Worship for this Sunday–March 14, 2021
Live Streaming at 10am
(Note Time Change–Spring Ahead 1 Hour)
A Multitude of Grief
Rev. Alan Taylor & mandi huizenga, Ministerial Intern
March Theme: Commitment
Live Stream Worship at 10am / Recorded Viewing Available at Noon

Live stream link can be found here.
OFFERTORY :: Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Abundance Fund
Unity Temple Gives. Each week we give our Sunday collection to an organization that aligns with our values. This Sunday’s collection will benefit the UTUUC Abundance Fund – providing financial assistance to members of our congregation and the wider community who are in financial distress. You can donate here. Thank you for your generous support!

To contribute to Unity Temple’s Sunday collection, please text 73256 with the message UTUUC $____ (dollar sign followed by your donation amount), and select “Offering”. You may also give at the UTUUC website, by using the camera on your phone to scan the QR code on the screen during the Offertory or by sending a check, payable to Unity Temple, noting Abundance Fund on the memo line, to 875 Lake St., Oak Park, 60301, and we will send a collective check on your behalf. Thank you for your generous support!
Worship Service :: will be at 10am on YouTube Live. You can access it here

Coffee Hour :: Immediately following the service (around 10:45am) the Virtual Coffee Hour will be on Zoom. Go to Zoom Password: 875875 Or access directly here.
Coffee Hour Courtesies :: Coffee Hour is a time for old and new friendships to be enjoyed. In the spirit of community, and in honor of our 1st Principle that upholds the inherent worth and dignity of every person, we ask everyone to be mindful of the brief time we have together during breakout sessions. Please remember these 
courtesies to ensure everyone a meaningful and fun experience.
Meet the Ministers
This monthly offering provides an opportunity to get to know our ministers in a small group setting, share your story and ask questions about Unitarian Universalism and our congregation. Meet with Rev. Alan Taylor Or Rev. Emily Gage this Sunday from 11-12pm or
Wednesday, March 17 from 7-8pm
Registration is open until start time. Contact Tina Lewis tlewis@unitytemple.org 
to learn more.
Widening the Circle of Concern Information Session Join the Welcoming All Team for an information session on the UUA's Commission on Institutional Change's report, Widening the Circle of Concern. Two information sessions will be offered. The first will take place this Sunday at 12pm. A generous donor has made several copies of the report available to borrow through Unity Temple which can be picked up by emailing 
Here is the link to join the Zoom session.

Reflecting with the Board this Sunday
March at 1pm and Monday, March 15 at 7pm
The Board of Trustees wants to stay connected with you. We are again offering two opportunities to share what we have been doing, to listen to your questions and concerns, and to invite you to join with us as we continue to reflect on our current Unity Temple community.
Zoom link for both sessions:  
Zoom ID: 921 8222 1879

Save the Date! Conversation on UUA's Report from the Commission on Institutional Change (link here) will take place on Sunday, April 11, 11:15am

Despite our best efforts as Unitarian Universalists, racism still exists across our denomination and within our congregations. Building on the discussions from our January 31st event with Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd, the Welcoming All Team is hosting a discussion with member of the Commission, Meadville Lombard Theological School president, and Unity Temple friend Dr. Elías Ortega. Learn about the commission's assessment and recommendations so that we may continue our work of Welcoming All.

In preparation we are hosting two information sessions; Reading Group Discussions, and Reading the Report. Here is a link to the report online or if you would like to borrow a printed copy of the report write to office@unitytemple.org.
Widening the Circle of Concern Information Session Join the Welcoming All Team for an information session on the UUA's Commission on Institutional Change's report, Widening the Circle of Concern. Two information sessions will be offered on Sunday, March 14 at 12pm and Thursday, March 18 at 6:30pm. A generous donor has made several copies of the report available to borrow through Unity Temple which can be picked up by emailing office@unitytemple.org.

Here is the link to join either Zoom session.
Reading Group: Widening the Circle of Concern The Welcoming All Team's March reading will be the UUA's Commission on Institutional Change's report, Widening the Circle of Concern; a report on racism within our denomination and congregations. We will discuss the report and the various recommendations that can be applied to our congregation and denomination. A generous donor has made several copies of the report available to borrow through Unity Temple which can be picked up by emailing office@unitytemple.org. These discussions will be held Monday, March 15 at 6:30pm and Sunday, March 28 at 2pm.

Here is the link to join either Zoom session.
Unity Temple Faith In Action Network
Spiritually Grounded / Deeply Relational / Strategically Effective
This Sunday’s collection will benefit the UTUUC Abundance Fund – providing financial assistance to members of our congregation and the wider community who are in financial distress. You can donate here. Thank you for your generous support!.
Film Screening Join the Eco-Justice team on March 21 from 2-4pm for a screening of the film Necessity: Oil, Water and Climate Resistance, a documentary about the ongoing fight against the expansion of pipelines carrying highly toxic tar sands oil through Indigenous lands and essential waterways in North America. After the documentary, we'll host a guided discussion and share ways to support the campaign to stop the Line 3 pipeline. Register here for this free event and to receive the Zoom invitation.

CRS Legislative Agenda: Preparing for Virtual Meetings
Thursday, March 18, 12pm
Join us for a “deep-dive” into the legislation CRS is working on at the state level, and discuss the impact bills will have on the lives of people and the systemic issues they address. We will also prepare you to lead virtual meetings with your legislators to gain their support of the CRS Legislative platform. Register here. Questions? restorativejustice@unitytemple.org
Do you have expired or unused beauty products like mascara, eye liner and lipstick? Nordstrom’s is recycling it! Recycling is available at many locations, check the TerraCycle website under BEAUTYCYCLE. If you have a green tip you’d like to share, contact ecojustice@unitytemple.org

Interested in Community Solar? Can’t have panels on your roof? Live in an apartment or condo? Everyone can have solar electricity in their home with a community solar supplier. Join the Eco Justice team Wednesday, April 7 at 7pm as we welcome Art Spooner, a member of the Interfaith Green Network, as he walks us through how community solar works and the company choices that are available at this time. To register email: ecojustice@unitytemple.org
The Clean Energy Jobs Act. We almost got it passed last fall and momentum is early and strong to pass it this spring. Along with the mandate to reduce carbon emissions and shut down fossil fuel industries, this version of the bill has an even stronger imperative to develop clean energy industries and jobs for communities whose economies are undermined by the move away from fossil fuel.  
HB804 comes up on the docket of the Illinois House Energy and Environment Committee
This Monday, March 15 at 4pm. File a witness slip here
Witness slip instructions:
Fill in your info. For Agency, use "self" or UUANI. Same for representation. Select "proponent" and "Record of Appearance". Agree to ILGA terms on the left and create slip on the right. Questions and to learn more about UUANI go here.
Connections Art Project :: Have some fun and recreate a piece of “art” with objects, people, pets, and props you have at home. To submit project, send an email to connections@unitytemple.org.
Left: Untitled (Purple, White, and Red), Mark Rothko, 1953 Art Institute of Chicago / Right: Untitled (Purple, White, and Red), Morton Family, 2021.
Bruce Springsteen and Aging :: Join the Men's Retreat on Saturday, March 27 at 10am for a virtual experience featuring Chair Yoga along with a discussion of Bruce Springsteen and the Art of Aging Well, written by David Brooks. For registration, please contact mensretreat@unitytemple.org.
Are you a UTUUC BGLQT+? Please join a virtual Rainbow Connections meeting on Wednesday, March 17, from 7-8:30pm. We'll be discussing an episode of Slate's Outward podcast The LGBTQ Decade. You do not need to listen to the podcast in advance. We'll be discussing the segment of the podcast that begins at 19:12 and ends at 56:30. You can access the podcast here.

Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 970 4355 4768
Password: 315690
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,97043554768#,,1#,315690# US
The Vegetarian Potluck Group invites you to indulge in creation during these pandemic times. Share a favorite vegetarian or vegan recipe by making it, providing a written version of it, and delivering (or we will deliver it for you) to a UTUUC congregant on Saturday March 20. Contact vegdinner@unitytemple.org to register by Monday, March 15. Delivery assignments will be distributed by Wednesday, March 17.
Registration is Open! General Assembly is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists, where we conduct business of the Association, explore the theological underpinnings of our faith, and lean fully into our mission and principles. That remains true even when we cannot gather physically. Last year, GA had more than 4,900 registered attendees participate from remote locations around the world. For more information and to register go here.
Knitwits :: Calling all knitters to knit mittens for Hepzibah, baby blankets for the Linus project or any knitting project that spreads goodwill and warmth. We can choose a group focus or each participant can choose their own while spending a little virtual time together. Let's gather on zoom the first and third Thursday mornings 10am to 11:15am and continuing through the winter months. Looking forward to sharing ideas Contact Barbara Boockmeier at knitters@unitytemple.org for the zoom link.
Need an excuse to work off that COVID 15 (lbs)? Why not come and play Co-Ed Softball with the Wright Fielders! This team is meant to be fun and inclusive, all skill levels are welcome. The Park district will have COVID related restrictions which will be shared with all players. As of right now we will be wearing masks on and off the field. More specifics are listed here. If interested or have questions please reach out to Rich Pokorny or Mike Cantrell at sports@unitytemple.org.
Unity Temple Geocaching! Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Are you called to nature for some fresh air and exploring? All you need is a mobile device and some boots! The Connections Team is setting up some geocache containers hidden in the North side of Thatcher Woods. You are welcome to do this activity during a time that works best for you. To receive the navigation coordinates for the activity, please email connections@unitytemple.org
Revolutionary Love Conference: The Courage To Imagine Join Unity Temple members for this annual conference at Middle Collegiate Church in NYC, held this year virtually, April 15-18, 2021. Featured speakers include Sister Simone Campbell, Rev. Dr. Kelly Brown Douglas, Valerie Kaur, Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis, Brian McLaren, and Rev. Dr. Otis Moss III, amongst others. For more information, check out the website here. Our ministerial intern, mandi huizenga, is collecting names to get the group rate, which is $53.55 per ticket. Scholarship funds are available. Contact mhuizenga@unitytemple.org. Deadline to register for group rate is March 15.
Thursday Midweek Centering:: In a time of chaos and anxiety, take a pause in your week to center and ground yourself. At 3pm each Thursday, Rev. Alan and our ministerial intern, mandi huizenga will lead a reflection and a deep listening practice so that we may companion each other through this challenging time. Join us on Zoom here. Or email at ataylor@unitytemple.org or 
Sharing, Mondays at Noon Need a lunchtime boost in your day? Every Monday at Noon Jeanette Mancusi invites you to take a break in your workday and briefly share something good that has happened to you recently. We hope you can join us! Click here to join the call. Questions may be sent to tlewis@unitytemple.org. Join Zoom Meeting https://uuma.zoom.us/j/98514736011 Meeting ID: 985 1473 601
Visitor Form
If you would like to be contacted about how to get involved with our community, please take a moment to fill out this form.
What is Coffee Hour?
It is a time to connect with old friends and make new friends following worship service on Sunday mornings. Attendees socialize in small groups of 6-8 during breakout sessions. We hope you will join us!
Invitation To Get Involved
We are so glad you have found us and invite you to begin a process of getting to know one another with hopes that you will be inspired to become part of our vibrant community. Contact tlewis@unitytemple.org for Zoom access to the following sessions. View video invitation here.
Newcomer Orientation
Monday, 4/5/21 from 7-8 pm

Each month we offer an orientation to familiarize participants with the fundamentals of Unitarian Universalism, and an overview of our mission and programs. 

Pathway to Membership
Sunday, 3/21/21 11–12:30pm OR Monday, 2/22/21 to 7–8:30

We want you to know how we learn and grow, create community, care for one another, governor and financially support ourselves, and have fun! Join this monthly class to experience a deep dive into UTUUC.

 
Becoming a Member
We recommend attending our orientation, meeting our ministers, and learning about how we work by attending our interactive informational sessions. Upon completion we invite you to sign The Membership Book and fill out an Enrollment Kit. If for some reason, you are unable to attend our sessions, please contact Tina Lewis, Director of Membership & Engagement to discuss alternative arrangements.
This monthly offering provides an opportunity to get to know our ministers in a small group setting, share your story and ask questions about Unitarian Universalism and our congregation.
Meet the Ministers
Rev. Alan Taylor
Sunday, 3/14 from 11-12pm and
Wednesday, 3/17 from 7-8pm

Rev. Emily Gage
Sunday, 3/14 from 11-12pm and
Wednesday, 3/17 from 7-8pm

Religious Education is Up and Running and We are Virtual this Year! Our dedicated volunteers are working to connect with our young UU's by offering class rituals and connection activities each Sunday. If you are looking for more information about how to join a class or you are interested in becoming a class leader, please send an email to either Rev. Emily Gage egage@unitytemple.org or Val Ridenour vridenour@unitytemple.org 
Daily Mindful Reflection Community 30 minute meeting, 7 days a week! Starts at 8:25am and ends at 9am every day, seven days a week. This will be different from our regular Tuesday night meeting. The daily meditation will include opening words, 20 minutes of mindful reflection, and closing words. 
All are welcome! You are welcome to attend regularly or sporadically. 
Time: Every Day (including weekends) at 08:30am Central Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting here.
ID: 373 008 242  / Passcode: 4IFrYx  
One tap mobile:
+13126266799,,373008242#,,,,*940220#1 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 373 008 242 / Passcode: 940220
Mindful Reflection Online Community Tuesday Evenings Zoom meeting room opens at 6:45pm, program starts at 7:10pm. You Are Welcome Here! We will follow our usual format with 20 minutes of Mindful Reflection followed by a dharma talk and discussion. Questions email mindful@unitytemple.org.
Join Zoom Meeting here.
ID: 373 008 242  / Passcode: 4IFrYx  
One tap mobile:
+13126266799,,373008242#,,,,*940220#1 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 373 008 242 / Passcode: 940220
Unity Temple Choir Wednesday Sessions :: Music director, Marty Swisher hosts weekly Unity Temple Choir sessions. Each Wednesday from 7-7:30pm all are welcome to warm up your voice, learn a song and connect with singing. Join Zoom meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89503027611?pwd=M2Y1WHIvTGw4c1hsNWlGa0dUUVpnQT09
Meeting ID: 895 0302 7611 Password: 062305
Our shared mission is a powerful gift, especially during these times of uncertainty and unrest. As we breathe life into it, our mission takes on the shape and color of a world we only dared to dream about five years ago.
It inspires us to embrace values of connection, transformation, justice and acceptance that underpin our response to the urgent needs of humanity and the earth.
It energizes us to transform ourselves, our congregation and our world by welcoming all, inspiring compassion, nurturing wonder and serving community.
It comforts us to know we are joined together in spirit on this journey toward a future we promised to build.
A future in which we…create a culture of radical hospitality and relationships with people across boundaries of race, class and other identities that divide us…cultivate caring communities, bear witness to love and pain and respond, individually and collectively, with acts of compassion…nurture and celebrate a sense of wonder and create opportunities for spiritual deepening, questioning and growth…act in partnership for justice and live our faith in service.
 
Even virtually - especially virtually - our shared mission brings and keeps us together. It is the greater whole.
Through Our Differences, We Are One :: The beloved community includes people of all political parties. Here at Unity Temple we call people to live out our faith but this does not mean we share the same political or partisan perspective. May we remind one another to honor our own life experience in the development of our unique perspective while honoring that of others. The core of being a religious liberal is remaining open to and respectful of a pluralism of theological positions and political stances. As Unitarian Universalists, we affirm the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process within our congregations and in society at large while also knowing that endorsements or support of particular candidates cannot be part of our congregational process. 
Planned Giving offers a variety of meaningful ways to support our congregation through charitable gifts and can be made by anybody – young and old, working or retired. These gifts are made today, but they support the future needs of your congregation and Unitarian Universalism. You can obtain more information about planned gifts by contacting the Planned Giving Team at plannedgiving@unitytemple.org

Support Our Work : As we continue to find new ways to join together in virtual community we have launched additional portals to financially support UTUUC. Details can be found here. If you have questions please reach out to office@unitytemple.org. Thank you!