COVID Protocol: Our Covid-19 protocols have been adjusted, we are now in Green. Masking is recommended. Please visit our website here for more details.

Journeying / The Unity Temple Choir

November Theme: Change

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

Live stream link can be found here.

Sunday’s chalice table flowers are in celebration of the life of Ruth Leary, and were given by her daughter, Judy Compton.

OFFERING : Hephzibah

Unity Temple Gives. Each week we give our Sunday collection to an organization that aligns with our values. This Sunday’s collection will benefit Hephzibah – providing group homes, foster care, family-based services, day care, educational enrichment, and a sibling camp. Hephzibah helps children thrive and families flourish through innovative community-based programs. Learn more here.


You may donate by placing cash or check in one of the circulating baskets during the service, sending a check to the Unity Temple office (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. COVID Protocol: Our Covid-19 protocols have been adjusted, we are now in Green. Please visit our website here for more details.You can access the live stream on YouTube at 10am here.

Community Hour Following the Sunday morning service join us for Community Hour for refreshments and fellowship in Unity House and on the patios as weather permits.

Call for Cookies Our cookie supply is running low. Donations are now being gratefully accepted. If you would like to donate a package or two of cookies, please drop them off in the kitchen on Sunday mornings. Note: NO NUTS. Also, gluten free cookies are much appreciated too. Thank you!

Would you like to get to know more people in our congregation? Come to our monthly meet and greet on Sunday, November 6 from 1–2pm in Unity House located across from the sanctuary at Unity Temple. New and established congregants alike are invited to attend. Registration is helpful, though drop-ins are welcome. Contact 

tlewis@unitytemple.org to register in advance.

Did You or One of Your Loved Ones Serve in the Military? During the service on November 13, we are planning to highlight those who served either past or present. We'd love to hear from you. Information can be sent to Rev. Dawn at dcooley@unitytemple.org. Please include a name, relationship, branch and / or photo if possible by Thursday, November 10. Thank you!

Please save the date for our virtual Annual Meeting on Sunday, December 11 at 1pm. Also, mark your calendar for a pre-meeting workshop. Worshops will be offered on Monday, November 28 at 7pm via Zoom, and Sunday, December 4, in-person after service. Both sessions offer the same content. Details and registration information to follow soon.

Food & Fellowship

Monthly "Brown-Bag Lunch with the Minister(s)" will begin in November on the third Thursday of the month 11:30am - 12:30pm. These new opportunities to connect will be in person at 1019 South Blvd in the odd months and will switch to virtual meetings in the even months via Zoom. Bring your lunch to the first one on November 17!

The Women’s Connection Fall Potluck We'll meet around 6pm this Friday, November 4 at the Unity Temple Community Center, 1019 South Boulevard, Oak Park. Please bring a dish to share. Reconnect with old friends and new ones. After dinner and socializing we will have an update on our Women’s Retreat, returning to the Carmelite Center in February 2023. All women are welcome attend, bringing forth new ideas, sharing in any workshops you may want to lead, or just sharing in the potluck fun! Questions? Contact womensconnection@unitytemple.org.

Thank you to everyone who has already made their 2022 pledge!

Our Annual Fund Drive is progressing, thanks to you who have already sent in your pledges. 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 of 11.3.22 we have a pledge total of $558,878. Our goal is $990,000.


We hope you will all send in your pledges as soon as possible so that we have solid results for budget planning prior to our Annual Meeting. This will also save the time of volunteers who need to make follow up calls and emails to those who have not yet pledged. Thanks for your generosity to our community. Your generosity supports our mission through our wonderful programs including worship services, religious education for our kids,  our music program, pastoral care, faith in action outreach and so much more.

  • Fill out your pledge form and mail into the office as soon as you can.
  • You can pledge on our website here.

Questions? Reach out to AnnualFundDrive@unitytemple.org.

A good time was had by all at the Halloween Party for All Ages on Sunday, October 23. There was mummy wrapping, a creepy movie, Booling, Scary Trail Mix and delicious pizza and treats. 


Unity Temple Faith In Action Network
Spiritually Grounded / Deeply Relational / Strategically Effective

Sunday Collections Nominations Open 

Each year members nominate organizations and vote at the December Annual Meeting to determine which organizations will receive a Sunday collection. To nominate an organization to be on the ballot for 2023, please complete this form by Sunday, November 20.  

 

Each year some community partners receive guaranteed collections. If you have a question about guaranteed collections for 2023, please contact FaithinAction@unitytemple.org.

Please note:

  • You must be a member of UTUUC in good standing to nominate an organization.
  • The organization must align with UU principles and UTUUC's mission.
  • The organization must be 501c3, and non-partisan. A copy of the 501c3 letter must be on file by November 20. Please send the 501c3 letter to: SundayCollections@unitytemple.org. Thank you!

Advocacy Day We need all hands on deck during November’s Veto Session to ensure the Pretrial Fairness Act goes into effect as our communities intended. Join the Illinois Network for Pretrial Justice in Springfield on November 16! During the upcoming veto session, we are opposing threats that are trying to undermine the legislation before it goes into effect. Activities in the capitol will kick off at 10am and conclude with a rally at 3pm. Register here. Questions?  Contact restorativejustice@unitytemple.org.

Reproductive Justice Training Join Side with Love for a congregational reproductive justice training! This training is for teams, and consists of two sessions, with opportunities to participate in smaller-group conversation & hands-on engagement of the organizing tools shared. If you’d like to join our UTUUC team in attending this online training please let us know. Contact: reproductive@unitytemple.org and we can register together.

Session 1: Sunday, November 13, 3-6pm

Risk Assessment & Asset Mapping

Session 2: Sunday, December 4, 3-6pm

Community Mapping & Making an Organizing Plan

Cards & Stamps 

Donate holiday cards and birthday cards to send to people who are incarcerated, who we support through the Church of the Larger Fellowship Ambassador Program of Illinois.

Many no longer have family connections and struggle with extreme loneliness. Cards must be plain (no glitter, foil, etc.) and envelopes should be white. Postage stamps are also welcome! There is a collection box in Unity House on Sunday mornings, and donations can also be dropped off at the UTUUC Community Center front desk (1019 S. Boulevard, Oak Park). Please place cards and stamps  in a labelled envelope. Questions?  Contact prisonpenpals@unitytemple.org.

Faith in Action Newsletter

Our monthly Faith in Action newsletter is filled with impactful actions! See our latest newsletter here. If you’re not receiving these emails, please subscribe here. Questions? Contact Rev. Colleen, Assistant Minister for Faith in Action - cvahey@unitytemple.org.

Reach 1 Million More Voters! We’ve reached millions of voters through our powerful phone banks, and we’ve set a goal to reach 1 million more by November 8! Join UU the Vote and Positive Women’s Network, a national membership body of women living with HIV, to help get out the vote in Pennsylvania. Join us for all or part of the time with these powerful phone banks on:

  • Sat, Nov 5, 9am–1pm CST
  • Sun, Nov 6, 1–5pm CST
  • Mon, Nov 7, 4–7pm CST

Register here to join us!

Complete Oak Park Climate Survey Our Eco-Justice team invites you to help spread the word! In August 2022, the Village of Oak Park approved the Climate Ready Oak Park sustainability plan. Our community is starting to understand the plan and act on it. If you are an Oak Park resident, please complete this 5-minute survey by November 15, and share with 5 friends. Questions? Contact: ecojustice@unitytemple.org. Thank you!

Living Fully Free Thanks to all who joined us for last Sunday’s service with Marlon Chamberlain of Fully Free and Ciera Bates-Chamberlain of Live Free. If you missed it or would like to watch again, check out their messages here (minute 41:35). We invite you to complete this form to learn more about upcoming actions. Questions? Contact: restorativejustice@unitytemple.org.

To join our new group organizing with community partners to support gun violence prevention efforts contact: gunviolenceprevention@unitytemple.org.

Meals & Holiday Gifts Needed 

Meals are needed for Housing Forward's Interim Housing program.  Learn more here and sign-up to provide an individually-wrapped meal. Thank you for your generous support!

 

You are also invited to support the families that Housing Forward serves by providing holiday gifts. Please complete this form to sponsor a family and provide gifts. Gifts are due by noon on Friday, December 9 to the Housing Forward Maywood office, 1851 S. 9th Ave., Maywood, IL  60153. Additional instructions will be included in your confirmation letter.  Contact: housingforward@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.

WiSE is Back! If you are a Woman Inspired by the Singing Experience, please attend rehearsal Sunday, October 30 directly after the service in the sanctuary. There is no need to be able to read music, or even be an experienced singer. We can't wait to see you!

Becoming a Member

We are excited to resume our Pathway to Membership sessions this fall and invite you to attend! This two part gathering is designed to help you decide whether or not becoming an active member of our faith community is right for you. You will get to know others in a a small group setting, learn about our congregations history and how things work today, as well as explore ways to be part of our future in meaningful and fun ways. 

 

Fall Pathway to Membership Schedule

These sessions meet from 1-3pm at the UTUUC Community Center. Childcare is available upon request. Online accommodations can be arranged. Masks are required at this time. To register for one of the two-part sessions listed below, contact tlewis@unitytemple.org

 

November 13 & 20 We will celebrate new members in community at a brief ceremony during Welcome Sunday on December 4. We look forward to your participation!

Fall 2022 Soup Drive

Please consider preparing a yummy vegetarian or meat soup to be shared with members of our beloved community in times of need.


Prepare soup and ladle into a gallon size freezer Ziplock and FREEZE FLAT (on a cookie sheet or smaller). Label with: Type of Soup Vegetarian or Meat, Ingredients (for allergies, amounts not necessary), Prepared by, and date. Bring your soup donation to Unity Temple on October 30 and place it in the Soup Drive cooler before or after service. You may also drop it off at 1019 South Blvd between 9am–12 noon, Monday-Thursday. Deadline is Thursday, November 10. Thank you!

Men's Retreat 2023

Mark your calendars for the weekend of January 27th–29th, 2023 at the Cabrini Center. Our theme this year will be "Turning Points of Our Lives". Registration will open October 17. Contact mensretreat@unitytemple.org.

Sip & Share Your Hospitality & Connections Committee invites you to join us for an in-person Sip & Share on Thursday, November 17 from 6:30-7:30pm at the Unity Temple Community Center located at 1019 South Blvd in Oak Park. Bring your own beverage to enjoy and some conversation or topics to share as you casually mingle with other guests. It’s sure to be lively evening!

Community of Congregations Interfaith Thanksgiving Service Join in celebrating

the season of gratitude on Sunday November 20 at 7pm, First United Church of Oak Park

848 Lake Street, Oak Park. For questions please email oprfcoc@gmail.com.

Sacred Wanderings Saturday, November 5, 2022 

8:30am–10:30am CDT, Thatcher Woods, north pavilion. Free parking is available - 8030 Chicago Ave, Maywood 60153. Follow the signs. Wear comfortable clothes and bring a lawn chair and a tea cup for tea during the sharing circle at the end. Tea will be provided. We will meet in any weather condition.


Masks are optional.


Join Kevin, Jay and Terry 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.


Those with physical challenges are easily accommodated. If you have any questions please email 

mindful@unitytemple.org. We look forward to seeing you! 

Religious Education is Happening! Have you Registered? 

Each year, we ask our families to register and 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 Val Ridenour vridenour@unitytemple.org

Please register your child/children for Religious Education using this link.

The Mindful Reflection 

community meets every TUESDAY evening virtually and in person in Unity House at Unity Temple. Meeting opens at 6:45pm for camaraderie, the program starts promptly at 7:20pm. Vaccinations are encouraged, masks are mandatory. We will follow our usual format with 20 minutes of Mindful Reflection followed by a dharma talk and discussion. Questions email 

mindful@unitytemple.orgJoin Zoom meeting here.

8 Years of Mindfulness! The Mindful Reflection Community will be celebrating its 8 year anniversary on Tuesday, November 15. Please come and join us whether you've come many times or it's your first time to join us! 

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

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!

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