The Northliner
January 19, 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.
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.
January 21: “Can We Really Reinvent Ourselves?” Rev. Scott W. Alexander
Scott writes: Every year in January, millions of Americans (some 40% of the population it seems…including surely many Unitarian Universalists) go through the motions of making personal resolutions for the new year. This begs the question of my sermon this Sunday, “Can We Really Reinvent Ourselves,” or at least the question of to what extent can we make substantial changes to our lives and personalities? I want us to explore this topic before January (and all its lofty resolutions) slips past us as just a memory.
Jan. 28: "Finding Peace,” Rev. Sarah Oelberg
Peace is more than just the absence of war. As real wars rage around us, let us look at the other kinds of peace, and explore how they matter in our lives, and how to find them.
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
Here's Rev. Scott's sermon, "Race Matters," from Jan. 14: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1gATw_tbP9Fjtg4GeYS7Z1usG-umzz5Km/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109072791973067277249&rtpof=true&sd=true
You are Cordially Invited
The pleasure of your company is joyfully requested at UCN’s first annual Members and Friends Appreciation Reception!
Please join us at UCN on Saturday, February 3 from 4:00 to 6:00 PM.
We would like to extend our deep appreciation for all of your contributions, past, present and future. We have an amazing congregation and nothing we do would be possible without your efforts. Please take this opportunity to gather together and share complimentary wine, sparkling soda, and hors d’oeuvres. Children are warmly welcomed and will be served snacks and enjoy fun activities in the Fellowship Hall.
So that we can plan appropriately, it would be helpful if you could sign the signup sheet available at Church on Sunday, or email us at ucnorth.org. If children are coming, please let us know by Wednesday, January 31, so we can plan activities. We greatly look forward to seeing you!!
Religious Education
This week we will have classes for elementary and middle school age children during the second half of the service, after the message for all ages. Nursery for infants and toddlers is available throughout the service. Dana Lusk will be coordinating youth and children programming this week since Betsy Muellenbach will be out of town.
This Sunday we will be teaching about the intangible gift of "invitation." Children will explore multiple ways to communicate that someone is invited. One of the suggested activities is to have the children be greeters at church. If you and your kids are interested, please plan to come to church around 9:40/9:45 so they can greet people and pass out the order of service, etc.
Hope to see you Sunday.
During the winter months, if we do not have extreme weather (using WI standards), we may have the kids play outside in the snow after class. Please bring winter clothing for your kids, including a warm coat, hat, mittens, snow pants, and boots.
Childcare on Non-RE Sundays
Childcare is now offered every Sunday during the second half of the service. Elementary-aged students will have structured activities that include yoga, sharing time, games and crafts on the second and fourth Sundays. We will continue to have Religious Education classes on the first and third Sundays for children and youth of all ages, and an intergenerational service on the fifth Sunday.
The nursery will continue to be staffed weekly for the entire length of the service.
* Social and Racial Justice
Save the Date for the "We All Belong" Workshop at UCN
UCN's Social Justice Committee will be hosting this MICAH/WISDOM workshop on Saturday, February 17 from 10:30 am to Noon, in our sanctuary. We have invited Friendship Baptist Church of Milwaukee to attend and partner with us. Their pastor, Rev. Joseph Jackson, Jr., will be one of the presenters. The workshop includes presentations and discussions of the three aspects of We All Belong, namely, 1.) Protect Democracy; 2:) Reject/resist Christian nationalism; and 3.) Build the Beloved Community.
Sign-up will be available soon. Questions? Contact Leigh Hoftiezer or Lucy Friedrichs
Dinner Dialogue
Interfaith Earth Network invites you to the next Amazing Faiths Dinner Dialogue 6 pm on January 31 at the Urban Ecology Center Riverside Park, 1500 E. Park Place, Milwaukee
Join us for our monthly discussion and a simple meal. Please register to be included in this environmentally themed moderated discussion with people of different faiths. Delve deeper into faith and our shared environment.
* Announcements
Quilting Bee – The Next Round
Please join us for the next round of our UCN Name Quilt creation on Wednesday, January 31. Like last time, this will be hand stitching. I can vouch that anyone is capable of this – even me, much to my surprise! It is an enjoyable evening while also creating a part of UCN history.
Pizza, wine and other beverages will be provided starting at 5 pm, 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.
Mac & Cheese!!!
Come to the February 4th First Sunday Lunch!
Join your fellow UCN members/friends in Fellowship Hall after the morning service on February 4th for a scrumptious meal of Macaroni & Cheese casseroles, salads, desserts, and beverages. Suggested donation $4/adult; $10/family limit.
If your last name as listed in the membership directory falls within the last names Mumm-Zumach, you are cordially invited to provide a dish that serves 10-12 people for the February 4th Lunch.
Dishes can be dropped off in the kitchen before the service. There will be someone there as early as 9 am to receive them. If it better suits you, salads, desserts, beverages, and set-up volunteers are also on our "must-haves" list so you need not feel confined to an entree offering. Thank you in advance for your contributions! February FSL coordinators Callie Thurow and Judy DeLillo have sent out email requests and will be communicating with volunteers throughout the coming month. Contact Callie at (262) 717-5102 or cthurow@icloud.com or Judy judelillo2@gmail.com to lock in your contribution of choice ASAP.
Visitors
The following people visited our church recently:
- Cathy Ansay, Milwaukee
Thanks for visiting us. We hope that you come back soon!
Leadership Board Meeting: Date Change
The next leadership board meeting will be held on Monday, Jan. 29 at 6:30 pm via zoom. The meetings are open to all members, and members are encouraged to share their thoughts or issues at the Open Forum portion of each meeting. Contact the president for the zoom link.
Help Wanted!
The Finance Committee is asking for your help. We considered ideas for a Spring Fundraiser in addition to Britney’s much anticipated April concert and thought that hosting a speaker on a topic of general interest would be a great way to host our members and folks in the wider community in our beautiful space. Rev Scott did this at his Vero Beach, Florida, church with great success. By way of example, Scott suggested a topic like ship wrecks in the Great Lakes might have broad appeal. Please let Julie Zumach or Pete Blain know if you have suggestions for a dynamic speaker (or speakers on a panel) on an interesting topic which would appeal to wide audience. We greatly appreciate your thoughts. Thank you.
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 resumed January 17 and will continue every other Wednesday. Note new time: 10:00 - 11:30. Please contact Judy DeLillo at 720-935-0851 with any questions.
Morning Meditations
Group meditation has resumed for 2024 in the Sanctuary on Thursdays at 9:30 am. All are welcome. Feel the connection and encouragement of others as you develop a consistent practice that may bring peace and comfort to yourself, the environment and others around you. Let silence become a true friend.
Facilitated by Anna Rychner.
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. - 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 February 4
Meetings are held via Zoom, unless stated.
- Sunday, Jan. 21: RE Classes (Betsy Muellenbach)
- Thursday, Jan. 25, 9:30 am: Meditation (Anna Rychner)
- Monday, Jan. 29, 6:30 pm: Leadership Board (Ed Ahrenhoerster)
- Wednesday, Jan. 31, 10:00 am: Good Grief Group - Emerson (Judy DeLillo)
- Wednesday, Jan. 31, 5:00 pm: Quilting Bee - Fellowship Hall (Ed Ahrenhoerster)
- Thursday, Feb. 1, 9:30 am: Meditation (Anna Rychner)
- Thursday, Feb. 1, 6:30 pm: Membership (Dan Lusk)
- Saturday, Feb. 3, 10:00 am: FSL Setup - Fellowship Hall (Callie Thurow)
- Saturday, Feb. 3, 4-6 pm: Appreciation Reception - Emerson and the North Lobby
- Sunday, Feb. 4: RE Classes (Betsy Muellenbach)
- Sunday, Feb. 4, 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 .
- 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/