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Congregations & Resilience

Rev. Roger Bertschausen

February Theme: Embodying Resilience

Live stream link can be found here.

Sunday's willow branches are dedicated to the resilience needed for these times. To reserve flowers for the Chalice Table email flowers@unitytemple.org.

OFFERING : Migrant Ministries Legal Defense Fund

Each week, Unity Temple splits the offering evenly. One half supports the programs and mission of our congregation. This week, the other half benefits Migrant Ministries Legal Defense Fund. Unity Temple has collaborated with Migrant Ministries of the Catholic Community of Oak Park to respond to the needs of our new immigrant neighbors for the past two years. One of their efforts is to support locally housed immigrants.  A pressing need for these families is to find enough money to cover lawyer and court costs which can range from $1500–$5000 for their asylum cases. Therefore Migrant Ministries has started a Legal Defense Fund to assist these families. To find out more about other ways you can support migrant ministries, contact immigration@unitytemple.org. 

You may donate by placing cash or check in one of the circulating baskets during the service OR:

• by sending a check to the Unity Temple office (875 Lake St., Oak Park, 60301) with org name on memo line, 
• by texting 73256 with the message UTUUC and select “Offering,” 
• by using the camera on your phone to scan the QR code on the screen during the Offertory. 
• You can also give at the UTUUC website. 

Sunday Worship Services 9am and 10:45am

Each week we offer two worship services; 9am and 10:45am. The 9am service will be live-streamed and available as a recording afterwards. The 10:45am service will not be live-streamed or recorded. You can access the live stream on YouTube at 9am here.

Community Hour

Join us after service at Community Hour for refreshments and fellowship in Unity House.

Fourth Sunday Virtual Prison Docuseries Sponsored by the UU Prison Ministry of IL and the Prison Ministry of Unity Temple. Each month you are invited to watch on your own time a selected documentary, centered on criminal justice and prison issues, and then join a virtual group via Zoom for discussion from 3 to 4:30pm this Sunday, February 22. The month's film is Daughters (available on Netflix). Learn more here.

Films are available on TV networks such as Netflix, PBS, Amazon Prime, or HBO. If you do not subscribe to a particular network, you can often opt for a free trial and then cancel after you have watched the film. Or team up with a friend who has access to that particular channel and watch together! To receive reminders and a Zoom link for the discussion group, please send an email with your name and email address to: prisonministry@unitytemple.org The link will be sent out twice, one week before the scheduled discussion group and again on the actual date.

Did you say PIZZA? Mosaic? Widening the Circle? Wait!!! WHAT’S HAPPENING??? Come find out! Widening the Circle invites EVERYONE for pizza and discussion in Unity House, after second service this Sunday, February 22. Our children (K-5) have completed two lessons from the UUA Mosaic Lifespan Anti-Racism Anti-Oppression Multicultural Curriculum. Curious? Intergenerational participation will make this event even more meaningful and fun! Let’s engage together in some of the same thought-provoking questions the kids have been exploring.

March Roars with Generosity! The 2026 UTUUC Auction Season is Here!

We’re gearing up for our boldest auction yet — and we need YOUR help to make it extraordinary! Your generosity can help fuel getting together for fellowship, and bless the community in powerful ways.

• Want to get to know members of the UTUUC congregation better?  
• Want to have fun?  
• Want to support our vibrant community?  

It's time for you to make your donation of Hosted Dinners, Events & Experiences, Vacation Homes or Professional Services. Do you have something special or unique to offer? Every contribution helps make our auction a roaring success — and brings us one step closer to making a big impact!

Connect with one of the Auction Team members during coffee hour or go to utauction.org to access a Donation Form online or reach out to us at auction@unitytemple.org. Donation deadline is Sunday, February 22.

Unity Temple Justice Network

Passionate about Democracy? Immigration? Eco Justice? Prison Ministry? LGBTQ+ and Reproductive issues? Whatever you care about, search our Justice calendar to find what’s happening at Unity Temple that fits your interests and your schedule.

Let’s Raise A Garden: A Seed Starting & Garden Planning Workshop Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 10am–noon at the Gale House, 124 N. Kenilworth Avenue. Bring your spirit, creativity, and garden gloves for a hands-on, hands-in-the-soil morning inspired by Robin Wall Kimmerer's "Plant, Baby, Plant" movement, which asks us to focus on meaningful, regenerative actions to care for the Earth alongside more traditional activism. The morning will be led by longtime UTUUC member Sharon Storbeck and hosted by the Unity Temple Ecojustice Team. Light refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to ensure we provide the right amount of supplies by emailing ecojustice@unitytemple.org.

Let’s Learn How to Engage Voters! Are you concerned about the future of our country and preserving our elections? Come learn about canvassing! By canvassing we can meet people where they're at, whether at their door or on the street. Most people agree with us on the issues we care about. But unless we reach out and talk to people, they might not have the opportunity to learn about these important issues and take action for a cause they believe in.

Indivisible Chicago is holding 2-hour training sessions in a variety of locations. See the link for more information and to sign up. NOTE: the March 9 training will be held at the Brookfield public library. There will be an opportunity to sign up for canvassing with Indivisible but no obligation! Questions? Email votelove@unitytemple.org.

Immigration Justice The greatest need for our immigrant neighbors right now is accompaniment. This means working with a team to assist an immigrant family living on their own OR accompanying them to court for their asylum appearances. Spanish language skills are appreciated but not absolutely necessary. If this is something you’d be interested in please let us know and we’ll put you in touch with the right people! Reach out to immigrationjustice@unitytemple.org.

Join us for Safety Marshall Training on Wednesday, March 18, 2026 from 5:30–8pm, at 1019 S. Boulevard, Oak Park, IL. This training from Indivisible Chicago will prepare participants to take on the important role of protest safety marshall. Through scenario-based teaching focused on staying alert, remaining calm, clear communication and de-escalation, participants will learn how to help keep protesters safe and democracy alive. Register here and note your interest in the training at 1019 S. Blvd on March 18. Questions about this event may be directed to resist@unitytemple.org.

Know Your Rights Before ICE Returns Know Your Rights trainings throughout our area at local congregations in preparation for increased ICE/CBP presence this spring. Our congregation will be hosting one of these trainings on Sunday February 22 from 2-3:30pm. Register HERE. The goal of these trainings is to give community members an overview of their rights as it pertains to interactions with immigration agents. We will also discuss personal risk evaluation, as well as both formal and informal ways to get involved in supporting our community and protecting our neighbors and ourselves. Registration information by scanning the QR code below. For questions contact Rev. Emily Gage egage@unitytemple.org.

UUANI Empowers UUs Across Illinois to work for spiritually grounded, relationally accountable, and strategically effective action in solidarity with those most impacted by injustice. We provide leadership training, build congregational capacity and organize statewide advocacy efforts in loving accountability with our partners. Our Actions of the Week make it easy for UUs to make a difference. Together, we seek to bend the arc toward justice. Learn more and get news here.

This Sunday, the Women Inspired by Song Ensemble will perform for both worship services. Led by member Lindsay Bruce, singers from the congregation rehearsed between services for three weeks preparing for this Sunday's services. Songs by Ysaye Barnwell and Alicia Keys will be featured. They have been hard at work practicing on Sundays!

The Emily Dickinson Ensemble Performs at UT The Unity Temple Music program presents An Afternoon With Emily, a performance of poetry and new music composed to her poetry. The Dickinson Ensemble is a group of highly talented professional vocalists and instrumentalists dedicated to Dickinson’s work often including profound, often dark, nature, and consciousness through intense imagery and intimate, ambiguous, or philosophical language. The ensemble will also include a preview of music from their new opera The War Between the Houses. The music is engaging! Join us at Unity Temple on Saturday, February 28 at 3pm. There is a 20$ suggested donation at the door. More information can be found at thedickinsonensemble.org. 

UU Men’s Retreat will take place Friday March 6–Sunday March 8 at Baraga / St. Mary's Retreat House in Lemont IL. We welcome all who identify as male. We welcome all faiths. Our theme this year is Road to Positive Masculinity. Discussion Topics include modern men’s struggles, breaking out of the gender box, friendship and trauma to name a few. Activities Include a nature walk, chair yoga, drumming & open mic. Friday Night Pizza Party! Come hungry for food and fellowship! To learn more and to register go here. Questions? Contact mensretreat@unitytemple.org. Committee Members: Mark Johansen, Rich Pokorny, Alan Johnson, Allan Lindrup, Nai Owens, Ralph Earlandson, Ed White, Steve Hosmer, John Meade, Robert Innocenzi and Ron Dubreuil.

Care Team Soup Drive It’s that time of the year for our Annual Soup Collection going toward any congregants in need, or any of our neighbors who may need a meal. Please prepare a gallon size Vegetable Soup or Meat Soup, freeze and return to Unity Temple. Frozen soups can be delivered to us on Sundays at Unity Temple between February 15 & March 8. Questions to Caring@unitytemple.org.

UTUUC Cares 

For those of us who are facing life challenges, help is available. The Caring Committee arranges for meals and other practical assistance for those in need of help due to illness and other life limitations. Reach out to caring@unitytemple.org. If you would like a compassionate ear when facing troubling circumstances, trained, commissioned members of the Spiritual Care Team are available to meet with you. The team can be reached at spiritualcare@unitytemple.org.

The 55orBetter Book Group will meet on Wednesday, February 25 to discuss The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan. We will meet from 10–11:30am at 1019 South Blvd. The Craft Group will meet on Thursday, March 5, also from 10–11:30am at 1019 South Blvd., to work on our own projects while being together. Please join us!

2025-2026 RE Registration

Each year, we ask our families to register and re-register their children for our religious education programming. It ensures we have the most up to date information about our young people, helps us with planning, and gives us an ongoing communication loop. Along with information, we ask for a registration fee of $100 per child. These fees help support all elements of our program. Scholarships are granted by request to Val Ridenour vridenour@unitytemple.org. Please register your child/children for Religious Education on our website using this link.

Classroom Support

Join us in supporting our very dedicated volunteer class leaders on Sunday mornings! No preparation, just presence! Your involvement makes a big difference for the safety of our classes and the experience for our community. This is a direct way for you to engage with our young people. You can sign up here for a Sunday service that works best for your schedule. If you have any questions, email  

recommittee@unitytemple.org.

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. 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 8:30am Central Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting here.

Tuesday Evening Mindful Reflection Community We meet virtually and in person at the UTUUC Community Center. Meeting opens at 7pm CT for camaraderie. The program starts promptly at 7:20pm and ends at 9pm. If the front door is locked please ring the doorbell and if it's after 7:20pm please walk around to the back door and knock. We will follow our usual format with an ingathering, 20 minutes of Mindful Reflection followed by a dharma talk and discussion.We always end by 9pm. Questions email mindful@unitytemple.org. 

Join the Zoom meeting here.

UTUUC Office Hours Staff are present at 1019 South Blvd from 9am–3pm, Tuesday through Thursday. Otherwise, staff can be reached via email and appointments made for other days/times. Please note, staff in-office hours do not affect congregant access for events.

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.

Joys & Sorrows Sharing If you’d like to have a joy or sorrow sharing during the worship service, email the Spiritual Care Team at spiritualcare@unitytemple.org.

Guidelines for submissions to the eBeacon newsletter can be found 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. Table Guidelines can be found here. To reserve space contact 

vridenour@unitytemple.org.

We Celebrate Our Differences :: The beloved community includes people with diverse life experiences. Here at Unity Temple we call people to live out the values of our faith: interdependence, pluralism, justice, equity, generosity and transformation. 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

Land Acknowledgement of Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation, read here.