BEACON Newsletter

MAY 2012

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INSIDE THE MAY BEACON

Can We Affirm Our Common Humanity Without Minimizing Differences?

Rev. Alan Taylor, Senior Minister

"...Unitarian Universalists are prone to minimization because of our Universalist theology. We emphasize how all human beings are the same, often to the exclusion of acknowledging the real differences among us." Rev. Taylor share with us his recent learning and thoughts on intercultural sensitivity, and how these impact our lives at Unitarian Universalists. READ MORE >>

Our Democratic Process

Ian Morrison, President, Board of Trustees

Ian asks all members to attend to our responsibility to the promote and affirm the democratic process in our congregation by attending the annual meeting on May 20. In addition, he shares an update on how all members will be invited to participate in the capital campaign feasibility study.

Minns Lecture: A Don't Miss Special Opportunity

Former UUA President John Buehrens will be speaking at Unity Temple on May 4 at 7:00 p.m. He has chosen Unity Temple as the location to give his final Minns lecture entitled "Walking More Humbly -- and Thriving." This is a unique opportunity for our community to hear from one of the greatest UU leaders of our time reflect on the future of Unitarian Universalism.
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Membership Opportunities

If you are new to UTUUC, Welcome! We invite you to join us for Introduction to Unitarian Universalism to learn more about our faith. If you're getting to know us and are interested in learning more about our congregation, join us for Pathways to Membership.
READ MORE>>

2012 Annual Fund Drive

While the Annual Drive has been a success so far, we remain $35,000 short of the budget goal the board has set of $725,000. Read more about how you can help us reach this goal and why it is important that we do so.

WORSHIP

Sunday Services Schedule

Join us for worship Sunday mornings at 9:00 & 10:45 a.m.
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Tuesday Reflections in the Temple

Join us for Tuesday Reflections in the Temple every Tuesday night from 6:30 - 7:15 p.m.

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Music at Unity Temple
Martha Swisher, Music Director
Choir Sunday this year will be held on May 13th. An exciting and challenging work will be presented entitled Triptych by Tarik O'Regan. This three movement cantata scored for choir and string orchestra will be presented with a full complement of strings and soprano soloist. In addition, be sure to attend the Spring Music Festival on May 5 and Rise Up Singing on May 21.
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Taizé at Unity Temple
Join us for our monthly Taizé service on Friday, May 25 at 7:00 p.m.
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LEARN

But Still, I Am One!
Rev. Emily Gage, Minister of Faith Development
Rev. Gage is inspired by each of us and how we make a difference in the world. She shares the many ways in which members of our congregation have agreed to make a difference.
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Religious Education For Children & Youth

Read more about these important announcements:

Summer Religious Education for Children and Youth
Register Now for 2012-13
Classroom Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on Friday, May 18
Dedication of Babies and Young Children on Sunday, June 3
Our young people need YOU!
READ MORE >>

Adult Religious Enrichment

Read about our coming offerings to enriching your religious experience:

Minns Lecture: A Don't Miss Opportunity
Prayer Meeting (formerly Sacred Conversations)
Movies with Meaning: Higher Ground
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Ex Libris

Ex Libris shares some terrific recommendations for reading this month, including a new book by former UT minister, Rev. Jay Deacon. READ MORE >>

CONNECT

Can UU's Talk About Evil?
May Chalice Circles Topic
Chalice Circles challenges us to purposefully explore our feelings and beliefs about "evil."
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Community & Connections

Read about the many opportunities to build community and create connections in our Congregation including:

Welcome 21 New Members!
Celebrating Seniors on Tuesday, May 22
Day in Our Village Booth needs you!
Chalice Circle Potluck on May 6
Knitting for Peace
Monday Momentum
3rd Saturday Coffeehouse | May 19: Billy Lombardo
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SERVE

Spring Fever Time!
Rev. Scott Aaseng, Intern Minister
For Scott springtime "is a time to start opening up my leaves and soaking up the sunshine, letting my tired cells come back to life." How are you recharging this spring and focusing on what is most meaningful in your life?

Deep Into the Country
Rev. Dr. Clare Butterfield, Community Minister
Executive Director, Faith in Place
Clare has been visiting coal mines in Central Illinois coal country. Read about what she is learning about how coal mining in our state effects us locally and globally. And, of course, what you might do about it.

Social Action
Read more about opportunities to engage in social action this month.

Crop Walk is Sunday, May 6
Selecting Our Collection Recipients
Unity Temple GIVES: $4,357.24 donated in March
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Green Sanctuary

Community Supported Agriculture from Montalbano Farms will be available again this year at Unity Temple.
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Community Renewal Society Covenant

The Board will be bringing to the Annual Meeting a proposal to affirm our covenant with Community Renewal Society (CRS). Read more about what this means for our congregation.

Immigrant Welcoming Congregation

At the Annual Meeting on Sunday, May 20, the congregation will be asked to vote on important social justice issue. The Immigration Justice Action Team of the Social Mission Committee hopes that you will support our efforts to become an Immigrant Welcoming Congregation.
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SUPPORT

2012 Annual Fund Drive

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