Gratitude and More Gratitude
Rev. Alan Taylor
June Theme: Play
Live Stream Worship at 10am / Recorded Viewing Available at Noon
Live stream link can be found here.
OFFERTORY :: Oak Park Regional Housing Center
Unity Temple Gives. Each week we give our Sunday collection to an organization that aligns with our values. This Sunday’s collection will benefit Oak Park Regional Housing Center – building vibrant and inclusive communities across the Greater West Side. Since 1972, OPRHC provides direct services to expand housing options, combat segregation and improve opportunity and community reinvestment. 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 OPRH 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.
The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce
Reverend Dawn S. Cooley will be joining UTUUC as our Interim Minister on August 1, 2021. We expect Rev. Cooley to be with us for two years. Learn more about Rev. Cooley here.

Welcome, Rev. Dawn Cooley!!
The Community Transformation Team (CTT) is currently working on a comprehensive phased opening policy taking into account the guidelines and rules presented by the Center for Disease Control, the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Village of Oak Park. Here is where we are now. The CTT will continue to keep everyone updated in regards to the decisions made and the guidelines that we as a congregation will need to follow within our unique building settings. Website link can be found here. Questions and comments can be directed to: communitytransformationteam@unitytemple.org

Thanks to everyone who attended the May 30 coffee hour at FitzGerald's, the first of our events celebrating Reverend Taylor's service and the continuity of our congregation! We watched the service together and enjoyed a musical tribute to Reverend Taylor by Marty Swisher! We look forward to seeing you at the upcoming events, which are listed on the website here. 

Unity Temple Choir Will Break for the Summer Beginning June 16, the choir will break for the summer. Contact music director, Marty Swisher to learn more. mswisher@unitytemple.org
Musicians Needed Calling for guitarists, singers as well as all instrumentalists that are willing to share their talents for services! Contact Marty Swisher mswisher@unitytemple.org
Sacred Wanderings Live and In Person at Thatcher Woods this Saturday, June 5 from 8:30-10:30am (First Saturdays)!! Join Kevin 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 and a cup for tea, if desired, for the discussion at the end. Tea 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. If you are vaccinated, masks and physical distancing will not be required.  
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 Summer RE Goes Virtual With the Theme of "Grow Together" Beginning Sunday, June 13th we will offer online programming to fuel our fine young people's spiritual growth and to serve as an opportunity to connect and practice our principles together. We will offer Activities for All Ages via zoom every Sunday at 9:30am. If you have any questions or thoughts to share, please contact summer_re@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

Connect | Reconnect :: 2021 UT Auction Coming!!! Connect/Reconnect is our theme. We want to create 100 dinners, 25 events and 12 Get-a-Ways as part of our 2021 Auction. Bidding will take place between July 11–July 25. The Auction Committee needs donors for these events. More specific information on how to become a donor will be sent out on Tuesday, June 8. Being a donor of 1 or 2 meals, an event or a get-a-way will enable many to connect with new and re-connect with past friends & members. You can reach out to auction@unitytemple.org with questions, suggestions and more.
Men's Retreat Golf Outing Now accepting reservations for Sunday June 6th at 2pm. 9 holes at White Pines in Bensenville. $44 to ride / $34 to walk. Questions contact mensretreat@unitytemple.org.
Farewell Events for Rev. Taylor Connect with our building, reflect on your journey, and wish Rev. Alan Taylor well as he departs UTUUC. This time will be used to reconnect with Unity Temple along with a small group of people, reflect on the meaning of participation and have a meaningful goodbye with Rev. Taylor. NOTE: Only people who have signed up using this link will be admitted. Please do not share this invitation with outside parties. Sign up to participate here.

Additional planned farewell events will continue thru the end of June. These allow for more opportunities to connect with Rev. Taylor and your fellow congregants in person. Learn more here.
Slide Rules to Cell Phones How are you mentally navigating life changes? A presentation on NASA inventions; has it improved or complicated our lives? Please join this virtual Men's Retreat Event on Friday, June 11 at 7pm. Contact mensretreat@unitytemple.org with questions.
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
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. See weekly schedule here. Questions? Contact sports@unitytemple.org
Women’s Connection Event Virtual Dance Party-Dance to the Music!!! Our very own Jeanette, and host, will lead us in a 40 minute virtual zoom dance and move on Friday, June 4, at 7pm. Bring it on!! Keep the date open, zoom link here. Meeting ID: 735 2225 8373 Passcode: V99miY
Don't Forget to Take the Communications Survey! The survey is an opportunity to share your thoughts on our current communications efforts in a brief, 5-minute survey. Your participation is crucial in helping the Communications Committee determine what is working and what could use some improvement when it comes to emails, social media, the new Unity Temple website and other ways we share news and updates. The survey will close on June 15. Take the survey.
Gale House Garden Flowers! 
Let’s work together to fill and beautify the Gale House Gardens this season! We invite you to bring some flowers to plant in the Gale House Gardens. Please plant only flowers of the annual variety (impatiens, petunias, marigolds, begonias, etc.).If you have questions, or would like to support the Gale House Gardens in another way, email Val Ridenour vridenour@unitytemple.org. 
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 
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.
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.
Unity Temple Faith In Action Network
Spiritually Grounded / Deeply Relational / Strategically Effective
We are so close to a historic step for justice and climate in Illinois–and we need you to help make it happen! The IL General Assembly has an opportunity to pass a bill that tackles both climate and equity, consistent with both the Governor’s bill and the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA). Even though a bill did not pass before adjournment last Monday night, a landmark climate and equity bill is within reach! As UU's we value the interdependent web of all life - so we cannot allow legislators to give a pass to the Prairie State coal plant, the largest climate polluter in the state and the 7th largest polluter in the country. 
Join us for 3 calls to action:
  1. Call Senate President Harmon at (708) 848-2002 and/or (217) 782-8176 (messaging below)
  2. Message Senator Harmon on his website.
  3. Join us for this event Monday at Noon in Scoville Park 
Messaging for calls and messages:
  • Don’t let Prairie State off the hook - close the Prairie State coal plant.
  • Let’s get back to Springfield to pass a comprehensive clean energy bill.
  • We need a climate bill, not a coal bill.
Unity Temple Gives. Each week we give our Sunday collection to an organization that aligns with our values. This Sunday’s collection will benefit Oak Park Regional Housing Center – building vibrant and inclusive communities across the Greater West Side. Since 1972, OPRHC provides direct services to expand housing options, combat segregation and improve opportunity and community reinvestment. Learn more here.  
Juneteenth Film & Discussion Join CRS and the San Antonio Black International Film Festival in a virtual screening and panel discussion of Crawford:The Man the South Forgot on Thursday, June 17, 7-9pm OR Saturday, June 19, 12pm-3pm. Learn more and register here. 
UU Prison Ministry Pen Pals We encourage you to consider being a pen pal with someone living in prison. There are 3 steps to help you prepare. Visit the UU Prison Ministry of IL website to watch the 40-minute introductory video; read the resources provided; and then submit the request to be matched with a pen pal. Someone from UUPMI will follow-up with you via phone to check-in and confirm your match. To learn much more about how pen pals are supported, please read the great quarterly pen pal newsletter here. Questions? Contact penpals@unitytemple.org
UUPMI Join the Unitarian Universalist Prison Ministry of Illinois in reading Mariame Kaba's newest book We Do This 'Til We Free Us. Beginning on June 6, we will meet two Sunday afternoons per month (skipping July for summer break) for community-building, facilitated reflection, and actions. We will work our way through the book, two chapters at a time, and center inside voices with participating prison pen pals. 
Register here for Zoom links. Due to the extended nature of this praxis, we understand that committing to all sessions may not be accessible. We do hope to build relationships with this learning group, so please join us as often as you're able. Questions? Contact: uupmi.info@gmail.com
Recycling is great but items that can be recycled have changed over the years. “Wish cycling” refers to the practice of throwing things in the blue bin in the hope that it will be recycled. This sends the whole batch to the landfill. Please check your plastic for the triangle with the numbers 1-4 and 6-7, which can be recycled. If there’s no triangle, throw it in the trash. Plastic bags and stretchy plastic cannot go in your home bin but can go to Jewel (and a location nearby in the future). 
 
If you have a green tip you’d like to share, contact ecojustice@unitytemple.org

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!