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

The Rev. Julie Stoneberg

Is diversity the opposite of unity? Is difference anathema to peace? When we open ourselves to more perspectives and cultures, what do we get? Sometimes we avoid difference because it is uncomfortable or because we fear it leads to conflict. So, let's look at the true gifts of pluralism. 



Our theme for May is "The Gift of Pluralism." Our music will be performed by Jenny Horvath, guest accompanist.

Minneapolis, ho!

New adventures ahead! I can finally share that my next gig will be as interim minister with the First Unitarian Society of Minneapolis beginning on Aug 1. An agreement has been signed and they'll make a formal announcement in their e-news tomorrow, Friday 5/24. 

I am really excited about moving 'home' to the Twin Cities and feel both honored and humbled to serve a congregation with a storied history as a birthplace of humanism. 

Serving UUCW has been such a gift, and it's going to be hard to leave you. Our ministry together is not yet done; I'll be here through June, and I'm going to soak up every minute of it! 

How Did We Do?

The 2024-2025 Pledge Campaign

A Report from Leslie Peterson

Seventy-seven percent of the money needed to fund UUCW comes from us—the members of this community! Without our collective financial support, we could not pay our minister and staff, conduct the programming that we do and keep the lights on. Pledging, whatever the amount, allows the Financial Team and the Board to plan, knowing the amount of money available for the coming fiscal year. However, pledging is also a spiritual act.

Love at the Center

Article II Information/Education Session Recap from Dave Cicero

Fifteen congregants joined Rev. Julie and Dave Cicero, DLRE, on May 11 to hear the latest on proposed changes to the UUA’s bylaws’ Article II, which contains the Principles and Sources. If approved at General Assembly in June, the restatement of seven (or more, if certain amendments to the proposal are accepted) covenanted values and commitments will be made official.

Attention Members: The Annual Meeting is on June 2 at 11:30 am 

Our Sunday service and the Annual Meeting will be on our website's Livestream Page.

The page will be updated at 11:20 am with the new meeting link. This means if you are watching the service online, you will need to "refresh" your screen after this time to watch the meeting.

Supervision for children under 12 will be provided during the meeting. Contact Dave Cicero to RSVP.

The Annual Report is Here!

Find out what has happened over the past year at UUCW. The report includes:

• The Interim Minister's Report
• The President's Report
• The 2024-25 Budget
• Plus staff and various committee summaries of the year.

A limited number of printed copies will be available in the Community Room.

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. 

Upcoming Nursery & RE schedule

Childcare and Religious Education classes during Sunday morning service:



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

June 2: RE classes and Nursery; YRUU will offer their car wash.

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.

New Affinity Group at UUCW!

Join the "Ouutsiders," a vibrant affinity group for enthusiasts of all skill levels. 

Whether you're into walking, biking, paddling, or bird watching, there's something for everyone. With 20+ members and growing, the Ouutsiders is a great way to connect with nature and fellow outdoor enthusiasts.

All members are encouraged to share or host events, creating a dynamic and interactive community. Contact Lisa Larson to be added to the communications list.

The Summer Chalice Table

is Waiting for Your Creativity!

You can provide visual interest to viewers in the Sanctuary and online this summer, starting, as early as, June. 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.

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.

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.

Peer Caregivers Support Group

In the caregiving role, when suffering exists, wisdom knows to look beyond the suffering. It is for a lifetime, not eternity. 

Peer Caregivers mutually share with the gift of heart, meeting next on May 28th, 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.

Wellspring Invitation for 2024-2025

UU Wellspring is offering a new program, entitled, “Love at the Center: UU Values and Covenants.” UUCW will offer this program for the 2024-25 year and we invite you to consider joining.

This is an introductory Wellspring program open to any adult. It will be a 13-session immersive small group experience where we will reflect on our personal connections to our UU values and covenants. 

The Folk Dance Group is Back!

Put on your comfortable shoes and casual attire 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 countries across the globe.

On June 7th at 7 pm, we will mainly do walking dances. Please bring a refillable water bottle. If you have any questions, contact Hank Kulesza. 

Lunch with Rev. Julie

Friday, June 7 at 12 noon

Don't miss the last chance to join Rev. Julie for lunch and a time of open conversation. 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.

Carolyn Lawrence proudly displays her quilt, a flawless example of a sampler quilt, showcasing her exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Join the Piecemakers

Saturday, June 8th 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.

The Wednesday Night Book Group will meet on June 12

at 7 pm to discuss “Tom Lake”

by Ann Patchett. 

"Tom Lake" is a light and entertaining meditation on youthful love, married love, and the lives parents have led before their children were born.

All are welcome to attend in person or virtually. Contact Patti Ulwelling for the information to join the conversation or to inquire about the Book Group. All are welcome.

The Meditation Group moves outdoors in good weather.

The Meditation group gathers every Wednesday at 10 am at UUCW or a garden in Wauwatosa, depending on the weather. Each session includes a 45-minute silent meditation, with flexibility in duration for personal comfort.

Ideal for both beginners and seasoned practitioners, the group invites new members to explore meditation practices. Interested individuals should contact Terese Dineen to participate in an upcoming session.

“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.

The Lay Pastoral Care Team provides a ministry of hope and caring to members going through challenging times.

Rev. Julie can make a match with a team member who will be your listener while you share your story with them.

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.

Music Director Ruben Piirainen led the choir in an exuberant version of "Happy Birthday" for all the members who have upcoming celebrations - including Ruben's own birthday, which is today!

Happy Birthday, Ruben!

Here's to many more years of joyous celebrations and beautiful music! Click the image to play the video.

Our theme for June: The Gift of Renewal.

The Rev. Julie Stoneberg

with Music Director Ruben Piirainen and the UUCW Adult Choir

Our beloved flower communion was 100 years old last year, and in honor of that occasion, a musical team, including a couple of people you know well, wrote a celebratory cantata. This music, performed by members of our choir, will be the centerpiece of the service, and we’ll embellish it with our flower communion. Come with a stem, a frond or a blossom to share; you’ll be lifted up by beautiful music in the presence of beautiful togetherness.

Special soloists include Jim Fischer and Maria O’Connor, accompanied by pianist Jess Hamel.