Website: uucw.org | Email: uucw@uucw.org | 262-782-3535

Worship with us in person at 13001 W. North Ave., Brookfield, WI 53005

or online at uucw.org/livestream

YRUU (Young Religious UUs)

of UUCW

YRUU, UUCW’s high school youth group, will welcome you and recount their experiences making a summer pilgrimage to Boston, birthplace of American Unitarianism and Universalism. Youth will reflect how exploring their UU roots amid the reminders of our country’s history strengthened their connection to this liberal faith – and each other. Come to hear stories, old and new, and preview the next monthly Soul Matters theme, “The Gift of Heritage.”

Ready, Set, Blast Off! 

We are launching an Engagement Campaign to help everybody find a way to show up for, and serve, this community.

The first phase, launching this coming Sunday, Sept 24, is a ‘Service Challenge’. Our goal is for everyone to find some easy ways to serve the congregation…ways that spark your interest or float your boat! We’ll be offering multiple possibilities presented in the community room following the service.

And here’s the challenge. Sign up for at least one of the offerings! Will you meet the challenge!?!?

The Ministerial Search Team is hard at work gathering the foundational information for the settled minister search. And now it’s time to hear from all of you! It's as easy as 1, 2,3!

1. Take the Search Team’s New Minister Survey. Its purpose is to give us data to better understand what all of us, as a whole, are seeking in a new minister.

Everyone (members and friends) is invited to take the survey. The survey will be available until October 15th.

2. Attend a cottage meeting. The Ministerial Search Team is organizing a series of cottage meetings to gather detailed feedback. These meetings are a vital part of our search. The goal is for everyone have the opportunity to give their input in small group discussions. There are four cottage meetings scheduled for October 8th, 15th, 20th, and 22nd that offer a variety of viewing formats to fit your needs. One of them even offers a potluck!

3. Participate in the Beyond Categorical Thinking workshop. UUCW will participate in a workshop offered by the UUA for congregations involved in the search for a new minister. The program was created to promote inclusive thinking and help prevent discrimination in searching for a new minister. Everyone is encouraged to participate. This virtual/in-person two-day workshop will be held on Friday, Oct. 13 from 6-7:45 pm and Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10:30 am-12:15 pm, at UUCW. Childcare is available upon request.

UUCW is...Who? What?

A new minister is going

to want to know! 

After gathering your thoughts and ideas in several ways, the Transition Team has put together three possible short 'mission statements'. 

And now it's time for your input! Please take 5-10 minutes before Oct 2 to fill out this short survey. 

Board of Trustees Meeting

Thursday, September 28 at 7 pm



The monthly Board Meeting is next week and everyone is welcome to attend. Read the complete Board packet to see monthly reports and discussion topics.

EarthSpirit Planning Meeting

Join the Earth Spirit Team as they plan the upcoming Samhain Service and discuss this year's Winter Solstice Celebration. The meeting will be held at 11:45 am on Sunday, October 1st, in UL3 and last about one hour.

Bring any folk songs or earthy readings you love, especially as they relate to the wisdom of aging. All are welcome! Contact Melissa Musante if you have any questions.

RE Continues Sunday! 

Religious Education classes for children and youth began last week, but visitors and returning children and youth are always welcome. Please pre-register those you expect to participate in Sunday programming or Winter/Spring OWL (“Our Whole Lives”: comprehensive and values-based sexuality education) for Gr. 7-9. 

Dinners in the Home Returns!

UUCW’s moveable feast offers a great way to get to know more members of our growing church. This year’s dinner dates are on Saturdays, Oct. 28, Jan. 27, March 23, and April 27. Each person or couple will host one dinner and attend as guests at three other homes. This gives the chance to interact with many members of the community.

If you are interested but are unable to commit to all the dates, request to be added to the substitutes list.

Women's Writing Circle Returns

UUCW’s Women’s Writing Circle will return in mid-October with meetings on the first and third Wednesday mornings at the church, 9:30-11:45, Oct 18 through May 15, 2024.

Gather in a writing circle to give voice to written words and to honor the words of others. Registration closes after the first meeting and asks that you commit for the full year.

"Lunch with Rev. Julie" Returns

Friday, October 6 at 12 noon

Enjoy lunch and a time of open conversation with Rev. Julie and anyone else who shows up. Come prepared to participate…to both listen and share your thoughts about worship or anything about UU Church West that concerns or delights you.

There is no need to RSVP. Bring your lunch and favorite beverage. Contact Rev. Julie if you have questions.

UU Orientation

Sign up for the next two-part UU Orientation Classes offered on Tuesdays, 6:30 – 9:00 pm

on October 10 and 17

Newcomers and long-time visitors are invited to start their unique UU journey! Visit Peter Geiss at the Newcomers Table after service to learn more or contact Anne Deahl or Larry Hawley. 

Join the UUCW Welcome Team!

You can help make our church a welcoming place. GREETER SIGN-UP

Ushers are a core element of our in-person worship. USHER SIGN-UP

Greet and answer questions for our visitors. NEWCOMER TABLE SIGN-UP

You can bring joy to folks just by making and serving coffee! COFFEE SIGN-UP

If you or someone you know needs Pastoral Care, contact Rev. Julie or the Lay Pastoral Care Team.

Enter your Joy or Concern with the link below and choose whether you'd like them shared in the e-news or shared privately with Rev. Julie.

Donation Rotations are Back

on October 1st!

Let's start the fall out with an exchange of blankets, bedding and linen towels. Then add in Halloween decorations to help us celebrate the upcoming holiday!

After the event is over, leftover bedding and linens will be donated to Our Space, a previous Split the Plate recipient. 

Get ready for November we’ll do winter clothing, December holiday decorations and gifts. Contact Almuth Soffee if you have any questions.

MICAH’s Annual Public Meeting 

Thursday, October 26

Doors open 6 pm; Program 6:30 pm

Wauwatosa Ave United Methodist Church, 1600 Underwood Ave, Wauwatosa

MICAH, SOPHIA, and WISDOM are all supporting the We All Belong Campaign. Come to learn how you can participate individually and as a congregation from now through the '24 elections to take a stand for democratic ideals, respect for all faiths and the Beloved Community. This is relevant to all UUCW members no matter where you live. Watch for additional details

Our Split the Plate Partner for September is Good Friend, Inc.

Good Friend, Inc. is a non-profit organization using social-emotional tools to establish a culture of acceptance in schools and beyond. On Sunday, Denise Schamens, Co-founder of Good Friends, Inc. shares how they work to create autism awareness, teach the acceptance of differences, and foster empathy for people on the autism spectrum. Good Friend, Inc. offers training workshops for students, teachers, and professionals.

UUCW Supports the

Jewish Community Food Pantry September through October

The Jewish Community Pantry provides emergency food to people in crisis throughout the greater Milwaukee community. The pantry connects clients to community resources while increasing awareness of hunger’s impact and working to alleviate its impact in Milwaukee.

Highlighted Library Books

The September Soul Matter’s theme is “The Gift of Welcome.” Visit the UUCW Library (room UL3) after service and browse the selected books about welcome. Learn how we can become more welcoming to ourselves, our beloveds and strangers in our midst. Selected books include“Radical Hospitality” and “No Longer Strangers.”

Our UUCW library now has the hymnal readings supplement "Lifting Our Voices". When you're preparing for a meeting or gathering, you can find this great resource prominently displayed on the 'Soul Matters' shelf. 

Featured Artist Supports UUCW and Hunger Task Force

Member and jewelry artist Joanne Kopischke will be holding a pop up jewelry fundraising event to benefit UUCW and Hunger Task Force at UUCW on Sunday, October 8th following worship. It’s never too soon to start your holiday gift shopping or treat yourself. These gifts give twice with 50% of total sales donated to UUCW and the remaining 50% donated to Hunger Task Force! You can preview her work featuring handcrafted mixed metals and gemstones below.

Calling All Wind and String Players!

We will be offering a chance for instrumentalists of all ages and abilities to come together. Seeking all flautists, clarinetists, bassoonists, oboists, horn players, trumpeters, trombonists, tuba players, violinists, violists, cellists, bassists, and more!

If you are interested in playing in the UUCW Philharmonic, contact Steven White or Ruben Piirainen, Director of Music. Our goal is to begin rehearsals early in October with an eye on performing at the annual Holiday Music Service in December.

CommUUnity Connections provides a helping hand to support members of the church community in times of need.

Nora Vrakas is the CommUUnity Connections coordinator for September.

Beyond UU Church West

Click below for community events and resources from outside our church that align with our UU values and may be of interest to members and friends.

UU Church West marked the 20th Anniversary of Ruben Piirainen’s employment with a special service last Sunday. Ruben has been a valuable member of the staff since 2003, sharing his talent and passion in every Sunday service. If you haven't yet done so, it's not too late to leave a personal message of appreciation for Ruben HERE.

The Rev. Julie Stoneberg

Unitarian Universalism is a non-creedal faith, and yet we have a long history of documents that might be called 'statements of faith'. What does this history tell us about what we believe IN?

Hint: Lots has changed over the last few centuries.

 

Our theme for October is "The Gift of Heritage."