Worship for this Sunday–February 14, 2021
Live Streaming at 10am
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Containing Multitudes
Rev. Emily Gage
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February Theme: Beloved Community
Live Stream Worship at 10am / Recorded Viewing Available at Noon
Live stream link can be found here.
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OFFERTORY :: Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights
Unity Temple Gives. Each week we give our Sunday collection to an organization that aligns with our values. This Sunday’s collection will benefit the Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights – protecting and advancing the rights and best interests of immigrant children according to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and state and federal law.
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 Young Center 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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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.
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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.
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Meet the Ministers :: This monthly offering provides an opportunity to get to know our ministers in a small group setting, share your story and ask questions about Unitarian Universalism and our congregation. Meet with Rev. Alan Taylor
this Sunday, 2/14 from 11-12pm or
Wednesday, 2/17 from 7-8pm
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Reflecting with the Board this Sunday
February 14 at 1pm and
Monday, February 15 at 7pm
The Board of Trustees wants to stay connected with you. We are again offering two opportunities to share what we have been doing, to listen to your questions and concerns, and to invite you to join with us as we continue to reflect on our current Unity Temple community.
Zoom link for both sessions:
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Unity Temple Trivia Night was a hit! Be on the look out for future game nights in the coming weeks. |
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Connection / Care Calls Kicking Off! In the spirit of our monthly theme, Beloved Community, volunteers will begin calling all member households of the congregation who do not already have ongoing contact with a pastoral associate thru the month of February. The purpose of these calls is stay in touch, provide support as needed, and build community during this pandemic time. The Care Team hopes you will find this touchpoint with a fellow member meaningful and fun.
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The Welcoming All Team in collaboration with our Faith in Action Network, is excited to offer an opportunity to expand our exploration of Welcoming All through a reading group examining issues of justice. Join us on Monday, February 15 at 6:30pm or Sunday, February 28 at 2pm for our February discussion of the book, All Alone in the World: Children of the Incarcerated by Nell Bernstein. Discussion will be led by Unity Temple's ministerial intern, mandi huizenga. Sign up here or
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Men's Retreat Virtual Event:: Rethinking Buddhist Practice for the Modern Man hosted by Terry Kinsey. Develop an understanding of "3 Marks of Existence" and the "4 Noble Truths'' through practice and discussion in break-out groups taking place on Saturday February 20 at 1pm. To register send name and email address to mensretreat@unitytemple.org. |
BIPOC Friends
Sunday, 2/21,
12–1:30 pm
Please join our friend Alice Ocrey Brent to celebrate 2021's Black History Month's theme, The Black Family: Representation, Identity and Diversity. Alice will share the story of how her grandparents came to Chicago in the 1890s with horse and buggy. What are your stories of how your ancestors – or you – came to this country or this region? Who is your family? What does family mean to you? We look forward to learning more from each other. Please send questions or requests for the Zoom link to bipocfriends@unitytemple.org.
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Virtual Women’s Retreat–February
26-28:: Sacred Cycles of a Woman’s Life
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Featuring keynote speaker Nancy Vedder-Shults to speak on Creativity at Life’s Turning Points. Followed by workshops, music, and connection. It’s meaningful to us, our beloved retreat experience, continue during this time. Registration is open now. To sign up go here.
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Rainbow Connection Meeting ::
On Wednesday, February 17th we will view the film A Common Flower (1992), a film about an older lesbian. It is a 27 minute color feature film directed by Doreen Bartoni, based on a short story by Rainbow Connections member Karen Lee Osborne. OutTakes called it “a touching portrait of two women in love. Paula plans to go to Russia with her lover Sylvia. When Sylvia dies, Paula prepares to make the trip alone." We will discuss the film afterwards. Please join us from 7-8:30pm. All UTUUC BGLQT+ individuals are welcome! Questions write to rainbow@unitytemple.org.
Zoom Meeting
Password: 315690
One tap mobile
+13126266799,,97043554768#,,1#,315690# US (Chicago)
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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.
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Registration is Open! General Assembly is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists, where we conduct business of the Association, explore the theological underpinnings of our faith, and lean fully into our mission and principles. That remains true even when we cannot gather physically. Last year, GA had more than 4,900 registered attendees participate from remote locations around the world. For more information and to register go here.
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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
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Connections Art Project
Is it American Gothic or some congregation members? Have some fun and recreate a piece of “art” with objects, people, pets, and props you have at home. Photos of the original and your project will be uploaded by February 28th and exhibited in an online “art” show. To submit project, send an email to
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Visitor Form
If you would like to be contacted about how to get involved with our community, please take a moment to fill out this form.
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What is Coffee Hour?
It is a time to connect with old friends and make new friends following worship service on Sunday mornings. Attendees socialize in small groups of 6-8 during breakout sessions. We hope you will join us!
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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.
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Newcomer Orientation
Sunday, 3/7/21 from 11-12pm OR
Monday, 3/8/21 from 7-8 pm
Each month we offer an orientation to familiarize participants with the fundamentals of Unitarian Universalism, and an overview of our mission and programs.
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Pathway to Membership
Sunday, 2/21/21 11–12:30pm OR Monday, 2/22/21 to 7–8:30
We want you to know how we learn and grow, create community, care for one another, governor and financially support ourselves, and have fun! Join this monthly class to experience a deep dive into UTUUC.
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Becoming a Member
We recommend attending our orientation, meeting our ministers, and learning about how we work by attending our interactive informational sessions. Upon completion we invite you to sign The Membership Book and fill out an Enrollment Kit. If for some reason, you are unable to attend our sessions, please contact Tina Lewis, Director of Membership & Engagement to discuss alternative arrangements.
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This monthly offering provides an opportunity to get to know our ministers in a small group setting, share your story and ask questions about Unitarian Universalism and our congregation. |
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Meet the Ministers
Rev. Alan Taylor
Sunday, 2/14 from 11-12pm and
Wednesday, 2/17 from 7-8pm
Rev. Emily Gage
Sunday, 3/14 from 11-12pm and
Wednesday, 3/17 from 7-8pm
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Unity Temple Faith In Action Network
Spiritually Grounded / Deeply Relational / Strategically Effective
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Solidarity Circle Training
Sunday, March 7, 3–4:30pm
A Solidarity Circle is a group of individuals who come together to journey with someone who has been released from prison or jail. The group consists of a Circle Leader and several Circle Members (ideally 6-8) who meet regularly to listen and to assist the Circle Leader in finding ways to meet both immediate and long term needs, and to achieve independence. Join us to learn about the logistics of the Circle meetings, Circle Leader boundaries, and identifying points of privilege when engaged with someone with a social location different from the Circle Member’s social location. Register here for a Zoom link to the training. Contact: restorativejustice@unitytemple.org
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When supporting local restaurants by ordering take-out or delivery, specify no utensils, condiments or napkins. And if the food comes in a compostable or recyclable container, send a thank you note, Facebook comment or tweet. Restaurants need some love right now! If you have a green tip you’d like to share, contact ecojustice@unitytemple.org
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Immigration Justice Update :: Thursday, February 25, 7:30-8:30pm
Join the Immigration Justice team for a conversation with Mony Ruiz-Velasco, a member of Unity Temple who is a human rights advocate, immigration lawyer, organizer, and the Associate Director for Network Power at Alianza Americas. Facilitated by Betty Alzamora. Register here.
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Legislative Advocacy Training– Saturday, March 6, 10–11:30am :: The Unitarian Universalist Advocacy Network of Illinois and Unitarian Universalist Prison
Ministry of Illinois invite you to join Director of Restore Justice, Jobi Cates, in a Legislative
Advocacy Training. We will spend time on big picture orientation followed by tips for
strategic organizing and advocacy. Register here.
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UU Advocacy Network of Illinois
NOW is the time to make good on our promise to raise the minimum wage! We've never been THIS CLOSE to victory. On the heels of President Biden's support of the $15 minimum wage, a bill to raise the minimum wage nationally to $15 has been introduced in Congress, S.150/H.R.582. Let's join our allies in getting this passed in the first 100 days of the 117th Congress.
Take Action to ask your legislators to support the Raise the Wage Act of 2021–let's get this done! Allied with UUs for Social Justice: UU Advocacy in the Nation’s Capitol Unitarian Universalists for a Just Economic Community. The Poor People’s Campaign: A Call for Moral Revival. Comments, questions, suggestions? Contact us.
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Soul Connections :: Are you hoping to connect with other people from our congregation? Are you wanting to deepen your experience of being a Unitarian Universalist? Are you looking for a way to renew your spirit? Joining a Soul Connections small group with a 12 month commitment is a great way to answer these questions!
Each month, you'll receive a packet on the month's theme with spiritual exercises, questions, as well as suggested movies, books, quotes and podcasts. It's a great way to build relationships, receive (and give) real nourishment for the journey. If you'd like to explore with us, please direct questions to soulconnections@unitytemple.org
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Religious Education is Up and Running and We are Virtual this Year! Our dedicated volunteers are working to connect with our young UU's by offering class rituals and connection activities each Sunday. If you are looking for more information about how to join a class or you are interested in becoming a class leader, please send an email to either Rev. Emily Gage egage@unitytemple.org or Val Ridenour vridenour@unitytemple.org
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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)
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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6th Graders Spreading Love for Valentine’s Day :: For this year’s 6th grade RE class, our social justice project is helping Housing Forward in their mission to transition people from housing crisis to housing stability. We will collect and donate the things they need such as quarters for laundry & vending machines, toiletry items, and cleaning supplies. Our campaign will run through Valentine’s Day. You can drop off items at Gale House or arrange for pick-up through this Google Form.
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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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Meeting ID: 895 0302 7611 Password: 062305
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Make Plans for Valentine's Day weekend! On Saturday, February 13 at 8pm the UTRF Chamber Music Series will be presenting a VIRTUAL Valentine’s concert featuring three musical duos performing music of romance–recorded in our beloved sanctuary. The event is offered through Zoom and will include an audience Q&A after the concert with some of our artists. Tickets are $20 for general admission per household or $10 for students. For more information go here or contact Heidi Ruehle May (708) 260-6661 or heidi@utrf.org.
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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. |
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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. |
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It energizes us to transform ourselves, our congregation and our world by welcoming all, inspiring compassion, nurturing wonder and serving community.
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It comforts us to know we are joined together in spirit on this journey toward a future we promised to build. |
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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.
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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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Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings / NOTE : As of March 13, 2020 we are temporarily suspending in person AA meetings. Questions about AA? Please contact Ron at winder.upper@hotmail.com. This link will take you to a list of suspended / relocated AA meetings in Chicagoland.
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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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