You Might Just Get What We Need
Cultivating gratitude from the things already present in our lives, not the sometimes unrealistic fantasies we concoct.
Archives: Services
Bless All Who Serve
While Unitarian Universalists and UU ministry have long been part of the military, UU communities have often struggled with the topics of war, peace, the military, those who serve, and their relationships to each other. What place have Unitarian Universalists historically had in the military, … read more.
We Are [Still] Made for These Times
In times like these, it’s easy to freak out, numb out, check out, burn out. But as Bayo Akomolefe says, “The times are urgent; let us slow down.” Let us take care of ourselves and each other, let us gain perspective, let us ground ourselves … read more.
What Might Change?
What might change if we treated ourselves with the same compassion we so freely offer to others? This week, we’ll spend time exploring what it means to turn that kindness inward as we learn to show ourselves compassion in small, intentional ways. Together, we’ll reflect … read more.
Forging the Platinum Rule: Love Beyond the Law
We’ve all heard of the Golden Rule: “So in all things, do to others what you would want them to do to you—for this is what the law and the prophets are all about” (Matthew 7:12, First Nations Version).
What if instead of treating others … read more.
Empathy is Not a Sin
In times of conflict and division, what does it mean to embody true compassion? This Sunday, we reflect on the life of Clara Barton, a nurse, humanitarian, and founder of the American Red Cross, and the radical lesson her actions on a Civil War battlefield … read more.
Sealing the Book of the Year: Honoring our Unitarian Universalist Sixth Source
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 … read more.
An Ethic to Live By for UUs and other Aliens in a Strange and Distant Land
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 … read more.
We Quit Vanlife: Moving through Freedom to Deeper Belonging
Rev Bret will share a little of the story that brought him to Rockford. After sojourns in places as far flung as Texas, Chicago, California, and Japan (and most recently, trying out vanlife for the better part of a year), he will share some tips and … read more.
Building Belonging
This month we explore the theme of Building Belonging. During this special service, community members will share personal reflections on what belonging looks like in their lives at work, in schools, in community spaces, and here in our church. Their stories remind us that … read more.