The Northliner
March 29, 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 31: EASTER SUNDAY "Resurrection: An Easter Sermon for Unitarian Universalists,”
Rev. Scott W. Alexander
Scott Writes: Easter Sunday has long been a complex (and somewhat spiritually awkward) Sunday for Unitarian Universalists. While our many Christian neighbors gather to celebrate the supernatural resurrection of Jesus, and the promise of eternal life, we in the liberal tradition look for other meanings and messages. Do be with us as I try to thread our way through this theological thicket!
April 7: “Are We Having Fun Yet?” Rev. Scott W. Alexander
Scott writes: As creatures of earth, we all want to have lots fun in life, but sometimes – beneath the crush and clutter of everyday life -- this is an elusive pursuit for us. Believe it or not, how to have more fun is a subject to which thinkers and philosophers have turned their attentions. This Sunday I would like us – together -- to focus on what fun is, and how we can possibly bring more of it to our lives.
From Rev. Scott
Conversation with the Minister
Join us for a Zoom call with Scott on Saturday, April 13 at 10 am:
"Developing Spiritual Practices for staying calm in a crazy world."
This world of ours right now seems to be getting crazier and more troublesome by the day. Perhaps there are some "spiritual practices" which we can incorporate into our lives that will help us meet the challenges and stresses of our time with greater equanimity, purpose and calm. Let's spend an hour that Saturday morning to explore this together.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 957 4997 0200
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
Religious Education
This Sunday we will have a cooperative Easter egg hunt after the story for all ages. The Easter Bunny may make another appearance. If the weather permits, the activity will be outside, so please dress your children for the outdoors.
The nursery will NOT be staffed this Sunday. Parents may accompany their toddlers while they participate in the egg hunt.
* Social and Racial Justice
Dontre Day 10th Anniversary
This year is the 10th anniversary of Dontre Hamilton’s passing. Dontre was a Black man with mental health issues who was killed by Milwaukee police in 2014. In honor of Dontre, the family has decided to hold a four-day event to promote peace, spread love, provide community resources, and bring awareness to mental wellness. This is an opportunity for UCN members to be part of the “Beloved Community” that Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke of, and that is part of MICAH’s We All Belong campaign.
The Dontre Day schedule:
- April 25: Mothers Private Meet and Greet By Invitation Only
- April 26: 7 pm. “The Blood Is at the Doorstep” Movie Screening & Discussion
$13 (Entry Fee) Oriental Theater, 2230 North Farwell Avenue, Milwaukee - April 27: noon-6 pm. Dontre Day at Red Arrow Park, Free to the Public. Music, Games, Resources, & More
- April 28: 3-7pm. Family Dinner and Recognitions Keynote Speaker: Samaria Rice (Mother of Tamir Rice) $13 Adults - $7 Children 12 and under. Pre-Registration Required.
We All Belong Campaign Special Event
Join MICAH congregations and organizations for a thought-provoking event that challenges the false promises of White Christian Nationalism. Noted theologian, author and activist, Jim Wallis, will discuss his new book, "The False White Gospel," which exposes the threat of White Christian Nationalism and argues for reclaiming true faith and re-founding our democracy. The event is free of charge. Mr. Wallis' book will be available for purchase during the reception following his remarks and a Q and A. See the poster: https://bit.ly/JimWallisPoster
Friday, April 5th, 6:00 p.m.
United Methodist Church of Whitefish Bay, 819 East Silver Spring Drive
Register at https://bit.ly/FWGospel
Fighting War-Driven Famine in Gaza
Since the war between Israel and Palestine began October 7, 2023, tens of thousands have died in the fighting and survivors have been left without shelter, food, or medical care. Children in Gaza are dying from starvation, and UCN’s Social Justice Committee was deeply moved to do what we can to alleviate the suffering. In recent weeks, we learned of the incredible humanitarian work taken on by World Central Kitchen. You may have seen articles, interviews and appeals made by this organization.
World Central Kitchen (WCK) is a not-for-profit non-governmental organization devoted to providing meals in the wake of natural disasters. Founded in 2010 by chef José Andrés, the organization prepared food in Haiti following its devastating earthquake. Its method of operations is to be a first responder and then to collaborate and galvanize solutions with local chefs to solve the problem of hunger, immediately following a disaster. In response to the 2023 Gaza humanitarian crisis, World Central Kitchen has been contributing to food deliveries to the Gaza Strip. As of March 2024, it has provided more than 32 million meals.
World Central Kitchen has supplied food to airdrop operations by foreign states, as well as to the NGO Proactiva Open Arms performing maritime deliveries. (Source: Wikipedia)
During the current budget year, our Finance Committee provided funds that the Social Justice Committee had discretion to send to an organization of our choosing. In the sincere hope and belief that this will help sustain lives that are being tormented by the war in Gaza, we donated $1,000 to WCK from this fund.
If you would like to do the same, donations can be made through their website (donate.WCK.org) or by check. Please make your check payable to “World Central Kitchen, Inc” and mail to them at
World Central Kitchen, PO Box 96538, Washington, DC 20090
Constitutional Amendment Questions
On your April 2 ballot, you will find two referendum questions about changing the state Constitution. On the face of it, both of them look reasonable enough, but you want to think about where they come from and what they might do.
1. The first proposed amendment on the April ballot would add language to the Wisconsin Constitution declaring that no state or local agency, officer, or employee “may apply for, accept, expend, or use any moneys or equipment in connection with the conduct of any primary, election, or referendum if the moneys or equipment are donated or granted by an individual or nongovernmental entity.”
A “yes” vote would forbid any private resources from being used in connection with any election or referendum at the state or local level. This amendment is in response to the 2020 election, when the pandemic created big problems (e.g. the need for personal protective equipment, the need to deal with many more mail-in ballots, etc.) that local election officials did not have the resources to pay for. So, they applied for private grants to cover the costs. This is something that police departments, fire departments and schools do all the time -- applying for available resources to cover costs that have not been covered in their public budgets. This amendment would make it impossible to get outside help to cover extraordinary expenses for running elections. In the meantime, the amendment does not require state and local governments to provide adequate funding for elections. This could lead to big problems in the future.
The amendment is also vague about what would be prohibited. Many churches and other non-governmental buildings are used as polling places. It is not clear if that would be prohibited in the future, or even if use of furniture or extension cords would be outlawed.
2. The second proposed amendment on the April ballot would prohibit “any individual other than an election official designated by law from performing any task in the conduct of any primary, election, or referendum.”
This amendment is even more vague than the first. Election officials often recruit volunteers to help with tasks like sending out mailings, or setting up polling places. It might even make it illegal to bring in experts to help with technical problems on election day.
Many believe that these amendments would present a danger of making Wisconsin's elections less efficient, leading to longer lines and more confusion. Many also make the argument that they are a "solution" that doesn't solve any real problem.
The rationale for these amendments comes from the report by former Justice Gableman, which questioned the outcome of the 2020 presidential election. After all was said and done, there was no evidence that the election was anything other than free, fair and well-run by Wisconsin's election officials at all levels.
Thank you for taking a moment to learn about these amendments before you vote. If you have found this helpful, please share it with others.
* Announcements
More Scam Emails
Yesterday a member received an email purportedly from Ed Ahrenhoerster with a $3,000 invoice attached. Obviously Ed would not be invoicing members so just delete this email if you get it.
Since it looks like someone got hold of our directory there may be more scam emails in the future. Please have heightened awareness of this, and know that no member or staff from UCN would ever email you asking for a credit card number, bank account number, or any other sensitive information. If you ever have any questions about the validity of an email feel free to contact the office, info@ucnorth.org or 262-375-3890.
Thanks, and stay safe!
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, April 7. It will be held in the Clara Barton Room downstairs from 11:30 to 12:30. The second class will be held the following Sunday, April 14 in the same room at the same time.
A “Sign-up Sheet” will be posted in the lobby as you enter the church. Childcare 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.
First Sunday Lunch
Join us for a scrumptious lunch at the April 7 First Sunday Lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the service. This month we are featuring a Potato Bar which will include a variety of toppings, salads/sides, and the usual irresistible desserts. If you have any questions, contact the meal coordinator, Ann Buchel, at 262-470-6355 or awbuchel@gmail.com
UU Ministry for Earth
Click here for spring and Earth Day events: https://api.neonemails.com/emails/content/jGmjyjCo5uN53HU6iGl8MMtcSxp3dQ5ZVzyrzDh36fo=
UU the Conversation
Join other UUs in a national conversation on Article II. Go to https://uutheconversation.org/ for details.
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!
Good Grief Group
Grief Group will be held Wednesday, April 10 and 24, 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 April. 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.
* Calendar
Calendar through April 14
Meetings are held via Zoom, unless stated.
- Mon.-Wed. April 1-3: Election setup, cleanup and voting - Fellowship Hall
- Monday, April 1, 7:00 pm: Building Committee (Brian Bunzel)
- Wednesday, April 3: UUs Out to Lunch (Brenda Berg)
- Saturday, April 6, 10:00 am: FSL setup - Fellowship Hall
- Sunday, April 7: RE Classes (Betsy Muellenbach)
- Sunday, April 7, 11:30 am: First Sunday Lunch - Fellowship Hall (Ann Buchel)
- Sunday, April 7, 11:30 am: New to UU Class - Barton (Dan Lusk)
- Monday, April 8, 6:30 pm: RE Committee (Betsy Muellenbach)
- Wednesday, April 10, 10:00 am: Good Grief Group - Emerson (Judy DeLillo)
- Thursday, April 11, 6:30 pm: Sunday Services (Julie Konik)
- Saturday, April 13, 10:00 am: Conversation with the Minister
- Sunday, April 14, 11:30 am: Social Justice - Reeb (Leigh Hoftiezer)
- Sunday, April 14, 11:30 am: New to UU Class - Barton (Dan Lusk)
- Sunday, April 14, 11:30 am: Social Justice Speaker - Sanctuary (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 .
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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. 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.
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/