Rev. Jill Braithwaite

The dominant culture pushes us to constantly aim for perfection. But the spiritual cost of perfectionism is real. How might embracing wholeheartedness as a guide instead be a more life-giving way of being?

Ruben Piirainen and Eric Baer provide inspiring music.

Today, we are hosts to Lake Country Unitarian Universalist Church and United Unitarian Universalist Congregation. Welcome to All! Children and youth are invited to go directly to the lower level for our summer Hands-On Nature program. The Nursery will open at 9:45 am.

Introducing LiveControl

on July 13th

UUCW is excited to begin working with LiveControl, our new remote, full-service video production provider. We’re grateful for LocalLive’s service since 2021 and now look forward to enhanced features, including:

• Higher resolution video
• Smoother camera pans and zooms
• Greater flexibility in service scheduling
• Highly trained remote videographers
• A new live chat feature (coming soon!)

While much remains familiar, the quality and control will improve. Watch as always at uucw.org/livestream and enjoy the refreshed experience! If you have any questions, contact Kelly Bognar.

Ellen Newbauer died on June 26 after several days at Froedtert Hospital. Her son, Paul, was with her during that time. Ellen's husband, Don, is receiving good care from friends and from Paul and their daughter, Anne. Don appreciates your sympathy at this time, as well as cards, visits, and phone calls (Oak Hill Terrace, 1805 Kensington Dr, Waukesha; 262-548-1457).

A visitation and memorial service will take place at St. John United Church of Christ on August 2, with visitation from 12 to 2 pm, and the memorial service at 2 pm. The address is N104 W14181 Donges Bay Rd, in Germantown.

Meet Our New Board Member, Matthew Umstot

Matt is honored to join the Board of Trustees. A longtime member involved in Religious Education, he brings a strong commitment to youth engagement and community connection.

With a background in education and a passion for the arts, he looks forward to supporting the congregation’s mission through thoughtful leadership.

Summer office hours will be Wednesdays,

9 - 2 pm, and other times by appointment now through Labor Day. Contact Vicki Banville, Church Administrator, to make arrangements.



An abbreviated version of our weekly e-news will be posted on July 17 and August 14th. Contact Kelly Bognar, Communications and Marketing Specialist, with questions.

Summer Destination Services

Start in July!

This summer, UUCW is partnering with two other Unitarian Universalist Congregations for shared worship experiences. The "Host Congregation" role will rotate among Hartland, Waukesha, and Brookfield, with each hosting twice in July and August. Hosting offers a chance to welcome new visitors, creating a larger gathering. As guests, we can visit other congregations and learn from them.

Please stay tuned for updates as service details are finalized.

Join us for the next set

of UUCW Orientation Sessions.

Newcomers and long-time visitors are invited to join Jill Braithwaite, Dave Cicero, and Membership Team members for a —

Two-part UU Orientation Class

Wednesday evenings, 6:00 – 8:00 pm, October 1 and 8, 2025

For more information,

contact Anne Deahl or Larry Hawley

Start your unique UU journey!

If you or someone you know needs Pastoral Care, contact the

Lay Pastoral Care Team.

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

Join the Welcome Team!

Bring joy to folks just by making and serving coffee! COFFEE SIGN-UP

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

Our next opportunity to serve at

Guest House is Saturday, July 19.

This vital nonprofit has been offering shelter, housing, counseling, and case management to men — and now families — facing homelessness since 1982.

We need volunteers to bring main dishes, sides, desserts, and drinks, and to help serve. We’re also seeking one or two leaders to coordinate delivery and service due to a scheduling conflict.

Please sign up below to contribute, and email Eileen Gleeson if you can help lead or serve. Thanks for your generosity!

Earth Ministry's

Tip of the Week

When you wash petroleum-based fabrics like polyester or fleece, tiny particles of plastic can be discharged into our wastewater and ecosystem. There are now filters available to attach to your washing machine that filter out plastics.

Learn how member Sally Hensel has been using a filtering device with her washing machine.

Our Split the Plate partner

for July through August is

SOPHIA of Waukesha

UU Church West's Split the Plate program embodies outreach and generosity, donating half of all undesignated offerings monthly to a non-profit organization. This initiative reflects our Unitarian Universalist values and commitment to community service.

SOPHIA (Stewards of Prophetic Hopeful Intentional Action) aims to transform Waukesha County into a place where justice, equality, and dignity are realities for everyone, regardless of race, gender, faith, or socio-economic status. They advocate for systemic solutions that empower individuals and communities alike.

UUCW Supports the Kinship Community Center

in July and August

The Kinship Community Food Center is part of the Hunger Task Force Network. Located in Milwaukee, the center engages volunteers and neighborhood residents to end hunger, isolation, and poverty. Their programs include a food pantry and urban farm that not only provides food to those in need but also integrates health education, cooking demonstrations, and connections to community resources.

Their current list of most-needed foods includes: hearty soups and broths, cooking oil, canned tuna and salmon, healthy rice and pasta mixes, and personal hygiene items. Thank you. Please Kathy Randall with your questions.

Summertime Produce Rotation 

Throughout the summer months, you can share your extra veggies with other church members by bringing them to church on Sunday mornings. A table will be set up in the Community Room for you to share your bounty with others. 

Please bring your own reusable bag! 

TONIGHT!

Full Moon Sound Bath 

Thur, July 10 at 7:15 pm

(doors open at 7 pm) 

Invite serenity at this auspicious time of the month through chakra balancing; intention-setting, and vibrations of the crystal singing bowl, drums, and chimes. Fellow UU, Lynda Strong, will be your guide.

Cost: $20 when signed up in advance ($15 for active UUCW Members).

CommUUnity Connections

provides a helping hand to support members of the church community

in times of need.

Mollie Conrad is ready

to assist you in July.

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.

With help from Jim Maletta, members of the Art Task Force, Eddee Daniel, and Pat Rierson, install several new art pieces on the walls of UUCW. Check out the East Foyer and the upper classroom, UL4, next time you are at church.

UUUC's Pulpit Guests:

Eddie and Mary Sue Short

Mr. Eddie Short (a former Mississippi sharecropper) and Mrs. Mary Sue Short (a new college graduate at that time) will share some of their experiences doing voter registration work and union organizing in totally segregated and impoverished Mississippi in the 1960s.

Watch United UU's service online at youtube.com/@uuucwaukesha

Carpool to the

Destination Service!

Please meet at UUCW’s east parking lot at 9:15 am. After confirming drivers, cars will depart at 9:30 am for our host congregation.

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.

E-news submission deadline is the end of day on Tuesday before publication.

Questions or comments about our e-news? Contact Communications and Marketing Specialist Kelly Bognar