The Northliner
February 16, 2024
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. If UCN closes due to weather or building issues, the closing will be reflected on our website, on our office voice mail, and a special email will be sent out, if possible.
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/93364454692?pwd=U29yanFGZTUvOXAvcWM0UWQ1UFU0QT09
Meeting ID: 933 6445 4692
Password: 13800
Services begin 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.
February 18: “Carpe Diem!” Rev. Scott W. Alexander
Scott writes: We are all aware of the ancient Latin phrase “Carpe Diem” which simply means “Seize the day!” But intellectually understanding the idea that life is short and it is meant to be lived fully, right now, does not mean that we human beings are very good at this basic life skill. Do be with us as we explore this together.
Feb. 25: “The Rise of Christian Nationalism,” Rev. Sarah Oelberg
America has always had those who espoused Christian Nationalism, but somehow this time it seems more prevalent and dangerous. I will discuss the history of CN, and why and how it has become what it is now.
Sarah Oelberg has been a special education teacher, has written special ed. curriculum for our U.S. Office of Education, was a faculty member at Yeshiva University in New York and at NYU, and trained special ed. teachers in Iowa. She followed her heart as the first in her six-generation Unitarian family to become a UU minister. After serving churches in Nebraska and Minnesota, she retired in 2001. She and husband Gerald raised four children and have six grand- and four great-grandchildren.
From Rev. Scott
Last Week's Sermon
Here is Scott's sermon from Feb. 11, "The Spirituality of Worry": https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SFvDr8oAUHmNoLGE6urNKwg5xpa3Aazr/edit?usp=sharing&rtpof=true&sd=true
IMPORTANT NEWS
The UUA -- Our Parent Denomination -- is significantly revising our UU Purposes and Principles Statement. Here's what you need to know.
Dear Members and Friends of UCN,
As some (but I am sure not all) of you are already aware, since 2021, the UUA (our parent denomination) has been actively engaged in a faith-wide process of reviewing (and suggesting revisions to) Article II of the UUA by-laws (the statement which spells out the "principles and purposes" which guide and inform everything we do as Unitarian Universalists.
Here is the link to the helpful and clear "Article II Study Report" which the Article II Study Commission has issued. I believe once you read it you will understand exactly where the denomination is headed on this important matter. Please note especially the proposed revision of Article II found on pages 19-22 which will replace the older/familiar article II with its 7 principles and sources (found on pages 17-18)
https://www.uua.org/files/2023-02/article-II-study-report-2021-23.pdf
I believe once you read the report -- yes, I know it is a rather hefty 24 pages, but I believe it is a clear and concise and helpful document well worth your time and effort -- you will understand exactly where the denomination is headed on this important matter.
As the report indicates, the final version of Article II (which has been amended and "perfected" many times over the 2+ year process) will be presented for a final adoption vote at this June's virtual UUA General Assembly (to which UCN will hopefully end a full voting delegation...and more on how you might participate in that process will follow from the UCN Board of trustees.
To get our UCN congregation "up to speed" with this important change that is happening within our UUA movement, we have scheduled a congregational information-and-discussion session to be held on zoom on Saturday, March 9 at 10 AM. I urge you to join us for this important congregational conversation if your schedule permits. Join Zoom Meeting: https://zoom.us/j/95749970200. Meeting ID: 957 4997 0200
You should know that this whole process within the UUA has caused no small amount of controversy, especially among those who do not want "to move on" from our long-standing 7 principles and sources". Honestly, I personally have complicated feelings and thoughts about all this, but clearly the new proposal is on track to be adopted, and does reflect some broad-based "evolutions" that are happening within our denomination. What I think is important now is for the members and friends of our congregation (who are interested) to have the opportunity to 1) fully understand the new proposal, and 2) weigh in on how they feel and think about it. Again, I Hope to see you on the Zoom call Saturday, March 9 at 10 AM -- when we will discuss all this in depth with one another.
Until then, all blessings.
Women's History Month Sunday Service
Soliciting Testimonials
On March 17, our Sunday service will be lay led, focusing on a few testimonials from members who will report on a woman who has been/is influential for them. This could be a mentor, teacher, your mother, sister, a social justice activist. We all have personal histories, and sharing about inspiring women may contradict some experience of oppression. Persons of any gender may volunteer to speak. The service will end with singing a soaring tribute to women we are grateful to know and have known. Contact Joy Schroeder: peacenow@charter.net or Julie Konik: julie.konik@gmail.com to volunteer your 5 minute testimonial.
Religious Education
This week we will have classes for our school age children during the second half of the service, after the story for all ages. Nursery for infants and toddlers is available throughout the service.
The elementary class will learn about mutual caring. Our middle school class will explore presence.
If you have extra buttons at home that you would like to donate, we are looking for ones with various sizes, shapes and colors for a button tree craft project. The buttons can be dropped off in the north lobby or by the Religious Education bulletin board in the fellowship hall.
During the winter months if we do not have extreme weather, we may have the kids play outside in the snow at the end of our structured activities or class. Please bring winter clothing for your kids including a warm coat, hat, mittens, snow pants and boots.
Pledge Drive Off and Running!
This past Sunday marked the kick-off of the 2024-25 UCN pledge drive. Thanks to those who have already gotten their pledge forms sent in! We are asking that pledge forms be completed and returned to UCN by February 25th. The pledge amounts inform the budget for next year, so knowing what we can count on really helps! If you have misplaced the pledge documents, there are copies of each of the papers attached. If you need new paperwork but are unable to print the attachments, please email me at juliezumach@gmail.com . I will happily send you copies. Also, find below a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding making a pledge.
Remember, this is your opportunity to be a part of “Widening the Circle” as a Unitarian Church North member or friend by continuing your financial support of our physical structure, our ministerial care, and our community and social justice outreach. Thank you for your continued support!
Julie Zumach, UCN Treasurer
Here are some FAQ's and answers regarding the pledge drive:
1. When do I need to return my pledge form? We are asking that forms be returned by February 25th. This helps the Finance Committee to get started working on next year's budget as soon as possible.
2. How do I return my pledge form? You may choose to send the form in the mail to UCN, 13800 N Port Washington Road, Mequon, WI 53097, or return it in person at the church. There will be a tray for pledge forms just outside the office door.
3. When does the new Fiscal Year begin and end? The new Fiscal Year begins July 1, 2024 and ends June 30, 2025.
4. Who should I contact if I have questions? You may contact Lyn Gust at UCN (262-375-3890) or Julie Zumach (715-820-0089).
* Social and Racial Justice
Amazing Faiths Dinner Dialogue
The next Amazing Faiths Dinner Dialogue is Wednesday, February 28, at 6 pm at Congregation Shalom.
Register today to be part of these great gathering of people of different faiths practicing appreciative listening. A guided conversation is which people are asked to answer questions in a way that leads to listening and appreciating, rather than agreeing/disagreeing, liking/not liking or comparing/contrasting. The questions do not seek facts and opinions, instead request stories and metaphors from people's life experiences. These conversations with diverse stories encourage community and understanding.
Our Core Values are Hospitality, Friendship, Community, Responsibility & Neutrality.
* Announcements
Quilting Bee – The Saga Continues
Please join us for the next round of our UCN Name Quilt creation on Thursday, February 29. Like last time, this will be hand stitching. I can vouch that everyone is very patient with people who aren’t regular sewers – everyone was very nice to me. All are welcome to join, whether to sew or provide camaraderie.
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.
Photos Needed
If you haven't sent in a photo or had your picture taken by Jim DeLillo for our photo member directory, please send one to info@ucnorth.org. We want to see all your smiling faces!
Visitors
The following people visited our church recently:
- Regina Rora, Monona, WI
Thanks for visiting us. We hope that you come back soon!
Lost and Found
If you bank at Cornerstone/Horicon Bank, you might have left an envelope at the visitor's table. Please see Lyn if you think it's yours.
Good Grief Group
Grief Group will be held every other Wednesday (Feb. 14 and 28), 10:00 - 11:30. Please contact Judy DeLillo at 720-935-0851 with any questions.
Events at UCN
- "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. - There will be two Wisconsin Singer Songwriter concerts at UCN in February. Go to WSSS.org for details.
- Al-Anon meetings, offering recovery for families and friends of alcoholics and drug addicts, are held every Tuesday morning at 8:30 am in the Clara Barton room and online.
Thank you for supporting the groups that use our facilities.
* Calendar
Calendar through March 3
Meetings are held via Zoom, unless stated.
- Friday, Feb. 16, 5:00 pm: Kids' Night Out - Fellowship Hall (Katie Egan-Bruhy)
- Saturday, Feb. 17, 10:30 am: We All Belong - Sanctuary (Leigh Hoftiezer)
- Sunday, Feb. 18: RE Classes (Betsy Muellenbach)
- Monday, Feb. 19, noon: UUs Coffee & Conversation - Mequon Fiddleheads (Brenda Berg)
- Monday, Feb. 19, 7:30 pm: Comm/Tech Committee (Sarah Cesar)
- Tuesday, Feb. 20, 7:00 pm: Finance (Pete Blain)
- Wednesday, Feb. 28, 10:00 am: Good Grief Group - Emerson (Judy DeLillo)
- Thursday, Feb. 29, 5:00 pm: Quilting - Fellowship Hall (Ed Ahrenhoerster)
- Saturday, March 2, 9:00 am: Building Work Day (Brian Bunzel)
- Saturday, March 2, 10:00 am: FSL setup - Fellowship Hall (Linda Sandersen)
- Sunday, March 3: RE Classes (Betsy Muellenbach)
- Sunday, March 3, 11:30 am: First Sunday Lunch - 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/
- You are encouraged to subscribe to MidAmerica Region's newsletter, News page. More information at uua.org/midamerica .
-
The MidAmerica Region is coming together - both online and at the First Unitarian Society of Madison, WI on Friday, April 19 and Saturday, April 20 of 2024 for a multiplatform Regional Assembly! Please join us, online and in-person: MidAmerica Regional Assembly!
- Join us June 20 - 23 for an all-virtual General Assembly 2024. For information, go to https://www.uua.org/ga/registration.
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.
UUs Coffee & Conversation (Ladies' Lunch & Levity) meets on the third Monday of every month at Mequon Fiddleheads, 10530 Port Washington Rd. Stop in anytime between 12:00 and 1:30 for something to eat, a good cuppa, and chewy conversation. We meet in the back room.
* 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 Todd Zumach (zumacht@gmail.com) to submit articles for our website.
* Contact Information and Links
Minister, Rev. Scott Alexander: cell phone (preferred): 772-359-0602. Office phone: 262-375-4748. 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.
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/