The UU Church-Rockford, IL

08/30/2015: Homecoming!

Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson

We'll celebrate the beginning of another church year together, with story, song, ritual, and a shared meal after the service. How, as we begin again, do we renew our own lives, our church, and our shared world? 

08/23/2015: What Is Unitarian Universalism?

Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson

Whether you are brand new to our faith or a life-long member, this service will help you understand our unique faith tradition. What kind of religion are we, and what does it mean to have this be your spiritual path?

08/16/2015: Saints and Sinners

We Unitarian Universalists are skeptical of language of sin and sainthood. Though our skepticism comes from good reasons, it can mean that we don’t have the language to speak of our true feelings about being human. Thoughts about what it means to be both saint and sinner.  (This is the very-well received sermon I preached for the ordination of David Kraemer, slightly adapted. Members who heard it there insisted that I preach it here.)  

08/09/2015: L'Eggo My Ego

Our Ego is sometimes very helpful, but often gets in the way of our experience of the world, each other, and ourselves. Thoughts about how letting go of our sense of "I", "me", and "mine" can lead to more joy and peace for ourselves and others.  

08/02/2015: The Idolatry of Church

As the worldwide religious landscape changes so dramatically, we are called to consider the form and purpose of church. Is the local gathered community essential to the religious life, or is it just one possible path among many? What about the way we do church is worth keeping, and what might we shed as a false god?

07/26/2015: Reason and Experience as Our Guides

07/19/2015: Inextricably Bound

Leslie Mills, "Inextricably Bound."

"There's a lot of change and unrest going on in our country right now, with various rallying cries for social transformation. In an age when we are inundated with media messages demanding immediate responses, how can we discern the way forward together as a faith community, drawing on our shared principles and deep history? How can we grow into faithful action, when we might feel scared of taking a wrong step? We Will explore together in song and story." 

07/12/2015: Compassion: A Starting Point, Not a Finish Line

Misha Lentz

Having compassion for others is essential to the living of Unitarian Universalist principles. But the very idea itself creates an 'us and them', and that's where things might get tricky, We'll talk about the real next-step work of compassion, which is inclusion. 

07/05/2015: The Idolatry of Nationalism

Rev. Dr. Matthew Johnson

Matthew reflects on the difference between nationalism and patriotism, and offers thoughts, in particular, about America's problem and potential to be a land of justice and equality.

06/28/2015: The Truth in Chickens

Rev. David Kraemer

Former intern Rev. David Kraemer pulls stories from his old career in newspapers, talks about local food, sort of, but mostly reminds us to cherish our doubts and not assume too much.