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Please note our offices will be closed on Monday, May 25 in observance of Memorial Day

A Brave and Startling Truth | Rev. Roger Bertschausen

May Theme: Awakening Curiosity

Live stream link can be found here.

Sunday's flowers are shared by Edward & Anne White. The price of freedom is visible on this Memorial Day. In gratitude for those who gave their all to defend the U.S. Constitution. To reserve flowers for the Chalice Table email flowers@unitytemple.org.

OFFERING : UUA Disaster Relief Fund

Each week, Unity Temple splits the offering evenly. One half supports the programs and mission of our congregation. This week, the other half goes the UUA Disaster Relief Fund. This fund allows the  Unitarian Universalist Association to respond flexibly to current disaster needs as well as to new emergency situations as they arise. The Disaster Relief Fund disburses grants to UU congregations and recognized UU non-profit entities, and iis part of a covenant between the UUA and congregations, between congregations who give generously and those in need, and with our community partners. Through this work, we are able to embody our faith and values.

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 Service 9am

During the summer we will have only one service at 9am which will be live-streamed. We'll resume two services on Sunday, August 31. 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.

Final Sunday Virtual Prison Docuseries (sponsored by UU Prison MInistry of Il & Prison Ministry at Unity Temple) May film: Sing Sing (available on Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Hulu, Fandango at Home) portrays the transformative power of theater at Sing Sing prison in NY state. Discussion date: May 24, 2026, 3pm, moderated by Barbara Moline. To receive Zoom link, email your name & email address to: prisonministry@unitytemple.org. The link will be sent out 1 week before discussion and again on the date of discussion.

Want to do your part to protect this good green earth? One way is to join the Unity Temple garden group. Our next work session is on Sunday, May 24, 2026, from 12–3pm at Gale House. No gardening experience is needed. Bring work gloves, a snack, water and a sense of community. Questions? Reach out ecojustice@unitytemple.org.

All Congregation Fall Retreat Get ready for a weekend full of fun, connection, and community for all ages! Join us Friday evening through Sunday afternoon, October 9–11 at Tower Hill Camp in Sawyer, MI for a joyful weekend for all ages—new friends and longtime members, kids, teens, adults, and elders. Come play, explore, relax, laugh, and soak up time together near beautiful Lake Michigan. Registration opens Sunday, May 10 at 8am in Realm (look under Events and the News Feed), and the retreat team will be happy to answer your questions via email annualretreat@unitytemple.org.

Your $75 retreat fee covers a light dinner on Friday (with chances to sign up to bring goodies!), three meals on Saturday, Sunday breakfast, snacks, craft supplies, session materials and everyone’s favorite—s’mores around the campfire. Each person or family will also choose a room option for the weekend, with a variety of cozy choices available.

Spots fill quickly, so be ready to sign up and save yours! Have questions or want to help plan the fun? Email annualretreat@unitytemple.org.

Call for (all virtual) General Assembly! General Assembly is Unitarian Universalism's annual gathering for business, worship, and learning. This year the entire GA is accessible and happening online. Unity Temple is looking for both those who wish to serve as delegates, representing our congregation, at the business portion, and we are looking for others who might like to participate! It's a great way to connect with our larger religious movement. For more information go here. 

The Ordination of Emma Farrell You are warmly invited to the ordination of Unity Temple member, Dr. Emma Farrell, at Unity Temple on Saturday, June 13, 2:30pm. Unity Temple and the Unitarian Church of Evanston, where Emma has been serving as a ministerial intern, will be co-ordaining Emma that day. We would love to have you at this celebratory worship service! All are welcome. Please RSVP here.

Summer RE 2026 is Here! Experience the joy of coming together as a community, forging meaningful friendships and supporting our community on this transformative voyage. Our Summer RE programming is supported solely by volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, email Val Ridenour 

vridenour@unitytemple.org.

This past Sunday, our sanctuary was filled with vibrant color and shared community during our annual Flower Communion service. It was a beautiful reminder of the unique gifts each of us brings to our congregation, and the gorgeous bouquet we form together. A heartfelt thank you to Jane Coleman and Anne White. These wonderful volunteers gave their time and care to support this beloved UU tradition. 

Day in Our Village June 7 Do you like spending time outdoors on a Sunday afternoon with like-minded, mission and values driven congregants who represent a variety of program areas in our faith community? Then you will want to sign up to help support our efforts in the community at our booth for Day In Our Village. You are welcome to use the signup genius here to find a time to support our efforts. If you have questions, email Val Ridenour vridenour@unitytemple.org.

Women's Connection Spring/Summer Brunch Brunch will take place on Sunday June 14 at 1019 South Blvd. We will gather from 12:30 till 2:30pm. Pizza, Salad, and Fruit will be supplied, please bring your beverages and dessert to share. Questions? Reach out to womensconnection@unitytemple.org.

The 55orBetter Craft Group will meet on Thursday, June 4 from 10–11:30am at 1019 South Blvd. As usual, bring your own project to work on while others work on their projects. It's great to be together! Our next Social will be on Tuesday, June 9 from 10–11:30am also at 1019 South Blvd. We welcome you whether you have been with us before or not! There's always room for more people!

Are you a good listener that likes to connect deeply with others? Unity Temple’s Spiritual Care team is looking for three new volunteers to serve on a six member team that provides a listening presence to those who are experiencing some kind of life transition. (Two positions are for a three year term, and one for a two year term.) Members of the team meet monthly for mutual support and learning, provide care as requested, and take turns introducing joys and sorrows at each Sunday’s worship service. More details and the application can be found here: SCT Application. Applications are due by May 31. Feel free to reach out with questions to Rev. Emily Gage or any member of the spiritual care team spiritualcare@unitytemple.org. 

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.

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.