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.

February 11: “The Spirituality of Worry,” Rev. Scott W. Alexander

Scott writes: On both the “Micro” level of our individual lives and the “Macro” level of our lives as members of society and citizens of this world, these are undoubtedly WORRISOME times. Yet “worrying” (generally speaking) has a bad reputation amongst us. I wonder if there is not a helpful and constructive “spirituality” to worry – that goes along with its dangers.

February 18: “Carpe Diem!” Rev. Scott W. Alexander

Scott writes: We are all aware of the ancient Latin phrase “Carpe Diem” which simply means “Seize the day!” But intellectually understanding the idea that life is short and it is meant to be lived fully, right now, does not mean that we human beings are very good at this basic life skill. Do be with us as we explore this together.

Conversation with the Minister

Join us for a Zoom call with Scott on Saturday, February 10
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.

Last Week's Sermon

Here is Scott's "Generosity" sermon from Feb. 4: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ksLkSRUHiw41zlKUIh9aqp9nh8V2ASP2/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109072791973067277249&rtpof=true&sd=true

Soliciting Testimonials

On March 17, our Sunday service will be lay led, focusing on a few testimonials from members who will report on a woman who has been/is influential for them. This could be a mentor, teacher, your mother, sister, a social justice activist. We all have personal histories, and sharing about inspiring women may contradict some experience of oppression. Persons of any gender may volunteer to speak. The service will end with singing a soaring tribute to women we are grateful to know and have known. Contact Joy Schroeder: peacenow@charter.net or Julie Konik: julie.konik@gmail.com to volunteer your 5 minute testimonial.

Activities and crafts will be run by Dana Lusk and Betsy Muellenbach for school-aged children during the second half of the service. We will be making "worry boxes" that will be part of the learning and reflection on the message for this Sunday's service.

Nursery for infants and toddlers is available throughout the service.

During the winter months if we do not have extreme weather, we may have the kids play outside at the end of our structured activities or class. Please bring winter clothing for your kids including a warm coat, hat, mittens, snow pants and boots.

Kids Night Out Feb 16!

We’ll be hosting another Kid’s Night Out at UCN with dinner, games, a scavenger hunt, crafts, and a movie, while parents enjoy and evening to themselves. We’re hoping the kids will want to join us! Drop off is at 5:30 PM Friday, February 16th, in the lower-level Fellowship Hall. Pick up is at 8:00 PM. Please call Katie Egan-Bruhy (262-339-2104) with questions and please RSVP (egan.bruhy@gmail.com) by the evening of Sunday February 11th so we can ensure we are well staffed and have all the supplies we need to make it a FEBulous event.

This past Sunday marked the kick-off of the 2024-25 UCN pledge drive. Thanks to those who have already gotten their pledge forms sent in! We are asking that pledge forms be completed and returned to UCN by February 25th. The pledge amounts inform the budget for next year, so knowing what we can count on really helps! If you have misplaced the pledge 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 at juliezumach@gmail.com . I will happily send you copies. Also, find below a list of Frequently Asked Questions regarding making a pledge.

Remember, this is your opportunity to be a part of “Widening the Circle” 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. Thank you for your continued support!

Julie Zumach, UCN Treasurer

Here are some FAQ's and answers regarding the pledge drive:

1. When do I need to return my pledge form? We are asking that forms be returned by February 25th. This helps the Finance Committee to get started working on next year's budget as soon as possible.

2. How do I return my pledge form? You may choose to send the form in the mail to UCN, 13800 N Port Washington Road, Mequon, WI 53097, or return it in person at the church. There will be a tray for pledge forms just outside the office door.

3. When does the new Fiscal Year begin and end? The new Fiscal Year begins July 1, 2024 and ends June 30, 2025.

4. Who should I contact if I have questions? You may contact Lyn Gust at UCN (262-375-3890) or Julie Zumach (715-820-0089).

Two exciting events coming up in February!!

***On Saturday, February 17th, 10:30 am - noon (doors open at 10:00; refreshments available), UCN will host We All Belong campaign training, featuring information on the three facets of that MICAH/WISDOM program: Protecting Democracy, Rejecting/resisting Christian nationalism, and Building the Beloved Community. MICAH trainers Rev. Joe Jackson, Jr, and Rev. Marilyn Miller will be the presenters. Visitors from other congregations will be joining us. Sign up for this FREE event in the north lobby or fellowship hall. If you can't attend in person, join us using the Zoom link below.

Topic: We All Belong Campaign Training
Time: Feb 17, 2024 10:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)
https://zoom.us/j/95018669545?pwd=Y01XcnBBd050VkxQWVdMSExnOEtOUT09
Meeting ID: 950 1866 9545 Passcode: 555284

*** The NAACP of Ozaukee County is hosting its annual Freedom Fund event on Friday, February 23, at the River Club of Mequon. Doors open at 5 p.m. From the NAACP website: "The dinner will include inspirational words from our keynote speaker Derek Mosley, 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." We hope to fill an 8-seat table with members and friends of UCN. Seats cost $150 each but the Social Justice Committee is willing to reimburse UCN attendees $30 each. Register directly at naacpozaukee.org. Contact Leigh Hoftiezer if you are interested in the reimbursement. We hope to see you there!

Photos Needed

If you haven't had your picture taken by Jim DeLillo or sent in a photo for our photo member directory, please send one to info@ucnorth.org. We want to see all your smiling faces!

Endowment Fund
Our Endowment Fund provides for long-term support of UCN programs and facilities. You are encouraged to think of the Endowment Fund when you consider making a gift in honor or memory of an individual, celebration of a graduation, wedding, anniversary, or special birthday. This is a great way to support the church while recognizing a significant event in someone’s life. Endowment gifts are acknowledged with a note sent to the person/group in whose name the gift was made. Brochures with more information on the endowment fund, along with envelopes, can be found in the lobby pamphlet rack.

• Recently donations were made by Jean Woodmansee in memory of Al Lustig and Diane Raddatz.

Thank you!

Lost and Found

If you bank at Cornerstone/Horicon Bank, you might have left an envelope at the visitor's table. Please see Lyn if you think it's yours.

Good Grief Group

Grief Group will be held every other Wednesday (Feb. 14 and 28), 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 February. 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.

Community Events

Peter Mayer Concert! Saturday, April 13

Lutheran Church of the Living Christ

W156 N10660 Pilgrim Road, Germantown, WI

Doors open at 6:00, with refreshments available. Concert begins at 6:30.

Send an e-mail to petermayer2024@gmail.com to learn about ways to reserve tickets and pay ahead of time!

Calendar through February 25

Meetings are held via Zoom, unless stated.

• Saturday, Feb. 10, 10:00 am: Conversation with the Minister
• Sunday, Feb. 11, 11:30 pm: Social Justice - Emerson (Leigh Hoftiezer)
• Monday, Feb. 12, 6:30 pm: RE Committee (Betsy Muellenbach)
• Wednesday, Feb. 14, 10:00 am: Good Grief Group - Emerson (Judy DeLillo)
• Thursday, Feb. 15, 1:00 pm: Sanctuary Setup (Leigh Hoftiezer)
• Friday, Feb. 16, 5:00 pm: Kids' Night Out - Fellowship Hall (Katie Egan-Bruhy)
• Saturday, Feb. 17, 10:30 am: We All Belong - Sanctuary (Leigh Hoftiezer)
• Sunday, Feb. 18: RE Classes (Betsy Muellenbach)
• Monday, Feb. 19, noon: UUs Coffee & Conversation - Mequon Fiddleheads (Brenda Berg)
• Monday, Feb. 19, 7:30 pm: Comm/Tech Committee (Sarah Cesar)
• Tuesday, Feb. 20, 7:00 pm: Finance (Pete Blain)

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: 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 .
  

• 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).

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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/