BEACON: Community & Connections

MAY 2012

Building Community & Connections

In honor of our senior members of the congregation, we will be hosting a senior luncheon during Celebrating Seniors week on Tuesday, May 22 from 11:00-1:00in Unity House.  Please come and join us for good company and delicious food as we celebrate YOU! RSVP to tlewis@unitytemple.org.

Day In Our Village-Our booth needs you!

Once again, we will participate in Day In Our Village on Sunday, June 3rd.  Last year visitors to our booth were greeted by friendly faces from the congregation who passed out beautifully decorated homemade chalice cookies.  We offered information about Unitarian Universalism, programs and our offerings as well as displayed photos of congregational life and a lovely chalice banner made by our young people.  It was a great day and people in the community learned more about us.  If you are able to volunteer for a two hour shift this year, please contact Tina Lewis at tlewis@unitytemple.org.  We will need folks to help set-up, work the booth and clean-up.  Thanks!

Chalice Circle Ministry Team Hosts Chalice Circle Potluck

The Chalice Circle Ministry Team invites all Chalice Circle facilitators, participants and those interested in participating in the program to our annual potluck on Sunday, May 6 from 5:30–8:00 p.m.at Unity Temple. Each Chalice Circle is invited to bring a side dish or dessert. The main course and beverages will be provided. Please contact Jane Wood at woodnflute@comcast.net or 708–383-6369 if you plan to attend. If you need childcare please let Jane know. We look forward to seeing you!

Cheer on Our Softball Teams

Unity Temple is fielding TWO fine softball teams in this year’s spring/summer Park District league, the Heretics and the Wright Fielders. HOORAY! Now we need YOU to come cheer them on. Show your congregational spirit by showing up to watch them play!! All games are on Friday nights between 8 and 11 p.m.at Ridgeland Commons on Lake Street in Oak Park between Ridgeland and Scoville Aves.  A complete schedule can be found on the website at http://www.unitytemple.org/news/cheer-our-softball-teams.

Meet with the Membership Director

If you would like to meet with Tina Lewis, Membership Director, to explore ways to become more involved in various areas of the congregation based on your interests, please contact her for a Sunday appointment at tlewis@unitytemple.org.

Knitting for Peace

Knitters meet on the second and fourth Saturdays of every month at 2 p.m. in the 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. 

Monday Momentum

The Monday Momentum Group can help with the emotional roller coaster of unemployment. Join us every Monday at 8:45 a.m. in the West Balcony at Unity Temple for feedback and support. Open to all. For questions, contact Brooke McMillin, LSW, at 708-383-0608 or just come as you are.

Algren award winner Billy Lombardo at 3rd Saturday Coffeehouse May 19

On May 19, 3rd Saturday Coffeehouse welcomes fiction writer/poet Billy Lombardo, recipient of the 2011 Chicago Tribune's Nelson Algren Award for the Short Story. He is the author of three books of fiction and a book of poetry/prose. His forthcoming novel, The Day of the Palindrome, will be published by Razorbill in 2013.  He is the founder and managing editor of Polyphony H.S., a student-run international literary magazine for high school writers and editors and an excellent reader of his works. In Unity House, 7:30 sign up, 8 pm Open Mic, 9 pm featured performer. Open Mic is limited to 5 minutes. $3-$5 donation. Info at 708-660-9376.