COVID Protocol: Our Covid-19 protocols have been adjusted, we are now in Blue. In respect and care for the vulnerable, masking is required in our facilities despite changing external guidelines. Please visit our website here for more details.
High School Bridging Ceremony
Rev. Emily Gage and the Youth Group
May Theme: Nurturing Beauty
Live Stream Worship at 10am / Recorded Viewing Available at Noon
Live stream link can be found here.
OFFERING : New Moms
Unity Temple Gives. Each week, we give our Sunday collection to an organization that aligns with our values. This Sunday’s collection will benefit New Moms–serving young moms and their children experiencing poverty and homelessness. New Moms provides housing, job training, parenting education, doula support and much more – providing comprehensive support services to strengthen families and communities in Chicago and the Near West suburbs. Learn more here.

You may donate by placing cash or check in the donation box in the front pew on the main floor, sending a check to the Unity Temple office (to 875 Lake St., Oak Park, 60301) with (name of organization) on the memo line, by texting 73256 with the message UTUUC $____ (dollar sign followed by your donation amount) and select “Offering," by using the camera on your phone to scan the QR code on the screen during the Offertory or you can give at the UTUUC website. Whatever modality you choose, may what you give bring you joy.
Sunday Worship Service
In-person and online options for worship are now offered. Proof of COVID vaccinations for those who are eligible will be required to attend in-person. (This includes everyone age 5 or older. Vaccines for those younger than 5 are not yet available.) In addition, all those 2 and older must wear a mask covering their nose and mouth. More details can be found on our website here. You can access the live stream on YouTube at 10am here.
Community Hour
Following the Sunday morning service, join our in-person Community Hour for cookies, coffee and conversation in Unity House. If you are joining us from home, the on-line Community Hour will be on Zoom following the service. Go to Zoom Meeting ID: 999 2797 5277 Password: 875875 Or access directly here.
Stewardship Committee
Would you like to see our congregation develop a financially secure future? Do you have ideas on how to cultivate support and appreciation for UTUUC through stewardship and generosity? 

UTUUC’s Board of Trustees are seeking volunteers to form a five-member Stewardship Committee, which will be responsible for coordinating and overseeing all fundraising activities, resource development, and gift cultivation to further our congregation's mission. Members with experience working on the Annual Auction, Fund Drive and Planned Giving teams are especially welcome. Transform your vision for UTUUC into a reality—VOLUNTEER! For more information, contact the members of the Nominating Committee Alec Brownlow, Aisha Ellis, Rich Pokorny, Erik Wise and Jane Wood at nominations@unitytemple.org.
Engaging Our History The transition team is hosting timeline workshops. At each workshop, you will have a chance to learn from and respond to the timeline of the last 60 years of UTUUC history. Please click here if you would like to submit moments in our congregation's history to be included on the timeline. Questions? Contact the transition team of Marsha Borders, Glenn Brewer, Vera Dowell, Fran Knechel and Ian Morrison at transition@unitytemple.org.
Unity Temple Auction Needs Your Help! Now that things are opening up again, it's time for another Unity Temple Auction. Our auction raises significant funds, but even more importantly now, brings us together. We need to reconnect at dinners, outings, music events, get-a-ways and everything else donors can offer. But we need some leaders to organize the auction. Please contact Rich Pokorny at 2022auction@unitytemple.org if you can help.
We joyfully welcomed the following new members on Sunday, May 1: Laurie Cashman, Ellie Dumerauf, Maureen Gorman, John & Anna Sandy, Kristen Trusk, Noel & Kate Weidner, and Jim Weiss.

Unity Temple Faith In Action Network
Spiritually Grounded / Deeply Relational / Strategically Effective
OFFERING : New Moms
This Sunday’s collection will benefit New Moms–serving young moms and their children experiencing poverty and homelessness. New Moms provides housing, job training, parenting education, doula support and much more – providing comprehensive support services to strengthen families and communities in Chicago and the Near West suburbs. Learn more here.
Faith in Action Day at Thatcher Woods Coupled with a Special 4 Year Anniversary
Join us on Saturday, May 7 for a special day to renew our spirits and live our values!
 
8:30am : Spiritual Grounding / Sacred Wanderiing
Join Sacred Wanderings for a quiet time together in the woods. We are celebrating our 4-Year Anniversary of Sacred Wanderings!

10:30am : Connection
Join us for a light brunch at the pavilion to connect with old and new friends alike. We will provide food. You’re welcome to bring finger-foods to add to the party, but absolutely not required. 

11:30am : Action
Clean-up of Thatcher Woods - gloves and bags are provided. This is an all ages event! Come for as little or as much as you'd like! All are welcome!
 
Free parking is available - 8030 Chicago Ave, Maywood 60153. For Sacred Wanderings follow the signs; you’ll see us from the parking lot. For brunch or clean-up, follow the signs to the north open-air pavilion across the field. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a lawn chair if you'd like. We will have access to the picnic tables under the north open-air pavilion during the brunch. We will meet in any weather. We look forward to seeing you! Questions? Contact: ecojustice@unitytemple.org
Thanks to all who attended the April 27 rally supporting IL Trans and Queer communities. Pictured is Equality Illinois Deputy Director and Unity Temple member, Mony Ruiz-Velasco, Governor Pritzker, Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton, and leaders of numerous organizations and elected officials. See related announcement for more information. Photo credit: Ron Roman
Illinois Standing with Queer and Trans Communities Thank you to all who attended last week’s rally in support of Illinois Trans and Queer communities, organized by Mony Ruiz-Velasco and Equality IL. A host of organizations and leaders participated, including Gov. Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton. See the Chicago Tribune article here and Sun Times article here. One action highlighted at the rally: contact your State Senator and Representative in support of the Name Change Modernization Bill (HB 2542). Read more here to learn how the current law negatively impacts our IL Trans community. To learn more about advocacy efforts with our new community partners like Equality IL, contact Terry Kinsey: rainbow@unitytemple.org.
Roe v. Wade Response
Many of you have reached out since the leak of the Supreme Court draft opinion. We encourage you to read the statement from our UU Side with Love organizing team here. There will be a confidential training (not open to the general public or media) next Wednesday, May 11, Noon-1:30pm, a UU Side with Love Heart-to-Heart training on Tuesday, May 17, 7-8:30pm, and a rally on Saturday, May 14. Contact FaithinAction@unitytemple.org for more information and to register for the training/s.
Baby Registry The Immigration Justice Team has partnered with Al Otro Lado and UUSC in sponsoring a family recently reunited in the US. One of the family members recently had her first baby! We invite UT and community members in welcoming Baby with a helping hand for her Mom, by selecting any of the items as a donation in this Target Baby Registry. Your generosity is deeply appreciated! Questions? Contact: immigration@unitytemple.org 
Letter Writing Party Join our national letter writing party with UU's from around the country on May 9, 5:30-7:30pm. We'll write letters to disenfranchised voters to help get out the vote. Register here. Questions? Contact: votelove@unitytemple.org
UUANI Vote Love Spring Conference Join UU's from across Illinois on May 14, 10am–12:30pm! Get inspired for our shared work to live our values and learn key skills related to getting out the vote. Hear from Rev. Susan Frederick-Gray, UUA President and Nicole Presley, UU the Vote Lead Organizer. Join us for our first phone bank to Wisconsin at 1pm. Learn much more and register here. Contact: votelove@unitytemple.org
Faith in Action Newsletter We’ve launched a renewed Faith in Action newsletter filled with impactful actions. Check out the new edition here. If you didn’t receive this monthly newsletter and would like to, please subscribe here. Questions? Contact Rev. Colleen at cvahey@unitytemple.org.

Summer RE will begin on Sunday, June! Join us for summer religious education programming where children will engage in activities for all ages. This summer, we will be using the Gale House Gardens to further our connection to nature and education. If you have any questions or ideas to share or are looking for ways to support the Summer RE program, please contact summer_re@unitytemple.org.
Mindful Reflection Online Community Tuesday Evenings Zoom meeting room opens at 6:45pm, program starts promptly at 7:20pm. 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
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
Oh What a Night! After a 2-year delay, despite the threat of tornadoes and ongoing Covid concerns, we managed to almost pack the house on April 30. Unity Temple again was rocking with the sweet sounds of the annual Spring Music Festival. Many, many thanks to Ray Holdsworth, Jim Parks and Barbara Benezra for their direction and attention to detail. Unity Temple staff was helpful in all ways. Each performer put their heart and soul on the line on the stage and gave their best. Kudos to the many other volunteers who assisted and a special thank you to our audience who expressed their appreciation with thunderous applause. Proceeds from the evening benefit the Unity Temple Vocal Scholarship Program and the UT Music Program. Thank YOU! Please save the date for next year’s Spring Music Festival:
April 29, 2023.
BIPOC Friends May Meeting If you identify as Black, Indigenous or People of Color, please join us at our monthly meeting 11:30am–1pm via Zoom on Sunday, May 15. We gather to create connections and learn about resources and news of our communities. If you would like to be on the BIPOC Friends email list and to receive a Zoom link to the meeting, please contact 
bipocfriends@unitytemple.org. Celebrate Asian American Pacific Heritage Month! 
UUA General Assembly 2022 Registration for General Assembly 2022 in-person in Portland, Oregon is now open. Financial support for registration as well as a payment plan is available. General Assembly 2022 will be a multiplatform event, with registration options for in-person and/or virtual participation. Register now!
 
The 2022 UUA General Assembly (GA) Housing Reservation System offers attendees premium amenities, discounted rates, and the best networking opportunities. Attendees who book within the UUA housing block will be in the expert hands of Connections Housing, the only official 2022 UUA General Assembly Housing Bureau.
Becoming a Member
For more information about how to become a member of Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation. Contact 
Pathways to Recovery 
at Unity Temple is a safe and confidential space where we will explore UU principles and our congregation’s values of connection, acceptance and transformation to support recovery from addiction. It is a peer-led group that is intended to be a supplement to, not a replacement for, other addiction recovery groups such as AA, SMART Recovery, and Recovery Dharma. We will meet every other Wednesday at in Gale House at 7pm. Meeting dates for May are May 11 and 25. Questions can be directed to 
The 2022 Spring / Summer Adult Softball League This league is for skilled, semi-competitive teams that enjoy the social aspect of the sport. Co-ed 14 inch league ages 18 & up. We are offering co-ed on Friday night one league (recreational / intermediate league), no divisions. 

Game times take place on Fridays at 7:15pm / 8:15pm / 9:15pm. 10 game regular season + post-season tournament for those who qualify. All games are played at Ridgeland Common Park. Covid guidelines will adhere to current protocols when the season begins. You can find a link to the schedule here. For information on how to sign up contact sports@unitytemple.org. NOTE: The team is looking for a manager. Please reach out if interested.
The UUA wants your input! Thank you to everyone who has engaged in conversations about the 8th principle. (If you missed “Digging into the 8th Principle” worship service on February 13, you can find it here.) 
 
Many of you are seeking an opportunity for deeper exploration of the seven current UU Principles. Our Adult RE committee is working on this–stay tuned! Additionally, you have asked about the process that Unitarian Universalists use to identify, establish, and re-visit our purpose and principles. The UUA has created an Article II Study Commission for the purpose of looking at the language of ALL of the principles. The entire Charge to the Commission is linked here. 

Furthermore, the Commission has set up an Article II Individual Survey in order to receive comments and feedback from as many UUs as possible. We urge each of you who is interested, to complete the survey which will remain open until April 30. 
 
To date 157 UU congregations and organizations have adopted the 8th Principle. Your 8th Principle team continues to revise the following documents to help you learn more. Please check them out. Contact 8thPrinciple@unitytemple.org if you have questions.
 
Architectural Well Being: How the Built Environment Can Enable Healthier Lifestyles May 12, 7pm
Amy Coffman Phillips and Rachel Hahs of Biomimcry Chicago. 
Biomimicry Chicago’s mission is to learn from nature, cross-pollinate innovative ideas, inspire locally attuned design, and accelerate the path to a more sustainable Chicago. General admission is FREE, advanced registration is recommended. No assigned seating for this event. A recorded version of the event will be made available to UTRF members for free. For information, go here or contact Alice Kloska at 708.260.6661 or akloska@utrf.org
Dance Movement Crew and Silvita Diaz Brown
May 7, 7pm Chicago native and artistic director Monternez Rezell takes street dance to another level by integrating the street culture into concert dance creating movement in a way that pushes the limits of dance and creates new possibilities for endless style. This performance will collaborate with Silvita Diaz Brown, a Mexican/American choreographer, dancer, actor, acrobat, yoga instructor and founder of Sildance/AcroDanza dance-theatre company, for two completely unique performances. Tickets range from $20 – $39 based on seating assignment. For information on Member, Student discounts and concert information go here or contact Alice Kloska at 708.260.6661 or akloska@utrf.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!