Inside This Issue Ever Bound in Community

Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation
BEACON
October 2012
Ever Bound in Community
Rev. Alan Taylor, Senior Minister
[email protected]
We build on foundations we did not lay.
We warm ourselves at fires we did not light.
We sit in the shade of trees we did not plant.
We drink from wells we did not dig.
We profit from persons we did not know.
We are ever bound in community.
This paraphrase of Deuteronomy 6:10-12 reminds me
that as we build community to benefit us here and now,
we also build community for the sake of the future.
Our ingathering service on September 9th featured
four lovely but distressed serviceberry trees that symbolized our congregation. We brought our waters together to
nourish the trees. Some of the collective water was boiled
and saved to be used in our
child dedication ceremonies. As for the trees, we
held a drawing among the
dozen households interested and the recipients
were Mitch and Dave Brumirski, Vanessa Crowder
and Sharon Storbeck, Maia
Farrar, and Ian Morrison. It
is good that these trees will
be tended lovingly as we all
tend our congregation.
To support our community building efforts, a new small
group opportunity, in addition to Chalice Circles, will be
available after Rev. Thandeka returns to Unity Temple
to train facilitators for “What Moves Us” small groups.
Thandeka’s approach to small groups provides a framework to engage in theological reflection, not as an intellectual exercise, but as a process of meaning-making that
equips us for living in the world as Unitarian Universalists.
This small group format explores the life experiences of
both historic and contemporary Unitarian Universalist
theologians, highlighting that which caused in them a
change of heart, a new direction, new hope, and a deeper
Inside This Issue
Ever Bound in Community, Rev. Alan Taylor,
Senior Minister
Board of Trustees News, Ian Morrison, Board
President
Music at Unity Temple, Martha Swisher, Music
Director
By the Numbers: Religious Education at Unity
Temple, Rev. Emily Gage, Minister of Faith
Development
Finding the Threads, Re-Weaving the Fabric,
Rev. Scott Aaseng
Turning Toward Fall, Rev. Clare Butterfield
understanding of their own liberal faith. Providing participants the opportunity to explore their personal experiences in light of these, this small group program offers a
pathway for developing one’s own personal theology and
a good understanding of the threads of our Unitarian, Universalist, and Unitarian Universalist theological heritage.
Please see me or Rev. Emily if you are interested in being
trained as a co-facilitator. More information about What
Moves Us can be found at http://www.uua.org/re/tapestry/adults/moves/index.shtml.
UTUUC members are going to Guatemala February to
build a school for a remote village as part of the Sienna
Project. Sponsored by Unitarian Universalist Service Committee and the Unitarian Universalist College of Social
Justice, this is an extraordinary opportunity to serve. Scholarships are available through an anonymous donation from
within our congregation. More information can be found at
http://www.uusc.org/justworks/trip/sienna-guatemala.
Truly, we are ever bound by community.
Warmly,
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Board of Trustees News
Ian Morrison, Board President
[email protected]
You may have noticed a bit of dust and some moving
radiators around Unity Temple lately. We are replacing our
outmoded steam boiler with a high-efficiency hot water
model. There will be many benefits once the new system
is up and running – quieter, more fuel efficient heat and a
system that is compatible with the eventual geothermal
heating and cooling system we plan to install. If you know
anything about heating equipment, you have also wondered how we are paying for this. The answer is that we
are able to pay for this upgrade (at least in the short-term)
through the generous legacies of two long-time members.
When they passed away recently, Agnes Kelly and Pat
Cavanagh both made significant gifts from their estates to
Unity Temple. These gifts have been multifaceted blessings for our community. Many are already aware that
Agnes requested that a fund be established to provide
assistance to our seniors who are in need of support. This
fund has been established and a team appointed to oversee expenditures. In addition, we have used a portion of
the money received to date as an interim funding source
for our heating upgrade.
But perhaps the most important benefits of these gifts
are less tangible. First, they serve as a great inspiration to
all of us and a reminder to consider including Unity Temple
Unitarian Universalist Congregation in our wills and estate
plans. Surely, if UTUUC is an important part of your life,
it is worth at least considering making a provision for this
community in your will or trust documents. I have done
so, and hope you will consider doing this as well.
Second, these gifts, which were largely unstructured,
have forced the Board to adopt a policy requiring the
establishment of a formal endowment and to consider
what portion of gifts like those from Agnes and Pat should
be included in an endowment and what portion should be
spent meeting immediate needs. After deliberation, the
Board has decided to to formalize an endowment (including specifying the type of gifts that will be accepted and
the conditions under which principal and earnings of the
endowment may be spent. The Board has appointed a
team to oversee preparation of the formal endowment
documents and has decided that for now gifts like those
from Pat and Agnes will be divided 50/50 between the
endowment and meeting UTUUC’s significant short-term
needs. These are major steps and will help ensure the
long-term viability of UTUUC.
So, please take a moment to reflect on the generosity of
these two members and legacy their generosity leaves for
all of us.
If you would like more information about including UTU2
UC in your will or estate plans, contact the Development
Committee at [email protected] or David
Wilke, Director of Administration at dwilke@unitytemple.
org or 708/848-6225 x100.
Board of Trustees Meeting
The next Board of Trustees meeting will be Tuesday, October 9 at 7:15 p.m. in Unity House. Board meetings are
open. If you have questions, please contact Board President Ian Morrison at [email protected].
Welcome!
If you are new to our community and would like more
information about how to become a member, please go to
the Connect section on page 8 for more information.
Auction 2012
Susan Huizinga and Molly Allscheid, Co-chairs
[email protected]
October – Time to Bid – beginning at 7 a.m. on Sun.
October 7!
Thank you to everyone who has donated to the catalog,
once again it is full of amazing items and events. If you
would still like to contribute – this Monday is the last day
to submit your donations.
Want to get an idea of what’s in the catalog? Go ahead
and take a peek – we encourage previewing the catalog
now to get acquainted with items prior to the Early Bird
and Win It Now bidding period. But remember new items
are still being added, so review the catalog again after it is
finalized on October 5.
Interested in using the online bid form or a credi t card
to make auction purchases? Please verify or submit your
method of payment information with the auction committee to avoid any bidding delays.
Monday, Oct. 1: Deadline for your donations.
Friday, Oct. 5: Release of finalized auction catalog (online and print).
Sunday, Oct. 7: All Bidding Begins at 7 a.m.! Traditional,
Early Bird and Win It Now bidding, when bidders can buy
any catalog item at a fixed price.
Wednesday, Oct. 17: Close of Early Bird and Win It Now
bidding.
Sunday, Oct. 21: Mid Bid Rally & Raffle Information and
inspiration to guide your bidding strategy: samples of the
auction’s food offerings, display of other catalog items, and
posting of current standings. Mid Bid Raffle prize is $50 of
auction fun money to shop the catalog.
Sunday, Nov. 4: Close of traditional auction bidding.
Frequently Asked Questions - Bidding
How can I submit my bids?
Online bids can be made through our auction site: www.
unitytemple.org/support/auction. Paper bid forms (available at the auction table or at the UT website) can be
submitted at the Auction Table on Sundays, sent through
the U.S. mail to Unity Temple or faxed to 708-848-0048.
Together Auction does not currently have the ability to
process online bids.
Why should I be an Early Bird bidder?
Bidding during the Early Bird/Win It Now period earns
you a FREE ticket for the Mid-Bid Raffle (one ticket per
household). In addition, the Win It Now option is only
available during this 10 -day period and you can be SURE
to get your favorite items or events, and have those dates
locked in on your calendar. But remember, with Win It
Now it is still important to bid early, as supplies are limited
and winning bids will be determined chronologically. Popular items will sell out fast!
Why should I submit payment information before the
auction bidding has begun?
Having payment information already ‘on file’ will enable
bidders to use the online or paper order forms without any
processing delays. This is especially important for Winit-Now bids since they are processed chronologically and
items can sell out VERY fast! Email auction@unitytemple.
org to verify if you have current payment information
already on file.
How can I pay for my catalog bids?
Payment is required at the time of your bid. You can
write a check to UTUUC for the entire bid amount, use
the automatic payment option used for your pledge (on
file with UTUUC) or bring a credit card payment form to
the auction table. Payment forms will be available at the
auction table and on the UT website www.unitytemple.
org/support/auction. Credit cards and automatic payment
options will be charged the final purchase amount of your
winning bids once bidding has ended. If you have written a
check and did not win all of your bid items, a refund check
will be issued and sent to your home address.
Confused? Questions? Email us at [email protected], call Susan Huizinga at 708-366-1201, or stop by
the auction table at coffee hour. THANK YOU.
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Worship
Tuesday Reflections
Join Rev. Alan Taylor every Tuesday evening in Unity Temple at 6:30 p.m. for 45 minutes of centering. Each week,
Rev. Taylor leads a short, structured reflection focusing
on a different theme. For some, this is an opportunity to
wind down a stressful day. For others, it is a time to drop in
prior to a committee meeting. For still others, it is the support for a personal journey of spiritual practice. For free
childcare during Tuesday Reflections, contact childcare@
unitytemple.org at least one week in advance.
Taizé at Unity Temple
Please join us again for Taizé Service in the Unity Temple
Sanctuary on the last Friday of the month. This service
will offer a time for meditation, reflection, and renewal
through music, brief words, and silence. Come sing, light a
candle, and nurture your spirit during this non-traditional
worship experience—and bring a friend. The service will
conclude before 8 p.m. For more information, contact
Marty Swisher, Music Director, at [email protected].
Music at Unity Temple
Martha Swisher, Music Director
[email protected]
Music for services at Unity Temple begins with an appearance of The Unity Temple Choir on October 6, singing
songs that will include one of our congregation’s most
beloved gospel songs, titled “Order My Steps.” On October 14, the Unity Temple Singers will make their first
presentation, singing a vocal jazz arrangement of Leonard Cohen’s, Hallelujah. This rendition was featured as
part of the King Singer’s favorite selections in their latest
recordings. We are thrilled to announce the return of the
Women Inspired by Song Ensemble on October 21 led by
Terri Schultz. For this service, women in and outside of
choir community will sing two songs celebrating the earth
and its gifts to us. And finally, on October 28 the Unity
Temple Choir will return to present “Y Comienzo a Bailar”
by composer Elizabeth Alexander. This composition is an
intimate and loving portrait of one woman as she prepares for and celebrates Dia de los Muertos, Mexico’s Day
of the Dead.
The Unity Temple Choir welcomes new members Karen
Haskins-Brewer, Guy Jones, Amanda Dubose and Ed
DeWitt and Lynne Clarke! We are still looking for singers
and welcome any interest. Come for a few weeks, sing a
service and see if you like it! We are so fortunate to have
a warm and welcoming group ready to take you in and
make you feel comfortable.
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WISE will begin rehearsals on October 1! We invited
women who are looking for a less traditional ensemble
experience and/or who are not available to attend choir
rehearsals regularly. Did you know that we provide childcare for all choir rehearsals? Let us know in advance and
we are happy to schedule someone to provide company
for our older youth or tender loving care for our littlest
ones. Member and Singer, Terri Schultz is a catalyst for
providing a great inter-generational experience for our
ladies. Sign up at our table or just come!
Rise Up Singing was a great success in September!
Thank you Laurie Belmar for leading our troupe in Gale
House in song. Mark your calendars now for this great
informal singing get together for kids, singles, seniors,
even aardvarks..... Bring a guitar (or a sitar) and join us
on October 15 and November 19.
Service In the Style of Taize is held on the fourth
Friday of each month, September through May at 7 p.m.
The September unveiling of our new 6 x 10 ft. screen
brought a new level of sophistication to our offering
(thank you MusicFest!). We are delighted as our community attendance grows. October will feature cellist, Tom
Cloews as he is joined by our fine troupe of musicians on
Team Taize. We hope you will consider joining us for this
very special service of candlelit music, poetry and silence
on October 23. Friend of our congregation and journalist Ken Trainor will read poems that celebrate spiritual
mystery this month.
We are in need of set up and tech volunteers for this
service. Do you love music at UT but can’t sing our play?
Well, help support our efforts by lending a helping hand
on these nights. We sure do appreciate the set up team
we have now but don’t want to over burden them! Let us
know if you are interested and in doing so, you may discover a real hidden gem of our community.
The Music Survey has been filled out by many members and friends of the congregation! Thank you for your
participation and thank you to all the members of the
music committee who have made this happen. Oh, the
dreams we have! Together with your participation, we are
formulating a long-range plan that will deepen and enliven
the musical life of our community. It’s never to late to give
feedback. If the survey has slipped by you and you would
still like to add your voice, contact me at [email protected].
The Power of Silence has long been explored and
revered through the ages. As a musician, I have come to
understand the need for the space between the sound, the
rests, the suspended silences that frames the sound in a
way to allow the message to be heard. There are silences
and there are silences. You know that kind of silence that
happens when devastating news is related. You undoubtedly have experienced the silence that follows the impact
of a great musical moment. As I hold my hands in place
following an important musical climax, the room feels electric, pulsating with response. The clamor surrounding our
existence often overwhelms me. Sometimes it is the music
that shuts it out but most often it is the silence that is hard
to protect that gives rest to the meaning I crave. After a
day of teaching voice, I need the silence of our home to
bring me back to clear thinking.
After tenor Stuart Bard’s presentation of Max Janowski’s
Alvinu Malkeinu on September 16, the second service
congregation couldn’t stifle enthusiasm and their need to
applaud. His singing was beautiful, clear and emotional.
They were stirred to express themselves. Stuart was flattered. Two members came up to me after the service and
complained that the applause disturbed them. For many, it
was natural to hear applause after that stirring presentation.
But certainly, know that the quiet that follows can hold great
power in a meaningful moment and that silence communicates appreciation as well. We ask you to hold applause
because we hold the silent sacred, as a time to let the music
stir within. Having said that, in some cultures, music following an emotional presentation followed by silence would
signal that the performers didn’t put across what needed
to be said. “It is a matter of multi-cultural literacy” as Scott
Aaseng relates to me. Gospel numbers and spirituals beg
for response. Let’s allow it then, but in general hold it in and
appreciate the power of silence.
As always, we appreciate your support and participation.
Rise Up Singing
Calling music lovers of all ages and abilities! Come join our
song nights where we sing-along, play or just tap our feet
to your favorite songs in the cozy living room of the Gale
House. Our next gathering will be from 7 to 8:30 pm on
Monday, October 15. Contact Laurie Belllmar for questions
or more information at 708-763-0260 or lbellmar@gmail.
com.
Sunday Morning News
Coffee Hour Host
Members and friends host coffee hour for a variety of
reasons. Some like to host in order to celebrate birthdays,
anniversaries, and special occasions. Others enjoy hosting just for the fun of it! Consider inviting others to host
with you to share cost and creativity. The sign-up sheet is
located on one of the food tables during coffee hour or on
the bulletin boards. Contact [email protected]
for detailed instructions.
Music News
WISE
Our Women Inspired by Song (WISE) is back! We welcome
ALL women who like to sing, and who are looking for a less
traditional ensemble experience or who can’t participate in
choir on a regular basis. Member and Singer, Terri Schultz,
is leading our first WISE Sunday, 10/21/12. Terri is a catalyst for providing a great inter-generational experience for
our women, so please join us!
This year, we have scheduled rehearsals immediately
after 1st service and then again after 2nd service, right in
the sanctuary, for easier access by our women in the congregation. So...Please come to one or both rehearsals on
Sundays, 9/30, 10/7, and 10/14. We’ll be singing a South
African (Zulu) chant Umam’ Uyajabula that honors the
woman spirit, and Appalachia, an achingly beautiful song
about coal mining in the Appalachia mountains.
The songs are easy to learn. Terri will teach you the
songs, and will hand out words and musical recordings for
the songs. We want to fill the sanctuary with our women’s
voices. Please come! You can contact Terri at 708-359-3022
or at [email protected] for more information.
5
Learn
By the Numbers: Religious Education at
Unity Temple
Rev. Emily Gage, Minister of Faith Development
[email protected]
Not everyone loves numbers, and there are times when
quantities don’t even begin to capture what’s most
important. But since I’ve been
counting registration forms
for all of our young people,
I got to thinking about the
important numbers that are
part of our religious education program at Unity Temple.
Here are some of them:
Three: The number of
different age levels that we
currently offer our OWL (Our
Whole Lives) values based sexuality education programs
for: first, fifth and eighth grades. Other possibilities include
high school, young adult, and adult. Perhaps in the future
we can offer those, too.
Six: The number of paid religious education staff who
do such a wonderful job to help to make our program as
strong as it is. They are Emily Brynelsen (nursery worker),
Julie Rash Cantrell (nursery worker), Mike Cantrell (nursery worker), Heather Godbout (youth coordinator), Sule
Kivanc-Ancieta (preschool coordinator), and Jan Krumm
(nursery coordinator). Our youngest and oldest groups
greatly benefit from the extra care provided by professionals! And a shout-out to Tracy Zurawski, Unity Temple
administrative assistant, who provides our program with
great logistical support.
Nine: The number of the members on the Religious Education Committee for Children and Youth: Kimberly Brumirski (co-chair), Stephanie Kiesling, Alicia Perla, Eric Reeb,
Corynne Romine, Jason Sherman, Karen Swan, Craig Taylor,
and David Willard (co-chair). They have all had hands-on
experiences in our program and lend perspective, support,
energy and enthusiasm to what we offer our young people
at Unity Temple.
Ten: The number of classrooms we have on a Sunday
morning—two more than last year. Thanks to David Wilke
(Director of Administration) and Larry Studer (volunteer
extraordinaire) who helped make that dream a reality!
115: The approximate number of volunteers who have
stated their willingness and ability to serve with our young
people in the classrooms, either as leaders (those who
plan and lead our groups, about twice a month), those
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who assist (help out the leaders on a regular basis), and
those who sub (those who help out as needed). It’s a
wonderful and amazing list of people, and we are still looking for more of you who are willing to lead. If you’d like to
explore this possibility, let me know!!
217 (and counting): The number of children and youth
(birth through 12th grade) who are registered in our religious education program at Unity Temple. This is about 20
more than we had at this time last year. This will not be
our final number; I know there are more out there who are
not yet registered.
805: The address of our two new classrooms and meeting spaces, connected to our administrative offices on
South Boulevard, around the corner from Unity Temple.
$1,029.40: The amount of money our Unity Temple
young people collected in our Trick-or-Treat campaign for
UNICEF on Halloween 2011. Just one measure of what
a bunch of young people can accomplish when they put
their minds and hearts and voices together. Let’s see if we
can break that record this year!
Infinite: The amount of love and caring and energy and
enthusiasm and connection and challenge and questioning that you can visibly see when you witness our young
people interacting with each other and the adults around
them. I am so grateful to be part of this ministry at Unity
Temple!
Religious Education for Children and Youth
Registration
Young people are always welcome as guests in our religious education classes on Sunday. All young people who
attend on a regular basis, whether visitors, friends or
members should be registered. Registration forms ensure
that we have important information about your family and
enable us to communicate easily with you.
We do have registration fees that are used to provide
resources, teacher training, and curricula for our program.
2011-2012 fees are $50.00 per child for first time registrants, pledging members and friends; and $100.00 per
child for non-pledging members and friends. Scholarships
are available upon request. Checks should say “RE registration” in the memo line.
We ask that you complete both the Registration Form
and the Covenant for Children and Youth.
Religious education programming will be offered at both
services: 9:00 and 10:45 a.m. If you have been attending
our early service, please consider switching to the 10:45
service. Thank you!
The Registration Form may be brought to church or
mailed to:
Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation
ATTN: Rev. Emily Gage
875 Lake Street
Oak Park, IL 60301
Our October traditions are on their way! Trick or
Treat for UNICEF!!
Are you ready to help kids around the world?! Then get
ready for Trick or Treat for UNICEF!
Sunday, October 21, we’ll have an all ages Social mission time on Sunday morning to learn more about UNICEF
and how you can make a difference. Saturday and Sunday
the 27 and 28 we’ll set up times and places for you to trick
or treat for UNICEF. Sunday evening the 28, we’ll have our
UNICEF celebration and Halloween party from 5-7 p.m. at
Unity Temple! More info to come. Save the dates to save
the world and have some fun!!
Adult Religious Enrichment
Prayer Meeting
Come join an ongoing group to have sacred conversations
exploring themes about prayer. Come explore this spiritual
practice of listening and sharing intentionally, and to find
ways of using prayer as a pathway to openness and possibilities. All are welcome to this drop-in gathering. We meet
on the first and third Monday of each month in the West
Balcony of Unity House from 7 to 8 p.m. For more information, please contact Scott Talbot Lewis at 708-445-1466.
Great Books Discussion
On Thursday October 11 in the Gale House, Upper Classroom, from 7 p.m until 9 p.m. We will be discussing the
play Agamemnon by Aeschylus 25th we will discuss Henry
James’ The Beast in the Jungle.
Classes
UU Parenting
What does it mean to be a Unitarian Universalist parent?
This four session class will help UU parents clarify their
own religious beliefs, increase their understanding of
Unitarian Universalism, and put their UU values into better
practice at home. We’ll discuss child-rearing questions and
challenges and how they might be answered from a UU
perspective. Some topics for exploration include family life,
holidays, celebrations, and redefining religious terms such
as prayer, sin, heaven, and hell. Four Sunday afternoons,
1:00-2:30 p.m., October 28, November 4, November
11, and November 18. Led by Rev. Emily Gage. Childcare
provided by request. Sign up via [email protected].
Minimum 10 people.
History of Western Religion
This six-session course on the history of western religion
beginning with the origins of Judaism, will begin meeting
Thursday, October 11 from 7:30-9:00 p.m. in Gale House.
Subsequent topics will include Judaism at the time of
Jesus; the historical Jesus; the divergent followers of Jesus;
Paul; early Christianity; the ancient roots of Unitarianism;
the medieval mind; the Reformation; the origins of the secular mind; and the development of modern Unitarian and
Universalism. Contact Ron Moline at ronaldmolinemd@
earthlink.net.
Ex Libris
As leaves continue to show their colors, we continue to
find books which will add to your experience at Unity
Temple. Ex Libris has some new books in stock which will
add to your exerience at Unity Temple.
If you are a kid or someone who likes kids, we suggest
you look at And Here’s to You by David Elliott. Children will
enjoy rhyming and word play and a chance to get a bit silly.
Author Daniel Pinkwater, who knows a lot about silly, says
“It’s A+.”\The New Jim Crow by Michelle Alexander and
Cornell West takes adults on a much more serious ride.
Their premise: “We have not ended racial caste in America
(with the 2008 election); we have merely redesigned it.”
They describe a construct whereby the legal system exerts
racial control over minorities. Harvard law professor Luni
Gulnier calls this book “brash and bold.”
Introduction to Unitarian and Universalist Traditions by
Andrew Greenwood answers some interesting questions:
How is a free faith expressed, organized and governed?
How are diverse spiritualities and theologies made compatible? Looking at the history of this church and how it is
today answers these questions in ways that will add to our
knowledge and creativity.
Ex Libris will be open on Sunday, October 14 and Sunday, October 28. Please stop in.
If you like reading or finding information for others, you
may like to be an Ex Libris volunteer. Please let us know.
Catherine Bendowitz is at 773-230-0052.
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Care
depending on momentary needs and
interests, but specializing in choir
and adult religious enrichment. The
Caring Team is a primacy focus for
her now; she feels privileged to be
part of this important ministry.
Jim Smith has been a member
of Unity Temple for one year. He’s a
semi-retired electrical engineer living
in Elmhurst with his wife and 3rd
grade daughter. Since growing up on
a Wisconsin dairy farm he’s lived in
San Diego, Germany, France, Spain,
and now here. In his spare time he
enjoys family time, reading almost
everything, and playing sports, especially soccer.
Pastoral Associates
When life’s joys and sorrows come along it is often helpful
to talk with a sensitive peer. Pastoral Associates are able
to provide support, companionship and attentive listening.
They have been chosen for their warmth and openness
and have received special training from the ministers, but
are not trained therapists. Confidentiality is always complete. If you are in need of support or know someone who
is, please email [email protected], call
the congregation office at 708-848-6225, or contact one of
the pastoral associates directly. They include Jean Borelli,
Bonnie Jordan, Mary Marling, Jim Walwark and John Wood
and may be found in the 2012-2013 Member Household
Directory.
Care Network
We are pleased to introduce members of the Care Network. If you, or someone you know is in need of short term
care which includes meals, rides, or visits please feel free
to contact one of our care coordinators for assistance. The
may be reached at [email protected] or directly. Individual contact information may be found in the 2012-2013
Member Household Directory.
Janet Holden has been a
member of UT since 1988, and
is a member of the choir, the
Women’s Connection, and the
Immigration as a Moral Issue Action Team of the Social Mission
Committee. She is happily retired
with her also retired husband
and two cats and has two adult
children. She would much rather
organize others to bring meals than to cook them herself.
Hello, my name is Aisha Ellis. I have been a teacher for
10 years and am enjoying staying at home with my son this
year. I love all things food-related, reading, family time, scuba
diving, yoga and long walks on
the beach. I have been a member of UTUUC since 2007, love
singing in the choir, and have
met some very amazing people
here. If I haven’t met you yet, I
look forward to meeting you!
Shirley Lundin joined this congregation in 1979, and was
immediately nominated to the Board of Trustees, where
she took a turn as President in 1981-82. She’s been an
active member since, working in a variety of capacities,
8
Connect
Becoming a Member
At Unity Temple, you will be supported and your presence
will support others. Together we ask questions, explore
answers, strive to recognize and celebrate our differences,
heal, make friends and encounter the holy. We are present for one another in times of celebration and in times of
hardship. Our collective values and actions create who we
are and how we will live together. Our mission is to foster
community through love, spiritual growth and social justice. Membership requirements include completion of an
Introduction to Unitarian Universalism, Pathways to Membership, signing the membership book and making an annual financial commitment. To learn more please contact,
Tina Lewis, Membership Director, at tlewis@unitytemple.
org. or 708-848-6225 x102.
Introduction to Unitarian Universalism
This two-hour class is offered once a month and is taught
by our senior minister, Rev. Alan Taylor. The class answers
the question: What is Unitarian Universalism? Our principles, values, beliefs and practices will also be addressed.
In addition, learn more about the history of our faith
tradition, the history of this congregation, and congregational life today. For more information and to register for
this class, contact Tina Lewis at [email protected] or
708-848-6225 x102. Class time: Sunday, October 7, from 1
p.m. to 3 p.m. Location: Unity House. No fee.
Pathways to Membership
This two-class session is led by members of the congregation and enables participants to further explore Unitarian
Universalism and reflect on their own spiritual and religious beliefs and experiences. Classes will include in-depth
discussions about how we touch, change and transform
lives through worship and music, faith development, small
group ministry, social mission and pastoral care. Participants are invited to formally become a member of the
congregation upon completing this class. It is preferred
that classes one and two be taken in the same session. For
more information or to register, contact Rob Bellmar at
[email protected] or 708-763-0260. Next available session dates are Sunday, October 14 and Sunday October 21,
from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. Location: Unity House. No fee.
Cause for Applause
A round of applause is in order for Larry Studer and David Wilke. Thanks to their hard work, we now have two
new beautiful conference rooms and office space at 805
South Blvd. The space is complete with fresh paint, new
carpet, shelving, artwork, wipe boards, towel dispensers
and more! They are clean, crisp and bright for the many
who will use them. Thank you very much. Your efforts are
greatly appreciated!
Upcoming Events and Activities
Bag Day Returns!
After a long hiatus, BAG (Buildings and Grounds) Day is
returning on Saturday, October 13! Mark your calendars
now and plan to participate in cleaning and sprucing up
our building. We will need lots of helpers! BAG Day will
run from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., with lunch served to all
who participate. There will be sign-up sheets available on
Sundays, starting in early September. For further information, please contact Barbara Moline.
Cheer!
The softball teams are back in action this fall! Watch for
weekly updates on game times in the order of service each
Sunday. All are welcome to attend games and cheer on the
Heretics and the Wright Fielders!
Circle Suppers
Circle Suppers are a great way to get to know people in the
congregation in a relaxed social setting. New members and
friends, as well as, long standing members and friends are
encouraged to participate. Groups of 6-8 adults will gather
for a meal once a month for three times. An initial host is
needed to begin the dinners, subsequent hosts will be determined at the dinner. Typically, the dinners are potluck.
The host provides the main dish while the others bring
side dishes, dessert and beverages of their choice. Family
groups will consist of 6-8 adults and their children.
Please choose one of the following groups below and
indicate whether or not you are able to host the initial
gatherings on the sign-up sheet or email [email protected]. Sign-up sheets will be available during coffee hour
at the congregational life tables.
Friday Night Group(s) will meet 10/12, 11/9, and 12/7
Saturday Night Group(s) will meet 10/13, 11/10 and 12/8
Sunday Night Group(s) will meet 10/14, 11/11 and 12/9
Family Night Group(s) will meet 10/13, 11/10 and 12/8
Registration will close Sunday, October 7. Group rosters
will be emailed to each group by Wednesday, October 10.
Committee Expo
Are you looking for a way to deepen your connection
with our UTUUC Community? Mark Your Calendar for the
UTUUC Committee Expo on Sunday, October 7, following
both services. Whether you’ve just joined us or you’re a
member of longer standing, you can deepen your connection with our congregation through work on a committee.
We have a wonderfully diverse group of committees working in support of our mission and they need YOU and your
skills, talents and energy. Come meet representatives from
these committees and learn how you can contribute to our
vital and vibrant community. Whether you can give a little
time or a lot of time your contribution makes a difference.
Stay tuned for more details in the weeks ahead. Questions
now? Tina Lewis at [email protected] or Jen Marling
at [email protected].
Luncheon for Wise Elders and Friends
Wise elders of the congregation are invited to write November 8 on your calendar! Lunch at Unity House will
begin at 11:30....conversation and dessert will continue as
long as you like! Seriously, there is no age limit, one way or
the other, so if you self-identify as either elder, senior, or
wise, you are invited!
Men’s Potluck
Mark your calendar! The next Men’s Potluck is Friday, November 30 from 7:00-9:00 in Unity House.
Women’s Connection Un-Potluck
All women, members and friends, of the congregation are
welcome to attend our first un-potluck supper of the year
on Friday, November 2, beginning with drinks at 6 p.m. in
Unity House.
“Un-potluck” because you have choices. A women’s
spirituality group is preparing the main dish. You’re invited
to bring appetizer, salad, dessert (bought or home-made),
or $5.00.
Child care is available...please contact childcare@
9
unitytemple.org to reserve a week ahead of time to assure
adequate supervision.
Questions? email [email protected].
Women’s Dream Quest - ‘Dreaming Transformation’
On Friday - Saturday, November 8 - 9, we will gather as a
group for an overnight experience in Unity Temple. Dream
Quest uses beautiful chants and a ceremony with song,
movement and guided meditation that sets the tone and
creates a safe and expansive environment for each woman
to have her “dream” as well as a warm and nurturing
environment for us all to experience a community of heart.
Small groups are facilitated by able women in the community. After an hour of small group interaction, it is time for
walking the Labyrinth, receiving healing, meditating, praying, journaling, singing, creating, or even going to sleep.
We want women to feel free to follow their hearts and
experiences. This period lasts until the lights dim, but some
women choose to walk the Labyrinth during the night or
continue their vigil or meditation.
If you are interested in the Women’s Dream Quest,
please contact Diane Piette at 708-642-0440 or
[email protected]. There will also be registration
forms at coffee hour after each service. The fee is 135.00,
which includes snacks and breakfast.
Third Saturday Coffeehouse
Join us on October 20 as Third Saturday Coffeehouse gears
up for a night of bluesy roots with Catfish Stevenson and
Rick Cookin’ Sherry. Catfish Stevenson, a mainstay of the
Madison, Wisconsin music scene, is a singer, a songwriter,
a legendary guitar-slinging blues busker, a failed Marine, a
failed seminarian, a cycle-riding, gun-toting, roadkill-barbecuing, American-made musical anti-hero for our times
- a genuine, one-of-a-kind, original. His music is a heartfelt
homage to all things musically American. Rick Cookin’
Sherry has been an active member of the Chicago acoustic roots scene for the last 20 years. He was a founding
member of Devil in a Woodpile and played for years with
blues legend Honeyboy Edwards. A multi-instrumentalist,
Rick’s primary instruments are harmonica and washboard,
and he often plays the clarinet and guitar during shows,
and sings. In Unity House, 7:30 sign-up, 8 p.m. Open Mic,
9 p.m. performer. $3.00-$5.00 donation. Info at 708-6609376.
Young Adult Group-New
If you are between the ages 18-35, join our new Young
Adult Group which meets after second service on the last
Sunday of every month. If you would like more information
about this exciting new group please contact youngadult@
unitytemple.org.
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Odds and Ends
Frank Lloyd Wright Race
The Park District of Oak Park will host the annual Frank
Lloyd Wright 5k race on October 21. Please be aware that
the race may impede traffic and/or parking around Unity
Temple that Sunday.
Bulletin Boards
If you would like to have a photo related to a person, activity, or event at Unity Temple or a local newspaper article
about a member or friend of the congregation considered
for posting on the bulletin boards, please leave it in Tina
Lewis’ staff mailbox. The mailbox is located in the copy
closet which can be found in the southeast corner of Unity
House.
Photo Directory Update
Good news! There will be a new photo directory this year!
Photo shoots are scheduled for January 9, 10, 11, 16, 17,
and 18. The new directory will be ready by the beginning
of March. Volunteers will be needed during the photo
shoots. Stay tuned for more information! In the meantime, an updated non-photo member directory will be
available on-line by Homecoming Sunday. If you would like
a printed copy, please contact [email protected].
Stay in the Know!
The congregational life table has moved from the foyer
to the west wing of Unity House. Please stop by the west
wing each Sunday during coffee hour to learn about all
sorts of congregational happenings.
Meet with the Membership Director
If you would like to meet with Tina Lewis, Membership
Director, to explore your interests within the congregation,
please contact her for an appointment at [email protected].
Chalice Circles
Participation guides and registration forms can be found
at the congregational life table in the foyer after services
throughout the year. Contact [email protected]
for more information.
rather than worse.” The Dance of Anger by Harriet Lerner
“We can consciously create a space between the rise
of anger and the actions we take as a result.” - The Cow in
the Parking Lot: A Zen Approach to Overcoming Anger by
Leonard Scheff and Susan Edmiston
Anger
Discussion Questions
As Reverend Taylor pointed out in his recent sermon on
anger, some of us feel that anger is not an acceptable
emotion. So we learn to squelch feelings of anger to the
point that we may not even be aware that we are angry.
Other people easily feel anger, but don’t know how to
use that anger in ways that are constructive. This month’s
suggested topic is an invitation to think more about these
two challenges of anger: how to experience and understand the anger that we feel, and how to respond to it in
ways that strengthen relationships and help us be more
truly ourselves.
Opening Readings
“Anyone can become angry – that is easy. But to be
angry with the right person at the right time, and for the
right purpose and in the right way – that is not within
everyone’s power, and that is not easy.” Aristotle
“There is always something more that feeds anger that
what is observed on the surface...To be released from the
trap of anger, people need to identify the cry behind the
rage.” Beyond Anger: A Guide for Men by Thomas Harbin
“Anger is a signal, and one worth listening to… Anger
is one of the most painful emotions we experience, and
the most difficult to use wisely and well… The difficulty is
that feeling angry doesn’t tell us what is wrong, or what
specifically what we can do that will make things better
1. What did you learn about anger as a child? How did
that affect your experience of anger as an adult?
2. To what extent do you think anger is acceptable? Do
you think anger needs to be justified in order for it to be
acceptable?
3. What makes you angry? Have you been able to recognize deeper reasons for why these experiences trigger
your anger – “the cry behind the rage”?
4. What do you think are “constructive” responses to
anger?
Closing Readings
“To act out of moral indignation demands that we
pause to consider the best options for putting the situation right. When we act solely out of anger, with little
regard for the consequences, we are not pursuing the
greater good but only assuaging our own emotional
distress.” - The Cow in the Parking Lot: A Zen Approach to
Overcoming Anger by Leonard Scheff and Susan Edmiston
“There is a distinct difference between those who are
able to find success in taming their anger and those who
remain stuck in its clutches. Those trapped by their own
anger persistently attempt to force others to meet their
demands before they can find peace, whereas those who
find release from anger do not.” - The Anger Trap by Les
Carter
11
Serve
Finding the Threads, Re-Weaving the Fabric
Rev. Scott Aasang, Assistant Minister for Social Action
[email protected]
“Share a story of a time that changed how you live your
life.” That was what Rev. Dr. Thandeka challenged us to
do at her “Love Beyond Belief” workshop with Program
Council workshop a couple
of weeks ago. It’s also at the
heart of the one-on-one conversations through which we
are building the Unity Temple
Congregational Action Network (UTCAN): sharing what’s
really important to us in the
way we live our lives, and why.
When we connect with each
other around these stories
and organize ourselves around
our deepest values and motivations, we can become a
powerful force for healing and justice.
We have two particular opportunities this month to
come together as a congregation to stand up for justice for
those most marginalized among us:
On Saturday morning, October 13, you can board a bus
to join our friends from Kingdom Baptist and dozens of
other Chicago-area congregations to celebrate last year’s
victories on affordable housing and prepare ourselves for
action on this year’s key issues: passing a bill to seal records of non-violent ex-offenders so they can apply for jobs
and become productive members of society (late-breaking
news: Sen. Don Harmon just agreed to co-sponsor this bill,
largely in response to Unity Temple advocacy!); continuing
to build support for a fairer tax and education funding system in Illinois; and passing a bill allowing immigrants to apply for driver’s licenses to ensure they are tested, licensed,
and insured. (See announcement for more information.)
On Sunday afternoon, October 14, you can head over
to Berwyn for an interfaith celebration with other faith
communities who have taken a stand in solidarity with immigrants and their families. The event will include training
on the new federal policy deferring deportation action for
immigrant children, on accompanying immigrants released
from detention, and on legislative advocacy. The event will
also include a direct action component: legislators in attendance will be asked to support the same driver’s license
bill referred to above—an example of how our common
concern for justice can be woven effectively together. (See
announcement for more information.)
Unity Temple will be recognized at each of these events
as new partners with, respectively, Community Renewal
Society and the Chicago New Sanctuary Coalition, as ap12
proved at our congregational meeting in May.
There are, of course, other ways we can express our
concern for justice. Part of my role this year is to help develop a process to determine which issues we take action
on. I would welcome the opportunity to meet with any of
you interested in this process.
We come to our commitments to justice from different
experiences, and they can be expressed in different ways.
The challenge is to find the threads that run through our
various commitments, and to weave those threads together into strands strong enough to mend the injustice that
tears at our social fabric. And ultimately, to weave a more
just society.
Turning Toward Fall
Rev. Dr. Clare Butterfield, Community Minister
[email protected]
I’ll be looking forward to my week in the pulpit on October
21 (holding down the fort, so to speak, during the Unity
Temple staff retreat weekend). We’ll be coming into the
time of Halloween and All
Souls Day, and the general turning of the year. I do
like this season, for all its
wrenching qualities. There is
both a foreboding and a tenderness to it, as the leaves
change color and drop, and
the air turns cold.
We are reminded of our
fragility and our mortality,
and it is good to be reminded of these.
Our temporal nature means we must occasionally think
about what we’re doing here for the time we have (the
duration of which we do not get to know). And thinking
about that is one of the specialties of religion.
I have been pondering the religious impulse lately. It is
all around us in the news in a not-so-flattering light. I’ve
even blogged about it on my new blog (I’m a little excited
about my new blog – so very 21st Century, especially for
me). Religion seems to be a way of assuring ourselves that
we are not alone – that even in the depths of trouble there
is someone or something looking out for us – on our side.
In typical American exceptionalist fashion, we take this to
mean that God is on our side in everything from football
games to world conquest. On a more basic level religion
is how we assure ourselves that all is not lost, that we can
endure whatever hardship is before us, and that there is
a reason to behave with integrity when those around us
seem to have lost that struggle.
So religion is useful, and therefore as a pragmatist I’m
for it to a certain extent. But watching the debates play out
around the world in deliberate insult, violence, or a kind
of cool brutality in which the violence of the underdog
is sneered at while the violence of the colonial invader is
simply not mentioned, one could decide to give the whole
thing up as a bad deal.
Only that would leave us alone with ourselves, without
resort to the centuries of people who have gone before us
and struggled in their communities to find a way to uphold
the values of love, decency and respect, while they faced
whatever they were facing. In this time of turning it seems
worthwhile to hold on to that history of struggle, while
freely acknowledging all the people who are misusing it for
their benefit, and even to justify murder. More remarkable,
perhaps, are the luminous figures throughout our history
who occasionally got it right. More to be celebrated too,
for all they overcame to get there.
It will be good to be home among friends again to sift
through these ideas a bit, as we prepare ourselves for that
nameless season which follows fall.
Social Action News
Knitting for Peace
Knitters meet on the second and fourth Saturdays of
every month at 2:00 p.m. in Gale House. Output is donated
to the University of Chicago Hospital, Project Linus, and
others who we personally are told are in need because of
illness. Contact Sarah Muller at sarah.nmn.muller@gmail.
com or 708-763-8736.
Immigration Action
On October 13, Join hundreds of other people of faith
in taking a stand for justice. Community Renewal Society’s Annual Assembly will celebrate victories from last
year - especially the release of $20.8 million for affordable
housing! - and ratify this year’s platform, including action
on driver’s licenses for immigrants, jobs for ex-offenders,
and fair funding for education. There will also be trainings on organizing skills, meeting with legislators, and the
proposal for a fair tax. We will meet at 8:00 a.m. and share
a bus with Kingdom Baptist Church (host of last year’s MLK
event) to Pullman Presbyterian Church (550 E. 103rd St. in
Chicago), returning by 1:00.
Immigration Event in Berwyn
Please join our Immigration Action Team at this community-wide event, October 14 from 3-6 p.m. to celebrate
UTUUC’s community-wide recognition for our decision to
become an Immigrant Welcoming Congregation. This event
takes place at Iglesia Unida, 1241 Oak Park Avenue, in
Berwyn. Please contact Janet Holden for more information
about these events.
Plan to attend Interfaith Immigration Fall Forum on
October 20 at Harper College, sponsored by the Illinois
Interfaith Immigration Coalition. The Coalition is comprised
of representatives from Countryside UU Congregation as
well as from Catholic, Christian, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh
faiths. The Forum runs from 9 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and will
feature: Tanya Cabera (see her on TED: www.youtube.com/
watch?v=DxVeIb12aKU); Tony from “Tony and Janina’s
American Wedding,” tonyandjanina.com/; A Dreamer;
and other speakers, alternating with facilitated round table
dialogues. There is no cost to attend; a free-will offering
will be collected. UTUUC’s Social Mission committee is cosponsoring this event. For more information, contact Janet
Holden, [email protected] or Shirley Lundin,
[email protected]. The event is also supported by
the Chicago area UU Social Justice Committee’s Immigration Justice Task Force.
Green Sanctuary
Anne White, Chair, Green Sanctuary Team
[email protected]
“We Are Almost There”
Living out our Seventh Principle is nothing new for
members of Unity Temple. Our congregation has been at
the forefront of environmental sustainability for many,
many years. In 2007—when the Green Sanctuary Committee was voted into existence—we began a number of
projects to create increased awareness of environmental
sustainability and to document our Earth-loving practices.
Two years ago, after having an energy audit conducted at
Unity Temple (no simple feat for our historic and endangered building) the Green Sanctuary Committee formally
applied to the UUA for Green Sanctuary Candidacy. That
meant we submitted an ambitious plan to UUA including new projects aimed at further increasing Earth-loving
practices. Now, we have completed the plan. On October
1, an e-mail will be coming to you soon seeking affirmation
in the form of a non-binding vote. Once this is done we will
submit documentation to UUA for final review. When accepted, Unity Temple will receive official Green Sanctuary
accreditation. Expect a big celebration when that happens!
What does this mean for Unity Temple and each of us?
Green Sanctuary accreditation is a prestigious designation for UU congregations that have documented a special
commitment to increasing environmental awareness while
decreasing environmental impact. The accreditation is tangible evidence that we are committed to loving and caring
for the Earth.
We are almost there with our formal designation as a
Green Sanctuary. Loving and caring for the Earth never
stops. Your “Green Team” spent a recent Sunday afternoon
developing an action plan for this coming year. The Green
Team consists of an active core group of fourteen commit13
ted, passionate, Earth-loving people. We know there are
hundreds and hundreds of other committed, passionate
UU’s in our congregation who live Earth-loving practices
every day of the year. We are “almost there” for accreditation and we are always there for the Earth.
Unity Temple Gives
The generosity of our congregation is making a difference
in people’s lives. Every Sunday our collection plate offerings are donated to a worthy charitable organization in
support of our mission and values. During the month of
August 2012, your weekly collection donations contributed
the following amounts to these organizations:
Trinity Music School, Haiti: $316.90
PCC Wellness Center: $227.00
Oak Leyden Developmental Services: $357.00
Heartland Alliance: $443.50
Thank you for your generosity!
Give
Need a Ride to the Airport?
Need a ride to the airport? Your $30 fare benefits Unity
Temple ($20 to UT, $10 to the driver). Call Duane Dowell,
708-890-1148; John Frye, 708-456-5266 or 708-431-8929;
Tom Hall, 708-203-4094; or Lisa Gariota (weekends and
O’Hare only), 773-594-1426.
UNITY TEMPLE RESTORATION FOUNDATION
Unity Temple Concert Series presents Patricia Barber
Patricia regularly sells out concerts in European Capitals from Lisbon to Moscow. Long on the UTCS wish-list of
performers, we are excited to have Ms. Barber opening
our 40th season on October 6. For tickets or information
please go to www.utconcerts.com or call 708-445-8955.
UTCS presents cellist Ian Maksin, Nov. 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Named by the press as “one of the most versatile and
innovative musicians of his generation,” the Russian cellist
Ian Maksin is quickly gaining international recognition as
a cellist, composer and most recently as a film producer.
Outside classical music, Ian has collaborated with such
artists as Andrea Bocelli, Gloria Estefan, Barry Gibb of the
former Bee Gees. Ian describes that his main goal as an
artist is “to close the musical gap between generations and
societies and make cello music accessible for everyone.”
For tickets or information please go to www.utconcerts.
com or call 708-445-8955.
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BEACON Newsletter Submissions
Submissions for the November Beacon are due at 10
a.m. on October 19. If you are promoting an event or
group, please use the publications submission link on the
lower left-hand side of the UT homepage, www.unitytemple.org. Events planned to be held at Unity Temple must
be confirmed for the online calendar before they can be
promoted. Questions? Email [email protected].
CONTACT
Board of Trustees
[email protected]
Ian Morrison, President
Jay Petersen, 1st Vice President
Kristina Entner, Secretary
Diane Scott, Program Council Chair
Jean Borrelli
Ben DeBerry
Josh Ditelberg
Stephen Kelley
Larry Studer
Karin Sullivan
Ed White, Treasurer, ex officio
Our Staff
For calls, dial 708-848-6225 and the extension:
Rev. Alan C. Taylor, Senior Minister
ext. 101  [email protected]
Rev. Emily Gage, Minister of Faith Development
ext. 103  [email protected]
Rev. Scott Aaseng, Assistant Minister for Social Action
ext. 106  [email protected]
Tina Lewis, Membership Director
ext. 102  [email protected]
David Wilke, Director of Administration
ext. 100  [email protected]
Martha Swisher, Music Director
ext. 109  [email protected]
Heather Godbout, Youth Coordinator
ext. 107  [email protected]
Meridian Herman, Rental Manager
ext. 108  [email protected]
Sule Kivanc-Ancieta, Preschool Coordinator
Janet Krumm, Nursery Coordinator
Susie O’Brien, Publications Coordinator
ext. 105  [email protected]
David Osorio, Sexton
Rito Salinas, Sexton
Peter Storms, Accompanist
Tracy Zurawski, Bookkeeper
ext. 104  [email protected]
Rev. Dr. Clare Butterfield, Community Minister
[email protected]
15
Unity Temple
Unitarian Universalist Congregation
875 Lake Street
Oak Park, IL 60301
708-848-6225
www.unitytemple.org
Join us for Worship
Sunday Services at 9:00 and 10:45 a.m.
October 7
Resisting Delusions by Becoming Real
Rev. Alan Taylor
Offering Recipient:
UTUUC Social Missions
October 21
Not Alone
Rev. Dr. Clare Butterfield
Offering Recipient:
Parenthesis Family Center
October 14
When Everybody Is Stressed Out
Rev. Alan Taylor
Offering Recipient:
Parenthesis Family Center
October 28 Worship for All Ages: Day of the Dead
Rev. Emily Gage
Offering Recipient:
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Tuesday Reflections
Tuesday evenings at 6:30 p.m.
Taize Prayer
Friday, October 26 at 7:00 p.m.
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Nonprofit
Organization
US POSTAGE
PAID
Oak Park, IL 60301
Permit No. 305