Phased Re-Opening Plan Update
The Community Transformation Team (CTT) is currently working on a set of plans, policies and protocols for the re-opening of our buildings taking into account the newly updated 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 stand now:
The CTT's current goal is to have our first multi-platform worship service on Sunday, August 29th, 2021. This which will mean people can participate either in the sanctuary at Unity Temple OR via a live stream option off-site. The CTT is hard at work addressing the Covid-related issues as well as the technological challenges associated with livestreaming in our unique worship space. Until this date, services will continue as they have for the past year – prerecorded and available for viewing at 10 am CDT each Sunday on the congregation’s YouTube channel. Of course, all of this is subject to change depending on Covid developments. 
The CTT is working on creating a set of policies and protocols for small groups to gather at Unity Temple and the administrative building at 1019 South Boulevard. The CTT hopes to be able to publish those sometime this summer. Stay tuned for more information on small groups. 
As Rev. Alan prepares to leave Unity Temple on June 30, the congregation is offering opportunities to meet with him in Unity Temple in small circles of up to eight people. These gatherings will occur at 1:30pm and 7pm on the following Thursdays – May 27, June 3, June 17 and June 24. The CTT has prepared a special set of protocols for these gatherings, available here. Signups for these gatherings are available here.
Summer Religious Education classes for children and youth will take place virtually starting on Sunday, June 13th. More information about Religious Education programming for children and youth for the fall will be forthcoming. 
Core Values for Decision Making
The CTT, in partnership with the Board of Trustees, is following a set of values and principles to help guide its work to reopen safely and equitably. Core values/principles for the Unity Temple Staff and Congregation in Re-opening Plans:
  • Guidance by science (IDPH)
  • Start small and simple
  • Safety as highest priority
  • Connection to one another/community across multi-platforms
  • Full inclusion (or as full as possible)
  • Clear and frequent communication
  • Collective care, versus individual
  • Accessibility
  • Assume trauma

Keeping in Touch
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. Thank you for your grace and patience. We all want to be together, and we shall get there, but we need to make sure that it is done safely and in a way that is consistent with our values. Website link for the CTT can be found here. Questions and comments can be directed to ctt@unitytemple.org.