What is Interim Ministry, and
Who is This Person? / Rev. Dawn Cooley
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July and August Theme: Journey
Live Stream Worship at 10am / Recorded Viewing Available at Noon
Live stream link can be found here.
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OFFERTORY :: 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.
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 UUA 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!
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Welcome to UTUUC
If you would like to learn more about how our congregation works and how you can become involved, please contact Tina Lewis, Director of Engagement & Membership to set up a conversation. She looks forward to meeting you! tlewis@unitytemple.org
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Worship Service :: will be at 10am on YouTube Live. You can access it here.
Community Hour :: Immediately following the service (around 10:45am) the Virtual Community Hour will be on Zoom. Go to Zoom Meeting ID: 999 2797 5277 Password: 875875 Or access directly here.
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Community Hour Courtesies Community 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.
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Marsha Borders, Glenn Brewer, Vera Dowell, Fran Knechel and Ian Morrison are the new Transition Team that has been appointed by the Board and represents both the breadth and depth of UTUUC experience. They will be assisting our Interim Senior Minister, the Rev. Dawn Cooley during the next two years. Right now, they are focusing on connecting Rev. Dawn with staff and lay leadership in the congregation, and learning together what it means to be on this team! Watch this space for more details as the transition continues transition@unitytemple.org. Welcome Rev. Cooley!
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Return to In-Person Worship Postponed! Due to the rise of the Delta variant of Covid-19 and the recent increase in positive cases in Cook County, we will be postponing our return to in-person worship. Although we will not be open to in-person attendees, we will be returning to live streaming the Sunday Service from the Sanctuary beginning with the August 29th service. The E-Team, Community Transformation Team, Worship Committee and Board of Trustees continue to work towards bringing back people to the Temple safely and in alignment with our principles.
The Community Transformation Team (CTT) continues to work on a comprehensive phased opening policy taking into account the guidelines and rules of the Center for Disease Control, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Village of Oak Park and the congregation’s guiding principles. Illinois is currently in Phase 5. The CTT has completed version 2.0 of the Phased Re-Opening Plan for in-person events at Unity Temple which can be found here. 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. You can also check the Unity Temple website under the Phased Re-Opening tab for more information. Questions and comments can be directed to ctt@unitytemple.org.
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We're Hiring for a Worship Service Production Coordinator (WSPC). This position is responsible for the execution of all live video at Unity Temple, which then feeds the broadcasts to the UTUUC YouTube channel. The WSPC is also responsible for managing the volunteers who run sound for the non-streamed worship and memorial services. Responsibilities include:
- Running a live video switching system
- Managing the broadcast control location
- Camera operation during live music and speaking productions
- Managing sound for both services and memorial services that don’t require video streaming
The WSPC will report directly to the Ministers and work closely with, the Music Director, musicians and others involved in presenting during the worship service. To learn more about the job and how to apply follow this link.
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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.
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Call for Volunteers (You read that right, YAY!)
It brings me great joy to prepare for a phased reopening of Sunday morning gatherings! While things won't be exactly the same for some time as we continue to navigate the evolving pandemic, with help from those who can, we will begin our return as soon as it is the right time to do so. We want to be ready! That means we need many volunteers to help in many different ways. If you are vaccinated and would like to help with our return to Sunday morning gatherings, please indicate how you would like to serve here.
Beyond Sunday morning, there are more opportunities to volunteer emerging. Stay tuned for weekly updates. Our community is strengthened and sustained by your support. Please contact me at tlewis@unitytemple.org with questions. May your volunteer contributions be meaningful and bring you joy.
With sincere gratitude,
Tina Lewis, Director of Engagement & Membership.
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Let's get to know each other! Once a month, newcomers are invited to a meet and greet social hour with Tina Lewis, Director of Engagement & Membership. During this pandemic time, final meeting location will be confirmed via email 48 hours in advance. We will either meet indoors at the Unity Temple Community Center located at 1019 South Blvd, outdoors on the porch of Gale house located at 124 N. Kenilworth, or on-line via Zoom. Refreshments are unable to be provided at this time, but enjoyable conversation with new friends can be expected! Next meeting: Sunday, September 19 from 1-2pm. To register email tlewis@unitytemple.org
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Annual Women's Connection BAR–BQ
Sunday September 12th, at Jenny’s backyard
802 Highland Ave
Oak Park
2:30pm. All interested in planning for 2022 Women’s Retreat/new committee members welcome, (and needed). Currently an in person Weekend Retreat is scheduled.
4pm: BBQ begins-for all Women. You don’t have to be a member to join us. Event will be outdoors, rain or shine with shelter tent to use. Feel free to bring a mask and socially distance as you are comfortable. We will provide burgers, meat, salmon, or veggie, brats, & buns and some drinks. Please bring side dish, or dessert to share. Any questions/concerns contact womensconnections@unitytemple.org
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Meet the Ministers Come get to know one of our ministers on the second Sunday of every month, except the first gathering which will be on Sunday, September 26 from 1-2pm. During this pandemic time, final meeting location will be confirmed via email 48 hours in advance. Meeting will be indoors at the Unity Temple Community Center located at 1019 South Blvd, outdoors on the porch of Gale house located at 124 N. Kenilworth, or on-line via Zoom. Refreshments are unable to be provided at this time, but enjoyable conversation can be expected! To register email tlewis@unitytemple.org
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Welcome to UTUUC
If you would like to learn more about how our congregation works and how you can become involved, please contact Tina Lewis, Director of Engagement & Membership to set up a conversation. She looks forward to meeting you! tlewis@unitytemple.org
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Unity Temple Faith In Action Network
Spiritually Grounded / Deeply Relational / Strategically Effective
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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.
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Plastic Bag Recycling!
Did you know "stretchy" plastic like plastic shopping bags, dry-cleaning bags, bread bags, ziploc and produce bags aren't usually recyclable in your bins at home? We're collecting these items that would usually go to a landfill (or to Jewel) to be turned into a recycled plastic bench! The bench will be donated to Third Unitarian Church in Austin.
Watch this short video, and see what can be recycled here. 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.
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Immigration Justice After we celebrated the IL Way Forward Act, which ended ICE Detention Centers in IL by 2022, we received the news that Pulaski Detention Center requested to close IMMEDIATELY. ICE claims they will do a case-by-case review to decide which people can be released to the community, and which people will be transferred to a different detention facility, but have not provided a realistic timeline to collect full evidence for a positive review. If people are transferred, they will be separated from their families, friends, and community. It will be harder for them to work with their lawyers and gather community support for their cases. Please send an email here urging the ICE field director to release people today! Questions? Contact immigration@unitytemple.org
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Emergency Relief – Haiti On August 14, a 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit Haiti — about 80 miles west of Port-au-Prince, the capital — causing widespread destruction. More than 1400 people have died and thousands have been injured, caught under rubble and collapsed buildings. Hospitals are overwhelmed. Tropical Storm Grace has also brought heavy winds and further damage, hampering rescue efforts.
Please help the UU Service Committee (UUSC) get resources to our long-term grassroots partners in Haiti by making a gift to the UUSC Emergency Response Fund today. Thank you!
Watch this video from UUSC to learn more as we join together in this vital work!
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Climate & Equity - Time for Action! It’s been two months since Illinois legislators left Springfield without passing a climate and equity bill, and the cost of doing nothing is colossal. Without passing Clean Energy legislation, thousands of union workers and solar installers will lose their jobs. Without setting a clear closure date for toxic fossil fuel plants, our communities will continue breathing dangerously unhealthy air, and BIPOC communities won’t have access to the clean energy economy.
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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.
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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
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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.
ID: 373 008 242 / Passcode: 4IFrYx
One tap mobile: +13126266799,,373008242#,,,,*940220#1 312 626 6799 Meeting ID: 373 008 242 / Passcode: 940220
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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. |
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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.
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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
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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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