The Northliner
March 8, 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.
March 10: “The Spirituality of our (Barn) Building,” Rev. Scott W. Alexander
Rev. Alexander writes: Many in our congregation were first attracted to UCN by its remarkable (and beautiful) barn building here on North Port Washington Road – which is a replica of a 8-sided barn style built in the late 19th Century in this part of Southeastern Wisconsin. Since coming here last summer as your minister, I have become aware of several powerful ways in which this physical structure positively informs, enlivens and instructs our spiritual and religious quest as a community of faith. Do be with us as we explore the seen (and unseen) dimensions of our beloved church home.
March 17: Honoring Inspiring Women
During Women's History month, it seems apropos that we develop our own service honoring women we've personally known, who have been inspiring and influential to our own growth. We'll have testimonials/descriptions from a few members about their valued mothers, mentors, friends or acquaintances. The service will culminate in soaring song after which congregants and visitors may call out the name of a woman they have been blessed to know.
Here's Rev. Scott's sermon on Abner Kneeland from Sunday, March 3: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jgdXOCbTcoAGUtKqkU5VcRj7D3hfpdII/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109072791973067277249&rtpof=true&sd=true
Important Meeting Tomorrow
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.
B-Free and Quinten Farr Duo Concert - Friday April 19th
We are proud to present another wonderful evening of live music, featuring the musical stylings of longtime joint force & multifaceted husband & wife combo, B-Free & Quinten Farr. This incredible team received rave reviews after last year's concert and we are thrilled to have them back again.
Doors Open at 6:30, concert begins at 7:00 and ends at 9:00. Beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.
Tickets available for sale before and after service for $25 and through Eventbrite UCN Presents: B~Free & Quinten Farr Duo Tickets, Fri, Apr 19, 2024 at 7:00 PM | Eventbrite. Tickets are also available at the door, $30. Please join us!
Religious Education
There is no religious education today, so the children will leave the service to do a variety of activities.
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 classes. Please bring winter clothing for your kids including a warm coat, hat, and mittens. If there is snow on the ground, also bring snow pants and boots.
* Social and Racial Justice
Tuesdays in March
A Luncheon / Lecture Series - Sponsored by the Peace and International Issues Committee of the INTERFAITH CONFERENCE of GREATER MILWAUKEE
Speaking Truth to the Myths We Live By: March 5, 12, 19, and 26. 11:45 am to 1:30 pm.
$70.00 - Series of four
$20.00 - Individual sessions
$20.00 Remote Access for all sessions
Includes a simple buffet-style primarily vegetarian meal
In person lunch and speakers will be hosted at First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee – a Unitarian Universalist Congregation; 1342 N. Astor St., Milwaukee
* Announcements
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:
- Patricia Fondren, Milwaukee
- Sheila Nonken, Grafton
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 Wednesday, March 13 and Monday, March 25 from 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 March. 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.
Community Events
Bayside UU Family Camp
Looking for a great summer experience? Join us at Bayside UU Family Camp held at Lutherdale Camp on the shores of Lauderdale Lakes in Elkhorn, WI. This year, camp will take place June 30th - July 6th. This special week includes adult workshops, activities for children, free time for family fun and relaxation, and intergenerational activities. For more information visit our website at baysideuu.wixsite.com/baysideuu or contact baysideuu@gmail.com.
Alyssa Ryanjoy, Volunteer Camp Registrar
* Calendar
Calendar through March 24
Meetings are held via Zoom, unless stated.
- Saturday, March 9, 10:00 am: Zoom Conversation "UUA Principles Revision"
- Sunday, March 10, 1:00 am: Set your clocks ahead one hour
- Sunday, March 10, 9:15 am: Choir Rehearsal (Janet Jensen)
- Sunday, March 10, 11:30 am: Barn Banter "Chalice Chats and Bridge to the Future"
- Monday, March 11, 6:30 pm: RE Committee (Betsy Muellenbach)
- Wednesday, March 13, 10:00 am: Good Grief Group (Judy DeLillo)
- Thursday, March 14, 6:30 pm: Sunday Services (Julie Konik)
- Sunday, March 17: RE Classes (Betsy Muellenbach)
- Sunday, March 17, 11:30 pm: Social Justice (Leigh Hoftiezer)
- Monday, March 18, noon: UUs Coffee & Conversation - Meq. Fiddleheads (Brenda Berg)
- Monday, March 18, 7:30 pm: Comm/Tech Committee (Sarah Cesar)
- Tuesday, March 19, 7:00 pm: Finance (Pete Blain)
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).
Rev. Scott will never ask you to buy a gift card for him. Please don't fall for these scams.
- 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/