Sermon delivered by Senior Minister Rev. Alan Taylor on October 27, 2019. Who are your cloud of witnesses? Have you ever thought about how you are among the cloud of witnesses for others? Rev. Taylor reflects on the wisdom of remembering—remembering those who have gone before us and those who are in need of support.
The theme for October is what it means to be a people of belonging. To read about our theme-based ministry, please visit http://www.unitytemple.org/faith.
Sermon delivered by Rev. Scott Aaseng on October 20, 2019. Crises like the ones we’re facing call for radical action. Not necessarily more extreme action, but radical in the sense of addressing the roots of these crises. One of the most radical actions we can take is to talk – and listen – to our neighbors.
Rev. Scott Aaseng is the Executive Director of the UU Advocacy Network of IL (UUANI). UUANI builds community and power among UU congregations in Illinois to put our UU values into effective action for justice, beloved community and a healthy planet. For more information, contact Rev. Scott Aaseng at uuani@uuani.org.
The theme for October is what it means to be a people of belonging. To read about our theme-based ministry, please visit http://www.unitytemple.org/faith.
Sermon delivered by Minister of Faith Development Rev. Emily Gage on October 13, 2019. I hope that each of you can tell a story that helps to answer the question, "Whose are we?" That, at a time when you were in trouble, or grieving, or hurt, you looked around you, and you knew that you were not alone. That you were held by people who loved you for all of who you are.
The theme for October is what it means to be a people of belonging. To read about our theme-based ministry, please visit http://www.unitytemple.org/faith.
Sermon delivered by Senior Minister Rev. Alan Taylor on October 6, 2019. Reflecting on the life work of Jean Vanier, the founder of L'Arche communities, and Brene Brown's distinction between "fitting in" and "belonging," Rev. Taylor finds the Jewish High Holy Days an apt time to explore the relationship between community and forgiveness.
The theme for October is what it means to be a people of belonging. To read about our theme-based ministry, please visit http://www.unitytemple.org/faith.
Sermon delivered by Senior Minister Rev. Alan Taylor on September 29, 2019. Certain expectations make it possible for us to live in community. What expectations do we have of one another as a religious community as we look toward our future?
The theme for September is what it means to lead a life of expectation. To read about our theme-based ministry, please visit http://www.unitytemple.org/faith.
Sermon delivered by Minister of Faith Development Rev. Emily Gage on September 22, 2019. “Expect nothing," Alice Walker writes. “Live frugally on surprise.” By this, Rev. Gage takes Walker to mean that we should be open to whatever happens, that we should let ourselves be surprised by what comes our way. Don’t get weighed down by expectations—don’t spend your time thinking about what might happen or what might not happen—just let it be what it is. Easier said than done, of course.
The theme for September is what it means to lead a life of expectation. To read about our theme-based ministry, please visit http://www.unitytemple.org/faith.
Sermon delivered by Mony Ruiz-Velasco on September 15, 2019. Mony Ruiz-Velasco is an immigration lawyer, an organizer, and the executive director of Proyecto Accion de Suburba Oestas (PASO) or the Western Suburbs Action Project, an immigration rights organization that is centered in Melrose Park. Mony works to combine legal and organizing efforts to advocate on behalf of immigrant rights and social justice. She has provided legal services, representation and counsel to thousands of immigrants and their families. She focuses her work on women, LGBTQ immigrants, survivors of crimes and other vulnerable populations. Mony can be reached at mony@pasoaction.org.
The theme for September is what it means to lead a life of expectation. To read about our theme-based ministry, please visit http://www.unitytemple.org/faith.
Sermon delivered by Senior Minister Rev. Alan Taylor on September 8, 2019. Rev. Taylor launches our year-long exploration of "Welcoming All," sharing some of the responses from a recent congregational survey about Welcoming All. He shares how we are aiming to create spaces of grace where we can listen and share deeply.
The theme for September is what it means to lead a life of expectation. To read about our theme-based ministry, please visit http://www.unitytemple.org/faith.
Sermon delivered by Senior Minister Rev. Alan Taylor on September 1, 2019. When visiting the Cesar Chavez National Monument, Rev. Alan Taylor discovered a profound connection to the grape strike of 1965-1971 and connects lessons from the collaboration between Dolores Huerta and Cesar Chavez with the current work of Arise Chicago.
The theme for September is how do we lead a life of expectation? To read about our theme-based ministry, please visit http://www.unitytemple.org/faith.
Sermon delivered by Senior Minister Rev. Alan Taylor on August 25, 2019. In a short reflection for Homecoming Sunday, Rev. Taylor reflects on how being present to our discomfort and the discomfort of others can lead us to deeper peace and joy.
The theme for August is how do we lead a life of presence? To read about our theme-based ministry, please visit http://www.unitytemple.org/faith.