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, January 22, 2023 - 10 AM

"Called to Substitute Courage for Caution

in our Ongoing Struggle for Justice"

Enjoy beautiful music from our talented adult choir! Our theme for January is Finding Our Center.

MORE ABOUT OUR GUEST

Guest Speaker:

Rev. Joseph Ellwanger


Worship Leader: Eddee Daniel


The title is from Dr. King’s sermon at the funeral for girls killed in the bombing of the 16th St. Baptist Church in Birmingham in 1963. I was present at the service and I conducted the graveside service for one of the girls whose father was a member of my congregation. I will examine why people are cautious about participating in the struggle for justice, and where we can find the courage to do so.

SUNDAY'S ORDER OF SERVICE
WATCH LAST SUNDAY'S SERVICE

CHURCH LIFE

Current Covid Risk: MEDIUM

With medium or low levels, masks are STRONGLY ENCOURAGED

but not required and it is safe for choir and congregation singing.

How Might Financial Discomfort Play a Part in

Our Ministerial Search?


A message from Lynn Kapitan,

Member of the Board of Trustees


"In laying the groundwork for attracting our next settled minister, Rev. Julie is helping UUCW be intentional about changes we must embrace."

MORE FROM LYNN KAPITAN

Healing/Grieving Circle 

TONIGHT, Jan 19, 7-8:30 pm

at UUCW


There are those at UUCW carrying anger, regret, grief or other feelings regarding the last ministerial transitions. It's vital that these feelings have a place and time to be shared in order for UUCW to move forward.

 

Rev. Julie and the Transition Team are holding a listening circle to allow you to share or express what you're carrying. Your feelings of pain, sorrow, and confusion are welcome and will be heard and honored.

Come to the “Celebrate Our Community” party and enjoy appetizers, drinks . . . and art!


Can you believe it’s been years since we’ve seen some of UUCW’s cherished artworks on display?


Like seeing old friends after a long absence, our community party will feature a re-acquainting opportunity to see our art collection come out of hiding and to talk with others about them. Artwork that has a shared history with people is a wonderful way to engage in reflection, thought, and healing. 

If you were unable to participate in the UUCW auction, no worries. Just RSVP with the button and complete the form. You can let us know if you need childcare or transportation or are able to provide transportation for another member or friend. Please RSVP by Friday, January 27th.


*Attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable protein item or a package of diapers to be donated to the Jewish Community Food Pantry.

RSVP TO THE CELEBRATION!

Questions? Contact Vicki Banville.

Note: This fundraising event was offered during our biennial Auction and fees collected will go to the general UUCW budget.

Please bring a nonperishable food item for our Food Pantry.

Banned Book Storytelling for All Ages

Saturday, January 21

3 - 5 pm at UUCW


Enjoy a winter afternoon enjoying storybooks that some school boards have banned for content related to diversity or race. Selected storybooks are intended for ages 4-12 years but all ages will enjoy the messages of resilience and inspiration.


The event will include age-appropriate conversation as well as singing and snacks. Come at 3 pm and stay as long as you can!


Admission: $15 for adults and FREE for children and youth who attend with their adult. Payment at the door by cash or credit card.

Childcare provided upon request. Please contact Dave Cicero by Thursday, 2/9. 

"Where Do We Come From?

What Are We?" 

Saturday, February 11, 1-4 pm 


Join the Transition Team in exploring UUCW's past. We'll dig down, tell stories, share memories, and learn from one another. This is a participatory event for everyone...however deep or long your connection, however informed or involved.


This is part of the congregation's work during the Interim period. Understanding and appreciating our past means that we can better shape our future. Come!

MORE FROM THE TRANSITION TEAM ABOUT THIS EVENT

"My Grandmother's Hands"

Small-Group Discussions


Please join members of local UU congregations to discuss and share insights in facilitated small groups from your reading of "My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending our Hearts and our Bodies" by Resmaa Menakem.


Participants will meet once each month in Feb, Mar, April, and May – online (via Zoom) or in person. Registration is required by Feb. 5th.

DETAILS AND REGISTRATION
WEEK 1: INTERDEPENDENCE:  Democracy and Electoral Justice

30 Days of Love is a gift to our whole community.


Side With Love is thrilled to announce 30 Days of Love 2023! The UUA's annual month of spiritual nourishment, political grounding, and shared practices of faith and justice. 30 Days of Love will go from Martin Luther King, Jr. Day (Jan. 16) through Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14).


Each week will feature a spiritual theme overlapping with one of Side With Love’s intersectional justice priorities, and we'll share an array of offerings to help nourish your spirit and give gratitude and affirmation.

Volunteers are needed! Help with greeting, check-in, and passing out seminar materials. Please contact Vicki Banville if you are able to help with this event. Thank you.

Faith & Democracy


White Christian nationalism is a threat to our democracy and to our faith. Rev. Jennifer Butler will be traveling to Wisconsin on February 5-7 to train communities to reclaim their faith traditions and to push back against the white Christian nationalism that is attempting to take over our electorate.


UU Church West is honored to host Rev. Butler on Monday, February 6th. Other Wisconsin events are held in Waukesha and Madison. See one or all!

DETAILS AND REGISTRATION
MORE ABOUT REV. BUTLER

Pre-Valentine’s Day Clay Workshop NEW DATES! 

Now meeting Jan 26 + Feb 9

4:15-6:15 pm at UUCW 


A few seats (for students aged 8-14) still available in Dave Cicero’s 2-day class, offered as part of last Fall’s Auction.


Day #1: making; Day #2: glazing or painting. 


$50 suggested donation. Includes materials, firing, inspiration & snack. RSVP to Dave by Jan. 24.

MORE INFO AND REGISTRATION

Exploring Darkness and Light…


Did UUCW’s Winter Solstice ritual stir your soul? Join Betsy Gonwa, certified Spiritual Director, for a multi-session workshop/retreat exploring the mystery and allure of the Dark. Learn practices to help you understand and overcome any resistance to moving into it with compassion and grace. 


  • Fri, Feb 10 (6:30-9 pm)
  • Sat, Feb 11 (9 am-noon)
  • Sat, Feb 25 (9 am-noon) 


$32-60, based on Member status and ability to pay. Childcare possible. 

Start the New Year with an informed and inspired spiritual journey!

Join us for the next set

of Orientation sessions.


Newcomers and long-time visitors are invited to join Rev. Julie, Dave Cicero, and Membership team members for a


Two-part UU Orientation Class

Saturdays, Jan. 28 and Feb. 4

9:30 am - 12 noon 

For more information, contact Anne Deahl or Larry Hawley Start your unique UU journey! 

EVENT DETAILS AND REGISTRATION

Share Joys & Concerns


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

“Wow, that person

should get an award!”


How often have you said that about an amazing member at UUCW who is deeply involved in the church? 


LEARN MORE AND NOMINATE SOMEONE TODAY

Sign up for this Sunday...

and beyond!


Ushers are a core element of our in-person worship. Join the Usher Team!

USHER SIGN UP

You can help make our church a welcoming place -- sign up to be a greeter on an upcoming Sunday.

GREETER SIGN UP

You can bring joy to folks just by making and serving coffee!

COFFEE SIGN UP

The Chalice Table

is Waiting for Your Creativity!


You can provide visual interest to viewers in the Sanctuary and online. Your one-month commitment lets you decide how often to change your arrangement. Use flowers (fresh or silk), branches, or other items that reflect the season/service theme. Contact Sarah Frey if you have any questions. Click below for further instructions.

SIGN UP FOR A MONTH THAT WORKS FOR YOU

LIVING OUR VALUES

Come join Earth Ministry on Friday, January 27 at 6:30 for our community, conversation, and a special movie.


In lieu of a potluck, we ask that you bring your own dinner. We will show the film two short inspirational films: “The Man Who Planted Trees”, which won the Academy Award in 1988 for best animated short. Our second short film “24 Hours of Reality: Field Report - Kenya's Greenbelt Movement.” The Green Belt Movement is an indigenous Kenyan organization that empowers women to plant trees.

MORE MOVIE NIGHT DETAILS

Volunteers and Meals Needed

for Guest House


Our first turn to serve a meal at the Guest House shelter this year will be on Saturday, January 21st. You can help by providing a dish and/or coming along to serve.


Find out the details about what we need, timing, etc. on our sign-up page linked below:

MORE INFO AND SIGN UP

Plastic Bag/Film Recycling


This is the final stretch to reach our 500# goal in collecting plastic bags so that we can receive a recycled garden bench for UUCW.


Keep 'em comin'!

Only 150 pounds more to go!


The last day of the collection is February 5, 2023.


Questions? Contact Vicki Banville.

DONATE TO THE JEWISH COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY

UUCW's Food Donations Support the Jewish Community Food Pantry


The Jewish Community Pantry, located at 2900 W Center St, Milwaukee, serves the neighborhood residents. Bring your food items to UUCW's East Foyer food bin. There is always a need for:

  • Canned protein items - tuna, salmon, and chicken.
  • Cooking oils,
  • Beans (any type)
  • Peanut butter and jelly
  • Healthy snacks for kids
MORE ABOUT THE FOOD PANTRY

UUCW's Split the Plate Partner for January is

The Women's Center - Waukesha

The Women's Center provides safety and support to all persons impacted by domestic abuse, sexual violence, child abuse and trafficking.

LEARN ABOUT THE WOMEN'S CENTER OF WAUKESHA
DONATE TODAY

FELLOWSHIP & LEARNING

All are welcome to join

Christian Spirituality for UUs

on Thursday evening February 9th at 7 pm at UUCW.


The topic of conversation will be Religion and Spirituality. These are 2 words used often, but what do they really mean? Do you have to have religion to have spirituality? Do you have to have faith to have spirituality? Many questions, but what do you think?

ABOUT THIS MONTH'S TOPIC

The library is now open every Sunday after the service. A committee member will be available to assist you in finding library materials. Come upstairs to UL-3 this Sunday to find a display of books on the January Soul Matters theme, Centering.


Be sure to attend the

Library's Grand Re-opening

on January 22

Come to the library for treats and to see all the new items that are available. Bring your phone and learn how to use the online catalog.

The UU Circle at Harwood Place

January 26 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.


Facial masks are required.

Please RSVP to Jude Christensen

MEETING DETAILS

Meditation 


Did you know that meditation can increase social connection and emotional intelligence? A study showed that by increasing positive emotions, meditation produced feelings of increased purpose in life and social support, which led to an increase in life satisfaction and reduced depressive symptoms.


Join the Meditation Group for an ever-deepening spiritual experience. The group gathers in room UL5 for a silent 45-minute meditation every Wednesday at 10 am.

CommUUnity Connections

provides a helping hand

or tangible support to members

of the church community

in times of need.


Kathy Lake

is the CommUUnity Connections coordinator for January.


MORE ABOUT KATHY AND 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

PHOTOS OF THE WEEK

UUCW member David Stokes and his collection of animals visited the home of member Kathy Lake. Kathy's extended family enjoyed the hands-on experience, along with David's humor and knowledge of his slimy companions. Kathy was the winning bidder of David's donated event at our church auction. Thank you for your support of UUCW.

Next Sunday, January 29, 2023 - 10 AM

"Imbolc: Awakening the Seeds of Life"

Melissa Musante and the EarthSpirit Team

with Rev. Julie Stoneberg


Join the Earth Spirit team as we celebrate the first glimmers of spring with our Imbolc ritual. This service will be filled with music and magic as we sow our intentions for the budding year. Those of you joining us at home may want to have some seeds on hand so you can join in our prayer in action.


Enjoy the magical songs of our Solstice Singers.

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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Come as you are - leave inspired!