BEACON September 2010 - Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation

8/8/2019 BEACON September 2010 - Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation

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2 The Beacon

From Duane Dowell, [email protected]

In the May column I promised to go over some of the

principles of Policy Governance, an organizational concept that our congregation adopted in 2008. Let’srepeat the definition: “Policy Governance, an integratedboard leadership paradigm created by Dr. John Carver, isa groundbreaking model of governance designed toempower boards of directors to fulfill their obligation of accountability for the organizations they govern. As ageneric system, it is applicable to the governing body of any enterprise. The model enables the board to focuson the larger issues, to delegate with clarity, to control management’s job without meddling, to rigorouslyevaluate the accomplishment of the organization; to

truly lead its organization.”The Board guides the organization’s goals and

performance, and the Chief of Staff works with paid andvolunteer staff to carry out the stated mission andgoals. In our church, the Board represents thecongregation, and our Senior Minister, Alan Taylor,serves as the Chief of Staff.

The clear separation of duties affords smoothoperation of our church by allowing the Board to focuson strategic planning and oversight while the Chief of Staff manages the day-to-day operations of the church.The Board communicates its directions to the Chief of

Staff through written policies - hence the term, PolicyGovernance. Four categories of policies exist:

Ends Statements: What does the Board want thechurch to be? What are the goals/outcomes for ourchurch to be met under the Chief of Staff’s leadership?

Executive Limitations: What is the church prohibitedfrom doing? What are the boundaries for the Chief of Staff’s performance?

Governance Process: How do Board members workinternally with one another?

Board-Chief of Staff linkage: What is the communica-tion process between the Board and the Chief of Staff?

All of these policies are contained in our PolicyManual, available in the Church Office and soon to bepublished on our web site, www.unitytemple.org.

As always, if you have questions or comments,please feel free to contact me or any of the Boardmembers by phone, e-mail, or see us in church.

In faith,Duane Dowell, President

Board of Trustees

Are YOU New? Welcome!

Introduction to Unitarian Universalism This course is the prerequisite for Pathway toMembership sessions, and is for all who would like tolearn more about Unitarian Universalism philosophy,

history and theology. For more information, andto register for this class, e-mail Sue Stock atmembership@unitytemple,org or call 708-445-0306.

Instructor: Rev. Taylor. Date & Time: September 19from 1–3 p.m. Location: Unity House. No charge.

Pathway to Membership This two-session class is for those who have alreadytaken Introduction to Unitarian Universalism. Itfocuses on our congregation and its programs.Participants will have opportunities to discuss theirpersonal attitudes and beliefs about religion and

spirituality and to share these with others in the class.For more information, and/or to put your name on thelist for a class, contact Rob Bellmar at 708-763-0260or [email protected].

Next class dates are Sundays, September 19 and 26,from 1–4:30 p.m. Location: Unity HouseCost: $20.

October classes will be held on Sundays, October 17 and24 from 1–4:30 p.m. For free childcare during any of these classes,

contact [email protected] at least one week in advance.

BOARD OF T RUSTEES

MEMBERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Membership Opportunities 2Board of Trustees 2Community Minister 3Message from the Sabbatical Committee 3

Religious Education News 4Adult Religious Enrichment 5Ex Libris 5Music Program News 6Chalice Circles 7Auction 2010: Unity by Design 8Social Mission 8UT Restoration Foundation Events 9Green News 10September Events Not To Miss 11

INSIDE T HIS ISSUE



September 2010 • 3

Need a Ride to the Airport?Need a ride to the airport? Your $30 fare benefits UnityTemple ($20 to UT, $10 to the driver). Call Russ Lorraine(708) 214-1770; Duane Dowell at (708) 890-1148; JohnFrye at (708) 456-5266 or (708) 431-8929; or Lisa Gariota(weekends and O'Hare only) at (773) 594-1426.

FROM THE COMMUNITY MINISTER

From Rev. Clare ButterfieldCommunity [email protected]

F aith in Place’s summer, and therefore much of mine,has been taken up with a youth gardening effort that

employed 20 young folks from very low-income homeson the south and west sides of the city, and they grewsome beautiful food in gardens at three of our partnercongregations. That was a thing to be celebrated, andthe young people were inspiring, taken as a whole,though of course the summer had some bumps in it.Their reflections tell us that the project did more thankeep them out of trouble – it changed how they see theworld. Amazing how a raised bed and some soil and ahose and a few seeds can do that – change your whole

perspective. It’s because it gets us out of our heads,from inside of which perspective is exceedingly hard tocome by.

And then there was the oil in the gulf, which pouredand poured and poured and seemed, for 90 days anyway,to have no end. The more we learn about that event themore we realize that everyone concerned seems to havelet us down somehow, from the government oversightthat simply didn’t happen to the overconfidence on therig that ignored ample warning signs that somethingwas about to go wrong – and ignored them long enoughthat 11 men lost their lives in the explosion.

If you work downtown, it has also been the summerof filming Transformers 3, which has surrounded us attimes with sounds of pretend explosions and remindedme that whatever else you can say to distinguish thehuman animal, we are the one that entertains itself withvery expensive and carefully crafted images of its owndestruction.

I wonder how the budget for Transformers 3, applieddifferently, might have impacted the events in the Gulf?No use, either, speculating what it could be doing rightnow for people in the flooded regions of Pakistan.Instead of helping when the world actually does come

to an end for some people, we spend the fortune of capitalism making amusing movies about whatalternative disaster scenarios might look like.

So I get off the el to walk to my office, and I walkby Styrofoam mountains of pretend concrete and burnedout buses, stunt men in black military-looking outfits,air-conditioned trailers, semi-trucks full of racks of equipment, whole pallets of bagged ice sitting out onthe sidewalk, on- and off-duty Chicago policemen andtraffic barriers. And I and others at the office try tokeep our little program running smoothly for 20 tiredand thirsty teenagers who are living in parts of the city

where the sounds of small explosions are far too real and who, goodness knows, were due for an opportunitylike the garden program.

I think we are far too good at distraction. I’m goingto think about that for the next few days when I take alittle break from the work and go seeking some peace inthe country, just for a little while. I’ll be back before

this newsletter hits the email and mail, and before UnityTemple has its homecoming Sunday. When I get back tothe city I hope that the filming will be over and theweather will have a hint of fall in it and we can applyourselves anew, and with much less distraction, to theliving out of our faith convictions and the tending of the earth and her children.

FROM THE SABBATICAL COMMITTEE

As was announced previously, Reverend Alan Taylor

will be taking a well-earned sabbatical after 7 1/2years of ministering to our vibrant and growing religiouscommunity. This sabbatical period, which will occurfrom January through June 2011, represents an excitingtime for renewal, reflection and growth for bothReverend Taylor and our entire congregation. TheSabbatical Committee is working diligently on thedevelopment of a thoughtful and comprehensive plandesigned to address a range of ministerial, administra-tive and service-related issues and ensure continuityduring Reverend Taylor’s absence. A brochure will bepublished and made available to the congregation thatwill outline the key aspects of the Sabbatical plan.

Many of you no doubt have questions regarding howthe sabbatical might affect you personally and UTUUC asa whole. If so, please reach out to any of the membersof the Sabbatical Committee listed below or email anyquestions or concerns to [email protected].

Craig Standen (Chairman)Reverend Alan Taylor, Senior MinisterReverend Emily Gage, Minister of Faith DevelopmentGlenn BrewerScott Talbott LewisAllen Van NoteEllen WehrleDavid Wilke, Director of AdministrationDiane Wilson



4 • The Beacon

From Rev. Emily Gage Minister of Faith [email protected]

Ilove the coming attractions at the movies; it’s

always fun to find out that your favorite actor is in anew movie, or that something that looks reallyinteresting is coming soon to a theatre near you. (Andsometimes it’s good to know ones that I definitely don’twant to see!) My only complaint with previews is that,on occasion, they seem to reveal all of the plot twists.I’ve heard the prevailing wisdom says that people wantto know what they are getting into; hence the veryrevealing coming attractions.

I wonder if we long for that in our movie previewswhat is so hard to find out in real life: what things are

really going to be like. I know I can’t give you that, butI can give you a glimpse of what things probably will look like as our congregational year 10-11 gets underway.

We’ll all gather together five times during the yearfor worship for all ages, where ages 5-105 can celebratelife together in the sanctuary. We’ll witness our ninthgraders share their credos after a year long adventure ingroup bonding and spiritual discernment. We’ll bumpinto young seven and eight year olds running aroundpretending to be superheroes after learning about otherUU (and Biblical) superheroes in their classroom. We’ll honor the young peoples’ contributions to UNICEF through our trick or treating for UNICEF program. We’ll wonder at the profound thoughts of our fourth gradersin their chalice celebration. We’ll buy goodies from theyouth group’s bake sales as they work on raising moneyfor their heritage trip to Boston. We’ll eat the pancakescooked up by our sixth grade service oriented group. Wewill get weepy listening to the seniors share their

journeys and watching the young babies be dedicatedamong us. We’ll hear more about the first, fifth andeighth grade OWL (Our Whole Lives) values based

sexuality curriculum. We’ll be amazed that the chaos of December 23rd pageant soup supper and rehearsal becomes the Christmas Eve family service. We’ll engagein our own learning at one of the Adult ReligiousEnrichment classes. We’ll find that we learn more fromour young people than we ever dreamed possible.

Like I said, that’s just a glimpse. I am certainlylooking forward to all of this unfolding, as I hope youare. A number of people have commented to me—youknow, I’ve really enjoyed the summer. And I’m reallygoing to be ready to get back into the congregational swing of things and see everyone. Me too!

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Called...and Answered... Thank you all so much for the great gift of calling

me as your Minister of Faith Development on June 6,2010. I can't possibly tell you how grateful and happy Iam. It's been a wonderful two years, and I look forwardto many more with each of you.

As is customary for called ministers and congrega-

tions, we'll be having an installation on November 7th (a Sunday) at 5 p.m. It will be a celebration of ourministry together and a formal recognition of ourmutual covenant. (With good music, good worship andgood food!) There will be more details forthcoming, butplease mark your calendars now. I'm hoping you can be

there. With great appreciation and joy, Emily

It’s Sunday morning: Do you know whereyour child is?Hopefully, they are happily enrolled in our Sundaymorning Religious Education classes, doing lots of funthings. But unless you register them for their classes,you won’t know what they are doing. Registration helpsus and the classroom volunteers communicate with you.(Among other things!) If you have not yet registeredyour child(ren) for fall classes, please do so now! Stopby the Faith Development table in the lobby, ordownload a form from www.unitytemple.org and returnto Rev. Emily Gage ASAP. THANKS!

If you would really like to delve into the movie of faith development at UnityTemple this year, please be intouch. I can’t tell you exactly what it will be like, but Ipromise it will be fun, enriching, and full of unexpectedprofound moments. I am still finalizing my classroomvolunteer roster and there are some great opportunities.You could play a supporting or leading role, whatever

you’re most comfortable with. Training, curricula andfabulous young people are provided. Let me know if you’d like to be a star!

OWL Alert: Calling All 8TH Grade Families!Are you interested in enrolling your 8th grader in thisyear’s OWL (Our Whole Lives) values based sexuality pro-

gram? Then mark your calendars for Sunday, September 19th for the mandatory 8th grade OWL parent orienta-

tion from 6-8 p.m. in Gale House. You will meet thefacilitators—Carol DiMatteo, Judith Eldredge, TerryKinsey, and Scott Lewis—get your questions answered,talk to other parents, and decide whether or not OWL isright for you and your family. (We hope it is!) OWL will run on Sunday evenings from 6-8 approximately Octoberthrough March. If you have any questions ahead of time,please contact Rev. Emily Gage.




Career Transition Outreach

Every Monday from 8:45-9:45am at Unity Temple, Diane Wilson, LCPC, helps those facing job loss andcareer uncertainty. This outreach is designed to helpparticipants manage the psychological and practical aspects of their job transition through accountabilityand goal setting. Author of Back in Control, Wilson is acoach, counselor, and neurofeedback specialist.Facilitator Diane Wilson: [email protected]. Noregistration or fees.

ADULT RELIGIOUS ENRICHMENT

Caregiver Support GroupThe Caregivers Support Group here at Unity Temple is

held every third Monday of the month at 7 p.m. in theWest balcony of Unity House. This drop-in group is opento anyone affected by the caregiver role and will onlytake 60-90 minutes of your time once a month.

Facilitator: Susan Anderson [email protected] Noregistration or fees.

Articulating Your UU FaithDo you wonder sometimes about how to express yourfaith to others? How do you talk about what youbelieve? These questions and more will be pondered andeven possibly answered at the Articulating Your UUFaith class in the fall, facilitated by Rev. Emily Gage. Setyour calendars now for the four-session class:

Thursdays, September 30, October 7, October 21,October 28 from 7 to 8:30 pm. Minimum of tenparticipants. To register, e-mail [email protected].

As our new church year begins, Ex Libris is preparingto bring you the books and other resources which will add to your experience at Unity Temple. We will con-tinue finding books for individual members and we wantto make Ex Libris more available for interest groups andclasses studying in specific areas. The books you needcan be part of the bookstore orders to specific sellers

and will enjoy the discounts that our orders receive. Asgroups that you are involved in begin planning for thisyear, be aware Ex Libfis may be helpful in keeping youwell supplied and keeping costs low.

We plan to make our books easier for you to find bymaking simplier subject matter areas. Our hours will beattuned to the worship services.

Ex Libris is run by volunteers. We share our dutiesand plan to work one Sunday per month. If you lovebooks and helping people, if you love the idea of en-riching members' and visitors' experience at church,please stop by and ask us how to join us in the work of

Ex Libris.

“Movies with Meaning” Film DiscussionGroup will ContinueThree films, Up in the Air; Shadowlands; and the Visitor,were screened and discussed on the third Thursdays of June, July and August. Each had good attendance andthoughtful, probing conversations in response to thefilms. The “Movies with Meaning” series will continuethrough the fall. We’ll continue to meet at the same

time each month. Films screen at 6 pm and arefollowed by discussion at 8 pm. Films and datesfollow:

September 16th – Lars and the Real Girl (2007)Painfully shy Lars, played by Ryan Gosling, wants agirlfriend – but is inept at romance. His response is tofind a woman who can’t refuse him. This offbeat comedyillustrates the healing powers of love and acceptance ina small community. Rated: PG-13

October 21st – Persepolis (2007)Marjane Stapi’s autobiographical graphic novel is the

source of for this challenging film that tracks a younggirl’s experience of the 1978 Iranian revolution. Farfrom a Disney-type movie, this animated film is bothbeautiful and deeply felt. Rated: GP-13

November – 18th – Doubt (2008)This film adaptation John Patrick Shanley's Tony-winning play stars Meryl Streep as a strict principal of aRoman Catholic school. Amy Adams plays her innocentprotégé. A new priest played by Phillip SeymourHoffman falls under suspicion when the aging nunnotices a questionable relationship between the priest

and a school boy. Rated: GP-13

Look for the full schedule of fall and winter enrich-ment opportunities in the October Beacon!!

Interested in leading an Adult Religious

Enrichment opportunity this year?The Adult Religious Enrichment ministry is made possi-ble by people like you. We are looking for teachers/ facilitators who are interested in leading classes/ workshops/discussion groups in the following areas: UUidentity, encountering stages in the life journey, em-powering people to live their belief through their ac-tions, cultivating spiritual deepening and spiritual prac-tices, enriching understanding of the world around you,and building connections with others. If you have anidea, please contact Rev. Emily Gage and the ARE team

at [email protected] for an ARE application.

EX LIBRIS



6 • The Beacon

From the Music Director Marty Swisher [email protected]

Music at Unity Temple has been alive and strongduring the summer months with many talented

musicians enhancing our services. We are grateful toBetsy Davis for her contributions as well as others fromour congregation bringing music revenant to our servicethemes as well as beautiful music to inspire.

September brings not only the return of increasedexcitement and activity at Unity Temple, but also thefull schedule of our choir. We rehearse each Wednesdaynight, beginning at 7:00pm sharp and finish at9:oopm. We welcome new members throughout the yearbut especially at the beginning of the year! If you have

entertained joining our ranks this is the time to doit! Please contact Music Director, Marty [email protected] if you are interested, or justcome!

Opening Sunday will feature the talents of masterviolinist, Alex Koffman of the Maxwell Street KlezmerBand when he will be featured as soloist with andwithout the Unity Temple Choir. Recorder player, MaryAnne Gardiner will be featured on September 19 th followed by the return of the choir on the 26 th.

New materials discovered while attending theUnitarian Universalist Musician’s Network has furtherinspired us to include newly composed music from manytraditions, incorporating instrumentalists and vocal solos throughout the year. Thanks to the board, AlanTaylor and congregation for sending me to theconference where my light was ignited! --just ask meabout UUMN in Madison, Wisconsin!

Taizé services at Unity Temple will continue onSeptember 24th as they occur every fourth Friday of themonth. Plan to join us for this service of candlelight,contemplation and personal reconciliation. From moreinformation about Taizé and this special service of

prayer log on to http://www.taize.fr/en. We are alwayslooking to include additional instrumentalists andsingers to accompany the service. If you are interestedin joining our Team Taizé, Please contact Marty Swisherat [email protected].

Every month is a good time to thank you for yoursupport and generous contributions to the growingmusic program here at UT. This month we especiallyacknowledge the generosity of the families andindividuals who purchased out Teal Hymnal supplement,Singing the Journey. Through the generosity of the SaraClarke fund and the contributions of 31 members over

MUSIC two thousand dollars was raised. With these funds weare able to purchase new music, instruments and hireprofessionals to augment our offering s for services. Weare truly grateful. Special thanks go out to member,Karen McMillan for this initiative. Members and Friendsare still able to purchase the supplements and havetheir own dedications placed in each hymnal. Contact

[email protected] for more information.Looking forward to another wonderful year with

you—

Marty SwisherMusic Director, Unity Temple Unitarian UniversalistCongregation

Taizé at Unity TemplePlease join us again for Taizé Service in the Unity

Temple Sanctuary, on Friday, September 24 at 7p.m. This service will offer a time for meditation,reflection, and renewal through music, brief words, andsilence. Come sing, light a candle, and nurture yourspirit during this non-traditional worship experience—and bring a friend. The service will conclude before 8p.m. For more information, contact Marty Swisher,Music Director, at [email protected].

Job Posting:Nursery Coordinator/Care ProvidersUnity Temple’s Faith Development program is lookingfor a reliable, compassionate and experiencednursery coordinator (or two nursery care providers)for our Sunday morning services. The nurserycoordinator/care providers is/are responsible for caringfor our youngest Unity Temple-ers, infants through threeyears old (who are not potty trained) during the 9:00and 10:45 services. He/she will work with our current

fabulous nursery care provider, Julie Rash, to create awelcoming and safe environment for our youngest.These are both paid positions. If you are interested inapplying, please contact Rev. Emily Gage [email protected] or (708) 848-6225 X103. Youmay apply to cover both services as the nurserycoordinator, or you may apply to cover one service as anursery care provider.

Please note: Our current beloved nursery coordinator,Sule Kivanc-Ancieta, will soon become our preschool coordinator!




“My Most Memorable Trip”

Preparation: Prior to the meeting, invite people tobring a photo, souvenir, or other remembrance of amemorable vacation or journey that they took.

Opening Words Wandering reestablishes the original harmony whichonce existed between man the universe. – AnatoleFrance

Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely onthese accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in onelittle corner of the earth all one’s lifetime. – Mark Twain

The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking newlandscapes but in having new eyes. – Marcel Proust

Focus/Discussion 1. What trip or vacation was most memorable for you,and why? If you brought a memento of that trip withyou, you can share it as you answer this question.

2. How do you feel about traveling? Do you look forwardto it, or regret the necessity of traveling? When you goon a trip, do you find yourself changed by theexperience?

3. There is a cartoon in which a man by a lake is beingcalled to leave, because “it’s time to go home.” The manlooks sadly at the lake he is leaving, and thinks “What if I am home?” Have you ever felt that the place you have

journeyed to is your true home? Are there ways you canget more of what you experience in that place in youreveryday life?

4. “Spiritual journey” and “spiritual path” are commonmetaphors used to describe spiritual growth. Is yourspiritual growth similar in some ways to your experienceof traveling? Where is “home” in this metaphor? Arethere lessons you have learned from trips, vacations or

journeys that might apply to your spiritual growth?

Closing Words “No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until hecomes home and rests his head on his old, familiarpillow.” – Lin Yutang

Adapted from a program developed by Mike Mallory of the

Evergreen UU Fellowhship in Marysville, Washington

Join a Chalice CircleChalice Circles Welcome New Members

There are currently 15 Chalice Circles with manypossible schedules and times for meeting. ChaliceCircles create openings for trust, friendship, honesty,growth and reflection. They are a spiritual practice. We

welcome adults of all ages. Be known as you are, join agroup today. For information about joining a Chalice

Circle contact Marge Entemann at [email protected] 708-445-8544.

The group from the SW suburbs—Westchester to DownersGrove to Lisle—meets Friday nights and is looking for

new members.

CHALICE CIRCLES

Chalice Circle 2010-11 Calendar of Events

Each year the Chalice Circle Ministry Team hosts eventsfor Chalice Circle facilitators and participants. Below areour events for 2010-2011.

Monday, September 27, 2010 7-9 p.m. Chalice CircleFacilitator TrainingChalice Circle Ministry Team presents facilitator trainingfor current facilitators, new facilitators and those whoaare interested in becoming a co-facilitator.

Thursday, November 4, 2010 7-9 p.m. Chalice CircleFacilitator Fall Get Together Chalice Circle Ministry Team hosts its annual fall facilita-tor get together. All facilitators and those who are in-terested in becoming facilitators are welcome.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011, 7-9 p.m. Chalice CircleFacilitator TrainingChalice Circle Ministry Team presents facilitator trainingfor current facilitators, new facilitators and those whoare interested in becoming a co-facilitator.

Sunday, March 27, 2011 5-9 p.m. Chalice Circles An-

nual PotluckAll Chalice Circle members are invited to Chalice Circleprogram annual potluck supper at Unity Temple.

Please contact Marge Entemann for additional informa-tion about facilitator training at [email protected] or708-445-8544.



8 • The Beacon

SAVE THE DATE: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13th for ourmajor annual fundraising event!

We hope you like the theme of our Auction eventthis year. We had such a great response last year to theUnity Temple-centered theme that we are doing it againthis year. We are also hoping to build on the congrega-tional mission of raising community awareness aboutour congregation so we are again planning to open theSilent Auction event to the public. We hope we cancount on you all—the members of our community—todo your part with generous and creative donations andlively and engaged bidding in the silent auction event

and the catalog auction. More than a few of you havecommented about how much the catalog events havehelped to fill your social calendar and enrich yourcommunity at Unity Temple. Stay tuned for some terrifictestimonials in the weekly bulletin.

Here are some things that you can do to help usright now-

1. MARK YOUR CALENDAR for the big day—tickets will go on sale Sunday, September 12 and will be $30 inadvance and $35 at the door. Tickets will also beavailable through www.brownpapertickets.com.

2. VOLUNTEER to help the Committee (email

[email protected]). Our meetings are fun andfast—typically mid-week in central Oak Park. Keep inmind there will also be many tasks and projects we’ll need help with closer to the event if you can’t commitnow.

3. THINK ABOUT YOUR DONATION to the Catalog orSilent auction—we can’t thank you enough for your helpto make ‘09 the most successful auction ever! Eventsand dinners were especially popular and fun last yearand do wonders to help bring our congregation closertogether. We’ll be inserting a donation form in thebulletin September 12 and plan to post on the website

soon. If you would like to donate or pitch an idea e-mail [email protected].

Meanwhile the Committee is busy working on anentertaining evening with delicious food, lively music,great auction items and this year our raffle prizes will the of the CASH variety! Look for us in the Lobby every

Sunday starting on welcoming Sunday, September 12! If you have any questions, would like to join us or havecomments- feel free to contact Jennifer Marling at773-889-8040 or email [email protected].

AUCTION 2010!UNITY B Y DESIGN:COMMUNITY B Y CHOICE

We ARE the Village it takes!Please join in the community conversation regarding

the issues of alcohol and substance use among our teensat Parent Cafés for the Community from 7 to 9 PM,Tuesday, September 14, at Unity Temple UnitarianUniversalist Congregation, 875 N. Lake Street, Oak Park.The event is sponsored by Unity Temple Social MissionCommittee and being organized by Oak Park - RiverForest Parent Action Committee (PAC) and Oak ParkTownship.

This grassroots initiative is designed to foster

parent-to-parent conversations on the challengesteenagers face in Oak Park and River Forest. Attendeeswill participate in guided small group discussions todialogue about ways to keep our kids safe as theynavigate the drug/alcohol issue in our Communities.

UT congregants are invited to get involved, andundergo some training as a table facilitator. There will be other on-site needs as well. Interested? pleasecontact Deb Quantock McCarey, for details.

Everyone is welcome, but seating is limited. Formore information e-mail Oak Park-River Forest ParentAction Team at: [email protected].

Update from Diversity Task ForceThe Diversity Task Force has been working toward

the stated congregational goal of developing strategiesto expand and deepen diversity in membership and pro-gramming. During October 2010, a number of activitiesinvolving the whole congregation will be launched, in-cluding a message from the pulpit. We will be contact-ing the congregation for your input as well. Stay tuned!

Marilyn Myles

Diversity Task Force

Psychiatrist to Speak on Medication for Mental Illness

On Sunday, September 12, the Metro-SuburbanChapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness will

present a talk by Morris Goldman, MD, the Director of Psychotic Disorders Program at Northwestern Univer-

sity. Dr. Goldman will speak on "New Medications toTreat Thought Process and Social Functioning."

Admission is free to the public. The meeting will beheld at in Unity House from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m.

You may contact NAMI Metro Suburban (708) 524-2582, [email protected]. For more informationabout the Metro Suburban chapter of the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI), visit the website,namimetsub.org.

SOCIAL MISSION




UNITY T EMPLE RESTORATION FOUNDATION

South Roof Slab Project:The punch list is complete, meaning that workers

have finished all the small tasks that needed to be doneto satisfy the construction contracts. In the end, theproject came in $5,000 over the projected amount, orless than 1%, including all the work that was performedon the sanctuary laylights. During the summer’s heavyrainstorms, the downspout in the southeast column of the sanctuary performed as it should, draining wateraway from the roof and depositing it in the storm sewer.The drains in the northwest and northeast columns didnot perform as well, indicating that they need to be re-placed, as well.

The immediate next step of the restoration is to

protect the parapet wall that surround the sanctuary’sskylight. UTRF and UTUUC plan to seal the cracks in theconcrete, waterproof the surface, and secure a layer of nylon or stainless steel mesh over the corners of thewall, to prevent concrete from falling to the ground.

Programs to Support the Restoration:This fall, UTRF presents more programs than ever before.Proceeds support the restoration of Unity Temple.

Break :: the :: BoxPeter Sagal: Smuggling Monkeys Friday, September 10, 2010, 7:30 pm Peter Sagal, Oak Parker and host of NPR's "WaitWait...Don't Tell Me!" explains why his weekly hour inwhich grown up people make adolescent jokes aboutsmugglers with monkeys in their pants is actually themost important, influential news show on air today.Incredibly funny, smart and entertaining, Peter Sagal isa public radio rock star. Each week he is heard by morethan 3 million people on 450 public radio stations na-tionwide and via podcast. Admission: $15 UTRF mem-bers, students and seniors; $20 non-members.

David Patterson: The Five Influences: Music and Mr.

Wright's Architecture Thursday, October 7, 2010, 8:00 pm (An ArtRageous!Oak Park event)Frank Lloyd Wright compared music to architecture: asymphony was an edifice of sound; Beethoven was agreat architect. With Beethoven's Fifth Symphony as amap, musicologist David Patterson decodes music's in-fluence on Wright's approach to design. Co-sponsored bythe Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust. Admission:$5.

Literary SeriesCo-sponsored by The Book Table, Friends of the Oak ParkPublic Library, Midwest Media and Unity Temple Restora-tion Foundation.

NPR's Michele NorrisTuesday, September 28, 2010, 7:30 pm

As she set out to write her new book The Grace of Si-lence: A Memoir , award-winning journalist and host of NPR's "All Things Considered" Michele Norris said,"People talk about race one way in public and they of-ten--not always but often--talk about it in a differentway and at a different tempo in the private sphere...I

just want to pull back the curtain a little bit.” Along theway she unearthed painful family secrets, from her fa-ther's shooting by the Birmingham police within weeksof his discharge from service in World War II to hergrandmother's peddling pancake mix as an itinerantAunt Jemima. Admission: $5.

Jack Bishop of America's Test KitchenWednesday, October 13, 2010, 7:30 pmThe Food Network comes to Unity Temple. Jack Bishop,the Editorial Director of America's Test Kitchen, presentsThe America's Test Kitchen Healthy Family Cookbook , agroundbreaking addition to their best-selling series.Admission: $5.

Unity Temple Concert SeriesSubscribe now as Unity Temple Concert Seriessubscriptions are on sale for our spectacular 38th season! This year’s series presents six vibrantperformances including country rock, classical, worldmusic and blues--opening with Billboard sensations The

Wailin’ Jennys. New this season is Dinner and a Concertwhere concertgoers can receive discounts at the bestarea restaurants that are all walking distance from TheTemple. Also, new this year is the option to buy a 3-pick subscription and choose any three of the sixconcerts. Full series subscriptions are on sale nowthrough the first concert, October 8th. Individual concert tickets go on sale September 10th. Listen andbuy at www.utconcerts.com or by calling 708-445-8955.Support Unity Temple Restoration Foundation and enjoyMusic in a Masterpiece.



10 • The Beacon

Unity Temple Gives...The generosity of our congregation is making adifference in people’s lives. Every Sunday ourcollection plate offerings are donated to a worthy

charitable organization in support of our mission andvalues. During the months of June and July 2010,your weekly collection donations contributed the fol-lowing amounts to these organizations:

Cluster Tutoring Program : $1697.75Lawyers Committee for Better Housing: $511.23Oak-Leyden Developmental Services: $510.56People’s Church of Chicago Homeless Ministry: $561 Oak Park Coalition of Truth and Justice: $258.34Disabled American Veterans: $408.00

Thank you for your generosity!

3rd Saturday Coffeehouse in September 3rd Saturday Coffeehouse kicks off its new season on

Saturday, September 18, with songstress MartySwisher , Music Director at Unity Temple, who will singan array of classic love songs. Accompanied by pianistDana Brown and a few surprise guest singers, she will feature an eclectic mix of songs spanning the centuries.Before coming to Unity Temple, Marty performed as asoprano soloist for oratorios and cantatas as well as inmany musical theatre and operetta productions through-out the Chicago area.

In Unity House. Doors open 7:30, Open Mic at 8;feature at 9. Donation $3-5. We are acoustic. Open miclimited to 5 mins. Info at 708-660-9376.

Fall Retreat for All AgesThe Fall Retreat for All Ages returns this fall, October 2931, 2010 at a new location: Tower Hill Camp in SawyerMI (www.il-odm.org). It will be a weekend of relaxing;sharing meals; workshops; games; a coffee house particiption show; campfire with s’mores and singing; and Sunda

morning worship. The retreat begins Friday evening andends with lunch on Sunday. One person, double occupancis $112.50; a single room, $133.50. Some scholarshipmoney is available. Retreat planning committee membersare needed. For more information, please contact BarbaraBoockmeier at [email protected] or (312) 729-0953.

Coming of Age CeremonyAll are invited to attend the Coming of Age Ceremony for

Asher Seth Einhorn on September 11, 2010 at 6 p.m. inUnity Temple. The reception will follow immediately afterthe ceremony in Unity House.

Parents Support GroupA new Parents Support Group for UT families with special

needs children will meet on the 3rd Tuesday of eachmonth at 709 S. Oak Park Ave, Oak Park, at 7:30 p.m.Anyone interested please contact Carol DiMatteo or TomDunnington by phone 708-524-2859 or e-mail [email protected].

The Purple Sages (Senior Women)Will be meeting on Wednesday, September 22 from 11:3

a.m.–1:30 p.m. in the Book Discussion Room on the 2ndfloor of the Oak Park Library. Bring a brown bag lunch!For more information, call 708-705-1428.

T HINKING OUTSIDE THE (BLUE) BOX Have you ever wondered why there are overflowing

boxes filled with used CFL bulbs and batteries in theback hallway at Unity House? Does it seem like a lotmore waste than one building would generate? That isbecause once upon a time, when it was quite difficult to

find a place to take these things for recycling or properdisposal, a few kind souls agreed to collect these itemsin Unity House and take care of recycling them for ourmembers. Luckily, things sometimes change for the bet-ter. There are now several local businesses that will accept CFL bulbs, batteries, and small electronics forproper disposal, making it simple for our members totake responsibility for recycling these items themselves.

As a result, we will no longer be collecting CFL bulbs,batteries, and small electronic devices in UnityHouse.

Here is a list of local options for disposing of your

CFL bulbs, batteries, and small electronics responsibly:• Green Home Experts – 823 South Oak Park Avenue:

Accepts CFL bulbs, batteries (both rechargeable andregular household batteries), and cell phones.While you are there, check out GHE’s extensive se-lections of green household products!

• Dressel’s Hardware – 1137 Chicago Avenue, OakPark: Accepts CFL bulbs and rechargeable batteries.

• Home Depot – all locations: Accepts CFL bulbs.• Chicago Public Library Branch Locations: Accepts

regular household batteries for proper disposal.In addition, the Village of Oak Park’s website in-

cludes a complete guide to recycling a myriad of itemsin our area that are not collected in the blue bins. TheVillage also sponsors periodic recycling of small elec-tronics and computers. Check the Village website formore information and future dates.




Board of Trustees [email protected]

Duane Dowell PresidentIan Morrison Vice PresidentMargaret Ewing Secretary

Glenn Brewer

TreasurerJean BorrelliBetsy DavisNina GegenheimerJay PetersonDavid RipleyDiane ScottJennifer WaltersPolly Walwark

Our Staff For all calls, please dial 708-848-6225and then your party’s extension:

Rev. Alan C. Taylor , Ministerx101 [email protected]

Rev. Emily Gage,Minister of Faith Development

x103 [email protected]

Rich Meyer , Membership Directorx102 [email protected]

David Wilke, Director of Administrationx100 [email protected]

Martha Swisher , Music [email protected]

Heather Godbout Youth CoordinatorX107 [email protected]

Meridian Herman, Rental Managerx108 [email protected]

Sule Kivanc-Ancieta, Preschool Coordinator

David Osorio, Sexton Rito Salinas, Sexton

Peter Storms, Accompanist

Jennifer Flynn, Publications AssistantX105 [email protected]

Tracy Zurawski, Bookkeeperx104 [email protected]

Rev. Dr. Clare Butterfield, Community [email protected]

www.unitytemple.org

September 2010Events Not To Miss

September 5 9:30 service

September 12 9 and 10:45 a.m. services begin

September 16 Movie & Discussion:Lars and the Real Girl (2007)6 p.m. screening, 8 p.m. discussionWest Balcony

September 19 Intro to Unitarian Universalism1 p.m., Unity House West

September 18 3rd Saturday Coffeehouse7:30 p.m., Unity House

September 24 Taize Service 7 p.m., Sanctuary

September 24 Fall Equinox Celebration 7 p.m., Unity House

September Pathway to Membership19 & 26 1 p.m., Unity House

September 27 Chalice Circle Facilitator Training7-9 p.m.

September 30 Articulating Your UU Faith

October 7, 21, 7 p.m., Gale House& 28

Visit Our Calendar Online! You can find all Congregation events andactivities listed on our web calendar atwww.unitytemple.org/calendar. You can find real-time listings of all the events occurring at Unity Tem-ple, and also schedule rooms for Congregation eventsand activities right from the page. Select Add Event

at the top of the calendar and complete the web

form. You will receive an email when your event asbeen confirmed.

BEACON Newsletter SubmissionsSubmissions for the October 2010 Beacon

Newsletter are due at 10 a.m. on Monday, September 20. Please email submissions [email protected].

Be a Beacon-folding Hero!Come and help us distribute our beautiful Beacon tothe masses! Our next Beacon folding party will happen

on Friday, September 24 at 9:15 a.m. Thank you!



Change service requested

NonprofitOrganization

US POSTAGEPAID

Oak Park, IL 60301

Permit No. 305

Unity Temple

Unitarian Universalist Congregation

875 Lake Street

Oak Park, IL 60301

708/848-6225

www.unitytemple.org

NEW SERVICE TIMESBeginning September 12,

worship begins at 9 & 10:45 a.m.Religious Education classes held at

both services.

September 5—9:30 a.m. service

Working Our Way HomeJamie BoyceOffering: Faith in Place

September 12—New service times: 9 & 10:45 a.m.

A Religion for Our Time: EmbracingChange and Creativity

Rev. Alan TaylorOffering: Faith in Place

September 19

A Religion for Our Time: FosteringCommunity and ConnectionRev. Alan TaylorOffering: NAMI National Association for Mental Illness

Upcoming ServicesSeptember 26

A Religion for Our Time: BuildingBridges of Hope and ServiceRev. Alan TaylorOffering: Unity Temple Social MissionCouncil

Friday, September 24, 7 p.m.

Taizé Service at Unity Temple

Documents

BEACON September 2010 - Unity Temple Unitarian Universalist Congregation