Growing Our Unity Temple Web
mandi huizenga, Ministerial Intern
May Theme: Story
Live Stream Worship at 10am / Recorded Viewing Available at Noon
Live stream link can be found here.
OFFERTORY :: Unity Temple Faith in Action Network
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 Unity Temple Faith in Action Network– a growing network of members, friends, and community partners, organizing for justice, equity, and compassion. Subscribe to our Faith in Action news. 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 UTFIA 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.
Please join us for Reflecting with the Board sessions this Sunday, May 16, 2021 at 1pm and Monday, May 17, 2021 at 7pm. The Zoom link for both is here. Zoom ID: 921 8222 1879
UTUUC Creative Writers Group Please join us this Sunday as we meet from 3:30–5:30pm. Have a sample of your writing (fiction, nonfiction, or poetry) handy to share or simply bring yourself. All are welcome. If you are already on our email mailing list, we will send the Zoom link (meeting ID and password) for the meeting. If not, send an email to writersgroup@unitytemple.org to get the coordinates.
New Member Meet & Greet Everyone is invited to participate in a special zoom gathering on Welcome Sunday, May 16 at 5pm to celebrate our new members. Members will be able to welcome new members in their own words. We expect to be together for about 30 minutes or so and hope you will be able to attend! Zoom information can be found here. Questions? tlewis@unitytemple.org
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. 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
Unity Temple Summer RE Goes Virtual With the Theme of "Grow Together" Join us each week as we present online programming that will instill our fine young people's spiritual growth, serving as an opportunity to connect and practice our principles together. We will be offering Activities for All Ages via Zoom every Sunday beginning at 9:30am. Meanwhile, if you have any questions or thoughts to share, please contact summer_re@unitytemple.org
We'd Like Your Input Is there a course or workshop that you'd like to offer or see offered as part of Unity Temple's Adult Religious Enrichment program? (Spiritual practices, UU history/theology, encountering life's passages, turning faith in to action) All are welcome to bring ideas and enthusiasm to our meeting on Tuesday, May 18 at 7pm on Zoom here. Meeting ID: 931 6556 4790 Questions? Contact Rev. Emily Gage egage@unitytemple.org. 
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

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
Flower Communion Photos Needed! We are looking for a few great photos for a slide show for our Flower Communion Worship service on May 23. Please send pictures of yourselves along with some flowers or plants to flowerservice@unitytemple.org by May 16.
The Welcoming All Team 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, 
May 17 at 6:30pm and Sunday, May 23 at 2pm for our May discussion of the book We Will Not Cancel Us: And Other Dreams of Transformative Justice by adrienne maree brown. Discussion will be led by Unity Temple's ministerial intern, mandi huizenga. Sign up here or email unityreads@unitytemple.org.
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.). Once you plant, please share a picture of you planting flowers in the Gale House Gardens for Flower Communion worship slideshow. You can send your picture to flowerservice@unitytemple.org. If you have questions, or would like to support the Gale House Gardens in another way, email Val Ridenour vridenour@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
UTUUC Soup Drive! The Care Team is hosting another Soup Drive! All donated soups will be used for congregation members in times of need. Thanks to all who donated in our last drive—but we are running out of soups for future needs.
Please send an email saying you would like to participate in the soup drive to soupdrive@unitytemple.org and indicate whether you would like to prepare a vegetarian soup or a meat soup and full instructions will be sent. Thanks!
UTUUC Walking Groups! YOU are invited to join UT friends on spring walks. All you have to do is show up to as many of the times and locations listed here to enjoy some exercise and good company. Don’t forget your mask and have fun!
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.
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
Do you consider yourself part of the queer UTUUC community? If so, please join us on the evening of Wednesday, May 19, from 7–8:30pm for our monthly Rainbow Connections meeting. (Allies are welcome, on occasion, by invitation only.) This month's virtual meeting topic is mental health. If you are a first-timer, feel free to log on at 6:45 for a one-on-one chat to get to know you a bit. Hope to see you! Zoom link here.
Becoming Human, Again and Again
DRUUMM Worship & Fundraiser: 
Wednesday, May 19, 8:30 PM Eastern/ 5:30 PM Pacific (Zoom room opens 30 minutes early for mingling). Rev. Mitra Rahnema, Guest Preacher Joshua Long and Nicole Rumeau, Musical Artist RSVP here to join the congregation via Zoom or watch our livestream online.

It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the tragedies of the day that we no longer feel human. We must find ways to return to our present human experience; becoming a softer and stronger human, again. This worship will lift up the DRUUMM community and explore the journey toward our human-ness. All are invited and welcome to experience, return, and give to the BIPOC community. We look forward to being with you in worship.
BIPOC Friends Please join us at our next meeting on Sunday, May 23 from 12–1:30pm.
We will have a special presentation by Dr. Elias Orgeta, President of Meadville Lombard Theological School and Professor of Religion, Ethics and Leadership, and Unity Temple member. In light of the Commission of Institutional Change’s Report, Dr. Ortega will share with us his thoughts on the ways BIPOC UUs can thrive spiritually as the work of transformation continues in our congregations. If you have questions or would like to request the Zoom link, please email bipocfriends@unitytemple.org.
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.
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. For more details contact connections@unitytemple.org 
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.
Backyard Gatherings Have Returned! We are looking for people who wish to host a backyard gathering this spring/summer. This can be a backyard fire or a simple conversation circle. If you are interested in hosting please email connections@unitytemple.org. 
Here is the sign up for our current offering.
New Beginnings Group If you are divorced or widowed and would like to to be part of a new group of divorced and/or widowed members of Unity Temple please reach out to Steve Ewert at newbeinnings@unitytemple.org. Our first virtual meeting is May 27 at 6:30pm. 
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 mhuizenga@unitytemple.org. 
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
This Sunday’s collection will benefit the Unity Temple Faith in Action Network– a growing network of members, friends, and community partners, organizing for justice, equity, and compassion. Subscribe to our Faith in Action news. Learn more here.  
Food Rescue Team Needs Help The Second Friday Trader Joe's food rescue team is looking for a fourth volunteer. Help your team bring rescued food from Trader Joes to the Beyond Hunger Food Pantry, located at First United Church, on the second (and occasional fifth) Friday of each month at 10 AM. Requires vehicle & ability to lift boxes. To volunteer or for more info, contact Barbara Moline at Foodrescue@unitytemple.org
Support Empowering Communities for Public Safety (ECPS) The ECPS ordinance will fundamentally transform policing and public safety in Chicago by:
Creating a Community Commission on Public Safety
Creating District Councils
Creating an opportunity for additional democratic reform. Learn more here. 

Two Actions:
If you live in Chicago, email your alder to support ECPS here. 

Join us Monday, May 17, 5pm at Alderman Taliaferro’s office - 6272 W North Ave, Chicago. We're letting Ald. Taliaferro know that we won’t accept any further delays on passing ECPS now! Contact restorativejustice@unitytemple.org
Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America (FORA) Join FORA in providing volunteer tutoring - in-person or online! Most of the tutors will be reading with refugee children. Expertise is not needed, enthusiasm is. Background checks are conducted. Our in-person summer session will be held at our empowerment center 6421 N. California Ave from July 6–September 3, 9am-1:30pm. In-person volunteers should commit to at least 15 days during the summer. On-line volunteers should be at least 15 years old and must commit one hour every weekday, all 44 weekdays of our summer session. The hour-a-day online tutoring times are 9-10am, 10-11am, 11:30am-12:30pm, and 12:30pm-1:30pm. If interested, please contact Mike O'Connor at michael@refugeefora.org.
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
Want another way to reduce your plastic use? Try ordering cleaning supplies with “forever” containers that use pellets combined with water to refill the containers. Hand soap, house cleaners, dishwasher and laundry pellets are available. The products come in recyclable or compostable containers. Search “plastic free cleaning products” online. Questions? ecojustice@unitytemple.org. If you have a green tip you’d like to share let us know!
Our partners at UU Prison Ministry of Illinois and Restore Justice Illinois recommend our support of a couple of bills coming up for vote soon – let’s get behind them! 
HB2399/SB2333 Elder Parole creates an avenue for people serving terms of natural life imprisonment to petition for earned reentry (parole) after serving 20 years and reaching age 60.  We believe such an incentive would lead to more fulfilling lives for folks incarcerated long-term, as they work toward restoration back into their communities. 
Click here to urge your legislators in both chambers to support HB2399/SB2333 as they come up for vote before the end of the month. HB3564 Limits the use of solitary confinement in Illinois prisons, jails, and immigration facilities. The United Nations and World Health Organization have condemned the use of solitary confinement for extended periods of time. Yet, in Illinois, there are currently no limits on how long a person can be held in solitary.
 
End Solitary has passed the House and needs support in the Senate: Click here to ask your senator to sign on as co-sponsor of this important affirmation of human rights. **NOTE below. As we work to affirm the worth and dignity of every person. Comments, questions, suggestions? Contact us.

Unity Temple Choir Wednesday Sessions :: Music director, Marty Swisher hosts weekly Unity Temple Choir sessions. Each Wednesday from 7-7:30pm all are welcome to warm up your voice, learn a song and connect with singing. Join Zoom meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89503027611?pwd=M2Y1WHIvTGw4c1hsNWlGa0dUUVpnQT09 Meeting ID: 895 0302 7611 Password: 062305

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
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.
Phishing Scam Folks have reported receiving emails from Rev. Alan Taylor requesting a response via email. It is important to check email addresses from senders to verify email addresses. If you receive an email along these lines, please ignore and delete it. We apologize for any confusion and want to reiterate these messages are not coming Rev. Taylor. Please send any concerns to office@unitytemple.org. Learn more about UU guidance on this matter here.
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!