The UU Church-Rockford, IL

The current campaign for the Presidency of the United States has been deeply wounding. Misogyny, racism, xenophobia, and exclusion have been revealed and encouraged. Our democracy appears more fragile than it has since Reconstruction. How do we hold on for the next few weeks?  And what do we do after that?  Come, let us gather together.

The Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd

​The great liberal preacher Harry Emerson Fosdick once recalled the legend of an ancient city, now hidden beneath the ocean, from which the sound of long-stilled bells still rang.  On a good day, Fosdick said, the liberal church can recall to us the sound of those long-stilled bells, remind us of the beauty we once knew, and impel us to create such beauty again.  What is the work of the liberal church today?  During this anniversary celebration, how can we lift up the heart of our history while pushing ourselves forward into our own courageous work?  On a good day, gathered in worship, might we still hear the pealing of the bells?

A sermon by the Rev. Dr. Charles Parker Connolly, preached May 20th, 1956, and edited and preached by the Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson. This is a lovely and still-timely sermon by Dr. Connolly, what he said would be, if he knew it would his last, the final sermon he would preach. In it, he reflects on the meaning and power of Jesus' real message for our lives and our society.

We don’t claim — and are indeed deeply worried by claims to — the power to heal your illness or make someone walk without crutches. Yet, I do believe that our faith is a faith that heals - the soul, the mind, and the body.  We’ll explore in ritual and in reflection, how that might be.

The Rev. David R. Weissbard

 I’ll reflect on covenants of marriage and friendship. In our relationships with those we love, the practice of covenant is essential. 

​ What’s the difference between being covered by a creed (I believe . . . ) and a covenant (we will . . .)?  What does it mean to be part of a covenantal faith? How might such a theology shape our lives, our dreams, our politics, and our relationship with the holy?

Reflections on the dignity of work, economic justice, globalization, unionization, and such things. How can we ensure all who work have dignity in whatever they do?

homecoming service

​ ​"This August marks 25 years at war for the United States.  Come and explore the complex topic of how UU’s can act as people of conscious for peace while also more deeply engaging with and welcoming the veterans, military members and their families who give so much for our nation."