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.

Feb. 23: “Reframing February,” Catherine Thomas

Today, we will look beyond defining February as a month of romantic love to a Celebration of Connection.

We are currently experiencing a societal epidemic without a vaccine: loneliness. Society defines normalcy and success as being in a romantic relationship. This metric excludes many people. Consciously reframing the goal of February as one of connection allows for inclusion rather than exclusion. Connection doesn’t have to include fireworks and giddiness. It’s a feeling of being part of something greater: awe from seeing the extraordinary in the ordinary, gaining new insight into our true selves, and acknowledging the humanity of others through impromptu conversation, a smile, and eye contact.

Moving beyond discomfort in being with our true selves is key to experiencing and enjoying connection. Once we gain confidence in being with ourselves, we gain more confidence in engaging with others. By the end of today’s conversation, you will awaken to seeing connection as being within your control and experiencing more contentment in life.

Catherine Thomas is a speaker, host of The Catherine Thomas Podcast and The Compassionate Conversation Series with Catherine Thomas, and author of Awakening the Vulnerable Heart and Inspiration From What Is. She is passionate about high-octane coffee, urban walkabouts, and holding space for the stories of those encountered along the way. A lifelong Wisconsinite, Catherine resides in Cedarburg, the community of her heart. Learn more at awakeningtoinspiration.com.

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.

Here is the link to Rev. Scott's sermon from February 16, on Human Nature: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19ulV9g0O8H95ylOlr5IwiFFnhQsa4BL7/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109072791973067277249&rtpof=true&sd=true

RE Update

Constance and Liam are in the Nursery this Sunday. If attendance allows, Liam could help us with our outside hike and maple tree tapping.

K-2nd and 3rd-6th will be together for our 4th Sunday February phenology OUTDOOR HIKE with Jessy Knox, Katie Egan-Bruhy, Bernie Booth and Ryan Alexander. We are going to celebrate the start of Maple Sugar season by tapping the Maple tree in our play area space. The Smiths will likely be assisting with the tree tapping, if they are interested and able. Matt Smith is bringing a hand drill and perhaps other tapping materials. Jessy will have tapping materials and maple syrup, which we can have on ice cream during snack. Parents, thank you in advance for helping students have what they need to be comfortable outside: snow pants, boots, hat, waterproof gloves/mittens, winter coat, scarf/neck gaiter, etc.

OWL has Workshop 16: Redefining Abstinence with Emily Bunzel and Julie Konik.

4th Sunday Outdoor Hikes

February 23rd ~~ 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

We are in the third and final full week of the 2025-26 UCN stewardship campaign. Many thanks to the members and pledging friends who have already turned in their pledge forms! The Finance team is asking that pledge forms be completed and turned in by this coming Tuesday, February 25th. The pledge amounts inform the budget for next year, so knowing what we can count on really helps! If you need stewardship campaign documents, there are links below to each of the papers.

Remember, this is your opportunity to “Keep Our Beacon Bright” as a Unitarian Church North member or friend by continuing your financial support of our physical structure, our ministerial care, and our community and social justice outreach.

A Response to the Rollback of DEI Policies

"Source: Venture Capital Post"

On Feb. 28, Americans are planning to halt all non-essential spending for 24 hours in what is being called the "Economic Blackout."

The protest, organized by The People's Union USA, aims to push back against major corporations that have rolled back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies following President Donald Trump's recent executive orders.

Early in his presidency, Trump issued an executive order eliminating federal DEI programs and allowing funds to be frozen for companies that do not comply. As a result, PBS shut down its DEI office, and corporations such as Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy have begun scaling back their diversity initiatives.

In response, The People's Union USA is calling on consumers to refrain from spending at major retailers, gas stations, and fast-food chains for one day.

While the blackout focuses on discretionary spending, The People's Union encourages participants to support local small businesses if they must make purchases. If the February 28 blackout gains momentum, it could spark future consumer-led movements targeting corporate policies. The group emphasizes that this is not just a boycott but a movement aimed at reclaiming economic influence from corporations and policymakers.

You are invited for a simple meal and great conversation on Wednesday, February 26 at 6 pm.

Brookfield Congregational Church at 16350 Gebhart Rd., Brookfield is hosting.

Please Register Today

People of all faiths and no faith, all spiritualities and theologies gather in small groups to share a meal and participate in a moderated discussion using a proven model, evoking deep exchanges about lived experiences and the role of faith and/or spirituality in their lives. Through exploration and dialogue, participants learn about the beliefs and traditions of others within an atmosphere of respect and understanding, and are empowered to stand as witnesses for tolerance and inclusion.

In Celebration of Black History Month

Every Sunday in February at UCN you will discover a new Order-of-Service insert depicting a Black person whose personal history evolved in the State of Wisconsin. We hope you will enjoy learning about these people and will be inspired to look up more information at your leisure. Wikipedia is an excellent resource for such things!

MICAH Black History Celebration

The Milwaukee Inner-City Congregations Allied for Hope, or MICAH, is hosting a celebration of Black History Month on Thursday, February 27, 2025, with a dinner beginning at 5:30 pm. Featured speakers from the Young Adult Leaders Panel will address the issue of “Black excellence is not a trend; it is a legacy.” The event will take place at Canaan Baptist Church, Beecham Outreach Center, 2964 N. 11th St., Milwaukee. The cost is $50 per person, ages 12 and up, and $25 per person ages 5 to 11. Dinner options include vegetarian or chicken. Please register at this link: https://bit.ly/MICAHBHM25

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.

UCN Game Day

Saturday, February 22nd 2-6 pm

Our next GAME DAY is coming soon! Hooray!! Time to gather our favorite games and get together at church for some fierce and friendly competition. Did you get a new game over the holidays that you'd like to share? I did! This is a free event. We'll have games for all ages. We will work to have a variety of game options but none will be electronic. Games and snacks will be provided and you are welcome to bring your favorite game and/or snack to add to the fun.

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

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.

UUA Event

Grounded, Resilient, and Responsible: Responding and Organizing in Authoritarian Times

Webinar: March 4 at 6 pm

🔗 REGISTER NOW TO JOIN

This moment calls for us to be deeply grounded in our values, resilient in the face of challenges, and responsible stewards of justice. Together, we will explore:

• Simple tips on communicating safely in public and on private channels
• Strategies for responding in crisis moments
• Practical tools for organizing and resisting authoritarianism

Join us for powerful stories from the organizers who helped write the Grounded, Resilient, and Responsible toolkit. Learn how these tips can help you meet this moment.

Now more than ever, we must show up for one another. Join us to deepen your commitment, strengthen your skills, and act in solidarity for a just and liberated future.

Calendar through March 9

Meetings are held via Zoom, unless stated.

• Friday, Feb. 21, 5-8 pm: Oneida Nation History and Culture - Sanctuary and Fellowship Hall (Leigh Hoftiezer)
• Saturday, Feb. 22, 2-6 pm: Game Day - Fellowship Hall (Bernie Booth)
• Sunday, Feb. 23, 10:00 am: OWL Class - Reeb (Jessy Knox)
• Monday, Feb. 24, 7:00 pm: Special Board Meeting (Bernie Booth)
• 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)
• Sunday, March 9, 10:00 am: OWL Class - Reeb (Jessy Knox)
• Sunday, March 9, 11:30 am: Social Justice - Library (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.

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/