuesday and Thursday for calls and to answer messages. Monday is my Sabbath, and Friday I reserve for writing.
I work a part-time schedule, so between Tuesday and Thursday you can expect a response to phone calls or messages within 36 hours. Church email received after 5 pm on Thursday will be answered the following week.
Of course, I’m around church on other days–such as for Wednesday leadership meetings and Friday or Saturday events–but my office hours are when I’m easiest to pin down. ~ Rev. Bret
Mark on your calendar
Saturday, October 17, 2026 Break Barriers, Build Beliefs at Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockford
Facilitated by Rev. Patrice Curtis. We will gather for 4 hours together to move ahead on our Search for a Settled Minister. Details to follow.
Rich McKnight, 4B point person from the Ministerial Selection Committee
Choir Rehearsals Sunday morning choir rehearsals will start on September 13th at 9:15 a.m.
Board of Trustees Update
Welcome to our 2026/2027 Board of Trustees (BOT), who will be introduced to the congregation at the Sunday, September 13th, Homecoming Service. The BOT will read their Covenant, which is a reminder of conduct that supports productive decision-making and positive relationships.
The BOT is appreciative of Lil Baddour, who facilitated a most productive and entertaining retreat. We developed personal relationships, inventoried the BOT member leadership skills, became aware of the difference between management and governance, toured the facilities, and determined a framework for the UU Rockford Strategic Plan…all in four hours!!
The BOT goals for this year focus on reviewing documents that may be used in the Senior Minister Search process:
By-laws
Strategic Planning
Policies
Evaluation processes
Spectrum School lease
Confidentiality agreement
The BOT is looking forward to serving and supporting the congregation in this exciting year of reflection and change.
Diane Kuehl, Board of Trustees President
Pictured: Scott Garwick, Rev. Joyce Palmer, Kendra Asbury, Neita Webster, Jason Peckels, Diane Kuehl, Sandi Campbell, Teresa Wilmot
Companion Listener Training Wednesday, September 9th 6:00 pm Library
Looking for a Way to Connect? Become a Companion. Deep listening is one of the greatest gifts we can offer one another. We are launching our new Traveler & Companion program to bring warm, friendly visits to members of our community, and we need you.
Please join us for an informational training on Wednesday, September 9th at 6:00 pm. We will walk through the program framework, share practical conversation starters, and explain how we will connect Companions with Travelers for monthly or bi-monthly visits. If you enjoy good conversation and quiet presence, we hope you will join us.
Backpack Blessing
We will be offering a backpack blessing during the service on Sunday, September 13. Children and youth are invited to bring their backpacks to church with them and participate in the ritual of wishing them well as they begin a new school year. We hope you’ll join us!
*Please note this will be an all-ages service, so children and youth will remain in the sanctuary for the entire service. Ms. Liz will be in the nursery as usual for children of any age at any point in the service.
The Racial and Economic Justice Team would like to invite you to the following events sponsored by Eliminate Racism 815
ER815 Film Discussion
Friday, September 11, 2026, 6:00-9:00 p.m.
This month, our film is Confronting Racism in Health Care Delivery: An Imperative to Improve the Public’s Health: Structural racism, implicit bias, and discrimination in health care settings.
Join us at the Baha’i Center 1650 N Alpine, lower level in Highcrest Shopping Center. We will show the film followed by a facilitated discussion.
The film discussions are presented in partnership with The Baha’i Community of the Rockford Area and Rockford Public Library.
ER815 Book Discussion
Thursday September 17, 2026 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Montague Branch Library, 1238 S. Winnebago St.
Join us for a discussion of White American Youth: My Decent into American’s Most Violent Hate Movement- And How I Got Out by Christian Picciolini: A look inside the world of violent hate groups by a onetime white supremacist leader who left the group.
Please read the book on your own and we will discuss it.
Unable to make it in person? Join the meeting by zoom here: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81211275487 Meeting ID: 812 1127 5487
Book discussions are presented in partnership with Rockford Public Library.
Wonderful Wednesday Exploring Medical Aid in Dying: Overview for Those Curious about End-of-Life Options Wednesday, September 16, 6 p.m
Illinois now has a new law making medical aid in dying legal. Bring your curiosity and learn about the history of medical aid in dying in the United States and the details of the Illinois version. We will address your questions and help you understand end-of-life care options and how to document what matters most to you at the end of life’s journey.
Presenters will be registered nurses Colleen Magee and Megan Oehlke.
Getting to Know UU-Path to Membership Sunday, September 20th at 11:15 Sanctuary
Are you interested in membership at UU Church Rockford? Join us for our next Getting to Know UU program to learn about our theology, religious education, and how to get connected to our small groups. We will meet for about an hour. Our gathering includes a tour of the building. No need to register, just show up. Questions? See Rev. Joyce.
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 Teams’ next meeting will be on September 27 in the youth room.
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
Two great events are coming up, and I often see some UU members. I would put the Family one in as soon as it fills up. You could wait on the second one. I have some pictures that came with the info. Use or not. Whatever works.
Nachusa Grasslands Family Experience 2075 Lowden Road, Franklin Grove, IL 61031-4,000 acres of restored prairie with bison September 13, 8:45-1 Families and children 6 and up. Adults stay with children
Collect seeds, bison tour, learn about prairies and more
Dress for weather: long pants, socks, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, & hat
Bring a water bottle and snack. You will collect seeds, tour bison and more SignUpGenius- use to register in advance (fills quickly) and to cancel https://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080945AFA82BAAFB6-65080543-nachusa#/
Nachusa Grasslands Fall Festival, September 19, 10-4
2075 Lowden Road, Franklin Grove, IL. Food Truck and Kettle Korn
Bison tours by wagon, assortment of various types of hikes all day.
Hands on Discovery Tent, Birds of Prey show, music, face painting & more
Dress: long pants, socks, sturdy shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent hat, water bottle.
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!
