The UU Church-Rockford, IL

11/08/2015: A Usable Past

Intern Minister Michelle Lattanzio

We will explore how, as a culture and as individuals, we can each build a usable past from the people we lay claim to as ancestors and "family," as well as they myths, stories, and legends that inform our character today. Who in-forms us, spiritually, psychically, culturally? On whose shoulders do we stand? What heritage do we claim?

11/01/2015: Everything is United

Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson

We mark the beginning of our month on ancestry, and the holidays of Halloween and All Saints Day, with a special emphasis on the tradition of Dia de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead. Our ancestors are worthy of celebration and joy, for the gift of life that they have passed along to us. 

10/25/2015: Emptiness

Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson

In Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and some forms of Sufi Islam, the ultimate is seen as emptiness instead of presence. What might it mean to make space for nothingness in our lives?

Surrender, Surrender, but Don't Give Yourself Away

Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson

There’s a fine line between letting go of that which doesn’t serve, and abandoning yourself to the whims of fate. Call it the difference between the baby and the bathwater. How do we know which is which? 

10/11/2015: Awakening & Recovery

Michelle Lattanzio

The journey of recovery provides spiritual insights from which we all can learn. 

10/04/2015: Let. It. Go.

Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson

To be strong and effective leaders in the world, in our families, and in our work and volunteer lives, we need to be what is called, "non-anxious." How do we let go of anxiety so we can make a difference?

09/27/2015: An Invitation to Intercultural Competency

Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson

When we want to respect another person, we learn about them - their story, their point of view, their hopes. We see ways we are similar and different. The work of intercultural competency is to do this with cultures - and to live in a multicultural world requires this kind of knowing, understanding, and commitment to dignity. 

09/20/2015: An Invitation to Forgiveness and Peace

Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson

In the midst of the Jewish High Holidays, I reflect on the power of forgiveness to create peace where there is violence. Everywhere, from our own city to the ancient and far-off locations of the near east, a cycle of violence and injury needs to be interrupted and transformed by forgiveness and new beginnings. 

09/13/2015: Meeting Your Heart's Longing

Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson

Each person is issued a cosmic invitation to live your best and most meaningful life. What does it mean to take up that invitation, and what gets in the way? What is our best life, anyway, and how do we know?

09/06/2015: Just As I Am; Why Universalists Don't Do Altar Calls

An invitation to a saving faith that calls our best selves into being while affirming that we were already whole when we showed up.