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

UU Church West E-News

Sunday, September 17, 2023 - 10:00 AM CT

“The Gift of Covenant"

VIEW THE ORDER OF SERVICE

Rev. Julie Stoneberg


Being welcomed in, feeling included, and finding a sense of belonging are not necessarily the same thing. How does being a covenantal faith contribute to building the Beloved Community where all feel at home? And, in what ways can we lean into our covenants with one another in order to truly be welcoming and inclusive?



RE classes for the year begin with a special welcome for all new and returning teachers, children, and youth.


And, we'll be celebrating Ruben Piirainen's 20th anniversary as UUCW's Music Director. 

CHURCH LIFE

Your opinion is very important. It’s so important, in fact, that you will soon be asked to complete TWO surveys. 

 

One, the Congregational Survey, will be used to guide the Search Team in our quest for a new settled minister. It should take about 20 minutes to complete and is crucial for the team to narrow the focus of our search. The survey also will help build a profile of our congregation for searching ministers to review. We want to know what you think!

 

The other survey, from the Transition Team, will focus on the work they have been doing to develop a new UUCW Mission Statement

 

Although the timing is a bit awkward, we hope everyone will find time for BOTH surveys. After all, this work will help point us in the right direction as we take a deep look at what and who we are striving to be in the future.  

UU Church West is honored to mark the 20th Anniversary of Ruben Piirainen’s employment with a special service on Sunday, September 17th.



Ruben has been a valuable member of the staff since 2003, sharing his talent and passion in every Sunday service. While serving as Music Director, Ruben has brought to life a diverse range of music, inspiring vocalists and musicians as well as our congregation. Join us as we celebrate Ruben's achievements and express our appreciation. 

LEAVE A PERSONAL MESSAGE FOR RUBEN

RE Welcome – this Sunday!  


Religious Education classes

for children and youth begin this week with a group Welcome

following an RE Teacher Dedication. Teachers and students will then meet in

class groups for introductions to each other and their year ahead. Please

pre-register those you expect to participate in Sunday morning programs or YRUU (high school youth group) or OWL (Gr. 7-9).

SIGN UP FOR RE TODAY!

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.

LEARN MORE AND SIGN UP TODAY!

The UU Circle at Harwood Place

September 28 at 10:30 am

Orchard Room (near dining rm) 

8220 Harwood Ave, Wauwatosa


You are invited to join fellow UUs at their monthly gathering for worship, community, and discussion at Harwood Place Retirement Community.


Our theme for this gathering is "What does it mean to be a People of Deep Listening?" Please RSVP to Nancy Spancy.

HARWOOD PLACE PROGRAM

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.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE WRITING CIRCLE

"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 Lynn Anderson at the Newcomers Table after service to learn more or contact Anne Deahl or Larry Hawley. 

SIGN UP FOR ORIENTATION

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.

ENTER A JOY OR CONCERN

LIVING OUR VALUES

Can you help serve a meal

for the Guest House

on September 16th?


Please help provide a meal at the Guest House shelter. We need main dishes, side dishes, and drinks. If you can help, please sign up today!


Questions? Please contact Eileen GleesonThank you so much for your generosity!

DETAILS AND SIGN UP

Making UUCW a Beacon for Social Justice in Waukesha County 

TONIGHT! Sept 14, 6:30 - 8 pm 


UUCW is both well-positioned and well-resourced to make a difference in the county where we're located! We're already part of SOPHIA, an organization of "people of faith united by a passion for justice, commitment to community, and a practice of hope." 


Come to learn about community organizing and how you could inspire vital social justice action at UUCW. This is important for residents of Waukesha County, but all are welcome.

PLEASE RSVP HERE

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.

ABOUT GOOD FRIEND, INC.

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.

GIVE MONITARILY OR DONATE THE MOST-NEEDED ITEMS

LEARNING & FELLOWSHIP

Twisted Stitchers

Join the fun!

September 16th at 1 pm


Interested in knitting, crocheting, embroidery, rug making, or any other craft that requires a chair, table, good light, and friendly company? Join us at Twisted Stitchers for discussion and fun. And just sitting and enjoying the company is OK as well!


We always welcome new crafters too.

Questions or comments? Call Carol Trinastic or Jeannie Baker.

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.

ABOUT COMMUUNITY CONNECTIONS

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.

SEE WHAT'S HAPPENING

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

The Earth Ministry Team hosted a "Say No to Bottle Water" table last Sunday in the Community Room to coincide with our Ingathering Water Ceremony service. Team members Julie Toman, Carol Trinastic, Almuth Soffee, and Mary Ross will be back this Sunday so you can learn the impact of bottled water on our environment.

VIEW WATER CEREMONY SERVICE PHOTOS ON FACEBOOK

Next Sunday, September 24, 2023 - 10:00 AM CT

“Pilgrimage to a Shared UU Heritage”

Rev. Julie Stoneberg


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.”

Have you missed a past e-news

and need to get caught up on

UUCW announcements?


Visit the UUCW website and

click on the "news" tab for past

news and featured stories.

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