Daring to Live into Sacred Community
Dr. Elías Ortega
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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. |
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May Theme: Story
Live Stream Worship at 10am / Recorded Viewing Available at Noon
Live stream link can be found here.
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OFFERTORY :: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Metro Suburban
Unity Temple Gives. Each week we give our Sunday collection to an organization that aligns with our values. This Sunday’s collection will benefit NAMI Metro Suburban.Through advocacy, education and support, NAMI helps improve the quality of life for individuals and families affected by mental illness. 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 NAMI 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.
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Coffee Hour :: Immediately following the service, Rev. Alan Taylor, Dr. Elías Ortega, the Welcoming All team and facilitators will host a 90-minute all-congregational event using Dr. Ortega’s sermon as a basis for guided small and large group discussions. The experience is intended to help us live into our mission of Welcoming All.
There will also be a Q&A session with Dr. Ortega during the event. No sign-up is required to attend. If possible, please log in early, soon after the service to allow us to admit you to the event and form small groups. 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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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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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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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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Save the Date! New Member Meet & Greet Everyone is invited to participate in a special zoom gathering on Welcome Sunday, May 16 to celebrate our new members at 5pm. 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 will be posted in the May 14 eBeacon and May 15 Join Us for Worship email. Questions? tlewis@unitytemple.org
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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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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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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.
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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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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.
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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 newbeinnings@unitytemple.org. Our first virtual meeting is May 27 at 6:30pm.
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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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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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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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Sacred Wanderings Followed by EcoJustice Clean Up
Live and In Person at Thatcher Woods this Saturday, May 1 from 8:30-10:30am (First Saturdays)!!
Join Kevin as we intentionally practice connecting with nature and surrounding ourselves with the energy of the natural world. Forest bathing is not taking a leisurely walk in the woods to enjoy the scenery. There's a specific intention in the practice to connect with the natural world and to gain benefit and energy from it. In other words, you are bathing in the energy of the trees, leaves, sky, and earth. Meditation and mindfulness assists in securing this intention. There will be silence and discussion.
The group will meet no matter what the weather conditions so come prepared. Please bring a lawn chair you can carry to sit on and a cup for tea, if desired, for the discussion at the end. Tea will be provided. Those with physical challenges are easily accommodated. If you have any questions please email mindful@unitytemple.org.
We will gather at 8030 Chicago Ave., just west of Thatcher Ave., north Pavilion, Maywood, IL
Watch for Sacred Wandering signs. Masks and physical distancing practices will be followed.
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Clean-up will begin immediately following Sacred Wanderings and will go to 12:30 p.m. All necessary materials will be provided. Bring gloves if you'd like. Families are encouraged! |
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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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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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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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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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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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Unity Temple Faith In Action Network
Spiritually Grounded / Deeply Relational / Strategically Effective
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This Sunday’s collection will benefit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Metro Suburban. Through advocacy, education, and support, NAMI helps improve the quality of life for individuals and families affected by mental illness. Donate here.
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Thatcher Woods Clean-up Join us 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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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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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.
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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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Eliminate plastic packaging by buying toilet paper, paper towels and tissues in bulk from companies online. They ship them in cardboard and you can choose recycled paper or bamboo. Do an internet search for “plastic free toilet paper” and pick the one with the best name! Questions? ecojustice@unitytemple.org. If you have a green tip you’d like to share let us know!
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Eliminate racial bias in Illinois' child welfare system. Black and brown families in Illinois are disproportionately targeted for taking their children into the foster care system: Separating children from their foundational relationship with a parent should be a last resort for programs charged with supporting families. The majority of children removed from parents are taken for reasons related to poverty, cited as “neglect.” HB3821 mandates a task force to recommend policies that prioritize preserving and reunifying families involved in the child welfare system and design practices that support the integrity of families.
HB3821 just passed the House with a strong vote in favor. Take Action to urge your senator to support this mandate. Partnered with the UU Prison Ministry of Illinois and allied with the Shriver Center on Poverty Law. Comments, questions, suggestions? Contact us.
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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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