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, April 14, 2024 - 10:00 AM CT

And We Shall Inherit the Earth

WATCH LAST WEEK'S SERVICE

Rev. Julie Stoneberg


From whom? To whom does the earth belong?

There are vastly different ways of relating to our mother Earth. At this Earth Day service, in order that we may be worthy heirs of what has been left to us, let’s explore how we might become good ancestors. Let’s set our intention to leave a better Earth to those who will come after us.


Our theme for April is “The Gift of Interdependence.” Ruben Piirainen will provide music rooted in the gifts of our Earth.  

VIEW THE ORDER OF SERVICE

CHURCH LIFE

Just in case you missed the BIG news...


The Ministerial Search Team is thrilled to introduce you to

Jill Braithwaite,

our wonderful candidate for Minister for UU Church West.


You’ll have the opportunity to meet Jill on April 21st when she leads the Sunday worship service to launch Candidating Week! We’re excited for you to meet and experience her joy, energy, and warmth in person.

LEARN MORE ABOUT JILL!

There are many opportunities throughout Candidating Week,

April 21st - 28th, to meet Jill.


As a member of a church group or committee, you may have already received an invitation to a particular meeting. However, everyone is welcome to RSVP for a variety of events -- casual meet & greet with a potluck, a meeting that focuses on a topic or vision for our church, or an online discussion.


View the schedule, then RSVP for one or more of the opportunities to spend time with our candidate!

SEE SCHEDULE AND RSVP

Save the Date!


Sunday, April 28 (after service) will be a UUCW congregational meeting. Please save the date! You’ll receive more information about the ministerial candidate and other details - but right now it’s important that we all plan to be there, so please put the date on your calendar. We understand from the UUA that ministerial candidates are influenced by participation from the congregation. Your vote matters!

During the upcoming Candidating Week, Rev. Jullan will make herself scarce, and put the time to good use for study leave...attending Professional Days and Regional Assembly in Madison, then the Transition Ministers Conference in Minnesota, and finally preaching at Rev. Carin Bringelson's installation in Iowa on April 27. 


Rev Jullan will be away Friday, April 19 through Monday, April 29. As is usual during study leave time, she can be reached for urgent matters by text or email

The Hensel Bequest


At their March meeting, the Board of Trustees created a task force to seek input from committees, teams, and staff on how best to use the generous bequest of long-time member Donna Hensel to further the mission of UUCW.


The task force was also charged with recommending a process for determining the use of future undesignated bequests.

In April and May, task force members, Kristin Busse, Larry Hawley and Leslie Peterson will be contacting groups at UUCW to seek input on how Donna’s generosity can be used to further the work of this community--which is to ground ourselves in love and joy, grow spiritually and act for inclusion and justice.


The task force will make its recommendations to the Board in June for an expected vote at the July BOT meeting.

Engaging in UUCW's Shared Ministry 

Potluck Dinner and Collective Visioning

Friday, May 3 - 5:30-8 pm

 

Come share a fun evening, beginning with the premiere of a light-hearted skit, written by Scott Kopischke, about UUCW's new mission statement. Then, after eating together, we'll share our collective visions for how our various teams can contribute to the realization of our mission.


If you're ready to participate in making stuff happen here, please come! RSVP to receive a full schedule for the evening. 

SIGN UP TO INDICATE YOUR POTLUCK OFFERING

Love at the Center

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

 

Dave Cicero, DLRE, and Rev. Julie will facilitate this final opportunity to learn about the historic changes coming up for a final vote at the UUA's General Assembly (GA) in June. The proposed changes restate our current Principles and Sources in a new way that highlights the values, inspiration, and commitments in Unitarian Universalism’s “living tradition.”

We're offering this workshop so that you can 'be in the know' before coming to UUCW's Annual Meeting on June 2, where we'll decide how to instruct our delegates to GA to vote. All are welcome and encouraged to attend. We'd appreciate your RSVP to help with planning. Questions? Contact Dave Cicero or Rev. Julie.

RSVP TODAY!

Child Dedication


Sunday, May 19, 10 am

During “Transitions Across the Lifespan” worship service


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

UU Church West's

Mission: Possible Pledge Drive 2024


The Stewardship team is delighted to announce Roger and Leslie Frick as the lucky winners of another delicious homemade pie!


The names of Roger and Leslie were drawn last Sunday during worship service at random from those who had most recently sent in their pledges.


To celebrate their timeliness, a scrumptious pie in the flavor of their choice will be baked for them by the Stewardship Team.

Get your pledge in now and

YOU, too, could win a pie!


There is only one more chance to win a pie! Another recipient will be chosen on Sunday, April 14th during our worship service. Send in your pledge to ensure you are included in this drawing.

PLEDGE ON REALM

or email your pledge to Vicki Banville or return the paper form you received via USPS to the church office.

Are You Interested in Attending the Regional Assembly?

Last Chance to register!


The MidAmerica Region UUA Regional Assembly 2024 is meeting in Madison (That's practically in our backyard!) on Friday, April 19 – Saturday, April 20. It's a multi-day conference centered on connecting individuals, congregations, and regions. We encourage members to attend the entire conference, a day trip, or online. Are you interested? The deadline to register is April 12th.

LEARN MORE ABOUT IT

Start your informed

and inspiring 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

Wednesdays, May 1 and 8

6:30 - 9 pm 

For more information, Larry Hawley Start your unique UU journey! 

REGISTER TODAY!

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

Earth Ministry has great plans to celebrate Earth Month. Earth Day is everyday!

Come visit our table in the community room on Sunday, April 14th. We will have information about keeping plastics out of our waterways and offer the sign-up for the Riverkeeper Clean-up and a Freshwater Tour! Visit us on other Sundays in April to learn about pollinators and other exciting topics. 

 Our Split the Plate Partner

for April is

Milwaukee Riverkeeper

 

Milwaukee Riverkeeper is a science-based advocacy organization working for swimmable, fishable rivers throughout the Milwaukee River Basin.


One of their many programs is Plastic Free Milwaukee, whose mission is to reduce the harm that unnecessary plastics have on environmental health, public health, and social justice.

MORE ABOUT RIVERKEEPER AND PLASTIC FREE MKE

Milwaukee Riverkeeper Clean-Up

Saturday, April 20, 9 am-noon


Meeting Location: 51st and W Parkway

Let's clean up Lincoln Creek! Volunteers will meet at the corner of North 51st and W Parkway. Parking is available along W Parkway Dr.

Milwaukee Riverkeeper will provide bags, gloves, supplies and FREE t-shirts, and YOU provide the hands and energy to pick up trash. Grab a garbage bag, and let's clean up!

REGISTER BY APRIL 18TH

Earth Ministry's

Movie and Potluck Night

April 26 - 6 pm


Common Ground unveils a dark web of money, power, and politics behind our broken food system. The film reveals how unjust practices forged our current farm system in which farmers of all colors are literally dying to feed us. The film profiles farmers who are using alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy – before it’s too late.

Make Chocolates for Mother's Day

Hands-on Class - May 8, 6-8 pm

ONLY 5 SLOTS LEFT!


Join us for a chocolate-making class on Wednesday, May 8th. Make chocolates for your mom or other nurturing person -- or bring your mom and create chocolate memories together.


Julie Toman will guide you in making peanut butter cups as well as how you can help save the world with the chocolate you choose.

REGISTER TODAY!

We filled the donation box at the front of the church in March, providing much-needed assistance to the Pewaukee Food Pantry.


Thank you all for your generosity and let’s help them even more by filling the box again during April!

WHAT DO THEY NEED?

LEARNING & FELLOWSHIP

Promote Animal Welfare 

Sundays, April 14 & 21

During Social Hour after worship 


UUCW’s Hogwarts UU RE class will be accepting monetary and in-kind donations to support the Wisconsin Humane Society.


Please ask the students about the connection between this and the Harry Potter series – and consider giving as you are able! 

HUMANE SOCIETY WISH LIST

Folk Dance Group

Rescheduled Date is

May 2nd at 7 pm


Come and join us for an evening of folk dancing and community! Our monthly events welcome adults and children over 10 years old (accompanied by an adult) to experience the dances and music from various countries across the globe. On May 2nd at 7 pm, we will mainly do walking dances. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and casual attire to ensure you can move freely. If you have any questions, contact Hank Kulesza

Piecemakers

Saturday, April 13th at 10 am


All ages and levels of sewers and quilters are welcome. Activities include demos by group members, outings to quilting-related events, and sharing ideas and projects. Contact Carolyn Lawrence for more information.

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


Mary Wierman is ready

to assist you in April.

MORE 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

Dave Cicero celebrated his birthday this week by bringing bagels and cookies to the UUCW staff meeting. The treats were appreciated by all. Happy Birthday, Dave!

Next Sunday, April 21, 2024 - 10:00 AM CT

“Beauty’s Divine Breath”

Ministerial Candidate

Jill Braithwaite

Worship Leader: Deb Stevens


Human beings are seekers of beauty. With its ways of drawing us in and opening us up, beauty can be a powerful force for aligning our values and our lives. How can paying attention to beauty do this holy work?

 

Our theme for April is "The Gift of Interdependence." The UUCW Choir will be sharing beauty through song.


Learn more about Jill Braithwaite.

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and need to get caught up on

UUCW announcements?


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