Pathway to Membership / UN Day Forum / MyHat Meeting

Loving the Hell Out of the World

Rev. Dawn Cooley

October Theme: Cultivating Relationship

Live Stream Worship at 10am / Recorded Viewing Available at Noon

Live stream link can be found here.

OFFERING :: Chicago Hopes for Kids

Unity Temple Gives. Each week we give our Sunday collection to an organization that aligns with our values. This Sunday’s collection will benefit Chicago Hopes for Kids – empowering lives through education. Chicago HOPES for Kids provides educational support, resources, and encouragement needed to help youth succeed academically, despite the challenges of homelessness. Learn more here.

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 Chicago Hopes 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!

At this time, we are limiting capacity inside our sanctuary and requiring weekly reservations for adults and children to attend our Sunday morning service at 10am.

Our Main Level seating will be prioritized for people with mobility challenges. If you are able, please choose a 2nd or 3rd Level seat. To sign up, click here.

There will be an Activity for All Ages happening inside Unity House. Children are welcome to participate in the Activity for All Ages that will be offered during the sermon portion of the worship service or they can stay in the sanctuary with their families.

We hope to be back to full capacity as soon as possible. Until then, we appreciate your patience and flexibility and sincerely look forward to seeing you soon!

We appreciate everyone wearing a mask over your mouth and nose during the service as a way to protect each other, especially our children and those among us who may not be able to be vaccinated. If you find yourself needing a break from wearing your mask, we invite you to go out on the patio and come back when you are ready.

Sunday Worship Service :: will be at 10am on YouTube Live. You can access it here.

Community Hour :: Following the Sunday morning service, the Virtual Community Hour will be on Zoom following the service. Go to Zoom Meeting ID: 999 2797 5277 Password: 875875 Or access directly here.

UN Day Forum: Taking Action on Climate Change We will provide an update on the preparations of the Biden Administration for COP26, the UN Climate Change Conference taking place in Glasgow, and the needed role of faith communities in achieving the targets of the Paris Agreement. Keynote by Tim Lattimer, Senior Climate Advisor at the U.S. Department of State; Aly Tharp, Co-Director, Unitarian Universalist Ministry for the Earth, and more. Register for this free event here. Please join us on Sunday, October 24, 3–4:30pm Contact ecojustice@unitytemple.org

For Sunday Collections!

It's time to nominate great organizations to receive a Sunday collection! If you would like to nominate an organization to be on the ballot for Sunday collections in 2022:

You must be a member of UTUUC in good standing
The organization must align with UU principles
The organization must be a 501c3 and non-partisan

The nomination form and 501c3 letter must be submitted by Sunday, October 31. Complete the online nomination form here, and send the 501c3 letter to sundaycollections@unitytemple.org. Members in good standing will vote at the annual meeting on December 12 to select which organizations receive collections in 2022. Questions? Contact sundaycollections@unitytemple.org

Our 2022 Annual Fund Drive is Happening!

Our goal during this Season of Renewal is to ensure that our beloved community remains resilient, strong, and connected. We know from previous challenges that goals are reached when we work together and have an adaptable community with outstanding leadership.

.....As we embark on the 2022 Annual Fund Drive, we’re going to need everyone to rise to the financial challenge facing us, if we intend to accomplish our goals of providing high quality streaming services, appropriate staffing, support for our faith development programing, funding for facility maintenance projects and dealing with a multi-year recovery from the financial impact of the pandemic.

.....This years’ pledge goal of $1,206,081 is the projected amount needed to meet our expenses. For more information, click here to see our current budget and our 2022 projected budget.

Before the campaign comes to a close on October 30 you can:

Review the 2022 campaign information you should have received by mail here, then
Fill out your pledge form and mail into the office as soon as you can, or
Make your commitment online at https://onrealm.org/unitytemple, or
Call the office to pledge over the phone at 708-848-6225 ext. 104

The pandemic continues to impact each of us differently therefore, as a community of faith we need each of you to decide how you can best support our goals and make a stretch gift. As of October 21, 2021 we have commitments totaling $463,460.

Thank you so much for your support!

Pathway to Membership

Learn about the history of our congregation, how things work today and how you can become involved in the future. The November meeting times are Sunday, 11/14 and 11/21 from 1-3pm. We hope you are able to attend! Contact tlewis@unitytemple.org to register.

Welcome to Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation Video As we approach the beginning of our program year here at UTUUC, we are thrilled to share our new welcome video for visitors to our website. With our upcoming Livestream capabilities and multiplatform programs, we are able to invite friends and family to join us from all over the world, so let's do it! In the spirit of welcoming, please share this video on your social media platforms and/or send the link to your email contacts as we continue to build upon our journey of welcoming all, inspiring compassion, nurturing wonder, and serving community.

Let's get to know each other! On the first Sunday of the month November 7, you are invited to a meet and greet social hour hosted by Tina Lewis, Director of Engagement & Membership. We will meet from

1-2pm on the east patio of Unity Temple. Refreshments are unable to be provided at this time, but enjoyable conversation with new friends can be expected! To register email tlewis@unitytemple.org

The Congregational Health and Reconciliation Team, or the CHART Team, exists to ensure our congregation maintains a safe and secure atmosphere free of disruptive and threatening behaviors that could harm others’ emotional or physical wellbeing. This team, consisting of Rev. Dawn Cooley, Rev. Emily Gage, Aisha Ellis (Board), Jennifer Evans (mental health professional), and Jay Petersen (Pastoral Associate), meets quarterly, assessing the wellbeing of our collective community and addressing specific challenges, working toward positive results for our members and friends. To contact this team, email chart@unitytemple.org.

MyHAT Small Support Group Virtual Meeting This group is for people living with mental illness and those who care about them. We practice deep sharing and deep listening. Participation is confidential. We are always open to new participants. Meeting will take place on Monday, October 25, from 7–9pm. Please contact myhat@unitytemple.org to receive a Zoom invite.

BIPOC Friends Virtual Gathering

What does renewal mean to you? As we are challenged to consider how to grow and move forward with change at Unity Temple, join us in the spirit of compassion for the monthly BIPOC Friends gathering via Zoom 12:30–2pm on Sunday, October 31. Tell us your hopes and wishes for the group. To join our email list or receive a Zoom connection, or if you have questions, please contact bipocfriends@unitytemple.org

Bowling is Back! We hope you will join us at Circle Lanes on Friday, November 5, at 7:30pm. No competition, just bowl a game or two and have fun and conversation. Kids are welcome, and a ramp is available to assist young bowlers get the ball rolling. Contact Sports@UnityTemple.org if you plan to attend so we can reserve enough lanes.

Meet the Ministers

Wondering what our minister's do when they are not at Unity Temple? What hobbies to they have? What's their favorite food? Do they have a pet? Learn these compelling answers and more! Sunday, November 14 with mandi huizenga. Register via email tlewis@unitytemple.org

Men's Retreat Cancelled The Men’s Retreat scheduled for January 2022 is cancelled. In the meantime, we will keep connecting as best we can. Feel free to reach out to mensretreat@unitytemple.org.

Unity Temple Faith In Action Network

Spiritually Grounded / Deeply Relational / Strategically Effective

New! Faith in Action Hour

World leaders are debating our future at the UN Climate Conference (COP26) in Glasgow. Join us for a new monthly Faith in Action Hour! We'll hear messages from friends at COP26, and take online actions together. Event takes place on Sunday, November 7, 1-2pm. Register here to join us on Zoom. Questions? Contact: ecojustice@unitytemple.org

Bystander Intervention Trainings

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Chicago is offering free bystander hate incident intervention trainings. In this one-hour, interactive online training, participants will:

learn about the types of disrespect and dangers that Asian and Asian American people are facing right now and throughout history
understand what to look for in scenarios and the positive impact that bystander intervention has on individuals and communities.
talk through five strategies (5Ds) for intervention and how to prioritize your own safety while intervening.
practice using the 5Ds so that participants are confident intervening the next time they witness Anti-Asian harassment.

Several UTUUC members have participated and recommend this training. Register here.

Questions? Contact: FaithinAction@unitytemple.org

UUANI Action of the Week Each week our Unitarian Universalist Advocacy Network of IL (UUANI) offers a call to action. Sign-up to receive these simple and impactful actions direct to your in-box here.

CRS Annual Membership Assembly Join the Community Renewal Society for Liberating Love, this year’s online membership assembly on Saturday, October 23, 10am-Noon. We will celebrate achievements, learn about current campaigns, meet CRS board members and staff, and hear from guest speakers. Register here. Contact: restorativejustice@unitytemple.org

Plastic Bag Recycling!

We are collecting “stretchy” plastic - like shopping bags, bubble wrap, plastic shipping sleeves - to be recycled and turned into a plastic bench. The bench will be donated to Third Unitarian Church in Chicago’s Austin community.

Watch this short video, and see what can be recycled here. Note: Bags from cheese, pet food, mulch, and salads are NOT recyclable. If there is no recycling label on the bag, it goes in the garbage, please! Place all plastics into (preferably) one or more plastic bags and drop-off in the bin on the front porch of Gale House (124 N. Kenilworth) behind Unity Temple. Thank you!

We are looking for a few volunteers to sort and transport the plastic to the Jewel in River Forest (7525 Lake St.). If interested please review these directions and sign-up here. Questions? Contact ecojustice@unitytemple.org

Soul Connections Are you hoping to connect with other people from our congregation? Are you wanting to deepen your experience of being a Unitarian Universalist? Are you looking for a way to renew your spirit? Joining a Soul Connections small group with a 12 month commitment is a great way to answer these questions! Each month, you'll receive a packet on the month's theme with spiritual exercises, questions, as well as suggested movies, books, quotes and podcasts. It's a great way to build relationships, receive (and give) real nourishment for the journey. If you'd like to explore with us, please direct questions to soulconnections@unitytemple.org

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

RE in the Park Join us for some RE family time at Washington Irving School Playground on Sunday, October 24 at 3pm. This a time for families to play and connect with fellow RE families! We hope to see you there. Please remember to wear your mask and be ready to see some friends in-person. Reach out to Val Ridenour with questions at vridenour@unitytemple.org.

Religious Education Registration 2021/2022 is Open! Each year, we ask our families to re-register their children for our religious education programming. It ensures we have the most up to date information about our young people, helps us with planning, and gives us an ongoing communication loop. Along with information, we ask for a registration fee of $50 per child (for pledging members and friends) and $100 per child (for non-pledging members or friends). These fees help support elements of our program. Scholarships are granted by request to Emily Gage egage@unitytemple.org or Val Ridenour vridenour@unitytemple.org. Please register your child/children for Religious Education using this link.

Adult Religious Enrichment meeting–All are welcome! Tuesday evening, October 26, at 7pm, all who are interested in discussing possible Adult Religious Enrichment opportunities at Unity Temple are welcome to join a conversation with Rev. Emily Gage and the Adult Religious Enrichment team on Zoom. Whether you are interested in delving more deeply into UU identity, exploring themes through movie watching and discussion, considering issues at the end of life, or something else entirely, feel free to bring your energy and enthusiasm to our meeting that will shape our Adult Religious Enrichment offerings for the coming months. Questions? egage@unitytemple.org. Hope to see you there!

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

The Unity Temple Choir has Resumed Rehearsals on Wednesdays at 7pm. For more details on meeting logistics and location please contact music director, Marty Swisher at mswisher@unitytemple.org.

The Unity Temple E-Team has completed a comprehensive Covid-19 Phased Re-Opening Guidelines. This document is intended to serve as a guide for Congregational events going forward. The guidelines will be implemented based on the Cook County Risk Metrics determined by the Illinois Department of Public Health. We are currently in our orange zone as the infection rates are below 150 per 100,000. The Unity Temple E-Team has also completed version 3.0 of the congregations Building Use Policy and COVID Protocols for Unity Temple, Gale House and the Community Center for in-person events which can be found here. The COVID Risk category will be updated weekly and can be found on our homepage in the slider bar for easy access. Please reach out if you have any comments or questions eteam@unitytemple.org.

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!