Grounded in love, UUCW is a joyful community

committed to spiritual growth, inclusion, and justice.

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

This Sunday, May 12, 2024 - 10:00 AM CT

“So Many Possibilities”

WATCH LAST WEEK'S SERVICE

The Rev. Julie Stoneberg


On this Mother’s Day, let’s reflect on the African proverb “If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together.” Inclusion and collaboration might slow us down, but together, not leaving anyone behind, we realize so much more.


Our theme for May is “The Gift of Pluralism.” Our Music Director Ruben Piirainen will contribute a unique blend of music to our service.

VIEW THE ORDER OF SERVICE

CHURCH LIFE

The Need for More

Free-World Pen Pals


Did anyone see the spring issue of the UUWorld magazine? Look at page 46 for an amazing article written by the Rev. Christian Schmidt. I'm hoping you will show this article to your UU friends and colleagues. We need your help to recruit more free-world pen pals. Currently, there are 138 incarcerated members on our pen pal waiting list, but we have no free-world UUs to connect them to. The average wait time is 6-7 months!  

PEN PAL APPLICATION

The UUA's Congregational Life staff is sponsoring empowering conversations for congregational leaders.


Congregations often find themselves grappling with complex and sensitive issues. Whether navigating Article II or addressing difficult scenarios within your congregation, having the right tools is essential. Are you striving to foster open dialogue within your congregation? Are you seeking support from fellow leaders? These Zoom discussions offer a space to share experiences and gain valuable support.


Two dates are offered: May 20 at 6:30 pm CT or June 3 at 8:30 pm CT.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

General Assembly 2024:

Calling all delegates!


Are you interested in casting a pivotal vote in the Article II proposal up for a final vote to restate our current Principles and Sources in a new way?


The 2024 General Assembly is 100% virtual this year and runs from Thursday, June 20 through Sunday, June 23, 2024.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

Soul Lunch:

Nourishment for the Grieving 

Saturday, June 1

11:30 am - 1:30 pm 


If you are grieving a loss and would be comforted by spending time with others on a similar journey, the Lay Pastoral Care Team invites you to join them for lunch. 


There'll be an opportunity to share (optional) through a simple ritual. Together, we can help each other through. Lunch will be provided. 

PLEASE RSVP

Earth Spirit Team "Summit"

Wednesday, May 15, 6 to 9 pm


Join us! Whether you're a long-time member of the Earth Spirit Team or someone who appreciates the beauty and spirituality of their service and would like to get involved, all are invited to this upcoming planning session.


We'll be discussing service dates plus alternates to submit to the Worship Ministry team for scheduling.


Contact Melissa Musante with questions.

Child Dedication

Sun, May 19

During “Transitions Across the Lifespan” worship service


UU congregations hold child dedication ceremonies to bless, recognize and welcome infants and children as part of their community.


Current and prospective UUCW Members wishing for Rev. Julie to conduct this with their child/ren are urged to contact Dave Cicero, DLRE, ASAP.

Upcoming Nursery & RE schedule


Childcare and Religious Education classes during Sunday morning service the next few weeks:


May 12: Regular RE (but no YRUU)


May 19: Multi-gen worship (incl. YRUU; no RE; Nursery “tbd”)


May 26:  Nursery closed; no RE (“Exploration Table” open; no YRUU)

Design: AwkwardSelkie Order a sticker!

Love at the Center

Sat, May 11, 9:30-11:30 am

 

There are historic changes coming to a final vote at the UUA's General Assembly (GA), so Dave Cicero, DLRE, and Rev. Julie are offering this workshop. We want you to 'be in the know' before UUCW's Annual Meeting on June 2 when we'll decide how to instruct our delegates to GA to vote. 


All are welcome and encouraged to attend. We'd sure appreciate your RSVP. Questions? Contact Dave Cicero or Rev. Julie.

RSVP TODAY!

Memorial Service

Dennis Alan Briley

Saturday, May 11th at 2 pm


Dennis Briley passed away peacefully on March 28th. Dennis was a long-time and active UUCW member, acting as the Board of Trustees president and serving on committees, including Earth Ministry and the Social Action Council. Memorials in Dennis’s name may be made to UUCW. Greeters, ushers, and those who can bring "finger food" are needed.


or watch the service online at https://events.locallive.tv/events/145433

SIGN UP TO ASSIST

Mark your calendars

for June 2nd!


The YRUU youth group’s car wash fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday,

June 2, weather permitting.


Bring your car to the west parking lot before service and the YRUUs will give your vehicle an environmentally friendly hand wash and dry while you enjoy UUCW’s wonderful Sunday service AND the Annual Meeting.


You choose the donation amount. For more information, contact Amy White.

A Campus Team Thank You!


On behalf of the Campus Team, Committee Chair Jim Maletta would like to express his sincere gratitude to the 20-plus people who came out last week for the Spring Campus Clean-up. 


All of the delivered mulch was put in place, weeding done, old benches removed and so much more! The place looks amazing, and it is all thanks to the great work of so many people. As Gomer Powell would say, "Thank you, thank you, thank you!" 


More pictures on Facebook.

Join the UUCW Welcome Team!


You can 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

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

Our Split the Plate Partner

for May is STRYV365

 

Many children in under-resourced neighborhoods experience traumas such as violence, bullying, financial family worries, or drug-related issues. This is where STRYV365 comes in.  

LEARN MORE ABOUT STRYV365

Our next turn to provide a meal

at the Guest House will be Saturday, May 18th.


Please help us provide food to the residents of this program. As usual, we need main dishes, side dishes, drinks, and desserts as well as some helpers to serve the meal. See our sign-up for more information.


Contact Eileen Gleeson if you have any questions. Thanks so much for your generosity,

SIGN UP FOR GUEST HOUSE

For May and June, the selected food pantry will be Friends with Food.


Located in Waukesha, Friends with Food was organized to respond to a community need for food and supplies and to enrich people's lives through friendship and nourishment.

WHAT'S NEEDED?

LEARNING & FELLOWSHIP

Library News


Visit the UUCW Library in UL-3 during May to see and check out books related to May's Soul Matters theme "The Gift of Pluralism." This theme deals with all types of diversity, from politics to gender issues to the variety of spiritual beliefs of UUs. Please look at the art and architecture book display located on top of the cabinet.


Reminder: There is a moratorium on book donations. The library is not accepting donations at this time. If you have a book you wish to share with the congregation, please donate it to the Book Nook in the Community Room.

Rainbow Connection

Pride Planning Meeting

Friday, May 10th at 7 pm


The Next Rainbow Connection meeting will be focused on planning two events for Pride 2024. We'll also have some snacks and good conversation!


1) Pride Parade on Sunday, June 9th at 2 pm

2) Volunteering at Pride ticketing booth on Friday, June 7th from 6-9:30 pm.

If you're interested in organizing, please attend. Contact Majorie May for more infomation.

Topics in Liberal Christian Thought

May 16 at 10:30 am at UUCW


As a positive antidote to Christian Nationalism, we will focus on something really Christian as we take a deeper look into The Beatitudes as a teaching which is the heart of the message of Jesus of Nazareth and a serious challenge for us today.


All are welcome to join us for this spiritual exploration.

MORE DETAILS AND RSVP 

“Making Magic”

UUCW Summer Camp ’24

August 5-9, 8 am-3 pm


New theme; same dates/times & goals – Community, Fun & Growth! Children aged 6-13 (entering Gr.1-8 in the fall) are encouraged to be part of this joyful day camp experience. Campers will bond with peers and learn to transform their worlds into ones in which they can live the shared UU values of fairness, connection, generosity, and love.

INFO AND REGISTRATION

'Caring for one another', none other than this is the greatest of importance in life. Peer Caregivers mutually share with the gift of heart, meeting next on May 14th, 1 to 2 pm in UL5. Meetings are regularly scheduled on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of the month.


Mary Ross or Sue Swearingen may be contacted for information.

The Breakfast Group will meet on Tuesday, May 14th at 8 am at Panera Bread, 2095 N Calhoun Rd., Brookfield (second Tuesday of the month). The group also meets online on the fourth Tuesday of the month at 8 am. For more information, contact Jerry Kashmerick.

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


Nora Vrakas is ready

to assist you in May.

MORE ABOUT THE LAY PASTORAL CARE TEAM

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

VIDEO OF THE WEEK

What a splendid little play created by our UU playwright Scott Kopischke to illustrate UUCW's new mission statement! Last Friday, members and friends attended the Collective Visioning Potluck and were treated to Scott's play and a creative song adapted by Darthe Jennings. Then all settled in to share visions about our mission.

Next Sunday, May 19, 2024 - 10:00 AM CT

"Transitions Across the Lifespan"

“Coming of Age” is a rite of passage traditionally marking the transition from childhood to adolescence. This year, UUCW’s “Jr. High” Religious Ed. students help us all join the trend of celebrating those among us experiencing life transitions at various ages. Children will be dedicated. HS Seniors will "bridge". New adult Members will be welcomed.


And a multi-generational representation of the congregation will weave together their dreams for its collective future.

Our theme for May is “The Gift of Pluralism.” Ruben Piirainen will provide beautiful music.

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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