Building a New Way
Rev. Alan Taylor
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March Theme: Commitment
Live Stream Worship at 10am / Recorded Viewing Available at Noon
Live stream link can be found here.
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OFFERTORY :: BUILD
Unity Temple Gives. Each week we give our Sunday collection to an organization that aligns with our values. This Sunday’s collection will benefit BUILD – providing powerful experiential learning opportunities to nearly 6,000 youth in the Austin community. BUILD uses entrepreneurship to ignite the potential of youth from under-resourced communities and propel them to high school, college, and career success. You can learn more here, and check out this great video 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 BUILD 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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BIPOC Friends :: (A gathering for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) How did you or your family end up where you are? The stories of our migrations are diverse and their impact generational. Let us continue to share these histories and also consider the question, "What makes a good ancestor? What do you think your legacy will be?" Lecretia Williams will lead us at our next gathering on Sunday, March 28, 12–1:30pm. See you there! Please send questions or requests for the Zoom link to bipocfriends@unitytemple.org.
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Widening the Circle of Concern Information Sessions: The Welcoming All Team is hosting information sessions in preparation for a discussion on the UUA’s Commission on Institutional Change’s report, Widening the Circle of Concern, on May 2. A general information session will be offered Sunday, March 28 at 12pm. Discussion of report specifics will take place at 2pm on Sunday the 28. Questions? Contact mhuizenga@unitytemple.org.
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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
Monday, 4/5/21 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, 4/18/21 11–12:30pm OR Monday, 4/19/21 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, 4/11 from 11-12pm and
Wednesday, 4/14 from 7-8pm
Rev. Emily Gage
Sunday, 4/11 from 11-12pm and
Wednesday, 4/14 from 7-8pm
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Volunteer Assistance Needed! As spring arrives we are preparing for more walks together and fire pit gatherings. We are looking for volunteers to be walk leaders and fire pit hosts. You may choose to volunteer once or on an ongoing basis. Contact connections@unitytemple.org
for more details. Happy Spring!
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MyHAT Art Studio with Anna* Join us on Sunday, April 11th from 1-2pm for an art studio with Anna* via Zoom. We’ll explore the theme of Spring/Rebirth after a long winter! Please bring your inner artist and any art supplies you have (even just a pen and paper). This event is open to all ages. Please contact MyHAT@unitytemple.org for more information.
*Anna Olson is an art therapy and counseling graduate student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and intern at the Disability Culture Activism Lab.
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Unity Temple Geocaching! Are you ready for an outdoor adventure? Are you called to nature for some fresh air and exploring? All you need is a mobile device and some boots! The Connections Team is setting up some geocache containers hidden in the north side of Thatcher Woods. You are welcome to do this activity during a time that works best for you. You can find the navigation coordinates here. If you have questions, send an email to connections@unitytemple.org.
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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 ataylor@unitytemple.org or
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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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Spring Hope Project! Connect with our community in creating a beautiful display of hope! Members and friends are asked to create statements of hope, using the kits located on the porch of Gale House, and attach them to the display on the porch at Gale House. Selfies are being collected of participants attaching their statements of hope and will be shared in the eBeacon. Please send your selfies to connections@unitytemple.org.
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Need an excuse to work off that COVID 15 (lbs)? Why not come and play Co-Ed Softball with the Wright Fielders! Next practice will be on Sunday, March 28 from 2-4pm at Stevenson Park, 49 Lake St Oak Park, IL 60302
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. If interested or have questions please reach out to Rich Pokorny or Mike Cantrell at sports@unitytemple.org.
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Bruce Springsteen and Aging :: Join the Men's Retreat on Saturday, March 27 at 10am for a virtual experience featuring Chair Yoga along with a discussion of Bruce Springsteen and the Art of Aging Well, written by David Brooks. For registration, please contact mensretreat@unitytemple.org.
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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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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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UTUUC BOT Meeting to be held Saturday, April 3 at 10am. Board will meet briefly in public session to appoint a new Board Secretary, then will go into executive session for the remainder of the meeting.
The agenda includes:
- Appointment of a new Board Secretary
- Executive Session of the Board
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Despite our best efforts as Unitarian Universalists, racism still exists across our denomination and within our congregations. Building on the discussions from our January 31st event with Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd, the Welcoming All Team is hosting a discussion with member of the Commission, Meadville Lombard Theological School president, and Unity Temple friend Dr. Elías Ortega. Learn about the commission's assessment and recommendations so that we may continue our work of Welcoming All.
In preparation we are hosting two information sessions; Reading Group Discussions, and Reading the Report. Here is a link to the report online or if you would like to borrow a printed copy of the report write to office@unitytemple.org.
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Widening the Circle of Concern Sessions Join the Welcoming All Team for an information session on the UUA's Commission on Institutional Change's report, Widening the Circle of Concern. A general information session will be offered this Sunday, March 28 at 12pm.
Four multiple topic sessions will be offered on:
Tuesday, April 6 at 6:30pm–General
Saturday, April 10 at 10am–Theology
Sunday, April 11 at 6:30pm–Governance & Religious Professionals
Sunday, April 18 at 12pm–Congregations and Communities
A generous donor has made several copies of the report available to borrow through Unity Temple which can be picked up by emailing office@unitytemple.org. Here is the link to join for any of the Zoom sessions.
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Reading Group: Widening the Circle of Concern The Welcoming All Team's March reading will be the UUA's Commission on Institutional Change's report, Widening the Circle of Concern; a report on racism within our denomination and congregations. We will discuss the report and the various recommendations that can be applied to our congregation and denomination. A generous donor has made several copies of the report available to borrow through Unity Temple which can be picked up by emailing office@unitytemple.org
Sunday, March 28 at 2pm.
Here is the link to join this Zoom session.
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Unity Temple Faith In Action Network
Spiritually Grounded / Deeply Relational / Strategically Effective
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This Sunday’s collection will benefit BUILD – providing powerful experiential learning opportunities to nearly 6,000 youth in the Austin community. BUILD uses entrepreneurship to ignite the potential of youth from under-resourced communities and propel them to high school, college, and career success. You can learn more here, and check out this great video here. |
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Green Tips :: Has your vision changed? Has your child outgrown their glasses? There are many organizations, including the Lions Club, that have drop off locations. In Oak Park some of the many drop off locations are the West Cook YMCA, various eye centers and Walmart. Questions? ecojustice@unitytemple.org.
If you have a green tip you’d like to share let us know!
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Interested in Community Solar? Can’t have panels on your roof? Live in an apartment or condo? Everyone can have solar electricity in their home with a community solar supplier. Join the Eco Justice team Wednesday, April 7 at 7pm as we welcome Art Spooner, a member of the Interfaith Green Network, as he walks us through how community solar works and the company choices that are available at this time. To register email: ecojustice@unitytemple.org
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Community of Congregations Spring Gathering :: Join the Community of Congregations spring gathering on April 15, 7pm for Responding to Hunger with Dr. Michele Zurakowski, Executive Director of Beyond Hunger. Michele will share her insights on the state of hunger in our community followed by a Q&A. Please click here for the zoom link: Join Meeting
Meeting ID: 867 2266 0242 Passcode: 079384
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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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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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Meeting ID: 895 0302 7611 Password: 062305
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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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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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