The Northliner
December 1, 2023
Sunday Services
Sunday services are held at 10:00 am. Currently our services are held live at UCN and also streamed on Zoom. Coffee hour follows the service.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/93364454692?pwd=U29yanFGZTUvOXAvcWM0UWQ1UFU0QT09
Meeting ID: 933 6445 4692
Password: 13800
The service begins promptly at 10 am. If you'd like to join in conversation before the service, you may join the Zoom meeting at 9:50 and wrap up your conversations shortly before 10.
Dec. 3: “Do UUs Believe in Sin?" Rev. Tony Larsen
Many UUs don't have the word "sin" in their vocabulary--at least partly because "sin" has been used for so long to label activities that we don't believe are wrong. Our guest minister, Tony Larsen, will be back at UCN this Sunday to explore some of the term's meanings in the Hebrew scriptures, with an eye to finding a possible meaning for UUs today.
December 10: “The Real War on Christmas,” Rev. Scott W. Alexander preaching
Scott writes: Over the past decade or so, every December, conservative social and religious commentators in America issue angry and hysterical warnings that there is a sinister “war” being waged against Christmas by “the liberal left.” It seems to me, however, that the “real” war against Christmas – the real threat to the true meaning of the holiday -- is coming not from liberals and progressives, but from the conservatives themselves. This Sunday, let us remind our hearts about the true meaning of Jesus’ life and teachings.
Connections
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of John Hagedorn, 76, – husband of Mary Devitt– both long-time past members of Unitarian Church North. John died peacefully at home on October 31, 2023, after a year-long battle with pancreatic cancer. His family was by his side. John and Mary have been members of First Unitarian Church in Milwaukee since 2012.
Justice for Palestine is something John was engaged with for decades, and he was very moved by the suffering of people in Gaza in recent weeks. Memorial donations may be made to:
Palestinian Red Crescent Society (https://www.palestinercs.org/en), an organization which is still on the ground in Gaza and able to provide relief.
Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions Movement (https://bdsmovement.net/), an organization that works for longer term solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
For further information, contact John’s wife Mary Devitt, mldevitt@gmail.com
From Rev. Scott
You are invited to join in a Zoom conversation
"Navigating the Holidays with Enjoyment, Purpose and Calm"
Saturday, December 9 at 10 AM
Scott writes: Every December many of us are challenged -- in many different ways and for many different reasons -- by the holiday season and its many expectations, routines, memories and traditions. In addition, this year in particular events our nation and world seem hell-bent on adding stress and worry in this special time of the year.
On Saturday morning, Dec. 9, I want to provide a calm and thoughtful opportunity for us -- as members and friends of UCN -- to come together over zoom to reflect together on how we can (both individually and collectively) make this season one of enjoyment, purpose and calm. I want us to share with one another practical ways to make this season more meaningful and satisfying...and I want to share several "spiritual practices" which I believe might help. Do join us (with a hot cup of coffee or tea) if your schedule permits.
Global Ethic Article Link
Some of you requested the link for this article that Scott mentioned in his service:
A Meditation
“Glad for the sway and pitch of life…”
Yesterday -- as I biked home down the interurban trail to Milwaukee from UCN in the late afternoon -- I started noticing (for no particular reason) the many/varied squirrel nests in the trees silhouetted against the November sunset. As I moved down the trail – my attention now focused on this one/particular aspect of the environment around me -- there were so many nests that caught my eye…those clumps of dried leaves (often off the oak and maple trees I think) which the busy little critters build every Autumn to provide shelter for their families against the winter cold. (photo: squirrel nests in winter trees)
The one notable variation I particularly focused on was the different locations in the trees their builders had chosen. Some of the nests were built (what seems to me to be) very cautiously and practically…lower in the trees…safe and secure where two large trunks branched off upward from one another. While other nests were built (which seemed like a much bolder and more daring location to me) high up in the thinner/upper branches that reached to the sky.
Then I began to imagine what the choice of these different nest locations would “mean” to the squirrels on the stormy winter nights that are soon to come. I imagined the squirrel families in the lower/safer/practical nests snuggling securely together (untroubled and unchallenged) as the winter snows and wind swirled. And then my imagination soared as I pictured the other squirrel families, who had daringly built their nests high up the trees, where the branches would sway with the wild elements. Surely these more adventurous critters would have a more thrilling (if-not-slightly-more-dangerous) experience!
I decided right then and there that if I were a squirrel, I would take the holy risk of building my winter home high up in the tree, where the branches would sway with the rhythm of the storms! It might not be quite as safe when winter storms blow, but oh the exhilaration of swaying to sleep knowing the world around me is pulsing and alive.
Yes…I know this is an anthropomorphic projection of a 74 year old cyclist looking up at the mundane (and perhaps randomly placed) squirrel nests up in the trees along his biking trail. But nonetheless my heart soared that late afternoon as I imagined those daring squirrels high in their nests on winter nights…simply glad for the sway and pitch of life around them.
Rev. Scott
Time to Get Your Elf On!
We are hosting our holiday store for the children on December 3rd this year. We will be offering an opportunity for children to "purchase" gifts for their family with a food pantry donation.
Please bring “gifts” you are no longer using that the children may want to give their family members. Items such as coffee table books, jewelry, candles, stuffed animals, games, puzzles, and knick-knacks would be gratefully accepted. A “gift box” will be in the north lobby for donations.
Elves will be needed on December 3rd to help the children find that perfect gift and to wrap.
Please contact Rosa at rosam1977@att.net with questions. Thanks for your help!
UCN Quilting Bee: December 13
Please join us for the next phase in the creation of our Name Quilt on Wednesday, December 13 in the Fellowship Hall. This round will be “Slow Stitching”. A description is below, but the important thing is Dana tells me anyone can do this work – even people like me who can barely sew on a button. Come one, come all!
Pizza, wine and other beverages will be provided starting at 5pm, but feel free to join in anytime during the evening. All sewing materials will be provided, along with rides for those not comfortable driving at night. If you would like to join please let Ed Ahrenhoerster know at ed.ahrenhoerster@nwsdigital.com (gotta make sure we have enough pizza! (and wine!!)). Email me with any questions as well.
What is ‘Slow Stitching’? (by Dana Lusk)
Do you find yourself losing sight of the joys of slowing down and enjoying small, simple, ways of being? I did…. then I discovered the concept of Slow Stitching, which has gained popularity among the fabric art world. Slow stitching is a mindful practice of slowing down with needle, thread, and fabric to create with our hands, just as our ancestors did.
As one blogger wrote: “When we sit with our slow stitching, we are able to connect head, hands, and heart to mend ourselves in this world. To create a thread connection between others doing similar things.” I cannot think of a better use of this mindful, healing practice of slow stitching, than to gather with those in our church family and slow stitch together the blocks of our UCN quilt!
Holiday Service Schedule
Dec. 17: “Ring in the Season of Joy!” Our festive Intergenerational service of story and song the Sunday before Christmas, Rev. Scott W. Alexander
This Sunday, as an intergenerational community, we will celebrate the many songs and stories – moods and meanings – of this special time of year. We will sing some of the favorite carols of the season, and share some wonderful holiday stories. This serviced is designed to delight folks of all ages and backgrounds…do be with us.
Dec. 24: Christmas Eve Intergenerational Candlelight Service, Rev. Scott Alexander
5 PM
This December 24th, we will gather, just after dark (at 5 PM) in our sanctuary for our Intergenerational Christmas Eve Candlelight service. Together we will listen to and sing some of the favorite music and carols of the season, and share in some of the beautiful stories and meanings of this most precious of seasons. Do be with us this Christmas Eve for this very special service, and feel free to bring family or friends with you!
Dec. 31: "Y R U A UU?" ("Why Are You a UU?")
Dan Lusk will lead a totally participatory service for those who wish to take part. We will share our religious journeys to become a UU today. Were you a former Catholic, Lutheran, or some other faith? Are you a lifelong UU? Join us for some interesting revelations from our members and curious visitors. Participation may be limited depending on attendees in order to keep the service to an hour or so.
Jan. 7: All Souls’ Cafe
Welcome the new year with our all-church talent show, at our regular 10 am service. See details below.
Let’s Decorate for the Holidays!
Please join us Saturday, December 2nd, at 10:00 am to decorate the sanctuary for the holidays. Helpers of all ages are welcome as we trim the tree and put up the lights and other holiday décor. Cookies and cider will be served. Please let Julie Konik or Julie Zumach know by November 26th if you can help bring some holiday beauty and spirit to the sanctuary.
Share your talents at the All Soul's Cafe, 2024
One of the many great traditions we enjoy at UCN is the welcoming of the new year with an all-church talent show. Everyone is invited to participate in this community event on January 7, 2024, taking the place of the regular service at 10:00 am.
We need singers, dancers, poets, mimes, or whatever you're inspired to do within a 5-minute or less performance. All ages are welcome, but you have to sign up by Sunday, December 24 to be included in the show!
Help will also be needed to set up the sanctuary sometime in the week before the event, and it would be great to have a couple of people responsible for the snacks/drinks tables in the west lobby. Donations of finger foods, cookies, coffee cake, bars, apple cider & milk would be much appreciated.
Get in touch with Linda Sandersen at lsandersen@wi.rr.com with any questions or to sign up in any capacity.
* Social and Racial Justice
Interfaith Annual Luncheon
The Interfaith Conference of Greater Milwaukee will hold its 53rd Annual Luncheon at noon on Monday, December 4, at Marquette University's Alumni Memorial Union. Tickets are $53 per person and the registration deadline is Nov. 24.
Our keynote speaker will be Venice Williams of The Table and Alice's Garden Urban Farm.
Join us also to celebrate the following award winners: Rev. Herbert Huebschmann Urban Ministry Award Franciscan Peacemakers, Frank Zeidler Award James Santelle, Mark Rohlfing Memorial Award Rabbi Levi Stein, Emerging Leader Award Nicole Gorelik.To sponsor a table or for help registering, please call 414-276-9050 Ext 2 or email JCMitchell@interfaithconference.org
Table Sponsorships (Each table seats ten people):
Gold $750, Silver $650, Bronze $550
Share the Plate Update
The Social Justice Committee has chosen the Entrepreneurs In Training Partnership (EITP) to receive the Share the Plate donations for November and December. The program is a collaboration between UW-Madison Extension and Defy Ventures, a national organization dedicated to helping end recidivism by training current and formerly incarcerated people to become entrepreneurs. These members of the justice community receive intensive training and skill building and are then connected with coaches from their local business communities. Entrepreneurs in Training (EITs) receive practical wisdom on how to start a thriving business and lifelong access to the alumni community of entrepreneurs. The program’s mission is to enable one of America’s largest forgotten communities to defy the odds, learn skills, and become contributing members of the community.
Half of the donations, cash or check, will go to Hunger Task force. Checks can be written to UCN with “Share the Plate” on the memo line. On our website, www.ucnorth.org, you can donate by using PayPal or Breeze. The Northliner also contains a QR code to scan for making a donation. Thank you for your generosity.
A Concert Against Gun Violence, Wednesday, Dec. 6
Come together on Wednesday, December 6th at the historic Bend Theater in downtown West Bend (125 N. Main St.) for an evening of music and shared passion to end the epidemic of gun violence, hosted by the Washington County Democratic Party.
The incredible lineup of talent performing at this event will feature a total of four groups: two lively groups showcasing their talents in Irish music, dance and humor; an original folk songwriter, storyteller, author and performer; and UCN’s own Poul and Linda Sandersen with their Pickin’ Up Speed Winter Band as the anchor band for the concert.
Doors open at 6:30pm. Concert starts at 7:00pm. Suggested ticket donation: $25.
Advanced ticket purchases, preferred, are available via donation to Act Blue at
https://www.facebook.com/100064543575904/posts/722277246600388/?app=fbl
They may also be purchased with a cash donation at the door.
All contributions raised through ticket distribution to this event will be donated to non-profit organizations which are actively engaged in the work of ending gun violence. See the attached poster for more information.
* Announcements
I-43 Update
As of 11-27, northbound on and off ramps at Pioneer Road (Cty Road C) on the east side of I-43 were opened. However, the Pioneer Road overpass for I-43 is still closed due to construction.
The I-43 northbound on and off ramps at Highland Road are scheduled to close for approximately one month while crews work to connect the ramps to the new northbound lanes.
For more information, go to I-43 NORTH-SOUTH (Glendale to Grafton) – Milwaukee and Ozaukee Counties (511wi.gov).
Good Grief Group
Losing someone you love is life changing, and grief can be difficult. Sometimes it’s helpful to share with others who have also experienced a deep loss – the sadness, the challenges, the next steps and the joys that may follow. You’re not alone.
Our group meetings are held every other Wednesday from 9:30-11:00 am in Emerson (the large room off the north lobby, upper level). Judy DeLillo, a new member of the Lay Pastoral Care Team, will help facilitate conversation and support in this new group at UCN. Please contact Judy at 720-935-0851 with any questions.
Morning Meditations
Group Meditations will be postponed for the rest of November and the month of December; to be resumed in 2024. Please join us in January.
Anna Rychner, facilitator and meditation teacher of the Himalayan tradition.
Events at UCN
- The next WSSS concert will be held on Dec. 2. UCN members are offered a discount on tickets. Go to wsss.org for details.
- "Qi Gong and Tai Chi" is held most Saturdays at 11 am in the Fellowship Hall. Call Diane at
307-763-0903 for details. First class is free for UCN members. - A Kirtan will be held Dec. 9. Go to kaitakirtan.com for details.
- Al-Anon meetings, offering recovery for families and friends of alcoholics and drug addicts, are held every Tuesday morning at 8:30 a.m. in the Clara Barton room and online.
Thank you for supporting the groups that use our facilities.
* Calendar
Calendar through December 17
Meetings are held via Zoom, unless stated.
- Saturday, Dec. 2, 9:00 am: Building Work Day (Brian Bunzel)
- Saturday, Dec. 2, 10:00 am: FSL Setup - Fellowship Hall (Linda Sandersen)
- Saturday, Dec. 2, 10:00 am: Sanctuary Decorating (Julie Zumach)
- Sunday, Dec. 3: RE Holiday Sale (Rosa Gomez)
- Sunday, Dec. 3, 11:30 am: First Sunday Lunch
- Wednesday, Dec. 6, 9:30 am: Good Grief Group (Judy DeLillo)
- Wednesday, Dec. 6: UUs Out to Lunch (Brenda Berg)
- Saturday, Dec. 9, 10:00 am: Conversation with the Minister
- Sunday, Dec. 10, 11:30 am: Social Justice - Emerson (Leigh Hoftiezer)
- Monday, Dec. 11, 6:30 pm: RE Committee (Betsy Muellenbach)
- Wednesday, Dec. 13, 5:00 pm: Quilting Bee - Fellowship Hall (Ed Ahrenhoerster)
- Thursday, Dec. 14, 9:00 am: Membership (Dan Lusk)
- Thursday, Dec. 14, 6:30 pm: Sunday Services (Julie Konik)
- Friday, Dec. 15, 5:30 pm: Kids' Night Out - Fellowship Hall
The monthly calendar for UCN events, not including rentals, can be seen on our website at: https://ucnorth.org/calendar/
Please remember to contact Lyn, info@ucnorth.org, to reserve rooms for your meetings, rehearsals, ceremonies, etc. To hold an event or ceremony at UCN, contact Lyn for date availability, facilities use forms, and answers to your questions.
All church committee meetings are open; visitors are welcome. Contact the committee chair (listed on the calendar above) for details or to receive the zoom info for a meeting. For information on classes and groups that meet at UCN, as well as future meeting and event dates, please see the website, www.ucnorth.org, or call the office, 262-375-3890.
* Reminders
Service and UUA Information
Service Assistants are needed for Sunday Services. Please contact Julie Konik (julie.konik@gmail.com) if you can help.
The Sunday Services Zoom Team is looking "for a few good zoom hosts." Please contact Gerry Schmitz or Dan Lusk if interested.
Sunday Announcements: If you would like to have an announcement read at the service, please prepare it using the Spoken Announcement Guidelines, and send it to Joy Schroeder (peacenow@charter.net) or Julie Konik (julie.konik@gmail.com) or that Sunday's Service Assistant by the FRIDAY BEFORE the service, and they will relay it to the worship assistant.
- Reserving the Projector: If you will need the projector for a given date, please remember to sign the “Projector Reservation Signup List” on the clipboard on the table outside the office in the north lobby.
- UU Women's Connection offers retreats, newsletters and resources for women: https://www.uuwomensconnection.org/
- The Common Read for 2023-24 is On Repentance and Repair, by Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg. Go to UUA.org/read for more information.
- You are encouraged to subscribe to MidAmerica Region's newsletter, News page. More information at uua.org/midamerica .
- Watch videos from General Assembly at uua.org/GA
General Information
Becoming a Member of UCN is very easy. Simply make a pledge of record, sign our Membership Book, and provide contact information for our records. We also provide New to UU and UCN Classes in the Spring and Fall. It is not necessary to attend the classes, however they are very informative, providing information about Unitarian Universalism and our church (its history and how it operates). For more information, you can contact Dan Lusk (262-234-9406).
- Caring Circle: a group of people who may be willing to bring meals, help with transportation, make visits, pick up groceries, etc. for members and friends of UCN in temporary need. Sign up at church or virtually: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A44ACA82BA75-caring
First Aid Kits are located near the elevators on each level. Each kit is in a white box and mounted on the wall. AED Machines are near the first aid kits. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Bunzel, Building Committee Chair, at (262) 573-0045 or brianbuzel@yahoo.com.
UCN is now able to accept donations via PayPal.
Food Barrel: Don’t forget to grab a food item out of your pantry for the food barrel as you leave for church.
Scrip Fundraiser: Scrip Cards are still a great way to support UCN. Use cards for carryout or online purchase with ScripNow!. There are 3 ways to buy or reload your cards: ScripNow! (Pay online, use online or in person), PrestoPay (buy or reload cards) or at UCN. If you have a special request or questions about Scrip, contact Mark Muellenbach.
If you order from Quill.com and tell them UCN recommended them, UCN will earn a $50 gift card.
Support Black-Owned businesses: "MKE Black" offers a list of Black-owned businesses you can reference: https://mkeblack.org/
If you would like to donate directly to Family Promise, the only shelter for homeless people in Ozaukee County, please send your donation to them, with “UCN Member” written in the memo line. This will give UCN credit for the donation. Their address is: Family Promise of Ozaukee County, 136 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington, WI 53074.
The Social Justice Committee has an OPT-IN email list for anyone who would like to be notified on short notice to provide a physical presence at social justice activities. Please contact Sherryl Andrus, sherryla70@gmail.com, to be added to the list.
Monthly Fellowship Gatherings
UUsOutToLunch meets on the first Wednesday of every month at noon, and sometimes at suppertime during daylight savings time. Couples, singles, men & women are all welcome, long-term commitment or not. Each month, a different member of the group takes the responsibility of choosing a restaurant at which to meet and eat, and emails the rest of the group with the particulars as to what and where, requesting yay or nay from the emailed recipient, so that reservations can be made if required. Join us! Email brendaberg@spectrum.net
First Sunday Lunch: Join us after the service in the Fellowship Hall for lunch and fellowship on the first Sunday of the month, November through June.
* Submitting Content for our Publications
Please submit articles for the Northliner to info@ucnorth.org. To keep the Northliner from becoming cumbersome to read, you are encouraged to keep these articles short, and to run them only twice. The deadline for submitting articles is every Thursday at noon. Items submitted later might not be proofed for errors or published.
Please contact Adam Schodron (webmaster1@ucnorth.org) to submit articles for our website.
* Contact Information and Links
Minister, Rev. Scott Alexander: office phone: 262-375-4748; cell phone (preferred): 772-359-0602. Email: UURevScott@gmail.com . Rev. Scott will generally be in the pulpit the first three Sundays of the month and in his office the first two weeks of the month.
UCN Office Hours: Tuesday through Friday, 9 am to 2:30 pm. Contact Lyn at 262-375-3890 or info@ucnorth.org. The office is closed for holidays and bad weather. Please do not reply to the Northliner; we do not receive messages sent to lyngust@mailgun.smore.com, but if you are having trouble receiving the Northliner, please add that address to your contact list.
Links
Information on our Share the Plate Recipient
For more information about UCN, see our website www.ucnorth.org or call the office at
262-375-3890.
Please check channel 4, 6, 12 or 58, or our website, www.ucnorth.org, for weather closings.
Unitarian Church North
Email: info@ucnorth.org
Website: www.ucnorth.org
Location: 13800 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon, WI, 53097 USA
Phone: 262-375-3890
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurchNorth/