All Congregation Retreat / Set Clocks Back an hour / Meet and Greet

Clocks Set Back an Hour!!!

Benefits of Conflict / Rev. Dawn Cooley

November Theme: Holding History

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

Live stream link can be found here.

OFFERING :: Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA)

Unity Temple Gives. Each week we give our Sunday collection to an organization that aligns with our values. This Sunday’s collection will support our member dues to the Unitarian Universalist Association (UUA) – serving the needs of 1000+ member congregations, including innovative resources for worship, learning, and justice. 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

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

We will also be streaming live on YouTube at 10am. You can access it here.

To sign up for in-person worship, 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.

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.

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. Virtual gathering takes place Sunday, November 7, 1-2pm. Register here to join us on Zoom. Questions? Contact

ecojustice@unitytemple.org

Let's get to know each other! This Sunday, 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

Saturday, November 6 from 3–7:30pm.

We’ve reserved the spot now we just need you! We’ll provide a fire and smores materials. Please BYO chairs, games (Bags? Football?), libations of any kind to keep you warm, and bring your spirit of community. Feel like having a sing-along? Bring your guitar and songbook! Feel like taking a walk in the woods? We can’t promise it will feel like Michigan, but we can promise the camaraderie of the All-Congregation Retreat a little bit closer to home

All are welcome. Please email annualretreat@unitytemple.org if you plan to come, and we’ll know to look out for you! Donations to help cover the cost of the rental of the space are also welcome!

Location

Jerome Huppert Woods (Picnic Area 1)

N Thatcher Ave, south of W Fullerton Ave

River Grove, IL 60171

A spooctacular event of costumes and fun at this past Sundays' Halloween Party Activity for All Ages!

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.

MyHAT Small Support Group Meeting Time Change! 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 time has changed to the 4th Tuesday of the month (rather than the 4th Monday), and we will be meeting IN PERSON at 1019 South Blvd, Oak Park. The next meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 23, from 7–9pm. Questions contact myhat@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.

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

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.

Unity Temple Faith In Action Network

Spiritually Grounded / Deeply Relational / Strategically Effective

Solidarity with Prison Pen Pals Our prison ministry pen pals request donations for men at Western Correctional Center. The following items are urgently needed – and ONLY these items please:

Travel size only – shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, lotion, toothpaste
Soap – bars only (not liquid)
Blank winter holiday cards and envelopes that people can send to their loved ones (no ribbon, glue, paint, glitter or sequins)

Please place items in a bag marked "prison ministry", and drop off on the front porch at either of these locations:

735 Park Ave, River Forest
Gale House, 124 N Kenilworth, Oak Park (just behind Unity Temple)

All donations need to be received no later than Sunday, November 21, Noon.

We also encourage everyone to consider attending an educational event about transformative justice hosted by UU Prison Ministry of IL (as available later this year) to learn more about transforming the harms of the Prison Industrial Complex with a vision of abolishing policing and prisons. These donations will be given as an act of solidarity, not charity, based on a real relationship of care that goes both ways. Thank you, in advance, for your generous support! Questions? 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

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.

UU Prison Ministry Pen Pals There are currently 18 people in Illinois prisons who are members of the UU Church of the Larger Fellowship awaiting a pen pal. We invite you to consider becoming a pen pal. Training and support are provided. There are 3 steps to follow on the UU Prison Ministry of IL website:

Watch the 40-minute introductory video;
Read the resources provided;
Submit the request form to be matched with a pen pal.

Someone from UUPMI will follow-up with you to check-in and confirm your match. Questions? Contact: penpals@unitytemple.org

Introducing the 8th Principle Team

To date 124 UU congregations have adopted the 8th Principle, which calls for us to “accountably dismantle racism and other oppressions in ourselves and our institutions.” Unity Temple has recently formed an 8th Principle Team, whose mission is to provide information and reflective experiences so that people understand what the 8th Principle is all about. We invite you to join the Team by emailing us at 8thPrinciple@unitytemple.org. You can find additional information about the 8th Principle here. Watch for much more information in the months ahead!

30 Day Compassion Challenge

Did you see the prison ministry request for donations? This is a great act of compassion during our 30 Day Compassion Challenge. How is the challenge going for you? We’d love to hear from you. We will be available after the in-person service on Sunday to gather feedback or you can email inspiring@unitytemple.org.

CONTEMPLATION QUESTION: Where in your life do you / have you expressed compassion?

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.

Seeking Music Committee Members!

The Unity Temple Music Committee will be reconvened and is in need of members. Please contact music director, Marty Swisher if interested mswisher@unitytemple.org

Sacred Wanderings Live and In Person at Thatcher Woods on Saturday, November 6, from 8:30-10:30am (First Saturdays)!! Join Terry and Jay as we intentionally practice connecting with nature and surrounding ourselves with the energy of the natural world. Forest bathing is not taking a leisurely walk in the woods to enjoy the scenery. There's a specific intention in the practice to connect with the natural world and to gain benefit and energy from it. In other words, you are bathing in the energy of the trees, leaves, sky, and earth. Meditation and mindfulness assists in securing this intention. There will be silence and discussion.

The group will meet no matter what the weather conditions so come prepared. Please bring a lawn chair you can carry to sit on as well as a cup for tea for the discussion at the end, if you desire. Tea will be provided. Mosquito netting, hand sanitizer and masks will be provided. Those with physical challenges are easily accommodated. If you have any questions please email mindful@unitytemple.org.

We will gather at 8030 Chicago Ave., just west of Thatcher Ave., north Pavilion, Maywood, IL.

Watch for Sacred Wandering signs.

RE in the Park Join us Sunday, November 7 at 3pm for some RE family time in the park. We will meet at at Carroll Park. 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. Please reach out to Val Ridenour vridenour@unitytemple.org with any questions.

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.

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

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

Our 2022 Annual Fund Drive Update!

Thank you to everyone who has already made their 2022 pledge! As of November 4, 2021 we have commitments from 189 households totaling $653,128.

.....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.

.....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! Please take this opportunity to submit your 2022 pledge form as soon as you can. Information can be found by:

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 November 4, 2021 we have commitments totaling $653,128.

Thank you so much for your support!

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!