The Northliner
October 27, 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.
October 29: "Famous Last Words," Rev. Tony Larsen
Does what people say before they die tell us anything about their lives? Tony Larsen's sermon will explore this idea, drawing from the last sentences of Jesus, Buddha, Gandhi, and others. This Sunday is our annual Day of the Dead service ("Dia de los Muertos" in Spanish)--and the children will be with us for the whole service. Feel free to bring a photo or artifact from a loved one, to be brought up to our altar for our remembrance ritual.
November 5: “The Spirituality of Place: Finding Your Home in the World,” Rev. Scott W. Alexander
Scott writes: After 52 years of being away from my “home state” of Wisconsin, I have finally returned (with this ministerial settlement here in Mequon) to the familiar part of the world where I started. This has brought me great satisfaction, and caused me lately to reflect a lot about “the Spirituality of Place” and how one feels “rooted” (and at home) in the world. Do be with us as we explore this important spiritual topic.
Connections
What is a Chalice Chat?
Contrary to what you may have heard, it is not a conversation with a chalice. Your Leadership Board wants to interview the congregation on how the Board is performing its responsibilities. They also want to ask you a few other questions regarding the church and its operation (services, our new minister, RE, etc.). Between now and December 1, a Board member will have or may be contacting you to make an appointment to discuss these issues. Answers will be collected and compiled for evaluation. We will also conduct a Barn Banter for those who may have missed the Chalice Chats and for more input from those who already have been interviewed.
Please be thinking about how you feel and what you think about the Board, the congregation, and the church as a whole. If you have questions or comments, please contact Dan Lusk (dlusk09@gmail.com or 414-234-9406) or Bernie Booth (berniebooth@hotmail.com or 262-333-5705).
Have a great weekend!
* RE News
This Sunday, October 29: TRUNK or TREAT for ALL AGES!!!
UCN’s 3rd annual TRUNK or TREAT is a spooktacular way to celebrate the turning of October to November! Decorate your car trunk or hatchback and bring some treats, or wear your costumes, or both – this event is for grown-ups and children, teens and tweens, UCN members and friends, and also [reasonably] well-behaved pets.
In addition to costume and vehicle decorating prizes, there will be games, and luscious lunch goodies like hot dogs and mac n’ cheese.
Set up will begin at 11:00 am, following the UCN service. Trick or Treating will begin at 11:30 am.
- “Trunk” participants, please confirm by Oct 22nd and also let us know if you will need electricity for your trunk display.
- “Trunk or Treat” participants, please give us an approximate count by Oct 22nd so that we can plan food accordingly.
If inclement weather is an issue, festivities will be moved into the Fellowship Hall.
Katie Egan-Bruhy
Religious Education
The first classes were held on Sunday, October 15.
In the Kindergarten to 4th grade class, the class will follow the Unitarian Universalist Association’s Wonderful Welcome curriculum. This class explores how and why we are willing to welcome others into our lives. We are learning about love, forgiveness and kindness in the first three classes.
Our middle school group will follow the Sing to the Power curriculum. This program uses the metaphor of the four elements—earth, air, fire, and water—to look at ways we can exercise our power in the world. It encourages participants to explore their sources of strength and to think and act as leaders who affect change.
For high school age students, we are offering A Chorus of Faiths, an interfaith service project.
Classes will meet in November on the 5th and 19th. Our plan for the year is to meet on the first and third Sundays through the school year.
Nursery is offered every Sunday during the service with Ben Kastenmeier as the attendant.
Registration is ongoing for all classes. Sign up forms are in classrooms or can be completed by contacting RE Committee Chair, Betsy Muellenbach at betsy.muellenbach@gmail.com
First Sunday Lunch
A reminder: Daylight Savings Time ends at 2:00 AM on Sunday, November 5, giving you an extra hour of sleep. So remember to set your clocks back one hour. And be sure to join us for Soups & Salads (plus breads, desserts, beverages, and conversation) at First Sunday Lunch in the Fellowship Hall downstairs after the November 5 morning service. See you there!
* Social and Racial Justice
Freedom Fund Dinner
Tickets are officially on sale for the 33rd Annual Freedom Fund Dinner! Please join us to celebrate a night of "Thriving Together" on November 10, 2023 at 5 pm at the River Club of Mequon.
The dinner will include inspiration from our keynote speaker, live entertainment, and annual college scholarship awards for deserving high school seniors. Funds raised will also support the continued operation and growth of the NAACP Ozaukee County Branch.
Please use this link to register for the event: REGISTER
We appreciate your support and cannot wait to see you! If you are interested in sponsorship for the event, please email naacpoz@naacpozaukee.org.
* Announcements
Have an Inquiring Mind?
Sure you do. If you would like to know more about Unitarian Universalism and our church, plan to attend the New to UU and UCN Class on Sunday, November 5. It will be held in the Clara Barton Room downstairs from 11:30 to 12:30. Child care will be provided if needed. Feel free to bring any questions you may have; answers are free. For more information, contact Dan Lusk at 262-234-9406 or dlusk09@gmail.com.
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). During Thanksgiving week, we'll meet on Monday instead. 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
Tuesday Morning Group Meditations continue at 9:30 am in the Sanctuary. No experience necessary. Tap into the wisdom of the ancients as well as current-day teachers. Learn about the mind and breath’s connections as we sit quietly and share our inner experiences. Donations welcome for UCN.
Anna Rychner, facilitator and meditation teacher of the Himalayan tradition.
Events at UCN
- The next WSSS concert will be held on Oct. 28. 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. - 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.
Spot a Stroke Fast
A reminder: If you suspect a stroke, watch for these signs:
F= Face (drooping, crooked smile, and eyes not focusing correctly)
A= Arm Weakness
S= Speech difficulty and/or crooked tongue, confusion.
T= Time (note the time and call 911)
* Calendar
Calendar through November 12
Meetings are held via Zoom, unless stated.
- Sunday, Oct. 29, 11:30 am: Trunk or Treat (Katie Egan-Bruhy)
- Tuesday, Oct. 31, 9:30 am: Meditation (Anna Rychner)
- Wed. Nov. 1: UUs Out to Lunch (Brenda Berg)
- Thursday, Nov. 2, 11:00 am: Membership (Dan Lusk)
- Saturday, Nov. 4, 9:00 am: FSL Setup - Fellowship Hall
- Sunday, Nov. 5, 2 am: Set your clocks back one hour
- Sunday, Nov. 5, 11:30 am: First Sunday Lunch (Pat Mumm-Lovely)
- Sunday, Nov. 5, 11:30 am: New to UU and UCN Class - Barton (Dan Lusk)
- Tuesday, Nov. 7, 9:30 am: Meditation (Anna Rychner)
- Wed. Nov. 8, 9:30 am: Good Grief Group - Emerson (Judy DeLillo)
- Thursday, Nov. 9, 6:30 pm: Sunday Services Committee (Julie Konik)
- Saturday, Nov. 11, 9:00 am: Building Work Day (Brian Bunzel)
- Sunday, Nov. 12, 11:30 am: Social Justice - Emerson (Leigh Hoftiezer)
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. Click this PayPal link:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=V2XT5QJK69YXA or
use the QR code above, or see our website (Donate) for more details.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
Minutes from current Leadership Board meetings
- Our pulpit schedule contains a wide range of topics that cover spiritual exploration, various theologies, holidays, social justice, and more. Read descriptions of the upcoming sermons and bios of the speakers.
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/