The Northliner

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 2: “Jogging for Jesus: The Spirituality of the Human Body,” Rev. Scott W. Alexander

Scott writes: By way of some ancient wisdom from the Bible -- and the poetry of Walt Whitman -- I want to explore the spirituality of the human body. I believe that Unitarian Universalists, like many other religionists, do not pay enough attention to the needs – and sacredness – of their bodies.

March 9: “Unitarian Universalism…99.9% Right!” Rev. Scott W. Alexander

Scott writes: Unitarian Universalists have long believed that the twin human spheres of science and religion should never be in conflict. I am delighted to report that recent discoveries in human genetics prove our faith tradition is right on the money when it comes to one key dimension of theology and morality.

Please read the Important News email from Rev. Scott, which was emailed earlier today.

Do you like to sing? A new Adult Choir is forming at UCN, and all are welcome. Rehearsals will be held three times a month on Sundays at 8:45 am and will last approximately 45 minutes. The first rehearsal is Sunday, March 9th. We will sing once a month during the service. Our first performance is Sunday, March 23rd. We will sing in April on Easter Sunday, April 20th. If you are interested, please see Cathy, the accompanist, after the service on Sunday.

RE Update

K-2: "Enough Stuff" with Cecile and Laura:

Session 14: Enough Stuff

3rd-6th grade with Chuck and Jessy:

Session 12: Making a Difference

OWL with Peggy and Larken:

Workshop 17: Lovemaking

4th Sunday Outdoor Hikes

March 23rd ~~ April 20th ~~ May 25th

June, July & August: All of our Summer RE classes are outdoors, with rainy day activities inside if needed.

Sept 28th ~~ Oct 26th ~~ Nov 23rd ~~ Dec 28th

Many thanks to 61% of our members and pledging friends who have already shown their support of Unitarian Church North by sending in their stewardship campaign pledge forms. The Finance Committee met this past Thursday and did a first run of the budget based on what has been sent in so far. In order to complete the budget building process, we really need those intending to pledge their support for UCN in the new fiscal year, which begins July 1st, to get their pledge form in as soon as possible. It's important to know what we can count on as we work hard to fund salaries and committee requests. If you have misplaced the stewardship campaign 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 (Julie) at treasurer@ucnorth.org. I will happily send you copies.

Remember, this is your opportunity to "keep our beacon burning bright" as a Unitarian Church North member or friend by continuing your financial backing of our physical structure, our ministerial care, and our community and social justice outreach. Thank you for your continued support!

Sincerely,

UCN Finance Committee

Sherryl Andrus, Chair

Julie Zumach, Treasurer

Pat Kotecki, Financial Secretary

Katie Egan-Bruhy, Pete Blain, Dean Johnson, Dan Lusk

Help Defeat the Voter I.D. Amendment

This week we received postcards and a mailing list from the Wisconsin Unitarian Universalist State Action Network (WUUSAN), stating that voters should vote NO on the proposed voter I.D. amendment. The amendment is closely based on the restrictive voter photo I.D. law which ultimately lost court battles over several years and has been in effect since 2016.

“The debate over whether to enshrine a voter ID requirement in the state constitution has largely mirrored the debate over whether such a requirement should exist in the first place. Proponents argue that voter ID requirements improve election security and increase public confidence in elections. Opponents meanwhile point out that, even where photo ID is not required, verifiable incidents of voter fraud are extremely low, and other safeguards exist to ensure electoral integrity. As opponents see it, voter ID requirements can impair the right to vote and undermine the fairness of elections by imposing unnecessary barriers that disproportionately impact people of color, older voters, those with disabilities, low-income communities, rural voters, and others who have more difficulty obtaining an ID.” (statedemocracy.law.wisc.edu)

We are asking members and friends to take a packet (or more!) of 12-13 postcards, attach 56-cent stamps and the provided mailing labels, write a short note on each card about the amendment, and mail the cards by March 11, if possible. Absentee ballots will also be mailed out that day.

Alice Kieren will be passing out the postcards at First Sunday Lunch. Thank you.

Another Successful Event at UCN!

On Friday, February 21, UCN’s Social Justice Committee hosted a free dinner and speaker event. Mr. Marlon Skenandore, elected official of the Oneida Business Council, provided an informative, interesting and engaging presentation on Oneida Nation History and Culture. Attended by nearly 60 people from within UCN as well as the surrounding community, the delicious food offered a much-appreciated welcome before the 90-minute slide show presentation. Many UCN members and friends volunteered to help with the Thursday night tables-chairs-dishes set up and the Friday night food serving-clean up-welcoming activities. A special thanks to Todd Zumach for all of his technical support, and to Julie Zumach for helping to plan, purchase and serve much of the food. The Social Justice Committee also provided desserts, which were scrumptious!

Share the Plate Update

The Casa Guadalupe Education Center in West Bend, will receive our donations for March and April. Through a combination of education and social services, the center works to empower low-income, native-born and Spanish-speaking Latino families to live independent, successful lives, to build strong families and establish meaningful connections within their communities. To learn more about the many programs at the center access Casa Guadalupe Education Center online.

Half of the donations, cash or check, will be donated. 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. Thank you for your generosity.

Join WISDOM for FREE State Budget Training Sessions!

Are you ready to make a difference in your community by understanding and influencing the state budget process? Join us for one of our free State Budget Training sessions!

These interactive sessions will empower you with the tools and knowledge to navigate the state budget process effectively and make your voice heard.

Upcoming Training Sessions are scheduled for Eau Claire and Green Bay. Scheduling info can be found on Facebook @ WISDOMWisconsin.

Milwaukee: Saturday, March 1, 12:00-2:00 PM
Location: Welford Sanders Enterprise Center (Conference Room)
2821 N. Vel R. Philips Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53212
Register Here

This event aims to educate participants on the intricacies of the state budget, including its development process, key components, and implications for local communities. Attendees will gain valuable insights into how the budget affects various sectors and learn strategies to effectively advocate for community needs. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to advocate for change effectively. Together, we can shape a better future.

TUESDAYS IN MARCH

A Luncheon / Lecture Series - Sponsored by the Peace and International Issues Committee of the INTERFAITH CONFERENCE of GREATER MILWAUKEE

Where do We Go from Here? March 4, 11, 18, and 25, 11:45 am to 1:30 pm:

• March 4 - What's at stake in the WI Supreme Court Election?

Jack Kelly: Wisconsin Watch statehouse reporter. Graduate of UW-Madison & Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism

• March 11 - Current Issues on Immigration.

Attorney Barbara Graham and/or Attorney Nick Bokas: Both attorneys work providing immigration services as part of their mission to minister to vulnerable people

• March 18 - Climate Change for the person of faith: Why worry & how do we respond?

Dr. James Boulter: Professor & Chair of the Dept. of Public Health & Environmental Studies. Member of WI Initiative of Climate Change Impacts

• March 25 - Current Issues on Education.

Dr. Michael Rosen: Retired MATC Economics Instructor. Former President of MATC’s faculty union, AFT Local 212

REGISTER AT THIS LINK

$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 at First Unitarian Society of Milwaukee

1342 N. Astor St., Milwaukee

Social Justice Reminders

• 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.

• UCN’s Share the Plate (STP) program supports organizations that help those in need in our community and across the world. You are welcome to nominate a recipient for a 2-month collection. The complete list of past STP recipients and their websites can be found at UCNorth.org, under Serve/Share the Plate/View Past Donations Spreadsheet.

March First Sunday Lunch

First Sunday Lunch will be March 2 in the Fellowship Hall downstairs after the service. This month’s theme is Mexican Fiesta. We will have the usual selections of entrees, salads, desserts, drinks, and other accompaniments. This is a wonderful social gathering. Questions? Contact meal coordinator Ann Buchel 262-470-6355 or awbuchel@gmail.com

We Welcome Our New Members

• Adrian and Lennox Shuppe, Jackson

Please help them feel welcome.

Save the Date for our Blood Drive!

We are excited to announce our upcoming blood drive on Friday, March 14 from noon till 5:00 pm. This is a wonderful opportunity for our church community to come together and make a difference in the lives of others. By donating blood, you have the power to save up to 3 lives and make a positive impact on someone's health. We encourage all eligible donors to sign up ahead of time. To sign up, please visit redcrossblood.org . Contact Sheri Yelton-Mounts with questions: 262-707-1461. Thank you for your support!

Grief Group

The Good Grief support group will resume meeting in March. We meet the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 10:00 am in the James Reeb Room, right inside the lower level entrance. If you’ve experienced a loss and are in need of informal support, this may be a good resource for you. All are welcome. Contact Judy DeLillo at 720-935-0851 or judelillo2@gmail.com with any questions.

Events at UCN

• "Qi Gong and Tai Chi" will be held on most Saturdays at 11 am in the Fellowship Hall. Call Diane at 307-763-0903 for dates and details. First class is free for UCN members.
• The next Wis. Singer Songwriter Concert will be held March 8. 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 Fellowship Hall and online. During voting, meetings are held in the Sanctuary, upper level.
  

Thank you for supporting the groups that use our facilities.

Side With Love

Calendar through March 16

Meetings are held via Zoom, unless stated.

• Saturday, March 1: FSL Setup - Fellowship Hall (Ann Buchel)
• Sunday, March 2, 10:00 am: OWL Class - Reeb (Jessy Knox)
• Sunday, March 2, 11:30 am: First Sunday Lunch - Fellowship Hall
• Tuesday, March 4, 7:00 pm: Membership (Dan Lusk, Liam Quackenbush)
• Wednesday, March 5: UUs Out to Lunch (Alice Kieren)
• Sunday, March 9, 2:00 am: Set your clocks one hour forward
• Sunday, March 9, 8:45 am: Choir Rehearsal (Cathy Reich)
• Sunday, March 9, 10:00 am: OWL Class - Reeb (Jessy Knox)
• Sunday, March 9, 11:30 am: Social Justice - Library (Leigh Hoftiezer)
• Monday, March 10, 7:00 pm: RE Committee (Katie Egan-Bruhy)
• Wednesday, March 12, 10:00 am: Good Grief Group - Reeb (Judy DeLillo)
• Thursday, March 13, 6:30 pm: Sunday Services (Julie Konik)
• Friday, March 14, noon-5 pm: Blood Drive - Fellowship Hall (Sheri Mounts)
• Sunday, March 16, 10:00 am: OWL Class - Reeb (Jessy Knox)
• Sunday, March 16, 11:30 am: Ukulele Lessons - Quiet Room (Linda Sandersen)

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.

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: The Sunday Services Committee encourages individuals and committees to make announcements via the attached form (below). Giving this form to the Sunday Service Assistant before the service can streamline our announcements and make the service more engaging. If you have any questions, please contact Sunday Service Committee Chair, Julie Konik, at Julie.Konik@gmail.com or 920-750-4385.

• UU Women's Connection offers retreats, newsletters and resources for women: https://www.uuwomensconnection.org/. Click this link for info about retreats:

  https://www.uuwomensconnection.org/retreats

• You are encouraged to subscribe to MidAmerica Region's newsletter, News page. More information at uua.org/midamerica .
• GA is June 18-22 in Baltimore. Register at https://www.uua.org/ga/registration .
• The UU 2024-25 Common Read is Authentic Selves: Celebrating Trans and Nonbinary People and Their Families (Skinner House, 2023). The Common Read builds community in our congregations and our movement by giving diverse people a shared platform for reflection and a shared focus for action. Authentic Selves invites us to explore the nature of living authentically and the ways connections among us help us thrive. Visit uua.org/read for more information.

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. And if someone asks you for a copy of the member directory, please refer them to info@ucnorth.org, as they might not be who they claim to be.

• Our photo directory of members and pledging friends is sent out a few times each year. If you would prefer a printed color copy, we can print them for $5. Just tell Lyn if you want one.
  If you would like a printed black and white copy of the directory or the Leadership List, just ask Lyn in the office.

• You can find copies of the Annual Report and Annual Financial Report in the library.

• 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. Narcan (Naloxone) nasal spray, to reverse an opioid overdose, is also available there. If you have any questions, please contact Brian Bunzel, Building Committee Chair, at (262) 573-0045 or brianbuzel@yahoo.com.

• Are you or someone you know in need of help with basic food supplies? The Family Sharing food pantry is here when you need us. Our Mobile Pantry travels to locations in northern and southern Ozaukee. We also offer in-person shopping and deliver groceries to senior living complexes. Call us for more information. 262-377-0634 x125.

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 alicejkieren@gmail.com .

• 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.
  

• Update: UU Ladies' Lunch meets on the third Thursday of every month at 11:30 at Crave Restaurant, on Port Washington Road in Mequon.
  

Fundraising and Donations

• UCN is now able to accept donations via PayPal.

• Food Barrels: Don’t forget to grab a food item out of your pantry for the food barrel as you leave for church. Donations go to the Ozaukee Food Alliance. We are also accepting donations for pet food and small containers of litter. These donations go to the Humane Society of Ozaukee County's Pet Pantry, serving individuals who need help feeding their pets.
  

• 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. To sign up, use the code for UCN: 1F3EE5A9248LL. And use the QR code above for easy enrollment. Presentation: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Q3rZ3dXo96XBGI9we5yhWzCZGS3na22O/view?usp=sharing

• If you order from Quill.com and tell them UCN recommended them, UCN will earn a $50 gift card.

Please submit articles for the Northliner to info@ucnorth.org. To keep the Northliner from becoming cumbersome, 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) or Carissa Mooren (live4him56@gmail.com) to submit articles for our website.

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.

Jessy Knox, RE Coordinator

Jessy can be contacted at refpc@ucnorth.org or at 414-840-5377.

Wednesdays 10 am-3 pm: Office hours

Saturdays 10 am-1 pm: RE Prep (some of this time will be remote)

Sundays 8:30 am-12:30 pm: RE Sunday Time

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.

Email: info@ucnorth.org
Website: www.ucnorth.org
Location: 13800 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon, WI, 53097
Phone: 262-375-3890
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/UnitarianChurchNorthMequonWI/