Earth Day–UU Revival
hosted by UUANI
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This Sunday, we are joining Unitarian Universalists throughout Illinois for a UU Justice Revival addressing environmental justice. Join with twenty five Unitarian Universalist congregations in IL, the UU Advocacy network and UU Prison ministries to take a collective breath. As spring waits on the horizon, can we breathe? We can breathe as vaccines become available. We can breathe as we once again gather together. We can breathe into a new administration, breaths of accountability, breaths of attention. We have work to do to create a just world where everyone can find their breath. It is time to breathe. Let us take a collective breath together.
Our congregation will gather for coffee hour via Zoom immediately after the service around 11:30am. Follow weekly protcols for joining coffee hour.
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April Theme: Becoming
Live Stream Worship at 10am. Link can be found here.
The Order of Service can be found here.
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OFFERTORY :: UU Advocacy Network of Illinois
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 UU Advocacy Network of Illinois. UUANI supports Unitarian Universalists coming together to work for justice, beloved community, and a healthy planet–putting our deepest values into effective action. 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 UUANI 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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An email from the Board will be sent later today regarding the Ministerial Transition. If for some reason you are have having technical difficulties, are not receiving Board emails or know someone who is experiencing issues please reach out to BOT@unitytemple.org.
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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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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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Unity Temple BIPOC Friends Please join us on Sunday, April 25 from 12–1:30pm for the third and final part of sharing stories about our families' and our origins. These powerful and touching histories of ancestry, migration and immigration connect us all. If you have questions, want to request a Zoom link, or have photos and other memorabilia to share with the group, please contact bipocfriends@unitytemple.org
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Introducing The Gale House Gardens!
Mitch Brumirski demonstrated incredible organization, initiative and leadership in completing his Eagle Scout project. Mitch Brumirski blessed our beloved community with four incredibly beautiful garden beds that will bring so much beauty, joy and education to our Unity Temple campus. Thank you, Mitch, for including our community in your pursuit of earning the rank of Eagle Scout. We are so very grateful.
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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 has set 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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Eco-Advocacy Day – Monday, April 26
Could you give an hour of your time to encourage our elected officials to pass one of the strongest and most equitable climate bills in the country? Please join us for the April 26 Environmental Justice Virtual Advocacy Day. We'll be meeting online as a group with our state representative or senator to encourage them to pass the Clean Energy Jobs Act (CEJA) and other environmental justice legislation. Unity Temple has over 200 active supporters of UUANI, our statewide justice network, in 24 Illinois legislative districts. Together we can make a difference. Sign up today! Questions? Contact ecojustice@unitytemple.org
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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 the UU Advocacy Network of Illinois. UUANI supports Unitarian Universalists coming together to work for justice, beloved community, and a healthy planet–putting our deepest values into effective action. Donate here.
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Thatcher Woods Clean-up Join us on Saturday, May 1 beginning at 10:30am to clean-up Thatcher Woods! Meet at 8:30am for Sacred Wanderings, or at 10:30am, to pick-up trash, recyclables and enjoy the forest. Use the north entrance (8030 Chicago Ave, Maywood, IL 60153) and drive to the parking lot near the North Pavilion. You'll see signs for Sacred Wanderings from Chicago Ave as well as near the Pavilion. Bring your own masks and gloves but other litter pick-up supplies will be provided. Physical distancing will be practiced. Questions? Contact ecojustice@unitytemple.org
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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
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Solidarity for UU’s Imprisoned in IL Our Restorative Justice team invites you to support the UU Prison Ministry of IL by contributing here. Funds raised will provide small grants to people who have recently been released from prison and are facing crisis needs such as housing, clothing, transportation, or medical care; and to support our UU pen pals in prison with small additions to their commissary accounts to help buy sanitary supplies or food. Questions? Contact restorativejustice@unitytemple.org. |
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Support Empowering Communities for Public Safety (ECPS) The Civilian Police Accountability Council (CPAC) and the Grassroots Alliance for Police Accountability (GAPA) have united to introduce the Empowering Communities for Public Safety (ECPS) Ordinance. The ECPS ordinance will fundamentally transform policing and public safety in Chicago by:
- Creating a Community Commission on Public Safety
- Creating District Councils
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Creating an opportunity for additional democratic reform. Learn more here.
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Green Tips
If you have a green tip you’d like to share let us know!
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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 newlife@unitytemple.org. We hope to have the first virtual meeting on May 2.
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MyHAT Small Support Group Virtual Meeting This group is for people living with mental illness and those who care about them. We practice deep sharing and deep listening. Participation is confidential. We are always open to new participants. Meeting will take place on Monday, April 26, from 7–9pm. Please contact myhat@unitytemple.org to receive a Zoom invite.
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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!
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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
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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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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
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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.
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Re-opening and Re-imagining Church: A panel discussion on lessons from the pandemic. The Chicago Area UU Council (CAUUC) Spring Conference will be held on Saturday, May 8 from 9:30–11:30am and will be conducted via Zoom. There is NO FEE required to participate. Please sign up here.
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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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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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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
Each month we offer an orientation to familiarize participants with the fundamentals of Unitarian Universalism, and an overview of our mission and programs. For more information contact tlewis@unitytemple.org
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Pathway to Membership
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. For more information contact tlewis@unitytemple.org
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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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Marwood Youth Camp 2021 Information Session
Who: Current 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Families
What: The UT Marwood counselor team will be holding an information session to help answer any questions you might be having about Marwood Camp 2021. You can find the brochure here.
When: Friday, April 23 at 7pm via zoom
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Desmond Gets Free A new children's book, written by Unity Temple's own Matt Meyer, was recently published by Skinner House Press. A story inspired by the words of Desmond Tutu, “If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.” Desmond Gets Free introduces young readers to timely concepts of justice and liberation in a kid-friendly way. Ages 4-8 Get your copy here!
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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
Please join our regular Tuesday night Mindful Reflection Community on Tuesday, April 27 as Rev. Alan Taylor delivers the dharma talk: Unleashing Courageous Love. Rev. Alan has been integrally involved in the creation and ongoing maturation and support of the Mindful Reflection Community and this may be his last opportunity to join us before leaving Unity Temple as he discerns the next phase of his professional life journey. We will also have the opportunity to share our gratitude to him for his ongoing nurturing and encouragement of our community.
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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
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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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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
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Daring to Live Into a Sacred Community Sunday Service & Conversation
Join the Welcoming All Team for Sunday Worship with Dr. Elías Ortega, President of Meadville Lombard Theological School and a member of the UUA's Commission on Institutional Change on May 2nd at 10am.
As a faith community, when we gather, we affirm our commitment to work towards a world shaped by justice and humanized by acts of compassion. To live our lives guided by our shared principles, we need to dare to live into a sacred community where we are shaped and transformed by our highest aspirations.
Please join Dr. Ortega and the Welcoming All Team in conversation following the service at 11:15 am, as we delve into the work of the Unitarian Universalist Association's (UUA) Commission on Institutional Change which is charged with supporting long-term cultural and institutional change to redeem the essential promise and ideals of Unitarian Universalism.
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Here is a link to the report online. 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.
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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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