COVID Protocol: Our Covid-19 protocols have been adjusted, we are now in Green. Masking is recommended. Please visit our website here for more details.

Faith / Rev. Dawn Cooley

January Theme: Finding Our Center

Live Stream Worship at 10am / Recorded Viewing Available at Noon

Live stream link can be found here.

Sunday’s chalice table flowers are given by Shirley & Roy Lundin in honor of a bouquet of winter birthdays: Roy’s father, Roy; Shirley’s mother, Emma; and friend Judy Compton in January, as well as Shirley’s birthday in February.

OFFERING : UU Prison Ministry 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 Prison Ministry of Illinois – equipping Unitarian Universalists in Illinois to ​transform institutions and support people harmed by the prison industrial complex. Learn more here.



You may donate by placing cash or check in one of the circulating baskets during the service, sending a check to the Unity Temple office (875 Lake St., Oak Park, 60301) with (name of organization) on the memo line, by texting 73256 with the message UTUUC $____ (dollar sign followed by your donation amount) and select “Offering,” by using the camera on your phone to scan the QR code on the screen during the Offertory or you can give at the UTUUC website. Whatever modality you choose, may what you give bring you joy.

Sunday Worship Service

In-person and online options for worship are now offered. COVID Protocol: Our Covid-19 protocols have been adjusted, we are now in Green. Please visit our website here for more details.You can access the live stream on YouTube at 10am here.

Community Hour Following the Sunday morning service join us at Community Hour for refreshments and fellowship in Unity House.

Lost & Found Come and claim your left behinds during coffee hour on Sunday, January 29 in the west wing of Unity House. There are numerous items left behind at Unity Temple, our Community Center and Gale House. Take a look to find what you didn’t know you left behind. Items not retrieved will be donated.

Please join our Meet&Greet gathering on the first Sunday of every month from 11:30-12:30pm. It's a wonderful way for new and established congregants to get to know one another. Refreshments will be served and we will gather in Gale House, the green building next door to Unity Temple. Questions Contact tlewis@unitytemple.org. Hope to see you on Sunday, February 5 at 11:30 in Gale House!

The Auction Countdown Has Begun! The 2023 UTUUC Auction bidding begins Sunday, February 12 at 8am! Only 16 days away. You will get a chance to preview the offerings on Wednesday, February 8 – watch for an email about this closer to the date.

Many of the items are “buy-it-now” so you cannot be slow on the trigger for these items. If you are unsure about the technology, there will be Auction Team members at coffee hour on the 12 who will help you sign up for bidding & help guide you in the process. Just remember you will need your credit card when you start bidding! 

New this year – we have a “scholarship” program where generous donors have contributed money for members who find that they need a little help in paying for items. John Frye is the liaison for this program. You can reach him at auction2023@unitytemple.org. This is a confidential program that you can trust.

We will accept items until February 6th! There is still time to donate. See one of our auction team members during coffee hour to make your donation!

UTUUC Office Hours The office/community center located at 1019 South Blvd is open Monday-Friday from 9am-1pm through February, at which time we anticipate expanding hours. If you are looking for access to the office outside of these hours, reach out to program staff associated with your needs to make arrangements. For Membership and Engagement contact Tina Lewis at tlewis@unitytemple.org, Religious Education contact Val Ridenour at vridenour@unitytemple.org, and Music Ministry, contact Marty Swisher at

mswisher@unitytemple.org. 

Chalice Table Reservations We welcome floral arrangements or other decorations such as objects from nature or spiritual symbols to be included on our Chalice Table during worship on Sunday mornings. Please refrain from political/campaign related objects as they will be removed. To reserve a date, please fill out this form. Thank you for contributing to our worship experience. For assistance contact flowers@unitytemple.org.

Calendar Reservations Do you need to reserve space in one of our three buildings for a meeting, activity or event? You may make a reservation request by clicking here.

Congregational Life Table Reservation Would you like to reserve a table to promote congregational happenings during Community Hour in Unity House? Hosting a table is a great way to make sure congregants know how to participate in events, activities, and service opportunities. To reserve space contact 

tlewis@unitytemple.org.

Winter Pathway to Membership Schedule

Our membership classes will resume in January. Participants learn about the congregation’s history and how we work today. It is a wonderful way to get to know a small group of people and decide how you can become part of our collective future. Groups meet at our community center located at 1019 South Blvd on Sundays from 1:30-3:30pm. Childcare is available upon request. In addition, on-line accommodations can be made. The winter schedule is February 12 & 19, and March 12 & 19. To register contact tlewis@unitytemple.org.

The 2023 Annual Women's Retreat will take place from February 17–19, 2023 at the Carmelite Spiritual Center. This year's theme is Emerging Together. Our keynote speaker will be, our very own Rev. Dawn Cooley. This will be a very spiritual and uplifting weekend with break out sessions, music, dance, crafts and food.  

Registration is open and can be found here. You can also log onto Realm and go to Events and will see the event listed as the Featured Event.

The Chicago Area UU Council will be holding its in-person and online winter conference on Saturday, January 28 from 9am-2pm at Countryside Church UU in Palatine. The conference keynote presentation is titled Finding Our Center – A journey to the central values the Article II Study Commission have presented for our consideration.

All UUs are invited to an important day of learning, sharing, and fellowship. Speakers will talk about the work of the Article II Study Commission, the vision and rationale behind the proposed Article II changes, and how to encourage thoughtful and informed discussion within our own congregations. Attendees of the CAUUC Winter Conference can expect a rich and rewarding experience, regardless of their level of knowledge coming into the event. We offer a special welcome to any interested UU high school students who would like to join and bring their own curiosity and perspectives to the larger discussion. Details and registration can be found here.

WISE is back!!! Calling all WISE Women—We need your voices! 

Women Inspired by Song (WISE) is a unique opportunity for women of all ages in our congregation to sing for Sunday Services. WISE welcomes all women who like to sing. You don't need to know how to read music...Just bring your beautiful self and voice! 

Our Winter WISE Sunday is February 26, 2023, and we’re singing stirring, yet easy to learn songs about LOVE.  We need your voice—We need you.

We’ll have three three brief Sunday rehearsals, just for about 30+ minutes, immediately after each service in the sanctuary on: February 5, 12 and 19. (An alternate weeknight time will be offered for those of you who will be at our Women’s Retreat on the 19). Please, please join us! Contact our Winter WISE Coordinator, Terri Schultz, at wise@unitytemple.org to sign up and get more information.

Tuesday Evening Mindful Reflection Community 

meets virtually and in person in Unity House at Unity Temple. Meeting opens at 7pm EST for camaraderie, the program starts promptly at 7:20pm. 

Vaccinations are encouraged, masks are optional. 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.

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

Energy Efficiency Your Eco-Justice team invites you to learn more about heat pumps /mini splits and residential energy efficiency! Join us for a special Zoom meeting with the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale on Wednesday, February 1, 7pm, with Eric Wilson. Eric is a senior engineer at the National Renewable Energy Lab in Golden, CO, and recently accepted a temporary detail as Strategic Advisor on national building decarbonization to the Dept. of Energy Assistant Secretary for Energy Efficiency. He has completely electrified his home in Colorado and has 2 electric cars and solar panels. Join via Zoom here. Meeting ID: 831 1925 9230/Passcode: 230256 Questions? Contact ecojustice@unitytemple.org.

Community of Congregations

Join the Community of Congregations for our Annual Gathering on February 2, 6:30pm at Grace Episcopal Church, 924 Lake St., Oak Park. We will be highlighting the work of the Interfaith Green Network. We will discuss the local Climate Ready climate plan. What are its primary goals? How do these goals align with the basic mission of the faith community? Get answers to these questions plus timely suggestions for how faith organizations can fulfill a vital role in attaining the climate goals. Please RSVP by January 30th to oprfcoc@gmail.com.

Volunteers & Meals Needed On January 4, Housing Forward re-opened an emergency winter overnight shelter for up to 15 individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The shelter is located in the former rectory building of St. Catherine / Lucy, 38 N. Austin Blvd., Oak Park. Volunteers are needed to work with staff to greet clients, help serve meals, site security overnight and clean-up the next morning. There are 3 shifts:

• Evening – 6:30-10:30p (3 volunteers)
• Overnight – 10:30p-5:00a (2 volunteers)
• Morning – 5:00a-7:00a (2 volunteers)  

If interested in volunteering at the shelter or providing a meal for shelter guests, please sign up here. Questions? Please contact cjackson@housingforward.org.

Faith in Action Newsletter

To learn more about living our mission through our Faith in Action Network, check out the latest newsletter here.  You can subscribe to our monthly newsletter here. Questions? Contact Rev. Colleen, Assistant Minister for Faith in Action cvahey@unitytemple.org.

Restorative Justice Join our Restorative Justice team meeting on Saturday, February 4, 11am via Zoom. Unity Temple member, Terry Grace, will talk about his experiences leading Peace Circles at Cook County Jail. All are welcome to this meeting. Contact: restorativejustice@unitytemple.org for the agenda and Zoom information.

Stories of Race in Elmhurst We invite you to join us and the Racial Equity team at the Unitarian Church of Hinsdale (17 W. Maple St, Hinsdale, IL 60521), on Sunday, February 12, Noon for a discussion of the essays shared in the book, Stories of Race in Elmhurst, co-edited by Unity Temple member, Jim Parks. Essay authors will be there to contribute to the discussion, including several Unity Temple members. Learn more here.

Clean Buildings Ordinance Check out this op-ed in the Chicago Tribune from one of our community partners, Rev. Brian Sauder of Faith in Place, urging the City Council to pass a pollution-free clean buildings ordinance. If you’re a Chicago resident, please urge your alderperson to prioritize public health, utility affordability, and clean energy jobs with a clean buildings ordinance today! Sign the petition here and call your alder using this script today.  Questions? Contact: ecojustice@unitytemple.org.

UUANI Action of the Week Each week our Unitarian Universalist Advocacy Network of IL (UUANI) offers a call to action. Sign-up to receive these simple and impactful actions direct to your in-box here.

The 9th Grade Coming of Age class held a Bake, Art and Literature Sale last Sunday, to support their goal of providing meals for people experiencing homelessness through Housing Forward. Great work, Coming of Age class and thank you for putting your faith in action in our wider community.

Hospitality Team members attended an exciting and inspirational training on Saturday, January 21! Thank you Brian Hance for facilitating a wonderful morning of relationship and community building. We look forward to the next training event! (below)

Members of the Caring Committee enjoyed a productive retreat on Monday, January 23. You will be hearing more about our new Visitor Program and more soon! (above)

Congratulations, Sparky! On Sunday, January 22, Allan "Sparky" Marco became an official member of the congregation after 40 years of participation. (above)

The Developmental Minister Search is beginning! Four members of the board of trustees - Matt Bruce, Aimee Conrad, Ed McDevitt and Sandy Meyer - are the search team. The team is currently creating a congregational profile application for prospective candidates to review. The team will receive names and records of applicants in mid-March, with matching between congregations and ministers occurring at the end of March. While the timeline is tight, it is important to remember that the candidate pool is a small, curated group of ministers who have specialized skills. The board has received feedback from congregants during this year's Engagement Fair, and at the All-Congregational Retreat, and the search team continues to welcome input. Feel free to reach out to the search team with questions or comments. We can be reached at dmsearch@unitytemple.org.

The Annual Fund Drive Reached 90% of Our Goal As of January 26, 2023 we have a pledge total of $839,122 towards the goal of $924,500. Our goal during this Season of Renewal is to ensure that our beloved community remains resilient, strong, and connected. We know from previous challenges that goals are reached when we work together and have an adaptable community with outstanding leadership.

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