Commitments of Eco-Justice
Rev. Brian Sauder
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March Theme: Commitment
Live Stream Worship at 10am / Recorded Viewing Available at Noon
Live stream link can be found here.
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OFFERTORY :: Faith in Place
Unity Temple Gives. Each week we give our Sunday collection to an organization that aligns with our values. This Sunday’s collection will benefit Faith in Place – providing financial assistance to members of our congregation and the wider community who are in financial distress. You can 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 Faith in Place 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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This Sunday we launch our Faith in Action spring focus on Eco-Justice. There are many opportunities for learning and action. Complete this form to let us know your interests.
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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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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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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. Please join us today from 11–12:30pm. Registration is open until start time. Contact Tina Lewis [email protected] to learn more.
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Film Screening Join the Eco-Justice team on March 21 from 2-4pm for a screening of the film Necessity: Oil, Water and Climate Resistance, a documentary about the ongoing fight against the expansion of pipelines carrying highly toxic tar sands oil through Indigenous lands and essential waterways in North America. After the documentary, we'll host a guided discussion and share ways to support the campaign to stop the Line 3 pipeline. Register here for this free event and to receive the Zoom invitation.
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Despite our best efforts as Unitarian Universalists, racism still exists across our denomination and within our congregations. Building on the discussions from our January 31st event with Rev. Nancy McDonald Ladd, the Welcoming All Team is hosting a discussion with member of the Commission, Meadville Lombard Theological School president, and Unity Temple friend Dr. Elías Ortega. Learn about the commission's assessment and recommendations so that we may continue our work of Welcoming All.
In preparation we are hosting two information sessions; Reading Group Discussions, and Reading the Report. Here is a link to the report online or if you would like to borrow a printed copy of the report write to [email protected].
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Reading Group: Widening the Circle of Concern The Welcoming All Team's March reading will be the UUA's Commission on Institutional Change's report, Widening the Circle of Concern; a report on racism within our denomination and congregations. We will discuss the report and the various recommendations that can be applied to our congregation and denomination. A generous donor has made several copies of the report available to borrow through Unity Temple which can be picked up by emailing [email protected]. These discussions will be held Sunday, March 28 at 2pm.
Here is the link to join either Zoom session. |
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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 Faith in Place – inspiring people of diverse faiths to care for the Earth through education, connection, and advocacy. Learn more here.
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Several groups are collecting plastic bags for a new bench for the Austin People’s Action Center. Recycle your produce bags, newspaper sleeves, store bags, dry cleaning bags, Ziploc & other reclosable bags, bubble wrap, cereal box liners, plastic e-commerce mailers, case overwrap, bread bags and ice bags. Drop off at Oak Park Conservatory or Oak Park Temple, 1235 N. Harlem, Oak Park, south entrance. Questions? [email protected].
If you have a green tip you’d like to share let us know!
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Interested in Community Solar? Can’t have panels on your roof? Live in an apartment or condo? Everyone can have solar electricity in their home with a community solar supplier. Join the Eco Justice team Wednesday, April 7 at 7pm as we welcome Art Spooner, a member of the Interfaith Green Network, as he walks us through how community solar works and the company choices that are available at this time. To register email: [email protected]
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UU Service Committee Our partners of the UU Service Committee (UUSC) are asking UUs around the nation to support their efforts to end detention of immigrant families at the border by signing a petition that will back up their work with legislators in Washington. Read more here and sign the petition. Let our national UU advocacy body know we are with them. Allied with the Unitarian Universalist Service Committee. Contact us here.
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Connections Art Project :: Have some fun and recreate a piece of “art” with objects, people, pets, and props you have at home. To submit project, send an email to [email protected]. |
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Left: Tiresome Studies, August Heyn, 1831-1920 / Right: Tiresome Studies, Morton Family, 2021.
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Gathering of Remembrance for Alice Muciek. Saturday, March 20 7pm. All are invited to gather on the spring equinox to remember Alice Muciek. Alice was the conductor of our Bells Choir and touched many people through her love of life, clarity of vision and gentle presence. This will be an opportunity for friends and family to share memories and how Alice’s life and love has blessed us. The Zoom link is here.
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BIPOC Friends :: (A gathering for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) How did you or your family end up where you are? The stories of our migrations are diverse and their impact generational. Let us continue to share these histories and also consider the question, "What makes a good ancestor? What do you think your legacy will be?" Lecretia Williams will lead us at our next gathering on Sunday, March 28, 12–1:30pm. See you there! Please send questions or requests for the Zoom link to [email protected].
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MyHAT Art Studio with Anna* Join us on Sunday, April 11th from 1-2pm for an art studio with Anna* via Zoom. We’ll explore the theme of Spring/Rebirth after a long winter! Please bring your inner artist and any art supplies you have (even just a pen and paper). This event is open to all ages. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
*Anna Olson is an art therapy and counseling graduate student at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and intern at the Disability Culture Activism Lab.
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Registration is Open! General Assembly is the annual gathering of Unitarian Universalists, where we conduct business of the Association, explore the theological underpinnings of our faith, and lean fully into our mission and principles. That remains true even when we cannot gather physically. Last year, GA had more than 4,900 registered attendees participate from remote locations around the world. For more information and to register go 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 [email protected] for the zoom link.
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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 [email protected].
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MyHAT Small Support Group Meeting via Zoom :: 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. Will will meet on Monday, March 22, from 7–9pm. Please contact [email protected] to receive a Zoom invite.
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Need an excuse to work off that COVID 15 (lbs)? Why not 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. If interested or have questions please reach out to Rich Pokorny or Mike Cantrell at [email protected].
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Bruce Springsteen and Aging :: Join the Men's Retreat on Saturday, March 27 at 10am for a virtual experience featuring Chair Yoga along with a discussion of Bruce Springsteen and the Art of Aging Well, written by David Brooks. For registration, please contact [email protected].
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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 [email protected] or
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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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected] for Zoom access to the following sessions. View video invitation here.
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Newcomer Orientation
Monday, 4/5/21 from 7-8 pm
Each month we offer an orientation to familiarize participants with the fundamentals of Unitarian Universalism, and an overview of our mission and programs.
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Pathway to Membership
Sunday, 3/21/21 11–12:30pm OR Monday, 3/22/21 to 7–8:30
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.
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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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This monthly offering provides an opportunity to get to know our ministers in a small group setting, share your story and ask questions about Unitarian Universalism and our congregation. |
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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 [email protected] or Val Ridenour [email protected]
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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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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 [email protected].
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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Meeting ID: 895 0302 7611 Password: 062305
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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 [email protected]
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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 [email protected]. Thank you!
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