The Northliner
May 24, 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.
May 26: "Rituals of Remembrance," Rev. Sarah Oelberg
This is Memorial Day weekend, when we remember those who are no longer with us, especially WWI veterans. I think of it more as what it was before it became so militarized and was called Decoration Day. I will give one example of a way to celebrate it that is dear to my heart, and look at what it could mean for how we celebrate our 6th Principle of "the goal of a world community with peace, liberty, and justice for all."
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.
June 2: “Salvation and the Teacher’s Tea Party,” Rev. John Corrado
Our pulpit guest this Sunday is the Rev. John Corrado, a retired Unitarian Universalist minister from Mt Clements, Michigan, a dear friend of Rev. Alexander for the last 45 years, and a friend of this congregation due to family connections. Rev. Alexander will join him in this special service, and our choir will sing one of Rev. Corrado’s hymns found in our UU hymnal.
Email Issues
We are having problems emailing certain members. Feel free to forward this newsletter to your friends who haven't been getting it. Thank you.
From Rev. Scott
Last Week's Sermon
Here's the link to read Rev. Scott's Flower Communion sermon from May 19: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13H1XlC1LgJCErNcIfPDVs_3DbUojCmTE/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109072791973067277249&rtpof=true&sd=true
Religious Education
This week we are providing structured outdoor playtime after our indoor RE sharing circle and a memorable craft activity.
Summer Religious Education
For RE this summer we will be exploring, learning and enjoying the natural world around us, by investigating our UCN outdoor acres together.
Our June class themes include bats, birding and animal homes. We are still firming up a few themes and dates, which are designated with YTD (yet to be determined). Stay tuned for more exciting information about our summer RE classes. Remember to dress for the outdoors each week. We will have indoor activities in case of inclement weather.
June 9th: Intergenerational Service “The Spirituality of Summer,” with Reverend Scott
June 16th: BATS including a bathouse for our UCN bats *This will be our first June RE class due to the intergenerational service on June 9th.
June 23rd: BIRDING with Matt Smith (Orson & June’s Dad)
June 30th: ANIMAL HOMES around UCN
July 7th: FIREBUILDING & MARSHMALLOWS with Todd Zumach
July 14th: YTD
July 21st: YTD
July 28th: CULTURE HISTORY & MYSTERY with Katie Egan-Bruhy
August 4th: Intergenerational Service LUGHNASA with Dana Lusk
August 11th: PONDING with Jessy Knox
August 18th: YTD
August 25th: YTD
Sept 1st: WATER & BUBBLE FUN. This is our last Summer Class for RE.
We start the UCN RE 2024-2025 school year on Sept 15th due to the intergenerational service on September 8th.
Sept 8th: Intergenerational Service IN-GATHERING
Sept 15th: First RE class of the 2024-2025 UCN RE school year. More information forthcoming!
Outdoor Exploration
We will be outside each Sunday that the weather allows following our indoor time. Our Summer RE classes will be mostly outdoors will an indoor plan in case of inclement weather. Please bring appropriate clothes for being outdoors including shoes that can get muddy. Old gym shoes work great.
Religious Education: Invitation to Participate
Our RE program is growing! We are looking for more members, particularly parents of children in RE, to consider volunteering with our expanding and exciting RE offerings. If you enjoy engaging with our youth and want to help inspire them and be inspired by them, please consider volunteering with RE. We need lead teachers and assistants for K-3rd, 4th-6th and 7th-9th grade RE classes for our upcoming 2024-2025 school year. RE teachers and assistants typically volunteer once every 6 weeks. Please contact Jessy Knox if you are interested and want more information. We’d love to have you!
Jessy Knox
Religious Education & Family Planning Coordinator
414-840-5377
Annual UCN Picnic
Come to the UCN Picnic on Sunday, June 2nd after the service! Please bring a dish to pass that could feed 8-10 people (finger foods are best) or a dessert, fresh veggie platter with dip, lemonade or other drink.
To keep this nice and simple, please also bring plates, silverware & anything else your family needs.
If the weather is nice, many people will opt for being outside, so if that's you, please bring lawn chairs. We'll also set up some tables in the Fellowship Hall.
If you can stay for a few minutes afterward to help clean up, that would be wonderful!
If you have any questions, contact Linda Sandersen at lsandersen@wi.rr.com.
See you there!
Bees are our Friends!
Carpenter bees were sighted in the playground area last Sunday.
They are not a threat to humans!
Like all living creatures, carpenter bees are part of the food web. They are a food source for birds and other predators. Eliminate them, and you’re destroying the fragile ecosystem of your yard and contributing to the alarming insect and bird decline going on now.
The PDF below will tell you a few fun facts about them.
Summer Green Team Hike Dates
Our Green Team Hikes are for UCN members, families and friends of all ages.
We meet at 9:30am in the parking lot, nearest the bathrooms. Hikes last about two hours.
Occasionally a guest speaker will join us who has special knowledge about the area.
June 22nd
Virmond Park
10606 N. Lake Shore Dr., Mequon, WI 53092
We will hike down the amazing architectural wonder that is the floating staircase, to the pier and beach, and back up.
July 13th
Mequon Nature Preserve
8200 W County Line Rd., Mequon, WI 53097
We will hike to the tower. I’m going to see if Kristin Gies (their amazing Executive Director) can join us. Also they have an award winning outdoor play area for kids and their building is very much dedicated to education and is fun to check out.
August 10th
Doctors Park
1870 E Fox Lane, Fox Point, WI 53217
We will hike from Doctors Park to Schlitz Audubon north end and then back. We will search for beach treasures and create a heart mosaic in the sand with them.
How to Prevent Fertilizer from Damaging Freshwater Systems
As the warmer temperatures start to stick around, it’s time for residents to get outside and start maintaining their lawns and gardens. It’s important to keep in mind that lawns and plants cannot always absorb nitrogen, phosphorus, and ammonia in chemical and organic fertilizers. The excess nutrients and chemicals that are not absorbed may run off into yards and storm drains, and then enter waterways during rain events. This can lead to toxic algae blooms and dead zones, which can contaminate drinking water and lead to beach shutdowns.
Remember to use organic matter first, test soil to determine what and how much nutrients it needs, and implant native plants that can naturally thrive without help. We can all do our part to keep our waters free of chemicals and nutrients this spring and summer. Visit www.respectourwaters.org/yard-chemicals to learn more!
* Social and Racial Justice
Community Brainstorming Conference Breakfast Forum
Saturday, May 25 at St. Matthews CME, 2944 N. 9th St. Milwaukee
Breakfast: 8:00 - 8:45 am; Program: 9:00 - 11 am
Come help us bridge the gap by improving healthcare access. This is not just a goal, but an imperative. Join us in our mission to build a healthier, more equitable community for generations to come.
Panelists: Diannia Merriett - MICAH Health Equity Organizer; Melody McCurtis - Metcalfe Deputy Director; Josphine Webster - FREE Organizer; Bruce Gru - Poor People's Campaign Director; and Deanna Branch - Activist
* Announcements
Singers and Singer Wannabes!
Rev. Scott requested that we prepare hymns (as a choir) for these upcoming services:
- 6/2/24: Guest John Corrado and Rev. Scott - #7 “The Leaf Unfurling” (music by John Corrado)
- 6/9/24: Intergenerational Summer Celebration - #38 “Morning has Broken” and/or #44 “We Sing of Golden Mornings"
I’m planning to rehearse with anyone that can make it at 9:15 before services on these dates: 5/26, 6/2, 6/9.
Hope to see many of you!
Gratefully,
Janet Jensen
Wedding Shower for Liam and Taylor
Let’s join together for a wedding shower on Saturday, June 1st, 6:30 – 8:00 pm, in the UCN Fellowship Hall for cake, snacks, drinks, and well wishes!
Please go to
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-wedding-shower-for-liam-and-taylor-tickets-893348388077
by May 26th for registry information and to R.S.V.P.
For more information, please contact Judy DeLillo judelillo2@gmail.com or Katie Egan-Bruhy egan.bruhy@gmail.com.
Good Grief Group
Grief Group will be held Wednesday, June 5, at 10:00 am. After that we'll take a break over the summer months, coming back together in late August. If there are more urgent related needs during this interim, people are invited to contact any members of the PLCT or Rev. Scott.
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 dates and 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 June 9
Meetings are held via Zoom, unless stated.
- Saturday, June 1, 9:00 am: Building Work Day
- Saturday, June 1, 10:00 am: FSL Setup - Fellowship Hall
- Saturday, June 1, 6:30 pm: Quackenbush Shower - Fellowship Hall
- Sunday, June 2, 11:30 am: UCN Picnic - Fellowship Hall and Outside
- Tues/Wed, June 4-5: A/C installation - both levels (Brian Bunzel)
- Wednesday, June 5, 10:00 am: Good Grief Group - Emerson (Judy DeLillo)
- Wednesday, June 5: UUs Out to Lunch (Brenda Berg)
- Thursday, June 6, 6:00 pm: Membership (Dan Lusk)
- Sunday, June 9, 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/
- 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).
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.
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.
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. Donations go to the Ozaukee Food Alliance.
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
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.
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.
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/